[{"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-306":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},571708,820,"Chapter 306 - 309: Imperial Succession","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-306",306,"\u003Cp>Mage Beck's meaning was very clear, and the Duke understood it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were clearly still seven days left before the princess's birthday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But today, a banquet was suddenly held, gathering most of the people in the royal capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something was off... very off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Logically speaking, there was actually nothing wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, today's banquet was held for Aurelian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who was she? She was the princess, the daughter of Emperor Aubrey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whenever the Emperor wanted to hold it, he naturally could.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention there were still seven days before the princess's birthday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if it were held from today all the way until the seventh day, for the Emperor, there would be no problem at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as an old mage, Beck would naturally not casually accept such a reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since he could not figure it out, he might as well ask the Duke directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Levi smiled and waved his hand, \"Listen to me, Beck, don't be in a hurry.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you really want to know, then just wait a little while.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Duke said nothing, yet it was as if he had said everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least, this let Beck understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This banquet was indeed not as simple as celebrating the princess's birthday alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before long, the candle flames throughout the banquet hall began to sway, casting trembling light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A silver figure walked into the banquet hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Gwen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wore a blue, wide formal dress wrapped over armor, arriving at the banquet like a deep blue flower edged in silver.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beneath her sharp and heroic bearing, there was a hint of firmness and the pride unique to a knight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By her side was Aurelian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurelian was also dressed in a light blue gown. The surface of the dress was covered with a layer of pure white gauze, and two ribbons were wrapped around both sides of her shoulders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurelian's lively eyes swept across the nobles, and she smiled slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hooked her arm around Gwen's wrist and walked forward leisurely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the nobles saw this scene, they could not help but fall silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scene was too dreamy and beautiful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A knight bringing her princess to attend a banquet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This seemed like a story that could only be heard in fairy tales.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet today, it was happening right before their eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although both of them had silver-white hair, one could still see the subtle difference between the strands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurelian's long hair was like clouds, as if stars were dotted within it, giving off a bright glow under the candlelight, mysterious and elegant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Above her lively and beautiful face, she appeared so noble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gwen's silver hair, like fine snow, looked slightly dim in comparison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The extra steadiness and calmness on her body were like a silent statue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like her current expression, cold as frost, as if she had no emotion at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a perfect knight of justice who only followed royal orders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When everyone clearly saw Gwen's face, their breathing stopped for a few seconds. The wine glasses in their hands became still, as if time had frozen at that moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was Gwen Delin, the head of the Delin knight family at the border, holding command over tens of millions of knights in the northern territory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, she was also Viktor's fiancee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Aurelian's teacher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The subtlety of this relationship made countless nobles present hold their breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Aurelian and Gwen appeared together, they clearly sensed something slightly wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The power behind Princess Aurelian seemed somewhat too strong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under any circumstance, if any child of the Emperor gained such powerful background support, they would likely be seen as the best candidate for the next Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet this situation was happening to a princess who seemed to have no connection to the throne.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This left many nobles and ministers deeply confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at this moment, they could not say a single word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because Gwen's frost-like presence even made the nobles feel a chilling cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was like a cold blade slicing through the air, letting the chill instantly spread to every corner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scene was strangely quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, the nobles even slowed their breathing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurelian, like the moon surrounded by stars, walked to the front of the nobles accompanied by Gwen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone's eyes were fixed on them, extremely tense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they reached the bottom of the stairs at the front, Gwen released Aurelian's hand and stood to one side, bowing respectfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurelian carried a noble and proud presence as she stepped up each stair in a dignified manner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Until she stood at the very top of the stairs, the place that led to the golden platform of the banquet hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aubrey had appeared on that platform at some unknown time, standing quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze looked at Aurelian, with a trace of satisfaction in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurelian stepped over the last stair, lifted her blue skirt slightly, and stood before Aubrey, bowing deeply to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aubrey wore a kind smile and nodded at Aurelian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The princess walked behind Aubrey and turned to face the nobles inside the banquet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone's eyes were fixed on Aubrey, ears raised, listening carefully to what the Emperor was going to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the Emperor's steady voice echoed through the entire banquet hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Today's banquet is held for my daughter, Aurelian Sol.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As his words fell, two rows of ceremonial cannons outside the banquet hall suddenly fired into the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With two loud bangs, huge and brilliant fireworks exploded in the air, and cheerful ceremonial music rang out at the same time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The jumping notes seemed to be created by magic, sliding through the air of the banquet hall like joyful little spirits dancing nonstop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many nobles cheered, put down their wine glasses, and burst into thunderous applause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, there were still some careful people who noticed the Emperor's wording.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His Majesty had never said this was a birthday banquet for the princess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was only held for the princess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just a banquet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These nobles who had some guesses began to grow curious about the true purpose of the banquet. Perhaps, there was a deeper meaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the cheering crowd, Aubrey pressed his hand downward, signaling the nobles to quiet down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However, there is one more matter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I wish to take this opportunity to announce it in front of everyone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the part many people had been waiting for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, because of Aurelian's birthday, the number of people gathered here was especially large.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Basically, the ministers and famous figures in the huge royal capital had almost all gathered here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With so many people present at the same time, it was hard not to suspect the meaning behind the banquet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There must be something to announce, which was why so many people were called here together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, seeing the Emperor say such words, it naturally confirmed countless people's guesses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What exactly was it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The nobles craned their necks, waiting with full attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But suddenly, a surge of magic descended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A space within the banquet hall began to tremble, twisting out several cracks as countless phantoms spilled from within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the blurred shadows overlapped, and the chaotic, digital-like distortion gradually calmed, revealing the figures of those who had arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flames and shattered rocks appeared in the air at the same time, rapidly circling and merging together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Between the flames, several strands of blue, single-toned magic gradually descended from the air, their patterns slowly gathering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Haim Horn, Ryan Kent, and Rachel Azure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All three wore broken three-headed emblems on their chests, the symbol of Mage Council members.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the candlelight, the three emblems shone with strange starlight, suddenly flashing with something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone's eyes were drawn over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They showed shock, and startled voices rang out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Th… that is!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's three council members of the Mage Council!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment the words fell, the entire hall erupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Council members symbolized the top twelve mages of the Mage Council.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were almost all at the peak of the fourth tier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such existences, wherever they appeared, would be treated as honored guests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, countless people recognized exactly who these three were.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Phantom of a Thousand Faces, Haim Horn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Unyielding Blue Flame Furnace, Ryan Kent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And one of the council members more familiar to the Empire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Natural Eye of Observation, Rachel Azure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three council members appearing in the banquet hall at the same time, in front of countless people of the Empire, in front of Emperor Aubrey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, countless people seemed to suddenly understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three council members slightly bowed toward Emperor Aubrey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We represent the Mage Council and offer our sincere blessings to the Princess of the Calencia Empire, Aurelian.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment the words fell, behind Haim Horn, several layers of magic circles suddenly lit up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a kind of fantastical starlight, the sky gradually darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone could not help but look up at the ceiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the ceiling seemed to be covered by some existence, like chaos, making it hard to see clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Very soon, it gradually transformed into a dazzling starry sky beyond the clouds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The starry sky rotated, descending with starlight, shining brightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like layers of delicate white gauze, gently sprinkling the light of each star onto Aurelian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Fourth-Tier Magic: Blessing of the Stars]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing all this, the faint starlight gradually faded. Aurelian looked at herself in confusion and curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On her body, it seemed a mark of a star had been engraved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, Haim Horn's voice sounded again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is my gift to you, Your Highness.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For seven days, the blessing of the stars will always accompany you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, countless nobles could not say a word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'What is called top-level treatment?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one had ever imagined that a princess's birthday in an empire would actually attract three council members to offer blessings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was treatment no girl had ever received.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many young noble ladies showed extreme envy, yet they could never obtain such treatment in their lifetime.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because everyone present clearly understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They did not have a father who was Emperor like Aubrey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nor did they have a teacher who was a council member like Viktor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this time, Aubrey also smiled in satisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked forward and spoke, \"From today onward, I officially announce.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The heir to the throne, in the future, will be inherited by my daughter...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aurelian Sol.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOM!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A royal bomb dropped, directly exploding throughout the entire banquet hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, countless nobles' minds went blank, unable to even think or understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Wait... what the hell is this situation!?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Aurelian is going to ascend the throne!?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'She's too young for this!'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'That's not the point, what's the point!?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'The next Emperor of the Calencia Empire is going to be a princess!?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If not for the fact that no one present could beat Aubrey, these nobles would have wanted to dig open his brain to see what he was thinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With one sentence from Aubrey, countless people present were completely dumbfounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This meant that those who supported the First Prince and the Second Prince would now all become clowns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some people hurriedly stepped forward. No matter the situation at this moment, they quickly spoke to persuade him, \"Your Majesty, please reconsider!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The matter of imperial succession is no small issue. How can it be decided so simply…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could finish speaking, he suddenly felt something wet slap onto his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Is it raining?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked up and saw that from the starry sky above, drops of water were continuously falling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Splash! Splash! Splash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The drops gradually turned into a heavy downpour, as if it would flood the entire banquet hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the rain seemed only illusory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It fell to the ground, yet quickly turned into steam and vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, a strong wind rose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under countless gazes, the steam gradually drifted upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, it turned into a human figure wearing a suit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pitch-black crow stood on his shoulder, pulling at its hoarse throat and letting out a sharp cry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It drew countless people's thoughts and eyes over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor appeared out of thin air within the rain and steam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his hand, he held the black staff with the golden bird head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sorry, I came a bit late.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm curious about the topic just now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor turned to look at the person who had spoken earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the staff in his hand, the phantom of a scale suddenly rose, swaying continuously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His deep obsidian eyes seemed able to see through a person's soul, staring at that noble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if space itself began to tremble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tell me, just now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What were we talking about?\"\u003C\u002Fp>",2102,"2026-05-30T15:48:18.711Z","2026-06-01T04:31:37.164Z",1,"novelbin.me","2fdbaa43a5ccd96203b3b681b4b72f38437049c1f61ff197f379ad12fa7e1689","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-307","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-305",393,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fam-i-the-villain-or-not-cover.jpg"]