Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 670

"Lord Rid. We've been expecting you."

"Likewise. It's an honor to meet again."

Upon arriving at the chieftain's estate in the Ursine tribe's territory, Kamui Magenta, the Ursine chieftain, welcomed us alongside his retainers.

After the discussions in the Bovine territory, Kamui had personally inspected the rice fields before returning ahead of us to prepare for our arrival and select potential sites for paddy field development.

And now, here he was, greeting us.

Incidentally, the Ursine territory is geographically similar to the Bovine lands—vast plains dominate the landscape.

During the wheat harvest season, the fields stretch endlessly in golden waves.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t the right season to see that.

Still, from what I observed through the carriage window, the Ursine lands seemed to have more trees and flowers than the Bovine territory.

According to prior information, some Ursine villages also operate orchards at the foot of the mountains, in addition to wheat farming.

Culturally, they have a tradition of cultivating flowers alongside their crops, and along the way, I caught glimpses of vibrant blossoms in the Ursine villages.

Both the Bovine and Ursine territories support Zveera's food production with their agriculture and vast plains.

Yet, upon closer inspection, their cultural differences become fascinatingly apparent.

Like the Bovines, the Ursine are tall—adult males from both tribes seem roughly the same height.

However, while Bovine women range from 150 to 200 cm, Ursine women all appear to be over 180 cm.

That said, Bovine women generally have more… *ahem*, pronounced physical features.

The Ursine attire consists of deep blue kimonos embroidered with geometric patterns.

Additionally, they wear headbands—or perhaps bandanas—matching their kimonos, also embroidered with the same geometric designs.

The patterns are said to symbolize good health and ward off evil.

Kamui’s outfit was similar to his people’s, though he didn’t wear a headband.

Instead, he donned a fur-lined cloak—likely a status symbol, as the other retainers wore similar outer garments.

"By the way, Lord Rid. May I ask you something?"

"Of course. What is it?"

"...Everyone seems rather awkward. Did something happen on the way here?"

"Ah, well..."

I glanced sideways at Chris, who scratched her cheek with an embarrassed expression.

I had no intention of detailing what transpired in the carriage.

But suffice it to say, our journey was briefly interrupted, and due to *certain reasons*, Chris and I had to wash up and change clothes.

Mostly because of *me*.

While washing, I had the bright idea of combining water and fire magic to create a makeshift shower and bath.

After testing it on myself (successfully, I might add), I offered it to Chris as an apology.

At first, it was a hit.

But remnants of my motion sickness caused my magic control to falter, leading to… *an incident*.

Tink and Emma scolded me, Capella looked exasperated, Amon turned bright red, and I couldn’t even look Chris in the eye afterward.

I apologized, and she forgave me.

But I vowed—no, *swore*—never to use magic while still feeling queasy.

Yet, the awkwardness lingered as we resumed our journey.

I thought I’d mentally reset upon arriving, but…

Clearing my throat, I straightened my posture.

"Thank you for your concern. But rest assured, it won’t affect the upcoming discussions."

"I see. Well, if you say so."

Kamui brushed it off with a smirk.

"Now then, Lord Rid, Lord Amon. We’d like you to enjoy some cultural exchange in our territory."

"Haha… I had a feeling you’d say that."

Kamui nodded as if it were obvious.

"After the Tanuki and Bovine tribes, skipping the Ursine would be poor form."

"R-right."

I gave a diplomatic response, but at this rate, we’d be doing cultural exchanges in *every* tribal territory.

Hopefully, things would settle down here.

"Additionally, as the representative of the Christy Trading Company, Lady Christy is also our guest. We’ve prepared attire for her as well. This is a fine opportunity."

"Eh, me too?"

Chris blinked in surprise but quickly shook her head.

"N-no, there’s no need for that. I’m already honored just to be invited."

"Oh? Are you saying our hospitality displeases you?"

Kamui’s sharp gaze made the retainers glare at her in unison.

The Ursine were tall and imposing—their presence alone amplified the intimidation.

Even as an observer, it was terrifying.

"Th-that’s not what I meant at all!"

Chris floundered, clearly scrambling for a way to refuse.

But Kamui’s sudden insistence likely had an ulterior motive.

The Christy Trading Company was expanding its reach across Zveera, Renalt, Balst, and the eastern Empire.

By having Chris wear their traditional attire, they could use her as a foothold for exports—similar to how Baldia leveraged my and Matilda’s use of cosmetics for publicity.

A noble from the Empire (me) and the rising merchant leader from Astoria (Chris) visiting together was a rare opportunity.

Publicly wearing their traditional garb would be an excellent promotional move.

Gyobu, the Tanuki chieftain, had likely intended the same when he insisted Amon and I change.

Hapis followed suit, and now Kamui had set his sights on Chris.

In any case, my role here was clear.

I coughed lightly and smiled.

"Chris, Kamui has gone out of his way to offer this. Let’s accept his kindness. It’s a chance to show the Christy Trading Company respects Ursine—and Zveera’s—culture."

"Wha—?!"

"Well said, Lord Rid."

As Kamui laughed approvingly, Chris leaned in and whispered sharply.

"Lord Rid, *what* are you doing?"

"...‘If I must die, let it be with company. Travel companions, worldly compassion,’ as they say. You always enjoyed seeing us in traditional outfits, didn’t you?"

"That *is* a fair point," Amon remarked flatly beside me.

Faced with our merciless responses, Chris clutched her chest in defeat.

"B-but still..."

She tried to recover, but I cut in with a whisper.

"Think of it as business. Strengthening ties between our nations—and expanding your company’s influence. All it takes is changing clothes. A small price for trust and goodwill, no?"

"Ugh…!"

*‘Profit and loss.’*

No phrase could sway a merchant more effectively.

If wearing their attire could foster goodwill, any shrewd businessperson or leader would gladly comply.

"Besides, you’d look stunning in that outfit."

"Huh?"

I gestured subtly toward the Ursine women nearby.

The deep blue kimonos, embroidered with geometric patterns, were strikingly beautiful.

Their tall, slender figures carried the attire with dignified grace.

Chris, being both tall and beautiful, would undoubtedly wear it just as well.

"So? Let’s go along with it."

"...Understood. Really, Lord Rid, you’re far too shrewd."

"Eh?"

Before I could process her words, Chris sighed and turned to Kamui.

"Chieftain Kamui, I gratefully accept your generous offer."

"A wise decision. Fitting for a trading company’s leader."

Kamui nodded in satisfaction, then added casually,

"Ah, one more thing. Our territory is known not just for paintings but woodcarvings as well. Since we’ve already discussed matters with the Bovines, today, you’ll enjoy cultural exchange through art and carvings while resting."

"Um, paintings I understand, but woodcarvings…?"

Was this like those tourist experiences where you try local crafts?

Holding onto faint hope, I asked, but Kamui grinned.

"Naturally, we’ll be carving *your likenesses* in wood, just as we paint them. Being a woodcarving subject is a rare honor. Consider it part of cultural exchange."

"*Excuse me?!*"

Stunned, Chris, Amon, and I could only watch as Kamui cheerfully strode into the estate.

Thus, we found ourselves changing into Ursine attire and posing as subjects for paintings *and* woodcarvings.

Meanwhile, Capella and Emma were apparently reviewing paddy field sites and schedules.

*Seriously? Couldn’t we have joined* that *instead?*

That was *far* more important…

And so, our first day in the Ursine territory was spent fostering friendly relations through "cultural exchange."

The actual discussions, field inspections, and Beastform magic training were postponed to the next two days.