Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 644

"W-Wait a minute. It's already surprising enough that Rid is participating in the preliminary match, but what do you mean by wanting to arrange a marriage alliance with Baardia? First of all, Rid and Fara are already married. Mel is also engaged to Kiel, even if it's provisional. There's no way a marriage arrangement could even be possible, right?"

Mother, who had been stunned, suddenly snapped back to her senses and began speaking in a flustered manner.

"...The Beast King's proposal is for the future, they say. Specifically, it's about after Rid has grown up."

"Wh...What?!"

As Riner shook his head slightly, Mother realized his intent and was left speechless.

"U-Um. When you say 'after Lord Rid has grown up,' does that mean... that...?"

Fara timidly spoke up while looking at me, and I scratched my cheek awkwardly to hide my embarrassment.

"Ahaha. Well, it seems that's what they meant."

"Wh...What?!"

Hearing my answer, Fara blinked in surprise.

Diana and Asuna wore expressions of utter disbelief.

Well, that’s understandable.

A political marriage based on a child who hasn’t even been born yet isn’t something that happens every day.

Even I was wide-eyed when Sectmetos presented this condition during the tribal chiefs' meeting, just like everyone here.

Sandra seems to be keeping her composure, but upon closer inspection, her lips are twitching as if she’s holding back laughter.

Most likely, she’s thinking something like, "As expected of the unconventional Lord Rid," while putting on an innocent act in front of Riner and Mother.

"...Riner, Rid."

Hearing my name, I turned to see Mother smiling faintly, her eyes narrowed.

But her expression didn’t convey warmth—instead, it carried an icy, overwhelming pressure that felt like absolute zero.

The sheer intensity of it made the blood drain from my face.

A quick glance to the side showed Riner had also turned pale.

This was the first time I’d ever seen him look like this.

"Would you kindly explain why such an absurd request arrived in a formal letter from Beast King Sectmetos? I assume you’ll be providing an explanation now, of course."

"O-Of course. Rid, let’s explain."

"Y-Yes, understood."

Together with Riner, I recounted to Mother and Fara the events of the tribal chiefs' meeting in the beastmen country of Zubera.

And how Beast King Sectmetos came to propose a future marriage alliance with House Baardia.

Along the way, Mother’s cold, piercing gaze and occasional interjections sent chills down my spine more times than I could count.

Like walking through a minefield, Riner and I chose our words carefully, speaking slowly and thoroughly to ensure clarity.

"...And that’s the situation. Personally, I’d prefer to refuse outright, but since this is a direct proposal from the current Beast King, it’s a matter of state relations. We can’t simply dismiss it. I plan to take this letter to the imperial capital soon and request an audience with Their Majesties. Depending on the circumstances, I may also need to visit Renalt."

"Renalt... Does that mean you’ll be informing Grandfather and Grandmother as well?"

When Fara asked, Riner nodded. "Indeed."

"Indeed. We must follow proper protocol to avoid causing any rift between our nations."

Fara’s lineage ties her to Renalt’s royal family.

If Sectmetos’ request were to proceed as he wished, her bloodline would flow into another country.

Not to mention, if we were to report this after the fact to Mother Eltia or King Elias—who both deeply care for Fara—mine and Baardia’s credibility would plummet.

For Baardia’s development and the treatment of mana depletion syndrome, Renalt’s cooperation is now indispensable.

We must avoid any actions that could sour relations with them.

As Riner finished speaking, Mother nodded and said, "I see."

Her expression still held traces of that chilling pressure.

"I’ve mostly grasped the situation. But what kind of decision do you think Their Majesties will make upon hearing this? Riner, you already have some idea, don’t you?"

"...It’s only speculation, but it’s likely they’ll accept the Beast King’s request."

Riner’s strained reply came with a grim expression, causing Diana and Asuna to widen their eyes in shock. "No way...?!"

Mother remained composed but exhaled and slumped her shoulders slightly.

"I thought as much."

"Um, Mother-in-law... What do you mean by 'thought as much'?"

When Fara asked, Mother smiled faintly.

"The Empire, under His Majesty Irwin’s leadership, is currently prioritizing stronger ties with other nations. In that context, a future marriage alliance between the Beast King’s family and an imperial noble would be highly advantageous. Moreover, if it’s publicly known that the Empire and the beastmen country have agreed to such an arrangement, it could serve as a deterrent to neighboring nations. Their Majesties wouldn’t overlook such benefits."

Having said that, Mother turned her gaze back to Riner.

"That’s the gist of it, isn’t it, Riner?"

"Unfortunately, yes."

Riner nodded, then gently placed a hand on Fara’s head.

"But don’t worry. The marriage alliance is only a contingency—specifically, if Rid loses the preliminary match. In other words, all he has to do is win."

"Ah... R-Right."

Fara gasped, then turned to me with fierce determination.

"Lord Rid. You absolutely, absolutely must not lose, okay?"

"Of course. In fact, I plan to turn the beastmen country’s proposal to our advantage."

I answered confidently, puffing out my chest, and Fara and Mother smiled warmly in response.

My opponent in the preliminary match is Johan Bestia, the son of Beast King Sectmetos and renowned in Toki Lera as the physically strongest.

Though I acted unfazed in front of everyone, the truth is, my chances of winning a one-on-one fight against him at this stage are slim.

According to Rafa, who sparred with Johan in the royal capital of Bestia, "In terms of overall combat ability, including magical skill, I have the upper hand."

But, "In a pure one-on-one situation, Johan’s superior physical abilities give him the advantage."

And Rafa’s assessment is accurate.

Unlike constantly active body-enhancement magic, offensive spells like Fire Lance or summoning Memory as a Mana Support Body require a brief "charge" time.

Against an opponent like Johan, whose physical prowess is overwhelming, even that slight delay could be fatal, limiting the situations where I can effectively use my magic.

In such cases, the fight would inevitably come down to physical ability.

Of course, I’m confident in my body-enhancement magic too.

I’ve mastered the advanced Second Form, as well as combinations with elemental affinities like Blazing Flame and Gale Wind.

But Johan, as a beastman, can use not only body enhancement but also his racial magic, Beastform, which drastically boosts his physical capabilities—so I don’t have the advantage there.

Still, I have no intention of losing.

Lately, in the beastmen country, one unexpected event after another has occurred since my first encounter with Johan.

Most likely, these developments are the result of my actions to avert future condemnation.

If I were to yield to these forces now, some unseen "corrective power"—whether divine or demonic—might steer me and Baardia back toward the path of condemnation and the executioner’s block.

If such a god or devil exists, I’ll resist with everything I have.

Because I was originally just a "mob villain."

I won’t cower or fear them, no matter who they are.

"Now, one last question."

As I reaffirmed my resolve inwardly, Mother cleared her throat and picked up the pendant she was wearing, examining it closely.

"This pearl pendant—and the chocolate samples you brought earlier—were they just a prelude to this discussion? In other words, an attempt to butter us up?"

"Wh... Huh?!"

Mother’s narrowed eyes radiated an icy pressure once more.

Fara also gasped, then began emanating a similarly chilling aura.

"N-No! That’s not it at all!"

"Y-Yes, exactly, Nanalie. It’s just a coincidence. The timing overlapped by chance!"

As Riner and I frantically shook our heads, Mother suddenly relaxed and let out a soft laugh.

"Sorry, you two. I was just teasing."

"Ahaha... Really, Mother, you’re too cruel. Right, Riner?"

"Y-Yes..."

I forced a laugh, and Riner crossed his arms, nodding stiffly.

Incidentally, Mother’s observation was spot-on—Riner and I had planned this in advance.

"Ah, but there’s one thing you should know."

Mother smiled gently as she spoke.

"The chocolates were delicious, and this accessory is truly wonderful. But don’t think such things can easily win over my—no, our—goodwill. Isn’t that right, Fara?"

"Yes. You’re absolutely right, Mother-in-law."

"Ugh...?!"

Under Mother and Fara’s piercing glares, Riner and I could only stiffen awkwardly.