Became the Patron of Villains Novel MTL - Chapter 192

Chapter 192

To be truthful, Alon wasn’t precisely sure himself.

He could only formulate rough estimations regarding the developing circumstances. He truly lacked a complete grasp.

For instance, he didn’t know the exact origin point of the five divine essences he observed during his meditative state. The only possibility he could entertain was that the oddly crackling azure sphere might be the divine essence of “**Kalanon, the Thunder Receiver**.” As for the others, he had no indication of where they came from.

Similarly, Alon’s selection of the verdant divine essence was simply due to the fact that, unlike the others, it appeared to throb as if inviting his choice. At that time, he had no means of knowing where this particular divine essence had aggregated from.

It was only when his hand, enveloped in the green divine essence, made contact with the inscribed area, and he witnessed the immediate growth of new shoots, that he vaguely deduced this essence was linked to this location, **Greynifra**. But even this was merely an assumption.

Indeed, it was nothing more than a conjecture.

Until he saw the reactions of the elves.

A group of elves, accompanying Alon, led the ascent toward the upper root structures. Alon studied their demeanor with a peculiar look.

Just moments prior, on their descent deeper, their faces had been taut with anxiety and frustration. Yet, as if by illusion, those feelings had completely vanished. In their place, a collective sense of profound dignity emanated from every single one of them.

A magnificent entity— They were clearly experiencing pride in the fact that they were attending to the **Primordial Elf**.

Alon found this overwhelmingly taxing. Understandably, he was not the **Primordial Elf**.

No, furthermore— He didn’t even know what manner of existence the **Primordial Elf** was, what their appellation was, or even the purpose of the **Primordial Elf**.

…He could understand the reason for their mistake, however.

‘It must be due to the energy I employed.’

The green divine essence.

A potency that instantly saturated the space with the pulse of vibrant azure vitality. Now, the reason was obvious.

That power— It was the divine essence of the **Primordial Elf**. For the elves to mistake him for the **Primordial Elf** was, in a sense, entirely consistent.

Furthermore, Alon surveyed his surroundings.

From the very base of the roots, new growth was starting to infuse life even into the withered, desiccated roots.

If one were to witness this miracle firsthand—

‘Even I would behave like these elves.’

The elves, radiating a sense of dedication and honor as if safeguarding a noble personage. Their faces glowed with a blend of euphoria, resolve, and deep veneration.

And that was precisely the source of Alon’s discomfort.

While everything was unfolding naturally, ultimately, all of this— originated from a misapprehension.

‘It’s just…’

For some unknown reason, among the higher elves, the rumor that Alon was the **Primordial Elf** had circulated. And because of that erroneous belief, adoration had accumulated, leading to the formation of the green divine essence.

Then today, Alon utilized that divine essence. A miraculous feat was accomplished. And now, even more elves had been convinced that he was truly the **Primordial Elf**.

In essence, he had deployed a divine essence born from a misconception, which only amplified the delusion that he was an authentic deity.

The sheer ludicrousness of the circumstance made even Alon, who rarely showed agitation, slightly wince.

“Primo— no, **Marquis**. Is something troubling you?”

**Rim** immediately inquired, having noticed his reaction.

“…”

In reality, she was the one causing him the most unease.

Until they had entered the roots, her demeanor had been persistently cold. Even when Alon had casually directed a question to her, she had responded curtly.

Since she had been obliged to undertake an irritating task, Alon had been understanding. Her blunt attitude hadn’t particularly bothered him.

But now—

“…No, it’s nothing.”

“If you are experiencing any distress, please voice it immediately! Primo—no, **Marquis**. Thanks to you, we are now able to employ arcane arts even within the roots!”

She referred to him with an awkward mix of “**Primo**” and “**Marquis**,” her face alight with commitment and dignity as she smiled brightly at him.

At her abrupt alteration, Alon fell silent before finally—

“…Understood.”

He nodded, though somewhat reluctantly.

***

“**Marquis**.”

“Speak.”

“What will your course of action be if you truly ascend to godhood and return?”

“…I didn’t seek to become one.”

“Is it possible for someone to become a god even if they don’t wish it?”

That—

“Apparently, it is.”

It transpired.

“So, even without aspiration, one can still become a god…”

“…But why are you raising this out of the blue?”

Two hours had already passed since their return from the roots.

Since the queen had gone into a consultation, Alon had been resting.

**Evan**, who had not accompanied them to the roots and had been idly spending the day, suddenly arrived with information.

“The external area is currently in absolute disarray.”

“?”

“They are proclaiming that the **Marquis** was genuinely the **Primordial Elf**.”

“…Wasn’t that rumor already circulating before?”

“No, I mean, previously, it was only a hearsay. But now, everyone is speaking as if it’s an established fact.”

“Elves certainly are quick to embrace rumors, aren’t they?”

“I heard it was the action of the **Shadow Leaves**… or something like that? Someone has been distributing the narrative everywhere.”

“Ah…”

Alon let out a profound sigh.

Observing this, **Evan** looked at him and asked,

“**Marquis**.”

“What is it?”

“I just want verification… Are you, by any chance, actually the **Primordial Elf** or something similar?”

“What does ‘or something similar’ even signify?”

“I mean, you know… Were you reborn? Or perhaps possessed by another being?”

Alon paused for a moment at **Evan’s** query.

He could simply deny it.

That would be the straightforward answer.

But for some reason, lying about this felt… inappropriate.

So, he hesitated before responding.

“At the very least, I do not believe I was ever the **Primordial Elf**.”

“Well, naturally not.”

**Evan** drawled his words.

Alon released a quiet sigh and pondered internally.

In truth, there were numerous other concerns beyond just the widespread reports.

‘The entity within the mirror, the fruit from the ancient arboreal being, the progenitor of avarice… I have learned how to employ divine essence, but there remain three fresh enigmas. Would the queen possess any insight into them if I were to ask her?’

Just as Alon was immersed in thought—

*Knock, knock.*

“Primo—no, **Marquis**. Her Majesty has requested your presence for an audience.”

At the sound of the peculiar title once more—

“…I shall proceed now.”

Still unable to entirely shake off the awkwardness, Alon rose to his feet.

***

“Your Majesty, do you genuinely consider this prudent!? Regardless of the circumstances, dispatching an unverified individual down to the roots in this manner—do you comprehend the extent of the peril involved!?”

“Lord **Paloel**, this matter was settled a considerable time ago, was it not?”

“I am speaking of the consequences! Even if **Philde** acknowledged him, that was still nothing more than speculation!”

The moment Alon approached the audience chamber, voices erupted from inside.

‘…This concerns me.’

Before Alon could even feel uncomfortable about the elderly man’s fervent voice—

“Your Majesty, **Marquis Palatio** has arrived.”

Without hesitation, as if unconcerned, **Rim** announced his arrival.

“Enter.”

After a brief silence, the doors opened, and an old elf strode out.

His long, waist-length white hair swayed, and his entire bearing radiated fury.

After glancing at **Rim** with an impassive gaze, his eyes fixed upon Alon.

A brief exchange of looks.

For an instant, a wave of overt animosity emanated from the old elf.

‘…Tsk.’

Clicking his tongue, he turned away from Alon and swept past him.

“I apologize. The consultation was delayed somewhat… Someone simply refused to let it conclude.”

The queen’s voice followed.

Alon shook his head.

“It’s quite alright. I did not wait for an extended period.”

“So, what was the experience like inside? The meeting just ended, so I have not yet received the specifics. If you don’t mind, could you recount exactly what transpired within the roots?”

At **Magrina’s** request, Alon was silent for a moment before nodding.

He had questions to pose, after all.

***

Elder Council President **Paloel**

A member of the **Elder Council**, the second-highest governing body after the queen, currently composed of ten members.

He was far from pleased with the present situation.

And the rationale was uncomplicated—

The circulating stories that **Marquis Palatio** was the **Primordial Elf**.

‘A mere mortal…’

**Paloel** scowled.

The very concept that a human could be the **Primordial Elf** was repulsive.

Even if the queen and that exceptional sorcerer **Philde** had declared it so, he found it intolerable.

…No, to be utterly candid—

‘Confound it!’

The emergence of the **Primordial Elf** itself was the core of his vexation.

Because that implied—

The political structure among the elves could undergo a drastic change, becoming more akin to that of the lizardmen tribes.

And that, in turn, would directly impact his own sphere of influence.

Thus, upon returning to his personal office in the royal residence—

“Lord **Paloel**! Just a moment—”

“Enough! I have an engagement. We will converse later.”

“But it concerns the reports from the roots—”

“I will hear it later.”

Shrugging off an elf who had hurried over to deliver a report, he headed directly for a specific destination.

**Paggade’s** office. Where **Rim** was stationed.

Because **Paloel** knew—

That **Rim** was not entirely supportive of the current state of affairs.

Of course, unlike him, her discontent did not arise from fear of losing power. It was closer to genuine disapproval.

But that was hardly consequential.

As long as their objectives were in alignment.

What mattered was the removal of this so-called “**Primordial Elf**,” whose authenticity couldn’t even be confirmed.

Furthermore, **Rim** had also descended to the roots.

There was a possibility— that she had discovered a justification to force that man out.

Carrying that expectation, he entered the office.

“…Lord **Paloel**?”

“**Rim**.”

He faced her.

There was uncertainty in her gaze— but also… a faint trace of hostility.

‘…Hostility?’

**Paloel** was perplexed.

They weren’t particularly intimate, but they weren’t adversaries, either.

Just a few days ago, hadn’t they both expressed skepticism regarding the supposed **Primordial Elf** and found common ground?

Suppressing his doubt, **Paloel** inquired about her excursion.

“How was your journey to the roots?”

“…Satisfactory.”

“I see. The reason for my visit is straightforward—I have a query.”

Since **Rim** offered little response, **Paloel** seized the opportunity and continued.

“As you might anticipate, my question relates to that so-called **Primordial Elf**. That human who presumes to claim the title of the **Primordial Elf**.”

Naturally, **Paloel** was aware of the facts.

That the man himself had never laid claim to any such title.

He also knew that the origin and spread of the rumor stemmed from **Philde**.

But that was not the present concern.

What mattered was securing **Rim’s** backing.

“And so—”

He intentionally employed more aggressive terminology, hoping to provoke her agreement.

However—

“Cease.”

“…What?”

“I said, cease.”

Her words sliced through the air like a sharp edge.

Then—

“How dare you—”

Her expression, which had been impassive, twisted like that of a vengeful spirit.

“Are you insulting the **Primordial Elf** in my presence?”

A burst of murderous intent detonated, consuming the entire area.

“…”

**Paloel** stopped breathing.