Became the Patron of Villains Novel MTL - Chapter 262

Chapter 262

Immediately after announcing that he had a present, Nangwon reached into his pocket and retrieved an object.

It was a pouch.

An exceedingly small one.

Alon stared at it blankly for a moment before realization struck him.

“Is that—”

“It is a subspace pouch.”

As if to prove the claim, Nangwon withdrew something from the tiny bag and set it down on the table.

It was a blade so magnificent it defied logic that it had been stored inside such a diminutive container.

“This is…?”

“It is the Sword of the Heavens.”

“Wh…”

A quiet gasp of awe escaped Alon’s lips.

He wasn’t intimately familiar with the lore of this specific artifact.

However, simply looking at its exterior, which radiated an aura of exorbitant value, compelled Alon to admire it.

“The… The Sword of the Heavens?”

Even Evan, who had been observing Nangyeon just a moment prior, stammered in shock.

“You recognize it?”

“Certainly, my lord! That blade was forged by a dwarf. It is a rarity that is nearly impossible to find, even within the Eastern Lands inhabited by other races—perhaps it is extinct even there!”

As Evan shouted with enthusiasm, Nangwon offered a smile and a nod.

“That is accurate.”

“…There is no need for you to bestow something so valuable upon me.”

“Not at all. This is all part of the gift I prepared for you, brother. And there is more to come.”

“More?”

“Yes.”

Nangwon then extracted a staff from the subspace pouch and presented it to Alon.

This time, Alon was unable to conceal his astonishment.

He knew this item all too well.

“The Staff of Verdancy?”

“Correct, brother. How did you identify it? Very few are aware of its existence.”

“…I happened to see it in a book once.”

He quickly made up an excuse when Nangwon inquired with curiosity, though naturally, his knowledge did not come from any book.

Unlike the Sword of the Heavens, the Staff of Verdancy was an item that appeared within the main scenario of Psychedelia.

‘If my memory serves, this staff usually shows up in the mid-to-late stages of the game…’

Moreover, based on Alon’s recollection, if one were building a character as a magic-type damage dealer focused on specific attributes, this tool was incredibly beneficial.

The reason was its ability to amplify the effects of specific magic by 300%.

Yet, despite knowing this, Alon had never attempted to acquire the Staff of Verdancy for a simple reason.

Acquiring it demanded an agonizing amount of repetitive labor.

It wasn’t just casual farming; it required months of non-stop grinding.

That was precisely why he never imagined he would see it in reality…

Alon gazed at the staff, his face expressionless but his eyes shimmering with wonder.

“I still have more gifts.”

Seemingly pleased with Alon’s reaction, Nangwon smiled and withdrew the next item.

“This is…?”

“It is the Ring of the Nameless Swordsman.”

“Wow, I’ve only heard the legends! Is that not the accessory that allows even ordinary people without magic to project sword aura simply by wearing it?”

“You are quite well-informed.”

Nangwon looked gratified by Evan’s excited commentary.

However, this time, Alon was genuinely impressed as well.

He had actually planned to seek out that very item himself before traveling to the Holy Kingdom.

‘I never expected to obtain it in this manner.’

Even though Alon was not a swordsman, he desired the ring because of a different artifact it could help him secure—one that was currently essential for him.

While Alon was lost in silent appreciation, Nangwon brought out another object.

“This is—”

“The Gauntlets of Conviction.”

“Wh—”

Both Evan and Alon inhaled sharply.

Then, Nangwon produced yet another piece of equipment.

Once again, accompanied by their stunned gasps, a new treasure emerged from the pouch.

“This time, it is the Gloves of the Hidden One.”

Alon and Evan continued to marvel without pause.

But then, ten minutes went by.

“This is the Iron Armor of Bion.”

“Oh.”

“Oh.”

Thirty minutes went by.

“This is the Tear of Orim.”

“Oh.”

“Wh…”

By the time an hour had elapsed.

“This is the Left Armguard of the Holy King.”

“…?”

“?.”

“…?”

Alon sensed that something was amiss.

He scanned his surroundings.

The tea room, which had previously held only refreshments—

Was now, inexplicably, overflowing with items covering the floor, the tables, and every available surface.

There was no longer anywhere to place one’s foot.

And the most bizarre aspect—

“Ahem, we are far from finished.”

—Was that items were still emerging from Nangwon’s petite pouch.

“Nangwon.”

“Yes? Is something the matter?”

“Do you still have a significant number of gifts left to present?”

Alon glanced toward the pouch.

“Yes, just a few more!”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. About five—”

Nangwon splayed his fingers as he replied, and Alon let out a small breath of relief.

Frankly, he had run out of exclamations of awe—it was becoming physically draining.

Just as Alon sighed lightly, “—hours should be sufficient to conclude.”

“…What?”

“Ah, perhaps six hours?”

The unexpected clarification left him dumbfounded.

“…????”

Alon’s pupils trembled in disbelief.

Ultimately, it was only after a full six hours had passed that Nangwon’s gift-giving ceremony finally concluded.

---

The following day, Alon felt a sense of vertigo just looking at the mountain of gifts stacked high in the tea room.

And on that same day, Nangwon and Nangyeon departed from the marquis’ estate.

“It would have been wonderful if you could have remained a while longer.”

“I would love nothing more, but I have too many matters to attend to at present. I will return for a visit once they are resolved.”

“Very well.”

“Please summon me if you ever require anything. I will come running…!”

With eyes full of admiration and a deep bow, Nangwon turned to depart—

But then—

“…Hm… Hmm.”

As if detecting something, he walked back toward Alon.

“Brother.”

“What is it?”

“It appears there is a disobedient wolf in your vicinity.”

He whispered the words softly.

“…A disobedient wolf?”

“Yes, but there is no need for concern. I will handle it.”

Shortly after, he flashed a bright smile and said, “Then, until next time!”

He left, bidding a cheerful farewell.

“He is quite a refreshing character for someone holding the title of King of Curses, is he not?”

The moment Nangwon was gone, Evan offered his observation.

Alon concurred.

“Indeed.”

“And he is quite different from the rumors I have heard as well.”

“Rumors? There were rumors about him?”

“Well, yes.”

Evan divulged the details.

“From what I understand, the King of Curses is reputed to be exceedingly violent and egotistical.”

“…Violent and egotistical?”

Alon recalled the image of Nangwon he had just witnessed.

Possessing striking looks that would turn heads anywhere, Nangwon had trailed after Alon with a joyous smile.

He seemed entirely removed from concepts like arrogance or cruelty.

The same applied to Nangyeon.

“…That sounds like baseless gossip.”

Alon questioned the validity of the hearsay.

“Honestly, I believe so too.”

“Right?”

“Yeah.”

Evan agreed with a weak voice.

Alon tilted his head at the sudden depletion of Evan’s energy.

“You seem dispirited.”

“I was rejected.”

“…Just now?”

“She told me she has no interest in men who are weaker than herself…”

Only then did the realization hit Alon.

Evan had confessed his feelings to Nangyeon.

“When did this occur?”

“…Yesterday.”

“You move fast, don’t you…”

“Well, I am a passionate man. Confidence is essential.”

“And now all that remains are ashes?”

The phrase “that is too harsh” practically was written across Evan’s face.

“…Marquis, are you aware that your deadpan remarks have become sharper of late?”

After replying to Evan’s grumbling, the afternoon arrived.

“Behold, my return!!!”

Penia came back from the Blue Tower.

Extremely noisily.

With a grin stretching all the way to the sky.

Fufufufufufu—she made odd sounds before speaking.

“Guess who I am?”

“The youngest scholar to present a thesis at the Mage Association.”

“Who am I???”

“The youngest to have a lead paper published by the Mage Association…!”

Answering her own inquiries, she began to boast proudly in front of Alon.

As if drunk on her own success, she bragged incessantly.

“Congratulations.”

“Hmph—Thank youuuuuu…”

At Alon’s single word of praise, Penia couldn’t stop her shoulders from bouncing with joy, and her cheeks flushed red.

“Oh, and Marquis. I found something for our upcoming research!”

“Research?”

“Yeah, remember our discussion last time? Regarding your spell formulas. I think I discovered something worth experimenting with.”

“That is good news.”

Penia had brought information with her.

After a brief compliment, Alon stood up and extended a pen toward her.

“?”

Penia looked confused, glancing back and forth between the pen and Alon.

“Now, could you assist me a little?”

When Alon offered the pen once more, Penia hesitated, then slowly opened her mouth.

“Who, who am I again?”

“The person who barely slept three hours a night for a month writing that paper…”

“And still managed to help calculate spell formulas for the Marquis throughout it all…”

In other words, she was exhausted.

But unfortunately for her, Alon was immune to such grievances.

To him—

“Penia, do you see this?”

“…Gasp.”

The artifacts left behind by Nangwon.

Simply put, they were the sort of objects that would make a researcher like Penia drool with curiosity.

“If you assist me now, I will allow you to study two more of these.”

“R-Really?”

“Yes.”

Nodding, Alon handed her the writing implement.

Penia let out a long, groaning sigh.

But upon seeing the mountain of artifacts behind Alon, her eyes darkened slightly as she said,

“I-I will do it.”

She grasped the pen as if signing a contract with a demon.

“A wise choice.”

Alon guided her to the desk, where she sat down with minimal energy.

And then—

“Wow.”

“What is it?”

“I just did not expect her to be put to work the instant she returned.”

At that moment, Evan entered the office and spotted Penia.

Looking as though even Satan wouldn’t go to such lengths, he gave Alon a disapproving stare.

“She is doing it of her own volition.”

Alon stood his ground.

“Fair enough. Oh, Marquis. Here.”

Without further comment, Evan handed Alon a letter.

“This is?”

“A missive from the royal family.”

“Ah.”

Alon was reminded once again that Siyan had been attempting to contact him.

Opening the letter, he discovered a single brief sentence.

[A new memory regarding you and the Cardinal has resurfaced. Please come to see me.]

A very simple line.

But to Alon, it was not something he could ignore.

“…It seems I will not be getting any rest.”

Alon sighed as he muttered.

---

That afternoon.

Just as the marquis’ territory began to fade into the distance—

Nangwon and Nangyeon saw a figure appear before them.

A beastkin with radiant golden eyes.

“The disobedient wolf, I presume.”

Despite the sudden intrusion, Nangwon spoke calmly, showing no surprise.

The beastkin—no, Seolrang—frowned.

“You, what are you?”

“What do you think? Unlike you, I follow Brother’s orders properly. Unlike someone who defied him to chase after him.”

The cheerful smile Nangwon had displayed to Alon vanished, replaced by a cold smirk.

“Return, wolf. Brother never ordered you to guard him.”

His voice turned cynical.

“…No. I am going to protect Master.”

“Brother’s orders are absolute. Did he not tell you to remain in your place?”

“I still won’t go back.”

“You won’t—”

Nangwon’s brow furrowed sharply at Seolrang’s defiant response.

“Then I will force you to return.”

He muttered softly.

Simultaneously, black hands began to scatter through the air.

“Try it.”

Responding in kind, radiant lightning erupted from Seolrang’s body.

Thus—

A battle commenced between two of the strongest individuals in the Allied Kingdoms.

Exactly thirty minutes later.

“Let go.”

Two powerful beings, capable of leveling mountains—

“…You let go.”

“I said let go.”

“You let go first!”

…Were now gripping each other by the hair.

The reason was simple.

Nangwon was aware of Seolrang’s strength.

Seolrang also had a rough estimate of Nangwon’s power.

And the moment they clashed seriously—

They both knew the commotion would reach the Palatio territory.

In other words, for both of them—

A flashy battle was far from ideal.

Seolrang had followed Alon without permission.

And Nangwon knew how much Alon cared for Seolrang.

So, as both were mindful of Alon, their lightning and black hands gave way to a quiet, pathetic tug-of-war.

…Which ended like this.

Nangyeon silently observed the two men.

The way they awkwardly clutched each other’s hair—

“Don’t pull. I said stop pulling.”

“You stop first.”

“…Let’s both let go on three.”

“…Fine.”

And that exchange…

…Really didn’t feel like a clash between powerhouses.

“One, two, three.”

Yank~!

“Ugh! Let go!!”

“You first!”

It was somewhat embarrassing.

…No, very much so.

Nangyeon averted her gaze before she even realized it.

…She simply couldn’t bear to keep watching.