Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 660

After leaving the Tanuki clan chieftain’s residence, about half a day had passed.

The towed carriage we were riding in had already entered the Bovine clan’s territory.

Looking out the window toward the southern part of the Bovine lands, I could see a towering mountain range so majestic it seemed to touch the blue sky.

Beyond those mountains lay the Empire’s territory, but crossing them was said to be nearly impossible due to their sheer height and ruggedness.

Closer by, endless fields of wheat stretched across the flat plains, where large-framed Bovine clansmen worked the land.

These vast wheat fields were the hallmark of both the Bovine and Ursine territories—the agricultural heartlands that supplied Zveara with its food.

Compared to other clan territories, the Bovine and Ursine lands had far more flat terrain.

Rivers fed by the pristine waters flowing down from the mountains bordering the Empire made the land incredibly fertile.

And indeed, it was just as I’d heard. What surprised me, though, was how little the carriage shook despite traveling on what should have been poorly maintained roads.

Scenes like this were what people called *sanshi-suimei*—a land of beautiful mountains and clear waters.

Maybe it was the smooth ride or the soothing scenery outside, but I wasn’t feeling as motion-sick as usual.

*"Rid. We’ll be arriving at the Bovine chieftain’s residence soon. How’s the motion sickness?"*

*"Yeah, I’m alright. Thanks for asking, Amon. Doesn’t seem as bad this time."*

*"Good. The meeting with Chief Hapis will probably be tougher than the one with Gyobu, but let’s do our best together."*

*"Right. We’ll stay sharp."*

Just as I answered Amon with a smile, an impressive estate came into view through the window.

That had to be the chieftain’s residence.

**Hapis Loafis**, chieftain of the Bovine clan.

Why would meeting him be harder than with Gyobu?

It wasn’t so much about him personally—it was more about the unusual circumstances of this visit. Our schedule was tight, making this particular meeting a bit special.

I was nervous, but there was no turning back now.

Instead of a stimulant, I popped an anti-nausea lozenge into my mouth.

---

*"Welcome to the Bovine clan’s territory. Rid Baldia, Amon Grandork, and Lady Christy. We are honored to receive you."*

*"The honor is ours. Thank you for having us, Chief Hapis."*

Upon arriving at the Bovine chieftain’s residence, we were greeted by Hapis Loafis himself.

He had sleek, crimson-red long hair, a pair of horns atop his head, and horizontal ears.

But what truly stunned me was his height—easily over seven feet (210 cm). Even when I first met him at the clan chiefs’ conference in the royal capital, his sheer size was overwhelming. Up close, it was even more striking.

After exchanging handshakes with Hapis, my gaze shifted to the figure standing beside him.

*"Chief Kamui, thank you for joining us today as well."*

*"No need for thanks. I simply judged it best to hear this alongside Hapis."*

**Kamui Magenta**, chieftain of the Ursine clan, replied in a calm tone before shaking my hand.

Kamui was even taller than Hapis, with long, unruly orange-tinged hair and a large scar on his left cheek.

This meeting was taking place in Bovine territory, but Kamui would also be attending.

The Bovine and Ursine lands bordered each other, and both were agricultural regions.

We had proposed that if both Kamui and Hapis agreed, they could hear our proposal together. The two had accepted, leading to this joint meeting.

Of course, we still had separate matters to discuss, so after this, we’d be heading to Ursine territory as well.

Once the greetings settled, Hapis suddenly fixed Amon and me with an intense stare.

*What’s this about? Did I do something rude?*

We’d been careful not to make a bad impression before the talks.

My heart pounded nervously until Hapis slowly spoke up.

*"By the way… I hear you two participated in a cultural exchange in the Tanuki clan’s territory."*

*"Huh? Y-yes, that’s correct. I’m surprised you know about that."*

Caught off guard, I froze for a second.

Sure, we’d done a cultural exchange—but all we did was try on their traditional clothing.

Still, how did Hapis even hear about it?

*"I see. But don’t you think it’s a bit unfair to only do a cultural exchange with the Tanuki clan?"*

*"Uh… what do you mean?"*

Confused, I frowned—until Hapis grinned.

*"It’s simple. I’d like you two to wear our Bovine clan’s attire as well. We’ll hold the talks afterward."*

*"Wha—?!"*

Amon and I blinked in unison, but before we could react, Hapis snapped his fingers.

A group of Bovine women—all towering at least two meters tall—approached us.

*"Lord Rid, Lord Amon. The garments are already prepared. Please follow us to the guest chamber."*

*"W-wait a second! Chief Hapis, could you explain a little more?"*

I held up my hands to stop the approaching women and quickly turned back to Hapis.

This hadn’t been mentioned in any prior discussions.

But he only gave me a straight-faced reply.

*"What’s there to explain? It’s no different from what you did in the Tanuki clan’s lands. I hold you in high regard, but some of my retainers do not. A cultural exchange would help foster goodwill. From what I hear, it worked wonders with Gyobu."*

As he spoke, Hapis pulled out an envelope from his pocket.

Squinting, I stiffened—the Tanuki clan’s crest was stamped on it.

*Damn it, Gyobu! When did you send this to Hapis?!*

*"Worry not. This is merely a means to improve relations and ensure smooth negotiations. I assume you, too, wish for things to proceed amicably?"*

*"Well, yes, but…"*

I understood his reasoning. Friendly relations were important.

But something still felt off.

Glancing at Amon, I saw him sigh and shake his head in resignation.

*Fine.*

If this helped the talks go smoothly, then so be it.

Letting out a breath, I nodded.

*"Understood. We’ll change into Bovine attire before the meeting."*

*"Excellent. Your respect for our culture will surely leave a positive impression on my retainers. Now then, allow us to escort you to the guest chamber."*

And so, after the Tanuki clan, Amon and I found ourselves changing into Bovine traditional clothing.

At this point, we were in too deep to back out.

If showing respect for their culture gave us an edge in negotiations, then I’d take it.

*If I’m going down, I’m taking something with me.*

With that quiet resolve, I began changing into the Bovine clan’s garments.