Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 643

"Recently, Duke Graze has been advocating 'Imperial Pure Bloodism' and his radical remarks have grown increasingly extreme, yet his influence in high society remains undeniable. Given what happened with Sandra, I'm sure you have your own thoughts on the matter. But for now, we should avoid outright hostility."

After finishing her words, Mother wore a serious expression.

Thanks to Her Majesty Matilda, the cosmetics and beauty foods like sweet sake we've been selling have gained popularity among the nobility, with sales steadily rising.

However, after the incident in the imperial capital, Duke Graze likely holds a poor opinion of Baldia—or more precisely, of Sandra, whom I protected, and our independently developed mana recovery potion.

No matter the circumstances, we've effectively humiliated her.

Not that I feel the slightest regret about that. Still, it would be troublesome if she retaliated in social circles.

Currently, our cosmetics and sweet sake enjoy a near-monopoly in Baldia, but according to reports from Chris, similar products of inferior quality are slowly appearing on the market.

Eventually, higher-quality imitations will inevitably emerge.

If that happens, a boycott of Baldia products or exclusion of the Christie Trading Company would be a nuisance.

"Understood. Then I'll make sure to lay the groundwork with Duke Graze as well."

After saying this, I turned my gaze to Sandra.

"This must be complicated for you, Sandra. I'm sorry."

"No, no, please don't worry about it. I, more than anyone, have personally experienced Duke Graze's influence."

She shook her head and flashed a bright smile, but her eyes didn't share the mirth.

That joke isn't funny.

"Aha ha..."

"And, well. You often say it yourself, Lord Lidd."

As I forced a strained smile, Sandra narrowed her eyes.

"'When stabbing someone, prepare thoroughly. But make the strike instantaneous.'"

"Huh...?"

What a violent thing to say.

As I stood dumbfounded, Mother burst out laughing.

"Well said, Sandra. Lidd, Duke Graze is a formidable opponent. You mustn't neglect your preparations."

"Y-yes. Understood."

Feeling an indescribable intensity from Mother, I gulped and nodded.

"...'When stabbing someone, prepare thoroughly. Make the strike instantaneous.' I see, that's instructive. Thank you, Mother, Lady Sandra."

Fara, who had been listening to our conversation, smiled innocently, prompting pleased smiles from Mother and Sandra.

Though coming from Fara, who carries the bloodline of the Riverton family—part of Renalt's underworld—it feels less like a joke and more concerning.

"Lidd, let's wrap up the discussion about the chocolate sweets and move on."

"Ah, right. Then..."

Prompted by Father, I opened the remaining box.

Mother and Fara gasped, their eyes widening at the contents.

These are still rare and valuable in this world.

"Lidd, are these all genuine?"

"Yes, of course."

Nodding at Mother's question, I cleared my throat and straightened.

"'Pearls' harvested from the Zuberan coast. And decorative pieces crafted by the skilled hands of the monkey and fox tribes. I'm considering selling these in the imperial capital as well, so I'd appreciate your candid opinions."

As I spoke, Father, who had been standing quietly behind me, approached.

He picked up a pendant combining red and purple gemstones with a large pearl.

"Nanalie. These match your hair and eyes. I thought this one would suit you. What do you think?"

"Eh? Ah, yes. Th-thank you, Liner."

When Father smiled softly, Mother blushed and beamed with happiness.

Though I should be seeing this for the first time, there's an odd sense of déjà vu in Mother's adorable expression.

Why is that?

"Good, I'm glad you like it. Let me put it on for you."

"Thank you. But... why the sudden gesture?"

As Mother fidgeted, half-embarrassed and half-delighted, Father stood behind her and carefully fastened the pendant.

"When Lidd showed me the contents earlier, I immediately thought of you."

After securing the clasp, Father leaned close to her ear.

"'This would suit you perfectly,' I thought."

"...⁉"

Hearing Father's low, meltingly tender voice, Mother's face turned scarlet to the tips of her ears, and she bashfully looked down.

In that moment, I realized the source of the déjà vu.

Ah—Mother's expression is just like Mer's.

Or rather, Mer takes after Mother.

Still, the overwhelming sweetness radiating from the two of them is staggering.

It feels like a scene straight out of a melodrama.

What's most surprising is how effortlessly Father pulls it off.

Glancing around, I see Fara, Sandra, Diana, and Tink all blushing, utterly captivated by Father and Mother's display.

I clear my throat and call, "Fara."

"Y-yes? What is it?"

Startled, she turns to me hurriedly.

Her ears are twitching slightly.

Chuckling, I hand the box I'm holding to Kapella.

Then I take out a pendant combining deep blue and scarlet gemstones with pearls and turn to Fara.

"Father beat me to it, but when I saw this in Zubera's royal capital, I immediately thought of you."

"Eh..."

Fara's face flushes crimson.

I step forward, cupping her cheek with my free hand while meeting her eyes directly.

"The colors match your vibrant hair and beautiful eyes perfectly. What do you think?"

"Uh, um..."

Her eyes dart about as her ears flutter, before she finally covers them with both hands and looks down shyly.

"...Yes. Thank you."

"Good. Then let me put it on for you."

"Fweh...⁉"

As Fara blinks in surprise, I move behind her and deftly fasten the pendant.

"Hold still. It'll just take a moment."

"O-okay."

"...Done."

Once it's secured, I step back to admire her.

"U-um, Lord Lidd...?"

"...Yeah."

Fara gazes at me with eyes full of hope and nervousness.

Nodding, I lean close to her ear and whisper softly:

"You look absolutely adorable. It suits you perfectly."

"...⁉"

At my sincere words, Fara's ears flap wildly, now bright red.

"...Thank you."

Her voice barely audible, she covers her ears again and looks down.

As I smile fondly at her, Father approaches with a quiet sigh.

"...Lidd. It's because you say things like that so effortlessly that nobles and young ladies take notice of you."

At his whispered remark, I grimace.

"But Father, you were just as natural with Mother."

"Don't be ridiculous. I'm not nearly as bad as you."

Baffled, I turn to Kapella, who's been standing nearby.

"Hey, from your perspective, how did Father and I just look?"

"Well..."

After a moment of thought, he replies:

"Let's just say... it definitively proved you two are father and son."

"Eh...?"

Stunned by the unexpected answer, Father and I exchange glances.