Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 666

In the Bovine-folk territory, under Capella's leadership, the surveying, investigation, and land assessment for the paddy fields proceeded steadily. Chieftains Hapis, Kamui, and Ammon, along with representatives like me and Chris, oversaw the process as local villagers and nobles cooperated in silence.

*"……There are no issues with the soil or water sources. Tilling and dedicated irrigation channels will be necessary, but this can be resolved with coordination from Renaluate."*

As Capella delivered his report in the tense atmosphere, everyone—myself included—let out a quiet sigh of relief.

Particularly from the Bovine-folk nobles involved in selecting the sites, murmurs of *"Thank goodness…"* and *"My nerves were frozen the whole time…"* could be heard in trembling voices.

Based on preliminary research into annual climate and rainfall, we had already confirmed that paddy fields were feasible in Bovine-folk territory.

While soil and water quality were important factors in rice cultivation, the most critical elements were actually climate and annual rainfall.

Soil and water could be adjusted to some extent, but nature—the first and greatest obstacle—was beyond human control.

Temperature fluctuations and insufficient rainfall during the growing season could drastically affect yields.

Wheat, though also requiring specific conditions, was more adaptable, thriving in both cold and arid regions, making it a more versatile crop than rice.

Personally, I wished rice could be grown anywhere.

In Baldia, where the climate was similar to Renaluate’s, rice cultivation had succeeded. But in the western Empire’s Kelvin territory, climatic barriers made it impossible.

Deivid from Kelvin had once asked me about rice farming in our correspondence. After researching his region’s climate, I had to conclude it was unsuitable.

During negotiations, Hapis and the nobles had been thoroughly questioned about growing conditions, and we had agreed there were no major issues.

Still, many things couldn’t be confirmed without on-site inspection.

But now that we had verified the conditions, cooperation with Renaluate would allow paddy fields to be established. If rice could be successfully harvested, the bond between the Bovine-folk and Baldia would transcend national borders.

In terms of yield efficiency, rice produced roughly 1.5 times more than wheat per unit area.

Additionally, the waterlogged nature of paddy fields prevented the crop rotation issues common in other farming methods.

Moreover, the vast plains of Bovine-folk territory were ideal for rice cultivation. If all went well, enormous yields could be expected.

Having witnessed the Bovine-folk’s staggering appetites at the banquet and breakfast, I was certain this project would improve their food situation.

If successful, the villagers would undoubtedly feel gratitude toward Baldia for introducing paddy fields.

It might seem a bit self-serving, but during negotiations, I had explicitly requested:

*"Should this paddy field project succeed, please ensure it is recorded and passed down that it was Baldia’s proposal that initiated the Bovine-folk’s adoption of rice farming."*

In politics, assuming *"they’ll naturally acknowledge our contribution"* was unfortunately naïve.

Without such reminders, future chieftains might claim, *"We developed this rice-farming technique ourselves."*

It wasn’t that I objected to agricultural advancements surpassing their origin—that was inevitable. But in this world, *"the lender remembers, the borrower forgets—and then denies"* was an all-too-common phenomenon. Not everyone acted with integrity.

Nations, families—deception was universal.

*"War is the art of deception,"* as they say.

Baldia’s proposal of rice-farming technology was also about creating an *"eternal debt"* for long-term relations.

Of course, this perspective might be unique to me, given my past-life memories.

---

With the morning’s fieldwork complete, Kamui departed for Bear-folk territory as planned, taking some nobles with him.

*"Lord Lidd. I leave the paddy field matter in your hands. We Bear-folk eat just as much as the Bovine-folk, after all."*

*"Ahaha… Understood."*

*"Just as much,"* he says.

From what I saw at the banquet and breakfast, the Bear-folk and Bovine-folk alone probably consumed at least 30% of Zveira’s food supply.

At this rate, their appetites could be weaponized.

Imagine sending hordes of Bovine-folk and Bear-folk into an enemy nation under the guise of tourism—or disguised as mercenaries—to rapidly deplete their food reserves.

*Operation: Gluttonous Onslaught* or something.

A joke, of course. But if actually implemented, it might not be so funny.

As I scratched my cheek wryly, Kamui narrowed his eyes slightly. *"Then, we’ll meet again in my territory."* With that, he left.

---

After seeing Kamui off, our group split in two.

One, led by Capella, continued fieldwork with Baldia’s representatives and Bovine-folk nobles, marking potential sites for tilling and coordinating with villagers.

The other—myself, a contingent of Baldia’s personnel including Toruva (a Bovine-folk squad leader of the Second Knight Order), and Hapis—returned to the chieftain’s residence.

The reason? For Toruva to learn Beastform, with me observing.

To avoid political complications, only I was permitted to witness the training.

Tink, my dedicated guard, had protested vehemently—*"What if something happens to Lord Lidd?!"*—but Hapis remained firm. *"Then I cannot teach Beastform."* Reluctantly, she yielded.

---

At the training grounds, Hapis glared down at Toruva with a snort.

*"Squad Leader of Baldia’s Second Knight Order, hm? Quite the title. Let’s see if you can keep up with my teachings."*

The air grew heavy with palpable pressure—Hapis’s mana-induced intimidation. A test, perhaps, to see if Toruva was worthy.

But *he* wasn’t the type to falter so easily.

Toruva stood unfazed, even smiling slightly.

A young Bovine-folk boy with short black hair, small horns, and gentle dark eyes, Toruva was one of the Second Order’s strongest squad leaders—social yet composed, with an exceptional ability to assess situations objectively.

His strategic mind rivaled mine in chess and shogi—sometimes even surpassing me when he held back.

During the Second Order’s mock battles, his squad often secured victories through tactics.

Yet, he never boasted. Even Cross had praised his judgment, and Father and Dynas held him in high regard.

He had the potential to lead the Second Order or even become vice-captain of the First.

But his laid-back nature—*"As long as I can spend peaceful days with Bell, I’m happy."*—meant he rarely stood out.

Speaking of *Bell*—Belkaran, a Bovine-folk girl in the Second Order—she was a gentle, radiant presence with drooping blue eyes and long red braids.

Her warmth was like basking in sunlight, a soothing aura that put everyone at ease.

Yet, she was also highly capable, serving as the Second Order’s vice-captain.

Her kindness reminded me of the Bovine-folk women I’d met here.

But mention Bell, and Toruva became a different person.

A well-known fact in the Second Order—even I had been warned: *"Lord Lidd, if you lay a hand on Bell, I won’t forgive you."*

(I immediately retorted that I’d never do such a thing—not with Farla around.)

---

*"Likewise. I’m eager to see if the Bovine-folk chieftain’s training surpasses Baldia’s Second Knight Order."*

*"Hoh. For such an unassuming face, you’ve got nerve. Then try not to cry as you keep up."*

Seemingly pleased with his answer, Hapis relaxed his expression—and unleashed his mana.

A fierce gale erupted, kicking up dust.

The training had begun.

I watched intently, determined not to miss a single moment.