Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 621

"Please wait. Even if it's just the preliminary rounds, it's beyond my station as a mere noble from another country to participate in the Beast King Tournament. I implore you to reconsider."

I raised my voice in haste, causing Johan, who had been smiling, to lower his ears and look down dejectedly.

"Are you dissatisfied with me as your opponent, Ridd?"

"N-no, not at all. That's not what I meant. It's an honor for me to have Prince Johan himself as my opponent, but I'm saying that as an outsider from another country, it would be inappropriate for me to participate in the prestigious Beast King Tournament in Zveera."

"That's not true, Lord Ridd."

Sekmetos shook his head, still smiling.

"The Baldia family is no ordinary imperial noble house. Together with Amon, you defeated the old Grandork family. From our perspective, a grand stage like the Beast King Tournament is the perfect platform for people like you. And since it's a rare opportunity, I'd also like to see the strength of the Baldia Knights."

As she said this, she glanced at Dynas and Capella, who were standing behind me.

"Those standing behind you are associated with Baldia, aren't they? I would like them to participate in the preliminary rounds as well. Let that be another condition for accepting Lord Ridd's proposal."

"Wha...?!"

I was left speechless by the absurdity of the condition, but Sekmetos showed no concern for my reaction.

"Lord Ridd, your proposal included the phrase 'even if the Beast King changes.' If you and your companions can demonstrate a level of strength that satisfies us in the preliminary rounds, then even if someone other than me becomes the next Beast King, the terms of this negotiation will remain unchanged. Please consider it that way."

"B-but..."

I stammered, trying to buy time while desperately thinking.

I had anticipated that the Beast King Tournament would be held soon, but I never expected to be asked to participate in the preliminary rounds.

The Beast King Tournament, held every few years in Zveera, is a battle where the victor becomes the next Beast King and the nation's representative in governance.

From what I've heard, it's also a 'festival' where not only the chieftains but also nobles and even commoners from various tribes gather to watch.

If I were to stand on the grand stage of the preliminary rounds, I would undoubtedly become the center of attention, and it could lead to unnecessary speculation and rumors within the empire.

However, as Sekmetos said, it's true that we don't know who the next Beast King will be.

If I were to participate in the preliminary rounds as a symbol of friendship and trust, it would increase the likelihood of the negotiations proceeding favorably, regardless of who among the chieftains present becomes the Beast King.

"...Lord Ridd, may I have a moment?"

Suddenly, Dynias whispered in my ear.

"What is it?"

"For beastmen, 'martial prowess' is far more important than you might imagine. Considering the future with Zveera, I believe we should participate in the preliminary rounds."

"I understand what you're saying, but wouldn't that make us too conspicuous?"

As I replied to Dynias, Capella also whispered, "If I may, I also believe we should participate."

"It's true that we might attract attention, but on the other hand, it's also an excellent opportunity to make our presence known in the beastmen's country. Even if it's just the preliminary rounds, I've never heard of a foreigner, let alone a different race, standing on the stage of the Beast King Tournament. In Zveera, Lord Ridd's—no, the Baldia family's presence and position would become firmly established. If that happens, the Christy Trading Company would also find it easier to operate."

"That might be true, but..."

I could understand the advantages Capella and Dynas mentioned about standing on the stage of the Beast King Tournament.

It's a well-known fact in Zveera that Amon and I, along with our allies, defeated Gales and Elba, but there are likely many people in the various tribal territories who are still skeptical.

Even within the Foxmen's territory, there were many who were initially suspicious of us.

For the people of Zveera as a whole, who were not directly involved in the battle at the Narrow Fortress, it would be even more so.

Even if we can build a relationship of friendship and trust with the chieftains here, it would normally take a considerable amount of time for the people living in the various tribal territories to accept us.

However, if we were to participate in the Beast King Tournament, we could potentially shorten that time.

"Ridd. Even if it's just the preliminary rounds, I think I should participate too."

"You too?"

As I turned my gaze to Amon, who was sitting next to me, he spoke up with a serious expression.

"For this Beast King Tournament, I was planning to represent the Foxmen. Although there's a difference between you participating in the preliminary rounds and me in the main tournament, if both of us stand on the stage of the Beast King Tournament, it would be a reaffirmation of the relationship between the Grandork and Baldia families by the Beast King. Following my father's—no, Gales's funeral, this would be the second time, and no one would doubt our connection anymore."

"That's true."

Amon, now the chief of the new Grandork family, and I, the heir of the Baldia family, standing together on the stage of the Beast King Tournament, would be recognized by the Beast King and the other chieftains.

In other words, it would also be an opportunity to communicate to the people of Zveera that our relationship is officially recognized by the state.

The fact that my father attended Gales's tribal funeral, with Amon serving as the chief mourner, has already conveyed this to important figures both domestically and internationally.

However, when it comes to the people of Zveera, it might still be a bit weak.

In this world, information is primarily spread through word of mouth.

There are newspapers, but literacy rates aren't high across the continent, and they're expensive, so only the noble class and relatively wealthy people read them.

In such a situation, standing on the stage of the Beast King Tournament's preliminary rounds would allow us to announce our relationship to the entire Zveera, and the benefits of participating would be significant.

If we participate in the preliminary rounds, Sekmetos has said she would accept our proposed conditions.

And even if, by any chance, she doesn't become the next Beast King, the Baldia family would have the justification of 'having fulfilled the promise to stand on the stage of the Beast King Tournament,' which would strengthen our position in negotiations.

Additionally, demonstrating considerable strength on such a grand stage would likely earn us favorable views from the people of Zveera.

On the other hand, if we participate, the fact would quickly reach the important figures of various countries.

At that point, various speculations would inevitably arise, and there's no telling what kind of problems might occur.

We would need to inform not only the imperial majesties but also Elias, the king of Renalt, my father-in-law, just to be safe.

If Baldia were to participate in the Beast King Tournament, the movements of Toga, which doesn't have the best relationship with Zveera, would also be a concern.

David had said that if the imperial nobles and Zveera were to join hands, Toga would likely increase its vigilance and refrain from taking action.

However, the participation of imperial nobles in the Beast King Tournament might be too provocative.

At worst, Toga might intensify its offensive against the empire, potentially increasing the burden on the Kelvin territory.

It's a tough decision.

As I pondered and groaned, Sekmetos asked, "Well, have you reached a decision?"

When I looked up, she was smiling with a relaxed expression.

"Yes, I have."

I nodded, then paused for a moment before clearing my throat.

"Very well."

"Really? That's great, Ridd!"

Johan leaned forward excitedly, but I added, "However..."

"Although I am acting on behalf of my father, this matter cannot be decided by me alone. Therefore, I would like to ask for a little more time to give you a formal response."

If it were just a matter of accepting our proposed conditions, we could pass it off as a decision made between the Grandork family and the Beast King.

But if I and the others associated with Baldia were to participate in the Beast King Tournament, it would inevitably become public.

With no way to hide it and no escape route, it would be best to lay the groundwork beforehand.

I could already picture my father's furrowed brow.

As I gave my response, Sekmetos rested her cheek on her hand, deep in thought, while Horst interjected, "In that case..."

"How about inviting the Baldia family as honored guests to the Beast King Tournament? It would also serve to widely communicate to both domestic and international audiences that there are no lingering issues between our two families and nations, and that our relationship is friendly."

"I see. That's a good idea."

Sekmetos nodded as if it were a brilliant suggestion, then flashed a sharp smile.

"Then, for this Beast King Tournament, we will invite the Baldia family, who guard our borders, as honored guests as a symbol of our friendship. And Lord Ridd and the Baldia Knights will participate in the preliminary rounds. Those in agreement, please raise your hands."

As she said this, the chieftains began raising their hands one after another.

I was left dumbfounded by the unexpected turn of events and the scene before me.