Became the Patron of Villains Chapter 405: A Proclamation Ceremony… Huh…? (4)

An aversion to bugs is a common human trait. Alon himself harbored no particular fondness for them. Recalling his previous world, the sight of a cockroach invariably triggered a panicked thought: “I’m finished.”

Thus, while a fear of insects isn’t inherently unusual, witnessing Kylrus’s current reaction was a novel and, frankly, rather amusing spectacle.

This world was, after all, a fantasy setting.

Bugs were a ubiquitous presence unless a location was maintained with extreme fastidiousness.

Consequently, discovering individuals genuinely phobic of insects here was less probable than in modern times.

Even nobility typically utilized carriages for travel, meaning they were frequently on the move.

While insects might be a nuisance, outright fear was seldom observed.

Regardless, Alon gazed down at Kylrus, who had fainted the instant Blackie transformed into a spider, experiencing a mixture of amusement and grudging admiration.

It was humorous, yet...

‘…Must everything be so theatrical?’

Alon gently stroked Blackie, currently resembling a sullen cat clinging to him, and directed his attention forward.

Before them loomed a colossal dragon.

Its sheer immensity dwarfed even the dragons Alon usually encountered during training, rendering them minuscule in comparison.

Alon tilted his head back, gazing towards the sky.

It felt as though he needed to crane his neck beyond a seventy-degree angle—

and even then, only the very crest of the dragon’s head was visible.

Kylrus was positioned up there.

“───────”

Kylrus uttered something.

Naturally, Alon couldn’t discern a single word.

The distance was simply too great.

All Alon could do was surmise from the movement of Kylrus’s lips.

“Hey, I can’t hear you. Could you descend a little?”

Fortunately, Alon’s voice seemed to reach its destination, as the dragon’s colossal form—towering as if oblivious to the concept of “sky”—diminished slightly.

…Only slightly.

“......”

As a result, Alon now only needed to tilt his head sixty-nine degrees instead of seventy.

“───────”

Kylrus appeared to speak again.

“Come down further. I seriously cannot hear you.”

Following Alon’s repeated request, Kylrus—after a brief pause—finally reduced the dragon’s size once more.

…Even so, Alon still had to look upwards.

Perhaps at a sixty-degree angle this time.

“Now you can hear—”

Alon regarded Kylrus with incredulous disbelief before speaking.

“Blackie, go back inside for a moment.”

[Kyuu—]

Alon promptly returned Blackie to his containment.

Only then did the dragon conjured by Kylrus begin to shrink in earnest, eventually reaching a size conducive to actual conversation.

“…You’re not coming down?”

“We can converse perfectly well from here.”

As if his earlier episode of foaming at the mouth and subsequent collapse had never occurred, Kylrus resumed his characteristic composed demeanor.

“……”

However, the instant Alon placed a hand on his chest—precisely where Blackie resided—Kylrus sprang upwards as if propelled by a spring.

Observing this reaction, Alon formed a succinct mental note.

‘So this is what they mean by… a “man-child”… or something similar.’

Abandoning further jesting, he transitioned to the matter at hand.

“…Let’s discuss this.”

“Firstly, allow me to state that my knowledge might not be particularly extensive.”

“Why is that?”

“My expertise lies with dragons, not shadow dragons.”

While still perched atop the dragon’s head, maintaining a deliberate distance, Kylrus elaborated.

“Nevertheless, bearing that limitation in mind, let us proceed. Dragons possess the ability to alter their forms at will. However, the scenario you described—absorbing something and wielding its power—is not within their capabilities.”

“…So this is a trait exclusive to shadow dragons?”

“I would venture to say that is the likely explanation… yet…”

“Is there an issue?”

In response to Alon’s inquiry, Kylrus emitted a thoughtful “Hmm,” pondering briefly before continuing.

“By their inherent nature, shadow dragons sustain themselves through continuous consumption.”

Alon nodded in acknowledgment.

He recalled Kylrus mentioning this previously, in the context of Blackie consuming Lakrakkamur.

“However, I have never encountered even a single instance of a shadow dragon utilizing the abilities of its consumed prey.”

“Does this imply Blackie possesses exceptional qualities?”

“…If I were compelled to formulate a theory, it would likely be an ability acquired through its growth process.”

“An ability acquired through growth?”

“As dragons mature, they not only gain physical strength but also develop a singular innate ability. Shadow dragons are expected to follow a similar pattern.”

Kylrus continued his explanation.

“Furthermore, the specific ability they gain is tailored to enhance compatibility with their destined partner.”

“…Shadow dragons as well?”

“Indeed. And inferring from this principle…”

“…Blackie’s ability is connected to me.”

“This remains purely a hypothesis. However, if this premise holds true, it would indeed account for its capacity to not only transform into Divine blood but also to harness their abilities.”

Alon nodded, then abruptly stopped.

“But.”

“What is it?”

“…Would you mind descending a bit?”

He gestured towards Kylrus, who was still maintaining his elevated position.

“I shall.”

“…When, precisely?”

“After you depart.”

Faced with that response—

Alon wore an expression of utter speechlessness.

Not long thereafter, Alon emerged back into the open.

“Ah, you’re back, Marquis!”

“Yes.”

“So, how did it go?”

Responding to Penia’s question, Alon paused momentarily before offering a concise assessment.

“…He’s not cool. He’s merely pretending to be.”

“...??”

####

The following day.

Alexion, Penia, Evan, and Sili convened in the office, ready to address matters postponed from the previous day.

"...So the immediate priority is that shantytown, correct?" Alon inquired.

"Yes. While other issues can be navigated, this particular situation presents significant complexity."

Alon thoughtfully considered the matter upon Alexion's confirmation.

'...My kingdom requires citizens.'

The foundation of any kingdom rests upon its populace; citizens are indispensable.

A kingdom's economy thrives on taxation, and the sheer number of citizens serves as a direct indicator of its prosperity.

Furthermore, from Alon's viewpoint—given his need to amass faith—a larger population was unequivocally advantageous.

...Certainly, the initial magnitude of the population had momentarily taken him aback.

"I have a question," Evan interjected, having remained silent while Alon contemplated.

"Please, go ahead."

"This is merely a thought, but... would it not suffice to simply disregard the shantytown and take no action?"

"...Disregard it?"

"Precisely. I mean, there isn't any inherent obligation for the Marquis to extend aid to them, is there?"

"Hmm."

In a certain light, Evan's perspective held merit.

Regardless of Alon's considerable wealth, he lacked the boundless resources to provide lodging and sustenance for every individual residing beyond his dominion.

Even with the vast treasures accumulated beneath him, such immense riches could not be squandered thoughtlessly.

"That is a valid point," Penia conceded. "However, inaction will undoubtedly precipitate numerous complications."

"Such as?"

"Is it not self-evident? Public order will deteriorate, and it will inevitably devolve into a blighted slum."

She elaborated, "A shantytown of that magnitude provides ample cover for illicit activities to flourish."

Alexion concurred with her assessment.

"Indeed. Should such a scenario materialize, merchants will cease their visits altogether. One primary reason merchants initially frequented this area was its security from banditry."

"And if we forcibly remove them to maintain public order, it would result in a detrimental outcome for the Marquis," Penia added.

"...A clear resolution remains elusive," Alon mused aloud.

As Alon grappled with the conflicting viewpoints of Alexion and Penia, Sili, who had been observing quietly, proposed an idea.

"May I offer a suggestion?"

"Do you have a viable plan?"

Sili appeared to be deliberating before responding.

"Initially, I propose relocating approximately half of the current inhabitants to Divine Land."

"...To Divine Land?"

"Correct. While Divine Land is also attracting new residents, there remains ample vacant space."

"That would certainly grant us breathing room to devise a suitable countermeasure," Penia remarked with a hint of concern. "However... relocating individuals will not be a simple undertaking..."

Yet, Sili spoke with an air of assured capability.

"Fear not about that!"

"...Fear not?"

"Precisely. Grant me merely one week, and I shall ensure they are capable of relocating independently."

A smile graced her lips as she delivered this assurance.

Her smile caused the others to pause in momentary silence.

The quartet exchanged knowing glances.

Penia then cleared her throat and inquired,

"Well... assuming we transfer roughly half the population... what course of action should we take regarding the remaining moiety?"

"Hmm—if the population is halved, I have a promising strategy in mind."

"A promising strategy?"

"Indeed."

Alexion cleared his throat as well.

"Regardless, given the current scope of our territory, accommodating everyone is unfeasible. Therefore, our focus should be on territorial expansion, employing them as laborers during this process."

"...As laborers?"

"Precisely. This approach will organically secure the necessary workforce for expansion while simultaneously providing them with financial assistance."

"...So, we utilize their labor and, through financial support, facilitate their settlement. Is that the gist of it?"

"Exactly."

"However, if we commence expending resources at such a rate, will we not deplete our reserves rather swiftly...?" Alon voiced his concern.

Alexion responded with a soft chuckle.

"Worry not. There exists a method to recoup all expenditures."

"A method for recoupment?"

"Yes. Initially, as we expand, we shall construct numerous inns. Even presently, the Marquis's territory is so congested that merchants struggle to find accommodation."

"...And we offset the initial investment through revenue generated by these inns?"

"Precisely. Furthermore, by establishing inns and increasing employment opportunities, we can integrate the shantytown residents with minimal resistance. Other nobles might resort to forceful displacement, but your public image is crucial, is it not? And beyond that—"

As Alexion meticulously detailed a plan that optimized labor utilization and ensured efficient resource recovery for the Marquis, Alon was once again reminded of Alexion's exceptional capabilities.

'Even in his current state... he once held control over Raksas's slums with such ease....'

This reaffirmation of Alexion's competence spurred an unconscious nod from Alon.

"However, a single obstacle remains," Alexion stated.

"An obstacle?"

"Yes. To facilitate expansion, materials are essential, yet currently, securing construction resources proves exceptionally difficult. Given the recent prevailing circumstances..."

"...Indeed."

It was entirely understandable that obtaining materials would be challenging at this juncture.

"In any event, to procure materials, we will either need to source them ourselves or arrange for their import, but current market prices are frankly exorbitant, exceeding all reason..."

"Let us first seek assistance from several relevant parties."

"I shall also endeavor to secure reliable suppliers to the best of my ability."

“And if there is someone willing to sell a substantial amount of materials, it would be best to meet them in person to discuss matters.”

“Then, it will be negotiations. I will arrange that separately.”

After finalizing a few detailed points, Alon declared,

“Then, let us conclude our meeting here.”

And so, the discussion came to an end.

####

Tun, the merchant lord of the trading company known as “Singing Money,” was grappling with a persistent headache.

This wasn't merely a personal affliction; it posed a significant challenge for his entire company.

There had been a sudden surge in bandit activity.

While a previous campaign to suppress bandits had successfully cleared them out from the Allied Kingdoms—

after a period had elapsed, bandits had, as if by a false promise, proliferated once more.

These resurgent bandits presented a formidable obstacle to the merchants.

As recently as today, Tun had narrowly avoided having his goods plundered, leading him to enter a tavern with a weary sigh—

“...Huh?”

He immediately sensed an unusual atmosphere.

Upon closer inspection, the general mood among the mercenaries and other patrons appeared to be its usual state.

The noticeable difference lay in the area where the merchants had congregated.

As Tun approached the gathering—

“Tun, you’ve arrived?”

A voice addressed him, indicating familiarity.

Tun had no difficulty discerning the speaker’s identity.

“...Malgam?”

“It has been some time.”

“You were here?”

“Indeed. I was on my way back after briefly visiting Fildagreen.”

Malgam was a middle-aged man who managed the affairs of Golden Hwang, a trading company of considerable size.

Tun offered a nod and naturally took a seat alongside him.

“But why is the mood so… peculiar?”

“Ah, you are referring to the current atmosphere?”

“Precisely.”

Malgam cleared his throat, discreetly surveying the surroundings before speaking—

“Do not be overly astonished. An exceptional opportunity has arisen.”

“...An opportunity?”

“Yes. A chance that comes but once in a lifetime, to establish a connection with Marquis Palatio…!”

“...!”

He divulged this information in a hushed tone to Tun.

...These words, twisting in a manner subtly divergent from Alon's original intention, had among the merchants acquired a distorted significance, a corrupted meaning.