Became the Patron of Villains Chapter 409: Proclamation Ceremony (4)

Serena Raksasia remained silent for a moment as the atmosphere turned frigid, then offered a sheepish smile.

"Ah... What I truly meant was, if I'm being candid about my feelings towards Marquis Palatio, I wouldn't go so far as to label him repulsive."

Completing her statement, she felt a wave of relief; it was, even by her own high standards, a masterful evasion of a potential crisis—

"......"

Regrettably, Yutia and Rine regarded her with completely blank expressions.

And so, after a stretch of silence, Serena spoke again,

"...Honestly, Teacher— no, I mean, isn't the Marquis's face hardly the sort one would deem revolting?"

"Yes, yes! Of course, I agree. In fact, if one were to assess him objectively, the Marquis is quite handsome."

She nodded vigorously, as if echoing Yutia's sentiment.

Though they say words, once uttered, cannot be unsaid, she still felt this particular utterance had at least mended the rift.

However.

"Godfather... is handsome?"

"Yes, yes."

"Didn't you just remark a moment ago that he was unattractive?"

"Ah."

The instant Rine recalled her prior statement, the air became frigid once more.

Observing their faces clouding over with renewed suspicion, the princess let out a soft gasp.

"No, what I meant— if I were to clarify my intention, I only meant that while he possesses a handsome countenance, he doesn't personally strike me as all that appealing."

"So you're contending that you acknowledge the Marquis's handsomeness, but he simply isn't attractive to you personally."

Then what was that earlier comment about liking handsome men?

Were you fabricating?

The two regarded Serena with expressions that seemed to pose this very question.

Serena promptly attempted a rebuttal, but—

"No, it's not that he appears particularly handsome to me—"

"Aha— so Godfather is ugly and repulsive...?"

Are you resorting to such harsh insults against the Marquis this time?

He's not that bad.

I find myself quite offended. Witnessing their identical expressions, Serena's vision darkened.

The realization struck her.

She had stumbled into a perilous, forced choice.

"No, that's incorrect. Objectively speaking, he is handsome, but he simply isn't the type of handsome that aligns with my personal preferences."

"So, ultimately, the Marquis is handsome?"

"Th-that is correct."

"Didn't you declare that handsome men are your type??"

"No, I mean, handsome men *are* my type, but— Marquis Palatio’s personality isn't exactly commendable, so—”

"Ah, so Godfather's personality is rather subpar?"

"Ah......"

She desperately conjured further justifications in a frantic bid for survival.

Yet, in the end, the conversation invariably spiraled back to the same inescapable point.

That day—

"Now then, listen carefully, Princess. Teacher's title of ‘Kalannon’ is—”

"Yes... yes......"

Serena underwent a rigorous tutelage from Yutia and Rine, receiving a comprehensive education on precisely why Marquis Palatio was considered handsome, admirable, and exceptional.

...From the late hours of the night until the first light of dawn.

####

A brief interval elapsed, and now only a single day remained until the proclamation ceremony.

The Palatio marquisate teemed with prominent figures to an unprecedented degree.

Chief among them were the two monarchs who formed the bedrock of the Allied Kingdoms.

Beneath them, a multitude of dignitaries from various duchies had converged to offer their congratulations to Alon on his impending enthronement.

"Brother!"

"Nangwon, it has been some time."

"Yes, Brother, have you been keeping well?"

"And has your sister been well?"

"Yes. Given the current circumstances, she could not accompany me, but she is doing well."

"That is comforting to hear."

"Then, as I understand you are occupied, I shall reluctantly conclude my greetings and depart. It appears numerous individuals await your attention."

"I appreciate your consideration."

"I shall seek you out again following the proclamation ceremony!"

As Nangwon departed the study with a cheerful demeanor, Alon released a quiet sigh, and Evan, standing nearby, commented,

"A considerable number of people have gathered."

"Indeed, they have."

"At this juncture, frankly, it might be more efficient to tally those who have *not* arrived rather than those who have."

"...That is certainly accurate."

Alon nodded in agreement.

Evan's assessment was spot on. With merely one day remaining until the proclamation ceremony, among the individuals Alon possessed even a modicum of connection with, it would indeed be quicker to identify the absent ones.

'The only ones conspicuously absent are Seollang and Karsemm, perhaps...'

Naturally, Alon harbored no disappointment regarding their absence.

In the first place, with the 'Divine blood' phenomenon raging as it was, merely making the journey to attend was a significant undertaking.

Furthermore, Colony remained in recovery, and Seollang might still be recuperating from the injuries sustained in the recent conflict against 'Divine blood'.

"...Evan."

"Yes, Marquis."

After contemplating this, Alon addressed Evan.

"Have there been any recent developments regarding Seollang, by any chance?"

"Seollang? ...Ah, come to think of it, you did request that I inform you immediately should any news surface about Seollang, did you not?"

Alon gave a nod, prompting Evan to search his memory.

“Mm— Not that I know of. Actually, I heard Seollang’s been doing fine.”

“...Is that so?”

“Ah, though perhaps due to the injuries, Seollang hasn’t been seen much outside their room lately.”

“I see.”

As Alon immediately accepted this, Evan tilted his head.

“But, Marquis, has something been happening with Seollang?”

“Why do you ask?”

“You seem to have been paying quite a bit of attention to Seollang recently.”

Alon paused for a moment, considering Evan’s observation.

“It’s nothing like that. It’s just that something has been lingering in my mind.”

“Something lingering?”

“Yes.”

With that, their brief exchange concluded. Evan, who had appeared puzzled for a moment, suddenly exclaimed, “Ah!” as a thought struck him, then inquired,

“Marquis, speaking of which, how was yesterday?”

“...Yesterday?”

“Yes, you had dinner with the princess of Raksas, didn’t you?”

“I did.”

“Did anything take place?”

Evan’s gaze held an unusual hint of expectation as he asked.

But at that look, Alon swiftly shook his head.

“Nothing special happened.”

“...Huh? Really?”

“Yes. If anything—”

“If anything…?”

“It was quite… peculiar.”

“...In what way?”

To Evan’s curious question, Alon paused briefly before responding.

“...It felt as if……”

“As if...?”

“It felt like she had been brainwashed, perhaps…”

“...? Brainwashed?”

Alon briefly recalled yesterday’s events in response to Evan’s bewildered question.

There wasn’t much to recount, in truth.

After all, the number of words exchanged during the meal had been exceedingly sparse.

It was simply that, from Alon’s perspective, those few words had left a profound impression.

‘Does the cuisine suit your palate?’

‘Yes, it is truly exquisite. As one would expect from the Palatio marquisate's fare, it is exceptionally delicious.’

‘…Thank you for the compliment.’

‘No, it is not mere flattery; I speak with utter sincerity. The Palatio marquisate's dishes are genuinely superb. Furthermore, I find the marquisate’s surroundings delightful, your statue is most pleasing, and I firmly believe you are divine.’

‘……’

Recalling their conversation from the previous day, Alon mused,

‘…What was that all about?’

Initially, he had wondered if she was mocking him.

But upon closer examination—

Serena yesterday had resembled those foreign celebrity performers who visit Korea on movie tours, mechanically reciting, devoid of genuine emotion, “I love kimchi, I love BTS, Son Heungmin is the greatest.”

“...Something to that effect.”

Alon dismissed the thought.

“I see.”

With that, Evan offered a shrug, setting aside his lingering curiosity as he smoothly steered the conversation elsewhere.

“Still, tomorrow is finally the proclamation ceremony.”

“Indeed.”

“To be candid, it still doesn’t feel entirely real that you are to become a king, Marquis.”

Alon shared the sentiment.

His aspiration had never been to attain nobility, let alone the throne. His sole desire was to resolve the issue of the Five Sins and then live a life of peace and leisure in Rodmil.

‘How did things even escalate to this point…?’

After gazing blankly at the darkening sky for a moment, Alon replied,

“To be honest, I feel the same.”

“Will you be retiring early tonight?”

“Well, that would likely be the wisest course. The proclamation ceremony… does it commence in the morning?”

“Yes. I confirmed with Alexion and Sili; it will likely conclude around midday.”

Alon nodded silently, then a sudden recollection surfaced.

“Ah, come to think of it, have all the crowns been completed?”

He inquired because he had previously heard that Sili, Alexion, and Deus were tasked with crafting the crown. In response to his question, Evan let out a soft “Ah.”

“Ah, regarding the crown, I heard they intend to use the one that was already made for the time being.”

“...The one already made…? So, does that mean it is finished?”

“It is, but they expressed a desire to craft a crown that would suit you even better, Marquis.”

“...A crown that suits me?”

“Yes. Apparently, this has caused a slight delay.”

“Mm……”

If it had merely been Alexion, Alon might not have been concerned. However, with Sili’s involvement, an inexplicable sense of unease nearly prompted him to clutch his head.

Still—

“Ah, but they did say not to worry excessively.”

“About what aspect?”

“They assured us that even if the crown isn’t finalized, all the arrangements for a magnificent proclamation ceremony are already in place.”

“...A magnificent proclamation ceremony?”

“Yes.”

“What precisely have they prepared?”

“I’m not entirely certain myself, but apparently, everyone has contributed something individually. Since it is your proclamation ceremony, Marquis, everyone seemed eager to prepare a token of their contribution.”

At Evan’s rapid-fire explanation, delivered before Alon could fully process each point, his sense of unease inexplicably intensified.

“...I shall bear that in mind for now.”

Even so, if individuals had prepared items for his benefit, he could hardly ask them to refrain. Alon offered only a slight nod, concluding the conversation.

And then, just as Alon departed the office, intending to retire for the night—

Within one of the marquisate's many annexes,

"Brother."

"Sili."

Deus and Sili were engaged in conversation.

"So, have you finished confirming everything?"

"Yes, I have."

"Were there any issues?"

"Not a single one. It's highly unlikely any problems will arise."

As Deus nodded with conviction, urging her to trust him, Sili expressed relief with a smile.

Then—

"That's good. There absolutely cannot be any disruptions during the proclamation ceremony."

With these words, her gaze shifted towards the grand statue.

Directed at the colossal monument that dominated the center of the Palatio territory.

####

The morning of the proclamation ceremony arrived.

"Hoo—"

Perhaps due to retiring early the previous night, Alon awoke earlier than his usual schedule.

After gently stroking Blackie, who had dozed off purring beside his face, he rose from bed and, as was his custom, drew back the curtains.

"Mm......"

The panorama of the marquisate, bathed in the brilliant morning sunlight, appeared unchanged.

Beyond the outer walls, the visible territory bustled with its usual liveliness.

And the sunlight descending seemed to infuse the entire domain with vitality.

Likewise, the statue standing at the heart of this territory seemed precisely as it always was—

"......"

...Was it?

"...Hm?"

Staring blankly at the scenery, Alon's gaze naturally drifted to the statue, an object he had almost come to perceive as an immutable part of the landscape.

His likeness was still firmly in place.

Yet, even in his drowsy state, he could discern without difficulty that the stone effigy possessed a different quality than it had yesterday.

No, it was impossible to miss.

The reason was that the statue's posture had been altered.

It had transitioned from the northern governor's pose to a simple stance with both arms lowered.

Puzzled for a moment by the unexpectedly more subdued(?) transformation, Alon blinked—

"...Huh?"

He observed it.

The statue's hand began to ascend slowly.

Subsequently, much like a colossal mechanical marvel one might encounter only at an amusement park, the statue's hand continued its upward trajectory.

Soon, it reached a posture reminiscent of conjuring a dark, inky flame dragon—

Fwaaaash—!!

A burst of azure light erupted, and cobalt lightning commenced gathering.

Alon released the curtain he held.

Shrrrk—

The curtain fell closed once more.

[...Kkyu?]

At some point, Blackie had made its way onto Alon's shoulder, its eyes wide with astonishment.

Witnessing this, Alon was naturally reminded of Evan's earlier words.

'They mentioned that even if the crown isn't finalized, all arrangements for a magnificent proclamation ceremony are already in place.'

"......"

Without uttering a sound, he ran a hand down his face.

He had only just awakened, yet that peculiar sensation of apprehension enveloped Alon anew.