Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 667

"...I see. It seems you had the skill to back up that insolent mouth of yours."

"Hah... hah... Thank you... for the lesson."

As the beast transformation training concluded, Toruba bowed while gasping for breath before collapsing onto his rear.

"Toruba, are you alright?!"

"Yes. There's no need for concern."

When I hurried over in a panic from where I'd been observing, he smiled up at me while still seated.

Hapis had demonstrated the beast transformation while giving detailed explanations, but the training he put Toruba through was exceptionally harsh and severe.

Yet no matter how many times he was knocked down, Toruba never let his smile falter, continuing to face the challenges even as he became increasingly battered.

"Are you not pushing him too hard?"

I couldn't help calling out during the training, but Hapis shook his head with an impassive expression.

"With limited time to teach, this is the only way."

"It's fine, Lord Rid. This much is nothing to worry about."

Toruba flashed a defiant grin as he said this, throwing himself back into Hapis's rigorous instruction.

The bovine tribe's beast transformation consumes more magical energy than other tribes', but it allows them to increase their physical abilities while also enlarging their bodies in stages.

In practice, when Toruba or Belkaran transform, their physiques become more massive.

In terms of height, I'd estimate an increase of about 50 cm.

"...Toruba, was it? Tell me something - are you absolutely certain you're not of noble lineage?"

Hapis furrowed his brow, scrutinizing us with skeptical eyes.

Toruba and I exchanged glances, blinking in confusion at the unexpected question.

"That's what I've heard. Toruba, what about you? Any ideas?"

"No, I was born a commoner. My mother died shortly after I was born, so I can't speak to her origins. But my father was definitely a commoner. Besides, when I became a slave, that man was delighted, saying 'This'll buy some good drink.'"

When Toruba dispassionately recounted this past, Hapis nodded with an understanding "I see."

The beastfolk children we rescued in Baldia - sold as slaves from Zubera to Balst.

Their paths to slavery were generally similar: sold by family, village downsizing, or orphaned children being captured.

Though Toruba had apparently volunteered for slavery upon hearing Belkaran was being sold due to village downsizing.

As we stood to leave, Hapis relaxed his expression and looked directly at Toruba.

"You're exceptional even compared to noble-born youths of your generation. Moreover, you have both spirit and an insatiable drive to improve. How about it - would you consider becoming my adopted son if the opportunity arose?"

"Wha...?!"

At this outrageous proposal, my eyes widened.

Hapis shouldn't have any children of his own.

If Toruba were adopted, he'd become the prime candidate for next tribe chief.

If Toruba - a knight from House Baldia - were to become the bovine tribe chief, the political implications would be enormous.

But it would mean losing Toruba, an irreplaceable talent.

More than anything, I didn't want to let him go.

Yet this wasn't just any noble's offer - it came from Hapis himself, the tribe chief.

We couldn't simply refuse outright.

"Haha. Chief Hapis, that's quite the extravagant joke."

I forced a smile, scratching my cheek as if to brush it off.

But Hapis remained dead serious as he looked at me.

"Lord Rid. Unlike other tribe chiefs, I have no patience for idle chatter or jokes. This is my genuine intention."

"...Even so, Toruba is a valued knight of Baldia. To me, he's a trusted confidant, a friend, and above all, family. I can't simply nod and say 'Oh, is that so?' here."

Keeping my smile while glaring back, Hapis responded with an intrigued "Oh...?"

"I'm surprised to hear an imperial like you hold a multiracial bovine in such high regard. I've heard the 'pureblood ideology' runs deep in the Empire. For all your pretty words, won't you start neglecting the Second Knight Order once they become inconvenient?"

Though Hapis's tone was provocative, it's true the Empire has its pureblood ideologues.

Moreover, by this world's standards, it's rare to value multiracial individuals even without pureblood beliefs.

Every nation and race considers themselves superior in all aspects.

So if I angrily denied it here, my words would carry little weight and might even seem hollow.

Glancing at Toruba's worried face, I met Hapis's gaze squarely.

"You're absolutely right that some in the Empire believe 'Imperials are superior to all others, so key positions should be held by pureblood Imperials.' But personally, I find that ideology deeply unsettling."

"'Upsetting,' you say? Then explain why. Words alone are cheap."

"Understood. But these are solely my personal views as Rid Baldia, not representing House Baldia's official stance. Please keep that in mind."

"Naturally. As bovine tribe chief, I swear nothing said here leaves this circle."

His tone remained polite, but I wondered if he was trying to draw something specific out of me.

Though we'd already covered most necessary matters in tribal meetings and private discussions.

With the rice paddy project progressing smoothly, it was better not to hold back.

"Thank you."

After a polite bow, I cleared my throat and continued formally.

"To be perfectly frank, every race has its own strengths and weaknesses. You might call it... 'diversity.'"

"'Diversity,' eh? An unfamiliar term."

As Hapis tilted his head, I continued calmly.

Sekmetos, Elba.

The beastfolk, starting with their chiefs, excel physically but often lack cooperation and adapt poorly to change.

Dark elves like Fara and elves like Chris are beautiful, long-lived and knowledgeable, but bear few children.

Their longevity also makes them cling to past experiences and knowledge, becoming somewhat insular and resistant to change.

Think Norris's faction during Fara's introduction, or Chris's brother Mighty.

Dwarves are dexterous and nearly as long-lived as dark elves/elves, but small with limited physical abilities.

They also fixate on their own creations, past experiences and knowledge.

More insular than elves/dark elves, they risk being left behind by progress.

The dwarves I know best are Ellen and Alexis.

When we first met, they overconfidently believed their skills alone would suffice.

They nearly got swindled by Renalute's corrupt nobles.

Observing their daily interactions, the stereotypes about dwarves aren't entirely wrong.

Though prejudice and assumptions are never good.

Humans have no outstanding traits but excel at cooperation and adapt better to change than other races.

My parents, the emperor and empress, the Empire's high nobles - for better or worse.

Compared to other races, they're balanced without extreme traits.

"...As I've explained, each race has its own culture, history, strengths and weaknesses - excelling in some areas while lacking in others. To ignore this and claim one race is superior in all aspects is pure delusion, don't you think?"

"I see. So this is the root of your so-called 'discomfort.' But while recognizing 'diversity' may sound good, taken too far it erodes racial pride and dignity. Wouldn't that weaken a race until others consume it?"

Hapis's question held no mockery, only seriousness.

His gaze pierced into me as if taking my measure.

"That's true. Therefore, we must maintain certain distinctions. But most crucially, shouldn't individuals of any race take 'pride' in their homeland and nation?"

"Hmm..."

Hapis's eyebrow twitched as I pressed on.

"Toruba takes 'pride' in serving House Baldia of the Empire. Compared to that, racial differences are trivial. At least, that's how I see it."

When I stated this definitively, Hapis stroked his chin with a troubled expression.

Tension filled the air during the silence that followed.

Soon, Hapis burst out laughing.

"Fascinating perspective. So this unconventional thinking is why they call you 'the Maverick.' This was quite enlightening."

"R-really? I'm glad you think so."

'The Maverick's' core philosophy...? I don't think it's that profound.

As I stood dumbfounded, Hapis smirked.

"However... understanding that your views differ from 'pureblood ideology' is one thing. The adoption matter is separate. Whether Toruba accepts my offer is his decision alone."

"Wha...?!"

Damn it, I walked right into Hapis's trap.

His real goal was likely assessing the ideological foundation behind my words.

He did promise confidentiality at the start.

That probing stare during our conversation - this was his aim all along.

As expected of a tribe chief.

No room for carelessness.

And now he makes it Toruba's decision?

After you started this whole line of questioning!

Glaring at him in realization, Hapis maintained his smug grin.

"So then, Toruba. If you're willing, I'd genuinely adopt you. I'll handle any noble complaints. Your wishes will be accommodated within reason. Naturally, your Baldia ties would remain."

At this, Toruba murmured, "Well then..."

"For a former commoner and slave like me to become the chief's adopted son and change the bovine tribe's future... It's an incredibly honorable, appealing offer full of purpose. Any bovine would dream of such a tale."

"Naturally. Then take my hand."

Hapis extended his palm, but Toruba only stared at it intently.

After a pause, Toruba narrowed his eyes.

"However, I must respectfully decline. I have no interest in being satisfied with the chief's seat. My aspirations reach higher. I can see a much broader horizon before me."

"Huh...?"

"Wha...?!"

At his answer, Hapis looked puzzled while my eyes nearly popped out.

Don't get me wrong - I'm thrilled he refused.

But what did he mean about not being satisfied with the chief's seat?

Realizing he harbored such staggering ambitions, I held my breath while staring at Toruba.