Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 566

Upon arriving at the new mansion, everyone working there, led by Galun, came out to greet me.

However, my father and the others were nowhere to be seen.

When I asked, it seemed they were all busy and couldn't come immediately.

Galun mentioned that they had been informed of my arrival, so he said, "They'll probably come to see you soon."

Well, it can't be helped.

Yes, it can't be helped, so I'm not feeling lonely at all.

Feeling a bit down, I stepped through the opened door and into the mansion. Just then, I heard a cute pattering of footsteps and was startled.

"Lord Rid, welcome back."

"Brother, welcome back."

Turning toward the voices, Fara and Mel rushed into my arms.

Behind them, Tis stood respectfully.

"Brother Rid, welcome back."

Though a bit surprised, I gently hugged both of them with my arms.

Seeing the faces of the three of them up close after two months made me so happy that I couldn't help but smile.

"Fara, Mel, Tis. I'm home."

When I glanced forward, I saw my mother, dressed formally, standing with my father, smiling.

"Welcome back, Rid."

"I'm home, Mother."

After saying that, I carefully released Fara and Mel and straightened my posture.

Then, I stepped forward and bowed respectfully to my father.

"Rid Baldia, reporting back on the mission to pacify the Fox  tribe territory."

"Good work. I'm sure there's much to report, but that can wait until tomorrow morning. For now, rest and recover from your journey."

"Yes, thank you."

I had returned to Baldia territory to report on the mission to pacify the Fox Clan territory.

This exchange might seem a bit formal, but I am, after all, acting as my father's representative.

With the eyes of the people working for the Baldia family on us, it's important to maintain this kind of decorum to show the hierarchy and respect for my father.

It might seem like a small thing, but cracks that start from such details can sometimes lead to family disputes.

Even if my father and I don't have such thoughts, it's dangerous if others misinterpret things.

I don't think anyone working for Baldia would do such a thing, but blind trust can be risky.

Having seen the self-preserving actions of the nobles in the Fox Clan territory up close, I can't help but feel this way.

After my father's response eased the formal atmosphere, I turned my gaze to my mother.

"By the way... Mother, has your health improved enough that you can walk now?"

"Yes. I can't walk for long periods, but with Liner or someone nearby, I can manage short walks now."

My mother narrowed her eyes, walked toward me, and slowly hugged me.

"This is also thanks to Sandra and everyone. No, it's thanks to you, Rid, for working so hard. Hearing about your efforts in the Fox Clan territory made me want to work hard too."

"Ah, Mother. Thank you."

My eyes grew warm.

I knew my mother had been working hard on her walking exercises, but being able to walk on her own, even for short periods, meant she was definitely getting closer to a full recovery.

Nothing could make me happier.

"Now then, shall we all have dinner? I want to hear all about your time in the Fox Clan territory."

"Yes, of course."

My mother, accompanied by my father, began walking toward the dining hall.

Seeing the two of them walking together, something I hadn't seen before I left for the Fox Clan territory, made my eyes well up again.

Just a little more, just a little more.

Since regaining my memories of my past life, everything up until now has been replaying in my mind.

As I was lost in thought, I was brought back to reality when someone called my name.

"Rid."

Turning around, I saw Kiel, the second prince of the empire.

Mel's fiancé and my brother-in-law, standing there with a wide grin.

"...Hey, Kiel. I didn't notice you were there."

That's a lie.

Actually, I saw him in the corner of my vision when Fara and Mel first rushed over.

He shook his head, still smiling.

"My, my, that won't do. If I were an assassin, you'd have been stabbed in the back by now. And if I were an important figure from another country, overlooking me would be rude. By the way, I am the second prince, after all."

Having spent a lot of time interacting with imperial nobles in the capital, Kiel is exceptionally good at sarcasm.

I had forgotten that.

"Sorry, sorry. I'll be more careful next time."

Sighing and shrugging, Kiel nodded with a smile, saying, "Yes, please do."

"Kiel, Brother is tired, so don't bother him."

Mel appeared silently behind him, pulling his earlobe and forcibly leading him toward the dining hall.

"Ouch?! That hurts, Meldy. If you're going to pull, at least be a little gentler..."

"No, you always get carried away. Besides, I'm the only one who can scold you. Tis, let's go too."

"Yes, Sister Mel."

Kiel pleaded in a pitiful voice, but Mel ignored him and led him away.

Tis, Danae, and Nels followed after them.

Huh, were Mel and Kiel always like that?

As I stood there dumbfounded by the exchange, Fara came to my side.

"Mel seems to have gotten quite used to handling Prince Kiel. As expected of Lord Rid's sister. Or perhaps it's because she's Lady Nanari's daughter?"

"No, Mother never treated Father like that..."

I tried to deny it, but then a thought occurred to me.

The relationship I know between the two of them is only what I've seen as their child.

Perhaps when Mother was healthy, their relationship was like that too.

The image of Mother pulling Father's ear made me chuckle.

"Lord Rid, is something wrong?"

"I was just thinking that maybe Father and Mother had similar interactions when I wasn't around."

As I gazed at Mel and Kiel's retreating figures, Fara seemed to have an idea and smiled.

"If Lord Rid ever misbehaves, I'll pull your ear too."

"I'd rather you didn't. But if you must, please be gentle."

"Yes, understood."

Scratching my cheek, I answered, and Fara nodded happily.

Maybe she wants to pull my ear or something.

No, that's probably just me overthinking it.

"Lord Rid, Lady Fara. It's about time we headed to the dining hall."

Asuna, who had cleared her throat, called out to us, and both Fara and I snapped back to reality.

I realized that we were the only ones left in the entrance hall.

"Right. Let's go, Fara."

"Yes, Lord Rid."

Fara and I held hands and walked toward the dining hall.