The Villain’s Cheat Code: When a Gamer Becomes the Evil God’s Sidekick

Chapter 146: Madam, You Wouldn’t Want Anything to Happen to Your Child, Would You?

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...

A female knight in gleaming silver armor, exuding an aura of authority, followed an elderly man dressed in opulent attire as they strolled through the garden.

The old man's body was slightly stooped, an air of age emanating from his every movement.

He walked at the front, hands clasped behind his back.

His demeanor was gentle, akin to that of an ordinary, amiable elder.

Yet, no one would mistake him for a common old man.

He was the Emperor who had made the Empire great, reigning for over four decades, rendering the Empire untouchable.

He was known as the mightiest person in the Empire, the invincible Iron-Blooded Emperor.

Aubrey Sol.

In the palace garden, devoid of unnecessary onlookers, only Gwen followed the Emperor, slowly treading along the narrow path.

The crystal-clear spring water sparkled lively in the sunlight, butterflies and bees fluttered ceaselessly among the flowers, as if celebrating the Emperor's presence.

After a while, Emperor Aubrey halted, as if fatigued.

Standing still, he squinted, a smile playing on his lips, and turned to face Gwen.

"Countess Gwen."

"I appreciate you indulging this old man with a walk."

Gwen placed her hand on her chest and bowed slightly to the Emperor.

"It is my duty, Your Majesty."

"No need for such formality."

Aubrey waved his hand dismissively and continued forward.

Gwen followed closely behind.

The Emperor, without turning back, spoke as if in casual conversation, his voice tinged with melancholy:

"I grieve for what befell Angus."

Before Aubrey's ascension to the throne, Angus had been one of his capable subordinates.

Though Angus's extreme sense of justice had been hard for Aubrey to accept, news of his death still saddened the Emperor.

Those comrades who had once fought side by side were departing one after another.

But Gwen didn't echo his sentiments. She merely lowered her head and said softly:

"Your Majesty."

"My father, Angus."

"Deserved his fate."

Thousands in the Northern Territory had nearly perished due to Angus's inaction.

If not for the Pale Mage Association's desperate resistance, who could have relied on those knights?

Aubrey remained composed and continued walking.

Only his voice reached Gwen's ears.

"Gwen, justice is a noble concept, but..."

"Never use justice as your sole criterion for judging right and wrong."

Gwen listened to the Emperor's words, her expression unchanged, silently observing his back.

Aubrey's voice remained steady.

"You wish to champion those people in the North, that's commendable."

"But remember, Angus was your father, they are not."

He turned back, regarding Gwen with a gentle gaze.

Just like a kind, ordinary old man.

If one could overlook the luxurious attire and various jewels adorning him.

"Someone will enumerate Angus's crimes, but that person shouldn't be you."

"You are now the Countess of the North, and Viktor's fiancée."

"Consider how your words and actions might affect both yourself and Viktor."

Hearing the Emperor's words, Gwen lowered her head and answered, "Yes, Your Maj

Aubrey, as if in casual conversation, turned his head and said with a smile:

"However, I'm quite intrigued by the news of demons appearing in the North."

"When Owiser heard this, his heart nearly leapt to the North."

"He insisted on personally leading a team to investigate the situation there."

He shook his head as he spoke, a wry smile on his face.

"This child, still lacking in prudence."

Gwen remained silent, following dutifully behind the Emperor.

"Aubrey is faring better, though he's prone to boasting about his achievements."

"Attaining even a small accomplishment, he's always eager to prove himself."

"He's my child, how could I, as his father, not know the extent of his capabilities?"

Saying this, the Emperor's eyes narrowed slightly.

Without turning back, he spoke from the side:

"Gwen."

"Which of the two do you deem more outstanding?"

"Your Majesty."

Gwen bowed slightly.

"I am a knight. Knights should not meddle in politics."

"Hahaha."

Hearing Gwen's words, Aubrey laughed and said as he walked:

"You say you're already a countess now, and you've voluntarily relinquished the position of Knight Commander."

"Perhaps my words as Emperor don't carry much weight with you anymore, do they?"

Gwen respectfully replied from behind.

"I wouldn't dare, Your Majesty."

"I will always abide by your will."

"Is that so?"

Aubrey nodded with a smile, as if casually remarking:

"Then if I were to ask you to dissolve your engagement with Viktor, would you be willing?"

Gwen was momentarily taken aback but quickly composed herself and responded:

"Marriage matters should be decided by both parties, Your Majesty. It would be unfair to Viktor if only I were willing..."

"You need not concern yourself with Viktor. I'm merely asking about your willingness."

Aubrey stood still, his gaze like two sharp blades, piercing towards Gwen.

Gwen lowered her head slightly, her voice betraying a hint of inner turmoil.

"Your Majesty, might I inquire about the reason for this?"

Aubrey nodded with a smile, turning his body back:

"Very well, I understand."

"It seems you've changed quite a bit as well."

He hummed twice, seemingly lost in thought.

"My youngest child, Aurelianne, you're acquainted with her, correct?"

Gwen respectfully nodded.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"As you know, Viktor is her magic instructor."

"But I personally feel that having only one teacher may not be beneficial for Aurelianne's future development, so..."

Aubrey's voice, carrying a hint of imperial command, reached Gwen's ears:

"Might I request that you become Aurelianne's swordsmanship instructor?"

Gwen froze in place, momentarily stunned.

She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could utter a word, a eunuch burst into the garden, panting heavily.

The butterflies scattered in flight, some even colliding with the bright flowers.

"Your... Your Majesty! A dire situation has arisen! Most urgent!"

Aubrey calmly regarded him.

The eunuch quickly caught his breath.

"Count Viktor has returned!"

This statement bewildered Gwen.

She failed to comprehend why Viktor's return would be cause for alarm.

"Get to the point," Aubrey spoke, his voice level.

The eunuch, realizing his error, paused for a second, frantically searching his memory before standing up straight.

"Oh yes, yes! The crux of the matter!"

"It's terrible, Your Majesty! Count Viktor has demolished the Reiser family's mansion in the capital!"

"...?"

At this moment, even the Emperor's composure wavered slightly.

...

Meanwhile, Kravina's mansion was surrounded by a phalanx of knights, the perimeter sealed tight.

Yet these knights could barely grip their weapons, their bodies trembling visibly.

The Royal Knight Order had received an alarming report concerning Viktor.

The gravity of the situation was unprecedented.

It was said that Count Viktor had razed Jace Reiser's residence to the ground.

When the knights arrived at the courtyard of Jace's estate, all that remained were indistinguishable rubble and splintered wood.

The raging inferno continued to consume what was left of the mansion.

Everything in sight had been reduced to ashes.

Were it not for the severity of the situation, these junior knights would never have dared to encircle Viktor's mansion.

They were acutely aware of Viktor's formidable power.

In comparison, they felt as fragile as ants before a giant.

Nearly half of these knights had witnessed the demon battle in the capital firsthand.

They had seen Viktor's strength with their own eyes.

If Knight Commander Gwen were still present, they might have found some courage in her company.

After all, Knight Commander Gwen was Viktor's fiancée.

With the couple's harmonious relationship, whatever transpired would likely not fall upon these lowly knights.

But now, Knight Commander Gwen had resigned...

Approaching Viktor's mansion, they felt as if they had lost a vital shield of protection.

Gathered near the estate, they dared not enter.

They could only stand aside, quaking in their boots.

After all, what was their meager monthly wage compared to the risk of losing their lives?

After what seemed an eternity, a luxurious carriage approached, halting before the assembled knights.

It came to a stop at the gates of Viktor's mansion.

The carriage door opened slowly, and the coachman placed an ornate stool beneath it.

A noble lady emerged with graceful, measured steps.

She wore an exquisite white gown, a delicate fan in her hand, her hair elegantly pinned up with a jeweled hairpin.

A female guard extended her hand, bowing to the lady, assisting her descent.

The beautiful and aristocratic lady placed her hand atop the guard's, alighting from the carriage with regal poise.

The surrounding knights, upon recognizing the arrival, collectively exhaled in relief.

At last, someone of consequence in this matter had arrived.

The Emperor's sister, Madam Cassandra.

Due to the incident involving Devon Reiser, Madam Cassandra had temporarily taken up residence in the capital and hadn't departed since.

She stood before the mansion gates, her bearing proud and unyielding.

Behind her, the lightly armed female guard remained close, ever vigilant.

The gates creaked open, and Lia emerged, a practiced smile gracing her features:

"It's an honor, Madam Cassandra."

"I believe this marks our first encounter."

Madam Cassandra, exuding nobility, unfurled her fan before her lips, her tone haughty:

"Let us dispense with the pleasantries, Miss Lia."

"Surely you're aware of my purpose here. Release my son at once."

Lia, mirroring the gesture, covered her mouth as she chuckled lightly.

"Madam, whatever do you mean?"

"Your son erred grievously. My brother merely seeks to educate him properly, as any elder might."

Madam Cassandra's eyes flashed with cold fury, her fan snapping shut with a sharp 'crack', her hands crossing over her chest.

"Am I to interpret this as a declaration of war against the Reiser family?"

No sooner had the words left her lips than the female guard at her side placed a hand on the hilt of her sword.

A palpable aura of menace emanated from her, filling the air with tension.

Another fourth-tier combatant, Lia noted.

Lia's gaze flicked to Cassandra's guard, but she showed no sign of intimidation.

With seeming nonchalance, Lia's fingers brushed over the differently colored gems adorning her glove, her eyes narrowing imperceptibly.

"I believe there are certain matters I should apprise you of in advance."

Her tone carried a veiled threat, a warning to the noblewoman before her.

A chill seemed to emanate from Lia's eyes, like a frigid wind cutting through the scorching sunlight.

"Madam."

"Surely, you wouldn't want anything... untoward to befall your child, would you?"