Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 590

Our group safely arrived at the capital of the Fox  tribe capital , Forneu, and we temporarily moved to the mansion that serves as the garrison for the Baldia family.

We could have gone directly to the chieftain's residence, but this time, there was also the matter of Amon and Tis meeting for the first time.

Considering the fatigue from the long journey and the fact that their makeup and costumes weren't ready, it was deemed inappropriate to have the two meet immediately.

Amon had already agreed to this beforehand, and the Foxkin tribe didn't see any particular issue with it either.

At the garrison mansion, Dynias, Capella, the children of the Second Knight  captains, and the knights were all gathered to welcome us.

Although we had communicated through the communication magic specialist, the mouse tribe  Alina, the sight of Tink in her maid outfit stepping out of the towed vehicle [Trailer House] left Dynas and the other knights from the First Knight Division wide-eyed.

"I can't believe Tink is really here as Diana's replacement. I was surprised when I got the message."

"It's been a while, Captain Dynias. I look forward to working with you again."

The two exchanged smiles and shook hands, but then Dynas glanced at me with a meaningful look and said, "By the way..."

"I assume you've heard from Diana, but being Lord Rid's unconventional guard and watchdog is quite the task. It's not just physically demanding, but surprisingly mentally taxing as well. Are you sure you're up for it?"

"Yes, I've heard everything from Lord Liner and Diana. Please rest assured."

Dynias's words about me were quite something, but Tink's response, delivered with a smile as if it were the most natural thing in the world, was equally harsh.

What exactly do Father and Diana think of me?

"Hey, saying that being around me is mentally taxing makes me sound like some kind of troublemaker, doesn't it?"

Puffing out my cheeks in protest, both of them, along with everyone else present, exchanged puzzled looks.

"Huh...?"

The atmosphere around me turned awkward, and as I stood there confused, Dynas seemed to realize something and nodded.

"So you weren't aware of it. Haha, Lord Lid, you are undoubtedly a troublemaker in the best sense of the word."

"Whaaat?!"

After all the effort I put into being a good kid, this is what I get?

In my shock, I let out an undignified yelp, prompting Dynas to bow slightly and say, "Ah, no, my apologies. The word 'troublemaker' wasn't the best choice. Actually, there was an article recently that described Lord Lid quite well. What was it again...?"

"A 'child of the storm,' wasn't it?"

"Ah, yes, that's it! Lord Lid is undoubtedly a maverick prodigy and a child of the storm, a powerful wind that sweeps everyone along with him."

"A maverick prodigy and child of the storm who sweeps everyone along..."

As Capella subtly interjected, Dynas nodded vigorously and burst into hearty laughter.

Honestly, isn't that just another way of saying 'troublemaker'?

I was left speechless, but when I suddenly looked around, everyone present was nodding in agreement, as if they all thought the same thing.

Apparently, everyone had similar thoughts.

Just as I let out a deep sigh and shook my head, a small, adorable voice called out from behind me.

"Brother Rid..."

Turning around, I saw Tis and Citri standing there.

"Huh? What are you two doing here?"

When I asked, Tis, looking slightly embarrassed but determined, spoke up.

"Um... I think it's really cool that Brother Rid is called a 'maverick prodigy and child of the storm.' I'm really happy about it."

"Me too. And the title is proof that Brother Rid's exceptional talents are being recognized. You should be more confident about it."

"Huh..."

The passionate gazes Tis and Citri directed at me showed that their words were sincere.

My sisters are such good kids, I thought, moved, and I hugged them both.

"Thank you. I'll definitely protect you both, no matter what."

"Y-yes. But Brother Lid, you're being a bit dramatic."

Tis looked slightly bewildered but still smiled happily.

To her, my words might have seemed exaggerated.

But knowing the possibility that the Baldia family might face condemnation in the future, I didn't think it was an exaggeration at all.

"Brother Rid... Will you protect me too?"

Citri seemed a bit surprised but also happy, her eyes sparkling.

"Of course, Citri."

I answered immediately and nodded, looking straight into her eyes.

"I told you back at Baldia, didn't I? You're part of my family now, my little sister. Protecting you is only natural as your big brother."

"...?! Y-yes. Thank you..."

For some reason, her face turned bright red, and she looked down.

Huh? What's wrong? I tilted my head in confusion, and Tink let out a small sigh before whispering in my ear.

"Lord Rid, if you keep this up, Citri's standards for men in the future might become too high, and it'll be a problem."

"Eh, that's not true, is it?"

I responded and looked straight at Citri.

After a brief pause, I whispered back to Tink.

"She's so cute and talented, no one would let her go in the future anyway. Besides, even when Citri grows up, as long as Father and I are around, we won't let just anyone marry her."

In fact, with Tis's engagement to Amon, Citri is now officially a relative of the Baldia family.

For better or worse, any man who wants to marry Citri in the future will have to go through a rigorous screening.

Of course, the most important thing is her own feelings, but in this world, social status exists, and various interests and power dynamics come into play, making it a complicated matter.

Still, as the person who will marry my sister Citri, he must be an exceptional individual, or else he won't be approved—no, he *can't* be approved.

The Baldia family's influence is gradually growing.

Unless it's a powerful figure with significant influence or a royal from another country, we should be able to refuse most marriage proposals.

"...Understood."

Tink shrugged her shoulders as if to say "Oh well" and straightened her posture, while Citri tilted her head in confusion.

"Did something happen?"

"No, nothing. Don't worry about it."

"O-okay. Understood."

As Citri nodded, Tis's voice rang out.

"Ah, it's been a while, Captain Dynias."

"Oh, Tis! You've changed so much since I last saw you. Ah, my apologies. I should address you as Lady Tis now."

Dynas quickly corrected himself and bowed, but Tis shook her head.

"Please don't worry about it. You can keep calling me Tis as usual."

"I'm afraid that won't do. I am a knight serving the Baldia family, and you are now a member of the Baldia family. While I appreciate your kindness, it would set a bad example if I continued to address you informally. Please forgive me."

"I see..."

Tis's shoulders slumped in disappointment.

Captain Dynas was close to Cross and had known Tis since she was born.

Before the battle at the Gap Fortress, Dynas had even served as a special instructor at the Second Knight Division training facility where Tis was studying.

During that time, the two had often spoken casually.

This wasn't the first time Tis had looked so sad after being addressed formally.

Now that she was an adopted daughter of the Baldia family, the way people treated her inevitably changed.

Even though she understood it logically, facing it directly was still painful.

"It's unavoidable. I knew this would happen when I chose this path."

Each time, she would say this and put on a brave face.

Of course, we encouraged her, but it was still hard, and the loneliness must have been overwhelming.

Especially when it came from someone like Dynas, who had known her since she was a child and was close to Cross.

It was no wonder she was feeling down.

Just as I was about to cheer her up, Dynas flashed a bright smile and said, "However..."

"If there's a private place where only those Lady Tis trusts are gathered, I would be happy to speak more casually if you wish."

"Huh? Oh...!"

Tis tilted her head for a moment but quickly understood.

She realized what Dynas was implying.

He had just used the phrase "due to my position."

As the captain of the Baldia family's knights, it would be inappropriate for him to speak casually to Tis, a member of the Baldia family, in public.

Moreover, as a noble lady of common birth, Tis was already prone to attracting envy without realizing it.

In such a situation, if Dynas were to speak casually to her in front of others, it would only make her position seem less significant.

"Then... can I invite Captain Dynias to my room later?"

"Of course. Unless there's an urgent matter, I'll come anytime. Is that alright, Lord Lid?"

Dynias nodded at Tis's request and then looked at me.

He was probably checking just to be sure.

"Sure, of course. Tink can join us too."

"Me as well? But I have my duties as Lord Lid's guard and watchdog..."

Tink looked a bit flustered, but I shook my head and glanced at Capella.

"Capella can handle my guard and watchdog duties for today. It's a rare occasion, so why don't we all chat together?"

"But..."

"Lady Tink, please don't worry about me. More importantly, tomorrow is the important meeting between Lord Amon and Lady Tis. I think it would be best for you to rest and prepare yourself."

Capella bowed slightly, and after a moment of hesitation, Tink finally said, "Then..."

"If you don't mind, may I stay by Tis's side for today?"

"Sure, it's settled then."

I nodded and then remembered something. "Ah, that's right."

I pulled out an envelope from my pocket.

"This is a set of instructions from Father. Please review it."

"Understood."

As Dynas took the envelope, Nina, who was playing with Claude in his stroller, spoke up.

"Ah, that reminds me. Captain Dynas, I also have a letter from Lady Marietta. Here you go."

"Oh, thank you."

He smiled and accepted the letter, but I tilted my head in confusion.

"Marietta? You mean the head maid?"

"Yes, that's right. The captain and the head maid have been exchanging letters, it seems. Though I don't appreciate being used as a messenger pigeon."

Nina pouted and turned away, returning to Claude.

"Well, that does seem like mixing personal and professional matters."

I glanced sideways at Dynas, who scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

"Ah, my apologies."

"Well, it's fine. Just keep it in moderation, okay? You have a position to uphold."

"Ugh..."

His expression stiffened as if he'd been stabbed in the chest.

He had just been talking about setting a bad example, hadn't he?

Maybe this was why Father had been hesitant about whether Dynas was suitable as my watchdog.

Still, it's surprising that the petite, detail-oriented head maid Marietta and the somewhat rough, large-framed Captain Dynas were exchanging letters.

You never know what to expect.

As I pondered this, I looked around at everyone present.

"Well, I'll head over to Amon's place first. There's something I want to discuss with him. Capella, sorry to rush you, but could you come with me?"

"Understood."

As he bowed, I suddenly remembered something and stopped.

"Ah, that's right. Citri, what about you? Do you want to come along?"

"No, Brother Amon is the chieftain now. As his sister, I want to meet him in a proper setting and attire. I really want to see him right away, but I'll hold back for today."

Citri's expression was firm and dignified, with no trace of the fear she had shown during the meeting where she had been used as a pawn.

If I had to compare her to someone, she reminded me of Fara or Mother.

"I see. Alright, I'll let him know."

"Yes. Please give my regards to Brother Amon."

As Tis and Citri saw us off, Capella and I headed toward the chief's residence where Amon was waiting.