Became the Patron of Villains Novel MTL - Chapter 127

Chapter 127
Yuman’s abrupt entrance took the entire assembly by surprise.

Yet, the monarchs present at the conference displayed no reaction to Yuman’s appearance, and Alon quickly understood that his coming had been anticipated.

‘It makes sense, considering the situation. This event affected the whole coalition kingdom, even the Holy Kingdom.’

While Alon observed Yuman, King Stalian V was the first to speak, breaking the quiet.

“What do you mean by that?” he inquired, obviously bewildered by Yuman’s statement.

Yuman stepped closer to Alon in a natural manner and stated, “Interpret my words literally. Do not question his motives for pursuing the Outer Gods.”

“And why should we not ask?” Stalian V pressed, his face showing his displeasure.

Alon was equally confused, but Yuman responded with composure, “I am not at liberty to disclose the reason.”

“What?” Stalian V exclaimed.

“The one thing that is clear is that his actions are currently aiding the world’s peace,” Yuman affirmed.

The kings, who had been quiet until now, were visibly affected by this statement.

Typically, the Holy Kingdom remained neutral, so such a clear alignment was out of the ordinary.

“So, are we simply to accept the saint’s statement and cease our inquiry into the Marquis?” Stalian V frowned.

Once Yuman had spoken, it might have been prudent to let the matter rest.

While a saint’s rank is not superior to a king’s, provoking the Holy Kingdom could lead to unnecessary complications.

Despite knowing this, Stalian openly voiced his irritation.

He had a justification for his feelings, as Yuman had provided no logical explanation to clarify the circumstances.

Yuman stared at Stalian V for a long moment before a slight smile touched his lips, “So, the King of Ashtalon doubts the motives of our Holy Kingdom?”

“Hold on, that’s not what I said—” Stalian V stuttered.

“That is how I perceived it,” Yuman cut in.

Stalian V was now agitated; he had meant to express his annoyance with the saint, but his words were being framed as a challenge to the entire Holy Kingdom.

“That is an overstatement,” Stalian V quickly argued.

But Yuman, serving as both a saint and a representative of the Holy Kingdom, countered, “An overstatement? To question my words is to question the authority of the Holy Kingdom that dispatched me.”

Yuman then let the faint smile fade from his face and spoke in a chilly tone, leaving Stalian without a reply.

Yuman’s statement was essentially asking, ‘Do you not trust us? Do you oppose us?’

Stalian V immediately tried to retreat, “That was not my intention.”

As a nation, and particularly as a member of the coalition, offending the Holy Kingdom was a serious matter, especially since Ashtalon had suffered the most in the recent crisis and was in dire need of aid from the Holy Kingdom’s clergy.

“My apologies, I should be the one to apologize,” Stalian V yielded, but Yuman merely shook his head, “No, your apology should be directed to Brother Alon.”

“What? To me? No, that’s not necessary,” Alon quietly refused, still trying to make sense of the situation.

Whether Yuman was aware of Alon’s thoughts or not, he remained unruffled, “Brother Alon has been acting for the good of the world, and he was met with distrust.”

“It wasn’t distrust, merely some points that needed clarification,” Stalian V said, but he soon fell silent.

Though the saint said nothing further, the look on his face communicated his message clearly, and Stalian V understood he was being silently rebuked.

“Marquis, I apologize.”

Once more, he lowered his head.

“……It’s fine.”

Alon accepted the apology with an awkward, though to others, a composed demeanor.

Then, “Brother.”

He felt a peculiar emotion as he watched Yuman give a slight nod, his expression seeming to say, ‘Have faith in me.’

‘…I am grateful, but isn’t this a little excessive?’ Alon wondered as the thought surfaced and then vanished.

***

Dusk was settling beyond the window.

The conference concluded deep into the evening.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m alright.”

“That’s remarkable. When did you become so familiar with the saint?”

“……It’s complicated.”

Questioned by a curious Cretinia Siyan, Alon found himself at a loss for words.

Not because he wished to avoid the question, but because he himself wasn’t sure when his relationship with Yuman had developed to this point.

“If it’s something you’d rather not discuss, I won’t press you. In any case, after today, there should be no further need to call you in, so you ought to return and get some rest. You don’t appear to be in the best state.”

“I appreciate your consideration.”

“It’s nothing—until we meet again.”

Cretinia Siyan bid him a casual farewell and departed.

Observing her as she left, Alon was then met by Seolrang.

“Master! What was that about?”

“It was nothing serious.”

“Really? I’m glad!”

Beaming, Seolrang approached, and Alon gently stroked her head.

“So, are you returning now?”

“Most likely. I require rest.”

“Oh…”

Seolrang’s face fell with evident disappointment.

“Master! Will you come to the colony with me!?”

“……Another time. I will need to visit eventually.”

“Ah, that’s a shame, but I understand.”

Despite her disappointment, Seolrang nodded in acceptance.

Watching her, Alon smiled unconsciously, like a fond parent, and patted her head even more earnestly.

“Brother.”

“……Saint.”

Yuman approached unexpectedly and initiated a conversation.

“Are you feeling well?”

“Not entirely, but I believe some rest will restore me.”

“I am glad to hear it.”

“But, are you certain this is alright?”

“What do you mean?” Yuman asked directly.

Alon paused briefly before saying, “You spoke in my defense.”

“Ah—do not trouble yourself over it. I only did what was right.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes.”

Alon felt a vague disquiet at Yuman’s resolute reply.

He was thankful for the assistance, but he sensed it might be rooted in some sort of misapprehension.

‘I am not certain what misconception he is operating under…’

As Alon’s face showed a trace of unease, Yuman noticed and went on, “Have you been in regular contact with Archbishop Yutia?”

“We have corresponded.”

“I see.”

A look of concern appeared on Yuman’s face.

“Brother, I must tell you again, it is unwise to be associated with Archbishop Yutia.”

“……Is that so?”

“Yes. Believe me.”

Yuman’s lips set in a firm line.

Alon’s expression became more troubled.

Recalling past interactions, Yuman had consistently cautioned him against Yutia.

Therefore, “I feel I should ask, in case there is some confusion.”

“No.”

Rather than addressing the possibility of a misunderstanding, Yuman’s face took on the look of a parent giving grave advice.

“Remember what I tell you, Brother, Yutia is an individual you must be extremely wary of. She is secretive. Keep my words in mind.”

Yuman, appearing sincerely worried, repeated his warning multiple times.

Sensing instinctively that any reply would only prolong the circular discussion, Alon said, “……Yes, well………….. I will heed your advice.”

“Good.”

He gave a reluctant nod, and then Yuman, with a serene smile, turned and walked away.

“……He may be more perceptive than I assumed.”

“Huh?”

Startled by Seolrang’s sudden comment, Alon tilted his head slightly.

The following day, after listening to a variety of bewildering discussions, Alon departed from Tern and journeyed to his own lands.

Meanwhile, in the Harlem district of Laksas.

Alexion, an Appraiser who, after a previous encounter with Radan, had resolved to live more purposefully rather than fritter his days away, was confronted with a sudden calamity.

The calamity was, “Ra, Radan… sir?”

“Hey, you doing alright?”

It was the very man who had disrupted his life, the Pirate King of Laksas, smiling cheerfully.

“Y-yes, I’ve been fine……. But, what are you doing here…………?”

Alexion instinctively bent his waist and inquired, his head shaking meekly.

Though he usually bowed to no one, having witnessed the fate of those who opposed Radan, this submissive posture came naturally.

Radan, apparently pleased with his attitude, nodded and asked,

“So, are you still involved in any shady dealings?”

“What!? No, of course not! I left all that behind some time ago-!”

Alexion objected as if deeply wronged.

It was true; he had abandoned his illegal enterprises since his time in Harlem, clearly influenced by Radan’s words, “Stop your illegal activities and live properly.”

Radan had said this offhandedly while tapping his head a few times, but for Alexion, the event had become a source of trauma, and he had genuinely followed Radan’s instruction.

Lately, he had embarked on a lawful enterprise.

Alexion, whose mind was sharp for profit, found that even without illicit ventures, he possessed a natural flair for business and was already earning a substantial income.

“Is that so?”

“Yes, yes- I am truly engaged only in legitimate business now.”

To demonstrate his honesty, Alexion met Radan’s gaze with a clear, earnest expression and nodded repeatedly.

“Then, you will go to my brother’s domain.”

“What……?”

An unbelievable command, or rather, an order, was issued.

“You heard me.”

“I did, but…… by brother, do you mean- the Marquis Palatio’s domain?”

Alexion questioned whether he had misheard.

“Yes, you heard correctly.”

“Why should I go there?”

“You have a talent for business, don’t you?”

“Yes…… well, I suppose.”

“Go there and conduct business, you know, the usual,”

Radan paused, scratching his head, then added, “Develop some local products, attract people to the domain, that sort of thing.”

“……Me?”

“Yes, you.”

“… Why me?”

He appeared even more bewildered.

“You have a problem with that?”

Following Radan’s question, “……No.”

“If you have a problem, just say it.”

“I-”

“Go on, just say it.”

“I will go.”

Alexion found he had no alternative but to comply.

“That’s better, a wise choice.”

Radan gave his shoulder a casual pat and left with an easy air.

After a short while, Alexion, after ensuring he was alone, cried out, “They won’t leave me in peace!!!”

Bang!

He struck the desk and yelled, “What?”

Instantly, Radan pushed the door open and returned.

“Gasp-”

“You called for me?”

Radan’s question.
“No. Not at all.”

Alexion shook his head vigorously, hands raised in a defensive gesture, “Alright, then. Do a good job?”

“Yes, yes……………”

Radan shrugged, turned around, and exited.

Alexion shut his eyes tightly and then checked the room once more.

‘Sigh…’

He let out a quiet, internal sigh.