Became the Patron of Villains Chapter 406: Proclamation Ceremony (1)
Previously on Became the Patron of Villains...
“...What are you talking about? You’re saying there’s a situation where we can get a line to Marquis Palatio?”
“Exactly what it sounds like.”
As Kun reiterated with a perplexed expression, Malgam elaborated, then conveyed what Alexion—the administrator of the marquisate—had officially announced that very day.
After listening composedly, Kun inquired,
“...The Marquis is meeting us personally?”
“That’s right. Only one person—the one who can supply the necessary materials at the most favorable price.”
At Malgam’s clarification, Kun’s eyes widened.
“Is that... truly possible?”
“If it weren’t true, would this place feel this way?”
Kun shifted their gaze, observing the other merchants in the vicinity.
The tavern’s atmosphere still appeared unchanged.
Mercenaries were boisterous, drinking themselves into oblivion. Laborers were gossiping about their employers and spewing vulgar nonsense.
It was a scene that had become rather uncommon lately, ever since Elivan—recently hailed as a hero—committed his betrayal and Divine blood made its appearance.
Yet, despite the prevailing lax, oddly comfortable ambiance—
the merchants, including Kun, were entirely detached from it.
No, to be precise, it seemed as if they were deliberately abstaining.
Every single one wore a grave countenance, lost in deep contemplation.
“What the hell is—”
Even the tavern keeper—a man who typically would bellow, “If you’re not drinking, get out! Others need the seats!”—was subdued by the palpable pressure emanating from the merchants, merely observing the room and sensing the shift in mood.
“...Yes, that’s correct.”
“Understood?”
“The ability to meet the Marquis in person... that signifies something extraordinary.”
Honestly, if an outsider had witnessed this scene—
they might have been utterly bewildered.
Even from their perspective, they recognized Marquis Palatio as an immensely influential figure, and that merely catching a glimpse of the Marquis was a rare feat—
but they wouldn’t comprehend the peculiar behavior of merchants, whose lives revolved around commerce and profit.
Indeed, even another merchant might question it.
‘But if a merchant thinks that way, they’re destined for failure soon enough.’
For merchants at this moment, securing a private audience with Marquis Palatio—
no, even just being entrusted with the transportation of the Marquis’s goods—
represented an unprecedented opportunity.
Primarily, the mere fact that one was transporting Marquis Palatio’s cargo—
implied that for the duration of the contract, their caravan would be virtually invincible, immune to any threat.
This wasn’t due to the Marquis assigning an escort.
Whether an escort was present or not, a caravan contracted with the Marquis was inherently the most secure.
Why was this the case?
Because regardless of their strength, bandits universally feared any association with the Marquis.
There had been a time when the Marquis had almost completely eradicated banditry from the Allied Kingdoms—
and the Marquis possessed the capability to repeat such an action at any given moment.
As evidence, the small trading company managed by Marquis Palatio’s administrator—Alexion—
could transport priceless artifacts and precious metals without ever being targeted.
Not even a single incident.
In essence, from a merchant’s standpoint, utilizing the period of association with the Marquis to ferry high-value goods in large quantities—items usually difficult to transport in bulk—
would present an avenue for unimaginable financial gain.
And what if, on top of that, one managed to impress Marquis Palatio and secure subsequent contracts?
What if one progressed further and solidified a regular contractual agreement?
And then, unlike with other nobles—
what if one became the designated caravan for a Marquis who hadn’t yet established firm contracts with any particular group?
“...Incredible.”
The sheer potential was staggering.
Still lost in elaborate daydreams, Kun murmured aloud.
Goosebumps adorned Kun’s entire body.
Somewhere along the line, in Kun’s mind, Marquis Palatio had ascended to the status of a deity.
…Of course, Kun had already regarded the Marquis with near-divine reverence from the outset.
As Kun’s thoughts spiraled, Malgam broke into a knowing grin.
“It appears you’ve envisioned the possibilities.”
“From this point forward, any aggression towards Marquis Palatio will be construed as an attack upon myself.”
“The sentiment is shared by the other merchants, more or less.”
Kun surveyed their surroundings once more.
More accurately, Kun met the gaze of the other merchants.
Their eyes, reflecting a growing, almost fanatical ambition, were all identically focused.
“Well, in truth, only one individual can actually achieve it.”
That statement held undeniable truth.
Here—no, among the select few fortunate individuals within the territory at the moment the Marquis made his declaration—
the one capable of seizing this monumental opportunity would be singular.
Only one.
Only that sole person would be granted a private audience with Marquis Palatio, and only that individual would gain direct access to the Marquis.
“The Marquis is truly exceptional. With a single declaration of a private meeting, he orchestrates such a grand setup.”
“Indeed. And to top it off, he announced a volume so immense that no mere merchant could possibly afford it, effectively filtering out the unworthy from the outset.”
“I’d heard the Marquis possessed superhuman strength, but I never imagined his intellect was this profound.”
Malgam and Kun, both respected figures among the merchant class, were genuinely astonished.
... Of course, if Alon were present, his reaction would undoubtedly be, ‘Me? Really???’
But Alon was nowhere to be found.
Without anyone to refute the amusing misunderstanding, it persisted.
Just as the two were immersed in their admiration—
“...Aaaagh! I can’t take it anymore!”
One merchant, appearing to make a sudden resolve, leaped from his seat and bolted out like a madman.
As if a signal had been given, the other merchants began to stir as well.
####
Just yesterday, Alon had been consumed by worries over acquiring materials.
This was naturally because the prices for these materials far exceeded any prior expectations.
‘Alexion wasn’t exaggerating.’
Precisely as Alexion had stated, the cost of goods had surged to astronomical levels.
Even lumber had quadrupled in price compared to what Alon remembered.
The stone required next presented a similar predicament.
Furthermore, all the additional materials needed had also seen their prices skyrocket to illogical figures.
The situation was dire enough that Alon had considered postponing the territory expansion indefinitely.
If the expansion project were to commence at these inflated prices—
the marquisate’s treasury would be depleted instantly.
No, it wouldn't stop there. The prices were so ruinous that Alon could end up completely destitute afterward.
That was why Alon had fallen asleep with a firm resolve to inform Alexion the following day that the expansion plan needed reevaluation.
Yes. Alon was absolutely determined.
And yet...
“Alexion.”
“Yes?”
“...Didn’t you mention yesterday that all material prices had skyrocketed?”
“Yes, I did state that, but...”
“...Then what is this?”
Alon gazed impassively at the estimate sheets held in his hand.
As soon as the morning’s work commenced, Alexion had presented these merchant estimates as if anticipating this moment.
“...”
Alon selected one sheet from the pile of dozens.
Lumber, which just yesterday had been priced more than five times its original value—had somehow reverted to its former cost.
“...”
Alon examined another estimate. The price of stone had normalized as well.
“...Huh?”
On yet another estimate—
the majority of the materials Alon required were listed at prices even lower than what Alon knew them to be originally.
... Some even went further, with the word “free” explicitly written.
“...Have they all lost their minds?”
Evan murmured beside Alon, also scrutinizing the estimates.
Evan had verified the raw material prices yesterday.
This meant there was no possibility that Evan was unaware of how absurd the current prices were.
Consequently, after staring blankly at the estimates for a moment, Alon cautiously broke the silence.
“Alexion.”
“Yes.”
“Just hypothetically… are these estimates… legitimate?”
“They are all genuine.”
“The probability of these being fabricated…?”
“I can state with considerable certainty that there is none. Most of these are from major trading corporations.”
“...Then did Sili do something?”
“To the best of my knowledge, following yesterday’s meeting, the Saintess indicated she had preparations to make and returned to Divine Land.”
“...Then why?”
Tilting his head as if perplexed, Alon scanned the estimates once more.
If this were true—
Alon could expand the territory even beyond the initial plans and still have surplus funds.
After only a brief hesitation, Alon decided against overthinking it.
“...Let’s arrange a meeting with the merchant who offered the best terms.”
An unresolved question would be answered once they met, one way or another.
Thus, setting the lingering mystery aside, Alon conveyed this to Alexion and handed over the estimates.
And after a while had passed—
“Greetings, Marquis Palatio!”
“...You?”
“Yes! I am Kun, proprietor of Singing Money!”
Alon had the opportunity to meet the merchant who had presented the most favorable offer.
This was the individual who had submitted an estimate Alon found utterly baffling—offering all materials at seventy percent of their original price.
And—
“First, thank you profoundly for granting me this opportunity!”
—observing Kun bow deeply, as if receiving an immense boon—
‘...Opportunity?’
What opportunity...?
Alon could only express his bewilderment.
####
At that precise moment.
The Empire, now fractured into four distinct sections, encompassed territories even vaster than those of the Allied Kingdoms.
Within this dominion, inside the imperial palace of the Eastern Empire—which was valiantly repelling the invasion of the Divine forces and exuding an aura of formidable power—
in an audience chamber adorned with dazzling, antique splendor, a single man delivered his report.
“The Western Empire has completely fallen.”
A statement delivered with absolute calm.
High above the man, a woman occupied a throne so ornately crafted that its extravagance was immediately apparent.
A soft, indifferent sound escaped the woman's lips, followed by a question. "Not even a single insignificant person managed to survive?"
"...It would appear so."
"Tch. It's almost humiliating that we share the same mother."
The woman's expression soured at the man's confirmation.
As if thinking of someone pathetic in her mind, she shook her head repeatedly before continuing, "So. Is that all for the report?"
"There is one additional matter I must convey to you."
"And what is that?"
"It pertains to intelligence obtained from the Allied Kingdoms."
"The Allied Kingdoms? That bunch of misfits?"
"Indeed."
"Hm. So they haven't been completely annihilated yet. Very well. What is it?"
In response, the man recounted the details received from an informant dispatched by the Allied Kingdoms—
"...Oh? Is that report accurate?"
"Considering the source of this hearsay is the King of the Allied Kingdoms himself, it's unlikely to be mere fabrication."
The man had diligently re-verified the information, unable to fully grasp its implications—
the assertion that Marquis Palatio possessed divine blood.
And that particular rumor eventually—
"...So it is true."
"Yes."
"If that fact holds any water—"
—it reached the ears of Serdea Polanticia, the second princess who spearheaded the Eastern Empire.
"To become the consort of one destined to hold the world in their grasp... that would be more than sufficient."
A sinister smile graced the princess's lips, the leader of the Eastern Empire.