Became the Patron of Villains Novel MTL - Chapter 117

Chapter 117

Mellat, a sixth-order Wizard and a professor at the Red Tower, found her jaw dropping at the scene she was witnessing. The cause was the statement made by Celaime Mikardo, the master of the Blue Tower.

“An honor?”

Even though she had heard it directly, Mellat could scarcely accept it. Celaime Mikardo, the Blue Tower master, had a reputation for being remarkably mild and benevolent, especially when compared to other tower masters or potential heirs like Penia. This disposition made him quite favored among the Wizards of the other towers. He was an individual who generously offered guidance and instruction without reservation.

Yet, even the benevolent Celaime possessed immense authority and took great pride in his magical art. A famous story told among all Wizards was how he had utterly overwhelmed the master of the Purple Tower, who had once disparaged Celaime’s magic during a central tower gathering.

Was that the only instance? There was also the time the Green Tower master had contested the content of one of Celaime’s lectures, resulting in a compulsory three-day debate that ended only when the Green Tower master admitted defeat.

Therefore, while Celaime was kind, he held a deep pride for his magic and rarely deferred to anyone. This was what made the present circumstances so shocking.

Shifting her focus, she observed that the other Wizards were equally confused and, after verifying it wasn’t a mistake, stared intently at Marquis Palatio.

His standing was the fourth order. Although it was uncommon for a Wizard to practice ancient magic—fundamentally primitive magic—there was nothing else about him that seemed extraordinary.

“What in the world…? Why is the Blue Tower master causing such a commotion…?”

As doubts clouded her thoughts, Marquis Palatio himself was also at a loss.

‘Really, what’s going on?’

Alon, deliberating whether to inquire, was still hesitating when he was promptly invited, “Ah, please come inside.”

“Is that truly acceptable?”

“Naturally. How could I possibly not accommodate the Marquis?”

Before he could complete his thought, he was swiftly escorted into the lecture hall.

“Please, take this seat.”

“I could simply stand in the rear…”

“That is unacceptable, it’s quite alright. This was my seat to begin with.”

Due to Celaime’s overwhelming courtesy, he found himself seated in the front row, acutely aware of the sharp, penetrating gazes from everyone behind him.

When the lecture concluded, it was evident that attending Celaime’s lecture had been the correct decision. Magically, he had learned a great deal. Still, if someone were to ask if he wished to attend another of Celaime’s lectures, he would have to decline.

While the material was excellent, Alon had been forced to withstand the intense, hostile stares from the other Wizards at his back.

Setting aside the glares, what about the laughter…?

Alon remembered earlier, specifically the burdensome, overly-friendly smile Celaime had directed at him, which seemed to carry some hidden intention, prompting him to leave the classroom with a sense of unease.

“How did you find the lecture?”

Abruptly, the very source of his discomfort materialized beside him.

Alon was startled but quickly collected himself.

“It was very informative.”

“I’m pleased you found it so,” Celaime replied, nodding with what appeared to be genuine satisfaction. Seizing the moment, Alon asked, “Might I ask you one question?”

“Certainly, proceed.”

“I recall that last time you did not use formal language with me, so why the sudden change…?”

It was both confusing and uncomfortable.

Celaime offered a warm smile.

“I simply felt a sudden surge of respect.”

“A surge of respect?”

“Indeed.”

“But why so suddenly?”

Once again bewildered, Alon was on the verge of receiving an answer when a voice from behind interrupted them.

“Celaime, what in the world have you done to make everyone lose their minds like this?”

Turning around, Alon saw someone he had never met face-to-face but knew well—Parkline Agrulus was standing there.

“Hurry up, didn’t you promise to assist with the magic this time? Aren’t you busy enough already, what are you doing here?”

As Parkline drew closer, his irritation evident, he soon noticed Alon.

“You are undoubtedly—”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you at last, Lord of the Red Tower. I am Alon Palatio.”

Alon gave a slight bow of greeting. Parkline let out a sound of surprise and then spoke with a slightly strained expression.

“I’ve heard much about you. You utilize primitive magic?”

“Ah, yes, that’s correct.”

Alon was puzzled by his demeanor. However,

“I’ve heard favorable reports, indeed. You also rescued my daughter in the jungle recently, correct?”

“Yes, but—”

“Thank you. My daughter spoke very highly of you. In fact, she talked about you incessantly for over a week after she returned.”

Through these words, Alon understood the reason for his behavior.

‘This man… he’s an overprotective father.’

Just as Parkline was about to say more, suddenly,

“Stop!”

“Good grief, you startled me!”

Celaime shouted from the side,

“How dare you address Marquis Palatio in such a manner! You must apologize!”

“???”

Following this, Parkline was rendered speechless, his expression suggesting he believed Celaime had finally lost his sanity.

“Have you lost your mind from wandering the country due to your obsession with magic?”

Before he could continue,

“Tower Master, may I ask how much longer we must wait?”

A Wizard opened the classroom door and asked offhandedly, then released a heavy sigh.

“Stop talking nonsense and come along. You made a commitment.”

Parkline turned to depart.

“Wait! Shouldn’t we conclude our conversation first? Marquis, is there anything else you wish to ask?”

Indeed, Alon had a question.

“Now that you mention it, I recently heard a rumor concerning the tower, and I wanted to ask about it.”

“What rumor?”

“I heard a rumor that you, Tower Master, have given your approval for a relationship between myself and Lady Penia.”

“Ah, that rumor.”

Celaime nodded as if it were trivial.

“If it is something the Marquis desires, I see no issue with it. It is a suitable age for such things, after all.”

In truth, Celaime’s thoughts were far more complex.

A union between the Marquis and Penia? It wouldn’t just be ‘no issue’; it would be ideal. But he felt it improper to reveal such a personal bias, so he stated only that much.

“Come on, follow me! We’re only just beginning!”

Without allowing Alon a chance to reply, Parkline seized Celaime and pulled him away.

And then,

“Until next time, Marquis!”

Alon watched Celaime being dragged off, wearing an uncommonly radiant smile, and could only cradle his throbbing head.

***

The regular meeting of the Blue Moon.

The Moons, who had been noisily chatting until moments before, abruptly fell silent.

The face of Yutia, projected on the screen, was uncharacteristically stern.

“We have located those who attempted to slander the Great Moon.”

The very air seemed to shudder for a moment.

Everyone grew quiet as Hidan delivered his report.

“I will now provide the details. We have been persistently monitoring an organization in our territory, and we have identified several locations that were issuing commands to lower-level groups.”

“How many locations?”

“Twenty-one in total, and we have verified that all are directly linked to the true masterminds behind the defamation of the Great Moon. However, we have not yet identified the ‘head’.”

After a brief silence,

“So, we simply need to raid these organizations to find the scoundrel who tried to defame the Great Moon?”

Seolrang, who had been smiling innocently just before, now flashed a ferocious grin, her golden eyes gleaming.

“Where are they?”

Continuing the discussion, Rine asked,

“The locations are varied. Based on the regions where the Moons are stationed, there are five near Caliban, five near Laksas, three near Ashtalon, and three near Lartania.”

As Hidan concluded his report, Yutia’s voice rang out sharply.

“Did everyone hear that? Disseminate the information and begin moving immediately.”

“Understood.”

“I’ll do the same.”

“It appears there are none in Colonia, so I will head to Ashtalon. We just need to eliminate them, correct?”

“Ensure you extract the information before you kill them.”

Yutia let out a soft sigh, lightening the heavy mood a little, and then introduced another topic.

“There is another matter.”

“Another matter?”

“What is it?”

Radan and Seolrang responded instantly.

“It appears the Great Moon requires specialty goods for his domain. Does anyone have a suitable suggestion?”

“Is he seeking something emblematic of the domain?”

“It seems so.”

“Me! Me, me, me!!” Seolrang eagerly waved her hand.

“Let’s hear it.”

“I will construct a coliseum in the Great Moon’s domain and offer myself as the specialty product!”

“Rejected.”

“OH—”

Seolrang pulled a disappointed face but did not press the issue further.

Her idea was so misguided that it was unclear where to even start correcting it.

“You cannot go yourself. We all have our own duties.”

“Ugh—”

Then,

“Specialty products… isn’t it already decided?”

Deus’s self-assured voice interjected,

“What is it?”

“If the Marquis publishes his autobiography, that would settle everything.”

Another peculiar proposal emerged.

[·······]

Although the other Moons made faces indicating this was rather excessive, Deus seemed engrossed in his own thoughts, oblivious to the reactions around him.

“A self-penned autobiography by him… that would be fascinating. Perhaps like a classic novel, maybe I could even co-author it to ensure it’s—”

By now, Deus was completely absorbed in his own contemplations, and the other Moons, familiar with his behavior, let him be and moved the agenda forward.

“Specialty products.”

From behind Seolrang’s discontented mutter, Radan, stroking his chin thoughtfully, spoke up.

“I have a fairly decent idea regarding this. Allow me to handle it.”

“What is it?”

“Since none of us are particularly skilled in that area, why not enlist someone who is?”

“Is there such a person?”

“Yes, I’ve recently become acquainted with someone.”

Radan smiled with a sly expression.

Meanwhile, in the back alleys of Laksas,

“!?”

“Brother? Why are you trembling all of a sudden?”

“It feels as if a sudden chill ran through me.”

Ever since being taken by Radan and nearly dying, only to return and relish life with twice the joy as before, Alexion the Appraiser was suddenly gripped by an inexplicable cold dread.

“What was that?”

Filled with apprehension, he glanced out the window.

…There, the Blue Moon was glowing.

***

At that very moment.

Having noticed the moon ascending, Alon immediately departed to study magic and offered a greeting,

“Good day.”

“Welcome.”

He encountered Heinkel in the library, illuminated by the blue moonlight.

“Now, regarding that matter you requested.”

Her complexion looked significantly better than when they had met the previous day.

Despite detecting a strange tension, Alon prompted,

[Call them once.]

“Then, with your permission.”

Following his words, Alon summoned Basiliora just as before, by channeling magic into the pattern, and soon, Basiliora materialized.

“I will never misbehave again, I apologize, so please, I beg you, spare me from the fist-bending, aaaaahhh!”

Witnessing the somewhat shattered state of Basiliora,

“Ah, ah-ah-ah! I’m alive. I’m alive, I’m alive, I’m alive, I’m alive!! I’ll do whatever you command! I’ll do anything you wish, just subjugation or whatever, please just save me~!”

Hearing the desperate pleas of the small snake, Alon was momentarily taken aback.

[How about that, it worked out, didn’t it?]

“Yes, it appears so.”

Smiling, Heinkel made her remark, and Alon felt a cold sweat break out.

For some reason, he felt a little frightened.