Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 567

It had been a while since the whole family gathered around the dinner table, and the lively conversation made the evening both noisy and enjoyable.

I received many questions about the Fox tribe territory, mainly from Mel, Tis, and Kiel, but I couldn’t answer all of them. I had to dodge some questions and only respond within acceptable limits. Occasionally, I glanced at my father’s expression, but he didn’t seem to have any issues with my responses.

What surprised me the most during the conversation was that Kiel had finished reading all the books in the library attached to the new mansion while I was away. Moreover, various "copied manuscripts" had been arriving one after another from the imperial capital addressed to Kiel, significantly increasing the library’s collection. Sandra, Ellen, Alex, and others involved in Baldia’s research and development were apparently thrilled about this. Sandra, in particular, was overjoyed, saying, "I never dreamed that books and materials I thought could only be read in the imperial capital would be available in Baldia. This will greatly accelerate Baldia’s development."

Normally, obtaining "copied manuscripts" of books and materials stored in the imperial capital would be nearly impossible, and even reading them in the imperial library would require extensive procedures. But in Baldia’s library, one could read them freely after a simple identity check. For those with a thirst for knowledge, there could be no greater joy. However, this would never have been possible without Kiel’s influence and status as the second prince.

My father, anticipating the continued arrival of "copied manuscripts" from the imperial capital and the growing collection of materials from Baldia’s research institutions, is considering expanding the library. I can only imagine he’s struggling to figure out how to secure the budget for it. While we could use Kiel’s position as the second prince to request funds from the empire, that would essentially be a "favor" or a form of debt. Given the power dynamics between the empire and the Baldia family, that should be a last resort.

In any case, while Mel and Kiel’s "temporary engagement" seems to carry various ulterior motives, this situation has undeniably brought significant benefits to Baldia’s development.

"That’s amazing. Thank you, Kiel," I said during dinner.

He shook his head, replying, "It’s only natural to do what I can for Baldia’s development. I just hope this helps me gain a little recognition from you, Brother Ridd, as Meldy’s future husband."

"Well, I’ll think about it," I said with a shrug, eliciting muffled laughter from everyone at the table.

"Um, by the way, is it okay for me to be here?" asked Citri, Amon’s sister, hesitantly. She was seated between Mel and Tis but seemed uneasy.

Citri is the second daughter of Gales, the former chief of the Grandork clan. Currently, she is under Baldia’s protection to prevent political exploitation by the powerful families in the Foxkin territory. While she is expected to return to the Foxkin territory eventually, she is receiving various forms of education in Baldia to broaden her horizons. Strictly speaking, she also serves as a "hostage" to ensure Amon’s cooperation, though her treatment is more akin to that of an honored guest.

In fact, Mel, Tis, and Citri get along like sisters, and my mother dotes on Citri as if she were her own daughter. Citri, who was neglected in the Grandork family, seems to genuinely enjoy her life in Baldia, especially her relationship with my mother, whom she adores like her real mother.

"Of course, you belong here. Besides, Tis, who is now my sister, and Amon’s engagement have been publicly announced. You are officially part of the Baldia family, my sister. It would be strange if you weren’t here," I said with a reassuring smile.

Citri blushed happily and said, "Th-thank you,  brother  Ridd… ."

As she spoke, Mel leaned forward and said, "Then you can call me 'Mel Sister' like Tis does."

"Th-then, may I call you 'Mel Sister' as well?"

"Mel… Sister?" Mel repeated, her face breaking into a wide grin. She seemed incredibly pleased.

"Citri, you can call me Tis casually. I was originally a commoner, after all," Tis chimed in.

"N-no, Tis is going to be my brother’s wife, so I can’t do that," Citri replied, shaking her head. After a moment of hesitation, she added, "Then, may I call you 'Tis Sister'?"

"Tis… Sister?" Tis repeated, her face lighting up with a smile similar to Mel’s.

Soon after, Citri gathered her courage and said, "A-and, everyone, if you consider me part of the family, please feel free to call me Citri."

She looked around the room with a serious expression. Except for me, Mel, and my mother, most people addressed her with honorifics like "Lady" or "Miss." Tis, in particular, despite being adopted into the Baldia family, seemed to be extra cautious, perhaps due to her commoner background. Citri might have felt that this formality created a sense of distance.

"Understood. Citri, it’s nice to meet you again," I said with a nod, and she wriggled happily, her face breaking into a shy smile, much like Mel and Tis.

At that moment, I couldn’t help but imagine a certain future for the three of them and let out a small chuckle.

"Lord Ridd, is something the matter?" Fara, who was sitting next to me, tilted her head curiously at my soft laughter.

"Ah, it’s just that seeing the three of them made me think of something," I said, leaning closer to whisper in her ear. "In the future, Mel, Tis, and Citri might be known as the 'Three Heroines of Baldia,' their names renowned throughout the empire and beyond… That kind of future seems possible, don’t you think?"

"Oh, that sounds interesting. But…" She smiled but soon turned serious. "Why am I not included in that?"

"Huh? Well, Fara, you’re my wife, so…" Caught off guard by her question, I scrambled for an answer. Then, an idea struck me, and I whispered again, "Ah, that’s right. As my wife, you’ll be known as the 'Hidden Blade of Baldia,' your name renowned throughout the empire and beyond."

"Me, your Hidden Blade?" she murmured, then wriggled happily, her face breaking into a smile just like the others.

Ah, not three sisters. This is the Baldia Four Sisters, I realized in that moment.

---

After dinner, my father escorted my mother back to her room. I moved to the hall to chat with Fara, Mel, and the others. During the conversation, Cookie and Biscuit, in their kitten forms, came over to my lap. Biscuit’s soft "meow" was adorable, while Cookie’s deeper "mrr" made it feel like he was saying, "Hey, long time no see."

After a while, I said goodbye to everyone and headed to the new mansion’s large bath to wash away the fatigue of my journey. Soaking in the tub, I reflected on how even though I could bathe in the Foxkin territory, the small tubs there couldn’t compare to this. Once again, I appreciated the comforts of Baldia.

Bathing not only cleanses the body but also helps prevent various illnesses. When I return to the Foxkin territory, I’ll consider setting up public baths. Not because I want to bathe every day… probably.

Returning to my room, I was surprised to find it dust-free and fresh-smelling despite my long absence. The servants of the Baldia family must have been diligently maintaining it. I’m truly grateful.

As I lay down on my bed, exhaustion quickly overtook me. The long journey from the Foxkin territory, guiding the trainees around Baldia, and the rare family gathering had made for a busy day. Just as I was about to drift off, I remembered something important.

Ah, right, tomorrow’s schedule.

I fought off sleep to organize my thoughts. Tomorrow morning, I have a meeting with Amon, followed by a series of briefings on coordinating the workshops and industrial districts scattered across the territory. After that, I need to consult with Rafa about the personalities and preferences of the neighboring clan leaders to prepare for future negotiations. And then… what else? Hmm, I can’t seem to recall.

Strange, why can’t I think straight?

As this thought floated vaguely in my mind, I heard a polite knock on the door. Someone must be here, but I felt too tired to respond.

"…Come in," I managed to say weakly.

"Lord Ridd, pardon the intrusion," a voice came not from the main door but from the back. Soon, light footsteps approached.

"Ah, Lord Ridd, are you already asleep?"

"…"

I barely opened my eyes to see Fara standing there in her nightgown.

Wait, why is she here? This is supposed to be the Foxkin territory.

As I lay there in a daze, it suddenly hit me.

Ah, this must be a dream.

Well, that’s fine then.

With that thought, I grabbed Fara’s hand and pulled her close.

"Eh…?!"

I could hear Fara’s surprised voice, and the softness of her body felt incredibly real.

Wow, this is an amazing dream.

What was it called again? A lucid dream?

I leaned close to her ear and whispered, "I love you. I’ve always wanted to do this," holding her tightly.

"Fweh?!"

I heard a cute sound, but this is just a dream, right? It can’t be the real Fara.

Still, I didn’t want to let her go. I held her close, whispering sweet words as my heavy eyelids closed.

---

"Ugh…"

Early in the morning, as the sunlight began to filter in, I woke up groggily and looked around the unfamiliar-yet-familiar room. As my consciousness gradually returned, I remembered: I had returned to Baldia from the Foxkin territory. Yesterday, I had dinner with everyone, chatted, took a bath, and then returned to my room, where I lay down on my bed and… huh?

I couldn’t remember what happened after that. It seems I was so exhausted that I passed out.

But I feel like I had a really good dream. I just can’t remember what it was about.

"Ugh…"

A muffled, cute voice came from beside me, and I turned to see Fara, still in her nightgown, lying next to me.

Wait, when did she get into my bed?

I tried to recall, but nothing came to mind.

As I struggled to remember, Fara slowly opened her eyes.

"Ah, Lord Ridd. Good morning."

"G-good morning. Uh, by the way, when did you get into bed?"

I asked hesitantly, and she looked puzzled for a moment before puffing out her cheeks and twitching her ears.

But I couldn’t say she looked cute—the atmosphere didn’t allow it.

"'When did I get into bed?' That’s not the issue. You were so exhausted yesterday that you suddenly hugged me and wouldn’t let go. This disheveled state is the result."

"W-what?!"

I was completely taken aback, having no memory of this. My reaction seemed to upset her.

She pouted and glared at me with a mix of embarrassment and annoyance.

"Then, I suppose you don’t remember all those sweet words you said either?"

"Uh, sorry, what are you talking about?"

"Hmph, I’m not telling you."

Fara turned away and quickly got out of bed, heading toward the door leading to her room.

"W-wait… oof!"

I tried to chase after her but tripped and fell out of bed.

"Ouch…"

As I rubbed my sore hip, I felt a cold gaze piercing through me.

I looked up to see Fara glaring at me with a deadpan expression.

"Please reflect on your actions. This is your punishment for toying with my maiden heart."

"Wait, I toyed with your maiden heart? When?!"

"I’m not telling. Think about it yourself."

With that, she entered her room and firmly closed the door.

The sound of the door closing echoed hollowly in the room as I knelt there, stunned.

Soon, I was on all fours, utterly bewildered.

What on earth did I do to Fara last night?

No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t remember.