I reincarnated as an elf .......and married the yandere villainess.-Chapter 83:Reason for hosting.

The final clasp slid into place with a single satisfying click. Atheline adjusted his cuffs, gaze steady on his reflection in the mirror.

The robes he was wearing were darker than usual, tailored to match the dark elves’ aesthetic but still carry his pride as a high elf.

The sleeves and lining matched the clothes design of the high elves, a perfect design that was fit for the introduction and to represent his stance on both ends.

He wasn’t planning to blend in, Atheline chuckled inwardly, he wouldn’t have been able to even if he wanted.

Behind him, the door opened without a sound, and Lilith stepped in.

"I see you’re taking your sweet time," she said, her voice though smooth was laced with a little impatience.

Atheline inwardly rolled his eyes.

’Now we’re late?’

He didn’t turn immediately; instead, he continued to correct any creases and idly touch his robes.

"I didn’t realise I was being timed," he said evenly.

He glanced at her in the mirror, their eyes meeting.

She stood at the threshold already fully dressed, thanks to Atheline.

The dress was dark silk woven with silver threads that shone in the moonlight.

He had chosen what she was to dress in himself and that added some points to his ego and pride.

As always, she looked like she owned the place without even trying.

He could feel her gaze assessing him as it slid over him. The mirror gave him the evidence he needed.

She bit the corner of her bottom lip as her gaze turned from scrutinising to admiration.

"Your stare is making me shy," he jokingly said.

"Turn."

Atheline did it without question and met her gaze. He smirked and she rolled her eyes in response. He knew he looked good and her reaction had proven it.

She approached him and circled him with her hand lightly grazing him as she assessed him.

She came to a stop before him with a satisfied look. Her fingers brushed against his sleeves before moving up to his collar and adjusting it.

She wiped a non-existent dust and stepped back, satisfied with her work.

"High elf tailoring," she murmured," you really made sure to integrate it into our clothes. "

He took both her hands into his.

"Shouldn’t I have done that?"

She stared at him for a moment, tilting her head slightly then looked up at him.

"No," she softly said," it suits you."

He held her gaze then allowed a faint, almost amused smile.

"I’ll take that as approval."

She chuckled and turned to leave. Atheline stared as she moved without stepping forward. She stopped just at the door and looked at him over her shoulder.

"Aren’t you coming?" She asked in amusement.

"Right."

He was next to her as they left the room. Just outside, Luther, Atheline’s high elf attendant stood among the other main attendants, in attention his hands behind his back.

Atheline met Luther’s eyes unspoken words passing between them before he was pulled away by Lilith.

The walk down the corridor was quiet each of them lost in their thoughts.

Their hands were clasped together despite the quiet between them.

Lilith gently tagged at his arm and Atheline turned to look at her, his brow raised.

"Is something disturbing you?" He asked.

She shook her head but her hold on him tightened.

"You understand what tonight is right," She said.

Atheline nodded despite her gaze being at the front.

"An introduction to the nobles that serve under you," he replied easily," a test of some sort."

The introductory banquet always happens two weeks after their queen or king married, a way to meet their new queen consort if they hadn’t already then establish connections with those deemed worthy.

Lilith’s eyes narrowed slightly at his words..

"And?"

"And they’ll try to test whether I can stand beside you," he tilted his head slightly, " or fail."

Atheline knew that as much. He had been raised among nobility and he knew how good or vile they could become.

While he did have confidence in himself, he couldn’t predict how things would turn out.

Reading about the introduction banquet in the book and being the centre of attention in it are two different things. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

They walked a few steps in silence before she came to an abrupt stop. Atheline looked down at her in a mixture of confusion and worry.

"Do not give them the chance."

Her tone was sharper and colder as she said those words.

Atheline did look away from her golden eyes.

"I don’t intend to."

Weaving words and moving through people was what he was trained to do, he wasn’t too worried.

He understood Lilith’s point of view, though. Whether they, intentional or by accident, will eventually end up separated.

"You will be watched," she echoed the truth.

Atheline shrugged nonchalantly.

"I expect nothing less," he answered pretty first.

"You will be judged, " she continued pressing.

It was clear she was trying to prepare him for what was to come but they had gone over this more than once.

"They’re free to try."

Her gaze darkened slightly while her nails dug into his palm slightly.

"You’re not there to entertain anyone Atheline," she said.

One hand slipped out of his and touched his chest.

"And I won’t, you don’t have to worry too much," he said calmly," but I will not shrink from them either."

Her lips curled into a sharp smile as her gaze bore through him. She was clearly not pleased by his last words.

"...of course you won’t. "

The words came out almost resigned as though she had expected it but was just trying for the sake of it.

Her hand moved up to his heart and felt its quiet thump.

It felt like music to her, calming her fraying nerves.

Between the two of them, Lilith was the most reluctant to hold this banquet. She would have preferred him to stay hidden behind her since he might establish connections with the nobility hence increasing his social circle which might take his attention from her.

She wanted him to know her alone.

"You’re mine," she said possessively but quietly.

"I know," Atheline answered just as quietly.

He knew this was her telling him to concentrate only on her. He wasn’t to have his eyes on anyone male or female.

Not every noble had gone to the wedding, only a few had gone so many had not interacted with him. There was definitely going to be someone eager to talk to him or hate him for no reason.

’This is going to be a hectic night’

"Come."

Lilith stepped back and extended her arm towards him a simple smile adorning her beautiful face. Atheline placed his on hers immediately as she led them to the banquet hall.