Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 616

"Well, well, that's true. However, I believe this is not the appropriate place to discuss such matters, so I would like to arrange a separate meeting..."

Right after saying this, her eyes sparkled.

"Yes, of course. Then, let's set aside some time to talk individually after the meeting."

"Ah..."

Jeti grinned, showing her white teeth like a child who had successfully pulled off a prank.

By the way, her teeth were sharp double canines.

Even so, I was had.

She probably wanted to extract an excuse from me or Amon to have a separate meeting outside of this setting.

In any case, I had intended to arrange individual meetings with each of the tribal chiefs, but I fell right into her trap.

"Hey, no cutting in line, alright?"

Vene's voice, thorny and sharp, rang out. However, Jeti shook her head with a smile, saying, "No."

"I merely asked how to address him. Then, Lord Lidd said, 'It's a separate matter.' I just responded accordingly. I didn't request it, so it's not cutting in line."

"That's just sophistry, isn't it?"

As the two exchanged glances, a tense atmosphere began to fill the meeting room.

I cleared my throat and called out, "Um, Lord Vene."

"Yeah, what is it?"

His rough tone and glare brought back memories of the rabbit tribe children, including Ovelia, from when we first met.

I remained unfazed and smiled back.

"I was thinking of arranging individual meetings with each of the tribal chiefs. After this meeting, I would like to hear about your availability as well,  Lord Vene."

"Oh, is that so? Well, I'd like to ask something too. Can I call you two Ridd and Amon? In return, you can call me Vene."

"Uh, well. Let's discuss that separately as well."

While nodding hesitantly at his forceful tone, I glanced sideways at Sekmetos, the only one who could chair this meeting. She was covering her mouth with her hand, her shoulders shaking.

She's enjoying this, absolutely enjoying this situation, that Beast King.

"Hey, Jeti. Stop fooling around. This isn't a banquet or a drinking party."

A cold, oppressive voice filled the meeting room.

Looking over, I saw a man with tanned skin, black hair, and a cold demeanor, his eyes closed and arms crossed.

Judging from the ears on his head, he was probably the wolf tribe chief.

His attire was simple, resembling a military uniform: a grayish-white long-sleeved shirt and black trousers.

There were no flashy decorations, but there was a no-nonsense kind of coolness about him.

"Oh, isn't this better than a tense atmosphere? That's why you look so old, Jackass. You should learn from me."

Jeti placed her hand on her chest, striking a proud pose.

Comparing the two sitting next to each other, it was clear that Jeti looked younger, though it was somewhat rude to say so.

However, Jackass sighed, opened his eyes, and glanced at her.

By the way, his eyes were a deep yellow, and his gaze was sharp and intimidating.

"...You're older than me, aren't you?"

His words caused the atmosphere to tense up, and I thought I heard something snap.

But Jeti, still smiling, shrugged and teased.

"Oh my, how rude. Jackass, bringing up a woman's age in front of first-time guests? That's quite inconsiderate, don't you think?"

As she said this, a vein popped on her forehead, and she glared at Jackass, who remained seated, with a wide smile.

"Do you want to die?"

"I have no intention of dying. And you can't kill me."

He muttered coldly, causing Jeti's mouth to twitch.

"Do you know the saying, 'A barking dog gets beaten'? You should wag your tail and show some charm."

"Wolf tribe members are not dogs, so that saying doesn't apply. And even if I were to wag my tail, I'd choose the recipient."

"...?! You've got some nerve, acting all high and mighty."

Jeti narrowed her eyes and glared, but Jackass remained unfazed.

Their exchange brought to mind the phrase "like cats and dogs."

Well, borrowing his words, it might not apply since he's a 'wolf.'

Jackass cleared his throat and stood up, looking at us.

"I am Jackass Wolfgang, chief of the wolf tribe. Pleased to meet you."

He spoke matter-of-factly, then added, "And..."

"Our territory, like the cat tribe's, borders the theocracy of Toga to the west. Therefore, we share the responsibility of national defense with the cat tribe. Depending on the situation, we may request support from other tribes. Please keep that in mind."

"Understood."

Amon and I exchanged glances and nodded. Jackass gave a businesslike nod and sat down.

The theocracy of Toga is a country that allows the enslavement of non-human races, and there are constant attempts to abduct beastmen.

Moreover, due to the teachings of the state religion, Mistina, which holds the historical belief that "Zubera should be a vassal state of Toga," there are frequent skirmishes between the two nations.

In the event of a national emergency, it was understood that the tribal chiefs would agree to provide support and troops.

By the way, the cat tribe has produced the most Beast Kings in Zubera, followed by the wolf tribe.

Perhaps the two tribes' extensive combat experience has something to do with it.

"...Remember this later, Jackass."

"Well, I've been forgetful lately."

Jeti puffed out her cheeks and sat down, while Jackass tilted his head, still with his arms crossed.

"Ah, why do you men always have to add one or two extra words?"

As she glared at him, her mouth twitching, the smallest woman in the room stood up.

"I am Luva Gandarsika, chief of the rat tribe. Once again, pleased to meet you."

She bowed politely, just as she had during the greeting in the fox tribe territory, making her the most courteous so far.

I felt a bit of peace returning to my heart.

Whether she knew my thoughts or not, Luva smiled warmly at Amon and me before sitting down.

"Next is me."

The one who muttered this was a large man with orange long hair and kind yet stern black eyes.

Judging from his rounded ears and build, he was likely from the bear tribe. Standing up, he was nearly eight feet tall (about 240 cm), shorter than Sekmetos but taller than Elba.

His attire was a modest blend of imperial and Japanese styles, perhaps closer to the Renarute style.

The outfit was entirely navy blue, with intricate patterns here and there.

Overall, it gave off a unique impression.

"I am Kamui Magenta, chief of the bear tribe. That's all."

With that, he sat down without another word.

Compared to the others, he was quite reserved.

Shortly after, the large man sitting next to Kamui, with light brown skin and also nearly eight feet tall, stood up.

He had long, smooth red hair, sharp eyes, and deep blue pupils.

Two horns protruded from the sides of his head.

His attire, like Jackass's, resembled a military uniform, but he wore a large coat over it.

"...Hapis Loafis, chief of the ox tribe."

He spoke in a monotone, businesslike voice, not even glancing at us before sitting down.

It was clear he had no interest or concern for us.

"Well, it's finally my turn."

A bright, cheerful voice rang out. It was Gyobu.

He stood up lazily, then looked at us with a slightly formal air.

"I am Gyobu Yatanuki, chief of the tanuki tribe. As you know, the tanuki and fox territories are neighbors. We also share a border with the Baldia family. Well, let's work well together from now on."

"Yes, likewise."

Amon and I smiled and nodded. Gyobu relaxed his expression and sat down.

"Then, I'll be the last."

A dignified voice echoed, and naturally, all eyes turned to Sekmetos.

She stood up gracefully, looking directly at Amon and me as she began.

"I am Sekmetos Bestia, chief of the cat tribe and the current Beast King. Lord Amon Grandork and Lord Ridd Baldia, I have high expectations for you. Let's work well together."

"Yes, we look forward to it."

I wondered what she was expecting, but now wasn't the time to ask.

Amon and I smiled wryly and nodded. Sekmetos relaxed her expression and sat down heavily on her throne.

"Now, let's begin the tribal chiefs' meeting. The first agenda item is the marriage between my son, Johan Bestia, and Amon's sister, Citri Grandork."

"Huh..."

That's the first agenda item?

As we stood there dumbfounded, some of the tribal chiefs raised their voices.

"What?!"

"I haven't heard anything about this beforehand!"

"That's quite the underhanded move!"

Vene, Asteka, and Jeti stood up abruptly, glaring at Sekmetos.

The others remained seated, but each wore various expressions.

Imperial nobles hide their emotions while engaging in verbal battles, but it seems tribal chiefs engage in verbal battles with their emotions mostly on display.

This is going to be a different kind of challenge compared to the audiences and meetings in the imperial capital.

As the passionate meeting began, I took a deep breath and steeled myself.