Became the Patron of Villains Chapter 292 : Sin of Greed (3)

"...Magrina?"

"Ah."

Magrina fell into a sudden silence as her gaze fixed on Eliban.

Noticing Alon’s perplexed expression, she blinked rapidly and forced a strained smile, seemingly regaining her composure.

"Yes, what is it, brother?"

"Nothing, you just appeared to be daydreaming for a second."

"Oh, well, he simply reminded me of someone I once knew. But~"

Magrina paused, her eyes lingering on Eliban once more.

"Thinking about it again, I might be mistaken."

She gave her head a small, dismissive shake.

"Haha, I get told that quite frequently."

Eliban let out a spirited laugh.

Alon internally questioned, 'Is there really another person that attractive out there?', but he simply nodded in agreement. Given that elves were naturally gifted with beauty, he reasoned that such resemblances weren't entirely impossible.

He remained a quiet observer as Eliban and Magrina began a conversation, looking as though they had both been eager for the exchange.

"So, you arrived here because of his recommendation."

"That is correct."

Once she understood the circumstances of Eliban’s arrival, Magrina greeted him with her characteristic warmth.

"In that case, please make yourself at home."

"You have my gratitude, Your Majesty."

"Mew, kindly see that rooms are readied for our visitors."

"As you wish."

Immediately after Mew departed with Eliban, Alon spoke up.

"Magrina."

"Yes, brother?"

"Have you actually encountered Eliban before?"

Alon pressed the issue. No matter how he looked at it, Eliban possessed a level of handsomeness that was rare even among the elven race. Magrina's earlier reaction continued to weigh on his mind, prompting his curiosity.

"Mm—no, I believe I was just confused."

"Just a misunderstanding?"

"Yes."

Magrina offered a soft denial. When Alon accepted her answer with a nod, she shifted her attention toward Historia.

"More importantly, a longtime companion has returned."

"Hello."

"It has been quite a while."

"Yes."

"How have you been faring?"

"Reasonably well."

Their exchange was incredibly brief for two people with such a long history. Nevertheless, they seemed to understand each other perfectly, a fact that Alon found slightly peculiar.

"Oh, and brother."

"Yeah?"

"I haven't been introduced to the other two yet. Would you mind?"

Magrina gestured toward the spot where Seolrang and Radan were standing.

Realizing his oversight, Alon cleared his throat to introduce them.

"This is Seolrang."

"Hi."

"And this is Radan."

"A pleasure."

Seolrang appeared unusually gloomy compared to her normal self, while Radan offered a polite but reserved greeting. Their casual behavior toward a monarch bordered on disrespect, yet Magrina maintained her smile, seemingly unbothered.

"Seolrang, Radan, I have heard many stories about you both."

She then revealed the details she had gathered about them.

"Seolrang, the Baba Yaga of the colony, and Radan, the legendary pirate. It is an honor to meet you."

Alon’s brows twitched in surprise. While such information wasn't exactly secret, Greynifra had no formal ties with the Allied Kingdom. This meant Magrina had gone out of her way to procure intel from the outside world.

"I am grateful for the support you provide my brother."

Radan shook his head at her thanks.

"It was only right."

"Exactly. He is my Master," Seolrang added without a second thought.

However—

"Even if my brother helped you first, you are both still 'outsiders.' Devotion like yours is quite rare."

"...?"

"...?"

Both Radan and Seolrang looked baffled by her remark. Before they could respond, Magrina cut them off.

"I trust you will continue to look after him well."

She ended the conversation with a dignified nod, leaving the two of them stunned. While Seolrang was still trying to process the words, the more perceptive Radan realized this was a subtle display of dominance. It felt a bit petty, yet it was a challenge they couldn't simply ignore.

"Hey, you’ve got it all wrong. Me and the girl here, we’re practically family to him!"

"That’s right!"

Radan argued back immediately, with Seolrang chiming in once she caught the drift. Magrina merely hid a giggle behind her hand.

"Oh, I am fully aware that you consider yourselves family. I am certain my brother feels the same way about you."

The sudden shift in her tone left them even more confused. Just as Alon was processing the scene—

Creeeak—

The door swung open as Mew returned. Magrina gave a new order.

"Mew, please escort these two to their quarters as well."

"Understood."

Radan and Seolrang turned to leave with sheepish looks, and Alon began to follow them.

"Wait, brother, you must remain here."

"Is there more to discuss?"

"No, but you are now officially recognized as a member of the royal family."

"Is that how it works...?"

"Yes."

Magrina stepped closer to Alon. "As family, it would be improper for you to stay in the guest wing." She offered a sweet, triumphant smile.

"!"

"!"

Seolrang and Radan whipped their heads around, finally realizing the implications of her words. But Magrina simply dismissed them with an elegant wave of her hand.

"Master! Let’s just get married instead!"

Seolrang ignored the dismissal, rushing back to grab Alon’s hand.

"Hmph—royal unions aren't discussed so flippantly. There is the matter of social standing to consider," Magrina countered.

"Master doesn't care about status!"

"Even so, there are protocols that must be observed."

"You’re talking about protocol? You’re not following it either!"

"Me?"

"Yes! How can you call him ‘brother’ when you’re literally hundreds of years older than him?!"

"...Huh?"

A minor chaotic scene began to erupt. Alon watched as Magrina’s expression grew ice-cold. Ultimately, Alon ended up sleeping in separate quarters. Since he was now a titled royal, the guest rooms were off-limits to him. Alon didn't particularly mind the sleeping arrangements, but he followed Magrina’s instructions to avoid further conflict.

The following morning—

He awoke to a strange atmosphere.

"H-here you are, sir."

"Yes."

"I shall assist with your bath now."

"No, that isn't necessary. I can manage."

"Then I will have your meal prepared at once—"

It wasn't that the service was bad; physically, Alon was being pampered. However, the excessive attention from the elves made him feel deeply uncomfortable. He understood that his new status demanded different treatment, but he couldn't help but feel like he was being mocked.

While humans and elves weren't exactly friendly in this world, the elves here were being overwhelmingly kind. In fact, it was more than kindness—

"I'm alright."

"A-are you certain?"

"Yes, truly."

"Did I offend you in some way...?"

They actually seemed frightened of him. Alon searched his mind for any past grievances he might have had with elves, but found nothing. Confused, he headed to the audience chamber as Magrina had requested.

"Ah, Marquis."

"Eliban."

Alon encountered Eliban outside the doors.

"Are you here to see Magrina?"

"Yes, I have some details to verify."

After a brief exchange with the ever-smiling Eliban, Alon entered the room to meet the Queen.

"Welcome, brother. And Eliban."

Alon stepped aside for the other man. "Go ahead, finish your business first."

Eliban bowed gratefully. "It isn't about the unusual gate—I have another inquiry, if I may?"

He began questioning Magrina. As the minutes passed, Alon picked up on a disturbing detail in their talk. Apparently, mutated monsters were appearing near Greynifra, independent of the gate. In the world of Psychedelia, such mutations were usually tied to abyssal activity, divine events, or the presence of Apostles.

"I have the information I need. I will handle these tasks immediately and return tonight for further clarification," Eliban concluded before departing.

Alon then voiced his own concerns.

"Magrina."

"Yes, brother?"

"Are mutated monsters really showing up?"

"Mm—yes, there have been several sightings lately."

"Do we know what they are?"

Magrina shook her head. "Not specifically. We only have vague reports so far. However, the Shadow Leaves have been sent to investigate. We should have answers soon."

Changing the subject, Alon finally asked the question he had come for.

"…How is the seal holding?"

He was referring to Rine’s seal.

"There are no issues. The complications you worried about haven't manifested."

"That is a relief."

"Only a few days remain now."

Alon nodded. The moment Rine would be liberated from her prison was fast approaching.

"...I just hope everything goes smoothly," Alon whispered to himself.

That evening.

Magrina was admiring the moonlit sky from her window when she felt a presence behind her. She turned slowly.

"Hello?"

It was Eliban, standing casually in her private room as if he belonged there.

"The guards—"

"Fear not. I haven't hurt anyone. I'm not here for violence," Eliban interrupted with a bright smile.

Magrina watched him closely. "By the way, did you finish your work? I thought you were dealing with the gate this morning."

"Of course not. Such matters require time."

The conversation was oddly shallow. Magrina didn't ask how he breached her security, and Eliban didn't hesitate to answer her. But then—

"Really? I expected you to be much faster."

"Why is that?"

"Well—" Magrina stepped forward. "You’ve spent centuries concealing your true power, haven't you? I assumed you possessed the strength to finish it easily."

The room went silent. Eliban’s smile didn't waver, but he stopped speaking.

"Am I mistaken?" she asked softly.

"I suppose hiding is no longer an option," a calm voice replied.

Under the glow of the moon, Eliban’s blue eyes began to shimmer with an otherworldly light.