Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 597

In the office of the tribal chief's residence, while handling administrative tasks with Amon, I suddenly stopped and glanced at him.

"Today's the day we finally meet with the tribal chiefs from other territories. I can't help but feel a bit nervous."

"Haha, even the unconventional and daring Rid gets nervous? That's a bit surprising."

"What do you think of me, anyway?"

At Amon's teasing, I shrugged my shoulders in exasperation.

Today is the day when Gyobu Yatanuki, the tribal chief of the Tanuki clan, visits the Fox clan's territory. We, along with Amon and others, will hold a meeting at the tribal chief's residence.

By the way, starting with Gyobu, I have planned to visit the various tribal chiefs to make introductions, and they will also visit us to establish connections.

The purpose is to convey the connection between the Fox  tribe and Baldia as a deterrent, and to promote various products.

Additionally, we aim to investigate the specialties and resources of each territory.

The idea is to process various items available within the Zubera Kingdom in the Fox clan's territory and export them to Baldia.

After that, we plan to spread these products throughout the continent from Baldia.

Recently, it seems that people, regardless of their origin, are starting to express interest in migrating to Baldia, and within the territory, the birth rate is steadily increasing.

As the population grows, so does the need for food, clothing, and shelter.

There's a limit to what we can manage within our territory, so for future development, it's essential to engage in trade across the entire Zubera Kingdom.

However, the tribal chiefs are also the ones who tacitly allowed the actions of the former Fox clan chief, Gareth, and Elba.

There must have been various circumstances, but from my perspective, their inaction was a contributing factor to the significant damage caused by Gareth and Elba's 'invasion.'

To me, the title of tribal chief is not one of trust but of caution.

But for the sake of the future, I need to carefully assess them with my own eyes.

That said, there's something that's been on my mind regarding our preparations for today.

"By the way, why did Rafa insist that not just us, but 'everyone' should participate?"

Actually, for today's meeting.

The participants are not just me and the Grand Duke's family, but also Dinas, Tis, and others.

It might be a gesture of utmost sincerity since the other party is a tribal chief, but I can't shake the feeling that there's more to it.

"That's something I was curious about too, so I asked."

"And what did she say?"

Amon made an awkward face and shook his head.

"She told me, 'You're the tribal chief, so think for yourself,' and gently scolded me."

"Indeed, when you put it that way, I can't really argue."

Rafa is on our side, but she's not the type to hand-hold and teach us everything.

Especially with Amon, she often uses a stern tone.

It might be because she cares for her younger brother, or perhaps it's for the future of the Fox clan and herself.

"Considering Rafa's words and the rumors about Gyobu, he might be planning something during this meeting. That's why I think it's better to have everyone present."

"I see. That might be the case."

The rumors Amon mentioned about Gyobu describe him as 'the most elusive and cunning among the tribal chiefs.'

When the Saffron商会 handed over their business to the Christie商会, Martin and Mighty warned us to be cautious in dealings with Gyobu.

However, he's said to be a mild-mannered person, and since his territory is adjacent to the Fox clan's, he's the first we're meeting.

Among the beastmen, the survival-of-the-fittest mentality is strong, but the Tanuki clan is relatively less so, preferring 'wise men.'

This aspect likely connects to the Saffron商会's caution and Rafa's suggestion that 'everyone should participate in the meeting.'

I also asked Dan, a Tanuki  tribe member belonging to the Second Knight Corps' special operations unit, about this, but he didn't know much about Gyobu.

He was sold into slavery in Balst at a young age, so it's understandable.

But Dan also said this:

'I don't know much about the tribal chief, but the Tanuki  tribes loves intellectual challenges. The people are all smiles and friendly, but behind those smiles, they're often plotting and smirking. To put it simply, it's the fool's fault for being deceived. But if the mischief goes too far, they end up being sold to other countries like my brothers and me.'

He laughed self-deprecatingly, but I couldn't help but feel uneasy about visiting such a territory.

On the surface, everyone greets you with a smile, but behind that, they're plotting and smirking.

If something happens, it's the fool's fault for being deceived, and the territory is quite cutthroat.

Going there would be mentally exhausting.

Honestly, I wouldn't want to go there even for work. But given my position, I can't say that.

"However, after today's meeting, we'll also have to meet with Asteka Zebrarto, the tribal chief of the Horse  tribe . He's another character with his own quirks. I think it's better not to get too worked up about it now."

"Well, that's true."

As Amon said, judging from the rumors, all the tribal chiefs seem to have their own quirks.

Getting too worked up would be exhausting.

"Lord Rid, Lord Amon. Are you ready?"

At that moment, the door was knocked on politely.

From the voice, it was Tink.

"Yes, come in."

After exchanging a glance with Amon, I responded, and the door slowly opened.

"Gyobu Yatanuki's charcoal car will be arriving here shortly."

"Understood. Let's go then."

Responding to Tink, who stood respectfully, we moved to the entrance to greet the guest.

For this meeting, we prepared a charcoal car for transportation at the border and a prototype trailer house for nobles.

This is also to showcase the connection between the two families and to let them experience Baldia's technological prowess.

We've also arranged to serve a cup of sake inside the car.

In addition to introducing them to a new culinary culture, alcohol can loosen people's inhibitions, which we hope will work to our advantage in the meeting.

It might not work on heavy drinkers, but it's a tactic to gain an upper hand in the negotiations.

Amon and I can decline to drink due to our age.

When we reached the entrance, Rafa, Tis, and the other participants were already gathered.