Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 610

"Wh...what?!"

I was stunned, and in an instant, a chill ran down my spine.

Ever since I stepped into this castle, I had been lightly activating my "Electric Field" to constantly sense the surroundings.

And yet, someone had managed to get behind me with such ease.

Absolutely, the owner of this voice was no ordinary person.

While remaining cautious, I turned around to see a gentle-looking man with short hair similar to Aria's, slender blue eyes, and glasses, wearing a faint smile.

On his back were the characteristic wings of the Avian race, their color a deep, jet black.

The man was dressed in a white-based trench coat, giving off an imposing impression.

By his sides stood two Avian girls, likely his guards.

One had reddish-black hair tied on both sides and left to hang long, with a fierce-looking pair of red eyes.

The tied parts of her hair were adorned with several feathers.

Her outfit was similar to the man's, but with more exposed skin, giving off a slightly punkish vibe.

The wings on her back were red on the edges and outer parts, but pure white on the inside.

The second girl had sharp blue eyes and resembled Aria closely, including her hair color and style.

She was shorter than the first girl with red eyes, and her outfit was a shorter version of the white-based trench coat the man wore, modified into a skirt-like design at the waist.

The wings on her back also resembled those of Aria and her kin.

"...Lord Holst, it's been a while."

Amon muttered cautiously and stepped forward.

Reacting to the name 'Holst', the name of the Avian tribe leader, 'Holst Padgury', flashed through my mind.

Is this the man who is Aria's father, the one who called her and her sisters 'disappointments' and 'failures', and then sold them off to Balst through Elba?

As I subtly scrutinized him, Holst relaxed his mouth slightly and extended his hand to Amon.

"Yes, we've both been quite busy."

After shaking hands with Amon, Holst, still smiling, glanced sideways at the sky.

"I just arrived myself. I saw everyone from above and thought I'd come to greet you."

Having said that, he looked down at me and began, "So..."

"You must be the unconventional hero, Rid Baldia, who defeated Elba?"

"Yes, it's my first time meeting you. Lord Holst Padgury, leader of the Avian tribe."

As I stood beside Amon and extended my hand, he smiled pleasantly and shook it.

"My, my, you even know my name. I'm truly honored."

"Not at all. The names of the leaders of the various tribes ruling Zveera are well-known even in the empire. By the way, who are these two?"

When I turned my gaze to the two behind Holst, he narrowed his eyes and scratched his cheek, saying, "Ah, I've been slow with introductions."

"Ibi, Ilia. Both of you, introduce yourselves to Lord Rid."

Hearing the names he mentioned, a wave of tension ran through me. 'So, these girls are indeed them.'

When I faced Galiel of the old regime, a disguised Avian intervened midway.

According to Aria, who was there at the time, the presence and magical energy suggested it was undoubtedly her sisters, 'Ibi' and 'Ilia'.

However, there was no physical evidence to prove that the Avians present at that time were indeed them.

The two bowed slightly and raised their heads, with the girl with reddish-black hair speaking first.

"I am Ibi Padgury, serving as Lord Holst's guard."

"Likewise, I am Ilia Padgury."

Ibi spoke in a clear, beautiful voice, calmly and evenly.

Following her, Ilia spoke, but her tone was sharp, and her eyes glanced at me with what seemed like hatred.

Unnerved by the unfamiliar gaze, I unconsciously gulped.

"These two are of the Padgury lineage, though from a branch family. Despite their youth, their abilities are commendable. I have them guard me while also nurturing the next generation."

Holst slowly placed his hands on the heads of Ibi and Ilia.

His expression was very calm, gentle, and full of affection.

"By the way, Lord Rid. You seem to have something on your mind. Is something the matter?"

Seemingly sensing my subtle discomfort, Holst asked in a gentle voice.

"Ah, no. It's just that Lady Ibi has a very beautiful voice, and Lady Ilia resembles someone I know well, so I was just a bit surprised."

I smiled as I deflected the question, and Holst relaxed his mouth, seeming amused.

"To notice Ibi's beautiful voice from just that exchange, Lord Lid, you have a keen ear. Or perhaps I should praise you for having excellent hearing."

He smiled genuinely, looking at Ibi with eyes full of paternal pride.

"This child has a particularly outstanding talent even among the Avians, who are known for their singing. I take great pride in her."

"Is... that so?"

I responded, bewildered by Holst's behavior, which was completely different from what I had imagined.

Most of his demeanor was likely an act, but the gentle, pleasant tone of his voice carried no trace of malice.

In fact, I found myself increasingly captivated by it, feeling an odd, floating sensation that made me want to let my guard down.

But that, in turn, felt incredibly eerie and unsettling, and before I knew it, my palms were damp with unpleasant sweat.

'Stay sharp,' I told myself. 'There's no way this guy is a good person.'

Taking a deep breath, I turned my gaze to Ibi and smiled.

"Then... I hope to hear Lady Ibi's beautiful singing voice someday, not just as a formality."

It was genuine; I truly wanted to hear her beautiful singing.

And I never wanted to hear that piercing, agonizing scream again.

Ibi's eyebrows twitched slightly, but she nodded emotionlessly, saying, "...If the opportunity arises."

"And then..."

Holst changed the subject, looking somewhat sadly at Ilia.

"This child has a twin sister, you see. Her name is Aria. Lord Rid, you know of Aria, don't you?"

"...Yes, I know her well."

A strange light flickered in his eyes for just a moment.

'Here it comes,' I thought, maintaining a calm demeanor as I nodded.

"A few years ago, our family protected a group of beast children who were being sold in Balst. Among them were over a dozen Avian children. One of them was Aria."

"...?!"

The first to react to my words was Ilia, whose eyes burned with hatred.

She didn't utter a word, but her expression turned demonic, as if she was about to attack at any moment.

The presence of Dynias, Capella, and Tink beside me shifted, as they tensed up in readiness.