Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 657

"First of all, the Baldia family is under the Empire's jurisdiction. Since we are providing the technology cultivated by the Baldia family to the Grandork family, this is only a natural measure. In fact, it benefits both families and both nations. Imagine if the Yatanuki family and the Grandork family were to trade directly, and Baldia's technology were to leak. If the Christie Trading Company were found to have no fault in the matter, where would the responsibility lie? The answer is obvious. At worst, it could lead to deteriorating relations between the two families and their nations. Therefore, I believe the term 'interference in internal affairs' does not apply here."

Narrowing my eyes with an intimidating air, I heard the Tanuki clan's nobles gulp nervously.

Gyobu, now expressionless, stared at me from behind his sunglasses.

Our gazes locked as we sized each other up, and silence fell over the room.

Since they dared to accuse me of interfering in their affairs, I wasn’t about to back down even a step.

As I smiled wordlessly, Gyobu suddenly relaxed his expression and shrugged.

"Good grief. Seems like I stuck my hand into a tiger’s mouth. I chose my words poorly."

"My, whatever do you mean? I found nothing inappropriate in your remarks, Lord Gyobu. Even if there had been, rest assured I wouldn’t have minded."

Tilting my head with an innocent look, I watched as the Tanuki nobles stiffened.

Anyone with half a brain would understand the underlying message in my words—

"Don’t underestimate me or Baldia just because I’m young. I let that earlier slip of the tongue slide, but consider it a favor."

"Is that so? Well, I’ll keep that in mind."

"Indeed. Now, shall we continue the talks?"

Shifting the discussion forward, we eventually reached a decision to begin trade between the Yatanuki family and the Christie Trading Company.

Additionally, though reluctantly, they agreed that for any Foxkin-produced goods involving Baldia’s technology, the Christie Trading Company would act as an intermediary.

Glancing subtly around the meeting room, I noted the grim expressions on Gyobu and the nobles' faces.

Though there had been minor disputes over details, the overall negotiation had tilted in our favor—no wonder they weren’t pleased.

But we had an ace up our sleeve to overturn their expectations.

As the prearranged discussions neared their end, I exchanged glances with Chris and Capella before speaking up.

"By the way…"

Gyobu and the nobles all turned their attention to me at once.

Bathed in their gazes, I smiled faintly and narrowed my eyes.

"Recently, Baldia has developed several new prototype products. While they’re not yet ready for sale, I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to showcase one of them. It wasn’t on the agenda, but may I have your permission, Lord Gyobu?"

"Oh? A new product from Baldia? That sounds quite intriguing. By all means, show us."

"Thank you. Then, Capella will bring it in, and Chris will demonstrate its use."

With Gyobu’s permission, Capella carefully carried over an ornate wooden box we had brought and placed it beside Chris at the conference table.

Opening the lid, she revealed cushioning fabric and cotton padding inside.

Under the puzzled stares of Gyobu and the nobles, Capella retrieved the contents, set them on the table, and quickly prepared them for use.

All eyes were fixed on this unfamiliar object.

"Allow me to introduce our newest creation—the Typewriter. Its product name is The Letter-Pressing Lad."

"Type… writer? Letter-Pressing Lad?"

Gyobu’s eyebrows twitched as he leaned forward from his chair.

At my signal, Chris began touch-typing.

The rapid clatter of keystrokes filled the room, punctuated occasionally by the ding of a bell.

We had only lent the Christie Trading Company two trial models of The Letter-Pressing Lad very recently.

Yet Chris and Emma had already become so proficient that they could transcribe speech in real time.

Despite providing extra supplies, the very next day, we received an urgent request: "Please allow us to place a bulk order for ink ribbons and specialty paper."

They must have been using it extensively.

At this point, lending it to them was less of a practical trial and more of a durability test.

Scanning the room, I saw the Tanuki nobles furrowing their brows in confusion, as if thinking, What in the world is this?

Only Gyobu seemed to grasp something, staring intently at the typewriter.

"...All done."

Chris stood, retrieved the typed page, and brought it to me.

I skimmed it to confirm—no missed keystrokes, no smudged ink. The content matched exactly what we had prepared in advance.

"Perfect, no issues. Thank you, Chris."

"Not at all."

She bowed slightly theatrically before returning to her seat.

I smiled at Gyobu and the nobles.

"Now, behold—this is the power of the typewriter, The Letter-Pressing Lad."

What Chris had typed was an exact copy of the documents we had prepared beforehand.

Perhaps it was more accurate to say she had replicated them on the spot.

"...Hah, well, I’ll be damned. Baldia’s technological prowess far exceeds our expectations. No wonder you’re wary of leaks."

Gyobu laughed, rubbing his forehead, while the other nobles stared at the paper I had placed on the table, their eyes widening in shock.

Soon, they realized the text matched the documents we had distributed.

"Wh-what?! This… matches the materials Lord Rid provided?!"

"In such a short time? Impossible!"

"So this is the power of the Typewriter, The Letter-Pressing Lad…?"

"Remarkable. With this, efficiency would improve tenfold!"

As the nobles buzzed with excitement, Gyobu raised a hand.

"Lord Rid, might I try using it for a moment?"

"Of course."

At my nod, Gyobu approached.

Chris yielded her seat, carefully explaining the operation before letting him type himself.