Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 153

"Ufufu... The picture books Ridd reads are always so enjoyable to listen to."

"Yes!! Big Brother's storybooks are always fun!!"

"Thank you, Mother. And you too, Mel."

Mel happily wiggled her body with an "Ehehe" as she laughed.

Right now, I'm in Mother's room reading a picture book to Mel, having just finished one.

As always, the way I read picture books is subject to Mel's strict request that I change my voice for each character.

If I dare use the same voice, Mel points out, "Hey, that sounded just like the last person!"

Lately, Cookie and Biscuit, who are always by Mel's side, also nod along, making the judging even stricter.

Mother watches with a happy smile as I struggle and labor through reading for Mel and the others.

By the way, I'm sitting on the edge of Mother's bed, and Mel is on my lap.

Suddenly remembering Sandra's words, I glanced at Mother's condition.

Perhaps because Sandra mentioned seeing signs of recovery, Mother's complexion seemed better than before.

We haven't told Mother yet that her condition shows signs of improvement.

Since it might be temporary, we decided to wait until more information is gathered before telling her.

As I looked at Mother's face, she noticed my gaze and smiled gently.

"Ridd, what's wrong? Is something on your mind?"

"N-no, nothing. I was just wondering how you're feeling..."

"Fufu... thank you. But I'm fine for now, I'm stable."

Mother spoke gently, reassuring me.

At that moment, there was a knock on the door, and after I responded, I heard Diana's voice.

"Lord Ridd, Lady Chris has arrived."

"Understood. Show her to the reception room; I'll be there shortly."

"Very well."

Mel, having heard my exchange with Diana, looked disappointed and said to me.

"Ehh, Big Brother, are you leaving again?"

"Yes. Sorry, Mel. Next time, okay?"

Mel drooped her head, looking dejected, but Mother quickly came to the rescue.

"Mel, let Ridd go. Instead, I'll read you a picture book."

"...!! Really?! Mother!!"

"That's great, Mel. Having Mother read to you, I'm envious."

At Mother's words, Mel's face lit up with a bright smile, and seeing this, both Mother and I couldn't help but smile.

Leaving Mel in Mother's care, I left the room and headed to the reception room where Chris had been shown.

◇

"Sorry, Chris. Did I keep you waiting?"

"No, I was just shown in by Diana a moment ago."

Exchanging greetings, Chris and I sat on sofas across the table from each other.

At the same time, Diana, who had been preparing tea and standing by in the room, swiftly served tea to both of us.

"Thank you, Diana. I'm sorry, but since this is a business discussion, could you excuse us?"

"Understood. Please call me immediately if you need anything."

She bowed to Chris and me, then left the room.

After Diana left, Chris looked at me with a curious expression.

"Lord Ridd, forgive me for saying so, but since Diana also shares our secret, wouldn't it be fine for her to stay?"

"Yes, that's true. But I think business discussions are better held just between the two of us. Depending on the content, it might become a burden for her. Of course, I plan to call Diana when necessary."

I answered Chris's question while thinking about Diana.

She's a bit too serious, so if she heard too much of our conversation, she might end up worrying unnecessarily.

Of course, I'll consult her about important matters beforehand. Hearing my words, Chris looked convinced.

"Hmm. Indeed, Diana does seem like she might take things too much to heart..."

"Exactly. She seems to carry a lot, especially when it comes to Rubens. It seems those two care for each other but often miss the mark, and everyone seems exasperated by it."

Chris seemed surprised by what I told her about those two, responding with a slightly startled expression.

"Is that so? Their situation is like 'even dogs won't eat a couple's quarrel'?"

"Fufu... something like that maybe."

Diana and Rubens aren't married yet, but I couldn't help but give a wry smile at Chris's words.

She smiled slightly in response to my wry smile, then cleared her throat.

"Ahem... Lord Ridd, shall we get to the main topic?"

"Yes, let's. You're here today about that 'special wood' I requested, right? When I received your letter, I was surprised at how quickly you obtained it."

Indeed, I had received a letter from Chris saying that the item related to "wood" I'd requested had been obtained.

I immediately contacted her asking her to bring it to the mansion to discuss the matter, which brings us to now.

Chris smiled shyly but also looked proud.

"It was difficult, but I used various information networks and managed to obtain it. What surprised me is that it doesn't seem to exist on our continent. Fortunately, I happened to obtain items that came from across the sea."

Finishing her explanation, she deliberately placed a "sapling" and "seeds" on the table and continued.

"You asked which one, but I managed to obtain both, so I brought them. What would you like to do? If you don't need either, my trading house could sell them..."

"No, no, I'll buy both. Thank you so much."

I picked up one of the "seeds" Chris had placed on the table.

The color was brown, about 2cm in size?

She brought ten seeds and one potted sapling.

Looking at the seeds, I couldn't help but smile at the expanded possibilities this opened up.

Then, Chris, seeing my expression, said suspiciously.

"...Lord Ridd, are you alright? Staring at seeds and smiling like that makes you look kind of suspicious?"

"Huh...?! Oh, sorry!! I was just happy thinking about the future."

Not understanding the intent behind Chris's words, I tilted my head with a blank expression.

"...Are those seeds and that sapling really that amazing?"

"Yes. You see, you grow them into trees and collect the sap. Then, if I ask Ellen and the others and Sandra to process it... we can make 'rubber.'"

"...Rubber...?"

I explained to Chris the potential and uses of "rubber."

I also told her that this was closely related to the content I'd shared in our previous discussion, and smiled.

"With this, all that's left is for Ellen and the others and Sandra to work hard. When it's complete, I think your sales network and everything will change dramatically?"

"...I never imagined that previous discussion would connect to this 'wood.' And if what you told me the other day can be realized... indeed, so much will change. I'm excited."

Hearing my explanation, Chris's eyes sparkled with amazement at the potential of "rubber," looking delighted.

After that, I continued our discussion while answering Chris's questions about rubber.