Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 620

"Holst, what  made you  say ? I didn't expect you to be the first to show your support."

"There's no particular reason, Sekmetos. I simply found Lord Rid's proposal to be very appealing and believe it can solve the various problems Zveira is facing. As things stand, none of us, including myself, can come up with a better plan than Lord Rid's. Isn't that right, everyone?"

Holst smiled as he glanced around the meeting hall, and the tribal chiefs wore troubled expressions.

He's someone you can't let your guard down around, but objectively speaking, his assessment that no one can come up with a better proposal than mine is probably correct.

The proposal is based on the "new technology" developed in Baldia and the distribution channels of our house and the Christy Trading Company.

Most likely, not only the other nobles of the empire but also countries outside the empire like Balst and Renarute wouldn't be able to match it.

"I also support rid's proposal."

The one who raised his hand in response to Holst's question was Vene, the chief of the rabbit tribe.

"Vene, calm down. It's not customary to show immediate support in situations like this."

Sia, standing next to her, shook her head in exasperation, but Vene grinned, showing her fangs.

"Come on, old man. As things stand, there's no better alternative for Zveira's development and improvement than Rid's proposal. We've tried all sorts of things in the rabbit tribe's territory since you were chief, but nothing's really changed."

"Well, that's true, but..."

Sia winced as if struck in a sore spot, but Vene paid no heed and continued.

"Rather than playing mind games, it's better to be straightforward. It'll leave a better impression on us, right, Rid?"

"Yes, that's true. We also find it most beneficial to have an honest discussion."

When I nodded in agreement, she smiled contentedly and said, "Right?"

Somehow, it feels like I'm dealing with a grown-up Ovelia.

Sekmetos, who had been watching our exchange, nodded and looked around at the other tribal chiefs.

"Holst and Vene seem to be in favor. What about the rest of you?"

When she asked, the tribal chiefs nodded or voiced their agreement in various ways.

"...Very well. Then Zveira will consider fully accepting Lord Lid and the Grandork family's proposal. However, since each territory has its own circumstances, the details will need to be worked out by each tribe."

Just as Sekmetos said this, I interjected, "May I say something?"

"What is it?"

She raised an eyebrow and glared at me, but I cleared my throat and smiled.

"As we work to build a cooperative relationship with all of you, our house has a request for Zveira."

"A request for Zveira, huh? That's quite a loaded statement."

"Not at all. It's actually quite simple. To facilitate the smooth flow of people, goods, and money while building a good relationship with all of you, we would like to request preferential tax treatment in various areas, as well as simplified entry and exit procedures for individuals guaranteed by our house. Furthermore, we would like these agreements to be upheld even if the Beast King changes."

It's unfortunately common for new leaders to overturn decisions made by their predecessors.

Honestly, I'm not sure how much weight my promise will hold.

But still, it's better than doing nothing.

If they do go back on their word, we'll have the justification of "a broken promise."

The goal I aim for in Zveira's relationship is to make Zveira dependent on Baldia and the fox tribe's territory.

In other words, I want to have enough influence within Zveira that they can't function without us.

War isn't always fought with "force."

There are ways to control a country's lifeline—its economy, resources, food, fuel, and other critical areas.

In my previous world, where global trade was commonplace, this method of strangling another country's lifeline was called "economic sanctions."

From what I've seen in this world, the concept of economic sanctions doesn't seem to exist yet.

Or rather, the idea might be there, but it hasn't been properly articulated or strategized.

No matter how capable Sekmetos and the other tribal chiefs are, given the limited trade volume and the lack of a clear strategy, it's unlikely they'll notice until it's too late.

But by then, it'll already be too late.

Well, I'm only considering "economic sanctions" as a countermeasure in case they flip on us. If we can build a good relationship and avoid any issues, that would be ideal.

The individuals guaranteed by our house mainly refer to those affiliated with the Christy and Saffron Trading Companies.

If the deal goes through, business exchanges will increase, so this is for the sake of operational efficiency.

The preferential tax treatment is largely a deterrent, as the exorbitantly high tariffs within the empire would make business untenable.

The tribal chiefs frowned, but Sekmetos nodded in understanding.

"I see. It's only natural that your house would want to avoid having agreements overturned every time the Beast King changes. We'll do our best to accommodate the preferential tax treatment. Luva, can you draft a proposal?"

"Regarding the preferential tax treatment, right? Got it."

As she nodded, Sekmetos turned her gaze to Gyobu.

"Gyobu, I'll leave it to you to draft a proposal for simplifying entry and exit procedures for individuals guaranteed by the Baldia family."

"Sure thing."

He responded with a bored tone, and Sekmetos turned her attention back to me.

"Now, Lord Rid. We've received your proposal and request. However, don't you think building a cooperative relationship requires the establishment of trust?"

"That's absolutely correct. Our house hopes to earn that trust through our future actions."

I smiled and bowed slightly, but she grinned.

"No, there's a better way."

"...What do you have in mind?"

I had a feeling something like this was coming as the conversation progressed smoothly.

When I asked cautiously, Sekmetos's expression softened.

"As you know, we beastfolk value 'martial prowess.' Therefore, we'd like you to demonstrate the strength that allowed you to defeat Elba."

"Huh...?"

I was taken aback by the unexpected proposal, and cheers and whistles erupted from the crowd.

"Mother, I'm also very interested in that."

Johan, who had been standing next to Sekmetos, leaned forward with sparkling eyes, and Asteka, the horse tribe chief, burst out laughing.

"That sounds fun. I'd love to see it. The strength of the maverick who defeated Elba."

"I'm all for it too. I've never met anyone younger than me who's stronger. If Lid's not just brains but also brawn, I'd feel even more at ease."

"I'm also very interested in Lid's strength."

Vene and Jety chimed in, and I quickly shook my head.

"W-wait a minute. I'm at a loss here. My martial skills aren't something worth demonstrating. Besides, defeating Elba was a one-time thing."

"No need to be modest. Strength capable of defeating Elba is more than worthy of a demonstration. Besides, when in Rome, do as the Romans do, right?"

"No, but..."

I grimaced, trying to figure out how to decline.

It's true that I defeated Elba, but I'd rather avoid drawing more attention, especially considering future implications.

Besides, demonstrating my skills in another country and in front of an audience would definitely get me in trouble with my father.

"Is that so? Then..."

Sekmetos spoke slowly, with a hint of something in her tone.

"Let's make the preferential tax treatment and simplified entry and exit procedures conditional on you demonstrating your strength to us. Of course, we'll sweeten the deal."

"Wha...?!"

My eyes widened, and she grinned.

"This should be a good deal for you as well."

Looking at Sekmetos's expression, I had a strong feeling.

She absolutely won't back down or compromise.

But it's true that this isn't a bad deal.

If I demonstrate the strength that allowed me to defeat Elba, they'll add some extra benefits to our conditions.

The only thing is, I can't quite replicate the same level of strength I had when I defeated Elba, so that's a bit concerning.

Regardless, the conversation won't move forward like this.

I resigned myself and let out a deep sigh before nodding.

"Alright, I understand."

"Ah, as expected of Lord Rid. It's a relief that you're so quick to agree."

"Haha... I just hope my skills will satisfy everyone. I'm a bit nervous."

I scratched my cheek and forced a dry laugh, while Sekmetos cleared her throat and straightened up.

"Now, as for the venue for Lord rid's demonstration, how about the Beast King Tournament in two months? As a prelude to the main event, you can face off against my son, Johan."

"Mother, really?!"

Johan jumped for joy, but I was wide-eyed. "W-what?!"