[{"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-228":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},571487,820,"Chapter 228 - 230: So It Turns Out She’s the Stepmother","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-228",228,"\u003Cp>\"Hahaha! I'm finally back!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cocotte rode a cloud and floated arrogantly out of a massive green doorway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sitting on the cloud, she tilted her head back, opened her mouth wide, and breathed in the air, looking extremely smug.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon followed closely behind, walking out after Cocotte.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the green teleportation passage disappeared, Leon looked around and felt something was off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned her head back toward Cocotte and couldn't help asking, \"Did you… mess up the coordinates?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did Cocotte react, noticing that the wild grass around them was almost up to Leon's knees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lush flowers were also extremely tall, full of vibrant life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive bronze-colored ancient tree stood in the grassland, positioned right behind Cocotte.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned around to look at the giant tree, her face full of confusion and blank disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"???\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn't they just come back from the Elf Forest?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why was there still such a crappy tree here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon glanced up and down at the divine tree, then turned back around and saw the Cravenna estate in the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It still looked just as familiar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No problem.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We're back in the right place.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After saying that, Leon put on her hood and pulled up her face covering, hiding her face and leaving only a pair of gem-like green eyes visible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then I'll take my leave first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After returning from the Elf Forest, she had so many things she wanted to say to Liya.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon leapt forward and dashed nimbly toward the estate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cocotte watched her back, opened her mouth, and before she could even try to stop her, Leon was already gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sigh, why are young elves these days so impatient.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason Leon had also been kept in the Elf Forest was to see whether her inability to draw upon natural energy could be resolved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the result was a failure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how Leon touched the divine tree, even if she drank several mouthfuls of the Moon Holy Spring, she still couldn't generate natural energy within her body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As an elf, it was as if she was repelled by natural energy itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder the Yard Divine Tree hadn't acknowledged her back then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, Cocotte was still trying her best to think of solutions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While she was sitting on the cloud, deep in thought, a familiar voice came from behind her, \"Seems like you're in a good mood.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cocotte turned her head and saw Viktor standing behind her, staring straight at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze was incredibly deep, as if it could see through everything about her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cocotte wasn't surprised at all. She simply sat cross-legged on the cloud, placed both hands behind her head, and laughed cheerfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hehe, just got lucky and accidentally surpassed a whole bunch of people… hey, wait, what are you doing, don't, don't touch me there…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, Viktor reached out and grabbed Cocotte's arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment their bodies made contact, Viktor stared intently at the top of her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Lv50]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tier Five Mage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor wasn't surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Cocotte, becoming a Tier Five Mage wasn't a coincidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had already been one of the very top Tier Four mages, long since standing with one foot inside the threshold of Tier Five.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, to truly enter Tier Five, she needed an opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the Yard Divine Tree died, an enormous amount of natural energy poured out, and part of it surged toward Cocotte like a gift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That part became Cocotte's opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had already been on the verge, and under the impact of that energy, breaking through the final barrier was only natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After confirming Cocotte's level, Viktor let go of her arm and said, \"Congratulations.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Cocotte immediately understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor must have used some method to see that she had grown stronger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn't find this strange at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, Cocotte had originally planned to tell Viktor about this herself. She just hadn't expected Viktor to notice first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking about it that way, Cocotte seemed to grow even more proud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmph, from now on you should show me a bit more respect. I'm your family's, no, I'm currently the only Tier Five Mage in the entire empire!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The facts were exactly as she said. Aside from the Mage City, which placed great importance on cultivating mages, most countries weren't particularly interested in mages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because training a powerful high-tier mage cost an absurd amount of money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And even then, that mage might not obey you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more powerful a mage was, the broader their knowledge tended to be.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People like that were hard to control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even in the entire Calencia Empire, on the surface, there were at most a dozen or so Tier Four mages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, with that much money, it was better to train the same number of warriors or knights instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They could also be trained to high tiers and would actually listen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially knights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bound by the code of chivalry, they would almost never refuse their leader's orders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, even in the Mage City, at the current stage, Cocotte had become the highest-ranked Tier Five Mage in Endymion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for why she wasn't the strongest... sorry, pal, there was still an unreasonable existence named Viktor blocking the way above her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cocotte was at least self-aware about that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor was already so powerful that he could no longer be judged by the standards of a normal mage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Viktor put his hands in his pockets and looked at her, nodding as if in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are the only queen of the elven race. Without matching strength to support that status, it would be hard to convince others.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the elven race decided to expand outward, it meant that the Elf Forest was no longer just a spiritual homeland.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had become a complete nation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A nation recognized by others must have a supreme combat force to protect it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although the elven race did indeed have the protection of nature, making others hesitant to provoke them recklessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the race itself was weak, it would invite ridicule and mockery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People would think they were just a group of weak elves sheltered by nature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, insulting someone wouldn't get you punished by the spirits of nature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So a Tier Five Cocotte was the most suitable choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Floating on her cloud, Cocotte spoke somewhat helplessly to Viktor, \"By the way.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Vinia wants to establish diplomatic relations with the empire, starting with trade.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elven race had lived beautifully on their own in the Elf Forest for thousands of years, but they had plenty of good things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For example, fruit wine brewed by elven girls stepping on the fruit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the dew from the Elf Forest, rich with dense natural energy, which could even be used as a blessing agent in forging, greatly improving the quality of weapons and armor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As well as naturally formed spirit fruits that, once eaten, could extend a human's lifespan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All of these could be exported for trade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But you know, this is our first time establishing relations in the name of a nation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cocotte spread her hands, closed her eyes, and sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since this was the elves' first time engaging in export trade, there were naturally many immature aspects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They needed someone to personally guide them and let them learn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor, who had a close relationship with the elven queen, was their best choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, if your employees are in trouble, shouldn't you lend a hand?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she spoke, Cocotte opened one eye and secretly glanced at Viktor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She saw him standing there with his hands in his pockets, slowly speaking as if he had long been prepared, \"Twenty percent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cocotte instantly froze in place, completely bewildered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She seemed to have no idea what Viktor meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Viktor's voice continued, \"I can help you open up the market and guarantee huge profits.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But on the condition that I take twenty percent of the earnings.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cocotte was completely confused. She didn't understand these things, but she was still thinking it over in her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Twenty percent, was that a lot?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn't really sound like much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more she thought about it, the more confused she became. In the end, she simply gave up, leaned back, and stopped thinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whatever, Viktor was the boss anyway. It was fine to leave the decision to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After her mental gymnastics, Cocotte nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright! I agree!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor's expression remained unchanged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Good thing Cocotte was the elven race's lucky mascot, as well as their powerhouse who held the fort with her strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, if she were in charge, she could probably be tricked into selling the entire race and still help count the money afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor raised another finger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Second, remember what I told you before.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cocotte froze, listening as Viktor reminded her, \"Don't forget the elves I need.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cocotte suddenly realized. She hadn't forgotten about that at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason Viktor had personally gone to the Elf Forest in the first place\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was, at its core, just because he wanted some elves to be sent to work at the Cravenna estate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Calling it work was just a formality. In reality, it was pure enjoyment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because all he needed was the natural energy produced by elves through happiness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Wait a second!'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only now did Cocotte react.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the beginning, Viktor had only wanted some elves to provide natural energy, right…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So how did things end up with the Yard Divine Tree being burned down?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just to catch a few elves as employees, and along the way liberate the entire elven race's mindset?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Cocotte was still completely confused, Viktor stood there with his hands in his pockets, looking at the divine tree towering in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tender green branches swayed in the sunlight, glowing with a faint translucence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thick trunk was wrapped in slender vines, and green moss quietly absorbed the moist, refreshing air at the base of the tree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The enormous divine tree soared into the clouds, piercing the blue sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Specks of silver stardust constantly shook loose from the branches, falling toward the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor looked at the divine tree and said calmly, \"I've already prepared housing for the elves as well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That tree?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cocotte's gaze was also drawn over. As she looked at the giant tree before her, it began to feel more and more familiar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It looked similar to the divine tree in the Elf Forest, just much smaller.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the unusually rich natural energy within the tree made her feel incredibly comfortable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This really was a suitable place for elves to live.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Cocotte herself almost couldn't resist diving into the divine tree and taking a nice long nap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She suppressed the urge to sleep and asked, \"How did you do this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor didn't look at her. His eyes seemed to contain only that towering divine tree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then his voice suddenly sounded, \"Don't you find it familiar?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cocotte shook her head in confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor let out a faint smile and, under Cocotte's gaze, softly called the divine tree's name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yard.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The divine tree seemed to sense something. Its branches, carrying silver stardust, slowly lowered, as if gently bowing to Viktor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its massive body completely blocked out the sun, casting a vast shadow over the land.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cocotte looked at the divine tree that was slightly bowing and opened her mouth, \"Ah?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[email protected]\u002FXenosX\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>🥳Joining P@treon keeps me motivated and eager to work diligently, so please consider joining.🥰\u003C\u002Fp>",1906,"2026-05-30T15:48:18.711Z","2026-06-01T04:31:37.164Z",1,"novelbin.me","c62d599a198d8c047f77f650fd9f6df19b23ee45951ac7582208256fb6060ea0","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-229","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-227",393,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fam-i-the-villain-or-not-cover.jpg"]