[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-am-i-the-villain-or-not":3,"chapter-am-i-the-villain-or-not-am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-118":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Am I the Villain or Not?",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},571770,820,"Chapter 118: Gwen’s Husband-Chasing Journey","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-118",118,"\u003Cp>The entire North, from every street to every alley, was filled with bright red wanted posters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The portrait drawn on the wanted notice was none other than Viktor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many of the wanted posters were even fluttering through the air, drifting with the falling snow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the person Viktor had beaten… was the Grand Knight who guarded the North, Count Angus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumors had already begun to spread among the people, saying that Viktor beat Angus into a vegetative state, and even after a full day had passed, he still hadn't recovered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the heir of House Delin had been beaten into severe injury and was still unconscious. This matter caused an uproar across the entire Northern Territory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the wealthy nobles of the North all the way down to the common folk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This news was quickly transmitted to the capital by spies, and in less than half a day, it spread throughout the entire royal city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, the ministers were paying close attention, after all, the matter was far too bizarre.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fact that Viktor and Count Angus fought wasn't the main issue. The problem was what happened after the fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor actually won against Count Angus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, winning wasn't the real problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The issue was that he even beat the man into a state of mental confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though mental confusion could still be considered a minor matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Angus was Viktor's father-in-law.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>———\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'This… this f*cking...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the news reached the royal palace, Aubrey even furrowed his brows slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In all his decades on the throne, he had never encountered something this troublesome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at his ministers, Aubrey waved his hand and asked, \"Does Gwen know about this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Commander Gwen is already on the way back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A minister quickly responded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, the entire court fell into a long silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this matter, Viktor truly had gone too far.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, the nobles who were already dissatisfied with Viktor would seize this moment to splash dirty water on him and nitpick his faults.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the problem was…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor was currently at the height of his fame and deeply favored by the emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Little did the others know, after the Clavenna family caused three disturbances in the palace, the old emperor only smiled pleasantly as events unfolded, never interfering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn't even protect his own son or his own nephew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention that the topic Viktor proposed not long ago, the thing called a \"dungeon,\" was something even the emperor himself had shown full support and anticipation for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So in this situation, even if Viktor truly was in the wrong, no one dared step forward to criticize him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Emperor Aubrey tapped the armrest of the throne with the finger bearing a heavy ruby ring, letting out a deep sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Angus leads the Northern knights and is responsible for defending the North.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If he truly becomes mentally unstable, then his title can only be inherited by his successor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as he said this, silence swept over the hall once again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Successor?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Angus's successor had already been beaten into a cripple. Was His Majesty sure he could even continue the lineage?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So in the end, who would inherit House Delin?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Angus had three children, among whom Kefra was well known to many.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a politician, she was not a knight and thus absolutely could not command the Northern knights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then who was the only one qualified to inherit House Delin?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone simultaneously thought of the same name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gwen Delin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, the ministers' expressions all darkened significantly, sinking into even deeper silence. Even their breathing seemed to slow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some of them even wondered if Viktor's attack on Angus was something the emperor had deliberately allowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gwen was Viktor's fiancée.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Gwen succeeded House Delin, and later married Viktor, the two count families would become one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor's power would grow even stronger, and if this foundation fell into the hands of either royal prince, it could directly determine the future emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the problem was…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor was the princess's teacher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And an even more important problem remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Viktor gained the knightly military foundation of the Delin family and his power grew massive, would the future ruler really be able to keep him in check?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They could no longer think further. Anything beyond this would be considered disrespectful toward the future monarch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nor could they continue to guess what thoughts were in the mind of the old and weakening emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty, Commander Gwen has arrived.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An attendant hurried to the emperor's side and reported softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as he finished, Gwen, dressed in silver-white armor that shimmered with cold light, held her knight's helmet in her left hand, lifted her chin, straightened her back, and strode spiritedly into the great hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every minister in the hall turned their gaze toward Gwen, but from her, they felt a chilling pressure and imposing presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her expression was dark as storm clouds, and between her brows seemed to gather the frost of the far North.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She bowed slightly before the emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The emperor waved his hand dismissively and said calmly, \"Gwen, you should already know what happened in the North.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor's wanted notices had spread through the North overnight, and countless knights were searching for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had already learned all this from Kefra's letter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gwen didn't respond, but clearly everyone knew this knight had already understood everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The emperor looked at her and continued asking, \"You are Viktor's fiancée. By reason, this matter should be handled as a family affair, and it would be inappropriate for me to intervene.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Aubrey let out two soft chuckles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But after this incident… can your engagement with Viktor really remain intact?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once he said this, many people began to ponder the emperor's intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was forcing Gwen to choose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right now, she was Viktor's fiancée.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her fiancé had beaten her father. As it stood, the matter was still a family affair and hadn't escalated to a more serious level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if their engagement was dissolved, then the matter became Viktor maliciously cooperating with Northern barbarians to attack the North's Grand Knight Angus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, the empire could dispatch troops to capture Viktor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that point, the matter would be handled officially and thoroughly investigated by the royal house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After that, the engagement could not possibly continue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Angus might never wake, and his heir was severely injured and disabled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gwen would return to the North and become the count, taking her father's place as guardian of the Northern territory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Viktor?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as he wasn't found guilty, he would still remain a count, and the princess's teacher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed the emperor was still rational. Although his presence could indeed suppress Viktor for now…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The future ruler might not be able to control two powerful counts who had both armies and strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many understood the deeper meaning behind the emperor's words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, everything depended on Gwen's choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gwen didn't hesitate for even a moment, she responded immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her expression did not change at all, as if she were stating something insignificant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty, I came here to request that you remove me from the position of Royal Knight Commander.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those words instantly ignited an uproar throughout the hall, waves of shock crashing in every corner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gwen possessed incredibly strong power and unquestionable ability. Her position as Knight Commander had even been personally appointed by the emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, she intended to resign?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was she really planning to go home and inherit her family's title?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Gwen's request, the emperor smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh? Speak.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gwen's face remained icy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Viktor is my fiancé. As long as he does not intend to cancel it, our engagement remains valid.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, I will find him myself and ask him about everything.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The justice in her heart meant she would never cover up for anyone. If Gwen discovered this matter truly was Viktor's fault, then...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will challenge him, even if I absolutely cannot defeat him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gwen's eyes held unwavering determination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even if it means dying by his hand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To act for justice. To bear responsibility for goodness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gwen was righteous, but her righteousness was never stubborn or absolute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She did not judge others' good or evil based solely on appearances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything in the world had two sides, and she was willing to give her life for all who suffered injustice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the small yet unwavering justice Gwen carried in her heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After speaking, she ignored the shocked gazes all around her. Dragging the weight of her heavy armor, she bowed deeply to the emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, Your Majesty, for granting this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gwen turned and slowly walked toward the exit of the hall. The bright yet scorching light outside shone upon her armor, making it glimmer brilliantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Gwen was like an angel cleansed of dust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or more like a stubborn beast, walking slowly toward a distant beam of light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All for the sake of fulfilling,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The justice in her heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>———\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wind and snow of the North were ultimately cold enough to pierce bone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vega curled its feathers irritably. Even though it wasn't afraid of the cold, the raging wind still messed up its feathers completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn Viktor didn't even bother casting a wind-blocking spell for it, despite how much Vega had helped him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, Viktor stopped in the middle of the blizzard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey, why did you stop?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vega squawked unhappily, but Viktor ignored it's screeching and simply stared quietly ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The darkness in the distance was overwhelming, but in the roaring wind and snow, it seemed a village burning with firelight had appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this remote place, battered by the howling wind, there was actually a camp lit with flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bright red flag fluttering in the snow was sewn with the image of a giant sword engulfed in flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vega also saw the distant camp and grew curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Judging by the banner, that's Flame Sword territory.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor said calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flame Sword was one of the two largest barbarian tribes in the extreme North.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These people lived scattered across remote borderlands. They were followers of the Flame Giant, the terrifying giant with demigod-level power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They always worshipped endless battle and ever-burning flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As followers of the Flame Giant, the barbarians possessed the giant's blessing, granting them immunity to cold and fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was why these tribes could survive here for so many years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Looks like just a small sub-tribe.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vega narrowed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Barbarians aren't good news, but I need them to find the path for me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor said plainly. Under his feet, a white magic circle formed, and a floating spell lifted him into the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor slowly rose above the tribe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From here, he saw everything more clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Below, the camp burned with roaring flames. Piles of beast pelts were stacked together, and even the roofs of their dwellings were made of stitched-together furs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor held a red magic circle between his fingers and murmured an obscure incantation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, an eye-catching and terrifying fiery red glow appeared among the clouds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its fierce heat looked capable of burning the entire sky to ash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Fourth-Tier Magic: Heaven Scorch]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, the wind and snow above the tribe came to a halt, replaced by unbearable heat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huge serpents of flame continuously fell from the sky, bombarding the massive encampment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In moments, fire lit up half the sky, and the ground began to crack apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A huge group of armed men burst from the tribe. Their bodies were covered in red hair, resembling wild beasts that hadn't yet evolved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They gathered together and yelled something incomprehensible up at Viktor in the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor flicked a finger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A ferocious flaming serpent dropped straight toward the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Endless fire swallowed them in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clusters of barbarians ran in all directions, their bodies burning wildly as they tried to put out the flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in the end, it was futile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One by one, the barbarians turned into charred corpses and collapsed into the snow. The entire camp fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the crackling of burning structures remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor descended slowly, staring at one barbarian shivering in the flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was curled up within the fire, staring at Viktor with endless fear in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the flames did not burn him at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor looked down at him coldly, speaking slowly, \"Lucky you. I found you in the very first tribe.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Temple Candidate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",2066,"2026-05-30T15:48:18.711Z","2026-06-01T04:31:37.164Z",1,"novelbin.me","d8466a6d5dfa6b28f93899a9e19f5f9d9e5b5ae1169c5b9a7d15a2406ac13cc1","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-119","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-117",393,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fam-i-the-villain-or-not-cover.jpg"]