[{"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-291":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},759581,1006,"Chapter 291 : Sin of Greed (2)","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-291",291,"\u003Cp>A drowsy Seolrang rose with a strange noise not long after waking up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, you came because you missed me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah, I just got here! Master!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon, staring blankly at Seolrang who nodded eagerly, grew curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But how did you know I was here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was safe to say that no one knew Alon had gone to the Eastern Kingdom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he had left the Marquis’ house without informing anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmmm~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seolrang turned her eyes sideways without answering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Kyuuuu~!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she stretched and squished the body of the caught Blackie who couldn’t escape in time, Alon nodded for now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He also needed to rescue the screaming Blackie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yay!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Alon gave in, Seolrang's complexion brightened immediately and she nodded enthusiastically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she turned her eyes with a strange expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Toward where Historia was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Historia tilted her head slightly, giving Seolrang her signature blank look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seolrang, unbothered by the reaction, stared at—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be exact, at the white tail wrapped around Alon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why are you doing that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A natural question, really.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Historia blinked, mouth slightly open, and then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because I wanted to.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She replied briefly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that answer, Seolrang stared intently at Historia’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Historia did the same in return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outwardly, it looked like a meaningless exchange of glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Alon was beginning to feel a bit awkward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Are they… not on good terms?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Seolrang had woken up earlier and met Historia, her expression had been weird.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t know why, but the two didn’t seem very compatible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, I think Master is feeling uncomfortable?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seolrang’s voice rang out amidst the silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no particular emotion in it, which somehow made it even more pressuring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even her face was slightly stiff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Can she even make a face like that?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon thought, a bit taken aback since Seolrang had always been cheerful around him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t think that’s true.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Historia finally spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seolrang didn’t back down and retorted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How would you know?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I just do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And why is that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because Divine One never said anything like that before.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He didn’t say anything because he’s being considerate of you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Seolrang’s final remark, Historia turned to Alon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that true?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She asked with a slight tilt of her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Alon awkwardly hesitated on how to answer—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s no way he’d say something like that. Master is too kind!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seolrang declared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Historia’s gaze shifted back to Seolrang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their silent stare resumed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It still wasn’t exactly hostile, but it definitely looked like there was a lot to be said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, Seolrang, with a mischievous smile, said,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master must be having a hard time since someone clueless keeps bothering him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master doesn’t like people who are a hassle~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words were clearly a jab at Historia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Historia only stared blankly at Seolrang without a reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Seolrang looked at her curiously,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Okay.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Historia simply nodded dryly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still not letting go of the tail wrapped around Alon’s waist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You! I’m talking about you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frustrated by her indifferent response, Seolrang furrowed her brows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, Historia just looked back at her with a face saying, “Me? What about me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seolrang’s eyes flared with frustration as she clenched her fists and trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the standoff between the two, Alon had a strong feeling this trip would be a bit chaotic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the next day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Marquis.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aren’t you tired?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon slightly turned his gaze to the sides at Evan’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On either side of him, Historia and Seolrang were asleep, their heads resting against the window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And wrapped around Alon’s waist—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Were tails, one white and one golden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not tired, though.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...I kind of wish I could lean against the window too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He muttered quietly and leaned further into the backrest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was in stark contrast to yesterday when he had argued about how uncomfortable tails around his waist would be.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chuk—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, Seolrang wrapped her tail around his waist as if to show off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was fine when there was only one of them, but now that there were two, he couldn’t even lean on the window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My neck kind of hurts.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon muttered while massaging his stiff neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To which Evan—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Uh, Marquis? The thing is—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, well... I mean, of course your neck would hurt if you can't lean against the window. That’s why your head keeps wobbling side to side.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He started to say something else but quickly fumbled and changed the subject.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sensing something odd, Alon turned to gaze at the sunlight streaming into the carriage and slowly closed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time Alon’s breathing began to settle into a steady rhythm—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seolrang’s eyes, which had been closed just a moment ago, quietly fluttered open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She seemed to think no one noticed her waking, but to Evan and Penia sitting across from her, it was clearly visible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, she was being obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unaware that Evan and Penia had noticed, Seolrang slowly unwrapped her tail from Alon’s waist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoosh—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She gently wrapped her arm around Alon’s and tugged it toward herself, which naturally caused Alon to lean against her body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seolrang gave a satisfied grin and closed her eyes again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And once more, the steady rhythm of breathing returned—and shortly after—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Historia opened her eyes, glanced at Alon and Seolrang, and immediately pulled him toward her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thunk—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon’s head tilted instantly toward Historia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that, she quietly closed her eyes again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon, unknowingly being passed back and forth, furrowed his brow in discomfort without realizing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching this unfold, Evan and Penia turned to look at each other in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment of wordless exchange, it became clear that they both shared the same thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That during this journey, Alon was likely to get a little—or maybe very—exhausted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>About two weeks later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While traveling straight across Lizardman territory toward Fildagreen,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, Marquis!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Eliban?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon ran into Eliban.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s been so long!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eliban ran over with a bright expression the moment he saw Alon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon looked puzzled for a moment but quickly nodded in understanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Come to think of it, there’s no reason Eliban couldn’t be here.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only reason Eliban hadn’t set foot here during Alon’s playthrough was because he hadn’t purchased the DLC.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, in Psychedelia where there were no such restrictions, Eliban could easily show up here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon turned his gaze to look behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I greet the noble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Greetings.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There, Eliban’s companions Yan, Bina, and Ralph offered respectful greetings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s been a while.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon felt a wave of nostalgia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason being, the gear worn by Yan, Bina, and Ralph was on a completely different level compared to when they had first met.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘They really did some top-tier farming.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And it wasn’t just any ordinary farming—these were items that only seasoned veterans, who knew the game thoroughly and acted at just the right times, could acquire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Impressed, Alon silently marveled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But suddenly, a question formed in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...Is that even possible?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon studied Bina, Yan, and Ralph’s equipment closely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gear they wore—exclusive to certain dungeons—could only be obtained by a player who knew exactly which dungeon yielded what.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And only by plotting an optimal route through the game.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this so-called optimal route only made sense to someone who already knew where everything was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From a general player’s perspective, it was an extremely strange path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To get all that gear, one would have to clear the dungeon in Caliban, ignore all others, rush straight to the Colony, and then immediately head for Asteria—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which meant, to an average player, it was a completely irrational route.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, he only pondered for a moment before—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was actually planning to visit you a few times, but I’m glad we met like this!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eliban’s cheerful voice interrupted his thoughts, and Alon responded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You were planning to come see me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes! Ever since I heard you were revived last time, I really wanted to visit!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...That time, huh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Come to think of it, it had already been well over half a year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling the moment, Alon snapped back to the present and asked, “By the way, why are you here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, I have some business in Fildagreen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A dungeon?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s right. I heard one opened up here. That’s why I came.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Do you know Magrina?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, not really. I just came because an elf I happened to be connected with asked me to.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since their destinations matched, Alon suggested,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you're heading to Fildagreen, let’s go together.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, can I really?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eliban looked up at Alon with sparkling eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon gave a slight nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And just as they were about to set off together—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Ah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon suddenly recalled something he’d heard in the East and asked, “Eliban, just wondering—have you ever heard of the ‘Martyrs’?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Martyrs?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eliban tilted his head for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm… no, I’ve never heard of them. Is it some new group that’s popped up recently?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shrugged like he had no clue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“More or less.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are they a threat to you, Marquis?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s nothing like that. I was just curious. Don’t worry about it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, got it. But if anyone’s been giving you trouble lately, please tell me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even saying that is appreciated.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, Alon and Eliban resumed their journey to Greynifra.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Historia, who had been sticking close to Alon the whole time—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silently watched Eliban begin moving naturally toward Alon’s carriage, with a puzzled look on her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t take long for them to reach Fildagreen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were practically already at Greynifra when they met Eliban.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time the sun dipped near the mountains, Alon’s party had arrived and immediately went to meet Magrina.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Magrina.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Welcome, brother. You’ve returned. And it’s been so long since I’ve seen that dear friend of yours again. Ah, and there are some new faces too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hello.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After greeting Alon, Magrina welcomed Historia and Seolrang, who were clinging to either side of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then, she caught sight of the two tails wrapped around Alon’s waist and paused for a second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ahem—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She cleared her throat as if nothing had happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But… who might these be?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned her gaze to Eliban and his group standing beside Alon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s an honor to meet you, Your Majesty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stepping forward as if he’d been waiting for this moment, Eliban greeted her with a pleasant smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And just like that—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Magrina’s expression froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As though she had suddenly realized something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m Eliban.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gaze locked onto Eliban’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those impeccably pure blue eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a look no one could quite decipher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without even blinking once.\u003C\u002Fp>",1782,"2026-06-02T12:43:45.412Z",1,"novelbin.me","d142dc07b4ee6756d87427d9be37ccece05e27b666741fa7ee3d00d922c7db32","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-292","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-290",479,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fbecame-the-patron-of-villains-cover.jpg"]