Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 569

"...That's the situation. In the future, the development of the Fox trib  territory will surely follow closely behind Baldia. When that happens, the volume of trade will undoubtedly increase. It seems that a glimmer of hope has finally appeared for the future of our two families."

After I finished explaining in detail the events that had occurred in the Foxkin territory, my father nodded deeply and said, "I see."

"However, to completely uproot the old regime's influential families... You and Amon have done something quite drastic."

By the way, regarding what actions Amon and I had taken within the Foxkin territory...

We had already informed my father of all our movements and the reasoning behind our decisions through communication magic, seeking his advice and instructions if necessary.

I do have a certain level of decision-making authority, and my father generally respects Amon's judgment as the new tribal chief. So, rather than seeking instructions, it might be more accurate to say we were consulting him.

"It would have been best if they could have cooperated. However, even when given the chance, they chose to oppose us and acted out of selfish self-preservation. Unfortunately, there was no room for leniency. Besides..."

As I spoke, I narrowed my eyes and smiled.

"As I reported earlier, considering the future, we believed it was necessary to purge all the corruption within the Foxkin territory at this opportunity. Both Amon and I came to that conclusion."

If we didn't solidify Amon's position as the tribal chief, it was possible that someone like 'Elba' could emerge, leading to internal strife within the Foxkin territory.

If that happened, it could lead to renewed conflict between Baldia and the Foxkin territory, potentially sparking another 'Battle of the Narrow Fortress.'

That was something we absolutely had to prevent.

My father's expression shifted slightly, and he let out a small sigh.

"I see. If you and Amon acted based on your convictions, then I have nothing more to say. You've done well this time."

"Thank you."

As I bowed my head, the word "convictions" echoed in my mind.

If I had to put it into words, my conviction would be 'to protect Baldia and everyone in it.' As for Amon, his would likely be 'to protect the Foxkin territory and its people, and to bring prosperity to them.'

Thinking about it that way, perhaps Amon and I share similar ways of thinking.

When I raised my head, my father furrowed his brow and said, "By the way..."

"The old regime's influential families were led by 'Lemos Santos,' and then there was the 'burning of the mansion.' On top of that, there was the bizarre transformation of 'Gabriel Santos,' whom you fought, and the sudden appearance of an unidentified birdkin. A lot of suspicious things have happened in quick succession."

"Indeed. However, based on my testimony and that of Aria, who was also present, the unidentified birdkin was almost certainly 'someone connected to the Padgley family.' It's likely that the Santos family, and by extension the old regime, had ties to the Padgley family."

"Hmm, that seems highly probable."

My father nodded with a troubled expression.

The Padgley family.

According to Aria, their biological father is the tribal chief, 'Horst Padgley.'

Moreover, the Padgley family is known for actively researching 'enhanced bloodlines' in order to artificially produce superior warriors.

Enhanced bloodlines involve pairing individuals with exceptional talents in areas such as combat, magic, and intelligence to efficiently produce outstanding warriors.

In a sense, it's like breeding thoroughbred racehorses, but with humans.

Originally, this was a 'culture' born among the beastkin to win the 'Beast King Tournament' held in Zveela. However, as generations passed, an increasing number of individuals with unexplained frail constitutions began to appear.

Now, it seems that this practice is mostly considered a reference point.

In some regions and tribes, this culture still holds strong, and the Padgley family is at the forefront of it.

Incidentally, Horst, the current tribal chief of the birdkin, considers his own children, Aria and her sisters, to be frail and labels them as 'failures' or 'disappointments,' even going so far as to sell them off to Balst.

It's easy to imagine that he's not exactly a stable individual.

"Father, what do you think of the Padgley family?"

"Well..."

My father placed a hand on his chin and pondered for a moment before speaking.

"When I met him at Gales' funeral, he seemed like a pleasant, bespectacled gentleman. However..."

As he spoke, his expression darkened.

"To be honest, I don't have a very good impression of him. Once, during an interaction with the Emperor and the nobles in the imperial capital, Baron Ashen brought up Horst's name."

Baron Ashen was the father of 'Marron,' the main heroine in 'Toki Lera.'

However, as things stand now, Marron has been adopted into the Jampol Marquis family.

This, like the Elba incident, is likely a result of my actions to avoid condemnation, leading to some changes in the timeline.

"Does that mean he's connected to the reformist faction of the imperial nobility?"

Depending on the relationship between Horst and Baron Ashen—or rather, the connection between Horst and the reformist faction—there's a risk that the relationship between Baldia and the reformists could deteriorate.

If that happens, it might also affect my relationship with Marron.

Currently, we're on friendly terms, exchanging letters about trivial matters, but the Jampol Marquis family, to which Marron belongs, is at the forefront of the reformist faction.

In 'Toki Lera,' the condemnation of the Baldia family was largely tied to the conflict between the villainess Valeri and Marron.

In the game, my siding with the villainess Valeri led to the condemnation of the Baldia family.

However, if you think about it, the real issue wasn't siding with Valeri.

The future where I became enemies with Marron was what led to the condemnation.

But honestly, the current relationship between Baldia and the reformist faction isn't exactly favorable.

If Horst has deep ties with the reformist faction of the imperial nobility, this incident could further widen the rift between Baldia and the reformists.

That would also mean moving closer to becoming enemies with Marron.

Before I realized it, my mouth had gone dry, and a cold sweat was running down my back.

"No, it's not necessarily so."

My father shook his head.

"I've never heard, either in the past or present, that the reformist faction has close ties with the birdkin. Baron Ashen is involved in a wide range of businesses, so it wouldn't be strange for him to have connections with the tribal chiefs of the beastkin nation."

As he spoke, my father's expression twisted into a bitter frown.

"However, considering the timing, it's certain that Horst sent a letter to Baron Ashen in an attempt to isolate us within the empire. It wouldn't hurt to be cautious."

"Understood. I will work with Amon to keep a close eye on the bird's tribe  movements and remain vigilant."

Internally, I breathed a sigh of relief.

At the very least, even if Horst and Baldia were to become adversaries, it didn't seem like the reformist faction of the imperial nobility would immediately get involved.

"By the way, Father. Regarding Gabriel, whom I faced, his transformation seems to be deeply connected to a 'jade-colored orb.' Do you know anything about it?"

Changing the subject, I brought this up, and my father's expression turned thoughtful. "Well..." he began.