Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 619

"Ho, so cooperating with Lord Rid has benefits for Zveera's national defense as well? Please, do tell me more."

Sekmetos playfully spread her arms, then crossed her legs and propped her chin on the armrest of her throne. Her eyes shimmered with a mix of interest, curiosity, and provocation.

Looking around, Luva wore a serious expression, Jackass furrowed his brow, and Gyobu sat deeply in his chair, his thoughts inscrutable. The reactions from the tribal leaders to the proposals so far had been favorable.

Now was not the time to falter or fail. I took a subtle deep breath and nodded. "Of course. If we establish the cooperative framework I mentioned earlier across the tribal territories, the Fox  tribe  territory, and the Baldia family, Zveera's economic activity will undoubtedly flourish across the entire region. If things go well, we may even solve the food shortage issue. Additionally, increased tax revenue would allow for an expansion of the national defense budget. By developing and revitalizing the entire country, our national defense capabilities will also improve. What do you think?"

Expanding military power requires significant expenditure, but maintaining it costs even more. Using foreign currency earned through economic revitalization to fund domestic development is the most basic approach. However, this "basic" approach is often quite difficult. Revitalizing the economy to generate foreign currency is easier said than done.

However, the Baldia and Christy Merchant  company have established trade routes spanning from the eastern to the central parts of the continent over the past few years. On the other side, the Saffron Merchant  company handles trade routes from the central to the western parts of the continent. Utilizing these networks, we can sell various Zveera products across the entire continent. If domestic demand is met, we can then focus on meeting foreign demand.

From my prior research, Zveera's export channels are weak. Or rather, the limitations of human and horse-drawn transportation restrict the volume of goods that can be moved. The Rabbitkin's seafood, aside from dried goods, is unsuitable for long-distance transport, and the Monkeykin's decorative and craft items are exquisite but may not align with the tastes of other nations like the Empire, Renarute, or Astoria.

"...So, it's all just uncertain talk about the future. We're currently struggling with skirmishes against Toga. If anything, I'd like to hear a proposal addressing that," Jackass, the Wolfkin tribal leader, retorted coldly. He crossed his arms and shot a icy glare in my direction.

"Rest assured. Establishing a cooperative relationship between my family and all of you will serve as a deterrent against Toga."

"What...?" Jackass frowned, while Gyobu chimed in playfully, "I see, I see."

"If Baldia and Zveera form a cooperative framework, Toga would have to consider provoking the Empire. That would make them hesitate or even back off," Gyobu added.

"Exactly," I nodded, narrowing my eyes.

Gyobu, the Tanuki tribal leader, seems to be in charge of Zveera's foreign affairs. In terms of my past life's memories, his role would be akin to a foreign minister involved in governance.

"If Zveera's domestic development solves the food shortage, we can also improve our military equipment and provisions," Luva, the Ratkin tribal leader, interjected calmly. She oversees Zveera's finances and military logistics, serving as Sekmetos's right hand.

Zveera's major policies and operations are managed by three key figures: Sekmetos, Luva, and Gyobu. Jackass, the Wolf tribal leader, is responsible for military affairs alongside Sekmetos, particularly against Toga.

I deliberately scanned the tribal leaders before continuing. "If my family and the tribal leaders establish a cooperative relationship, we can deter Toga's aggression and buy time. Meanwhile, Zveera can focus on economic revitalization and rapid development. This will ultimately strengthen the nation's military power. In short, my proposal is 'Enrich the Country, Strengthen the Military.' What do you think?"

The tribal leaders all fell into deep thought, but their expressions seemed generally favorable. As the conference room filled with tense silence, Sekmetos let out a bold laugh, drawing everyone's attention.

"Enrich the Country, Strengthen the Military, huh? A fascinating proposal. But, Lord Rid..." She leaned forward slightly, her tone menacing. "Are you truly in a position to establish this cooperative framework? While it's a welcome offer for us, Toga won't take  well  to it. Couldn't this severely worsen the relationship between the Empire and Toga? If we get dragged into that, it won't be pleasant for us."

Her words, almost like a warning, made me want to shrink back, but I quickly shook my head. "Your concern is valid. But rest assured. Even if my family and all of you establish a cooperative framework, the relationship between the Empire and Toga will remain unchanged. In fact, it will serve as a deterrent to protect the Kelvin Territory."

"A deterrent to protect the Kelvin Territory?" Sekmetos and the others raised their eyebrows.

"Yes. As you may know, Toga occasionally harasses not only Zveera but also the Empire's Kelvin Territory. However, they likely believe that the Empire and Zveera won't cooperate due to the mountainous terrain. Additionally, the former Grand Duke family, which bordered our territory, was known for being aggressive toward other nations, which may have influenced their thinking."

During my previous visit to the imperial capital, I met David Kelvin, the second son of the Kelvin familly . We've kept in touch through letters ever since. When I informed him of my trip to Zveera, his response was intriguing.

"I was quite surprised to hear you're going to Zveera. But more than that, it's a very interesting move. Toga has been harassing both Zveera and the Kelvin Territory, but they likely believe that an imperial noble and Zveera would never join forces. Most high-ranking imperial nobles view beastkin as barbaric or inferior to humans. But you're different, Rid. If an imperial noble and Zveera were to ally, Toga would become wary and likely hold back. Even as the second-largest nation on the continent, they can't afford to face both the Empire and Zveera simultaneously. I look forward to your unconventional success, Rid. – David Kelvin"

After receiving this letter, I immediately contacted David again to discuss the cooperative framework between Baldia, Zveera, and the tribal leaders. During this exchange, David mentioned that he had casually brought up the matter to his father, Grady Kelvin, the lord of the Kelvin Territory. Grady's response was that he supported the idea of forming a cooperative framework.

Of course, I had also informed my father about the contents of this meeting and obtained his approval. With the support of the Kelvin family, known as the Empire's sword and shield, there should be no issues.

"...And there's one more thing I should mention," I said, relaxing my expression and addressing the tribal leaders with a serious look. "The Baldia family is part of the Empire and pledges loyalty to His Majesty the Emperor. However, we do not always align with the conservative or progressive factions among the imperial nobility. As a border-count family sharing borders with other nations, we act independently when it benefits both the Emperor and our territory."

As I finished, a heavy silence fell over the conference room. But suddenly, the sound of clapping echoed through the chamber. I looked over to see Horst Padgory, the Bird tribal leader, narrowing his eyes.

"To stand before us without fear and present such a remarkable proposal... Truly, you are the unconventional rising star who defeated Elba and Gareth."

"...Thank you. I am honored by your praise," I replied cautiously, unsure of his intentions, and gave a polite bow.

Then, he turned his gaze toward the throne. "Sekmetos, I fully support Lord Rid's proposal of 'Enrich the Country, Strengthen the Military.'"

"Eh...?" I was momentarily stunned by this unexpected first supporter.

Meanwhile, Sekmetos, who had been addressed, smirked and said, "Interesting..."