Became the Patron of Villains Chapter 345 : ???? Years Old (3)
Previously on Became the Patron of Villains...
In the evening following Lady Miren's arrival for her interview from the Padrima Ducal House.
Here it is, Brother.
Alon took the book handed to him by Nangwon.
The volume appeared ancient, bound in dark leather.
Silently taking it, Alon voiced his appreciation.
Thank you.
It's no trouble at all, Brother. I couldn't locate the genuine original either.
Observing Nangwon rubbing his head with an embarrassed grin, Alon shook his head.
Without his help, he wouldn't have uncovered even a tiny hint, much less the Jewel of the Closed-Eyed One.
No, without your efforts, I wouldn't have even gotten this book.
To know that Brother holds me in such high regard truly warms my heart.
As Alon offered thanks once more, Nangwon's eyes sparkled with feeling, and he flashed a radiant smile.
You likely wish to examine the book's contents, so I'll head out now.
Leaving so soon?
Yes, I have some matters to attend to.
Matters to attend to?
Alon nearly inquired but restrained himself, merely nodding instead.
Beyond his peculiar inverted eyes, Nangwon looked like a youth, yet he led an information guild.
He undoubtedly had plenty of duties to manage.
Got it.
Summon me whenever you require help!
Still wearing that heartfelt look, Nangwon departed.
As Alon watched him leave, he sensed an odd sensation beneath his stoic features.
That idea flickered through his thoughts.
He resolved to express gratitude more frequently, giving his head a slight shake.
Then, he flipped open the book he held and started perusing it.
A short time later.
My lord, what are you up to?
At Evan's words, Alon shifted his attention.
Reading.
Oh, that? The Jewel of the Closed-Eyed One, isn't it?
How did you know?
I overheard that Nangwon was bringing it today. So, did you discover anything?
To Evan's query, Alon completed the final page and shut the book.
I found something, though it's somewhat vague.
How so?
Alon glanced at the volume.
Despite its considerable thickness, few parts remained clear.
Yellowing had rendered most pages illegible.
Yet that wasn't a major issue.
The details he needed lurked within.
The challenge lay in the jewel's whereabouts.
The Jewel of the Closed-Eyed One was given to his most trusted companion.
His companion?
The companion of the Closed-Eyed One.
I believe I see why my lord finds this puzzling.
Don't you?
Indeed.
After pondering briefly, Evan continued.
The Closed-Eyed One aligned with Sin, correct?
Correct.
So if it was his companion... might it be Sin as well?
Alon murmured in contemplation.
He'd obtained valuable insights, yet extracting further details proved challenging.
Nevertheless, he chose to dispel the gloomy mood.
For now, he possessed a starting point.
He had a path forward in his quest for the jewel.
The companion of the Closed-Eyed One...
Alon whispered softly.
***
The following day.
Phew—
After laboring relentlessly from dawn through midday in his study, Alexion at last wrapped up his work and exhaled heavily.
He retrieved the evaluation form stowed in his desk.
It concerned Lady Miren from the Padrima Ducal House, interviewed just yesterday.
Hmm~
Alexion rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
Unlike prior assessments where his views hadn't shone through, this one felt candid and varied.
Though the ratings fluctuated, Miren met the standards Alexion anticipated.
In essence, she qualified as a potential match the marquis might select.
Yes, numerically speaking at least.
Alexion remembered Miren from the session.
Every movement, gesture, and stride exuded aristocratic elegance.
Her speech carried polish.
Her erudition impressed, even for a duke's daughter.
Nothing in the interview warranted point deductions.
Still, Alexion's expression soured.
The cause? Whispers and gossip.
From his standpoint, he could easily dismiss them.
His duty was merely to assess.
But he approached every assignment with utmost diligence.
...
Certain candidates evaded full scrutiny due to survival concerns, but those were exceptions.
Ahem—
Regardless.
Alexion had subtly commissioned the guild to probe Miren's history.
Stunningly, the information network delivered findings in under a day.
No, scarcely a day.
The inquiry went out the night before.
By morning, the dossier arrived.
Thus, mere hours sufficed.
The information guild operates swiftly, but... not to this degree.
Even with existing records, they typically required a full day.
Veteran clients knew this.
Such rapidity astonished.
And delivering this volume of data...?
Alexion drew out the leftover documents from his drawer.
Dozens of sheets, brimming with tales about Lady Miren.
Unflattering ones, at that.
Hmm~
Naturally, he recognized gossip's unreliability.
Yet this came straight from the guild's efforts.
His order specified fact-based rumors.
The guild adhered rigidly to requests.
Hence, the contents likely rang true.
Consequently.
As Alexion grappled with this revelation.
?
Lord Alexion?
The lady you met with yesterday wishes an audience.
You refer to Lady Miren?
Affirmative.
Understood. Her location?
She's waiting in the parlor.
I'll proceed there.
Perplexed by the aide's report, he cocked his head before standing and heading to the parlor.
There awaited Lady Miren.
...
A lady who appeared utterly drained.
The stark transformation in just one day jolted him briefly.
But Alexion swiftly offered a bow.
Greetings, Lady Miren. I trust you rested well?
A routine politeness.
Yet again, an odd vibe struck him.
No response followed.
Raising his head curiously, he noted her eyes fixed downward since entry.
...
Having uttered his unreturned salutation.
...sorry...
A barely audible whisper reached him.
So faint, it could slip past untrained ears.
Pardon?
Flustered, Alexion approached, protocol be damned.
And then—
I'm sorry I'm sorry I didn't intend it I never meant to I'm sorry for the irreverence I'm sorry for the irreverence I'm sorry for the irreverence I'm sorry I'm sorry ahhh—!
Wha—!
Her tone escalated.
Then, as if seized by terror's grip, Lady Miren fled the parlor.
Alexion stood petrified, eyes locked on the flung-open door.
...What... just happened?
Some time passed before his racing pulse steadied.
...She desires to retract her candidacy?
Correct. Her attendant conveyed it.
Did an incident occur at the estate last night?
The aide had abruptly informed him.
Alexion probed, wary.
As noted earlier, my lord, she sent away our servants claiming unease. Thus, specifics elude us.
Indeed...
The aide's reply offered no leads.
His suspicions lingered.
For Alexion, shedding a problematic contender wasn't unwelcome.
But why had Lady Miren crumbled so abruptly and chosen withdrawal?
After multiple head tilts, Alexion abruptly looked aside.
...
There passed known figures—Sili, Yutia, and Rine.
They caught his stare, glancing up with gentle smiles.
A innocent grin.
Nothing else.
Soon, they dipped their heads and vanished from sight.
And that concluded the scene.
Nevertheless—
Somehow, Alexion grasped the reason for Lady Miren's retreat.
Chill sweat beaded along his spine.
***
Three weeks onward.
The Palatio Marquisate hosted numerous visitors still.
Yutia Bloodia lingered citing church building.
Seolrang tarried under vacation guise.
Others clung for varied excuses.
Thus, early on, uproar erupted biennially.
Such as Seolrang hauled away by Yutia.
Or a blood-red moon abruptly looming over the marquisate nocturnally.
Or Alon's effigy growing ever more elaborate inexplicably.
Yet nowadays, these upheavals felt like everyday occurrences.
Concurrently, the Marquis's mate selection wrapped up.
With ten prospects amassed, Alexion declared,
So this concludes it?
Affirmative. Allow me a quick overview now.
Finally, he passed the assessment forms to Alon and cleared his throat.
His personal insights weren't yet noted, but he planned to append comments.
Thus, Alexion prepared to voice his rehearsed thoughts—
...!
But words failed him.
The cause—
Hic—
Beyond the window, opposite the marquis's rear, myriad gazes pinned on Alexion.
Their looks lacked malice.
All bore smiles.
...
The issue: solely their lips curved.
In that instant, as the marquis casually reviewed the forms, he uttered his initial remark.
...... eight?
And thus.
Alon's partner selection commenced.