Became the Patron of Villains Novel MTL - Chapter 126

Chapter 126
Alon recalled Karsem as an arrogant and dismissive individual who often caused trouble.

He wasn’t born cruel, but the circumstances of his upbringing were sufficient to mold him into such a person.

Regardless, Karsem had never displayed any regard for the players within the game.

Even as quests advanced and he might grow more amicable or well-disposed, his fundamental nature remained unaltered.

Therefore, Alon was deeply taken aback when Karsem, who typically used casual speech even after receiving the player’s aid, regarded him with deference and adopted formal language.

Despite Alon’s internal musings, “Your physique must have endured much. It is to be expected, given the tremendous power you demonstrated.”

Karsem’s gaze was strangely intense, for reasons Alon could not fathom.

“What is your inquiry, my lord?”

‘I cannot comprehend why you are behaving like this so abruptly.’

As Alon replied in an even voice, Karsem, seeming to reach a resolution, straightened his posture.

“I have developed a profound respect for you, Marquis Palatio.”

“So suddenly?”

“Indeed. From the moment I witnessed you several days ago, standing alone against the Outer gods and that astonishing wizard, I found myself unable to do anything but respect you…!”

“I see.”

“It may sound peculiar, but I have lived a rather irresponsible existence until now.”

Karsem continued his fervent declaration, even spraying saliva in his passion, “You may be unaware, but I am very distant from the line of succession. It was determined in my youth. No matter my actions, my father had already selected my elder brother as heir. That is the reason I never made an effort before.”

Alon was rendered speechless behind his impassive mask, and Karsem did not cease his talking, continuing for more than five minutes.

“That is why I have come to respect you…!”

His confession was, truthfully, laden with awkward and embarrassing phrases.

While it was reasonable to be impressed by a battle or to aspire to become a wizard, this sudden awakening and remorse over his squandered life, triggered by observing Alon’s fight, was somewhat difficult to grasp.

Thus, pondering what this was really about, Alon let out a quiet sigh, ‘If I recall, Karsem’s age was… seventeen?’

Seventeen years old.

Slightly late for the usual adolescent turmoil, but not too late for it to manifest.

‘It appears the angst has developed belatedly.’

Alon internally conveyed his sympathy.

In roughly two or three years, Karsem would likely recall this confession and cringe, perhaps writhing with embarrassment beneath his bedsheets.

But Alon saw no reason to bring this up.

Above all, it seemed that while Karsem was swept up in his teenage crisis, he had ultimately resolved to live his life with purpose.

Alon simply gave a silent nod.

A week later, Alon’s body, which could have succumbed to mana addiction, was healing rapidly.

“Marquis! How are you feeling!”

“Marquis! Are you alright!?”

“Marquis! I have prepared your evening meal!”

It was Filian, now the lord of the Merkilane territory, showing his thankfulness with the utmost attentiveness.

“There is no need for you to trouble yourself so.”

“What are you saying! This is the minimal courtesy we can offer after you saved us!”

The meticulous care Alon received was unquestionably born from Filian’s genuine gratitude.

In truth, it was also because transformations had taken place within his body.

“The mana addiction is being healed?”

“Yes. Initially, a severe case of mana addiction was present, but now the majority of it has vanished.”

“Wait, did you not state previously that there was no mana addiction?”

In response to Alon’s question, the cleric shook his head.

“To be accurate, I said it was not severe enough to threaten your life or impede your magic.”

“Was that it?”

“Yes. Once mana addiction takes hold, it does not typically disappear. That is why I cautioned you last time to be extremely careful with potion consumption.”

“I see, I believe you did mention that.”

As Alon acknowledged this, the cleric went on.

“Originally, your grace had reached a stage where the addiction could have deteriorated, potentially blocking any further use of magic.”

“But, it is being cured?”

“Yes. Normally, once this condition establishes itself, it is incurable. But in your specific case, it is being remedied.”

The cleric, astounded, channeled divine energy into his body repeatedly and nodded.

“Yes, it is getting better.”

“Is some change occurring within my body?”

“It does not appear so.”

“Then could the reason be that my magic core is small?”

He inquired, wondering if a diminutive magic core offered any benefits.

“Ah… that is even more improbable. If the magic core is small, addiction generally advances more quickly.”

“I understand.”

He nodded, recognizing once more that his physique was utterly unhelpful from beginning to end.

After the cleric departed, “What is this?” Alon muttered, and Evan merely shrugged.

“Why be concerned? Is it not a positive development?”

“That is true, but…” Alon folded his arms, only to unfold them again due to a pang of discomfort.

“I feel there is a great deal more to consider.”

Indeed, he had battled magic addiction throughout the past week and had been unable to think clearly, but now numerous enigmas awaited his attention, from the ‘items’ left by Duke Komalon to the ‘rituals’ he had referenced.

Furthermore, there were accounts connected to the ‘lands south of the border.’

“There is much to uncover.”

While he was reflecting on this, “Ah, your grace. I have something to report.”

“What is it?”

“I have just received word that as soon as you have recovered, it seems you must depart.”

An emergency summit of the Allied Kingdoms has been convened, and your presence is required.

“My attendance?”

“Yes.”

Alon gave a slight nod.

Since this concerned all the Allied Kingdoms, he had anticipated this development, whether the outcome was favorable or not.

“How soon must I leave?”

“You should depart within the next week.”

“The schedule is tight.”

“Yes, it is.”

Despite the pressing timetable, Alon reflected for a moment, “Well, I must go regardless.”

He resolved to do so, and about a week later, though still unable to wield magic but having recovered some mobility, Alon,

“Master! Let us go together! I must accompany you!”

“I will also join you!”

took Seolrang and Filian to attend the emergency meeting in Tern.

On the journey to Tern, Alon formed no new conclusions, but he acquired an unexpected fact through Seolrang.

“You are saying you did not hear the discussion between myself and Duke Komalon?”

“Yes!”

“You mean you heard neither Duke Komalon’s voice, nor my own?”

“Correct! I was immobilized, but my consciousness was clear, and I could not hear anything at all!”

It emerged that the exchange between Alon and Duke Komalon had, for some reason, been inaudible to those nearby.

They were aware that speaking had occurred, but they could not discern the content of the conversation whatsoever.

“Did the Marquis employ some method?”

Naturally, at that time, Alon had done nothing.

More precisely, he had been incapable of action.

In that moment, although his condition was better than Seolrang’s, who had intercepted most of the assaults aimed at him, he was essentially in no state to act.

However, Alon soon ceased dwelling on this matter as they reached Tern.

Upon learning the meeting was commencing, he proceeded directly to the chamber of the kings.

“You have arrived.”

He saw the gathered monarchs.

Familiar faces were there.

The first person he noticed was Cretinia Siyan, observing him with a composed demeanor.

King Carmaxes III of Colony, and then…

“Well, let us proceed directly to the discussion,” declared King Stalian V of Ashtalon, his gaze fixed intently on Alon.

“Marquis Palatio, we thank you for halting Duke Komalon.”

He then rose and offered a respectful bow.

For a king to bow his head was an exceptional honor, even if Marquis Palatio had rescued the Kingdom of Ashtalon from disaster.

King Stalian V was a monarch, and his bow signified that the entire Kingdom of Ashtalon was paying him respect.

“I merely fulfilled my necessary duty.”

Nonetheless, Alon responded with calm and appropriate deference.

“Now that gratitude has been expressed, let us proceed to more grave questions.”

“What question do you pose?”

“Marquis Palatio, what, precisely, are you?”

“What?”

Such an inquiry came from King Stalian V.

“I do not grasp the intent behind your question.”

“It is exactly as I stated.”

King Stalian V’s expression was completely solemn.

“Following this incident, I initiated an investigation into you. I had heard the rumors, but I examined the matter more deeply.”

“Deeply?”

“You have halted Outer gods on more than three occasions, correct? When the Outer god emerged in the north, and also within the labyrinth city.”

He continued, staring keenly at Alon.

“I am not certain, but when you traveled to Laksas and when you visited the Kingdom of Sanctus, you thwarted Outer gods there as well. It is almost as if you knew beforehand they would appear. Though, there were instances where that was not the situation.”

The conclusion is that wherever an Outer god manifested, you appeared as if by miracle and handled the situation.

He added further to his argument.

“What I truly wish to ask is a single thing.”

“For what reason do you travel about confronting Outer gods?”

After hearing everything, Alon understood that King Stalian V was suspicious of him.

He also comprehended the king’s question.

Though indirectly, he was essentially asking if Alon was implicated in this affair.

There was undoubtedly a leap in his logic.

There was also a clear lack of absolute certainty.

The very fact he was speaking in such an indirect manner showed he possessed only a certain degree of suspicion.

‘Is this due to the impending matter of rewards?’

Alon easily deduced why King Stalian V was casting doubt.

Effectively, the incident had been instigated by Duke Komalon, and the Kingdom of Ashtalon had to bear some accountability for the present circumstances, one way or another.

From the viewpoint of a king who must prioritize national interests, there was little left to lose.

He intended to probe any possibility.

Simply put, ‘It is like casting a line to see if anything bites.’

There was definite exaggeration in King Stalian V’s words.

This meant that since he was merely fishing based on suspicions, there were numerous loose threads.

These points could be adequately explained and clarified if necessary.

However, Alon remained silent because, ‘Why should I justify my reasons for hunting Outer gods?’

How to explain his motivation for pursuing these threats was unclear to him.

To live a comfortable life as a noble?

But voicing that now would only provoke further skepticism.

‘What is the best course?’

As he was laboring to devise a rational explanation,

“You should not ask him why he travels about capturing Outer gods.”

Abruptly a voice sounded from behind, and Alon turned.

Standing there was…

“The Saint?”

“I apologize for my tardiness.”

It was Saint Yuman of Rosario.

“It has been some time, Marquis, or perhaps I should say, brother.”

He looked at Alon, a slight smile touching his lips.