Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 570

"...Unfortunately, I don't have any leads either."

"I see..."

As expected, Father doesn't know either.

Even now, when I think back, Gabriel's transformation was clearly abnormal.

From the circumstances, it seems he absorbed the mercenaries around him as a source of magical energy, gaining an unnatural power.

But I've never read about such a method in any of the books in Valdia, nor have I heard of it from Sandra or others knowledgeable in magical studies.

When I was in the Fox trib  territory, I asked Amon, Rafa, and the other powerful  figures , but none of them know anything about it  or methods.

After defeating Gabriel, I also interrogated the freed mercenaries, but no useful information was obtained.

The only common response was, "When we were absorbed, our bodies and consciousness faded away, and we thought we were going to die."

Could the "disgust" that Aria and I felt from the orb be the same as what the mercenaries felt?

No, what I felt at that time was something far more horrifying.

I even considered the possibility of it being related to the hidden elements of "Toki Lera" and asked Memory to search through my past-life memories, but there was no relevant information.

Is it some hidden setting of "Toki Lera" that I'm unaware of?

Did something from the future get pushed forward, like with Elba?

Or is it a unique development in this world?

The more I think about it, the less I understand.

I sent a letter to Valeri in the imperial capital, but it will take some time to get a reply.

All I know for now is that Horst or the Birdkin are likely involved in some way.

"However, after receiving news of the incident, I instructed Sandra and the others to investigate further. Since you witnessed Gabriel's transformation firsthand, sharing information with them should help form some hypotheses. From there, we'll have to proceed step by step."

With that, Father relaxed his expression.

"Also, I've received a report that the prototype has been completed. In any case, you'll be coming with me to visit Sandra today."

"...⁉ It's finally done?"

The mention of the "prototype" made me sit up straight.

Based on my hypothesis and initial design, Sandra, Ellen, and Alex have been researching and developing this "prototype," which will undoubtedly revolutionize this world's common sense.

The emerald orb is still on my mind, but this project is also a priority.

"Indeed. While you were in the Fox tribe erritory, a lot has happened in Valdia as well."

Father nodded and began recounting the events that took place in the territory during my absence.

Starting with the public release of the mana recovery potion and the treatment for mana depletion syndrome, Sandra's new surname "Frolite" and her appointment as a "Viscountess."

The announcement of Mel and Kiel's provisional engagement led to a sudden surge in visitors to Valdia, both from within and outside the empire.

The border checkpoint between Barst and Renarute was flooded with tourists and merchants, and the lodging facilities in Valdia were packed with visitors from all over.

But with the increase in people, problems naturally arose.

The most concerning issue was the presence of spies from both within and outside the empire, trying to obtain information about the mana recovery potion and the treatment for mana depletion syndrome from Valdia's workshops and research facilities.

They attempted to bribe or seduce Sandra and the researchers to get the information.

In some extreme cases, they even threatened to harm the researchers' families back home.

Since the Valdia-hosted social gathering in the imperial capital, where we unveiled the charcoal-powered vehicles, various dishes, and daily necessities, the number of spies had increased, and we had been cracking down on them.

However, recently, their numbers have visibly grown.

The shortage of knights due to the battle at Hazama Fortress and the post-war chaos added to Father's headaches.

But Farah and the Second Knight Order have been supporting Father through all this.

Farah, who was granted decision-making authority equivalent to mine within the Second Knight Order, had been working with the special agents who had been uncovering spies and her personal guard, Asuna.

She also held meetings with Jessica, who was part of Renarute's intelligence organization, and quickly formulated a "Spy Countermeasure Plan" with the Second Knight Order, which was approved and implemented by Father.

While I was in the Foxkin territory, I had heard about the "Spy Countermeasure Plan" through communication magic, but judging from Father's account, it has been quite successful.

In particular, the "Decoy Investigation" led by the Second Knight Order was highly effective.

When spies approached members of the Second Knight Order or researchers like Sandra, they weren't immediately arrested. Instead, they were fed false information and allowed to operate, allowing us to trace their networks and "cut them off at the root."

By "cutting them off," I don't mean Farah and the others directly taking action.

Once the Second Knight Order gathered enough evidence and testimony, they reported the spies and their networks.

Then, Father and the First Knight Order would handle the necessary "disposal."

Thanks to Farah and the Second Knight Order's efforts, spies were being arrested one after another.

In some cases, they even managed to dismantle entire networks by having Father step in and deal with the root of the problem.

"...That's how it's been. Farah and the Second Knight Order have truly done an excellent job. Make sure to thank them later."

"Understood."

Farah usually gives off a gentle and laid-back impression, but she can be surprisingly ruthless.

Especially when she's angry—the smile she wears at those times is chilling.

Her demeanor might be inherited from Mother Eltia or from the Riverthon family, which Zack leads.

The Riverthon family is a noble house in Renarute that has traditionally overseen the "Shinobi," the shadow operatives who support the country from behind the scenes. It's also Mother Eltia's family.

In other words, Farah's lineage includes not only the royal family but also the blood of those who have supported the nation from the shadows.

This incident gave me a glimpse of that side of her.

After bowing and raising my head, I changed the subject. "By the way, Father..."

"Will I be able to return to the Fox tribe  territory soon?"

"No, I'm afraid not for a while."

Father frowned and shook his head.

"Since the announcement of Mel and Kiel's provisional engagement, we've been receiving constant requests for visits from imperial nobles and dignitaries from neighboring countries like Barst and Renarute. It will take some time for things to settle down."

I had expected this based on the conversation so far, but I wanted to confirm.

"Understood. Then, I will continue to handle the stabilization of the Fox tribe territory."

"Good. I'm counting on you."

After bowing and raising my head, I continued, "If I may..."

"For my next visit to the Fox territory, I would like to bring Tis and Citri. Would that be acceptable?"

At my question, Father's eyebrows twitched, and his expression turned stern.