Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 533

His provocative words sent a shiver down my spine, and I felt an intense pressure emanating from behind me.

When I casually glanced over, I saw Diana glaring at Clarence and his guards, radiating a dark aura.

"Oh, my apologies if my words offended you. But I'm sure Lord Ridd understands. Considering the importance and danger of those documents, I couldn't possibly hand them over to someone I've never met before."

"Well, I see your point. You came here from the start to assess me, didn't you?"

"Yes, exactly. I was prepared to cut ties if the meeting didn't go well, even if it meant being rude."

As he said this, he narrowed his eyes and smiled at Diana.

Naturally, her intimidating aura only grew stronger.

I took a deep breath to calm the tension in the room.

"Lord Clarence, I heard you were a merchant, but you're quite the risk-taker. I am, after all, the eldest son of a noble family. To come here and test me like this could at least get you banned from the territory. If you were dealing with a more hot-blooded noble, it might even end in a fatal confrontation."

"With an ordinary noble, that might be the case. But I was confident that Lord Ridd wouldn't do such a thing, which is why I handed over the documents. Opportunities are born from connections, isn't that right, Lord Ridd?"

"Y-yes, well..."

While I nodded along, I couldn't help but be impressed by his boldness.

Still, he said he was 'confident,' huh?

He must have been observing Baldia's development closely since his dealings with Chris.

He likely researched me and my father beforehand and took this risk to assess me in person.

As I pondered this, he smirked confidently.

"Additionally, I heard that Lord Ridd is heading to the Foxkin territory on behalf of Lord Liner. You're probably the most capable person to handle those documents effectively at this point."

"...You're quite well-informed."

It hadn't even been a month since the decision was made in the imperial capital for me to go to the Foxkin territory.

I gave him a suspicious look, but he remained smiling.

"Hehe, I'll take that as a compliment. For a merchant, information is second only to life itself. By the way, I also know that the chieftain's mansion in the Foxkin territory burned down."

"So, you're looking to curry favor with our family and the new Grand Duke's house, is that it?"

The problem caused by the burning down of the mansion managed by the old Grand Duke's family was the loss of all the information needed to manage the Foxkin territory, as well as the transaction records of the powerful families closely connected to Gareth and Elba.

The management information could be recompiled with time, but the transaction records from the old regime were irreplaceable.

Even though it was clear that there was corruption, my father and Ammon couldn't pursue it fully due to the lack of evidence. But with these documents, we could ruthlessly condemn those powerful families.

"To put it bluntly, yes. My, Lord Ridd, you catch on quickly."

Clarence nodded happily, but I muttered, "But..." and pointed at the documents carelessly placed on the table.

"Are you sure you should really be giving these to me ?"

If I used these documents as evidence to condemn the old Elba faction's powerful families, their origin would undoubtedly be questioned.

At that point, it would be easy to imagine Clarence's position in Balst becoming precarious.

No matter the reason, who would trust a merchant who leaked transaction records?

However, he shook his head.

"Don't worry. I've taken precautions. Besides, they are Balst's clients, not mine."

With that, Clarence leaned forward, his expression serious and imposing.

"As Lord Ridd mentioned earlier, I came here to curry favor with the Baldia family. And not just any favor, but a significant one."

After saying this, he broke into a smile.

"I truly hope we can get along well from now on."

"I see."

As I nodded, I crossed my arms and pondered.

Since he was someone Chris had dealt with, it should be safe to trust him to some extent.

Moreover, looking ahead a few years, our transactions with Balst would undoubtedly increase.

In that case, making him our point of contact would be a viable option.

However, I couldn't simply accept a favor from someone like him.

After all, nothing in this world is more expensive than something free.

"Alright, I'll accept the 'favor' you're offering, Lord Clarence."

"Excellent, Lord Ridd. A wise decision."

As he smiled triumphantly, I added, "However..."

"This can't be considered a significant favor. After all, you're just cutting your losses."

"...Oh? That's an interesting take. What do you mean by 'cutting losses'?"

For the first time today, Clarence's expression darkened slightly.

"It's simple. The people listed in these documents would eventually be condemned by Ammon and the Baldia family, who now oversee the new Grand Duke's house. Of course, having these documents would speed up the process."

I shrugged and lightly tapped the documents on the table.

"In other words, the value of these documents is at its 'highest' right now. Since the new Grand Duke's house was established, the transaction volume between Balst and the old regime's powerful families must have plummeted. At this point, you might even be operating at a loss."

Clarence remained silent, his expression serious.

Losses aren't just about visible financial movements.

There are relationship maintenance costs, labor costs, and time losses—when you look at the details, they add up.

A merchant of his caliber would consider future prospects, profits, and effort before making a comprehensive decision.

"A once-profitable transaction has turned into a loss, with little chance of recovery. So, you sell their information to build a new relationship with a potential client. The loss from ending dealings with the powerful families is certain, but you can secure the profits you've already made. That's why I called it 'cutting losses.' Was I wrong?"

I tilted my head with an exaggerated smile, and he lowered his head, his shoulders trembling slightly.

Just as I was wondering what was going on, Clarence suddenly burst into laughter.

Caught off guard, I stared at him as he tried to suppress his laughter and shook his head.

"My apologies. I didn't expect to be seen through so thoroughly in such a short time. No wonder the imperial nobles are struggling and why Gareth and Elba lost."

"Hmm, I'm quite curious which imperial nobles are struggling with me."

Most likely, it's nobles like Duke Graze or Count Loran.

"Haha, I'll have to decline answering that question. But as a consolation, I'll give you the documents for free."

"Oh, is that alright? I'll take you at your word."

I responded, aiming to hold him to his promise, and he immediately nodded.

"Well, if you don't mind, since I barged in and acted rudely, let's consider this a clean slate."

"Understood. Nothing is more expensive than something free, so let's leave it at that."

I extended my hand, and Clarence firmly shook it.

"If there's anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask. I'll do my best to accommodate. Despite appearances, I'm known as the 'man who provides solutions.'"

"Thank you. When the time comes, I'll make the request through Chris."

And so, I gained new information and a new business contact.

Afterward, Clarence explained various products handled by Balst, and the business discussion concluded.

As I walked him to the entrance to see him off, Clarence suddenly turned back as if remembering something.

"Ah, Lord Ridd, there's something I forgot to mention."

He narrowed his eyes, closed the distance between us, and whispered in my ear.

"Holst Padgory, the chieftain of the Birdkin tribe. In some ways, he might be more dangerous than Elba. Due to my position, I can't say more, but please be cautious."

"...Understood. I'll keep that in mind."

As I nodded, he smiled contentedly and gave an exaggerated bow.

"I look forward to your continued success, Lord Ridd. Now, I must take my leave."

"Y-yes. See you."

As I watched Clarence's retreating figure, I pondered over Holst, whom he had described as 'more dangerous than Elba.'

The man who sold off his own children, Aria and the others, to another country couldn't possibly be a decent person.

It seems there are more problems in Zveira beyond the Foxkin territory.

"Lord Ridd. Shall I fire a 'fire lance' at that rude man's back?"

"Yeah."

I absentmindedly responded to Diana's words before snapping back to reality.

When I looked over, she was radiating a dark aura, ready to cast a spell at any moment.

"No, no, no. Absolutely not."

"No, Lord Ridd. Such a rude man won't learn his lesson unless he experiences physical pain. Please let me shoot him."

She had been holding back her anger at Clarence's rudeness the entire time, and I had to desperately calm her down until they boarded their carriage and departed.