Became the Patron of Villains Novel MTL - Chapter 186

Chapter 185: Day

 

After spending time with Yutia watching the spectacular evening bloom, she took her leave.

“I must depart now, My Lord.”

“Very well, safe travels.”

“Yes. Until next time.”

Even Yutia had now left the marquis’ estate.

The office, unlike the day before, had become noticeably silent.

‘…This feels almost like a reprieve.’

He recalled memories from his previous life.

His uncle and father, who were always clashing over their divergent political opinions every time they met.

His youngest sibling, who would take the elder’s computer and infect it with viruses.

Despite the chaos, it was a remarkably close-knit family.

Even though every gathering was a noisy affair, a feeling of absence always lingered once everyone departed.

“It does seem quite deserted, Marquis.”

Evan’s voice also carried a touch of wistfulness.

“I sense a bit of that, yes.”

“Don’t you?”

“Indeed.”

“Well, everyone has commitments to attend to, after all.”

Alon concurred with a nod and surveyed the office.

It felt a little empty.

“…Perhaps, the next time everyone is free, we should aim to make these gatherings a regular occurrence.”

Evan’s eyes widened momentarily before settling back to their normal size.

“Hmm— Let’s discuss that when we reconvene.”

Alon offered a slight affirmation.

“Understood. For now, we should begin our preparations.”

“By preparations, do you mean the elf village you spoke of previously?”

“Yes.”

Evan paused, offering a thoughtful sound.

“We will get ready, but are you certain about this? With respect, that location sounds quite perilous.”

“Hmm.”

The destinations Alon had visited so far hadn’t been particularly secure either.

But he wasn’t overly concerned about them.

He already possessed a certain amount of information.

However, the land of the elves, Greynifra—

Regrettably, there was almost no useful data available concerning it.

To the extent that—

He had no practical knowledge from playing Psychedelia and only a small amount from his current existence.

Even the limited details he did have might not be completely accurate.

It could indeed be somewhat dangerous.

The presence or absence of data significantly impacts the level of risk.

One can venture into an extremely hazardous environment, yet if they have knowledge of the area, they can mitigate dangers.

Conversely, a relatively safe location could become lethal if one is unaware of its traps.

But—

‘…Even taking all that into account, it’s still necessary to go.’

Whether by choice or fate—

Alon realized that he was profoundly linked to the many secrets surrounding Greynifra.

“…In any case, let’s just focus on preparing for now.”

“You won’t try to gather more intel before heading out?”

“I’ve already collected every piece of information I can possibly find at this point.”

“That’s true.”

Alon had tried to accumulate information regarding Greynifra.

The issue was—

Despite investing a considerable sum into research, he had uncovered nothing worthwhile.

Lingering to search further would not yield any results.

“For now, before entering non-human territory, we will gather more information in the nearby settlements or towns.”

“There should be a domain called Nail.”

“Then we will investigate there.”

With that decision made, a brief period passed.

“Marquis.”

“Is everything ready?”

“No, actually… Do you recall the Greenwood Trading Company?”

“…Ah, them?”

“Yes. It appears they’ve just arrived. Wouldn’t it be wise to have a brief word with them before we leave?”

Evan presented this unexpected update.

After a moment of consideration, Alon nodded.

“Certainly, let’s do that. We have the time, and this is our initial transaction.”

“Understood. I will bring them in.”

Evan turned and swiftly exited.

A short time later—

A man, guided by Evan, entered the office.

“Greetings, Marquis Palatio.”

“You are—”

“My name is Recon. I was positioned behind the company’s director last time…”

“Ah, I recall that.”

“It is an honor.”

Recon bowed deeply.

He was alone.

“But where is your company director?”

Alon’s question was reasonable.

Unless the business was minor, the head of the company would typically meet with nobles in person.

“My apologies. The company director was unfortunately attacked by monsters and is currently receiving care, making his attendance impossible.”

“…I understand. Please don’t worry about it.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

Recon offered another bow.

Then, they started their business discussion.

“Are the terms the same as our last agreement?”

“Yes, there are absolutely no changes.”

The terms were remarkably favorable to Alon.

It made him question whether a trading company should really be this accommodating.

But Alon did not press the matter.

After all, there was no drawback for him in this arrangement.

“Very well, let’s proceed on that basis.”

“Understood.”

The negotiation progressed smoothly, and once the contract was finalized—

Alon suddenly became curious.

“Now that I think about it, where does the Greenwood Trading Company typically operate?”

“The southern area.”

“Which specific areas do you frequent?”

“Hmm— We generally travel throughout the whole southern region. This trip is an exception, as we’ve come north to broaden our trade routes.”

At that, Alon asked with a hint of interest.

“Then, just out of curiosity—do you happen to know anything about Greynifra?”

“Greyni…fra?”

…

Until a moment ago, Recon had been smiling.

But now, his expression was filled with shock.

“Yes. But if it’s a delicate topic, you don’t need to answer. I was simply asking out of sheer curiosity.”

Hearing this, Recon quickly regained his composure.

“No, it’s just… I was a little surprised. You see… People rarely take an interest in Greynifra.”

“That is true.”

“But why are you suddenly inquiring about Greynifra—?”

Alon responded calmly.

“I have some business there.”

“Business… you say?”

“Yes.”

“Then, are you telling me you are heading to Greynifra?”

“That is correct. So I was curious. Things to be cautious of, or the route to get there.”

Hearing Alon’s words, Recon maintained a blank look briefly before speaking carefully.

“…I do possess a small amount of knowledge about it.”

“Then, I would be grateful if you could share any insights.”

And an hour later—

After Recon had departed—

“Marquis, should we set off now?”

“Yes, I believe we are ready.”

“Oh, and I looked into something—apparently, there is a person in Nail who has been foraging for medicinal herbs in the forests of Greynifra for a long time. If we consult with them, we might be able to gather more information.”

Evan offered some encouraging news, but Alon shook his head.

“No, I don’t believe that will be needed.”

“Huh? Why not?”

“I have already received some quite valuable information.”

“If you heard something useful… ah, from that merchant?”

“Yes, he knew a considerable amount.”

“…Really?”

Evan looked bewildered.

Alon was equally astonished.

He had inquired casually, assuming that since Recon primarily traveled in the south, he wouldn’t be very knowledgeable.

But the volume of information he received surpassed his expectations.

And it seemed highly credible.

‘…He even provided a detailed explanation of how to enter Greynifra.’

Alon couldn’t be one hundred percent certain it was all accurate.

But there was no apparent motive for Recon to invent information.

Furthermore, his descriptions were vivid and precise.

‘…Could he be an elf?’

That notion momentarily crossed Alon’s mind.

But he quickly dismissed it.

There was no reason for an elf to go to such lengths to conceal their identity and engage in trade with him.

“In any case, let’s begin our journey.”

“Understood.”

---

As Alon and Evan set off toward Greynifra—

The man who had just been at the marquis’ estate—Recon, or rather, Perion—could not conceal his utter confusion.

The cause was, naturally, the Marquis Palatio.

“The Primordial Elf is coming to Greynifra? Why? No, wait—did he figure out my true identity? That should be impossible…”

His thoughts spiraled into bewilderment.

Perion fought to compose himself, listing the things that didn’t make sense.

‘…Philde had stated clearly that the Primordial Elf was safeguarding something and would not visit Greynifra.’

“No, before that, why did he ask me for directions to Greynifra? He should absolutely know the way already.”

“Was he feigning ignorance to avoid getting involved? Wait—does that mean he recognized who I am?”

“That’s not possible. Last time, I was only caught because I used magic for my disguise. But this time, I used an elven heirloom for my transformation. Even the Queen and I weren’t detected before.”

“Or is he just pretending not to know?”

Unfortunately—

Every time he reached a conclusion, a fresh question would emerge.

His thoughts tangled endlessly.

Unable to resolve his confusion, Perion arrived at one definite conclusion.

He had to report this to the Queen—before the Primordial Elf entered Greynifra!

With that determination, Perion rushed away.

---

Arbiter Alexion

“Mm~”

Or rather, the owner of the grand auction house under the Marquis Palatio—Alexion.

Lately, his life had been highly gratifying.

Was it because he was accepting bribes from nobles?

Of course not.

Whenever he took a bribe, that cursed Radan or his blonde-haired subordinate would appear out of nowhere and seize everything.

Alexion had abandoned that habit long ago.

Yet, he was still living happily.

The reason?

Money kept pouring in, even without bribes.

Yes, money.

Alexion’s contentment was solely linked to wealth.

He had been happy making money while working in the slums of Raksas.

Even when he had no need to spend money, earning more brought him joy.

Simply put, as long as he had money, he was happy.

For him, money equaled happiness.

And for such a man—

“Ahahaha—”

The auction house under the Marquis Palatio was generating so much income that his grin nearly stretched to the ceiling.

Naturally, a portion of the profits was reinvested into the auction house and forwarded to the marquis.

But that did not trouble him.

Even after sending out those amounts—

The remaining funds were vastly greater than what he had earned hustling in the slums.

There was no way he wouldn’t be smiling.

Until—

“Oh? It’s been a while.”

“…Radan, sir?”

—his smile vanished.

At the sudden arrival of this fiend, Alexion barely managed to suppress a gasp.

“But… I thought you left yesterday?”

“Oh, I did. But I realized I neglected to take care of something my employer asked me to do, so I came back.”

“Haha… I see.”

“So, still profiting from bribes?”

Less than a second passed.

Alexion shook his head at least five times before yelling in a panic.

“Absolutely not! I swear, I have not accepted a single bribe since that time!”

“Is that so?”

“I swear upon the heavens!”

Alexion adopted the most sincere expression he could muster.

“Oh?”

Radan smirked, as if slightly impressed, and patted Alexion on the shoulder.

“Alright. Then I suppose you can be trusted?”

“Of course—”

“Good. Then you can temporarily manage my boss’s territory.”

“…Pardon me?”

A special assignment.

“Did you not hear me?”

“N-No, I did! I just—”

He had heard it clearly.

Too clearly, in fact.

Because those words from Radan’s mouth…

Essentially signaled the end of Alexion’s worry-free, happy life.

“You mean… acting as the lord?”

“Yep. Nothing major, just handling some paperwork. Summarize the important items~”

A major crisis.

Alexion’s mind raced.

Acting lord? Just the sound of the position was appealing.

In reality, it was indeed a desirable role.

First of all, if he became the acting lord—

He could rule like a king while the actual lord was away, skimming some generous under-the-table money.

But that was only possible if—

The territory was weak and lacked influence.

But if the territory in question belonged to the Marquis Palatio?

…He was finished.

There was not a single perk he could enjoy as acting lord.

If he took bribes, Radan would end him.

If he misused his authority, Radan would come after him.

If he tried any deceit, Radan would appear once more.

Everything—

Radan, Radan, Radan…!

Even if Radan didn’t come—

That blonde-haired girl would—

‘No…!’

Just thinking about it was terrifying.

In other words—

Acting as the lord of the Marquis Palatio’s estate was essentially—

A job with all the responsibility and none of the benefits.

Worse, unlike his current situation, he would have to endure a punishing workload.

And that wasn’t all.

One single misstep—

And his head could literally roll.

That’s why—

“So, what I’m suggesting is, perhaps I’m not the most suitable person for this kind of—”

“You can handle it, can’t you?”

“I mean, acting lord is not something you just casually—”

“You can handle it, can’t you?”

“Radan, sir? As you know, I’m just a worthless lowlife who crawled out of the slums, living however I please—”

“You can handle it, can’t you?”

Gasp!

This time, he couldn’t stop the hiccup.

Because the way Radan was smiling at him—

Clearly conveyed:

“You know how much I detest repeating myself, right?”

Radan’s fingers twitched, as if ready to decapitate him at any moment.

And so—

“…I will give it a try.”

“Excellent! That’s the attitude.”

In the end, Alexion gave his assent.

‘You utter scoundrel.’

A silent, tearful curse filled his heart.

“Hey.”

“Yes?”

“You just cursed, didn’t you?”

“N-No? I didn’t utter a word?”

“…Really? Felt like it. Very well then.”

And with that—

His last sliver of hope vanished before it could even solidify.

…It was late summer.