Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 633

After concluding the tribal chiefs' meeting in the royal capital of Bestia, our group hurriedly returned to the territory of the Fox Tribe.

Upon arriving at the Fox Tribe's capital, Forneus, that very night, Tis, Citri, and I set off on our journey back to Baldia.

Although the members of the Fox Tribe, including Amon, seemed reluctant to part with Tis and Citri, unfortunately, we didn't have the luxury of time to linger.

No, it's more accurate to say that we had run out of time.

Originally, we had planned to stay in the Fox Tribe's territory a bit longer.

However, after reporting the summary of the tribal chiefs' meeting to my father via communication magic, we received an immediate response through the communicator Salvia, who mimicked my father's furious roar: "Why did it turn out like that? Return immediately with Sekhmetos's letter and report!"

We hastily handed over my duties to Dynias and Amon, who were staying behind in the Fox Tribe's territory, gathered our necessary belongings, and departed.

Currently, we have passed through the Narrow Fortress and entered Baldia's territory, but the surroundings are enveloped in the darkness of night.

If all goes well, we should arrive at the mansion by tomorrow morning.

By the way, as for what I'm doing inside the towed carriage connected to the charcoal-powered vehicle—I'm suffering from severe motion sickness due to the longest-distance travel in the shortest time I've ever experienced.

I'm lying down on a folded chair, utterly exhausted.

The distance from Bestia to Forneus is considerable, and the road is rough, causing intense vibrations.

Just as I was starting to feel better after arriving in the Fox Tribe's territory, we immediately set off for Baldia, so I quickly became nauseous again.

If the road were smoother, the vibrations would be less severe, and I wouldn't be this exhausted.

I swear, in the near future, I will pave all the roads leading to Baldia.

As I was inwardly cursing, I heard Citri's cheerful voice calling, "Brother Rid."

"Mm..."

Responding to her call, I slowly sat up, and she was gazing out at the night view of Baldia through the carriage window.

"Ah, I'm sorry for bothering you when you're feeling unwell."

"No, no, don't worry about it. So, what's up?"

I shook my head lightly and smiled at her, and Citri continued to look out at the scenery.

"Zubera , both the royal capital Bestia and the Fox Tribe's territory become pitch dark at night, but Baldia remains very bright even at night. Seeing it like this, I can't help but feel amazed."

"Now that you mention it, you're right."

I nodded and looked out the window at the same scenery she was observing.

Although we're still far from Baldia's central area, I can see lights scattered here and there.

This is evidence that the efforts I've made since regaining my memories to avoid future condemnation are bearing fruit year by year.

When I confronted the old regime's nobles in the Fox Tribe's territory, I also used this illumination as an objective indicator of economic activity in my explanations.

Although I didn't feel like I gained much understanding, showing them this scenery might have elicited a different reaction.

Still, I wonder how I should report the tribal chiefs' meeting to my father.

As I gaze at Baldia's lights, I realize that the mansion where my father and the others reside is drawing near.

It goes without saying that I must report the meeting's contents without holding anything back, but there's always a way to phrase and convey things.

In the past, most of the problems that arose were things my father and I could resolve together.

But this time, it's different.

If I were to lose to Johan in the Beast King Battle, it could lead to a political marriage between the future children of the Beast King and me and Fara.

The Baldia family is merely a noble house within the empire, and even my father cannot arrange a political marriage without the emperor's permission.

If we were to act without permission, even in the slightest, we would undoubtedly be suspected of treason.

At worst, Baldia could face condemnation and ruin for the crime of rebellion.

On the other hand, if I lose and the emperor doesn't grant permission for the political marriage, the Baldia family's credibility in Zveera will plummet.

It could even lead to an everlasting grudge with neighboring countries.

Moreover, if the child between me and Fara were to inherit the blood of Renarute's royal family, this issue might not be confined to the empire alone.

It's not hard to imagine fierce protests pouring in from Renarute, including from King Elias, Queen Mother Eltia, and Prince Reysis.

The good relations we've built with Renarute over the years could develop cracks.

And possibly, cracks too deep to repair.

Just when I thought we were making steady progress toward avoiding condemnation, I feel like we've been pushed back to the foot of the guillotine.

Well, this time, all I have to do is defeat Johan, so it's more straightforward than the usual political maneuvering with imperial nobles and Elba.

"Brother Rid, you look a bit scary. Are you okay?"

"Ah, sorry, sorry. I was just thinking about something."

Startled by Tis's call, I scratched my cheek, and she tilted her head in concern.

"Could it be about the tribal chiefs' meeting?"

"Yeah. I was thinking about how to report it to Father. As I mentioned before, we can't tell Fara or Mother about the meeting's contents yet."

I've already warned everyone present at the meeting not to leak the contents.

We don't know where or how it might get out, and I need to discuss with my father how to explain it to Fara and Mother.

It's unclear how the tribal chiefs will handle the decisions made at the meeting, so the information might eventually reach other countries.

But for now, we've decided to prevent it from leaking externally as much as possible.

"Yes, I understand. But if Sister Fara hears about this, she'll probably be furious, right?"

"I think so too."

Citri chimed in, agreeing with Tis.

She had been gazing out the window earlier but was now listening to our conversation with a serious expression.

"Brother Lid. When Sister Fara gets angry, she becomes cold as ice, so please be very careful with your words when you tell her."

"Ah, haha. That's part of why I'm worried."

As I smiled awkwardly, the image of Fara's cold gaze flashed through my mind, sending a chill down my spine.

Usually, her warm, sunny demeanor is soothing, but when she's angry, her gaze turns as cold as absolute zero.

To an outsider, she might appear calmly angry, but in reality, a dark vortex of rage swirls within her.

Fara tends to lose herself in anger, displaying a level of cold rationality and assertiveness that's uncharacteristic of her usual self.

In my list of "people you must never anger," she ranks alongside my father and mother.

"Lord Rid. If I may, could I offer a suggestion?"

Tink, who was also in the carriage, spoke up respectfully.

"Uh, sure. What's up?"

"Well, I might have a way to handle it if Sister Fara gets angry."

"Really? There's such a thing?"

"Although it's based on my personal experience..."

I leaned forward, intrigued, as Tink scratched her cheek, seemingly embarrassed.

If it's based on her experience, it must be related to her interactions with Cross.

Even though he was known as a devoted husband, it seems he managed to anger Tink at some point.

But if he successfully calmed her down, this method might be worth knowing.

Whether it works on Fara or not, I definitely want to hear it.

"Sure. If you're okay with it, please tell me."

"Understood."

After clearing her throat, Tink glanced at Tis and Citri before leaning in to whisper in my ear.

"Just keep apologizing and accepting her words without arguing, no matter what. No matter the reason, don't argue back."

"Wait, that's it?"

I tilted my head in confusion, but Tink smiled softly.

"It may sound simple, but it's very important. When Cross made me angry, he kept apologizing and listened to me without complaining. Before I knew it, my anger had subsided."

"Ah, I see. Well, if it comes to that, I'll give it a try."

"Yes, please do."

So, apologizing while listening to her without arguing, huh?

That's so like Cross, the devoted husband.

As we chatted and laughed, the night deepened, and we all lay down on folded chairs.

I closed my eyes, pondering Tink's advice and how to report to my father, mother, and Fara.

Before I knew it, I had fallen asleep.

"Lord Rid. We've arrived at the mansion."

I woke up to the voices of Tink and Nina, and our towed carriage had come to a stop in front of the familiar mansion.

"Yawn. We're here already?"

Rubbing my eyes, I looked out the window. It was still dim outside due to the early hour.

But amidst the dimness, a figure radiating intense heat stood with arms crossed, like a guardian deity, and my consciousness snapped awake.

"F-Father...?!"

I hurriedly jumped out of the carriage, and Father lightly hugged Tis and Citri, who had already disembarked, saying, "Welcome back."

Noticing me, Father smiled warmly.

"I've been waiting. It seems you've been busy again, Rid."

"Well, not really..."

Feeling an indescribable sense of dread, I hesitated, but Father gently hugged me.

"Uh, Father. What's going on?"

Expecting to be scolded, I was confused by the unexpected embrace, but Father leaned in close to my ear.

"...I'll hear the full details soon. Every single word from the tribal chiefs' meeting."

"Y-Yes."

It's no use. Father is clearly very upset.

My shoulders slumped in defeat, and Father took my hand with a smile.

"Well, you said you have something urgent to report to me, right? Understood. Let's head to the study immediately. Tink and Capella, I'm sorry, but come with us. Let's go, Rid."

"Understood..."

Dragged along by Father, I made my way to the study.