Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 531

"Can I show you around the mansion, Tis?"

"Sure, that's fine. Everyone, go ahead."

As Mother and Tink nodded, Mel happily ran up to Tis and took her hand.

"Well then, Tis. As your 'big sister,' I'll show you around."

"Y-yes. Please, Lady Meldy."

When Tis nodded shyly, Mel shook her head.

"We're family now, so you can drop the formalities. You can call me Mel."

"O-okay. Then, Mel, big sister. May I ask you again?"

When called "Mel, big sister," Mel's expression softened with joy.

Though Tis is actually older in age, it seems they don't mind, so it would be rude to point that out now.

"Of course."

Mel nodded, then quickly ran over to Citri and took her hand.

"Citri, you should come too."

"...Is it really okay for me to join?"

Her eyes filled with anticipation, but she glanced hesitantly at Tis.

"Yes, let's go together. Um, is it okay to call you Citri?"

"Y-yes. Nice to meet you, Tis."

As the two of them shyly smiled, Mel grinned happily.

"Hehe, it's settled then."

"Hmm. May I join you as well?"

When Kiel chimed in, Mel's expression turned serious.

"Sure, let's go together."

"...You don't have to reply so flatly."

He looked exasperated but soon muttered, "But..." with a thoughtful expression.

"I find even that part of you adorable. Ah, this must be what they mean by 'love is blind' in the books. To experience such knowledge firsthand. Is this your love?"

"No, I think you're probably wrong."

Mel immediately denied it and let out a deep sigh.

"More importantly, Kiel. We've talked about fixing that habit of yours multiple times, haven't we?"

"Ahaha, my bad. It just slipped out."

He shrugged and glanced over.

"What about Ridd and Fara?"

"We..."

Just as I was about to respond after exchanging looks with Fara, Father cleared his throat.

"I have something to discuss with the two of you. Sorry, but could you come to the study?"

"...? Understood."

I tilted my head and nodded, while Kiel chimed in with a "Hmm."

"Then, Meldy. Let's go just the two of us."

"Okay. But Kiel, you already know your way around the mansion, right?"

"No, no. If you're showing me around, I'll enjoy it no matter how many times."

Kiel smiled with narrowed eyes, but Mel shook her head in exasperation.

"Alright, brother. We'll be going now."

"Got it. Take care."

As I replied, Mel and Kiel led the way out of the room.

Following them were Tis, Citri, and the escort knights, Nels and Danae.

Soon, the sound of footsteps faded away outside the room, and Mother murmured, "Hey, Tink."

"Since it's a good opportunity, why don't we have some tea together for the first time in a while?"

"Yes, I'd be delighted to join you."

As the two of them chatted, Father glanced at us.

"Then, let's go."

"Understood."

I nodded, and Father bowed slightly to Mother and the others before turning on his heel.

Fara and I also bowed to Mother and the others before following Father.

◇

Entering the study, I sat on the usual sofa across from Father, with the desk between us.

The only difference this time was that Fara was sitting next to me.

Near the door, Asuna and Diana stood by the wall.

"Let's get straight to the point, Ridd. With Tis becoming our adopted daughter, the plan for you to visit the Foxkin territory is now set. Within the next few days, select the personnel to take with you."

"Yes, understood."

Ah, so that's what it's about.

I nodded, finally understanding why we were called here.

Originally, Father had planned to return to the Foxkin territory after the matter of the adopted daughter for the Baldia family was settled.

However, with Kiel and Mel's sudden engagement, he decided to stay in the Baldia territory for a while.

"Also, while you're away, I intend to leave the management of the Second Knight Order to Fara."

"Eh, me?"

Fara blinked, clearly not expecting her name to come up.

"Yes. Since you've been assisting Ridd, I believe you can handle the Second Knight Order. Normally, I'd manage it alone, but I'm swamped with post-war tasks. Would that be alright?"

"B-but..."

As Father spoke, she looked at me with a troubled expression.

"It's fine, Fara. Capella handles most of the Second Knight Order's management anyway. Even as my proxy, it'll mainly involve approving documents. If anything comes up, we can always use communication magic."

Being the proxy for the Second Knight Order mostly involves reviewing documents that Capella and the others have already checked and stamping them as needed.

Occasionally, there are field improvement plans or requests from the citizens, but those can be discussed with Father.

Or we can communicate through magic.

"No, that's not the issue."

Fara shook her head, and I tilted mine, unsure of her concern.

"Um, then what's bothering you?"

"I... I also want to accompany you to the Foxkin territory."

She spoke in a firm voice, and the room fell silent.

Fara stared straight at me, and I faltered slightly before clearing my throat and shaking my head.

"I-I appreciate the sentiment, but considering your position, that would be difficult."

"Ridd is right. The Foxkin territory is still very unstable under Amon's new regime. Until Ridd and Amon stabilize it, I can't let you go."

As Father spoke, Fara's eyes gleamed, and she leaned forward.

"Then, once Ridd and Amon have stabilized the territory, it would be acceptable for me to visit, correct, Father?"

"W-well, I suppose that would be the case..."

Father nodded under her intense gaze, and Fara smiled with narrowed eyes.

"Understood. While Ridd is away, I will take care of the Second Knight Order. Ah, that's right. I'll also ask Jessica and Curtis for their assistance. That way, Capella can accompany Ridd."

Curtis is a former soldier from Renalute, now the commander of the Second Knight Order.

Jessica, like Capella, was part of Renalt's covert operations, making her well-suited for managing the 'Special Operations Unit.'

She continued listing names of people and associates who would be necessary during my absence.

"...That should cover it. Father, may I proceed to request cooperation from the relevant parties based on this plan?"

"Ah, yes. That's fine..."

Father replied, still taken aback, and Fara bowed slightly.

"Thank you very much."

"By the way, Father. Was that all you needed to discuss with Ridd and me?"

"Y-yes, that's all."

"Understood. Then, as they say, 'strike while the iron is hot,' so I'll start preparing immediately."

Fara took my hand and stood up energetically.

"Eh, right now?"

"Yes, of course."

She smiled and nodded, then turned to bow to Father.

"Then, Father, I'll take my leave now."

"Ah, then, Father. I'll be going too."

"Y-yes. If anything comes up, don't hesitate to consult me."

As we left the study, Fara puffed out her cheeks and turned to me.

"I really want to go with you. But I understand that my position makes that impossible. So, please stabilize the Foxkin territory with Amon as quickly as possible."

"O-okay."

"Promise?"

She hesitantly held out her pinky finger.

"...Alright. I promise."

I cleared my throat and linked my pinky with hers, and Fara smiled happily.

"Ah, also, while you're in Baldia, I want to spend as much time with you as possible. Is that okay?"

"Of course, that's fine. Then, let's spend as much time together as we can before I leave."

"Yes, thank you."

Looking closely at her shy expression, I noticed her ears twitching slightly.

She really is a cute girl.

As I smiled warmly at her, I thought I heard Asna and Diana's voices behind me, whispering, "As always, thank you for the meal."

◇

One day, while preparing to go to the Foxkin territory, an unexpected person suddenly arrived, wanting to meet me.

Honestly, I was unsure whether to meet them, but considering future circumstances, I decided it would be better to meet them at least once. So, I arranged to meet this person in the mansion's guest room.

"Nice to meet you, Ridd Baldia. I am a merchant from Balst named 'Clarence.'"

The moment I entered the room, the young man named 'Clarence' bowed deeply. He had reddish-black hair, healthy dark skin, and narrow black eyes.

At first glance, he seemed like a cheerful, gentle man, but his refined demeanor and speech immediately made it clear that he was not someone to be underestimated.

"Likewise, I've heard about you from Christie of the Christie Trading Company. I've been hoping to meet you someday, so I'm delighted you came all this way to see me."

We exchanged handshakes with smiles, but neither of our eyes reflected any joy, creating an awkward atmosphere in the room.