Became the Patron of Villains Chapter 413: The Second (2)

Following that event, the festivities organized by the House of Marquis Palatio, or more accurately, within the capital city of Palantia, finally reached their conclusion.

The capital began to shed its festive guise and return to its familiar, everyday rhythm. The kings and other dignitaries from various nations who had converged to witness Alon’s ascension ceremony had departed for their respective homelands, and the nobles who had thronged the grand banquet hall had also dispersed.

This was a perfectly natural course of events. Given the devastation wrought by the Divine blood, it was a minor miracle that they had been able to maintain the celebration for as long as they had.

And Alon Palatio, now recognized as the first king of Palantia—

—Your Majesty, while we can proceed with the planned territorial expansion for now, it appears we find ourselves lacking in numerous crucial aspects.”

—Is that so?”

—was currently engaged in a meeting with Palantia’s key figures.

Of course, the term “key figures” referred solely to Evan, Penia, Alexion, and Sili, meaning the gathering was little different from their usual confabs.

—Indeed. For one, is it not imperative that we commence the construction of a new castle immediately?”

—A castle...”

Alon nodded thoughtfully. Had this been a mere territory, the presence or absence of a castle might not have been a significant concern. However, Alon was no longer a simple noble; he was a king.

This elevation in status necessitated a certain royal grandeur, which at least included a proper castle.

—It certainly appears necessary, but can our current treasury support such an undertaking?”

While perhaps not as acutely as Alexion, Alon possessed a reasonably sound understanding of the marquisate’s financial standing.

‘The situation might be starting to lean towards the precarious.’

At present, the marquisate’s finances were, by all accounts, in good condition. They had also managed to procure the necessary materials for territorial expansion at prices that were astonishingly low compared to prevailing market rates.

Even with those favorable circumstances, however, constructing a castle was not a project that demanded a trivial sum of money.

‘We could likely manage it, but...’

It seemed imprudent to expend every last coin on the construction of a single castle.

In response to Alon’s query, Alexion appeared to consult some records before stating, “Ordinarily, our finances would likely be somewhat strained, but current circumstances appear to be more favorable than anticipated.”

—More favorable? To what do we owe this?”

—It is due to the substantial gifts we received from the various nations during the Proclamation Ceremony.”

—...Gifts sufficient to fund the construction of an entire castle?”

—Strictly speaking, not enough to cover the entire cost, but they will undoubtedly provide significant assistance.”

—...Even so, that must represent an incredible sum...?”

—That is correct.”

At Alexion’s confirmation, Alon could not suppress his surprise. He was aware that attendees at a Proclamation Ceremony typically presented gifts as a customary gesture, but he had not anticipated that these formal gifts would collectively amount to such a considerable treasure.

After a moment of contemplation, Alon declared, “Then proceed with the castle construction. However, ensure that costs are minimized wherever possible.”

He had made his decision. “Understood. We shall then commence the construction of a new castle within the inner district.”

—How long do you estimate the construction will take?”

—That will depend on the allocated budget, but if we engage a significant number of mages, the duration can be considerably shortened.”

—Mages...”

As Alon contemplated this, Penia, standing nearby, interjected, “Would you like me to contact the Mage Tower?”

—If that is feasible.”

—Yes, I will establish contact separately. I will also endeavor to negotiate the mages’ wages to the lowest possible rate.”

—Thank you.”

—It is my pleasure.”

Penia responded with a smile. Alon briefly mused that her smile seemed to have become more frequent of late.

He then proceeded to address a few more pressing matters.

—Are these all the urgent issues that require our immediate attention?”

—Yes. Regarding the territorial expansion, with the materials now arriving, our plan is to hire workers a month in advance to gradually prepare the grounds. As for the soldiers, I believe Divine Land will be handling that aspect entirely.”

—...I see.”

With that, the day’s meeting was concluded.

And just as he was rising from his seat—

—Godfather.”

—Rine?”

Rine approached Alon.

—Are you departing?”

Sensing the reason for Rine’s visit, Alon inquired, and she nodded in affirmation.

—Yes. And there is something I wish to discuss with you, just the two of us.”

—Something you wish to discuss?”

—Yes.”

Rine offered a concise reply. Alon looked at her with a hint of bewilderment but soon nodded as if understanding dawned upon him.

After Penia, who was observing Rine with a rather peculiar expression for some unknown reason, and the others, who still appeared somewhat dazed, had all departed—

—So then, what is it you wished to say? Is it something that requires a private conversation?”

Alon sought to get to the point. At his words, Rine casually touched her hair, which had been styled differently than usual, and then replied, —Mm... actually, not precisely.”

—...Then?”

—I only said that because I desired to speak with you alone.”

For a brief moment, Alon was taken aback. Rine let out a soft chuckle, seemingly amused by his reaction.

—I am merely jesting, Godfather. In truth, I wished to discuss Divine Land with you.”

—...Divine Land?”

—Yes.”

—Has something occurred there?”

—No, that is not the case. Rather, I felt it might be an opportune time for you to learn how to properly utilize Divine Land.”

Hearing those words, Alon was suddenly reminded once more that Rine was the very person who had initially proposed the concept of Divine Land.

“How do I properly utilize Divine Land?”

“Yes.”

“...Am I not already doing so?”

In all honesty, his utilization had been lacking since the descent of the Divine blood. However, prior to that event, Alon had been harnessing the gathered faith quite effectively, leaving him perplexed.

Rine offered her response:

“Mm, I thought so too, but in truth, Marquis, you've only been making partial use of Divine Land.”

“...Only partial use?”

“Yes. To be precise, you've only utilized the aspect of receiving and using faith.”

Observing Alon's nod of interest, she continued,

“I shall share some of the information I uncovered in the library during my research.”

With a smile, she drew nearer.

####

The following day.

“Let us depart.”

Even after ascending to the throne, Alon embarked on his journey without any elaborate escort, accompanied only by Evan and Penia.

“Alon.”

“Mm?”

“You are now a king. Would it not still be prudent to travel with an escort?”

Evan inquired, but Alon’s perspective differed.

‘More individuals would simply impede our progress.’

Had Alon been weaker, he might have opted for an escort. However, such was not the case.

In other words, even while traveling in this manner, the likelihood of him encountering life-threatening peril was negligible.

Thus—

“An increased number of people merely prolongs the time required for movement.”

“...That is indeed true.”

Evan concurred, nodding as if compelled to agree with Alon's logic, then posed another question:

“Ah, speaking of which, you've appeared quite contemplative since yesterday. May I ask the reason?”

“Since yesterday?”

“Yes, um... it seems to have started after your conversation with Rine.”

At Evan’s words, Alon emitted a soft sound of dawning realization and recalled the previous day's discussion with Rine.

‘Actually, after those things descended last time, I continued my research in the library's Forbidden Book Zone regarding Divine blood, and I uncovered something rather intriguing.’

‘What sort of information?’

‘It stated that Divine blood possessing a certain degree of influence can either strengthen its followers or enhance the territory under its dominion.’

‘...Strengthen followers or territory?’

‘Yes.’

‘I cannot speak for the territory, but as I understand it, those who currently believe in me are already drawing upon my power.’

‘That is correct. However, that is merely a temporary borrowing of your power, is it not?’

‘Then—’

‘Strictly speaking, what I am referring to is less about strengthening and more about—’

“...Evolution.”

Alon softly uttered the word Rine had used at the conclusion of her statement.

She had indeed spoken those exact words.

That Divine blood accomplished more than simply bestowing divine power upon humans—it facilitated their “evolution.”

And if Rine's assertion held true, Alon should be capable of achieving the same.

The impediment, however, was—

‘...Since the Divine blood fell, faith has ceased to accumulate.’

Currently, Alon housed two sources of divine power within him.

The power originating from the Poison Eater and the Devourer.

Yet, inexplicably, apart from these two divine powers, no other divine power was gathering within Alon.

‘Nothing should have changed fundamentally…’

Thus, while Alon remained preoccupied with these thoughts as he journeyed towards Theria to meet Siyan—

“Ah, Alon, do you happen to be aware of this?”

“...Aware of what?”

“Apparently, Divine blood appeared in the vicinity of our territory last night.”

Evan suddenly conveyed the news.

“...What?”

Alon’s demeanor grew serious.

In contrast, however, Evan’s expression remained relaxed.

“Ah, there is no need for undue tension. If it were something significant, I would not be relaying it so casually.”

“Then?”

“They say the Divine blood vanished almost immediately after its appearance.”

“...Vanished immediately?”

“It is believed to have perished.”

“...Perished?”

“Yes. For the time being, the Information Guild’s assessment is that evidence of a battle was present, with red blood and fragments of a deceased Divine blood scattered across the area.”

Upon hearing Evan's explanation, Alon fell silent, though a slight tilt of his head indicated contemplation.

It was indeed fortunate that a Divine blood had met its end.

But—

‘Who on earth could have…?

At least to his knowledge, there was no one who should possess the capability to defeat a Divine blood, leading to Alon's deepening puzzlement.

At that precise moment, within an office located in Rosario—

“...Lady Yutia?”

Cardinal Sergius halted, appearing somewhat taken aback.

His gaze was fixed upon Yutia Bloodia, who was seated there.

And for good reason.

‘...How has she already arrived here?’

This was because he had received word of her departure from the House of Marquis Palatio—or rather, Palantia—“yesterday.”

Thus, as Sergius remained frozen in astonishment,

“Yes, please proceed.”

Yutia spoke in a gentle tone.

And at that instant, Cardinal Sergius noticed at least two peculiar details about Yutia.

One was the crimson bloodstain adorning the hem of her black holy robe.

The other was—

‘Hair ties…?’

—two rubber bands, the kind typically used by women to secure their hair, entangled within her snow-white locks.

…Two of them, no less.

His dazed gaze drifted from her hair down to the hem of her holy robe. As Yutia slowly lowered her own eyes to follow his gaze—

“Oh my, I didn’t even notice this got on me.”

She murmured this calmly, a faint smile gracing her lips, before turning her attention back to Sergius.

“So, what is it you wanted?”

To Yutia’s question,

“...It’s nothing.”

Sergius simply shut his mouth. He understood perfectly. There were moments in this world where ignorance truly was bliss. Instead of inquiring why she was present, when she should have still been en route from Palantia to Rosario, he decided to shift the topic.

“You seem to be in unusually good spirits, unlike recently.”

This was not merely a polite deflection. Yutia genuinely wore a faint smile, a stark contrast to her usual demeanor.

“Oh my, do I appear so?”

“Yes. Did something happen?”

In response to his question, Yutia met his gaze, that quiet smile still present, and then stated,

“Yes, something wonderful occurred.”

“...Something wonderful?”

“Yes. Something truly wonderful.”

She turned her head, her gaze silently sweeping over the capital city of Rosario. Then, at long last—

“Every piece has finally fallen into its rightful place.”

“...Piece?”

“Yes, all the preparations are finalized.”

Her lips moved slightly.

“Every single preparation.”

Her blood-red eyes gleamed with intensity.