Became the Patron of Villains Novel MTL - Chapter 212

Chapter 212

 

Inside the Office 🧑‍💼

 

Alon’s gaze was unfocused, fixed on the space before him.

Standing in his presence were two individuals—more accurately, an elf and a lizardman.

One was Rim, whose entire demeanor spoke of unyielding loyalty toward Alon.

Unlike their initial meeting in Greynifra, her eyes now shone brightly, and she carried herself with the utmost deference.

The other was Zukurak, the lizardman who had recently paid Alon a visit, still radiating his familiar, loud energy.

Alon looked between the two, cautiously lifting a hand to rub his temple.

“So, what exactly is the issue?”

“We came to settle who should be responsible for your safety.”

“You merely need to choose, my friend! We will take care of the rest!”

While Rim maintained a respectful bow, Zukurak let out a booming laugh.

“…Hold on, that’s not the point…”

Naturally, Alon wasn’t just concerned with the final outcome.

For starters, he couldn’t comprehend why Rim and Zukurak were there together.

More than anything, he couldn’t grasp how this entire situation had developed.

He understood the literal meaning of “offering protection.”

But why was this subject even raised, how did the discussion progress, and how did it escalate to this current state?

It was completely bewildering to him.

…Even if he were to charitably accept this kind of behavior from the elves, why were the lizardmen involved?

His eyes instinctively drifted to Zukurak, whose presence was especially confusing.

“Hmph—just as I anticipated, the marquis possesses keen judgment. We are indeed far superior to those long-eared folk.”

“This man—”

Alon had merely glanced at him out of sheer perplexity.

Yet Zukurak confidently reached a conclusion, while Rim scowled at his boastful remarks.

Less than half an hour had passed since Alon entered the office, and he had already sighed repeatedly.

“…I believe I require an initial explanation. Could you clarify exactly what is happening?”

“Ah…! I shall explain immediately.”

Taken aback by Alon’s request, Rim instantly snapped to attention, standing rigidly straight.

Alon felt such strict formality was unnecessary.

However, knowing that telling her to relax would be futile, he quietly listened to her recount the events.

After a certain amount of time had passed.

“In short, you are competing over who gets to assume my security detail.”

“That is correct.”

“Precisely.”

Rim and Zukurak affirmed with certainty.

Alon maintained a neutral expression, but internally, he was utterly dumbfounded.

Because their discussion and decision were reached without any input or consideration of his own wishes.

Of course, having protection wasn’t inherently a negative thing.

From Alon’s viewpoint, it was actually quite tempting.

In a perilous dark fantasy realm, additional security was undeniably an asset.

However, Alon’s primary concern was that this entire dispute was founded upon a misunderstanding.

He had a rough grasp of the elves’ mistaken rationale.

But he had no clue what motivated the lizardmen to participate.

‘No, seriously, how are they even getting this wrong?’

He could attempt to infer something based on Zukurak’s previous comments.

But even so, he couldn’t fathom how things had escalated to an actual rivalry for his protection.

Even after hearing their explanation just moments ago…

After a brief pause for thought, Alon spoke.

“…I appreciate the thoughtfulness, but I don’t actually require any protection.”

“Oh—”

“Hmm.”

Rim and Zukurak let out soft sounds of disappointment.

Alon, though slightly tempted by the prospect, remained firm in his decision.

Receiving protection completely free of charge.

It was an attractive proposition, but it felt like a deceptive trap.

Everything originated from an error in perception.

Although Alon had never intended it, they had leaped to conclusions entirely on their own.

Regardless, Alon had already accrued several advantages from their misconception.

If he pressed his luck further and accepted protection, and those assigned to guard him observed his actions closely, they might uncover their mistake.

Should that occur, the harm he would sustain would greatly exceed any benefits gained thus far.

‘Besides, I’ve started gathering divine energy now.’

Recalling the amount of divinity he had accumulated, Alon let out a silent breath and looked at the two.

For the time being, he needed to maintain their misconception.

“Therefore, I must decline your offer.”

“…I understand.”

“That is unfortunate.”

Rim and Zukurak could not conceal their dismay.

“Understood. Since you insist, I will not raise the subject again.”

“I shall abide by the words of the Primordial Elf.”

Zukurak bowed profoundly, and Rim, who now addressed Alon without reservation as the “Primordial Elf,” followed suit.

With the matter settled, Alon let out a small sigh of relief as he dismissed them.

Evan shrugged his shoulders.

“They’re growing quite desperate to look after you now.”

“…I genuinely have no idea what prompts this behavior.”

“Truly?”

“Yes.”

Evan mused aloud before drawing attention to something.

“Oh, Marquis. Did you notice that?”

“That?”

“Yes, that.”

Following the direction of Evan’s hand, Alon directed his gaze toward the window.

Outside, he spotted the enormous sculpture that Deus had presented to him on his birthday.

“…?”

“…?”

It hadn’t been present when Alon had departed earlier.

Now, the statue featured two immense horns.

“…When did it grow horns?”

As Alon posed the question, Deus replied as if he had been anticipating it.

“I heard Deus made preparations beforehand. Some laborers arrived before we returned and affixed them.”

“…Can a statue just be modified like that?”

“Normally, no. But apparently, it’s achievable with magic. It’s quite costly, though.”

Alon stared blankly at the statue, his mouth slightly agape.

Now adorned with two massive horns, it no longer resembled a human—

It looked like a being emerging from the underworld, roaring, “You must rise too!”

‘…More mortifying than I anticipated.’

Alon let out another deep sigh.

---

Two months elapsed since the visit of Rim and Zukurak to the Palatio Marquisate.

By the time winter had fully arrived, blanketing the world in white snow—

“Let’s conclude for the day.”

“Oh, already?”

“Yes, it’s been more taxing than I expected.”

“Understood.”

Alon was immersed in magical research alongside Penia.

More precisely, in the joint study of divine power and magic.

Slightly out of breath, he took several deep gulps of air.

Penia handed him a towel and remarked,

“Nevertheless, it seems you’ve nearly perfected its practical application.”

“That certainly appears to be the case.”

“Yes, but no matter how many times I observe it, it remains captivating. Converting mana into lightning… I had an inkling when you first demonstrated your divine power, but seeing it always astonishes me.”

Penia added as an afterthought, “Well, that’s precisely why the spell we’re currently developing is technically feasible.”

Alon nodded before inquiring, “Haven’t you witnessed even more extraordinary things?”

“That is true. Even after changing mana into lightning, it proceeded to shift again to mirror your sigil. Just like Blackie.”

Penia gestured toward the desk where Blackie was perched.

[Meow?]

Blackie, who had been lazily pawing at magical components, turned his attention to Penia and Alon.

“It definitely warrants thorough investigation in various aspects.”

“I am always thankful. Thanks to your assistance, our research is advancing rapidly.”

“I’m receiving ample in return, so it’s fine. Besides, this research is enjoyable.”

After offering mild praise to Penia, whose face glowed with pride, Alon sat down and systematized all the information he had discovered regarding divine power over the preceding two months.

There were three essential findings.

First, to utilize divine power for manifestation, one must possess a clear comprehension of its capabilities.

Second, a distinct trigger must be identified for the manifestation to occur.

Third, it was impossible to employ two divine powers simultaneously.

In other words, since Alon was employing Kalannon’s divine power, he was unable to use any other divine power whatsoever.

‘Although, the Primordial Elf’s divine power is an exception since I can at least cloak myself with it.’

However, since he hadn’t fully grasped the Primordial Elf’s divine abilities, he couldn’t manifest them yet either.

‘…Should I visit Greynifra and inquire about its true nature?’

Lately, Alon had been considering how to accurately understand the power of the Primordial Elf.

“Ah, Marquis.”

“What is it?”

“I seem to recall hearing that you plan to relocate next month. Is that correct?”

At the unexpected question, Alon confirmed with a nod.

“Yes, I will likely be moving next month.”

In truth, if the sole purpose was to travel to Caliban, he could afford to take his time.

However, he intended to leave slightly earlier so he could also make a stop in Asteria.

‘I need to meet Siyan.’

He had to report to her about his visit to Greynifra.

Hearing Alon’s reply, Penia slowly nodded before stating,

“Hmm… Then by that time, this research should be finalized.”

“That seems probable. All that remains is careful refinement.”

“Even so, just in case, it would be wise to avoid using it in actual combat, even if the adjustments are perfect. It is undoubtedly groundbreaking, but there are still significant risks involved.”

Muttering to herself that it would be wonderful if they could conduct research more often, Penia sighed.

Alon concurred with her assessment.

The current rate of accumulating divine power was not quite sufficient to engage in unrestricted research.

“Though, compared to the beginning, I’ve amassed quite a lot.”

Back when he first commenced research at the Marquisate, he could barely conduct experiments once every three days.

But now, he was capable of researching almost once per day.

As Alon pondered this fact, a question suddenly surfaced in his mind.

‘…Wait? Now that I think about it, why is my divine power accumulating so rapidly?’

He hadn’t questioned it earlier, but upon reflection, it struck him as slightly odd.

Thanks to the events in the jungle last time, faith had likely been gathering more effectively.

However, even taking that into account—

The power he was once able to use only every three days could now be used nearly every day?

Immediately, Alon entered a meditative state and examined Kalannon’s divine power.

And then—

“???”

He saw it.

Three months ago, Kalannon’s divine power consisted only of itself and the Star of Sili, which had directly granted him power. The rest had been utter darkness.

But now, a vast, azure nebula had formed encircling it.

“…What is this?”

His face was momentarily filled with confusion.

Since he couldn’t continue deep contemplation inside Penia’s office, Alon hastily returned to his study.

And the moment he arrived—

“Marquis, did you hear the news?”

“What news?”

“Sili has been made a saintess.”

“What?”

Before he could fully process his thoughts, a piece of shocking information left him utterly stunned.