Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 662

Every single noble in the room was looking at me with eyes that said, " What gives this ignorant brat the right to speak so boldly..."

For now, I’d finished my introduction, so it was best to stay silent.

As I took my seat, Amon, who had been sitting beside me, stood up.

"I am Amon Grandork, chieftain of the Foxkin tribe. As some of you may already know, my clan intends to enter into technological partnerships with Baldea in various fields. Therefore, I hope this meeting will be constructive with the future in mind."

He delivered his words with firmness, swept his gaze over the nobles with a faint smile, and sat back down as if nothing had happened.

He must have sensed the nobles’ displeasure at my earlier remarks and decided to subtly warn them in his own way.

The nobles’ reactions varied.

Some frowned, others sized me up with calculating eyes, and a few crossed their arms and grunted.

Most were wary, though a handful seemed slightly intrigued.

About seventy to eighty percent were negative.

The rest were either neutral or somewhat favorable.

I glanced discreetly at the chieftains, Hapis and Kamui, who seemed to be observing the situation.

They gave off the impression of deliberately maintaining neutrality.

As Amon’s greeting slightly eased the tense atmosphere, Chris, who had been sitting beside me, stood and bowed politely.

"I am Christy Saffron, representative of the Christy Trading Company, which maintains close relations with House Baldea. The Saffron Trading Company, which previously operated in this region, has now been taken over by our firm. We will continue to do our utmost to serve you all, so I humbly ask for your support."

Her speech was smooth and courteous. After a graceful bow, she took her seat again.

As always, her movements were refined and elegant.

Looking around at the nobles, I noticed a few lecherous gazes directed at Chris.

Given how stunning she was, I could understand why they’d stare.

But if they got any strange ideas, that would be a problem.

I deliberately cleared my throat.

"Should any harm come to her or anyone associated with the Christy Trading Company, be prepared for Baldea to respond with force."

A few nobles let out muffled chuckles—*"Hmph..."*

Ah, it seems they took it as a joke.

I immediately hardened my expression and continued in a cold, emotionless tone.

"This is absolutely not a jest. My father, Rainier Baldea, the Margrave, shares this sentiment. I advise you to take this warning seriously."

I then relaxed my expression slightly, narrowing my eyes.

But I made sure to emphasize the weight of my words by radiating pressure.

The nobles seemed to grasp the intent, gulping audibly and holding their breath.

Good. It looks like the message got through.

"...Lord Lidd, that should suffice."

Amid the heavy atmosphere in the meeting room, Hapis spoke up.

"Since introductions are over, let us proceed to the main topic. First, elaborate on the appeal of 'rice paddies' and 'rice' as you mentioned earlier."

"Indeed. While Hapis and I have heard this during the chieftain council, we’d like you to convince everyone present."

"Understood. Then, allow me to present this document—statistical data on the rice yields from the 'paddy fields' of Renarute, renowned for its advanced agricultural techniques, alongside a simplified comparison with the wheat production figures from the lands of the Bovine and Ursine tribes."

I nodded at Kamui’s words while signaling to Capella and Tink.

The two first handed the documents to Chieftains Kamui and Hapis before distributing them to the rest of the nobles.

Once I confirmed everyone had received the materials, I stood.

"The documents in your hands contain actual operational data from Renarute’s paddy fields and a simplified comparison with the current wheat production in the Ursine and Bovine territories."

The nobles murmured as they flipped through the papers, the rustling of pages filling the room.

Good. The hook had landed.

I cleared my throat and began.

"First, observe Renarute’s average annual yield. The output per unit area is approximately 1.5 times that of wheat. With proper water management and field preparation, less land can produce more food."

I pointed to the bar graph in the document.

"Why is this significant? Because with population growth and commercial expansion, simply expanding farmland has its limits. Paddy fields are a technology for 'intensifying land use.'"

I heard someone inhale sharply.

The charts not only showed production volume but also illustrated how surplus could be processed and stored, generating long-term profits.

**"Moreover, rice excels in long-term preservation when dried and offers diverse processed goods. The surplus can also serve as a trade commodity. Products like sake and amazake are gaining popularity not just among imperial nobles but across the continent."**

I paused briefly, scanning the nobles.

Some of the previously skeptical gazes had shifted to genuine interest.

After letting them turn to the next page, I continued.

"As you all know, the Ursine and Bovine territories are crucial agricultural zones sustaining Zveira’s entire food supply. With vast wheat fields and abundant rivers, this region’s self-sufficiency rivals even the Empire’s."

Here, I adopted a graver tone.

"...However, we’ve also received reports that this area suffers from 'chronic food shortages.'"

A ripple of murmurs spread among the nobles.

A few faces stiffened slightly.

"The reason is clear—your physiques and daily activity levels demand greater food consumption. While your racial traits grant superior physical prowess, they also create a vulnerability to food scarcity."

To heighten engagement, I deliberately paused.

After a brief glance around, I narrowed my eyes.

"This is where 'rice' from paddy fields comes in."

I straightened and declared firmly.

"Rice is not only more nutritious and storable but also offers more processing options. Cultivated in the same area, it yields more than wheat."

As the nobles examined the comparative data on rice and wheat yields, low murmurs of consideration arose.

One final push.

I infused my voice with passion.

"I wish to transform your agriculture from 'subsistence farming' into 'accumulative farming.' By introducing paddy fields, I believe you can achieve true prosperity in your daily lives."

As I finished, the nobles collectively held their breaths as if struck by the weight of my words.

Amid the brief silence that followed, two sets of clapping broke the stillness.

"A splendid explanation, Lord Ridd.

The one clapping was Hapis.

Though his lips curved slightly, his eyes remained sharp.

Beside him, Kamui gave light applause before speaking slowly.

"We understand the potential of rice and paddy fields—we heard as much during the chieftain council. But one point still troubles us."

Kamui’s gaze turned piercing as he leaned forward, emanating pressure.

"Currently, this region sustains its food supply through vast wheat fields. Transitioning abruptly to paddy farming is no simple matter. Water access, terrain, labor—and above all, the technical know-how—pose significant challenges."

His deep voice resonated heavily as Hapis added meaningfully, "Moreover..."

"If this proposal is seen as a rejection of our traditional farming methods, we cannot ignore potential backlash from the people. Where will we acquire the necessary expertise? What becomes of the wheat fields? We’d like answers to these questions as well."

He picked up the documents and glared at me.

"The numbers here may be accurate, but feasibility is another matter. Words alone can promise anything."

The tension in the room spiked instantly.

Their questions weren’t accusations or rejections—they were **"precisely because they’re taking this seriously."

As expected of chieftains.

Their mere gaze carried such oppressive weight.

A shiver ran down my spine, and sweat beaded on my palms.

But compared to the murderous intent Father radiated during training, this was nothing more than intimidation.

I took a breath, then smiled faintly, narrowing my eyes.