Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 639

After finishing breakfast, we all moved to Mother's room.

Inside, Mother stood formally dressed with perfect posture, flanked by Diana and Sandra.

Her complexion looked much better, full of vitality—quite unlike before, when she could barely stand. The treatment for her mana depletion syndrome must be working, combined with her diligent rehabilitation.

"Welcome back, Ridd."

"Yes. I’m home."

While I was away in the Foxkin territory, I had been a little worried about not being able to keep a close eye on Mother’s condition. But seeing her like this, it seemed my concerns were unnecessary. No doubt Father, Sandra, and Diana had been watching over her carefully.

"I’m sorry. I wanted to come see you right away, but Sandra and Diana scolded me, saying I shouldn’t push myself yet."

As Mother said this and glanced at the two, Sandra nodded firmly.

"Of course. Lady Nanalie tends to overexert herself the moment we take our eyes off her. Rather than going to greet you, it was better to wait here like this."

"Lady Sandra is right. I always wondered where Lord Ridd’s unconventional boldness came from, but it seems he may have inherited it from Lady Nanalie after all."

When Diana sighed and said this, Mother puffed out her cheeks.

"My, Diana. What about me is so unconventional?"

"...The way you sneak out to push your rehabilitation or play pranks on Lord Lainer whenever you get the chance, perhaps?"

"W-Well, that’s..."

Mother’s face flushed slightly at Diana’s sharp retort, and Sandra chuckled.

"There’s more, actually—"

"L-Let’s stop this conversation now!"

Uncharacteristically flustered, Mother hurriedly cut Sandra off, her face red.

Glancing at Father, I noticed him exhaling a small sigh.

It was clear—Mother was recovering well, both physically and mentally.

I could finally relax.

Still, I’d never considered that my behavior might resemble Mother’s. Judging by Father’s reaction, though, Diana’s remark might have been spot-on.

As everyone stifled laughter, Mother cleared her throat, straightened her posture, and turned to me.

"More importantly... Ridd, come here."

"Y-Yes."

I stepped forward as instructed, and Mother gently pulled me into a warm embrace, smiling softly.

It felt so comforting that I couldn’t help but smile, though I was a little embarrassed with everyone watching.

"Ah, Big Brother looks happy."

"Even the famously unconventional Ridd is completely defenseless before Lady Nanalie, huh?"

"Heeh, I didn’t know Ridd could make that kind of face."

"Yeah, it’s surprising. But I understand how he feels."

Mel and Kiel teased me, followed by Tis and Citri’s adorable voices.

Peeking out from Mother’s arms, I noticed that Farah was the only one pouting slightly.

"Quit making fun of me."

I glared at them, but their amused gazes didn’t waver.

Then, Mother smiled and looked at me closely.

"You’ve grown stronger in such a short time. You must have faced many hardships in unfamiliar lands. Tell me all about your time in the Foxkin territory."

"O-Of course. Then..."

Once released from Mother’s embrace, I cleared my throat and began recounting my experiences in the Foxkin territory.

Tis and Citri joined in occasionally.

However, I carefully avoided mentioning the Beast King’s challenge and his demands.

Mother was particularly interested in Tis meeting Amon and Citri’s engagement to Johan.

*Will Amon and Tis get along?*

*Will the noble clans accept Tis?*

*Will Citri face hardship for being engaged to the Beast King’s son?*

Mother repeatedly asked me, Citri, and Tis these questions, genuinely concerned.

Just as Tis and Citri adored Mother, she treated them like her own daughters.

That was why she worried so much.

Fortunately, Amon seemed fond of Tis, and Johan undoubtedly cared for Citri.

Well, Citri still seemed a little bewildered by his affections.

Still, I reassured Mother that, for now, things seemed to be going well.

She sighed in relief. "That’s good. I can rest a little easier now."

I then told her about visiting Zveara’s capital, Bestia, and attending the tribal chiefs’ assembly.

"...And so, the Beast King and the other chiefs were all cunning figures."

"My, that must have been difficult."

After I finished, Mother gently patted my head.

"Thank you."

I smiled gratefully, then glanced at Father, thinking, *Now’s about the right time.*

Father nodded subtly, then cleared his throat and addressed everyone.

"Forgive me, but I’d like to speak privately with Ridd, Nanalie, and Farah. Everyone else, please excuse us."

"Me too?"

Farah seemed surprised to be included, tilting her head in confusion.

"Yeah. Why can’t I stay if Big Sister can?"

Mel puffed out her cheeks, but Kiel, standing beside her, seemed to understand.

"Understood. Meldi, there are things we’re not meant to hear yet. But you’ll tell us when the time comes, right, Ridd?"

"When the time is right."

"Then promise you’ll tell me later, Big Brother."

Mel’s puffed-up cheeks deflated as she returned to her usual cheerful self.

"Of course."

Once I replied, Mel led the others out of the room.

"Lord Ridd, what should we do?"

"Ah, right. Asna, Diana, Sandra—I’d like you three to stay as well."

At my answer, the three exchanged glances and nodded.

Soon, only Father, Mother, Farah, the guards, and I remained in the room.

The once-lighthearted atmosphere had grown heavy with silence.

Once the sound of Mel and the others’ footsteps faded, Father cleared his throat.

"Now then..."

Everyone in the room held their breath, wondering what topic would come next—but Father simply looked at me.

"First, Ridd has something to give Nanalie and Farah."

"Eh...?"

"For me and Mother?"

Farah and Mother blinked in surprise, as if caught off guard.

Asna, Diana, and Sandra reacted similarly.

I signaled Tink and Capella, who promptly produced beautifully wrapped boxes.

"Actually, I found some ingredients in Zveara and made some delicious sweets. There are also prototype ornaments from the Monkey and Fox tribe  territories that we’ll be producing soon. I’d love to hear your honest opinions, Farah, Mother."

With a bright smile, I delivered the news—leaving Farah and Mother staring in utter bewilderment.