Became the Patron of Villains Chapter 410: Proclamation Ceremony (5)

According to Alon's understanding, the proclamation ceremony itself was not a lengthy affair.

In reality, there was no inherent need for the ceremony to drag on. Essentially, Alon was only required to place the crown upon his head before the assembled attendees in the heart of the inner castle and then recite the proclamation drafted by Sili and Alexion.

That marked the conclusion of the proceedings. In other words, considering the extensive preparations and the anticipated grandeur, the event concluded with surprising swiftness. It was akin to a wedding, meticulously planned for a year, concluding in less than three hours.

Consequently, Alon had intended for the proclamation ceremony to be conducted with maximum efficiency. From the outset, he had determined that there was little benefit in making a one-time proclamation ceremony excessively ostentatious or elaborate. That should have been the course of events, and yet...

“Evan.”

“Yes, Marquis.”

“What… precisely is that?”

Standing in the grand annex situated in the town's central plaza, awaiting the initial segment of the proclamation ceremony—the procession—Alon inquired, gazing out the window.

“I understand Deus and Sili dedicated considerable effort to its creation.”

“...You were aware of this?”

“No, I only observed it this very morning as well.”

Responding to Evan, Alon directed his attention towards the statue and the throngs of people gathered around it. He had anticipated a crowd, but the streets were so densely packed that it sparked wonder if such a multitude had ever inhabited the territory before.

...The peculiar issue was that every single individual’s gaze was locked onto the statue, making the scene appear less like a gathering for a procession and more like an assembly drawn by the statue's captivating presence.

Alon rubbed his face, a conflicted expression settling upon him. Evan then inquired,

“Is something amiss, Marquis?”

“...It’s simply that, in numerous aspects, this is not straightforward.”

“Which aspect?”

“The statue, undeniably.”

As Alon indicated the statue, Evan tilted his head, appearing perplexed.

“Well… isn’t it satisfactory?”

“...Satisfactory?”

“Yes. It possesses a striking appearance. Given that it bears your likeness, Marquis, from my perspective, it does elicit a certain… indefinable feeling… however, its impressive appearance is undeniable.”

“...Are you being entirely serious?”

“I am.”

Despite Alon's evident speechlessness, Evan continued.

“How does it strike you, Marquis?”

“To speak candidly…”

“Pray, continue?”

“...It appears somewhat uninspired.”

“Uninspired?”

Alon offered a silent nod. Naturally, he could readily grasp the immense dedication Sili and Deus must have poured into fabricating that monument. Yet, upon reflection, from Alon's vantage point, it was a statue that ignited a burning sense of embarrassment in him, for a multitude of reasons.

Upon Alon conveying his candid assessment, Evan responded,

“Mm… I find it rather magnificent.”

“You might very well be the sole individual holding that opinion.”

Alon retorted without hesitation. At that precise moment—

Vmmmm—

As if anticipating this exact juncture, the statue, which had remained inert until now, commenced raising its arm once more, identical to its previous action. Ooooooh—!

Concurrently, astonished exclamations erupted from the myriad individuals within the crowd. And then, once the statue's arms had been fully elevated—The instant the statue's eyes glowed with a cerulean light and lightning surged forth from its raised arm—

“Waaaaaaaah!!!”

A thunderous roar emanated forth. Amidst this fervent reaction, Alon found himself utterly dumbfounded. “It appears you are the sole dissenter, Marquis.”

Gazing at Evan, who displayed an amused grin as if finding the entire spectacle highly entertaining—‘It looks impressive?’ Not childish?

—Alon experienced a profound bewilderment regarding his own aesthetic sensibilities. But this introspection was fleeting. “Marquis! All arrangements are complete!”

Sili, who had been absent until this point, suddenly materialized and announced, prompting Alon to rise from his seat. “Here, this is for you!”

She promptly presented him with a document, which Alon accepted as a matter of course. “What is this?”

“The declaration.”

“...Must I merely read it at the conclusion?”

“Yes! First, you shall partake in the procession, then proceed to the inner castle, don the crown, and conclude by reciting the declaration!”

Following Sili’s explanation, Alon nodded before addressing her. “Sili.”

“Yes?”

“...Never mind.”

He paused momentarily, contemplating whether to voice his thoughts regarding the statue. He ultimately decided against it. While Alon perceived it as profoundly juvenile, the populace's reaction had been unequivocally ecstatic, a stark contrast to his own view.

Thus, Alon tucked Sili’s declaration within his attire and dutifully exited the annex. He boarded a carriage distinctly different from his usual mode of transport, one that exuded an aura of opulent extravagance at first glance. And with that, the procession commenced.

“Ah, it has begun.”

In the direction of the main avenue on the horizon, as he observed the carriages proceeding towards the Marquis family's inner castle, Penia approached Evan before the latter realized her presence. “Where have you been?”

“Ah, I made a brief visit to the tower masters.”

“Ah—The Blue Tower Master, the Red Tower Master, and the Green Tower Master were in attendance, correct?”

“Indeed.”

Penia had barely managed a nod before the two individuals simultaneously let out exclamations.

This was because along the very path Alon was destined to tread, golden crowns began to appear in a chaotic cascade, adorning the thoroughfare.

“It’s Lady Rine.”

“It certainly looks like it.”

As the pair marveled at the sight, rays of white light descended from the heavens.

“It’s Lady Yutia.”

“It does appear to be.”

Once again, identifying the source of this spectacle was not a difficult task.

And then, following that—

Pale hands, emerging from atop the buildings lining the bustling street and from among the crowd’s own hands, began to wave with fervent enthusiasm.

“...?”

“?”

The two were left in a state of utter bewilderment.

But before any words of commentary could be exchanged—

■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■-!!!!

■■■■■■■■■■■■■■-!!!!

Two Sea King Gods, having materialized suddenly near the inner castle, emitted chilling shrieks as they coiled themselves around the castle's formidable walls.

Subsequently, they lowered their heads in a gesture of deference towards Alon.

“......”

“......”

While Penia and Evan simply stared, dumbfounded, at the two Sea King Gods, Historia, who had been perched atop one of their heads, rose to her feet and drew her sword.

It was a blade that appeared disproportionately large in comparison to Historia herself.

With a swift motion, Historia sent the drawn sword hurtling directly into the sky without the slightest hesitation.

Bang—!

Accompanied by the explosive sound of displaced air, the clouds that had so recently obscured the sun were forcefully rent asunder.

““……””

The street had grown utterly silent, so much so that no one could pinpoint the exact moment it had happened.

And Penia and Evan, their gazes fixed silently upon the now-still street—

“...Excuse me.”

“Yeah.”

“This is indeed a kingdom proclamation ceremony, correct?”

“...I believe so?”

“It’s not some kind of Demon King’s birth celebration... is it?”

“...To be perfectly candid, that thought had crossed my mind as well.”

Quietly exchanging their musings with each other,

‘…Ah.’

Alon, observing the unfolding scene from within the carriage at that very moment, squeezed his eyes shut tightly.

‘I truly wish I could just go home.’

This sentiment echoed deeply within his heart.

####

Due to the astonishing procession that had unfolded in so many peculiar ways, Alon harbored a degree of anxiety regarding what might transpire next. However, contrary to his expectations, once they proceeded into the inner castle, no further unforeseen events occurred.

…Naturally, given the sudden appearance of the two Sea King Gods, the knights of the Divine Land had, rather abruptly, begun to showcase their divine power simultaneously amidst the proceedings.

And as a direct consequence, he witnessed Queen Torimavia, Palmarian, and a multitude of other significant figures staring with their mouths agape, having completely abandoned all pretense of decorum.

Nevertheless, that much was manageable.

From Alon’s perspective, having already endured rather ominous occurrences since the early morning, he could afford to regard that particular spectacle as relatively minor.

Finally, after the crown investiture, which had been as tumultuous as a storm, had concluded, Alon, now adorned with a crown so resplendent it seemed heavy merely from the sheer abundance of its jewels, rose from his seat.

He exhaled a sigh and retrieved the declaration document from within his attire.

The ceremony would only officially conclude once he had read this pronouncement aloud.

Thus, he took the document into his hand without a moment’s hesitation.

After a cursory glance at the cover, which bore the inscription 'Declaration of the Kingdom of Palantia,' Alon unfolded the parchment and commenced reading without delay.

“People of this territory, and all esteemed guests who shall partake in the new era of the Kingdom of Palantia!

This is the very heart of the Kingdom of Palantia. Upon this land, painstakingly cultivated by our ancestors through their blood, sweat, and unyielding toil, I personally and solemnly proclaim this decree unto you all.”

Following the recitation of the inaugural paragraph, Alon offered a nod even as he continued speaking.

The content was, in fact, far more tranquil than his apprehensions had led him to anticipate.

Therefore, Alon’s gaze naturally shifted to the subsequent paragraph.

“This territory has long been a place of profound peace. This tranquility is maintained because, under my benevolent rule and the guidance of our honored guests, all have conducted themselves with wisdom. And this peace is destined to persist from this moment onward as well. Naturally—”

After uttering these words, he abruptly paused, falling silent.

The reason for his silence was the sentence inscribed within the following paragraph.

Naturally, that is permissible only on the strict condition that every individual present adheres completely to my will…

‘What is this?’

For a fleeting instant, Alon’s cognitive functions ceased, leaving his mind entirely blank.

However, he swiftly continued to scan the contents of the letter with his own eyes.

‘The new law established by Palantia is remarkably straightforward.

My command constitutes the law, and my glory is synonymous with the glory of Palantia.

Those who will engrave this principle deeply within their hearts and pledge their unwavering loyalty to me shall be elevated to the status of my eternal companions and recognized as the true heroes of Palantia.

However, should there be any who dare to harbor discontent towards my sagacious governance, or who attempt to disrupt the order within this steadfast kingdom…

Such an individual will experience suffering of a very, very, very significant magnitude.

The torment they endure will culminate in agonizing screams, and their pitiful demise will serve as an exemplary lesson for all.

Consequently, for the continued prosperity of Palantia and for your own personal happiness, I implore you to act with wisdom.

Let us collectively forge a glorious future together!

Entrust all matters to my wisdom and my mercy.”

“Ah.”

Upon reaching this point in the reading, Alon involuntarily emitted a soft sound.

Two profound realizations simultaneously dawned upon him.

The first was the true meaning embedded within this declaration.

Simply put, it meant: Do not try to outsmart me, or you will perish.

The other point was the potential for various complications if he were to voice this aloud in the current setting.

Therefore—

“—that is, assuming, of course, that you all choose to follow my sagacious guidance.”

Alon proceeded with his speech at a measured pace, striving to moderate the declaration's implications as much as possible.

“With this proclamation, I declare that the Kingdom of Palantia has now established its presence on this continent.”

And upon uttering that final phrase—

“Waaaaaaaah!!!!!”

As a resounding wave of cheers and applause erupted, Alon discreetly exhaled in relief.

####

Immediately following the conclusion of the proclamation ceremony, a celebratory banquet commenced at the Palatio marquisate.

Despite the banquet hall's considerable size, it was so packed that available seating was scarce. Just as Alon managed to steal a moment of quiet amidst the throng when—

“You appear quite weary.”

Someone approached Alon, who was seated upon the throne.

“I am feeling somewhat drained.”

“You will likely need to grow accustomed to this sensation. You have now ascended to become the guiding sky for an entire nation.”

It was Queen Torimavia of Raksas who spoke. She addressed Alon with a profoundly warm and kind smile.

“And how did your recent encounter fare, by chance?”

At Torimavia’s subsequent inquiry, Alon immediately grasped which meeting she was referring to.

‘She’s asking about Serena Raksasia.’

Naturally, Alon hadn't formed a particularly strong impression.

If forced to name one, it was that Serena had seemed somewhat as if she were speaking in a state of partial hypnosis.

However, since he could not state this factually—

“She seemed like a pleasant individual.”

This was his response. On the surface, it implied he had developed a favorable opinion.

Yet, within noble circles, such phrasing served as a polite dismissal, prompting a soft gasp from Torimavia.

“Oh my, that is regrettable. Did she perhaps conduct herself with some impropriety…?”

“It was nothing of the sort, so please do not trouble yourself over it.”

Responding to Alon’s courteous reply, Torimavia appeared to ponder for a moment.

“Is there, perhaps, someone already occupying your heart?”

She inquired with caution.

Alon considered the question.

‘…There was the second princess, wasn't there?’

Currently, no one held a special place in Alon’s heart.

But he had a vague inkling that if he were to reveal the truth now, Torimavia might, in some manner, request that he meet the second princess just once.

Of course, from Alon’s perspective, declining a meeting with the second princess would not have been a difficult feat.

However, he found the prospect of creating such a situation undesirable from the outset. After a brief period of contemplation, Alon stated,

“Yes, there is.”

He offered an ambiguous response to preempt potential complications.

And at that precise moment—

Click.

Distinct from the still-boisterous ambiance of the banquet hall, the vicinity around Alon, where lively merriment and conversation had been flowing only moments before, abruptly fell into an eerie silence, as if it had never been.

Profoundly, utterly silent.