[{"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-390":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},571599,820,"Chapter 390 - 393: Sorry, I Already Have a Fiancee","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-390",390,"\u003Cp>Amid the endless stretches of gloomy steel fortifications, they had already been decorated into something dazzling with colorful flags and ribbons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Streetlamps and candlelight shone brightly, and the nearby residential areas were just as brightly lit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A band blowing horns and beating drums slowly paraded along the lively streets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Passersby followed behind, playing cheerful tunes while sincerely celebrating this important festival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Joyful music echoed through the streets. Citizens waved flags from their windows, smiles of happiness on their faces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From time to time, colorful streamers drifted down from the sky, like multicolored flowers falling from above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though it was already night, the shops on both sides were still open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cheerful people of the royal city had thoughtfully decorated their shops with flags and ribbons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After half a month of repairs, the royal city had taken on a completely new look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those buildings that had been destroyed had all been restored or rebuilt to their original appearance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The residents of the royal city all knew that the destruction back then had mainly been caused by the demi-human invasion, when a large number of demi-human slaves were released.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The enraged demi-human slaves went from house to house setting fires, which led to the losses across the entire city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after a period of reconstruction, most of the residents' lives had returned to normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only a small portion of the wealthy and the lords.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As members of the upper class, losing that batch of free labor caused them a bit of trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without those demi-human slaves acting as free labor, their expenses had inevitably increased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were forced to squeeze out small portions from their vast wealth to hire workers to maintain the normal operation of their territories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was that good for them?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, making these noble lords spend even a little money on those lowly commoners made them feel reluctant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching their money fall bit by bit into the hands of commoners made the nobles and wealthy merchants feel as if pieces of flesh were being cut from their bodies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, luxurious carriages drove along the colorful streets, sweeping up the ribbons as they headed toward the royal city gates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The carriages stopped in front of the palace, and the nobles stepping down exchanged polite greetings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They asked after each other, all wearing familiar smiles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Joseph, it's been a long time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Count Edmond, indeed, it has been a long time. Your health…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Still as strong as ever. Compared to me, you look even sturdier.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Vincent, you…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While the nobles exchanged pleasantries, smiling as if they were well acquainted,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The towering and profound black great tower was also decorated with colorful ribbons and scattered points of light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its original coldness and authority were softened by a festive atmosphere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the grand courtyard, long white tables were placed closely together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were filled with food and red wine, and rows of candles illuminated the entire courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Various bright candles were placed on the tables, making the whole courtyard shine brilliantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today was the wedding day of King August and Queen Hilda.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most of the nobles present understood it clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The current kingdom already appeared weak, lacking vitality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The once-magnificent royal family was now reduced to August alone, a figure in name only.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The nobles acknowledged the former prestige of the Samuel royal family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, they were willing to support the future descendants of Samuel, the future king after August.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But those promises were only words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The present August had already lost his authority. That was an undeniable fact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The operation of the entire kingdom was now directed solely by Grand Duke Barlow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Samuel royal family existed in name only.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, whether the Cant Kingdom belonged to Samuel or Barlow made little difference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, the nobles attending this wedding, on the surface, were giving face to the Samuel royal family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in reality, they were giving face to Grand Duke Barlow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Attending the banquet also meant choosing a side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a while, a group of diplomatic envoys entered the banquet hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lords waiting outside became very enthusiastic upon seeing these imperial envoys.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One after another, they stepped forward to greet these foreign friends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The envoys also responded warmly, \"Thank you all for your company over the past month. The hospitality of the Cant Kingdom truly lives up to its reputation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When the time comes, please do visit the Empire. We will certainly return the hospitality.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, the nobles and lords burst into laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They chatted warmly together, the atmosphere harmonious and pleasant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wedding banquet had been prepared for half a month.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a grand event of welcoming the queen had to be held lavishly, without any carelessness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, preparing something like this for half a year or even a year wouldn't be unusual, but due to the urgent situation, the time had to be compressed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over the past month, diplomatic affairs had also been arranged quite properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the king's wedding was over, these nobles from the Empire would set off on their journey home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, several more carriages entered the vast courtyard before the castle, loaded with gifts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many nobles showed surprise, because they already recognized the insignia on those carriages, the Cassidra Chamber of Commerce.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the carriages filled with gifts, the nobles couldn't help but admire, \"As expected of the Cassidra Chamber of Commerce. Their generosity is unmatched.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guards opened the rear carriage door, and a beautiful woman in formal attire stepped out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was the female auctioneer from that previous auction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sensing the gazes on her, she smiled lightly and said to the nobles filling the courtyard, \"These are gifts from our chamber to celebrate the king and queen.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A small token of our appreciation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the Cassidra Chamber of Commerce could call such a mountain of gifts \"a small token.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one found it strange that they could bring out such gifts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Any nation that had dealings with them knew well the extent of their financial power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even when the commercial district in the kingdom was destroyed, the Cassidra Chamber of Commerce had only felt a slight sting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was said that the chamber had once received the protection of a god, which ensured their countless wealth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, the diplomatic ministers remained calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These well-traveled old men had seen plenty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Cassidra Chamber of Commerce traded widely with many countries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it had never established itself within the Karensia Empire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although the reasons behind it were thought-provoking, that was the reality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, they were envoys of the Empire, and no matter how influential the chamber was, it was still just a group of merchants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, they didn't have much in common.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the people from the Cassidra Chamber of Commerce were quite familiar and outgoing. The beautiful auctioneer took the initiative to approach the diplomatic ministers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a bright smile, she asked, \"May I ask, has Councilor Viktor not arrived yet?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ministers exchanged glances, their faces full of confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uh, does the Cassidra Chamber of Commerce have business with Count Viktor?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The auctioneer smiled and explained, \"It's like this. Regarding the previous compensation matter, we need to speak with Councilor Viktor in person.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Our side has already made preparations.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was indeed a reasonable request.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, it involved one billion Gio. That was by no means a small amount.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They silently calculated that such a sum was enough to demonstrate the chamber's financial strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To produce compensation on demand, truly generous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the ministers were about to reply, \"Count Viktor will probably still…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their words stopped in their throats, and the nobles present all turned serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All eyes turned in the same direction, shock appearing on their faces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The carriage of the Barlow family and the carriage of the Laurene family arrived side by side in front of the palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be precise, the Laurene family already existed in name only.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, it should be called the Clavenna family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the entire Shulborn had become Viktor's territory, and even the sole heir had changed her surname to Clavenna.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when these two carriages arrived together, all the nobles and wealthy individuals present knew who had come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The escorting knights stepped forward and opened the carriage doors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two young women stepped out at the same time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurelian wore a white gown, adorned with delicate patterns and luxurious silver jewelry, making her look like a princess formed from moonlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Priscilla wore her usual exquisite black dress. Her cold beauty formed a striking contrast with Aurelian's graceful elegance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These two gentle young women left the nobles present staring in a daze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet not a single person dared to approach them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention that Aurelian was an imperial princess of noble status.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grand Duke Barlow was her maternal grandfather.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who would dare approach her? Were they out of their minds?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Priscilla, no one dared to provoke her either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the high-ranking nobles and lords knew about her race.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most people only knew she was Laurene's daughter, who had changed her surname to Clavenna due to certain circumstances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just the name \"Clavenna\" alone was enough to make countless people stop and only watch from afar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But since Aurelian and Priscilla had already arrived...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Why wasn't Viktor in the carriage?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, someone looked up at the sky, their gaze freezing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey… what is that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the voice, everyone followed his gaze and looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, they all saw it clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the sky, a dazzling star was falling, like a meteor hanging in the night sky gradually descending.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its long silver tail spiraled a few times in the air before rushing toward the ground with a cold aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone's eyes widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because they noticed that this meteor was heading straight toward them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meteor moved so fast it was almost impossible to see clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'It's over!'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the only thought left in everyone's mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the meteor, dragging its tail, landed right in front of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The comet fell, but it did not create a massive shockwave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, it stirred a gentle breeze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the soft cyan light slowly dissipated, the meteor returned to the night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Viktor replaced the star, appearing before everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment they saw Viktor, the nobles froze in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'That meteor just now…'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Was Viktor?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before anyone could recover from the shock, the auctioneer from the Cassidra Chamber of Commerce excitedly shouted, \"Councilor Viktor!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She walked toward him in delight, but suddenly felt a cold gaze sweep over her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her body froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because at that moment, Viktor's emotionless eyes were already fixed on her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With an indifferent voice, he said calmly, \"Sorry, but please keep your distance from me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I already have a fiancee.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1795,"2026-05-30T15:48:18.711Z","2026-06-01T04:31:37.164Z",1,"novelbin.me","59afd72e562c927169cef13140eb33dfa838d8dc3b32951fa995fd82c4c2c2de","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-391","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-389",393,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fam-i-the-villain-or-not-cover.jpg"]