[{"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-147":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},571799,820,"Chapter 147: Saintess of War","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-147",147,"\u003Cp>Hearing Liya's words, Cassandra's expression immediately darkened and became much more serious. Her brows clearly drooped as she stared coldly at her, \"Are you threatening me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya returned to that smiling, squint-eyed expression of hers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A threat? No, no, no.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is a statement, Lady Cassandra.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at Lady Cassandra's gloomy expression, Liya instead carried an air of casual indifference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Liya like this, Lady Cassandra couldn't help but clench her fists tightly, a trace of coldness flashing through her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The female guard beside her sensed Lady Cassandra's hostility. Her body tensed slightly, and an extremely powerful aura surged outward like a flowing river.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surrounding air seemed to tremble under this terrifying pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stop it, Elsa.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Cassandra knew very well that if her guard made a move against Liya, it would mean the Lesser family and the Clavenna family had completely torn all pretenses apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this place was Clavenna territory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If a fight really broke out, Cassandra knew she wouldn't gain anything from it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although there were many knights around, Cassandra also knew they weren't here to help her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if they were, their combat strength was far too low to be of any use.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a member of the royal family, Cassandra understood better than anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Royal Knight Order existed only to restrain ordinary people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Cassandra's gaze fell on Liya's gloves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She narrowed her eyes, her brows knitting tightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She could sense that within those gloves, there seemed to be an extremely powerful force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a sleeping beast, its strong pulse beating steadily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after the demon incident in the capital some time ago, Cassandra no longer wanted to lose a second son.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She crossed her arms, her fingers tapping continuously against her shoulders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What will it take for you to release my son?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya smiled faintly as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But her smile was like a sharp blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Waiting for the best moment to pierce the other person's heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Five hundred million Geo.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One hundred sets of monster armor made from Mostri bones, along with matching Mostri horns, and sword blades specially forged from Vesuvius volcanic molten iron.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[T\u002FN: For those who forgot this mountain's name, the Mount Vesuvius is the mountain where Viktor first defeated the volcanic monster, Guldon]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How does that sound?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mostri are extremely ferocious and rare monsters that can appear anywhere in the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Precisely because of this, Mostri possess incredibly powerful physical abilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a result, adventurers or armies find it exceptionally difficult to exterminate them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, they have no fixed habitats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, a Mostri might appear in the forests beyond the Empire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tomorrow, it could show up hundreds of miles away by a river on the plains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This kind of monster is notoriously hard to track, meaning they must be searched for across every corner of the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One hundred sets of Mostri armor means materials dropped by one hundred Mostri.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an entire year, the Lesser family's hunting teams might not even encounter this kind of monster ten times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And as for the molten iron of Mount Vesuvius…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the name of this material, Cassandra froze for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This kind of molten iron requires going deep into the most dangerous inner regions of a volcano.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, the volcano must be erupting, so that such naturally formed molten iron can be extracted from the internal iron ore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Mount Vesuvius had long since become a dead volcano.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Logically speaking, this material should have been impossible to mine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some time ago, when there were reports that Mount Vesuvius was about to erupt, the Lesser family's mining team discovered a portion of molten iron ore deep within the volcano.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed that the prolonged high temperatures inside the volcano had deliberately formed a new vein of molten iron ore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But… how did the Clavenna family know that they had mined that ore?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, Lady Cassandra's expression stiffened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blades that could be made from that molten iron.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No more, no less, exactly one hundred sets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Liya had just happened to say that number.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Is it a coincidence?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The person who nearly triggered the volcano was Victor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sense of being calculated against wrapped around Cassandra's head like dark clouds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She bit her lip and said somewhat reluctantly, \"Aren't you going a bit too far?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You should know, this is kidnapping!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Cassandra hadn't participated in the family's business dealings, anyone could understand the value of these things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were unimaginably expensive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lady Cassandra, don't forget the grudges between your family and ours.\" Liya crossed her arms, her tone calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even if it's a crime, it was Jace Lesser who first sent people to attack Clavenna territory.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What's more, deliberately capturing demi-humans outside the borders, luring elves, and being suspected of detaining employees of our Clavenna family.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"These crimes alone should be enough for your son to die twice on the gallows, wouldn't you say?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya listed Jace's crimes one by one, leaving Cassandra silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She knew that no matter what she said now, as long as Jace was in their hands, they could come up with countless reasons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, Liya pulled out a damaged handgun from her waist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although the barrel was bent to the point that its original shape was almost unrecognizable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The knights felt curious and craned their necks to look closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But because of the distance, and because Liya had chosen her angle well, with deliberate obstruction, no one could clearly see what it was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lady Cassandra, you're also from the Lesser family. You should know better than I do what this is.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the object in Liya's hand, a trace of shock flashed through Lady Cassandra's eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why do you have...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I already told you. Your child, Jace Lesser, tried to send people to kill me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And this is naturally the spoils of war that I collected.\" Liya smiled and put the gun away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll give you some time to prepare. When the time comes, my brother will personally come to collect the payment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I hope you won't be stingy with the money to buy your son's life.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, Liya gracefully twisted her waist, turned around, and walked back into the estate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The knights watched Liya's departing figure, yet not a single one dared to step forward and stop her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after Liya's figure completely disappeared did Cassandra feel her vision darken as she fell backward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, the female guard caught her in time and helped her up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That oppressive aura Cassandra had earlier had completely vanished. Her mind was filled only with the image of that damaged handgun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Supported by Elsa, Lady Cassandra entered the carriage, her face pale and her expression desolate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>———\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Emperor Aubrey sat on the throne, listening as the ministers below continuously reported information.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty, Count Victor has kidnapped the Lesser family's heir. This matter… should you personally step in to handle it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Victor burned down the Lesser family's estate. Now there's nothing left but ruins.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty, Victor is also using Jace to threaten the Lesser family, demanding an exorbitant compensation. This behavior truly shows no regard for the law.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We ask Your Majesty to investigate clearly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ministers reported one after another based on the knights' accounts, carefully probing the conflict between the Clavenna family and the Lesser family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They wanted to know what the Emperor's stance was at this very moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aubrey absentmindedly tapped the armrest with his fingers and looked at Gwen beside him, \"Gwen, what do you think?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty, I believe this matter… still has hidden details.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing her words, the Emperor slapped the armrest of the throne and burst out laughing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Earlier you said you were a knight and didn't participate in politics.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yet when it comes to Victor's affairs, you're more involved than anyone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gwen lowered her head, her face slightly flushed, not daring to argue back, \"Your reprimand is justified.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor shook his head and said, \"It's a pity Levi went on a long trip recently. Otherwise, I could've asked him what he thinks.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the Emperor's reaction, the ministers began to grow anxious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'What exactly is His Majesty thinking?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This matter had already become extremely serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of existence was the Lesser family? They were nobles who practically controlled the south with one hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They held the southern economic lifeline and were extremely wealthy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the Clavenna family was equally important, primarily because of Victor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone present understood Victor's identity clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter whether it was the Lesser family or the Clavenna family, once internal conflict broke out between them, it would be a major loss for the Empire either way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, a eunuch slowly entered the hall and came before the Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty, Lady Cassandra requests an audience.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ministers immediately perked up and looked toward the entrance of the great hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Cassandra lifted her skirt and walked forward gracefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She faced the Emperor, and the Emperor likewise met her gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although they were siblings, the feeling they gave everyone present was that of complete emotional detachment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The royal family was merciless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassandra bowed slightly, \"Your Majesty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cassandra, you don't need to bow.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassandra straightened up and said calmly, \"Your Majesty, Jace has been kidnapped by Victor, and he has also threatened the Lesser family, demanding a large compensation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice was calm, yet her words seemed to carry a faint anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor sat on the throne, quietly listening as she finished speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fingers continued tapping against the armrest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, are you asking me to mobilize troops to arrest Victor, or…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, Aubrey's gaze became incomparably sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a blade capable of cutting heaven and earth, suspended above Cassandra's head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you asking me… to take action personally?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under this terrifying pressure, the ministers around them all trembled slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the nearby guards bent under the oppressive force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet even under such a dreadful aura, Cassandra showed no fear. She merely lowered her head and said respectfully, \"Your Majesty, I am not here to ask you to send troops.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are my imperial brother. As family, you understand my temperament best.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A trace of cold light flickered in her eyes. \"I have already lost one child, and now I cannot lose a second one, Jace.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His sister, Cassandra Sol.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although she had now taken the surname Lesser, the blood of Sol still flowed within her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the ministers who knew Cassandra well also trembled slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their thoughts couldn't help but return to that memory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The former princess, Cassandra, was no decorative flower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was known as the \"Saintess of War.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In her youth, Cassandra had endured the trials of countless wars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was powerful as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Cassandra's power was different from everyone else's.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because she was neither a mage nor a warrior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassandra herself was weak, so weak that she was even weaker than those soldiers used as cannon fodder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet she possessed an extremely special ability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Level Up]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She could grant massive boosts to soldiers who participated in battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether it was stamina, energy, endurance, or resistance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a normal third-tier warrior, their strength could temporarily be boosted to the level of a quasi–fourth tier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only drawback was that they could not gain the combat skills or experience of a true fourth-tier fighter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because of this, Lady Cassandra had countless followers and protectors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simply because her ability was far too powerful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[T\u002FN: A 5 star support... Must pull.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, many ministers in the hall fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassandra looked at the Emperor one last time and took a deep breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This will be my final resort.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please rest assured, Your Majesty. I will not make things difficult for you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As her words fell, she no longer looked at the ruler seated on the throne. She turned around and walked out of the great hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassandra, a former princess with special powers, and a woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether it was war or marriage, none of it had ever been her choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassandra had never truly made a decision for herself. To her, every choice had already been decided.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only once had she wanted to choose the person she loved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that person rejected her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So she compromised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was willing to sacrifice everything, simply because she was a princess of the Empire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this time, Cassandra returned to the palace as a mother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if telling everyone... this time... she was no longer willing to compromise.\u003C\u002Fp>",2080,"2026-05-30T15:48:18.711Z","2026-06-01T04:31:37.164Z",1,"novelbin.me","99d90a4ba465db09795e6a4e3c1b8606eaadcf52470a383e67d4f1a9387167aa","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-148","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-146",393,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fam-i-the-villain-or-not-cover.jpg"]