Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 603

"I, Citri Granduke, am willing to accept  Sekmetos's marriage proposal."

"Hoh..."

Citri responded firmly in a dignified and strong tone, and Sekmetos, who had posed the question, seemed surprised as he nodded in acknowledgment.

From our side, murmurs arose, and Amon immediately shot a sharp glance.

"Citri, do you understand what you're saying?"

"I do. I fully understand, Brother Amon."

She said this while looking around at us.

Her eyes held a strong resolve.

"Since  Sekmetos, the Beast King, has gone this far, we cannot refuse this marriage proposal. At worst, the Foxkin tribe may become isolated in Zubera. If that happens, the reconstruction of the Foxkin tribe will become even more difficult."

"That may be true, but..."

As Amon hesitated with an awkward expression, Citri's expression softened slightly.

"Please don't worry, Brother Amon. I am not accepting this marriage proposal simply because Lord Sekmetos suggested it. I see it as an opportunity to change the Foxkin tribe—no, the ideology of the Beastkin nation."

"Ch-change the ideology of the Beastkin nation...?"

"Yes, Brother Amon."

She smiled and nodded, then turned her gaze to Sekmetos and Johan.

"I was abandoned by Gareth, deemed talentless, and treated coldly. If Brother Amon hadn't reached out to me, I probably wouldn't be alive today."

Citri continued, as if reminiscing.

"Back then, I would ask myself every day why I had no talent for martial arts. But when I went out into the world—to Baldia—I learned that the power to change the world doesn't come from martial arts alone. Many different talents are needed. And I realized that waiting around won't change anything. If an opportunity arises, I must step forward and take on the challenge. So, if what I learned in Valdia can contribute to the reform of the Beastkin nation, I am prepared to dedicate myself to this cause."

"Citri..."

Amon could only look at her with concern, unable to say anything in response to her strong declaration.

None of us had expected Citri to express such a strong will.

She had mentioned what she learned in Valdia.

But I couldn't help but feel that her encounters with Fara, Mel, This, and my mother had greatly influenced her words and actions.

"However, since I am accepting this marriage proposal, there is something I would like to request. May I?"

Citri spoke in a firm tone, her sharp gaze fixed on Sekmetos and Johan.

"Go ahead. Speak freely," Sekmetos replied.

Citri then turned her gaze to Johan.

"In about ten years, Lord Johan will likely succeed  Sekmetos as the chieftain of the Catkin tribe. At that time, I would like Lord Johan to become the Beast King."

"That is a given. But I will ask nonetheless—why?"

Citri met Sekmetos's bold smile with an unwavering gaze.

"It's simple. If Lord Johan does not become the Beast King, it will be difficult to fully utilize everything I learned in Baldia. Power without justice is futile, but justice without power is equally futile. If we consider the reform of the Beastkin nation as 'justice,' then this is an absolute necessity. If this cannot be promised, then I would like to consider the marriage proposal null and void. I have no intention of selling myself short."

Her resolute voice echoed through the room, followed by a heavy silence.

No one had expected Citri to speak so boldly to the Beast King, Sekmetos.

Looking around, the Baldia side, including This and Tink, was stunned, while Amon was speechless.

Rafa was trembling, and Pianie, her guard, seemed moved to tears.

"Amazing. You're amazing," Johan broke the silence with an astonished voice.

His eyes sparkled as he looked at Citri.

"You're the first person to stand up to my mother, the Beast King, like that. I like you."

"Thank you. But Lord Johan, this isn't just about me. Do you have the resolve and strength to become the Beast King?"

"Of course. That's why I live every day."

Johan puffed out his chest confidently, even in response to Citri's cold question.

Then, he turned to Sekmetos.

"Mother, I really like her. I want her to be my wife."

"Is that so? You like her too? I feel the same."

She smiled boldly and turned her gaze to Amon.

"I didn't expect her to have such courage. You have a fine sister."

"N-no, I'm just as surprised as anyone."

As Amon blinked in surprise, Sekmetos straightened her posture and spoke solemnly.

"I truly wish to welcome her into our family. Let me formally propose the marriage alliance once more. As I mentioned earlier, this is a matter concerning the Beastkin nation. Lord Rid of the Valdian family, please refrain from intervening. This is a matter of internal affairs."

"Ugh..."

Sekmetos is the Beast King, representing Zubera, while I am merely the heir of a noble family in the Empire.

Once the issue of internal interference is raised, it becomes a matter between nations.

Amon and the Valdian family have a secret agreement, but that cannot be revealed.

From the perspective of this world's norms, Sekmetos's proposal is not unreasonable. In fact, some might see it as a blessing to form ties with the Beast King's bloodline.

This marriage proposal was calculated with all of this in mind.

As much as I want to do something, there's no way to intervene under the current circumstances.

"Brother Rid, please don't worry."

As I locked eyes with Sekmetos, Citri spoke in a gentle voice.

"No matter what happens, I will always remain a member of the new Granduke family. If anyone tries to swallow me up, I will swallow them instead. Besides, if this marriage proposal goes through, it will help restore the influence of the Foxkin tribe, which has been weakened by the battle at the Narrow Fortress and the downfall of the powerful clans. It won't be a loss."

"That may be true, but... are you really okay with this, Citri?"

As she said, if the marriage alliance between the Beast King Sekmetos and the newly established Granduke family is finalized, the other tribal leaders will view us differently.

In essence, it would be as if our actions had received the Beast King's seal of approval.

We would have more room to maneuver, and Sekmetos would be able to push forward with the reform of the Beastkin nation.

Politically, it might be a 'yes,' but personally, it's a different story.

Citri is already one of my precious sisters whom I must protect.

I can't just use her as a pawn in a political marriage, like a sacrificial piece in a game of shogi.

But she narrowed her eyes and nodded.

"Yes, it's fine. I already died once in Valdia. In fact, I consider it a blessing to be entrusted with such an important role. I will definitely prove myself useful to you and Brother Amon."

"Citri, you're truly amazing."

"Ah, she's my proud little sister."

As Amon and I marveled at her, Sekmetos cleared her throat.

"It seems the matter is settled. Then, Johan and Lady Citri's engagement will be announced at the next tribal chieftain meeting. Of course, Lord Amon and Lord Rid will also attend."

"...Understood."

As we nodded, Johan suddenly stood up and said, "Citri, let's greet each other," before moving to the front of the long table.

She looked slightly puzzled but stood up and walked over to him.

"Nice to meet you."

Johan flashed a bright smile and extended a hand.

"Yes, pleased to meet... huh?!"

The moment she hesitantly took his hand, he pulled her into his chest.

Then, he pressed his nose against her neck and began sniffing her scent.