[{"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-341":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},759781,1006,"Chapter 341 : This Wasn't in the Plan (4)","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-341",341,"\u003Cp>Alon remained in Divine Land for about a week.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, it wasn't because Alon had something important to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, Alon had been planning to head to the Marquisate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he couldn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was because of Sili.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Alon was away, Sili had been working hard to develop Divine Land and now insisted on showing him everything, dragging him around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because of that, another two days had passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surprising part was that those two days had been absolutely packed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only yesterday did he finally finish being introduced to all the factions in Divine Land.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon recalled what Sili had said to him yesterday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now, this is the Holy Knights!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I see—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is the Blue Knights!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is the Order of Anguish!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uh... is there some difference between all these knight orders?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, first of all, the Holy Knights are—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since they all wore similar armor, his question had triggered nearly an hour-long explanation on each order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘How did my little Divine Land tycoon project get to this point?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Alon pondered this for a moment, he heard something and looked down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Meoww–!!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Meow–?!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blackie smacked Kalannon, who had been slyly trying to settle next to Alon, with a rubbery kitty punch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, as if it were obvious, Blackie stared wide-eyed and claimed Alon’s lap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kalannon’s face showed injustice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked as if to say, “That’s my spot.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Blackie turned his head away with a haughty flick, clearly not intending to yield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He seemed okay before, but I guess they don’t really get along.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Alon recalled how Blackie had repeatedly swatted Kalannon on the head over the past two days—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Marquis, the preparations for departure are ready.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Really?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He heard Evan’s voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon immediately nodded and stood up with Blackie in his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that everything in Divine Land was done, it was time to return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, Alon tucked Blackie into his chest pocket.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he rose, Kalannon promptly jumped into the now-vacant chair, as if she’d been waiting for it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon gave her a gentle pat on the head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hisss–!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kalannon hissed in protest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She seemed to be expressing her dissatisfaction that he hadn't scolded Blackie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Meoww–!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then, Blackie popped out from his chest and delivered a punch that instantly subdued Kalannon, who shrank back down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon let out a bitter smile at the sight of the two and made his way to the carriage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, Marquis! May I accompany you this time?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You have something to do?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes! Something came up briefly!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm going too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Well, I don't mind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sili and Deus both offered to join him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though puzzled, Alon nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, they weren’t the only ones heading to the Palatio Marquisate with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shouldn’t you stay behind to guard Divine Land?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nope.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why do you get to decide what I do?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re both knights, aren’t you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmph—we’re escort knights.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Agreed. If anyone should be returning, it’s you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Right, that Colo—what was it? Anyway, go back to the desert.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No thanks. I’m on an official journey with Master, unlike you guys who just tagged along with excuses.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“!? This is a legit mission!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By now, Seolrang, Historia, and Ryanga were already arguing near Alon’s carriage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ever since they disappeared after showing their faces on the first day, the three had been constantly bickering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon watched their now-familiar squabbles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Historia suddenly realized Alon had arrived and swiftly moved to stand by his side like a ghost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoosh—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She naturally wrapped her tail around his waist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sway—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tip of her tail trembled slightly as if she were pleased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, seeing this a moment too late, Seolrang hurried over and wrapped her tail around Alon’s waist from the other side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, Alon was caught by two tails.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ryanga, left alone, ran up with a betrayed expression and shouted,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you guys doing?! You’re annoying Chief!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmph! Master doesn’t mind stuff like this!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seolrang shot back triumphantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...For a moment, it felt like their roles had reversed from the earlier conversation between Historia and Seolrang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, since there were too many people, they split into multiple carriages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then could Alon peacefully watch Divine Land slowly fade into the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No matter how I think about it, this has all gotten too big.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I think so too,” Evan agreed, also gazing toward Divine Land.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At this point, aren’t we being blatantly checked?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon nodded before realizing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, even to him, Divine Land's military power had reached a point that couldn’t be ignored.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Siyan suddenly messaged him tomorrow asking, “What kind of scheme are you pulling?” he wouldn’t be surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Alon wondered what to do about it—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Should I just invite the kings?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Invite them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah, just to say something like ‘Don’t worry, nothing dangerous will happen.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He came up with a rough plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, it wasn’t perfect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was enough of a surface-level plan to prevent ridiculous rumors like “he’s preparing for war.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as it could dispel misunderstandings, that was good enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the reason he had built Divine Land was purely for divine power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Speaking of which, I need to ask how to handle divine power… Should I go see Rine?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Alon was lost in thought, Evan, who had been silently mulling things over, finally spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I understand your reasoning, but… would the kings actually come if invited?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course not.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…? Then what’s the point of inviting them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I told you. The invitation itself conveys the message.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, Alon didn’t expect the kings to accept.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If someone were to invite a monarch and seriously expect them to show up—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone involved would have to be half-mad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, Alon insisted on calling it an ‘invitation’ because—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the gentlest way to say, “I have no intention of causing any trouble. Feel free to come see for yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I’ll just pack a few extra gifts and send them along.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having come to his own conclusion, Alon said,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah—I get it now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nodded as Evan seemed to understand what he meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Make sure that’s conveyed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon tried once more to gaze out at the vast expanse of Divine Land.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, Marquis. Please take this as well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Evan handed him a book.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s a scripture.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, it’s what I received from Sili yesterday.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon looked down at the book with a strange expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had good reason to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This scripture was the biography of Kalannon written by Sili.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This book essentially contained the life story of Alon himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon briefly worried—or rather, wondered—what might be written inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could have just opened it and checked, but he didn’t quite have the courage to open it hastily, so he hesitated for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re not going to open it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...You haven’t looked either?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I wanted to see it with you, Marquis.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually, Alon carefully opened the scripture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let there be lightning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The phrase boldly written on the first page filled Alon with a strange feeling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he had seen a phrase like that somewhere before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He flipped through a few more pages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The one who receives lightning, Kalannon, spoke thus:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To the one who believes in me, you shall be free from hunger and find a place to rest your feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Your life shall shine with glory, for this I promise you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To the spirit who believes in me, I shall share the lightning of my power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is my holy covenant.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And also—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flip—thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon quietly closed the scripture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he hunched over slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt like his fingers were curling in embarrassment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you really say stuff like that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do I look like someone who would?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Evan chuckled beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon snapped back curtly, then looked at the scripture (which was clearly a dubious text masquerading as holy literature) with mixed emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t help but wonder—what on earth did Sili think of him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A thousand thoughts raced through Alon’s mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And they all led to one conclusion:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was starting to get a little worried about Sili.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A day later, the group returned to the Palatio Marquisate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though it had been a while, the Marquisate hadn’t changed much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The territory was bustling with merchants, and the atmosphere was rather pleasant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, there were a few surprises in store for Alon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first of which was—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yutia?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My Lord.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yutia was at the Marquisate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s been a while.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It has. Have you been well?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve been fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s good to hear.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So what brings you to the Marquisate?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm—I had some work to do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Work?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. Do you remember? I said I wanted to build a church.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, that? So you’re here for that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm—I also just wanted to see you, My Lord.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Alon asked again, Yutia smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. It’s been a while since I saw your face.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She adjusted the slightly crooked red brooch on his chest as she spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m glad you seemed to like the gift.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Yes, I do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The brooch she had given him a long time ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt like she was suddenly bringing it up again, which made him curious—but only briefly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ahem, Brother—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, Nangwon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Have you been well?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as the greetings with Yutia ended, Nangwon naturally stepped in beside her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Nangwon’s presence wasn’t too surprising.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had already heard about it last time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The person who did surprise Alon was—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hello, Brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Magrina?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Magrina.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And I’m here too, Godfather.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—And Rine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When had these two arrived at the Marquisate?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rine, are you able to move now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No. This is an artifact projecting my body, Godfather.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It can only be used twice, and after one use, the effect lasts about three months.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Was there something important enough to use it for?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. Several things.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rine answered with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it really something that important?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Alon nodded, he looked around the office out of habit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The office, which usually only had Evan in it, was now packed with people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On Yutia’s side were Seolrang, Rine, and Deus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the opposite side, with Magrina, stood Nangwon, Nangyeon, Ryanga, and Historia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They didn’t seem to be glaring at each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, everyone wore light smiles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But for some reason—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite so many people gathered, the office—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Felt strangely quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What is this?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid the odd atmosphere, with everyone smiling only with their mouths, Alon began to feel more and more bewildered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Alexion—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s going on.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lord Alexion. There are many noble ladies visiting today.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Already?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. There are eight ladies scheduled for interviews this evening.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Didn’t we only send six letters?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then why are there eight?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The secretary couldn’t answer Alexion’s question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He simply shifted his gaze unnaturally elsewhere—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But each of those eight letters was delivered by different people. All from different women.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He simply stated the facts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Alexion—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shivered momentarily from a spine-chilling sense of dread.\u003C\u002Fp>",1841,"2026-06-02T12:43:45.412Z",1,"novelbin.me","8e69d46a62a770a610b67b6ff892c28a402b1c79ee492d71d26976c8025f77a0","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-342","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-340",479,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fbecame-the-patron-of-villains-cover.jpg"]