Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 577

"First, let's imagine that everyone will eventually grow up and find someone they really like."

"Oh, so I’ll have someone I really like, huh?"

Maris puts her hand on her cheek and seems to be lost in thought, which means she doesn’t have any particular feelings for Gedding.

Well, let’s just assume she hasn’t realized her own feelings yet.

I clear my throat and continue.

"If the feelings between you and the person you like are mutual, that fondness will turn into love. And if you come to love each other, it’s only natural that you’ll have a child, right?"

As I answer, I hear murmurs of "I see…" and "Oh…" from everyone.

Looking around, I see that Maris also has a look of understanding on her face.

I thought they might be satisfied with that explanation for now, but then I noticed Rubens making a puzzled expression.

"Huh? What’s wrong?"

"Ah, no…"

Rubens hesitantly spoke up.

"With all due respect, I was just wondering who might have told you such things, Lord Ridd."

"Uh, well…"

Oops, I might have sounded too mature.

As I quickly tried to think of a way to brush it off, the face of a certain person came to mind.

"W-well, actually, I asked my father about it once before. That’s how he explained it to me."

"Oh, so even you asked about such things, Lord Ridd? It’s a bit surprising that Lord riner would give such an answer."

"Ah, haha. I think it’s something every kid wonders about at some point. Looking back now, I think even my father struggled to answer."

I’m sorry for bringing your name into this, Father.

Apologizing silently in my heart, I laughed it off.

Rubens and the rest of the Second Knights order  don’t know about my memories from my past life.

If I say too many things that don’t match my age, they might get suspicious.

It might be a bit late for that, but it’s better than doing nothing.

However, Diana and Fara, who know about my past life memories, are giving me exasperated looks.

"Ah, so that means…"

Maris’s eyes sparkled as if she had just realized something.

"Since Lord Ridd and Lady Fara are in love now, you’ll have a child as soon as you grow up, right?"

"Uh…"

I was taken aback by the unexpected remark.

If what I said was true, then Maris’s words would also be true.

I glanced at Fara, and our eyes met.

In that instant, my body suddenly felt hot, and I started sweating profusely, my face burning.

Fara’s face also turned red, and she shyly twitched her ears.

"So that’s how it is, huh?"

Seeing our reactions, Maris smiled innocently, looking delighted.

Before I knew it, everyone was grinning and staring at me.

"W-well, Fara and I are married, so…"

I scratched my cheek and nodded vaguely, and Fara also chimed in, "Y-yes, that’s right."

After that, Fara and I, along with Rubens and Diana, were bombarded with questions from the Second Knights.

Looking back now, it’s a bit strange that Fara and I were also questioned so much.

Originally, Rubens and Diana were supposed to be the center of attention, right?

---

"Lord Ridd, you seem to be deep in thought during training. How impressive."

"Ah, oops…!"

By the time I snapped back to reality at Rubens’s voice, he had already closed the distance.

That’s right, we’re in the middle of training.

Our wooden swords clashed, and the sharp, dry sound echoed around us.

To deflect the strike coming straight at me, I deliberately backflipped to create some distance.

I shouldn’t have let my mind wander so much.

Letting out a sigh, I tightened my focus and raised my wooden sword into a ready stance.

"I didn’t expect you to block that strike. It seems you’ve improved quite a bit."

Rubens narrowed his eyes and smiled softly.

"Of course. But you’ve improved too, haven’t you? If I hadn’t jumped back just now, my sword would’ve broken."

"I’m honored by your praise. I’ve also been trained by Lord Riner and the captain."

He bowed slightly, but his movements were flawless.

As I struggled to find an opening, Rubens leaped forward, closing the distance in an instant.

"If you won’t come to me, I’ll come to you instead ."

"Tch…!"

Once more, the sound of our wooden swords clashing filled the training grounds.

But this time, the relentless exchange of blows between me and Rubens created a continuous, intense rhythm, accompanied by cheers from Fara and the others.

Rubens seemed more composed than when he first taught me martial arts.

Or rather, his movements had become more efficient.

The way he gripped his sword, the angle of his shoulders, the speed of his steps—every small movement was precise, with no wasted energy.

Moreover, he only exerted force at the moment of impact, making each strike heavy.

If I didn’t deflect them properly, my sword would definitely break.

Or worse, I’d be sent flying due to the difference in our physiques.

If I were to describe Cross’s swordsmanship as "skilled and straightforward, backed by extensive combat experience," then Rubens’s swordsmanship could be called "a fluid, ever-changing style born of natural talent."

And he’s still developing.

In terms of "sword talent," I might not be able to beat him.

"Lord Ridd, you’re deep in thought again."

"Ah, I’m just thinking of a way to beat you, Rubens."

I answered dismissively in the midst of our swordplay, and Rubens smirked.

"Your ability to think is one of your strengths, Lord Lidd, but in a life-or-death situation, a moment of distraction can be fatal. Please keep that in mind."

"I know that without you telling me."

Facing his sharp strikes, I deliberately stepped forward, closing the distance.

The tip of Rubens’s sword grazed my right cheek, the sound of the wind cutting through the air piercing my ears.

It’s scary, but thanks to my father’s courage training, I’m not afraid.

"What…?!"

Rubens’s eyes widened as I closed in.

He had just swung his sword, leaving him vulnerable, so he couldn’t block my strike.

"This is my win."

"Unfortunately, I can’t let you win just yet."

As I swung my sword horizontally to strike his torso, Rubens quickly leaned back to dodge, then flipped backward to create distance.

"Oops. I thought that would be the end."

"Impressive. I didn’t expect you to grow this much."

As we both raised our swords and locked eyes, Rubens relaxed his expression.

"Well then, let’s get serious. Activate Body Enhancement: Second Stage."

"Got it."

As we both activated Body Enhancement: Second Stage, a faint wave of magical energy swept through the training grounds.

There are two reasons why I asked Rubens to spar with me.

First, to train using Body Enhancement: Second Stage.

Second, to test my new magic.

I channeled magic into the wooden sword in my hand, applying a different kind of enchantment than usual.

If I put too much magic into it, the sword would break, and if it was too weak, the effect wouldn’t activate.

It required a delicate balance.

Soon, a transparent, heat-like aura began to rise from the sword.

Yes, it worked.

"Rubens, I have a favor to ask."

"What is it?"

His eyes shone with anticipation as he witnessed the phenomenon occurring on my sword.

"I’m going to test a new magic now. Let me know what you think afterward."

"Understood."

Rubens nodded, then added, "By the way…"

"What should I call this new magic?"

"Ah, I haven’t thought of a name yet. Give me a second."

I put my hand on my chin and thought for a moment before announcing the name that came to mind.

"Let’s call it ‘Magic Sword Technique’ for now."

With that, I slowly raised my sword into a ready stance.