Became the Patron of Villains Chapter 286 : Treatment (5)

“Wow—”

The entire group let out a collective gasp of admiration as they stepped into Sunju.

The sheer beauty of the city was enough to take their breath away.

From the towering outer fortifications to the brilliantly painted structures within, every building seemed more like a masterpiece of art than a functional dwelling.

Stunned into silence, the travelers could only stare with wide eyes and open mouths.

Alon soon came to a halt before the massive main gate of the capital.

“Greetings to the great race!”

In that moment, Alon experienced the weight of Historia’s authority once more.

Though only two guards had been stationed at the gate moments ago, dozens now scrambled out to form a line, saluting in perfect harmony.

The reaction wasn't limited to the soldiers.

Even the commoners waiting in the long inspection queues turned their heads, watching Historia with gazes full of reverence.

Historia merely gave a casual nod, her expression suggesting this was a daily occurrence.

Alon clicked his tongue softly, though the thought was fleeting.

“But who are these outsiders?”

The beastkin began to shift their curiosity toward Alon’s companions.

…Specifically, their eyes lingered on Alon himself.

The reason for the attention was undeniable.

It was the sight of Historia’s tail, which was currently coiled firmly around Alon’s waist.

Feeling a flush of embarrassment, Alon opened his mouth to speak, but—

“We are here to see Urang.”

“His Majesty… you mean?”

“Yes.”

With that blunt statement from Historia, the guards immediately stepped aside, allowing Alon and his party to enter the city without a single question or inspection.

A new wave of intrigue washed over Alon.

He had already realized her social standing was significant based on previous events.

However, calling a reigning king by his personal name without receiving a single protest?

He was now genuinely curious about the true extent of her rank.

With that thought, Alon glanced over at Historia.

“What is it?”

Sensing his stare, she tilted her head, maintaining her trademark blank stare.

The gap between her power and her personality was something he still found difficult to process.

Then—

“We welcome the great race.”

They had barely crossed into the city when a group of officials, who appeared to have been waiting for her arrival, stepped forward to greet Historia.

Their luxurious robes made it obvious that these were men of high status.

Yet, even as these dignitaries bowed their heads in deep respect,

“Let us move.”

Historia merely offered a slight nod and continued walking without pausing.

The group followed the officials as they were led deeper into the capital’s center.

Eventually, a colossal palace loomed on the horizon.

The scale of the fortress was so immense that it made every other building in the city look like a mere toy.

“He is inside.”

Historia provided a short explanation and guided the group toward the structure.

The moment they stepped through the palace doors,

“I must leave for a short while.”

“…You have business elsewhere?”

“Yes.”

“I understand.”

She departed without offering any further details.

Despite her vacant look, her stride was purposeful as she walked away.

Following her exit, Alon was escorted by the officials toward a set of gargantuan doors.

As the doors swung open, a man seated at the far end of the hall was revealed.

Perched upon a golden throne at the highest point of the room—a symbol of absolute royal power—

Was a wolf beastkin who exuded an overwhelming aura of majesty.

Observing that many of the surrounding officials were also of the wolf tribe, Alon wondered briefly if Seolrang shared the same bloodline before he offered a bow.

“Alon Palatio greets the sovereign of this land.”

It was a brief, formal greeting.

Yet it seemed to carry weight, as the king let out a soft sound of interest.

“So, you are the Marquis Palatio?”

“I am.”

“Remarkable. I did not anticipate your arrival at such a time.”

This was Urang, the King of the Eastern Nation.

Alon was momentarily confused by the king’s intrigued tone, but the realization soon hit him.

Specifically, the issue of the deep-sea monsters—the aggressive invaders from the depths.

Recalling Hazad’s previous warnings, Alon remembered that the trade routes had been completely blocked because of them.

“Regardless, the timing is no longer important.”

“I appreciate the warm reception.”

“It is well-earned. I have been expecting you.”

The king smiled faintly, humming as he considered his next words.

“Under normal circumstances, I would allow you to rest before we spoke… but what do you think? If you are willing, we can proceed with our discussion immediately.”

The King offered to skip the pleasantries and get to the point.

Alon nodded his head without any hesitation.

“That would be preferable.”

“I am pleased we are of one mind.”

Gratified by Alon’s response, the king gave a firm nod.

“Everyone else, withdraw. And I apologize, but I must ask your companions to wait outside as well.”

“This is a conversation that requires absolute privacy between the two of us,” he commanded, clearing the chamber.

As Alon’s party traded looks of uncertainty, the guards and officials obeyed the order instantly, receding from the room like a retreating tide.

Seeing this, Alon gave a small nod to his followers. Radan, Penia, and the others followed the officials out of the hall.

The grand chamber was now occupied by only two people.

A short silence hung in the air.

“Now, we may speak freely.”

The king exhaled a soft sigh and stood up from his throne, walking down toward Alon.

Step, step—

Descending the dais, Urang finally came to a stop directly in front of Alon.

Even on level ground, the king’s height was so great that Alon found himself looking up at him.

Aside from the natural pressure the man radiated—

Alon felt his body tense slightly as the sovereign approached him so directly.

However, that tension was short-lived.

Before Alon could react to the situation—

Urang, the King of the Eastern Nation, lowered himself into a deep bow.

“…?”

Even Alon, who usually masked his emotions well, could not hide his shock.

“As a descendant of the great Eastern Nation, I offer my deepest respects to the savior of our past.”

“…Ah.”

Alon let out a soft breath as the meaning of the words sank in.

“I am grateful that you understood the need for a private audience.”

Only then did Alon grasp why the king had demanded everyone leave.

“No, I understand. This is a matter of great significance.”

“Thank you. If the nation were at peace internally, perhaps it would be different… but under the current circumstances…”

Hearing Urang’s words, Alon was reminded of the rebellion currently fracturing the Eastern Nation.

Alon did not possess the ego of a typical high-born.

However, having lived as a noble, he understood that maintaining an image of absolute authority was vital during times of civil unrest.

“By the way, did Historia tell you about me?”

When Alon asked, Urang shook his head in the negative.

“No, she did not.”

“Then how…?”

“This knowledge was handed down by the fifth ancestor of our nation.”

“The fifth ancestor?”

“He was King Sua, and his name was Rangban.”

At the mention of that name, Alon’s breath hitched slightly.

It was a beastkin he remembered vividly.

“Rangban…”

A strange sensation stirred in Alon’s chest.

Though the man was called an ‘ancestor’ now, Alon’s memories of him were still fresh.

“Because of the accounts he left for his lineage, I am able to offer my gratitude to you in person today.”

Nodding at the explanation, Alon inquired, “So, was that the primary reason for this meeting? To offer thanks?”

“Indeed. But that is not all. The main reason I asked for this meeting is because I have something to deliver to you.”

“Something… from Rangban?”

“Yes. Rangban gave strict instructions. He insisted this message be given to you, and that the Eastern Nation must never forget it for as long as we exist.”

With those words, Urang reached into his robes and produced an object, handing it to Alon.

As Alon accepted the white, comma-shaped Magatama jewel, Urang recited the ancient message.

“In the northern reaches of the Eastern Nation, where four pairs of sarasu trees grow, there lies one in slumber who can assist you.”

“That is—”

“Yes, that is the word the former king passed through the generations specifically for you.”

“…What can be found at that location?”

“I am aware of the coordinates and can lead you there if you wish, but I do not know what is inside. We have simply protected the site.”

“Was that also Rangban’s command?”

“It was. No one but you, Alon, is permitted to enter. We have guarded it with that sole purpose in mind.”

Processing Urang’s words, Alon looked down at the jewel in his hand and asked, “When can we depart?”

“If you desire, we could leave this moment, but given the distance, a morning departure might be more practical.”

Alon looked up and glanced at his surroundings.

Without him noticing, the evening sun had begun to paint the palace walls in a deep crimson.

It seemed more logical to set out after proper preparation.

Thus, the meeting concluded with Alon agreeing to the king’s suggestion.

“Then, please enjoy your rest.”

After their farewells, Alon walked out of the chamber.

Feeling a sharp gaze from the distance, Alon turned his head to investigate—

“?”

In the distance, he locked eyes with a man who was staring at him with blatant animosity.

The man was notably younger than the other beastkin and wore clothes so lavish that he stood out even in the royal palace.

The look he directed at Alon was so filled with loathing that even a stranger could see he despised him.

Then, without saying a word, the youth scowled and walked away, vanishing from sight.

“…That brat has no manners at all.”

Penia, who had approached Alon’s side silently, muttered a curse under her breath, clearly annoyed.

Evan, standing beside her, nodded his head in agreement.

“He looks to be about my age. He’s likely a prince.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Think about it. Someone that young, acting with that much arrogance in a place like this? He’s clearly lived a life of privilege. It narrows down the possibilities.”

“…Oh, that was actually insightful.”

“Heh, I have my moments of brilliance.”

“No, you really don’t.”

As they fell into their usual bickering, Penia silenced Evan with a sharp retort before furrowing her brow as if something was bothering her.

“But… something feels strange.”

“Strange?”

“Yeah, hmm~”

Penia kept her eyes on the spot where the prince had disappeared, lost in thought.

But before she could voice her suspicions—

“Brother.”

“What is it?”

“Should I kill him?”

Radan, mimicking the habits of a certain someone, casually suggested assassinating the prince(?) right there in the palace.

“Don’t do that.”

Alon let out a tired sigh and placed a hand on Radan’s shoulder to calm him.

In doing so, he inadvertently saved the life of the man who was presumed to be a prince.

Soon enough, the following morning arrived.

“Well then, I shall be your guide from here.”

Alon and his party began their journey toward the location where Rangban’s secret was kept hidden.