Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 444

The Bardia family belongs to the Empire and the Grandek family belongs to the Beast Country.

The situation between the two families can be described as "tense.

The main reason for this, it can be said with certainty, is the Grandek family's response.

It all started with an attack on a workshop in Bardia territory by a tribe of foxes of unknown origin, and the abduction of some of the children of the beastmen tribe.

Fortunately, we succeeded in repelling the attackers and recovering the abducted children, but the incident did not end there.

The attackers, who were repelled, fled to the territory of the Foxmen.

Naturally, we protested to the Grandeks, who governed the territory of the Foxmen, and at the same time asked for their help in securing the attackers.

But the response from them was hostile.

The Grandeks were not cooperating in solving the attack, but rather accused the Bardia family of enslaving the children of the beastmen.

My father and I were angry at their response, but considering the recent trend of the imperial aristocrats who were annoyed by the Bardia family's recent progress and the future of both families, we tried to keep the situation as quiet as possible.

That is why we agreed to the meeting that the other party offered, and responded as politely as possible.

Well, our intentions were overstepped, and the talks ended in a breakdown.

Furthermore, information about the breakdown of the talks was made public to suit their own convenience.

As a result, there was confusion both inside and outside the empire due to misinformation, and my father was summoned to the imperial capital to deal with the situation.

Shortly thereafter, the Grandek family carried out military exercises near the border with the Bardia family.

Naturally, there was no way we could allow such provocative behavior, so we dispatched Cross, the deputy commander of the Bardia Knights, and a group of knights to the "narrow fortress" managed by our family at the border point.

And so, the current tense situation has progressed at a stretch.

In addition, because of the misinformation that was made public, public opinion in the empire is against the Bardia family.

We even protested to the beastman nation of Zubera, but they pretended to be unconcerned, saying, "We are leaving this matter in the hands of the Grandek family."

Father seems to think that there are some Imperial nobles who are complicit with the Grandek family, based on the cunning sequence of events so far.

Certainly, it is reasonable to think that it would be difficult for the Grandek family alone to lead the Imperial aristocrats, who are dissatisfied with the Bardia family's progress, and the Imperial public opinion, even if it were only to disclose information about the breakdown of the talks.

I, like my father, believe that there is a strong possibility that the imperial aristocrats are involved.

"・・・・・・ and, well, that's how things currently look."

When I organized and explained the situation of our family and the Grandek family, Chris made a difficult face.

'Then there is a possibility that the Duchess of Lovelace is connected to the Grandek family. Is that what you think?"

Emma's face tightened at her statement.

The people with whom we are about to do business may be our enemies.

Anyone would be nervous if they were told that.

But I shook my head.

The possibility of that is not zero, but I think it is very low. It is the family house of Empress Matilda. Besides, the Empress seems to be on good terms with Mother and Chris, so there is no advantage in antagonizing them.

"I see. I am relieved to hear you say that."

Chris was relieved and patted her chest.

She probably thought it was unlikely that the Lovelace dukes were enemies, but she was still worried.

However, Chris immediately changed her expression.

"Master Rid. I would like to ask you again, how do you plan to deal with the Grandek family?"

"Well, I suppose so. For the time being, we won't do anything."

"What?"

Chris blinked, as if the answer was not what she had imagined.

"Of course, if the other side initiates a move, I'm sure I'll make a move. But I have absolutely no intention of being provoked by the other side. Right now, I am patiently waiting it out."

Huh. Patience and endure ・・・・・・?"

When Chris tilted her head, Emma, who was standing next to her, said, "Master Rid. May I say something of you?

Chris nodded her head and Emma, who was standing next to her, raised her hand. What's wrong?"

'With all due respect, I don't think that response will resolve the tension. ・・・・・・

Emma said, and Chris nodded, saying, "I think so, too.

Hmmm.Although the girls are business people, they seem to have a different perspective when it comes to the military.

'Well, rather than 'do nothing,' wait for the Grandeks to worn out."

Worn out?"

Chris and Emma look at each other with a puzzled look on their faces.

"Yes, wear and tear. Military action is very costly. Soldiers' armaments, food, and maintenance costs to keep them stationed at the borders. Especially if you do military exercises."

"Oh, ・・・・・・."

Chris was surprised. It seems that he now understands what we are trying to do.

"That's what I meant. In addition, the Grandeks, to be more exact, the economic situation of the Fox people's territory. The economic situation of the Fox tribe's territory is considerably worse than that of the Bardia family. Even they have the foolishness of sending the children of their own territory to Barsto as slaves for the purpose of reducing the number of mouths to feed. There is no way such a tribe can maintain an army at the border for any length of time."

In the wake of the recent meeting, we have been looking into the situation of the Grandek family in a number of ways.

It was obvious from the outside that the territory was getting rougher and rougher as a result of the military expansion policy of that family.

Even if they had some reserves and support from other families, it is hard to believe that the Grandeks would be able to maintain their troops deployed at the border for a long period of time.

"I see. As time passes, the power of the Grandeks will weaken and they will self-destruct. I see."

Chris seemed to have reached an agreement, and the worry faded from his face.

'Yes, that's right. And as time goes by, the heat of imperial public opinion will cool down. It's like the saying, 'Rumor has 75 days to die."

There is, however, another reason to be patient.

The reason is that both the Empire and Zuvera have taken the attitude that they will leave the matter to the two houses to deal with.

On the imperial side, it is the nobles who are dissatisfied with the rapid rise of the Bardia family and the trends of imperial public opinion, but not on the Zubairas' side.

By clashing with the Grandek family, which is considered to be a candidate for the king of beasts at the time, and this family, the Zubera family will be drained.

Zubera may be thinking that it would be even better if the two houses collapsed together.

Zubera must be aware that the Grandek family's words and actions are "close to false accusations" if they have taken the ambiguous attitude of leaving it up to the two families to decide how to respond to the situation.

If it is a clear and unmistakable cause, Zubera should support the Grandek family in a big way.

However, the fact that they are not doing so suggests that Zubera is not a monolithic organization, with many different agendas swirling around it.

Thank you very much,. Then, we, the Christie Trading Company, will follow the directions of Master Rid and the Bardia family, agree?

'Yeah. But I would appreciate it if you could explain to those who trust you that what the Grandeks have released is information that is convenient for them. We've been sending out information here, but it hasn't been very well received."

I let out a sigh and cowered my shoulders.