Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 160

I'm sorry to keep you waiting."

"No, I'm sorry for calling you so suddenly. Please, both of you, have a seat here."

I said to Emma and Chris as they entered the office, moving to sit next to Father.

At the same time, I gestured for them to sit across from us with the table between us.

As the two sat down on the sofa with slightly tense expressions, Father spoke deliberately.

"My apologies to both of you. To get straight to the point, I've heard from Ridd. We're considering purchasing the slaves as you suggested, Chris."

"...!! Lord Riner, Lord Ridd, thank you so much!!"

At Father's words, Chris and Emma showed surprised expressions at first, but soon smiled happily and bowed.

Seeing them like this, I couldn't help but smile.

Whatever else, I'm glad we could make Chris's proposal happen.

Seeing Chris and Emma's tension ease, Father continued in a gentle tone.

"Hmm... However, with about 150 people, even just transporting them will require quite a number of carriages, won't it? Being too conspicuous isn't a good strategy. Do you already have any ideas about that?"

As if anticipating Father's question, Chris's eyes gleamed.

"Yes. For this transport, we plan to use the Christina Trading Company's carriages as well as those from the Saffron Trading Company. Even then, we might be a little short, but we intend to have the Adventurer's Guild prepare reliable people, so there shouldn't be a problem."

Hearing Chris's words, I thought for a moment, then looked at Father.

"The Adventurer's Guild, huh... Father, what if we modify some of the Baldia Knights' carriages so their origin isn't recognizable? I think they'd be more reliable than the Adventurer's Guild."

Father listened to my suggestion, then shook his head slightly.

"With just a little modification, anyone with a discerning eye would immediately recognize those carriages. Rather than that, it would be better to have the carriages arranged through the Adventurer's Guild, but provide personnel from the Baldia Knights. Of course, we'll adjust their clothing so they aren't recognizable as knights."

"That would be a tremendous help for us. Gathering trustworthy people is the most difficult part of this operation..."

After that, the four of us—Father, me, Chris, and Emma—continued exchanging ideas and discussing how to transport the slave children purchased in Balst to Baldia territory.

◇

"Hmm... I think we've mostly worked things out?"

"Yes, I believe we've largely sorted out what's necessary for the transport."

More time had passed since we started our discussion than I realized.

We asked Diana for tea several times and took short breaks.

What surprised me during the transport discussions was the request to prepare a temporary medical station at the border point where they would enter Baldia territory from Balst.

Since many of the children in this case haven't been slaves for long, the possibility is low, but there could be cases of epidemic disease or significantly poor health.

Chris and Emma suggested that we should conduct an inspection at the border point to prepare for such possibilities, and Father and I agreed.

After exchanging various other opinions, despite being an impromptu meeting, we mostly sorted out various aspects like carriages, personnel, and procedures.

All that's left is to proceed with arranging the slave purchase.

At that point, something occurred to me, and I asked Chris with a puzzled expression.

"By the way, Chris. Who will ultimately go to negotiate this slave purchase? Will you ask your contact who provided the information?"

"Ah, about that... I'm planning to go myself this time."

"...Eh?! Ehhhhh?!"

I was so stunned by her words that I inadvertently raised my voice.

Balst is a country where 'non-humans can be bought and sold as slaves.'

And elves are apparently the most highly valued. Chris, being an elf, going directly to purchase slaves is like a would-be mummy hunter becoming a mummy herself.

It's like a duck carrying its own scallions to be roasted.

"Th-that's no good!! No matter how you look at it, it's too dangerous for Chris, an elf, to go directly. What if something happens to you in Balst?!"

"...Lord Ridd, I truly appreciate your concern. However, considering the number of slaves we're purchasing and the financial scale, I think it would be difficult to negotiate through contacts alone this time. We absolutely need personnel with decision-making authority on-site. It's alright, I'll hide the fact that I'm an elf, and I can use magic to a certain extent for self-defense."

Despite my concern, Chris smiled gently, seemingly not perceiving the danger.

Her demeanor exuded confidence; perhaps she's done similar transactions in the past.

I could see she was composed, but I still couldn't shake my worry.

"In that case, how about I accompany you as personnel with decision-making authority while also serving as Chris's guard?"

Father, who had been listening to my words addressed to the two, glared at me with an angry expression and roared.

"You fool!! Don't you have preparations to make for receiving the slaves?! Besides, there's no way I'd permit you to go to Balst!! I understand you're worried about Chris, but think before you speak!!"

Father's roar carried something like a knight's intimidating force (killing intent), making it truly terrifying.

Chris and Emma inadvertently showed surprised expressions and trembled slightly.

They must find it even more frightening, not being used to it.

Though somewhat intimidated by the roar and Father's expression, I quickly thought of the next proposal and presented it.

"M-my apologies, that was a thoughtless remark. Um, in that case, let me prepare documents for Chris and the others indicating that they're 'affiliated with Baldia.' Surely even Balst wouldn't dare lay hands on someone known to be affiliated with us. Also, I'd like to provide Chris with a personal guard."

"...That should be acceptable. And who will you assign as this personal guard?"

Father asked as if testing me.

His expression was stern, his sharp gaze piercing through me.

Seeing Father's sharp expression, Chris and Emma looked at me with concern in their eyes.

The personal guard for Chris should have some decision-making authority to make flexible judgments on-site.

Additionally, someone with abundant practical and negotiation experience would be ideal.

But is there such a conveniently suitable person around me?

Capella and Rubens have practical experience but seem lacking in negotiation experience.

Someone like 'Zack' from Renarute would probably be suitable.

Just as I thought that, a certain person came to mind. And I looked intently at Father.

"...All things considered, I think Captain Dainas would be most suitable."

Dainas—when I mentioned his name, Father smirked.

Chris and Emma probably don't know Dainas; they looked puzzled at the name, as if asking 'who?'

Father's gaze toward me remained sharp, but with a hint of softness.

I felt that Father was testing me.