Became the Patron of Villains Novel MTL - Chapter 195

Chapter 195

Alon possessed limited knowledge concerning **’Zukurak, the Scarred.’**

From the moment of his inception, **Zukurak** was designed for downloadable content (DLC) promotion, endowed with preposterous, overpowering abilities.

For **Alon**, who took pride in conquering the game **Psychedelia** without ever needing DLC assistance, familiarity with the character was unnecessary.

Consequently, his understanding of **Zukurak** was remarkably superficial.

‘At best, I’m only aware that the figure within that dark suit of armor is a **Lizardman** and that he is formidable.’

Those two pieces of information were his complete extent of knowledge.

Because he knew nothing more, **Alon** could only grow increasingly bewildered.

Why was **Zukurak** showing him such deference by bowing his head?

He couldn’t even begin to formulate a theory for this behavior.

Therefore, he shifted his attention to **Duke Merkiliane**, hoping to spot some indication.

“???”

…But the **Duke** was merely staring wide-eyed at both him and **Zukurak**, evidently just as confused.

Ultimately, **Alon** spoke:

“…What exactly are you trying to convey?”

“Just what I’ve stated. I cannot believe the great entity’s companion has genuinely been restored to life!”

“R-Restored to life?”

Despite **Alon’s** inquiry, **Zukurak** continued to repeat the same pronouncements, seemingly quite content with his own conclusions.

Furthermore, **Duke Merkiliane** had begun to formulate his own peculiar misconception.

Observing the two of them, **Alon** quickly interjected.

“I apologize, but I suspect there’s been a misinterpretation. Not only am I entirely ignorant of this ‘great entity’ you speak of, but I also do not know who you are.”

**Alon** delivered his statement plainly.

“…?”

**Zukurak** subtly cocked his head and examined **Alon**.

He appeared to be momentarily pondering, ‘Could I truly be mistaken?’

But the pause was fleeting.

“Ha ha—”

**Zukurak** suddenly erupted in robust laughter.

“There’s no need to test me, my lord! Though I am but an ordinary being, I received power from the great entity, which permits me to sense and discern your distinctive radiance.”

“…Ah.”

Only then did **Alon** grasp what **Zukurak** was perceiving.

Because, in fact, **Alon** did possess a special aura.

However, **Alon** had never considered that his aura had any connection whatsoever to the **Lizardmen**.

Their territory was situated beyond **Greynifra**, the region governed by the **Elves**.

Yes, that should be the case…

‘But then again, I assumed I had no connection to the **Primordial Elf**, yet I became entangled with them. Is it possible I also share ties with the **Lizardmen**?’

The realization crossed his mind in a flash.

But before he could fully process the notion—

“At any rate, since I’ve verified it, I must take my leave! The great entity will undoubtedly be pleased!”

Before **Alon** could arrange his thoughts, **Zukurak** announced his departure.

**Alon** contemplated asking for more information but held his tongue.

By now, he had started to reach a conclusion.

No matter what he said, **Zukurak**, with his cheerful disposition, would never be convinced otherwise.

Furthermore—

There was no necessity to offer detailed explanations about his journey to **Greynifra** or how he acquired his aura.

Even though **Siyan** had made a request, and **Alon** had traveled there without difficulty, the **Allied Kingdom** and the **Allied Races** had never enjoyed an especially friendly relationship.

If **Zukurak** were the sole person present, it wouldn’t be an issue. But with **Duke Merkiliane** nearby, there was no logical reason to elaborate on every detail.

And so—

“Then, I shall return again shortly with a missive from the great entity!”

“Ah, very well, do so then, Marquis.”

**Alon** neither prevented **Zukurak** nor **Duke Merkiliane** from leaving.

Shortly after they exited the territory—

“Marquis.”

“Yes?”

“How does it feel to be identified as the associate of someone immensely important, even though you have no idea who that person is?”

“…It’s complicated.”

**Alon** acted as if he were musing on the question himself, but—

“I assumed as much. But what if the person was someone like **Basiliora**?”

[? Why are you suddenly looking for an argument with me?]

“I’m not looking for an argument. I’m simply stating reality.”

[You insolent child—! I should have consumed you entirely when I first manifested—!!]

Watching **Evan** naturally dispute with **Basiliora**, **Alon** shook his head gently.

***

The following day.

**Alon**, preparing to tackle the massive quantity of tasks that had accumulated at the Marquis’s residence, encountered a surprise.

There was substantially less paperwork than he had anticipated.

He was momentarily perplexed, but he quickly found out the reason.

“**Radan** handled the responsibilities?”

“Y-Yes.”

Unlike their previous meeting, **Alexion** now appeared utterly drained.

Seeing him, **Alon** released a quiet sigh.

‘Now that I think about it, he did mention something of the sort on his birthday.’

**Radan** had confidently declared, “I know people who will execute the work exceptionally well!”

And as if to substantiate his assertion,

**Alexion** had meticulously processed all the documents, leaving **Alon** with only the final authorizations.

‘He certainly appears capable… though he looks incredibly exhausted.’

Although his expression remained composed, **Alon** felt a slight wave of sympathy.

His appearance was quite regrettable.

‘Hmm, where have I seen that kind of expression before? Ah—**Penia** looked like that too.’

Well, regardless of that.

Since he had no desire to return to the agonizing workload he had endured previously—

“In that case, I will rely on you.”

“I will perform to the best of my ability.”

He couldn’t afford to dismiss such a valuable assistant who had voluntarily presented himself.

**Alexion** nodded with an unusual expression—one that couldn’t strictly be categorized as a smile or a grimace.

Still, **Alon** understood he needed to compensate him fairly.

“Since you’re managing such a demanding workload, I’ll ensure you’re compensated appropriately. How does this sound?”

**Alon** casually extended a sheet of paper to him.

**Alexion**, still looking weary, examined its contents.

“I will execute my duties absolutely flawlessly~!!”

He offered a salute with virtually explosive enthusiasm.

Even though he had just spoken the same words, this time, his voice was brimming with sincerity.

‘As expected, money is the ultimate incentive.’

**Alon** reaffirmed his belief in the influence of wealth.

After concluding his business with the now cheerful **Alexion**—

‘Should I go to see **Penia** right away now that the work is finished?’

**Alon** was about to set off to visit **Penia** when he suddenly directed his gaze toward the window.

There it stood.

Still prominently positioned in the center of his territory ever since his birthday.

—To be honest, it was still a little, no, very awkward—

A colossal statue.

At that moment—

“Marquis, what are you doing?”

“Hm? Oh, I was just observing the statue.”

“Ah, are you aware? I heard a rather intriguing rumor upon returning to the estate.”

**Evan**, who had approached without being noticed, spoke in a lowered tone.

“They say the statue’s eyes sometimes shift.”

“…The eyes move?”

“Yes.”

“Is that a ghostly tale?”

“It started as one, but it seems that more and more people have recently claimed to witness it.”

The eyes.

**Alon** looked at the statue’s two eyes.

‘If those things were to actually move, it would be quite alarming.’

No matter how many times he looked at it, the diamond eyes were somewhat overwhelming.

“Well, since it appeared so unexpectedly, I suppose a few local legends are inevitable.”

“That is true.”

“…Ah, now that I consider it, what became of that creature? The one **Radan** brought back.”

“Oh, that one? We released it into the garden pond.”

“…The pond?”

“Yes, you should be able to see it if you look in that direction.”

Following **Evan**, **Alon** moved toward the window overlooking the garden.

“Aww— So adorable!”

“Why does it resemble a serpent but not appear creepy at all?”

“Look at those bright, shining eyes!”

There, he saw the **Sea Deity** being lavishly adored by the maids.

It didn’t seem to mind the attention, either.

As if enjoying the entire situation, it wriggled gently in the pond while accepting the treats the maids offered.

**Alon** and **Evan** were left completely speechless.

“By the way, isn’t that a freshwater pond?”

“…Can a creature that lived in the ocean survive in fresh water?”

“Well, since it appears to be doing just fine, I assume it’s not a concern?”

“…I suppose not. Ah—”

“Did something occur to you?”

“I was thinking it’s time to open my present.”

“…Present? Oh, you mean the one **Yutia** gave you?”

Nodding, **Alon** returned to his desk and retrieved the box **Yutia** had presented to him.

She had instructed him to open it one month later.

Now, after all this time, **Alon** silently gazed at the sealed box.

Then, with care, he unwrapped it.

“…Hm?”

Inside was a brooch.

A brooch set with a dazzling red jewel.

“A brooch, is it?”

“Indeed.”

**Alon** took it out and nodded.

“Hmm~”

**Evan**, observing from the side, remarked.

“Well, a gift is ultimately about the thought behind it, but after waiting an entire month, don’t you find it a bit underwhelming from your viewpoint, Marquis?”

At first glance, **Yutia’s** brooch did not appear as magnificent or powerful as some of the other presents.

However—

“It’s not disappointing in the least.”

**Alon** was not the slightest bit let down.

“Truly?”

“Yes. As you said, the value of a gift lies in the intention.”

Gently tracing his fingers over the brooch,

**Alon** then slipped it into the breast pocket of his coat.

“This is more than sufficient.”

Before he was even aware of it—

“Uh…?”

A soft smile had appeared on his face.

A clear and undeniable expression of pleasure that anyone could recognize.

Seeing that look,

‘Lately, his feelings show so readily when those children are involved.’

**Evan** couldn’t help but entertain that thought.

***

**Duke Merkiliane** had been traveling for approximately an hour since departing the Marquis’s estate.

He turned to glance at **Zukurak** beside him.

“Hm-hmm~”

**Zukurak** was even lightly humming a tune, clearly in excellent spirits.

Meanwhile, **Duke Merkiliane** had absolutely no comprehension of the preceding events.

They hadn’t even engaged in a meaningful discussion.

**Zukurak** had simply announced that he had confirmed something and that they needed to leave.

—Not that he could have easily inserted himself into their exchange to ask questions, in any case.

Since he hadn’t managed to understand anything properly—

“May I pose a question to you?”

“What is it?”

**Duke Merkiliane** questioned **Zukurak**.

“Earlier, you mentioned you came to verify whether the **Marquis Palatio** was a divine being, correct?”

“That is correct.”

“…And did you complete your verification?”

“Of course.”

“You determined that simply by looking at him?”

“Yes.”

**Duke Merkiliane’s** furrow deepened.

“As I recall, you had encountered the Marquis before this. Is that not right?”

“That’s right.”

“…Then, if it was discernible just by sight, why were you unable to confirm it on that prior occasion?”

A perfectly reasonable question.

**Zukurak** gave a slight smirk.

“Because, at that time, I was distracted by something else.”

“Something else?”

“…No, reflecting on it now, perhaps the great entity deliberately concealed his influence. I can perceive it so vividly now, yet then, I only sensed that.”

**Zukurak**’s voice trailed off as he became absorbed in his private reflections.

Naturally—

**Duke Merkiliane** found no satisfactory answers in this dialogue.

From his perspective, **Marquis Palatio** was just a nobleman.

…Of course, not an ordinary nobleman.

Regardless, even if he possessed unique qualities, asserting he was a god was an entirely different matter.

“Ultimately, this is too outrageous to accept so readily.”

That was the only conclusion the **Duke** could arrive at.

Hearing this, **Zukurak** let out a brief laugh.

“You are not obligated to force yourself to believe it.”

“…What are you implying?”

“Because you will soon be persuaded by those who are on the verge of overtaking us.”

**Zukurak** delivered yet another enigmatic statement.

“??”

Just as **Duke Merkiliane**’s expression twisted with confusion—

“Hmm— They’ve finally arrived.”

Muttering to himself, **Zukurak** directed his gaze forward.

And there, emerging from the forest shadows beneath the setting sun—

“…**Elves**?!”

—A contingent of **Elves**.

And then—

“Ha ha ha! These pointed-ear fools. I was anticipating when they would finally show themselves, after lurking about the **Primordial One’s** domain for such a long time.”

Following **Zukurak’s** booming laughter, **Duke Merkiliane** heard it.

A chilling voice carried on the air—

“Do not approach the **Primordial Elf**, reptile.”