[{"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-58":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},571517,820,"Chapter 58: He’s Gotten Involved With the Princess?","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-58",58,"\u003Cp>The palace blazed with lights, its golden brilliance dazzling to the eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crimson silk curtains hung from midair, slowly cascading down to the palace floor, and through the dome above, the night sky could be seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, the sound of elegant zither music drifted softly through the air, echoing in the ears of every guest present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The banquet tables were filled with exotic delicacies from the mountains and seas, awaiting the guests' arrival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nobles exchanged greetings and pleasantries, flattering one another as they raised crystal goblets filled with fine wine, quietly waiting, the star of the evening had yet to arrive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kefra stood beside Gwen, lifting her own glass. Her long purple hair and gown of the same hue made her appear enchantingly seductive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She moved gracefully among the nobles and politicians, exchanging greetings with practiced ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind her, Gwen looked uncomfortable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her legs pressed tightly together against the hem of her skirt, her body fidgeting in clear discomfort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kefra turned around, immediately noticing Gwen's odd behavior. She pulled her sister to a corner and asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Gwen, what's wrong with you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gwen tugged at her dress, complaining uneasily, \"Sis, why do I have to dress like this too…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, Gwen wore armor at all times; even during leisure hours she still donned light protection gear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wearing a gown like this felt like a form of torture to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And I never heard anything about having to put on makeup!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said this with a tone full of resentment, but Kefra only smiled slyly at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"All right, all right. You can't exactly wear armor to a banquet. You'll have to get used to these things sooner or later.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gwen pointed at her chest unhappily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This part's way too tight. It doesn't suit me at all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kefra, \"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though she smiled outwardly, Kefra's mood clearly wasn't very pleasant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She reached out and pinched Gwen's cheek, her tone half teasing, half irritated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who told you to have not a single dress in your wardrobe? The one you're wearing was mine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Feeling tight in the chest? Well, that's too bad.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not understanding why her sister was upset, Gwen stayed quiet, letting Kefra pinch her face, like a pitiful little punching bag.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kefra finally let go, shrugging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You don't even realize how beautiful you look right now, do you? The way those nobles stare at you, they're practically drooling.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it weren't for everyone knowing that Gwen was Viktor's fiancée, some would have already tried to strike up conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don't need anyone looking at me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh come on, what's wrong with wanting to look pretty? Maybe when Viktor sees you later, even his eyes will light up differently.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Kefra said this, she nudged Gwen lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Viktor's name, Gwen immediately flushed red, turning away and muttering, \"What Viktor thinks has nothing to do with me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kefra knew her sister was just being stubborn and clicked her tongue, turning her head elsewhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Duke Levi was mingling happily among a group of mages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha, how have you been lately, Lord Beck?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An elderly man with snow-white hair leaned on an obsidian cane and nodded to the duke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped forward, clinking glasses with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Duke Levi, it's been a long time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm an old man now, nothing much to talk about. But you, no one would believe you're already sixty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, and where's your daughter?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the mention of Erica, Duke Levi turned his gaze toward her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lord Beck followed his eyes and saw Erica gracefully conversing among the younger nobles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled and said, \"I truly envy you, Duke. To have such an outstanding child.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Levi was pleased by the compliment. Though he knew it was flattery, he couldn't help but feel proud when his daughter was praised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erica moved through the crowd with ease, her golden hair flowing elegantly over a silver gown. She looked like a white swan crowned in gold, graceful and refined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A young nobleman was soon drawn toward her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had golden hair as well, a handsome face, and wore luxurious attire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lady Erica,\" he said, bowing. \"I'm Pibor Tia, eldest son of House Tia. Would you do me the honor of a dance?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erica didn't shake her head, but replied politely, \"I'm sorry, Lord Pibor, but I already have an engagement.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She gave a courteous nod and walked away under his disappointed gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon after, she returned to her father's side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, a sound of doors opening made every guest fall silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the music stopped abruptly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone looked up toward the second floor of the palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The golden doors opened slowly, and Emperor Aubrey stepped out, beside him Aureliann in a silver-white gown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following them was the head of House Clavenna, Viktor Clavenna.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind him was his sister, Liya Clavenna.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Liya had attended many banquets before, never had she felt so proud as tonight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To walk behind the Emperor himself, under the gaze of thousands, just thinking about it made her forget how to walk properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her legs felt stiff, every step careful not to stumble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, if she messed up now, she'd humiliate herself before the entire nobility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya absolutely couldn't allow that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She knew this honor was brought by Viktor, so she couldn't afford to shame him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the Emperor reached the front, many guests recognized Viktor's familiar face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait, is that Viktor?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What? Viktor's standing behind the Emperor!?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Holy crap, Viktor!?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment people saw him, murmurs spread through the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone exchanged bewildered looks, it was unbelievable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Gwen and Kefra spotted Viktor, their jaws nearly dropped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sis… Sister, is that Viktor?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wine glass in Gwen's hand trembled as she spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kefra, though surprised, was more composed, she'd seen plenty of grand occasions. She nodded slightly and said, \"Seems like it…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To be standing beside the Emperor, His Majesty really thinks highly of him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>———\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where there's admiration, there's also jealousy, and plenty of envious or even hostile gazes turned toward Viktor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But no one dared act, merely gripping their glasses tighter, each with their own thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erica, too, had spotted Viktor. She stared blankly at him, wide-eyed, before turning to her father.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that his expression held no surprise, almost as if he'd expected this, she thought to herself, So Father already knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor publicly rewarding Viktor was one thing, but accompanying him like this was another matter entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A reward recognized merit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But accompanying the Emperor… that hinted at far deeper ties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whatever the case, the message was clear to all nobles present, House Clavenna now stood on exceptionally close terms with the royal family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Erica noticed Liya standing behind Viktor, her eyes brightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That beautiful shopkeeper she'd once seen really was Viktor's sister.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder she was allowed to walk with the Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone put down their glasses and bowed toward the Emperor in respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor raised a hand and cleared his throat, beginning his formal address.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This recent Imperial War, you all know of it. Though we claimed Viktory in the end, our empire still suffered greatly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As your Emperor, I grieve deeply. From today onward, the Demon War shall be recorded in the Empire's history. That day will be made a memorial, a reminder of the pain we endured.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Viktor Clavenna's contribution is known throughout the capital. He defeated the demon and prevented the tragedy from continuing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By my authority as Sol VIII, I hereby bestow upon Viktor the Empire's highest honor, the Imperial Medal!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At his words, a minister stepped forward holding a gleaming medal and presented it to the Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor personally took it and pinned it onto Viktor, nodding with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor placed a hand over his chest and bowed slightly in salute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Applause erupted instantly, echoing throughout the grand hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the minister withdrew, the Emperor turned again and continued, \"At the same time, Viktor Clavenna is hereby promoted to the rank of Count.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya froze, momentarily dazed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So this was the matter the Emperor had said Viktor couldn't refuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, their house had long been due for promotion. Her late father's repeated refusals were the only reason it hadn't happened sooner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, Viktor had no reason, or right, to refuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A minister presented the title document. Viktor accepted it and bowed to the Emperor in loyalty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, Your Majesty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The applause below grew even louder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erica's face glowed with admiration, her eyes sparkling like stars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gwen and Kefra also smiled, clapping proudly for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the ceremony ended, the banquet officially began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor prepared to leave, but before departing, he turned to Viktor and said, \"Enjoy yourself, Viktor. Such occasions hardly suit an aging Emperor like me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He brought Aureliann over to him, gesturing for Viktor to take her along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"From now on, you'll be Aureliann's teacher.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor nodded slightly. \"I'll do my best.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor smiled and, with attendants' support, slowly departed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after His Majesty's figure was gone did Viktor turn with Aureliann and return to the banquet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The princess followed timidly behind him, not daring to walk ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She'd heard many rumors about him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some ministers often gossiped in the palace, saying Viktor was a pervert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing how nervous she looked, Viktor found a quiet spot and sat down with her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This kind of social gathering wasn't his thing anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was too quiet beside him, no familiar chatter in his ear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He found himself missing Vega.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ravens were symbols of ill omen, so naturally, Vega wasn't allowed inside the palace and had to wait outside on the railing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Viktor looking bored, the princess gathered her courage and greeted him softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Viktor…? H-Hello.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor turned toward her, giving her a quick once-over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right now, Aureliann was far from what he'd imagined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aside from her face, which carried some resemblance, neither her temperament nor her figure matched the woman who would one day become the Eternal Witch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He focused on her timid expression for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who could have guessed what kind of power hid beneath that harmless facade?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Highness,\" Viktor said gently, \"there's no need to be so tense. This is a banquet, and your father isn't here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's just the two of us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Although I'm your teacher, privately, I can also be your friend.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor figured those words would be enough to comfort a child.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gradually, Aureliann began to relax, talking more freely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor, ever the gentleman, responded calmly and politely, making her feel at ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Father said you're very strong,\" she said. \"He said I'll learn many things from you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor didn't deny it, only replied lightly, \"As long as you put your heart into learning, you'll surpass me someday.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While he continued making small talk, his mind was already thinking about when he could leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Erica was wandering through the hall, searching for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She couldn't find him anywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could someone that tall just vanish?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she turned, and spotted Viktor sitting with a young girl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl looked around her age, perhaps even younger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A strange sense of alertness rose in Erica's heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Who's that girl?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Could this girl be his next target!?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She cautiously moved closer, examining the girl's face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment she recognized it, she nearly gasped aloud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes widened and she quickly ducked behind a pillar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's… the Princess???\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Why is Viktor with the Princess!?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erica hesitated, torn between whether she should go greet him or not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been nearly two weeks since they'd last met.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she pondered, something soft pressed against her back. She stiffened, and then a hand slid around her neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Startled, she spun around, and gasped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kefra, Sister!?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kefra, what are you doing here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kefra smiled sweetly, hugging Erica from behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Erica, what are you up to hiding here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"N-nothing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The close contact made Erica nervous, and she tried to squirm away, but Kefra followed her gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes widened slightly when she saw who sat in the corner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh? Isn't that Viktor?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wasn't that her scheming brother-in-law who once sold her four potions for eight thousand Geo?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the one beside him was… the Princess?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even a social butterfly like Kefra had rarely seen the Princess, who almost never appeared in public.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But everyone had seen her earlier, walking beside the Emperor, so Kefra easily recognized her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Erica hiding and watching them, Kefra gave a knowing smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She leaned down and teased, \"Viktor's your academy professor, right? Why not go say hello?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Erica suddenly seemed to regain her composure and said calmly, \"Oh, I will, but not yet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Someone else got there first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kefra raised an eyebrow and looked over again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A silver-haired man holding a glass of wine was approaching Viktor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh my,\" she said, grinning. \"Isn't that the eldest son of House Lesser?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>———\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jace Lesser approached with a fake smile, greeting Aureliann.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Highness, Princess Aureliann.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment she saw him, the princess froze, shrinking behind Viktor in fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor didn't move. He merely glanced back at her and asked calmly, \"And who is he?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Jace Lesser… Devon's older brother,\" she whispered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone knew now that Devon had conspired with demons, demons that Viktor had personally defeated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So the man's purpose here was obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor stayed seated, then asked her one more question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You don't like him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Although… he's my cousin,\" the princess murmured, shrinking even further, clearly not wanting to see him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I see,\" Viktor said flatly, standing up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though not broad, his frame was enough to block Jace's path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you want?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jace looked past him at the princess. Despite her fear, he continued smiling as if nothing was wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I saw Her Highness sitting with you, and I was worried, so I came to check.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After all, she's the Emperor's most beloved daughter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor's face remained expressionless as he replied coolly, \"If you're only here to cause trouble, then I have no interest in speaking further.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words carried a clear tone of dismissal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Jace didn't leave. He narrowed his eyes, danger flickering within them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, Lord Viktor,\" he said softly, \"would you mind explaining why the Princess is sitting with you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor let out a deep sigh, turned his head slightly toward Aureliann, and said, \"Here's your first lesson.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When you meet someone you dislike, someone you used to treat politely because of their status, but now you have enough strength and backing…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…you can do this instead.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aureliann blinked blankly, not understanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Viktor smiled faintly at Jace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flames roared to life behind him, swirling around Aureliann like a fierce serpent before halting inches from Jace's face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Get lost.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",2439,"2026-05-30T15:48:18.711Z","2026-06-01T04:31:37.164Z",1,"novelbin.me","cdd92e1b7571b6f3cac54dd7053e31a1171ffbd2e165830bf918a5b7b3007842","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-59","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-57",393,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fam-i-the-villain-or-not-cover.jpg"]