Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 613

"...That's the gist of it. We can discuss the details further once we return to the territory."

Capella skillfully wove truth and  lies together, briefly explaining that he had been engaged in espionage activities for an illegal organization connected to the nobility, while concealing the existence of the "Shinobi" and "Zack Riverthon."

His fluent storytelling was so convincing that even I, who knew the truth, almost found myself doubting.

By the way, Dynias and Tink, who came with us from Baldia, also know about Capella's background.

Only young Citri and Tis are unaware, knowing only that he hails from Renarute.

When we first met, Capella was expressionless and struggled with emotional expression, but now, after his relationship and marriage with Ellen, he seems much more emotionally expressive.

Or perhaps it's more accurate to say that he has become better at hiding his true feelings while expressing emotions.

His marriage to Ellen seems to have inadvertently enhanced his skills as a spy.

If he were to lie seriously, even the "Electric Field," which detects subtle changes, might find it difficult to uncover his deception.

The Electric Field is a technique that senses changes in the hearts and bodies of those within a certain range of the user.

Conversely, if the target's heart and body show no changes at all, the technique becomes less effective.

Increasing the output can enhance sensitivity, but it also risks overwhelming the user, potentially causing psychological harm.

"Huh. I've heard rumors that Renarute has an intelligence unit , but this is the first time I've met someone from there."

"That's to be expected. What should a spy do if caught in the field? Lady Rafa, you should know this well."

Capella narrowed his eyes, and Rafa snorted, shrugging her shoulders.

Watching their exchange, Amon turned his gaze toward us with a troubled expression.

"I had a feeling you weren't just a bodyguard, but to think you were a former spy. That's quite surprising."

"His background could lead to unnecessary speculation, so we've kept it quiet except among those connected to the Baldia family. You two, keep it to yourselves as well."

"Understood."

Amon nodded, then continued, "So... if Capella's former superior is well-versed in the underworld, they might know something about Horst's magic. Is that the right assumption?"

"Yes. Renarute is a dark elf country with a long history. I thought there might be some clues there."

In fact, when we were investigating the "Jade Orb," the insights of Curtis, who is also from Renarute, were incredibly helpful.

His extensive experience also contributed to the reorganization and strengthening of the Second Knight Order.

Of course, Fara's ability to quickly implement Curtis's suggestions into the Second Knight Order's operations played a big role as well.

"Looking for clues is fine, but I'm more concerned about Horst's intentions."

Rafa said this as she sipped from a glass of wine.

The bottle she had chosen was already empty, though her expression and eyes showed no change. She was undoubtedly a heavy drinker.

"What do you mean by that?"

When I asked, Rafa placed her glass on the nearby table and slowly stood up.

She then walked over to me.

"If I could use that magic, I'd use it in a place where no one could interfere. To make Ridd do as I please."

She narrowed her eyes and lifted my chin with her hand.

I gently brushed her hand away and looked at her suspiciously.

"So, you're saying there was some other purpose besides brainwashing or provocation?"

"Exactly. Whether he didn't care if we found out, or he was testing Ridd, or trying to divert our attention from something else—whatever the case, using a magic that can hypnotize or brainwash someone in such a public place is dangerous. Yet Horst deliberately used it there. What was his intention?"

Rafa smirked, then turned on her heel and returned to her seat.

Intention, huh?

It's true that I was so focused on the magic Horst used that I didn't consider why he would reveal his hand so openly.

"...Maybe it was a warning to stay away."

Suddenly, Dynus, who had been silent until now, muttered, drawing everyone's attention.

"Stay away? What do you mean?"

As I asked on behalf of the group, he spoke up with a more serious demeanor than usual.

"If people know that Horst can use magic to brainwash or hypnotize, no one would dare approach him or the Avian territory. But looking at it another way, there's no better deterrent to keep others at bay."

"Ah..."

I gasped as I realized what Dynus was getting at.

Knowing that anyone sent in could be brainwashed or hypnotized, it would be impossible to send in skilled agents without risking exposure of our own information.

In fact, I had already been planning to gather information on Horst and the Avian territory through Zack in Renarute.

"Regardless, we've convinced ourselves that sending people into Horst's territory or confronting him directly is too dangerous. Perhaps there's something in the Avian territory that they desperately want to keep hidden."

As Dynus spoke, Amon and I swallowed hard, and he flashed a bright smile.

"Of course, this is all just speculation. It's possible that Horst simply wanted to intimidate Ridd before the tribal chief meeting. Don't overthink it."

"Y-yeah. Horst's intentions are concerning, but for now, let's focus on getting through the tribal chief meeting."

"Exactly. There's no point in worrying about things we can't control. Let's focus on overcoming the meeting ahead of us."

As if to dispel the dark atmosphere in the room, Dynus let out a loud, hearty laugh.

It was probably deliberate, but his laughter and smile eased Amon's tense expression and lightened my heart a little.

Looking around, I saw Capella smiling faintly, and Rafa happily pouring herself another drink.

"Thank you, Dynias. I feel much calmer now."

"Not at all. I didn't do anything special."

When I thanked him, he shook his head and laughed heartily again.

After that, we called Tis and Citri back from the other room and continued chatting.

Soon after, the door to the guest room was knocked, and several dragon warriors entered, bowing respectfully.

"Thank you for waiting. We will now escort you to the meeting hall."

It was finally time to face the tribal chiefs who ruled the various territories of Zveira.

I could only hope that not all of them were like Horst and Gareth.

"Understood. Alright, everyone, let's go."

We stood up and left the guest room behind.