Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 649

"Lord Rid, let's take a break."

"Got it."

Nodding at Curtis's words, I exhaled a "Haaah..." and made my way to Farah, who was preparing mana recovery potions outside the training grounds.

"You've worked hard. Here you go.""Uh, yeah. Thanks."

Taking the pill and a cup of water from Farah, I braced myself and downed it in one go.

No matter how many times I drink this, I just can’t get used to the taste.

"Your movements were splendid, my lord.""Thanks, Curtis. But fighting two against one made it harder than usual.""Haha, indeed. However, this training has another purpose.""Eh, really?"

Tilting my head, he gave a firm nod.

"Before long, Lord Rid will return to the Foxkin territory. The squad leaders of the Second Knight Order are stationed there—excellent training partners for you.""Oh, I see."

This time, we left the captains of the Second Knight Order behind in the Foxkin lands.

Their role was to assist the First Knight Order, led by Dynas, in maintaining order. While the First Knight Order excels in crime suppression and pacification, the Second Knight Order shines in public works like road maintenance using magic—especially the captains, whose skills rival even seasoned adults.

Once I return to the Foxkin territory, training with Dynas and the others will undoubtedly be even more intense than this. I’d been worrying about how to train there, so this suggestion is a huge help.

"Still, I have some concerns about relying solely on this training.""Concerns? Mind elaborating?"

When I asked, Curtis glanced around at everyone present with a troubled expression.

"Everyone here—and those in the Foxkin lands—are all loyal to you, Lord Rid. As such, they may hold back, lacking the tension of a real battle. In actual combat, enemies show no mercy.""So you’re saying we lack real combat-style training.""Precisely. Of course, the battle at Hazama Fortress provided invaluable experience. Yet, it’s undeniable that you still lack sufficient real combat exposure.""Lack of real combat experience, huh..."

Resting my chin on my hand, I mulled over Curtis’s words.

Given my usual environment, there’s no doubt I’m receiving high-quality training.

But during today’s session, Belgia mentioned something about "how to fight dirty"—a ruthless, no-holds-barred approach that’s completely foreign to me.

It’s true that I haven’t faced many opponents. The variety in fighting styles is something I’m lacking.

It’s tough to replicate the life-or-death tension of real battles in training.

I do spar seriously with Father sometimes, but that’s built on trust and his swordsmanship.

"One option is to seclude yourself in the Demon Forest near Renalute and battle monsters, but I doubt you have the time for that.""...Yeah, that’s probably not feasible."

Though I appreciated the suggestion, I could only smile wryly and scratch my cheek.

The Demon Forest is a deep, forbidding woodland east of Renalute, home to powerful monsters.

The magic-infused materials harvested there—claws, hides, and such—fetch high prices.

Many from other countries venture deep into the forest dreaming of riches, but few return alive. Even locals hesitate to enter due to the extreme danger.

"Alternatively—though slightly risky—you could confine yourself in a dungeon.""...⁉ Confine myself in a dungeon? Tell me more."

The unexpected proposal made me lean forward eagerly.

I’d heard about dungeons from Rubens shortly after regaining my past-life memories and had read about them, but I’d never had the chance to enter one.

"Haha, your interest is palpable."

Curtis chuckled before clearing his throat and adopting a serious tone.

"Dungeons are saturated with mana, and depending on their scale, monsters spawn endlessly at fixed intervals. Since these monsters attack to kill intruders, it’s the ideal environment for real combat training.""Wow, that does sound like perfect training if done right."

The monsters I’m familiar with are Shadow Cougar Cookie and Slime Biscuit, who are evolved animals that absorbed the Demon Forest’s mana over years.

In contrast, dungeon monsters are manifestations of the dungeon’s mana—specifically, the core’s mana, which takes shape to eliminate intruders.

Either way, fighting them would mean any mistake could be fatal—making it the ultimate real combat experience.

"Lord Rid, I understand your enthusiasm, but locking yourself in a dungeon is absolutely out of the question.""Eh...?"

Turning toward the icy voice, I saw Farah glaring at me, cheeks puffed.

"W-well, but, y’know... Considering Johann, it’d be good experience...""That may be true, but dying in training defeats the purpose, doesn’t it? If you go with your father and the others, fine. But locking yourself in is too dangerous.""Lady Farah is absolutely right."

Capella chimed in.

"Lord Liner and Lady Nanari are already worried sick about you going to the Foxkin territory. Think of how they’d feel.""Ugh..."

I know how much Father and Mother care about me.

Hearing that, I couldn’t argue back.

"Alright, I won’t lock myself in a dungeon. But if there’s one in the Foxkin lands, going with Capella and Dynas would be fine, right?""Yes, that would be acceptable. Is that alright with you, Lady Farah?""Of course."

Farah nodded with a smile but added sternly,

"However... you must promise not to push yourself too hard.""I know. I won’t do anything reckless that’d worry everyone.""You promised."

After pinky-swearing, Farah blushed slightly, looking embarrassed.

"Um, Lord Rid... May I speak?"

The timid voice belonged to Jessica, Farah’s maid.

"Yeah, what is it?""If you’d like to spar with a monster, perhaps you could try fighting Cookie?""Oh, right. That’s a good idea."

Cookie usually takes the form of a black kitten, but that’s just a disguise.

His true form resembles a lion or tiger.

He can adjust his size with mana, and his strength is formidable. Plus, both he and Biscuit understand our language perfectly.

"Alright. I’ll ask Cookie directly.""Ah, then I’ll come with you."

Pausing training, Farah and I went to find Cookie.

After explaining the situation to him and Biscuit (who was with Merle), Cookie responded through Biscuit: "Sure, I’ll play along."

Returning to the training grounds, I immediately faced off against Cookie, but...

"...Cookie, I had no idea you were this strong.""Meow-meow."

In his true Shadow Cougar form, Cookie was absurdly powerful in a one-on-one.

His movements were swift and light, his strikes heavy and precise.

Monsters surviving the Demon Forest are no joke.

Right now, he’s pinning me down—all four limbs—while staring down at me with a smug look.

Maybe sparring with him will be the best training after all.

After that, I resumed training with everyone under Curtis’s guidance.

I challenged Cookie several more times, but each time, he toyed with me effortlessly.