I reincarnated as an elf .......and married the yandere villainess.-Chapter 84:assessment

The massive doors had not opened, but Atheline already felt as though he was going into a battlefield but fully armed with words.

He was determined to establish some authority among them, even if it was just a small one.

Leaving a lasting impression on them would prove helpful in the future. Alliances aren’t formed in a span of a few hours, but friendships or positive views can.

He was aiming for either of those.

Atheline wasn’t there to please, she wouldn’t like it if he did that anyway, and if anyone didn’t like it then his wife would handle the rest.

The music from the banquet slipped through the cracks of the closed door and reached them as if welcoming them.

Atheline adjusted the cuff of his sleeve again a habit he had developed since he wore it.

He felt a tag on his right and he glanced at Lilith.

"Here, take this if you’re nervous," she said quietly and offered him a small confectionery, rose-flavoured which was one of his favorites.

"Thank you," he popped the confectionery into his mouth then added, " and no, I’m not nervous but I’d be a fool to underestimate your court... your nobles sound welcoming. "

A quiet laugh flowed out of her.

"I’ve never heard anyone describe them as welcoming, " she said, amused while her thumb pressed so softly on his pulse.

He chuckled infected by her.

"We’ll see about that," he replied.

She smiled at him then turned to look at the door, her expression changing from playful to regal.

"Stay close tonight," she said while releasing his hand then looping it around his arm," I want you to be within my sight."

The heavy doors ahead groaned softly as they opened, the music and voices becoming clearer.

No herald called their name as she stepped forward drawing him with her.

The moment they stepped inside, the voices quieted down, and even the music seemed to pause before it continued at a lower volume than before. Everyone bowed, each deeper than the other but all of them maintained decorum and lifted their body’s seconds later.

Atheline could feel the gazes on both of them but mostly on him. They felt invasive almost scrutinising but he ignored them and studied them back.

The banquet hall stretched wide beneath the highest library, a contradictory placement to say the least. One required quiet while the other was meant to be as noisy as possible.

Tables were curved in crescent designs an old tradition that was meant for guests not to leave their backs unguarded.

At the end of the walkway was a raised dias with two chairs placed on top and a small table in front of it.

He continued walking forward beside her without hesitation, he even held his head higher than he wanted to admit.

Atheline knew exactly what he looked like at this banquet, a sour thumb. A sole high elf walking among dark elves, the difference was glaringly loud but none of them cared.

’This is good’

He wanted the attention, the difference brought by race to be fully highlighted since it made him stand out.

He could feel and see their initial curiosity in their stares turn calculative, an instinct ingrained in every noble regardless of their race.

Atheline felt as though he had been put on display and his worth was being measured. It didn’t bother him, there was no need for pot to call kettle black.

He would have done the same thing in that position.

’I wonder how much I’m worth? This really feels new’

His lips curled faintly.

At his side, Lilith’s arm remained looped lightly around his but her killing intent was slowly leaking out in measured steps.

Each release forced an elf to shrink into their seats, fear evident in their eyes.

’The strongest really rule...huh’

The intent was nothing but a mere warning for the greedy and calculating.

The walk to the centre of the hall was surprisingly unhindered despite how anxiously others would stand and then sit down.

They reached the dias and settled down beside each other before the first noble made his move.

"My queen," said a smooth and low voice.

The man who spoke rose from his seat along the inner arc of the nobles, a prestigious seat.

His skin bore the deep-toned greyish hue that belonged to the oldest bloodline, those that were present during the foundation of the Court.

His dark hair was bound with a bone clasp and he carried himself with noble arrogance.

Atheline’s eyebrows raised, he knew this type the ones that prided themselves too much and rarely faced consequences.

The High Elf Council was a perfect example of that kind.

The man’s eyes flickered to Lilith once then moved and stayed on him scrutinising.

"Congratulations on your marriage, " he continued.

"Mmh," she responded without a change in expression.

’Wow, way to be ignored’

The nonchalance didn’t seem to faze the man, his piercing gaze returned to Atheline. Through all this, he hadn’t even acknowledged him.

"Your choice is...," he paused as he tried to find words," unexpected. "

Lilith shifted and crossed her legs. She leaned against her hand and looked at the man.

"Pray tell Simion," she started, "how so?"

The man, Simion, stood straighter.

"Your choice honours us with ....clarity," he said in a measured tone.

"Continued," Lilith said in a bored tone.

Atheline leaned forward in interest as he wanted to know their perception of him. While he did meet the main inner council he had not met any other noble even the one in front of him.

That is except for those who attended the wedding and barely spoke to him.

"We are not ignorant of your husband’s standing, " he assessed," nor of the standing he has among the high elves.... which makes this union more significant than the first."

There it was. Atheline almost chuckled, this must have been going through their minds since the announcement of the marriage.

’What was I doing here?’