Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 614

"Beyond this door are the tribal chiefs. Please have either Lid or Amon open the door."

"Understood. Thank you for guiding us. We are grateful."

With a smile, I expressed my thanks to the dragon warriors who had escorted us from the guest room to here. They blinked in slight surprise, perhaps unaccustomed to receiving gratitude. However, they quickly bowed and stepped aside, taking their positions beside the door.

Before us stood a large, ornate double door, exuding an air of grandeur and solemnity. It reminded me of the doors leading to the audience chamber in the imperial palace, where one would meet the emperor, empress, and nobles. Yet, this door emanated an even more intense aura of magical power and a foreboding presence. Despite no one touching it, I could feel a cold sweat and a shiver of anticipation running through me.

In the empire, many nobles excel in political and negotiation skills, but they are primarily civil officials, with few military officers. In contrast, the tribal chiefs gathered beyond this door are not only skilled civil officials but also formidable military leaders. They are likely individuals whose strength rivals, if not surpasses, that of Elba.

But I couldn't afford to show fear or retreat now. Glancing to my left, I noticed Amon's face was also tense. He must have sensed the aura emanating from the door as well. When he noticed my gaze, I gave him a faint smile.

"Amon, let's go."

Startled by my call, he shook his head and forced a smile, his stiff expression softening.

"Yeah, got it."

I grasped the handle on the right side of the door, while Amon took the left. The moment we touched the door, a slight tingling sensation, like a mild electric shock, ran through our hands. In unison, we pushed the doors open.

As the doors slowly swung open, the room revealed itself—a lavish and solemn interior reminiscent of the imperial audience chamber. At the center of the room stood a large round table, already occupied by figures who appeared to be the tribal chiefs. As we entered, their sharp, piercing gazes naturally turned toward us, their stares so intense it felt like my skin was burning.

"Well, well, not bad. You managed to open that door without being intimidated," came a provocative, rough voice. My eyes turned toward the speaker—a man with unkempt, reddish-brown long hair, pale blue eyes that gleamed eerily, and a light brown complexion. He wore a black military-style uniform, with a red long scarf around his neck and a red waistcloth. The shape of his ears suggested he was likely the horse-tribe chief.

"Don't mock them, Asteka," a low, commanding voice interrupted, causing the tense atmosphere in the room to tighten further. I recognized the voice and turned to see Sekmetos seated at the far end of the round table. Behind her stood Johan, standing at attention.

"No need to rush. We'll have plenty of time to talk. First, Lid and Amon, please take your seats."

"Yes. Excuse us," I replied, bowing slightly to Sekmetos before walking toward the empty seats at the round table. The sound of the doors closing echoed through the room.

Asteka shrugged, and as I took my seat, I noticed the other tribal chiefs, including Horst from the guest room, watching us intently. Amon, Citri, and Tis followed behind me.

There were two empty seats at the round table, with two more seats prepared behind them. Amon and I took the seats at the table, while Citri sat behind Amon and Tis behind me. Dynas, Capella, Tink, and Rafa stood in a line behind us, as if guarding our backs.

Shortly after we took our seats, Sekmetos cleared her throat and began speaking.

"Fellow comrades who lead the beast tribes in this world of survival of the fittest, I welcome you all for traveling such a long distance to be here today." Her voice was dignified as she addressed the room. "And..." She turned her gaze toward us.

"Today's meeting includes a new tribal chief and a distinguished guest. First, let us hear their introductions."

"Understood," I nodded, exchanging a glance with Amon. As planned, Amon stood up first.

"It has been since the funeral of my father, the former tribal chief Gareth Grandork, that I last met all of you face to face. I am Amon Grandork, the new chief of the fox tribe. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance once more."

As Amon delivered his introduction and bowed, most of the tribal chiefs responded with only a nod or a slight bow, their reactions lukewarm. Asteka even yawned, looking bored. Only one woman with yellow hair tied back seemed somewhat amused.

After Amon sat down, it was my turn to stand.

"Most of you here are meeting me for the first time. I am Rid Baldia, son of Lord Rainer Baldia, the Margrave of the Baldia territory in the Magnolia Empire. It is a great honor for me, a foreigner, to participate in the renowned tribal council of the beast nation. Currently, I have been dispatched to the fox tribe's territory as my father's representative to oversee post-war affairs. In the future, I may have the opportunity to discuss 'various matters' with all of you. As you can see, I am still young and inexperienced, so I humbly ask for your guidance and support."

I delivered my introduction with an exaggerated smile and a theatrical tone, bowing deeply. This was not the empire, so I couldn't afford to be too assertive. Yet, if I appeared too weak, I would be looked down upon. Therefore, I deliberately hinted at my intention to investigate the connections between the tribes and the previous regime.

Regardless of the intentions or circumstances, the fact that the battle at the Narrow Fortress occurred was partly due to the tribal chiefs here failing to stop Gareth and Elba. My words weren't entirely an act.

As I glanced around after finishing my introduction, the reactions from the tribal chiefs remained subdued. However, I could sense a slight increase in their wariness. For an opening move, this was about as much as I could expect.

As I took my seat, only Sekmetos began to clap.

"That was a fine introduction. Now, it's our turn," she said, turning her gaze to Asteka, who was seated next to us.

"Let's start with the horse tribe, bordering the fox tribe's territory. Asteka, please set an example for our young guests with your greeting."

"Tch, what a pain," Asteka clicked his tongue as he lazily stood up, leaning one hand on the round table. He looked at Amon and me with a bored expression.

"I'm Asteka Zebrat, chief of the horse tribe. Nice to meet you, I guess."

He was about to sit back down when he suddenly paused, as if remembering something, and smirked.

"Oh, right. There's something I wanted to ask Amon."

"What is it?" Amon tilted his head, prompting Asteka to shrug.

"Nothing major, but..." He pointed at the chairs we were sitting in. "With the help of the Baldia family, you buried your own father, exiled your troublesome brother, and seized the position of tribal chief. How does that seat feel now that you've gone to such lengths to claim it?"