[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-villain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system":3,"chapter-villain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system-villain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system-chapter-122":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Villain of Fate: The Tyrant System",{"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},560710,810,"Chapter 122: Music Beneath the Lights","villain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system-chapter-122",122,"\u003Cp>Music Beneath the Lights\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mike Valquin had absolutely no idea how much chaos his short video had already unleashed across Valemont.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nor did he realize how much hatred it had quietly drawn toward his \"big brother.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right now, however, he was far too busy admiring the numbers on his phone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The video he had posted only minutes ago was exploding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Likes... comments... shares...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The counter jumped rapidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eight thousand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nine thousand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ten thousand likes in less than ten minutes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mike leaned back against a marble pillar in the hall, whistling in satisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not bad.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nodded proudly at the screen as if he had personally accomplished something great.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, with complete shamelessness, he typed another comment under his own post.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everyone pay attention. My sister is officially joining my big brother’s harem.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"From today onward, my big brother is my brother-in-law!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He calls me little brother-in-law, and I call him big brother.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We both keep our titles. Perfect balance!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few seconds later, he laughed out loud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In a good mood today.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let’s do a giveaway.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without hesitation, he opened another post and casually announced a million-Euro random giveaway for his followers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For someone born into the Valquin household, that amount of money meant nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you had money—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why not share the happiness?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>--------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, in the center of the grand hall, beneath a massive crystal chandelier, Julian D’Aurelius sat beside Gwen Valquin at a polished grand piano.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their fingers moved gracefully across the black-and-white keys.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A cheerful melody filled the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The notes flowed smoothly—bright, elegant, and lively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gradually the conversations across the hall quieted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guests stopped speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Businessmen paused mid-discussion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even waiters slowed their movements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone turned toward the music.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two young figures sat at the piano.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian’s golden eyes remained calm as his fingers moved effortlessly across the keyboard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside him, Gwen played with natural grace. Her posture was elegant, shoulders relaxed, blonde hair falling softly across one side of her face as she focused on the music.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among Valemont’s young elites, Gwen was famous not only for her beauty and intelligence—but also for her artistic talent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She excelled in piano, chess, calligraphy, and painting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian was no different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the wealthy heir of the D’Aurelius household—and the designated villain of the story—he had been trained in nearly every skill imaginable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Music.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Art.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Etiquette.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Languages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without such talents, how could a villain ever stand proudly in front of the protagonist?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without them—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t serve properly as a stepping stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the side of the hall, Mike Valquin saw the scene and immediately raised his phone again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another video.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This,\" he narrated dramatically while recording, \"is what you call a heavenly match.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My big brother and my sister are perfect together.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately for Julian—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Evan had already smashed his phone earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, this video might have caused him another heart attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>--------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not far away, three women stood watching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bianca De Dominicis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selene Aurevale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amara Ravenswood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three of them looked toward the piano with complicated expressions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bianca crossed her arms, red eyes narrowing slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selene remained calm on the surface, though her blue eyes carried a faint trace of irritation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amara sighed softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had all learned piano at some point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But university life had kept them busy with business, studies, and responsibilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to Gwen—who had practiced for years—the difference was obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bianca tilted her head slightly and glanced at Selene with a playful smirk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your fiancé is playing a romantic duet with another woman.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She waved her hand lightly like she was fanning flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Miss Aurevale... shouldn’t you perform something too?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selene slowly turned her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her blue eyes were cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And why don’t you go dance with your ex-boyfriend?\" she replied calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bianca’s smile widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ex-boyfriend?\" she said lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That title expired a long time ago.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She leaned slightly closer to Selene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But if you’re so confident, why are you staring at them so intensely?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selene’s expression tightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bianca continued with a teasing tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Afraid someone might steal him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selene finally responded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice was smooth—but sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m not afraid.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She glanced at Bianca.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I simply dislike noisy people pretending to be confident.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bianca chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So you’re confident?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then why not go up there and play?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selene fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She could play piano.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But not like Gwen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not like Julian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walking up there now would only make her look inferior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And no woman wanted to lose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if they complimented each other politely—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deep down every woman believed she was the most outstanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bianca shrugged casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, it doesn’t matter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m better at dancing anyway.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She leaned slightly toward Selene and whispered mischievously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Next time, I’ll dance a pole dance while he plays the piano.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selene almost choked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her cheeks flushed faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m not as shameless as you,\" she replied sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bianca only laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>--------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amara Ravenswood stood quietly beside them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She watched Julian at the piano.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her hazel eyes softened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Brother Julian really is amazing...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint sigh escaped her lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s good at everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder everyone likes him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But a small competitive thought slowly appeared in her mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I try to compete with them in beauty...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or talent...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or wealth...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She shook her head slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That won’t work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then suddenly her eyes brightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Medical skills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her family specialized in Ancient Medicine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was her strongest field.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small smile appeared on her lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next time...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’ll invite Brother Julian to volunteer at my clinic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then I can show him my medical skills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe he’ll praise me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought alone made her feel slightly happier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>------------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the piano, the music reached its final note.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian and Gwen finished their duet perfectly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall exploded into applause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guests clapped enthusiastically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many admired the two young figures standing beside the piano.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian stood calmly, smiling politely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But inside—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(Great.)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(Starting tomorrow...)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(They’ll call me the Aquaman Pianist of Valemont.)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not far away, Wystan Valquin watched with interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old patriarch stroked his chin thoughtfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The boy from the D’Aurelius household...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not bad.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced toward Shan Aurevale standing beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shan, I heard your daughter hasn’t spoken to Julian for three years.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Isn’t this marriage a bit... forced?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shan Aurevale’s mouth twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew exactly what the old fox was doing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trying to steal his future son-in-law.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shan immediately replied calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Three years apart only strengthens fate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When they reunite, it becomes a perfect match.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What a beautiful story.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wystan chuckled softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t force things.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your daughter’s happiness matters most.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If she’s unhappy...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He leaned slightly closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...the Valquin household can help you solve the problem.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Several major projects worth hundreds of billions of Euros might even be possible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The implication was obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trade business opportunities—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Julian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shan’s expression darkened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could respond—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another voice interrupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why fight over him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An old man spoke lazily while sipping tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the D’Aurelius household patriarch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian’s grandfather.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had been watching the entire scene with quiet amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now he slowly set down his teacup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why not marry all your daughters to my grandson?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Henrik De Dominicis nearly choked on his drink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wystan Valquin stared at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both old men actually considered it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then they suddenly laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shan Aurevale, however, felt a deep sense of threat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This old man...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the argument could continue—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An announcement echoed through the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The commerce meeting is about to begin.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gathering slowly moved toward the conference area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hotel had transformed a large banquet hall into a formal meeting room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One by one, representatives from various companies took their seats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The four major families sat at the front.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in the front row—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One seat remained empty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That seat once belonged to a powerful newcomer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Bear Group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However this year—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No representative had arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People began whispering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only a few days earlier—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three of the four major families had openly declared war on the Bear Group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being simultaneously targeted by three great families...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was an honor no company in Valemont had ever received before.\u003C\u002Fp>",1358,"2026-05-30T15:14:55.252Z","2026-06-01T04:31:33.482Z",1,"novelbin.me","d2ac86be0edc5a42ba67d3dccd573e32497e0e7c10dd02310b72ee66439f459d","villain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system-chapter-123","villain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system-chapter-121",232,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fvillain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system-cover.jpg"]