Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 538

"It seems that fellow Marvellous has mistaken himself for having broken Lord Rid's magic with his own power."

"Yeah, it looks that way. Well, it's fine to let him misunderstand. He might just dig his own grave."

Fortunately, there are no such individuals in the first and second knight orders of Baldia.

Even if there were in the past, they would have been either dismissed or had their personalities corrected.

The knight orders are strict in discipline, and promotion is based on merit, considering various aspects such as character, judgment, and experience.

Above all, organizational and cohesive strength are considered crucial.

"That's right."

Dynas nodded while shrugging his shoulders.

"It might be more beneficial for us if such people remain among the enemy rather than being captured and interrogated."

"Yes, as LordDynas   says. That kind of man is easily swayed by sweet words when doing internal work. He might be of some use eventually."

As Capella added, Diana shook her head in exasperation.

"Ah, they say that motivated incompetence is the worst, and seeing it firsthand is truly terrifying."

Everyone is harsh.

I sighed and looked around at everyone present.

"Considering the situation in Baldia and Grandark, we'll keep the current commotion under wraps. I'll explain it to Amon and the others, so don't spread it. Understood?"

"As you wish."

Dinas, Capella, Diana, and the other knights bowed.

"Alright. Then, since we're a bit behind schedule, let's hurry to Amon and the others."

The group from Baldia set off once again towards the fox-people's capital, Forneu.

◇

"I had received word, but I was half in doubt until I met you in person."

"Same here, Amon. I thought I'd visit eventually, but I never expected it to happen so soon."

As I replied, we exchanged a handshake .

By my side were Dynas , Diana, Capella, and a few knights as guards.

Upon arriving at the fox-people's capital, Forneu, we immediately visited the mansion where Amon, now the tribal chief, was staying.

We were then shown to this guest room where we are now.

"Compared to Baldia's mansion, this must feel quite cramped. My apologies."

"Not at all."

Amon, whom I hadn't seen in a while, seemed much more mature.

There's a saying that 'position shapes a person, and environment nurtures them,' but in his case, his strong will and sense of responsibility might have accelerated his growth.

"I heard the mansion you used to stay in burned down. Have you made any progress in rebuilding it?"

"No, I've decided to postpone that for a while. The tribal chief's work can be done here without issue. I'll consider it once the reconstruction of the entire fox-people's territory is underway and there's some leeway."

He smiled with narrowed eyes and murmured, "By the way..."

"Is Citri doing well in Baldia?"

"Yeah. She's getting along well with Mel and Fara, and she's very fond of my mother."

"That's good to hear. Citri had a tough time under the previous  ruler , so I was worried. But it might be a good opportunity for her to learn about the outside world."

Amon breathed a sigh of relief, and just as he showed a look of relief, a dignified fox-man behind him cleared his throat.

"Lord Amon. If I may, could we introduce ourselves?"

"Ah, right."

As he realized, the dignified man stepped forward and bowed politely.

"Lord Rid. I am the head of the Jin clan, serving Lord Amon. My name is Barbarossa Jin. Pleased to make your acquaintance."

"Likewise. Nice to meet you."

Barbarossa had neatly trimmed white hair and sharp, narrow black eyes.

I asked him to raise his head and shook his hand.

But the name Jin clan brought back memories of 'them.'

"Excuse me, but the Jin clan..."

As I unexpectedly asked, he showed a fleeting look of sadness but quickly returned to a stern expression and nodded.

"Yes. Among those who acted violently as Amon's guards, many were from my clan. If that matter concerns you, please feel free to take my head. Whatever the reason, it's a fact that we caused great trouble."

Barbarossa said this and knelt on one knee, bowing his head before me.

"No, no, please don't be so formal. Rick, Kurtz, Yuta, Kay. They, along with the other warriors, were victims of Elba's cruelty. I am truly sorry that we couldn't save them."

I asked him to raise his head and bowed deeply.

If only I had realized the magic Elba cast on them sooner, perhaps I could have done something.

They must have had families and friends waiting for them.

As warriors guarding Amon, they were always close to death, and those around them might have been prepared for it.

Still, if their lives could have been saved, I would have wanted to help them.

"Lord Rid, you are too kind. But there's no need to bow to me. Please, raise your head."

As I raised my head, Barbarossa smiled happily.

"I am truly glad that Lord Amon met you. The fallen warriors would surely be pleased."

"I'm glad to hear that."

Hearing my response, Barbarossa stood up and straightened his posture.

Then, behind Barbarossa.

At the edge of the room, a familiar fox-man was standing.

"Ah, aren't you..."

"Lord Rid, I'm honored you remember me. We met at the Narrow Fortress, I'm Karaba. I now serve as Lord Amon's guard."

He said this and bowed.

Karaba was a fox-man warrior who became our prisoner after attacking the Narrow Fortress.

Initially, he was furious, believing that Amon and his friends had been ambushed and killed by the Baldia family.

But upon learning the truth of Elba's cruelty from Amon, who was still alive, he worked hard to help overthrow the old Grandark family.

At the Narrow Fortress, Karaba's role was to spread the word among the noble  supporting Amon about his survival and Elba's atrocities, and to urge those who wished for Amon to become tribal chief to 'be passive in the war and rise up when news of Gareth or Elba's defeat spread on the battlefield.'

This strategy drastically reduced the number of fox-men actively attacking the fortress during the 'Battle of the Narrow Fortress.'

The fierce battles during the fortress defense were mostly clashes with Marbas's direct troops, as later reported.

Had Amon and Karaba not met at the Narrow Fortress, it's highly likely that the fortress wouldn't have held until my father and I defeated Elba and Gareth.

The more I think about it, the more I realize that victory was a 'narrow one,' achieved by a confluence of various factors.

"I see. Then, we'll be seeing each other often from now on. Once again, nice to meet you, Karaba."

"Yes, nice to meet you."

After greeting him, we all sat on the sofas in the room and gathered around the table.

Then, Amon and Barbarossa informed us about the current state of the fox-people's territory, the hardships of the people, the heavy taxes and violations by some noble clans, and the mountain of problems they faced.

I had heard a bit from my father beforehand, but it's quite severe.

Thinking this, I smirked.

"Understood. Then, I'll play the 'villain.'"

As I declared, everyone present looked puzzled.