As for a free download, I couldn't find any reliable sources that offer Protonema for free. However, I can suggest some alternatives:

The search query itself—"free free download"—is revealing. The repetition of the word "free" suggests a frantic or emphatic desire for a zero-cost solution. In the age of subscription models like Adobe Creative Cloud and the high costs of professional type foundries, many independent designers, students, and hobbyists operate on a budget of zero. They see a font they love, and their immediate reflex is to find a way to obtain it without financial friction.

Locate the font entry. Look for the license type —ensure it says “Free,” “Personal use only,” or “100% Free.”

If you are looking for a similar elegant serif aesthetic for free, consider these reputable sources:

🥴 Protonema Regular Font Free Download EXCLUSIVE - Google Drive. Google Docs Font Squirrel: Free Fonts! Legit Free & Quality