Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 601

"Unexpected, isn't it?"

"Y-yes. But what do you mean by 'agreeing'?"

When I asked Sekmetos, who was smiling fearlessly, she leaned back in her chair.

"Exactly as I said. Currently, the beast tribes, despite some differences, are all operating under the mindset that as long as their own territories are fine, that's enough. They don't see themselves as part of a nation. Moreover, while not as extreme as Gareth or Elba, there's a twisted ideology that the weak should serve the strong. For now, they're managing to function as a country, but Lva and I believe it will become difficult in the future."

"Difficult in the future... You mean  your nation might be swallowed up by the Empire or Toga?"

When Amon interjected in a low voice, Sekmetos nodded quietly and glanced at Lva.

"Let me explain this matter."

With that, she began to outline the problems Zveera was facing.

Currently, Zveera is governed by eleven tribes, each ruling their own territories.

However, these territories are not managed by the state.

Each tribe operates based on its own independently established laws.

In essence, it's not that the tribes are governing the territories of Zveera as a nation.

Rather, Zveera is a nation formed by the union of small states ruled by each tribe, united to counter external threats.

"In the past, this was enough to keep the Empire, Balst, and Toga in check. But recently, the situation has been changing gradually."

Lva shrugged her shoulders.

"Is it because Balst and Toga have grown stronger, making it harder to keep them in check?"

When I asked, she nodded and said, "That's part of it."

"But the biggest issue is that Toga and Balst are starting to target not Zveera as a whole, but the individual territories and tribes. Zveera is a federation that relies on the cooperation of the eleven tribes in times of crisis, but that foundation is starting to crumble."

"And a significant part of the reason for that is the 'twisted survival of the fittest' ideology that Lord Lidd mentioned."

As Sekmetos added to Lva's explanation, Gyobu leaned forward and spoke in a serious tone.

"Actually, it seems that Balst and Toga have been making various overtures to the tribal leaders. While no one has agreed yet, it's undeniable that Zveera's development is lagging behind other nations. Take the charcoal-powered vehicles developed by Baldia, for example. If such innovative technologies are shared and developed by other nations, Zveera will be left behind. When that happens, what will become of the beast tribes? It's hard not to feel a sense of inferiority when you think about it."

He shook his head with a sigh.

"To add to that..."

Sekmetos took the lead again.

"Elba was aware of this fact. He was trying to unite the beast tribes and dominate the continent. Well, you know the result better than anyone."

She gave a sly smile.

I felt a surge of irritation at Sekmetos' words.

If she knew that Elba was aiming to dominate the continent, she must have been aware of the possibility that the fox tribe would invade Baldia.

Yet, Zveera took a passive stance, hoping for a resolution between the two families.

From her actions then and her words now, it was clear that Sekmetos had intended for the old Grand Duke and Baldia families to weaken each other.

Despite that, she had the audacity to show up here with a straight face.

Sekmetos Bestia, the Beast King, is truly a crafty individual.

But losing my temper here would mean losing.

I had to stay calm and handle this carefully, or I'd be outmaneuvered.

I took a subtle deep breath and nodded, narrowing my eyes.

"...I see. I understand what you mean by 'agreeing,' the various problems Zveera is facing, and the concerns about competitiveness with other nations. But I'd like to hear the true purpose of your visit to the fox tribe's territory, Lady Sekmetos."

"You're quick to the point, which helps. Initially, there were two purposes, but now there are three."

"Three now? May I ask about the initial purposes?"

By asking about the initial purposes, I could figure out the main reason they came here.

Sekmetos seemed to sense my intent and laughed cheerfully.

"The first was to get to know you, Lord Ridd. I had the chance to meet Lord Riner at Gareth's tribal funeral, but I hadn't met you yet. The second was the upcoming meeting of all the tribal leaders in the capital. I want you to attend the tribal leaders' meeting without fail."

"Wha...?!"

Her words caused a stir in the room.

The tribal leaders' meeting in Zveera's capital, Bestia, is not just for sharing information about each territory but also for discussing the future of the nation—essentially a 'national assembly.'

Even though I have the backing of Amon and the fox tribe, for someone from another nation to attend such a meeting would be unprecedented.

It could cause ripples both within and outside the Empire.

I blinked in surprise but cleared my throat to calm myself.

"W-why would I need to attend Zveera's tribal leaders' meeting? Wouldn't it be enough for Lord Amon and Lord Rafa to attend?"

"Lord Ridd, don't underestimate me."

Sekmetos' demeanor suddenly became heavy and intimidating.

The atmosphere in the room froze, and I felt a tingling sensation on my skin.

Her pressure might be on par with, or even surpass, my father's.

"Considering the current state of the fox tribe's territory, Lord Amon's position, and the relationship with Baldia, I believe it's not just you, but you in particular who must attend the tribal leaders' meeting. Don't you agree?"

"Th-that's..."

I was taken aback by her sharp remark.

I hadn't expected her to be so direct.

I thought the relationship between Baldia, Amon, and the fox tribe had been subtly hinted at during Gareth's tribal funeral and left at that. I hadn't anticipated Sekmetos would make it 'public.'

But making the relationship between the fox tribe and Baldia public could also undermine the authority of the Beast Kingdom.

Why is she taking such a hardline stance now?

As I pondered this, Sekmetos suddenly relaxed her expression.

"And the third reason. To be honest, like Johan, I've taken quite a liking to you, Lord Lidd. I'd like to propose a marriage alliance between Baldia or someone close to you from the Grand Duke family and Johan."

"Huh...?"

I was stunned by the sudden topic, but I quickly shook my head.

"Th-that's too sudden. We don't have anyone suitable for such an alliance."

"Lord Ridd is right. This is far too abrupt."

Amon also leaned forward and spoke up, but Sekmetos didn't seem bothered and smiled.

"Oh, but you do. I hear Baldia has a younger sister for Lord Ridd. And the Grand Duke family has Amon's sister, Rafa Grand Duke. And..."

Sekmetos' eyes sharpened as she glanced sideways.

"There's also Citri Grand Duke, isn't there?"

"M-me...?!"

Caught off guard, Citri blinked in surprise.