Became the Patron of Villains

The scenery of the Holy Kingdom Rosario hadn’t changed much from before.

Pure white buildings and clean streets.

Especially the grand temple located in the center of Rosario—so majestic that its mere existence stirred the faith of all who saw it—remained unchanged.

However, despite nothing having visibly changed, there was something strange in the atmosphere of Rosario.

‘It definitely feels like something’s wrong.’

Alon observed the citizens visible from the carriage window.

Their appearances were the same as always.

If there was one difference—

It was that unease was written across all their faces.

‘The blessing isn’t descending, huh.’

It was what Evan had told him.

The fact that the blessings weren’t coming down was a huge issue for Rosario.

No, it was more than just a problem—it was a catastrophe.

Rosario, as a nation, was more like a religious organization grounded in faith.

Its foundation lay in the moon god, Sironia.

And this system was sustained thanks to the existence of the clergy, who strengthened the faith of the believers.

But now the clergy had stopped appearing?

Naturally, since the country was fundamentally built upon faith in Sironia, the entire nation was bound to be shaken.

For whatever reason, the fact that divine miracles no longer touched the earth—

Was enough to incite anxiety among the people.

‘Just what is going on?’

With a hand stroking his chin, Alon contemplated the unfamiliar situation.

He had thought this before too, but even back in Psychedelia, while heretics or corrupt cardinals occasionally stirred up trouble in Rosario, there had never been a situation like this.

As his worries continued—

[Meow!?]

“?”

The little black creature that had been dozing lazily until just now suddenly sensed something and climbed up Alon’s body to hide inside his chest.

Just as Alon was wondering, he realized the carriage had stopped.

And then—

“My Lord.”

“Yutia.”

He saw Yutia smiling at him as always.

“It’s been a while, My Lord.”

“Yes, it has.”

Alon stepped out of the carriage and looked around.

At some point, they had arrived at the temple in the center of Rosario.

“Sorry I couldn’t greet you last time, My Lord. I had some things to take care of.”

As Alon was staring at the temple, Yutia’s voice reached him.

“No need. I’m sure you had your own duties.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

The two of them headed together to her office.

“So, what brings you to Rosario, My Lord?”

They began the real conversation once inside.

“I had some personal matters to attend to.”

“Personal matters?”

At Yutia’s question, Alon nodded.

On the surface, his visit was to speak with Yuman.

But in truth, he had another goal.

It was to obtain an artifact located in a labyrinth near Rosario at this time.

Meeting Yuman was merely a pretext.

Of course, Siyan had hinted that ‘something valuable could be gained from the Holy Kingdom’ too.

“Yes. And I also planned to speak with Yuman briefly.”

“I see......”

Yutia gave a small nod.

“By the way, are you okay, Yutia?”

“Hmm? What do you mean, My Lord?”

Alon cautiously brought it up.

“Well, about the current situation. I heard a rough explanation—”

Yutia, momentarily puzzled, soon let out a quiet hum.

It somehow carried a sense of detachment, as if it didn’t concern her.

Though Alon briefly found it strange—

“You mean about the Goddess’ blessing, right?”

“Yes.”

“There’s definitely a problem.”

“I thought so too.”

“Is there something in particular that worries you?”

‘Well, to be honest, it doesn’t really concern me... But I asked because I was worried about you.’

It wasn’t just a polite gesture.

After all, Yutia was a cardinal of Rosario.

And the authority of a cardinal fundamentally depended on the moon god Sironia remaining intact.

But what if the loss of blessings continued?

Of course, it would become difficult for Yutia too.

That’s why Alon had asked, out of genuine concern.

“Thank you for worrying, My Lord. But—”

Yutia then smiled more brightly than usual, like a fully bloomed flower. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

“You really don’t need to worry too much.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, I believe everything will return to normal soon.”

“Return to normal?”

“Yes.”

“Have you perhaps found a solution?”

“No, but I think I might be able to find one.”

“A solution?”

“Hm.”

Yutia spoke with certainty.

Alon, tilting his head in curiosity, soon accepted it.

If Yutia said so, then surely there was a way.

“Still, the timing isn’t too bad.”

At the sudden remark, Alon looked curious.

“What do you mean?”

“Ah, I was planning to tell you anyway. I was hoping you’d come by, My Lord.”

Yutia then took a small box from her inner pocket and handed it to Alon.

“......What is this?”

“Open it.”

When Alon opened the small box, inside was—

......A necklace?

A neatly placed necklace.

Unlike the birthday gift from last time—

This one had a white jewel, like a diamond, embedded right at its center.

“This is?”

Alon stared at the necklace, unable to bring himself to touch it.

“It’s a gift for you, My Lord.”

“......It seems a bit too much.”

The necklace looked undeniably expensive at a glance.

“No, I’d still like you to accept it, My Lord.”

“All of a sudden?”

“Yes. I think my gift was the smallest among all for your birthday.”

“......Ah.”

Alon let out a quiet sigh.

All the birthday gifts had meaning.

But if one judged purely by impact (?), Yutia’s gift had been the most modest compared to the others.

“Yutia, as you know—”

Even so, since each gift had its own value, he was about to politely refuse if that was her concern.

“I know. I know that you don't really judge gifts by their worth, My Lord. But I just couldn’t stop thinking about it, so I wanted to give you this.”

Yutia, as if she had already expected Alon’s reaction, blocked his refusal ahead of time.

“Please, will you accept it?”

In the end, Alon said,

“......In that case, I will accept it with thanks.”

He accepted her sentiment.

“Would you like to try it on?”

Alon nodded and carefully put on the necklace.

Yutia looked him over with great satisfaction.

“Thank you, My Lord. For going along with my little fuss.”

“I didn’t think of it as fuss.”

“I’m relieved to hear that.”

The necklace hung next to the brooch she had gifted before.

Alon stared at the symbol of the necklace for a moment.

And just after that—

“Lady Yutia, I have something to report.”

Cardinal Sergius came looking for Yutia.

“I suppose I kept you too long.”

“Not at all.”

“Then, I’ll see you next time.”

“Yes, I’ll visit you again while you're here.”

Alon stood up to give them space.

“Good day to you.”

“Ah, good day, Marquis Palatio.”

Cardinal Sergius looked at Alon with a somewhat awkward expression.

‘He looks a lot thinner than the last time I saw him.’

Previously, he had given a hearty impression, but now his face was gaunt—it puzzled Alon for a moment.

“...Huh.”

Suddenly, Sergius let out a squawking noise.

Alon realized his gaze had stopped on his chest.

Just as he was about to ask why—

“Ahem—hem hem~!”

Sergius hastily cleared his throat.

“Then, farewell.”

He unnaturally averted his gaze and passed Alon, heading straight to Yutia.

“...?”

“?”

Alon couldn’t make sense of the reaction.

He lightly brushed the necklace with his hand as he left Yutia’s office.

“It’s been a while, Brother.”

“Yes, Saint. I was delayed because of work.”

“No worries.”

Right after leaving Yutia’s office, Alon headed straight to where Yuman was.

‘Ah, come to think of it, I meant to ask her about that but completely forgot.’

It wasn’t until he met Yuman that Alon remembered the question he’d had for Yutia, but he decided to leave it for next time.

“By the way, I couldn’t mention it last time, but there are quite a few amusing rumors about you, Brother.”

“......Rumors?”

“Yes. Things like you being a god named Kalannon, the lightning receiver, or his apostle—interesting stories like that.”

Alon was at a loss for words.

......Of course, Rosario wasn’t a country that officially rejected other deities.

Still, Yuman was a Saint.

He might feel uncomfortable.

And given the situation, he might be especially sensitive right now, so Alon carefully considered how to reply.

Then—

“Even so, you really hid it well.”

Yuman spoke first.

“...Huh?”

Alon blurted out his confusion without meaning to.

“I was really impressed. If such rumors are circulating, no one would ever guess your true identity, Brother.”

But Yuman, seemingly not hearing him, continued speaking with a smile.

“Ahem, this is getting lengthy. Let’s return to the main point—I’m sure you’ve already guessed why I called you here, Brother.”

The flow of conversation was definitely odd...

But before Alon could ask again, Yuman changed the subject, so he decided to go along with it for now.

“Is it because the blessings have stopped descending?”

“Yes, exactly. It’s already been two years since the Goddess has ceased all communication with us. That’s why I wanted to ask you a favor.”

“A favor?”

“Yes. Of course, you’re likely in a similar situation as I am, but may I ask you to meet with the Goddess?”

Alon, confused, asked as he failed to understand.

“......I understand your words, Saint, but—why ask me?”

He was genuinely baffled.

It was only natural, since he had no relationship whatsoever with the Goddess Sironia.

So then—

‘Is he asking me to relay a message to Yutia instead? But surely Yutia has already tried many times?’

As Alon considered various interpretations of Yuman’s words—

“Ah—”

Yuman, who had also been tilting his head, let out a soft sound as if he’d realized something.

“I see now.”

“?”

“I understand your intention, Brother. But given the urgency of the matter, I would like to ask you to temporarily set aside your Oath of the Hidden Saint made in her presence.”

Then, with an earnest expression, he added—

And Alon—

“......The Hidden Saint?”

Me...............?

He had no choice but to swallow his words in silence.