[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-became-the-patron-of-villains":3,"chapter-became-the-patron-of-villains-became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-267":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Became the Patron of Villains",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},759557,1006,"Chapter 267","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-267",267,"\u003Cp>‘Why is Lady Seolrang acting like that?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the first thought that came to Hidan's mind as he stared blankly at the scene before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was only natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Currently, Hidan was near Rosario, far from the Colony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, under normal circumstances, he wouldn’t have encountered Seolrang here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, there she was, right in front of his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go back, wolf! I’ve told you over and over...!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>............Why was she grabbing a man—whom he had never seen before—by the hair and confronting him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘No, calling him just an unknown man doesn’t seem right. He’s unusual too.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hidan examined the man’s appearance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gave off a similar vibe to Seolrang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t appear that old.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More than anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The same killing intent that Seolrang exuded surrounded him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That alone made it clear that this man was no ordinary person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Could it be that Lady Seolrang is evenly matched with him? Or is she holding back?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no way Hidan could possibly measure their strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Staring at the two overwhelming figures, Hidan returned to the most basic question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘.......Why are they even fighting?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how much he watched, he couldn’t understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a brief moment, he wondered, ‘Should I help Lady Seolrang?’ — but then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quietly turned around and decided to slip away from the area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew all too well that his tiny hands wouldn’t be of the slightest help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, look at how the fight was going.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why were they pulling each other’s hair in such a crude and childish way, instead of using proper strength?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like some neighborhood kids roughhousing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whatever the reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was clear that stepping into that would only complicate matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The choice was obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following his instincts, Hidan quietly slipped away while the two powerful people had yet to notice him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right up until the moment Alon entered the Saint’s chamber, Yuman had been thinking, ‘Could it be...?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To elaborate a bit more, he had a thought he would never usually entertain: ‘Could it be that Marquis Palatio isn’t the Hidden Saint?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, Yuman had already seen with his own eyes that Marquis Palatio—Alon—was indeed a Saint like himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had even confirmed that Alon was a Hidden Saint, one who must walk an even harsher path than he.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, the seed of doubt had been planted due to what happened yesterday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Saint.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I’m sorry, but I’m not the Hidden Saint you’re referring to.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Just as I said. Saint, I don’t know what made you mistake me for someone else, but I’m not the person you think I am.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A complete denial without the slightest hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon, by nature, rarely showed any change in expression, making it hard to discern truth from lie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes struck Yuman's mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those honest eyes that seemed to say he truly didn’t understand what was being said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuman wavered for a moment in the face of those pure eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, even that—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could have been a clever strategy employed by the brother walking the thorny path, to avoid breaking his oath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a Hidden Saint must deny his own identity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, a small doubt had taken root in Yuman’s heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That perhaps it really was a misunderstanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And even if Alon was indeed the Hidden Saint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, with all communication from Lady Sironia cut off, he might not be much different from—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the moment Alon entered the Chamber of the Holy Spirit, all worries were rendered meaningless and futile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the statue of Goddess Sironia began to shine so brilliantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing before the radiant statue was Marquis Palatio.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching that scene, Yuman couldn’t help but marvel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite walking a painful and lonely path, and even under Yuman’s pressure, he never showed the slightest sign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, more than not showing signs—he had practically deceived Yuman—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And still kept his oath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘As expected... Brother, you’re amazing.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuman’s misunderstanding grew stronger and stronger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And just as that strange faith, born of misunderstanding, began to solidify—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon, behind his expressionless face, was secretly flustered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘So suddenly?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He briefly thought, was it reacting to my sensing ability?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Alon shook his head slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If that were the case, the statue should’ve reacted the moment he activated his senses like last time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he fervently analyzed the situation in his head—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[……It’s been a long time.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He heard the voice of the Goddess Sironia, the one he’d heard years ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But one thing felt off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Formal speech?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tone had changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had definitely spoken casually before, but now she was using honorifics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baffled for a moment, Alon hurriedly opened his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Great Goddess Sironia, I am Palatio, Marquis of Asteria.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Is that so.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Short, clipped responses as if something was bothering her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon showed his confusion at that, but—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Sa... no, Marquis Palatio... Please save my greatest servant. If you do, all this disaster will naturally be resolved............ I'm sure you can do it.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......What does that—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Let’s end it here for now. We’ll continue the conversation after you’ve saved my great servant.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Goddess Sironia finished saying only what she wanted and then vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the light faded from the statue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A heavy silence fell over the Sanctuary of the Holy Spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing alone in the middle of it all—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......What was that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon stood still like a stone statue for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right after that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just to be sure, he used his sensing ability one more time—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The statue didn’t budge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Staring quietly at it, Alon exited the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Marquis.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was immediately surrounded by cardinals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon relayed Goddess Sironia’s words exactly to the cardinals, including Yuman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......Those words mean.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Surely... about His Holiness the Pope...............!?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother, did the Goddess truly say such a thing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She did.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Alon confirmed again, the cardinals’ expressions grew solemn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Marquis Palatio, no—Brother, thank you so much. If it hadn’t been for you, we wouldn’t have even realized that something had happened to His Holiness the Pope.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One cardinal bowed deeply to Alon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clenched his fists in frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I'm truly ashamed............. To think I believed such ridiculous rumors about someone as faithful as you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then, the cardinals standing nearby began to speak one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cardinal Yutia’s decision was the right one. I was still like a frog in a well, knowing nothing of the truth...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I now regret my own ignorance. Please forgive someone like me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cardinals began apologizing in a chain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon noticed Yutia’s name being mentioned in between, which sparked his curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother, I’m truly sorry, but the situation is urgent, so I’ll express my thanks later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......Don’t worry about it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon let the hurried cardinals go without protest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On their faces, a faint sense of hope had begun to form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the commotion settled down, Yuman approached him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Saint.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m really ashamed of myself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without warning, he grasped Alon’s hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Eh......?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s just, after our conversation yesterday, I was momentarily confused, wondering if I had misunderstood everything—but it turns out it was a pointless doubt.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuman gave a sheepish smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......But you really did misunderstand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon instinctively stated the truth once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. I know, Brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the look of someone who believed all doubts had now been cleared, Yuman nodded confidently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At his intense conviction of \"I now know everything, truly,\" Alon could only sigh internally, thinking, ‘You didn’t understand anything at all.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well then, I’ll take my leave for now, Brother. I’ll return after I finish the urgent tasks............!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuman, too, soon disappeared into the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Congratulations, My lord.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yutia, who hadn’t followed the cardinals, approached him last.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a smile that half-covered her red eyes—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......Is this something to be congratulated on?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Isn’t it? You’ve gained the favor of those uncomfortable cardinals all at once.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s not untrue.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though it was a situation built on a misunderstanding,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had indeed earned their favor in the end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Alon nodded, he suddenly recalled something the cardinals had said earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yutia.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, My lord.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I think I heard something in passing about ‘Cardinal Yutia’s decision’—was there something related to me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cough—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, sorry. I just choked a little.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one who reacted to Alon’s question wasn’t Yutia, but Sergius.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He coughed awkwardly, looking uncomfortable, and gave a forced smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yutia quickly stepped in front of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, it wasn’t anything big, My lord.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Is that so?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. It’s just that when rumors spread about you having died, there was a little controversy along with the old rumors connected to you. I merely addressed those briefly, that’s all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon could see Sergius’s shoulders twitching behind Yutia, but if Yutia said it wasn’t anything big, then perhaps it wasn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So it wasn’t anything serious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, truly nothing at all. So don’t worry too much. It died down quickly anyway.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A warm smile and a calm voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon nodded, but another question came to mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, come to think of it, I have one more question.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is it, My lord?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All the cardinals seem to have changed—did something happen in Rosario while I was gone?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had been curious about that from the start.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yutia slowly shook her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, nothing particularly serious. Just a bit of an unfortunate incident.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“An incident?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yutia raised her index finger to her cheek.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. The Cardinal Council room suddenly collapsed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......Collapsed?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. Because of that, all the other cardinals—except me, who had temporarily gone out on a mission—sadly passed away.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She delivered the news in a tone like she was casually mentioning there were lots of fish in the lake nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon, bewildered, repeated her words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s not... a big deal?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It isn’t. I’m sure Goddess Sironia took them because she needed them. They were all very devout in their faith.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon briefly recalled the cardinals of Rosario from within the psychedelic space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had all been corrupt pigs with no faith to speak of.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon subtly shifted his gaze beyond Yutia to look at Sergius.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sergius was now staring off into the far distance, as if determined never to look this way again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My lord?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Yutia’s clear voice, Alon met her red eyes once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘......The Apostle of Vengeance hasn’t shown up yet, has he?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon suddenly felt uneasy.\u003C\u002Fp>",1714,"2026-06-02T12:43:45.412Z",1,"novelbin.me","1534c94487a44ca2bbb9a8a5829246834a4e66d4121dbc1fe3fc3a5fb58e9fd1","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-268","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-266",479,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fbecame-the-patron-of-villains-cover.jpg"]