Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 661

"Lord Ridd, Lord Ammon. You both look quite dashing in those, wouldn't you say, Hapis?"

Kamui the bearfolk turned his gaze toward us as Hapis nodded with evident pride.

"Naturally. Though arranged hastily, these were crafted by the finest artisans among our oxfolk - truly exceptional pieces."

Ammon and I exchanged glances, scratching our cheeks with wry smiles.

"Haha... Thank you."

The oxfolk traditional attire consisted of unusually shaped hats, long-sleeved tops and trousers primarily in blue and reddish-brown hues.

Intricate yellow embroidery adorned the hat's brim, sleeves, hems, collar, shoulders, and pant cuffs. The closest comparison from my past-life memories would be 'Cossack' clothing - somewhat similar in style.

Hapis explained that while oxfolk nobility and commoners alike wore these as daily garments, formal occasions called for military-style uniforms like the one he wore.

Tink, Chris, and Emma were as excited as they'd been with the tanukifolk outfits, clamoring, "We must preserve this in a portrait!"

But arranging an artist on such short notice was impossible - we only had three days in oxfolk territory, including today, to conclude negotiations and conduct field surveys.

"Incidentally, I've arranged for an artist to visit your quarters after today's negotiations conclude."

"Eh...?"

I blinked at Hapis's unexpected announcement. I never imagined he'd arrange for a portrait artist too. Just what had Gyobu written in that letter?

"Lord Ridd, your family back home should see you like this. They'd surely be delighted. Consider it part of fostering goodwill between our peoples."

"Y-yes, understood. Then with your permission..."

Though stunned, I nodded respectfully.

Though this seemed likely to repeat with every tribe we visited, if wearing traditional attire strengthened ties between Baldia and Zveara's tribes, I couldn't object. Plus, Mother and the others would undoubtedly enjoy it.

An idea struck me then.

"Lord Hapis, would it be possible to purchase these outfits?"

"Certainly, though you're welcome to keep those as gifts if you like them."

"Thank you. Actually, I'd like to purchase additional sets for my family."

With my increasing responsibilities in Zveara, I'd seen much less of Mother and Fara lately. While I corresponded with Father via communication magic, letters were our only contact with others - especially difficult during our current tribal tour.

Sending these traditional outfits along with letters describing each region might let them share in the sights and atmosphere I'd experienced. For Mother, still limited in mobility, and for Mel and Fara with little exposure beyond imperial culture, it could be wonderfully educational.

"I see. In that case, I'll make arrangements immediately."

"Much appreciated."

After bowing slightly, I caught Chris and Tink's eyes and whispered:

"Could you also arrange to purchase those 'child-sized mizuginu' outfits from tanukifolk territory and others for Mother and Fara? Have them sent to Baldia."

"Understood. They'll surely be delighted."

"Leave the purchases and deliveries to Chrisdi Trading. Tink and I will handle sizing - we'll need your approval on colors and designs later, Lord Ridd."

"Got it. Thanks."

Entrusting this to Chris, Emma, and Tink guaranteed success. I hoped everyone would enjoy them.

"Pardon me, Lord Ridd, but shouldn't we prepare something for Lord Liner too?"

"Ah, for Father?"

Chris's question made me tilt my head. I imagined Father wearing Gyobu's tanukifolk attire or Hapis and Kamui's current outfits.

Imperial citizens tended toward tall, slender builds - Father being particularly statuesque. His disciplined swordsmanship training maintained a physique of functional elegance that always awed me during our rare baths together at Baldia's hot springs.

While Rubens possessed notable physique too, he stood slightly shorter than Father. Dynas surpassed Father in height but embodied raw muscularity rather than refined form. Objectively speaking, Father ranked supreme among Baldia's knights in both facial and physical appeal.

(I know it sounds like boasting when his own son says it, but the facts are undeniable.)

Now envisioning Father modeling various tribal outfits for Mother, Fara and Mel in an impromptu fashion show...

Yes, Mother would absolutely adore that.

More amusingly, I could perfectly picture Father indulging Mother's whims.

"Fufu..." My smile prompted Chris's curious tilt of the head. "Lord Ridd, is something amusing?"

"Ah, my apologies. About Father's outfits - yes, please arrange those too. But..."

"But...?"

As Chris looked puzzled at my meaningful pause, I whispered with a playful expression:

"Have them addressed to Mother, not Father."

"Ah...! I see now. Indeed, Lady Nanari and Merdi would prefer that. Though I must say, Lord Ridd, you remain delightfully mischievous - your cunning mind never rests."

"Whatever do you mean, Chris? I'm still an innocent child. Just perhaps... slightly more perceptive than most."

Narrowing my eyes playfully, I earned exasperated shrugs from my retainers.

Soon after, Hapis guided us to the conference chamber.

Murmurs spread among the assembled oxfolk and bearfolk nobles upon seeing our attire, though the atmosphere remained welcoming.

Under their curious, appraising gazes, Ammon and I took our seats completely unfazed.

As two of Zveara's more physically imposing tribes, the gathered oxfolk and bearfolk created substantial presence - though compared to imperial nobles, their pressure felt almost mild.

To truly intimidate me, they'd need to surpass Father's aura during our sparring sessions with live steel.

Glancing around, none of our party appeared unsettled - Ammon smiled cheerfully in his new outfit while even merchant-born Chris and Emma maintained perfect composure.

Noticing our unshaken demeanor, the nobles exchanged surprised grumbles.

Most imperial or foreign diplomats might falter before such physically imposing figures, but House Baldia bred warriors. None here would flinch at mere presence.

After Hapis and Kamui took their positions at the head table, the oxfolk leader cleared his throat.

"Let this joint conference between oxfolk, bearfolk, foxfolk, and Baldia commence. Kamui, any objections?"

"None. Proceed."

"First, Lord Ridd, we'd appreciate introductions. Many here are meeting you for the first time."

At Hapis's indication, I rose with a polite bow.

"I am Ridd Baldia, heir to House Baldia of the Magnolia Empire's frontier. My deepest gratitude for this opportunity. Today, I wish to share something remarkable with you all - the wonders of 'rice paddies' and 'rice'."

"Rice... paddies? Rice, you say?"

The nobles collectively tilted their heads, brows furrowing in obvious skepticism.

Observing their reactions discreetly, I exhaled silently.

Well, that was expected.

But this reaction fell within projections.

Unfazed, I simply smiled and narrowed my eyes contentedly.