[{"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-57":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},571516,820,"Chapter 57: The Empire’s Most Powerful Connection","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-57",57,"\u003Cp>When Viktor mentioned \"two and a half years,\" Liya froze for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The same confusion arose in her heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Agreeing was one thing, but why did he have to set a time limit?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She really wanted to ask Viktor what he was planning to do, couldn't he be a bit more rational?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But instead of being upset, Emperor Aubery chuckled after hearing him. Smiling with narrowed eyes, he looked at Viktor and said, \"Two and a half years, really?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor bowed slightly to the emperor and said sincerely, \"In two and a half years, that will be enough time for Her Highness the Princess to learn everything I know. By then, if I were to stay any longer, it would be discourteous.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hearing Viktor's explanation, Aubery slapped the arm of his chair and burst out laughing. He laughed so hard that it triggered a coughing fit, and the servants nearby quickly came forward to pat his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aubery waved his hand, signaling for them to step back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Viktor! The more I look at you, the more I like you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How can you be so clever?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aubery Sol.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the strongest man in the Empire, Aubery was well aware of his physical condition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, he knew that at most, he had two years left before his energy and blood would be completely depleted, and he would die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His shortened lifespan came from a hidden ailment he had developed when he was young.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a barrier that every powerful warrior eventually faced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike mages, warriors couldn't use magic power to cast spells.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They relied on their own strong life force and qi-blood to strengthen their bodies and power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although eating well and resting could replenish that qi and blood, the rate of consumption was enormous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Burning one's qi and blood allowed a warrior to gain incredible strength, even the power to challenge those above their level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in turn, it also burned away their life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the Emperor, Aubery's life story had long been dug up by the players.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At seventeen, Aubery Sol had already become one of the Empire's most valiant generals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alone, and with nothing but his own strength, he killed a dragon that had caused a natural disaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He skinned the dragon and made armor from its hide as a trophy of his success.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his prime, Aubery was even stronger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He once faced a fourth-tier evil mage head-on under a sky-shattering spell and survived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although his skin had been torn and his ligaments ruptured, thanks to his powerful regenerative ability, he recovered completely within days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The state Aubery was in now was because he had consumed far too much of his qi and blood in his youth and never properly recovered afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe he had simply been too battle-hungry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The warrior profession was notoriously short-lived, not even emperors were exceptions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was why, despite being of the same age, Levi looked so young, while the old emperor seemed like a flickering candle in the wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Aubery had never once regretted it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smiling, he looked at Viktor and said, \"Your father, when he was young, was my finest subordinate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When I ascended the throne, I rewarded everyone who had followed me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But when it came to him, he only asked for one piece of land.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I asked him, what about a title? Don't you want a higher rank?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He shook his head and told me that being a noble was already enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After that, he left the capital, laid down his arms, and returned to the countryside. We never saw each other again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Liya, who had never heard of such a thing before, was shocked by this revelation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had never known her father had such a past.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor listened to the old emperor's story without expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After that, twenty years passed… until I finally received news of his death.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Viktor, you are his child. In the end, he left that land to you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aubery sighed, and the effort made him cough again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are even more outstanding than he was, even more intelligent. But knowing when to advance and when to retreat isn't always a good thing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sometimes, aligning yourself with power isn't necessarily wrong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Take the Raysers, for example. No matter how big their mistakes, as long as they still have their use, I'll protect them all the same.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aubery opened his eyes and said to Viktor, \"Viktor, I will give you a choice, two and a half years, or…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor placed a hand over his chest and bowed deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty, within two and a half years, I will do everything within my power.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aubery sighed again, though there was satisfaction in his expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stroked the little princess's hair and smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Enough, this child just doesn't have the fortune for more.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I hope in these two and a half years, you can fulfill your duty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The last line was said to Viktor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor stayed silent, and Aubery knew that meant agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You two wait outside for now. I want to speak with my child for a bit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When I come out, you'll both accompany me to the banquet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya and Viktor nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the two had left, Aureliann looked up at Aubery with a puzzled expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Father, why do you want him to be my teacher?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don't really like him…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why not?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aubery chuckled. He looked at Aureliann nibbling her finger, so adorably innocent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I think he's cold. He must be a very strict teacher. I don't like strict ones.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But he can protect you, and make you stronger.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aubery patted her head affectionately, watching his daughter's confusion deepen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But I already have Father to protect me, don't I? Father's so powerful.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aubery gazed at her, his eyes full of tender sorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My child.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I cannot protect you for a lifetime.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No one can.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>———\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya and Viktor waited obediently outside. When they saw no one around, Liya finally spoke up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What you said before, about thinking it over, were you really planning to refuse the emperor?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor didn't respond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya understood. That silence meant yes. Her tone grew anxious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you realize what that means? It's an imperial invitation! Some people would give anything for such an opportunity, and you were going to refuse?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Liya, you're a merchant. You know that every commodity has its value.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor took out a pocket watch, glanced at the time, and said, \"So tell me, in His Majesty's eyes, what do you think my value is?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya froze, thought for a moment, then said, \"You're amazing, your value definitely isn't low. After all, he wants you to be the princess's teacher, that's a rare honor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then how does my value compare to the emperor's family?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya frowned, protesting, \"That's not even comparable! How can you compare yourself to the emperor's kin?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor adjusted the watch's hands slightly. Liya saw faint magical letters forming inside the watch, growing clearer before her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'His Majesty has only two years left.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wha...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya's eyes widened in shock. She barely managed to suppress her reaction, not daring to speak it aloud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the royal palace, even if no one was around, they couldn't freely discuss the emperor's death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So that's what the two and a half years meant…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The half year after that, I'll still be Her Highness's teacher,\" Viktor said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Liya immediately understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was a merchant, but as the acting lord of her family, she was also a sharp politician.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was Viktor valuable? Incredibly so.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had displayed his power and received the emperor's favor, which elevated his reputation to astonishing heights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even those who disliked him would now go out of their way to curry favor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So before the emperor's death, what would those contending for power think?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoever could win Clavenna's support would gain immense advantage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The emperor didn't want to see such a struggle, and so, he sacrificed his youngest daughter, Aureliann. By binding Viktor to her as her tutor, he tied him firmly to the royal family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That way, neither the First Prince nor the Second Prince could recruit Viktor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because that status had been decreed by Emperor Aubery himself, no one could defy it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unless the emperor died.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But once the emperor died, the new ruler wouldn't need Viktor anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor would inevitably face retribution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those in power would never show mercy for their siblings' sake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aureliann would likely be married off, just like Emperor Aubery's sister, Lady Cassandra, a pawn in a political marriage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Viktor wanted to avoid being purged, he had to prevent that from happening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which meant Aureliann had to remain a princess, only then could the Clavenna family stay safe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Viktor chose the two-and-a-half-year limit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A new emperor would need time to stabilize his rule.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor wouldn't be purged right away, so he could still protect Aureliann for another half-year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After that, he would leave the palace and let his family keep their distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The new emperor wouldn't see him as a threat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya stood there stunned. No wonder the emperor had said those things to Viktor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She muttered under her breath, \"Black. So damn black.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had thought the scheming among nobles was bad enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But seeing this, the royal family's hearts were pitch-black all the way through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then, aren't you afraid…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Afraid His Majesty might blame you?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wanted to ask, but held her tongue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor understood anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced at Liya and shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How can you be so sure?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya was speechless. She had thought aligning with the royal family was a blessing, but now it seemed both a boon and a curse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She couldn't help worrying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being the princess's tutor was a double-edged sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Used well, House Clavenna would rise in status.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Used poorly, once the emperor passed, they would face the purge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Two and a half years is the guarantee I gave His Majesty,\" Viktor said calmly, his tone brimming with quiet confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya blinked, momentarily dazed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, he and the emperor had already struck a deal in that brief conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the next two and a half years, no matter what the princes did, none of them would dare to touch Aureliann.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And part of that agreement, if anyone provoked House Clavenna, Viktor would have the right to handle it personally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simple. Because Viktor now had royal ties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if only for two and a half years, he was bound to the princess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could act in her name, and settle any score.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And… if Clavenna wants to become even greater,\" Viktor suddenly said out of nowhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The final winner hasn't been decided yet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya's eyes widened in disbelief. She looked at him in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't tell me you plan to support...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before she could finish, the grand doors opened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aureliann emerged, arm in arm with the emperor. She looked shy and delicate, her demeanor filled with quiet mystery. The emperor beside her still carried that air of awe-inspiring strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Father and daughter looked perfectly harmonious together, their faces softened by the gentle glow of the night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor and Liya bowed slightly in respect when they saw them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The emperor smiled and nodded at them both.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Viktor, don't be like your father, no more refusing this time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1881,"2026-05-30T15:48:18.711Z","2026-06-01T04:31:37.164Z",1,"novelbin.me","15c2abc962b02686de07e357c4ffac0321cfa8e33a04558bb958c8564ecf2c15","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-58","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-56",393,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fam-i-the-villain-or-not-cover.jpg"]