[{"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-99":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},571558,820,"Chapter 99: Damn it, where’s my demon?","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-99",99,"\u003Cp>\"The Crown Prince?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Viktor heard this title, he began to think.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his memory, the two princes didn't really have any detailed story in the game's background.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Between the two, Viktor remembered more clearly that the Crown Prince guarded the border city in the southern part of the Empire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Empire's southern border, that was a gathering place for adventurers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because inside that enormous city existed a monster rift surrounded and sealed off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That place was a high-difficulty dungeon zone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the rift, there were endless waves of monsters, and their strength was far from ordinary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The massive spatial fissure was like a city gate, and behind that gate, the enormous castle was the Abyss of Monsters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Abyss was divided into a hundred layers, with each layer populated by monsters of different strengths and types.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adventurer parties made up of players could enter and kill various monsters to train themselves, and they could also obtain considerable amounts of materials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But most importantly, every ten layers inside the Abyss, there existed extremely powerful items.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Collectively called \"Imperial Artifacts.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the game, at each tenth layer, an astonishingly huge monster tide would appear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Players who passed without taking damage within the time limit, or who cleared it under special restrictions, would qualify to obtain these Imperial Artifacts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And there were very few such players.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Imperial Artifacts granted incredibly powerful stats and effects, but due to the extremely harsh requirements, very few players could obtain them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, Viktor was still one of the few players who had actually achieved it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he had the chance, he wondered if he should go challenge that place again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Crown Prince, huh…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As far as a player's impression went, the Crown Prince was someone you basically wouldn't be able to encounter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, being royalty, players couldn't meet them as easily as other NPCs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor glanced at Aurelian, who was resting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hearing the news that her elder brother had returned, Aurelian didn't seem to have much of a reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although she must have known already, this princess didn't stay in the palace either; she had run out early in the morning to train for today's lesson.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Royal family affection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both princes were cannon-fodder-tier characters. After Emperor Aubrey died, the two princes were quickly killed by Aurelian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Viktor didn't care at all about this prince who brought back a dragon head just to brag.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm not going.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm too lazy to waste my breath with that group of hypocritical nobles.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Kill one dragon and all the nobles have to welcome you?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your father Aubrey killed one when he was seventeen.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tsk, fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya helplessly shook her head, as if she had already expected Viktor's reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words she was going to say changed, and her tone carried a bit of mocking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Our dear councilor really does have the qualifications to refuse. Sigh, pity that I still have to go mingle with a group of idiots.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After speaking, Liya secretly glanced at Aurelian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This little princess had no extra reaction, even nodding in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because she wasn't going either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that, Liya was very satisfied and smiled while waving her hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then I won't disturb the two of you, teacher and student. Have fun, Your Highness.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was just about to leave when Viktor's voice sounded,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Take Cocotte with you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya froze for a moment, several question marks popping up in her mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Take Cocotte? Take her for what?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She blinked, then seemed to understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She's still a former councilor, after all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After saying that, Viktor didn't speak again and turned back to Aurelian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Get ready, we're starting today's lesson.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurelian immediately perked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, teacher!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor waved his hand, and several strands of green aura slowly fell onto the ground, intertwining.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Small monsters crawled along the floor, their green carapaces reflecting sunlight, curling up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few green shadows appeared in midair, flying with vibrating wings, lurking at a distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ever since Viktor obtained Deruga's ability and mastered monster-summoning skills, he no longer needed to bother finding suitable combat locations for the princess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liya watched this magical scene, clicking her tongue twice, \"Wow, really caring.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If only he ever cared about me like that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She added that silently in her heart, then turned to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>———\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the palace was bustling, countless nobles gathered to welcome the Crown Prince's return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the golden castle gates, the nobles lined up in two rows, and the Second Prince stood at the very front.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The armored cavalry gradually approached the palace. The man in golden armor at the front led his prized horse to the lineup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind him, the enormous dragon head was displayed for all to see.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jace Lesser was also among the nobles, but unlike before, he now lacked the gloom he once carried, and seemed refreshed again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if he had forgotten everything that had happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Prince narrowed his eyes at Jace Lesser, sensing something off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Strange.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although surprised, he didn't show anything outwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But nobody noticed him anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because that enormous dragon head had seized everyone's attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They surrounded it, marveling, \"So that's the dragon that caused chaos on the southern border…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To slay a dragon, His Highness Albany's achievement is truly astonishing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, he really has His Majesty's style from back then!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Albany, clad in gold, didn't care about the nobles' praise. He let them admire the dragon head he had brought back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He himself simply walked toward the Second Prince with a friendly smile and softly said, \"My dear brother, did Father ask you all to greet me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm honored that Father still thinks of me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Prince also wore a smile as he looked at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Slaying a dragon is a great merit. Naturally, Father would not neglect a hero.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He deliberately emphasized \"hero,\" but the Crown Prince acted as if he didn't notice, only smiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Seems like my years away haven't created any distance between us brothers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That puts me at ease.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Albany waved at the nobles surrounding him and cheerfully said, \"What are you all waiting for? Hurry inside, don't keep Father waiting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surrounded by nobles, he walked into the palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the Second Prince remained standing there, a shadow passing over his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Seems you don't like him much?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A voice not belonging to him sounded beside his ear. The Second Prince watched the others leave and calmly replied, \"A man who strives for perfection only disgusts me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But he's lucky. Everything he does succeeds.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The nobles continued praising the man in golden armor, and nobody heard his words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Staring at his brother, surrounded like a star among stars, the Second Prince's voice turned cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes. That's why I hate him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>———\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the great hall, Albany knelt on one knee. Beside him, the enormous iron cage held the massive dragon head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aubrey's face was emotionless, but he still praised him lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not bad.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Slaying a dragon is no small feat. Speak, what do you want?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Father, eliminating threats to the Empire is my duty. Rewards are unimportant.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing that, the emperor nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was about to say something when Duke Rivi leaned over and whispered, \"Your Majesty, Earl Viktor has not yet arrived.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hm? Hahaha, right, right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aubrey seemed reminded of something amusing. He narrowed his eyes at Albany.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Child, I have nothing else fit to reward you. But there is one matter I should bring up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aubrey smiled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You and Aweser are no longer young. It's time for marriage.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Otherwise, if word spreads, people might think my great Empire has two princes and one princess with no matches, strangers might think my children are incompetent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He watched Albany stiffen slightly and continued cheerfully,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Jace.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jace Lesser stepped forward and bowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The emperor asked, \"I recall you once said you had found a suitable match for Albany.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why not tell us today, who is this candidate?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone was stunned, not daring to make a sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They all felt the emperor was using the Crown Prince to warn House Lesser.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, His Majesty had recently shown displeasure toward the Lesser family, and Jace had offended Viktor before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this time, Jace was no longer impulsive. He answered neither humble nor arrogant,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty, His Highness's marriage should be decided personally by you. As an outsider, I do not dare interfere.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Emperor Aubrey looked surprised, then nodded in satisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Seems you've gotten rid of… those emotions you shouldn't have had.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jace bowed deeply again and returned to the nobles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Prince stood nearby, his expression terrifying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he realized it, Jace Lesser's anger… was gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that anger was the carefully prepared gift he had intended for Albany.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'What happened?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time, he felt he had lost composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He trembled slightly, unable to control his emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, an eunuch approached the emperor and respectfully said, \"Your Majesty, the people from House Clavenna have arrived.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The emperor was surprised... 'So Viktor didn't come?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, Liya appeared in his line of sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But more people turned their gaze toward the figure beside her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'…A cloud?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When that white cloud drifted closer, they finally saw something lying on top of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'It looks like… a person.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elf lifted her head, yawning, showing not a trace of respect toward the royal family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She sat up, and the moment she saw the emperor, she casually waved and greeted him, \"Yo, Aubrey, long time no see.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1581,"2026-05-30T15:48:18.711Z","2026-06-01T04:31:37.164Z",1,"novelbin.me","068a2eac3dfddd3e935cc92e882606345484bad2b6a04e4ee111d5daac1c472d","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-100","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-98",393,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fam-i-the-villain-or-not-cover.jpg"]