Became the Patron of Villains Chapter 379 : A Birthday Without Memories (4)

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Previously on Became the Patron of Villains...

Magrina reveals that Alon's memories have reverted to his childhood. The group considers whether Alon was attacked, but Magrina clarifies it was a side effect of a magical experiment. They agree to feign ignorance of Alon's condition. Meanwhile, Alon reflects on his past decision to drink a regression potion, suspecting it was to erase game knowledge. The next morning, Alon discovers the statue of the Northern Warden has mysteriously grown, a 'gift' from Deus. Seolrang then presents him with a marriage registration form.

Thirteen years of Alon Palatio's past had vanished, leaving him utterly unaware of his experiences during that time.

Penia Crycine had attempted to explain his existing relationships, but it felt like mere data, devoid of any genuine connection.

Consequently, Alon’s bewilderment grew with alarming speed.

His gaze fell downwards, landing on a marriage certificate, its surface marked with stains suggesting the passage of considerable time.

Lifting his eyes once more, he met the bright smile of the beastwoman Seolrang, her eyes glittering with an almost overwhelming sense of anticipation.

Alon’s attention shifted between the matrimonial document and Seolrang.

As an individual without memories, he harbored no significant objections to the notion of marriage with her.

After all, his current state was merely a temporary one of suppressed memory; his original recollections were bound to surface eventually.

Moreover, judging by appearances, Seolrang was strikingly beautiful.

Though he had only seen her for a few moments, her vibrant spirit was undeniably captivating.

Furthermore, even with his limited understanding of societal norms, he grasped one crucial point.

At his current age, proposals of marriage were not uncommon.

In fact, considering the conventions of this world, he might even be considered somewhat late to the matrimonial journey.

Therefore, in all aspects, the presence of this marriage certificate was not inherently strange.

Yet, its very existence was, nonetheless, profoundly surprising.

A part of him felt the urge to exclaim, “Wait? Me? Getting married?” right then and there.

And he had substantial reasons for considering such an outburst.

Alon fixed his gaze directly on Seolrang.

She maintained her cheerful demeanor, yet her eyes flickered slightly to the side.

Such behavior was indicative of someone concealing information.

Regrettably, Alon found himself unable to inquire further.

To question her would be an overt admission of his memory loss.

Thus, for a brief period, he remained in a state of bewildered contemplation, his attention divided between the marriage certificate and Seolrang.

Then—with a quiet scratch—he meticulously signed the right side of the marriage certificate.

He employed the signature Penia had instructed him on, the one his current persona utilized.

And then—

“Huh?”

The instant Alon completed his signature, Seolrang's smile faltered, and a peculiar sound escaped her.

“?”

Alon blinked in confusion but proceeded to hand the signed document to her.

Seolrang accepted it, gazing at it with a vacant expression for a prolonged moment before looking back up at him.

“?”

She remained silent, yet her face conveyed sheer bewilderment.

Naturally, Alon was equally perplexed by her abrupt shift in attitude.

“?”

“??”

“???”

“????

The silent exchange of question marks hung heavy in the office air, creating an awkward stillness.

Neither individual felt inclined to speak first.

“Um… why? What is it?” Alon finally inquired.

“Ah… um—”

Seolrang’s eyes darted between the certificate and Alon's face, her mind clearly in a daze, before she attempted to regain her composure.

However, she quickly succumbed to her bewilderment once more.

Step… step…

She then turned and walked directly out of the office, her eyes fixated on the document in her hand.

“Seolrang?”

Alon called out to her.

But she continued to drift away, like a phantom, seemingly mesmerized by the simple sheet of paper.

Click.

Observing her departure, Alon could only articulate his thoughts inwardly.

He was enveloped by a profound sense of dazed confusion.

***

By the time noon arrived, Alon had encountered a total of three individuals.

The first was Nangwon—and upon seeing him, Alon nearly gasped.

In the game’s portrayal, this man had unceremoniously secured the title of “ugliest individual in Psychedelia.”

Yet, the real Nangwon standing before him possessed a countenance that could easily rival Eliban, a prominent playable character, in terms of sheer attractiveness.

In that moment, Alon understood the profound impact one’s life choices could have on their outward appearance.

The second individual he met was Radan.

Once again, Alon was initially taken aback by his handsome features—and then even more so by the colossal “Sea King’s Pair” he had brought with him.

The sheer size of the creature was astonishing, nearly matching the dimensions of the outer fortress’s entrance and the Marquis’s estate.

However, the most significant shock came from the realization that the adorable creature he had often observed playing by the pond in the Marquis’s garden, the one that would affectionately wag its tail whenever he sat near the water, was, in fact, that very monstrous beast.

Typically, Alon only witnessed it frolicking with Blackie and Basiliora by the pond during their moments of leisure.

Finally, the third person he encountered was Historia.

With her characteristic placid expression, she gently encircled his waist with her arms and softly whispered, “Happy birthday.”

She then presented him with a ring before vanishing as swiftly as the wind.

In a sense, given the brevity of their interaction, she proved to be the most manageable individual—particularly for someone attempting to conceal the fact of his memory loss.

“Phew…”

“You appear rather drained, my lord,” remarked Evan, who was fully aware of Alon’s current predicament.

“Well, yes. Maintaining the facade of knowing things you don’t is quite taxing.”

“Nevertheless, haven’t you managed rather competently thus far?”

“…Perhaps.”

Alon reflected on the events that had transpired up to that point.

He conceded that he had handled the situation with a reasonable degree of success.

“Oh, that brings something to mind—”

Just as he was about to inquire about Seolrang’s gift, his gaze abruptly locked onto Evan’s face.

“My Lord? Why are you suddenly piercing holes through me with your stare?”

“Oh, it’s nothing~”

“?”

“It’s just… haven’t you aged a little?”

“My Lord, thirteen years have passed. If I hadn’t aged, that would be the real issue.”

“That’s true. Still, it feels strange… To me, it feels as though everything shifted overnight.”

Evan offered a slightly awkward expression.

“Well— yes, you’ve certainly aged considerably.”

“…Are you finished speaking?”

“Yes.”

“Do you believe you’re not aging?”

“Hmm… not as much as someone I know, at least.”

Precisely at that moment, Penia interjected without the slightest hesitation.

As if summoned, the two began their customary exchange of sharp retorts.

This was a scene Alon had grown accustomed to, having witnessed it on several occasions since his amnesia.

After observing Penia and Evan's casual bickering while making do with snacks for their midday meal, Alon cleared his throat, intending to intervene and, more importantly, to pose a question.

“How many more individuals am I scheduled to encounter today?”

“Hmm— I’ve already handled the majority of the nobles myself, so let me see… perhaps four more, roughly. That’s counting only those who explicitly stated they would visit. Correct, Evan?”

“Yes, that sounds about right.”

Evan nodded, then suddenly added as if recalling something important.

“Oh, speaking of which, one of them is expected to arrive any moment now.”

“Who might that be?”

“Magrina.”

“Ah, her?”

Alon inquired, having caught the name during their conversation.

“Magrina… as in the Elf Queen?”

“Indeed. She should be arriving shortly.”

“…I remained silent last time, but is it truly permissible for the Elf Queen to roam about so freely?”

“Well— I honestly feel the same way.”

Hearing Evan’s agreement, Alon’s expression became conflicted.

The Elf Queen, Magrina.

Alon possessed very little knowledge about her.

All he had were fleeting fragments of memory—specifically, that she appeared in the game’s DLC—supplemented by Penia’s concise explanation.

“Are you feeling concerned?” Penia inquired.

“…Somewhat?”

When Alon responded in this manner, she offered a smile as if to allay his worries.

“Do not fret excessively. She is not the peculiar sort. She will not cause you any distress.”

“Are you certain?”

“Yes.”

Penia’s confident assurance led Alon to exhale a quiet sigh of relief.

***

Later that same afternoon, precisely as Evan had predicted, Alon found himself face-to-face with Magrina.

And once more—he could not help but be momentarily captivated.

This was due to Magrina’s breathtaking beauty.

Naturally, Alon had harbored curiosity ever since learning she held the title of Elf Queen.

In the realm of fantasy, elves were renowned as the race of unparalleled beauty—so, it was only natural to wonder about the appearance of their queen.

However, the woman standing before him surpassed all his prior imaginings.

He was rendered speechless for a brief instant before regaining his composure and assuming his designated role.

“Magrina.”

“Yes, Brother. My apologies for my delayed visit.”

“It is quite alright.”

Magrina beamed at his words.

Observing her reaction, Alon had to concur with Penia’s earlier assessment.

Among all the individuals who had sought an audience with him thus far, she exhibited the most serene and conventional demeanor in conversation.

Not that all his visitors had been unusual, but in comparison to the average person, their responses tended to be… rather eccentric.

Feeling a sense of ease, Alon relaxed as Magrina gracefully took a seat.

After observing him silently for a moment, she cleared her throat and subtly retrieved a luminous orb from within her robes.

The orb emitted a gentle hum in her grasp.