[{"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-140":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},571792,820,"Chapter 140: You Really Know How to Play, Huh?","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-140",140,"\u003Cp>\"Ah~ mm~!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya stretched lazily while yawning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dragging her half-asleep body, she slowly walked out of the bedroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as she opened the door, before her eyes could fully open, a flash of white drifted past in front of her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya, \"?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her drowsiness instantly vanished. Confused, she leaned forward, looking in the direction that figure had gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she finally saw who it was, Liya froze slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a girl wearing a black-and-white maid outfit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had their household ever hired a minor?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following the maid outfit downward, Liya's gaze stopped on the girl's lower body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There, poking out was a… White tail!?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya was completely stunned. Her brows knotted tightly. No matter how she thought about it, she couldn't figure it out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since when did they have a demi-human maid at home?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Wait!'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed… she really had brought back a catgirl yesterday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the cat-eared maid in front of her, her fur color was exactly the same as the one she brought back yesterday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as she was about to call out to the catgirl maid ahead of her, a gentle voice cut in before she could speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good morning, Miss Liya.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if she had sensed Liya in advance, she turned around, looked at Liya, and gave a very respectful bow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya was completely overwhelmed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She held her head, countless questions filling her mind. For a moment, she didn't even know how to think.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You… can talk?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'No, wait, demi-humans can talk anyway.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What she should be asking is how she learned human language.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She really woke up too abruptly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya's head was still foggy. She had dealt with demi-humans for over ten years. More than anyone, she understood the wildness they were born with.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Living in the wild made them extremely hard to tame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That's why, other than Halnarsen, whose long lifespan allowed him to stay at the old estate as a butler, no other demi-human could ever become a maid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their nature simply made them unfit to serve others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In her daze, Liya heard the catgirl in front of her begin to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That soft, gentle voice slowly drifted over, healing her mind instantly, \"You may call me by my name, Vanilla.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is the name my master gave me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Vanilla? Master?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A spark flashed through Liya's mind, instantly, she thought of Viktor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'He really knows how to play… No, wait, how on earth did he do it?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still bewildered, Liya waved for the catgirl maid to come closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come here a moment, Vanilla.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, Miss Liya.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vanilla stepped forward on her own and moved beside Liya.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya lowered her head, examining her closely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Catfolk were generally small, especially female catfolk, who were even more shorter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The white-furred girl before her barely reached Liya's chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Incredible…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya's shocked voice sounded slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She remembered how exhausting it was to educate those demi-humans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just teaching them to read and speak normally took her nearly two years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention all the other knowledge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet she had only casually sent this catgirl to Viktor's bedroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In only one night, not only could she fully understand human language, she could even politely introduce herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Demi-humans never understood what \"manners\" were.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Liya's subordinates were only respectful toward her, and that was already the limit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, every action and gesture of the catgirl in front of her was completely identical to a normal human maid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Magic truly is astonishing…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She could only attribute all of this to the power of magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All she could say was, Vanilla's performance had far exceeded her expectations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, with curiosity rising, she asked the question she was most interested in, \"Can you use magic now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know, like, pew! and then boom, firing off a huge fireball…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vanilla simply raised her gentle face, smiling as she watched Liya's exaggerated gestures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after Liya started feeling embarrassed did Vanilla lower her head respectfully and say, \"My apologies, Miss Liya. I am currently studying very hard.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master told me that becoming a mage is not something that can be achieved overnight. It requires talent, and it requires constant effort.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uh… ah, okay... you're right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya never thought that one day she would be lectured by a demi-human.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And by a catgirl so much smaller and younger than herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She really had been too impatient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wanting a demi-human mage in the household had been nothing more than a sudden whim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if Viktor failed, she wouldn't blame him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, two soft little hands gently held her own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya blinked in surprise, but in the next second, Vanilla lifted Liya's hand and pressed it against her own soft cheek.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A gentle softness spread from Liya's palm straight into her heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Were all catfolk faces this soft?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vanilla nuzzled her cheek against Liya's hand for a long moment before finally lowering it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please don't mind it, Miss Liya.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master said this kind of gesture can make unhappy people cheerful again. I felt your emotions were not very good, so I acted on my own.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Eh, ah… thank you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya looked at her hands suspended awkwardly in the air. She clenched them slightly, feeling the lingering softness, and felt strangely empty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is no need to thank me, Miss Liya.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After speaking, Vanilla bent down and gave a very respectful bow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your kindness in saving us is something we will never forget.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You may call for me anytime, and use me anytime.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Listening to her words, Liya could only let out a helpless smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She reached out and placed a hand on Vanilla's head, rubbing it gently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How old even are you? You don't need to act so mature.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vanilla purred softly, clearly enjoying the petting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Catgirls also had moments of sadness, and Liya would comfort them sometimes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya smiled softly, her eyes filled with affection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"See?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're still just a child who needs someone to rely on.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>———\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Viktor?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya suddenly pushed open Viktor's bedroom door and stepped inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She saw the half-open window by the bed, the morning breeze whistling through the gap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor was sitting in a chair by the window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A complex, difficult magic book in his hand, which he was reading with intense focus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The breeze lifted his clothes gently, making him appear hazy and elegant in the morning light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was an elegant, noble earl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya stared at Viktor, stared a little too long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor slowly lifted his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling his gaze, Liya suddenly felt a bit embarrassed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did I… disturb you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment she said it, she regretted it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had never cared about this before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter if Viktor was asleep or not, she would always barge into his room without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that she said it out loud, she felt awkward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Viktor didn't mind. He simply lowered his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The book shimmered faintly, turning into specks of starlight and disappearing from his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Viktor's response, Liya let out a small breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How did you do it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor knew she meant Vanilla.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The catgirl she brought back yesterday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In reality, she had already become one of Vega's believers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Mm… Vega's third believer.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As an evil god, altering someone's mind was one of the easiest things in the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Angus couldn't stop Vega from turning him into a fool and forcibly altering his belief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let alone a little catgirl who didn't even have her own self-awareness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vega gave her a mind, gave her knowledge, and allowed her to skip all the complicated stages of enlightenment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Viktor wouldn't tell Liya that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he spoke with a deliberately deep tone, \"The power of magic.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you find it amazing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya nodded, barely accepting the explanation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately after, she asked the next question she had been waiting to ask, \"You and Gwen were supposed to return together, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where did Gwen go?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The incident Viktor caused in the North had long reached the capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Angus was killed by Jaxiu, and Jaxiu was then killed by Viktor and Gwen working together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire event was dramatically absurd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Liya didn't understand, Viktor only beat Angus a little, so why did Angus's son also want to kill him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Was Uncle Angus really hated that much?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Liya didn't really mind. Except for Gwen, she never liked anyone in that family anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor looked out the window and said calmly, \"Gwen?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She was summoned by the emperor. She returned to the capital ahead of us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya blinked, confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Why would the emperor summon her?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before she could ask more, a maid arrived at Viktor's door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was panting heavily, face flushed, clearly in a hurry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment she saw Liya, she quickly adjusted her breathing, patted her chest, and said anxiously, \"Miss Liya, I finally found you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, Master...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she saw Viktor, she froze. Her words stuck in her throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya noticed her hesitation and waved it off, \"You don't need to worry about him anymore. Just speak directly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Y-yes… yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The maid lowered her head nervously and continued, \"Lady Leon has sent news. She said...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the group of 'children' rescued yesterday… a… an elf was mixed in.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya's eyes widened instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"An elf?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is what Lady Leon said.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya rubbed her forehead, troubled, sinking into thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As nature's favored children, elves could not be casually captured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If anyone tried to threaten or capture an elf, nature itself would punish them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, the Empire had strict laws. Internationally, elves were considered friends of the Empire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If anyone dared capture an elf and word got out, the Imperial army would arrive at their door the next day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Cocotte? She didn't count.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She signed a contract with the Clavenna family. She was an official employee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Free to oppress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya stroked her chin and muttered, \"So those Lesser bastards… they really have guts, huh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the batch of cargo they seized was originally going to be delivered to the Lesser family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now she understood why an ordinary demi-human slave shipment needed a fourth-rank warrior escort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So they were hiding such a huge secret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And then? What about the elf now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Liya's question, the maid lowered her head, hesitantly reporting, \"Everything is fine at the moment, but…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya frowned, signaling her to continue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That elf lady keeps saying… she wants to find the elf queen her country lost many years ago.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah? The elf queen lost many years ago?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>———\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[In the capital, not far from Briston]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Viktor's Mansion]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the flower garden, a scantily dressed, sleeping elf who was sprawled across a cloud, suddenly woke up and sneezed.\u003C\u002Fp>",1768,"2026-05-30T15:48:18.711Z","2026-06-01T04:31:37.164Z",1,"novelbin.me","7c83a2d73e551c617f8c460ebb582c8cc5f723d4de23634dedb6475e7235e17f","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-141","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-139",393,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fam-i-the-villain-or-not-cover.jpg"]