Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 671

"Wow, I never thought they could make such magnificent wood carvings."

"Yeah, me too. I'm surprised."

"If my family finds out about this, they'll definitely tease me."

The day after arriving at the Bearfolk village.

Dressed in traditional Bearfolk clothing again today, Rid, Amon, and Chris stood dumbfounded before the completed wooden carvings of themselves. Nearby, Tink, Capella, and Emma were also present.

The carvings were meticulously detailed down to every strand of hair, the tips of their feet, the distinctive features of their traditional clothing when modeled, even down to the wrinkles in the fabric.

While Rid could appreciate the craftsmen's passion and dedication—and though he didn't know much about art—he could tell these were undoubtedly masterpieces.

There was just one thing that bothered him.

"Still, I never imagined they'd make them life-sized."

Indeed, excluding the base, the wooden carvings were nearly the same height as their real-life counterparts. They were more like sculpted statues than wooden dolls.

Rid's statue depicted him in Bearfolk attire mid-stride, full of dynamic energy that made it seem ready to spring to life, with a childlike charm.

According to the craftsmen, each statue was a masterpiece created with once-in-a-lifetime passion.

"We poured all the charisma and captivating charm of Lord Rid, known as the Maverick Prodigy, into this work," they declared fervently. Their enthusiasm was admirable—Rid would have been more impressed if it had been someone else's statue.

"Yeah, I thought they'd be palm-sized at most," Amon sighed, shaking his head.

Amon's statue had a more mature aura with quiet intensity, as if the real Amon in traditional clothing might be standing there.

"The courage of one who, concerned for the Foxfolk's future, made the decision to leave and rise up despite his youth—and who ultimately became chieftain. We've captured his unshakable resolve and leadership," the craftsmen explained.

Well, Rid supposed that was accurate. Though he and Amon were similar in age, Amon's statue looked mature while Rid's was full of childish charm—a distinction Rid wasn't entirely comfortable with.

"Is there any way I could purchase this...?" Chris groaned, pressing a hand to her forehead as if pained, her shoulders slumped.

Her statue showed her in traditional attire, seemingly walking through a gentle breeze. Her hair and clothes were carved as if flowing backward—perhaps to depict walking against the wind. The clothing clung to her figure, clearly outlining her form, with one leg visible through a slit in the garment. The realism was striking, giving a three-dimensional effect as if it might start moving.

"We've captured the noble elf Christina Saffron, who walks the continent with dignified grace as she leads her merchant guild—her beauty, elegance, and inner strength," the craftsmen proclaimed with even greater fervor than before.

Rid suspected—though it was probably his imagination—that their enthusiasm had been slightly more intense for Chris's statue than for his or Amon's.

Incidentally, among the craftsmen who made Chris's statue was the woman who had helped her change into the traditional outfit. After studying the statue closely, Rid glanced sideways at Chris. The resemblance in body shape was uncanny—almost as if they'd taken precise measurements.

"...Surely not."

"Hm? Did you say something, Lord Rid?" Chris tilted her head, having caught his muttering.

"Ah, no, nothing. Don't worry about it."

"......?"

As Rid shook his head, Chris looked puzzled. He couldn't very well say the statue's proportions matched hers exactly.

Noticing this, Amon smirked. "Rid, were you staring at the statue and Chris just now?"

"Eh...?"

"Ah—well, yeah, actually."

Chris blinked in confusion again. Why did Amon have to tease him at times like this?

But past experience had taught him that denying things too forcefully could turn a small fire into a blaze. It was better to play along.

"The statue is wonderfully made, and Chris is undeniably beautiful. I was just thinking how lovely both are."

"Ahaha, thank you. Even as flattery, that makes me happy," Chris replied, scratching her cheek shyly.

Just then, footsteps approached. Turning, Rid saw Kamui and the clan leaders walking toward them.

"You seem pleased with the carvings," Kamui said.

"Yeah, we are. Though we never expected life-sized statues," Rid replied with a wry smile.

Kamui examined the statues. "Good work. We could mass-produce these."

"Mass-produce?!" Rid, Amon, and Chris all gaped at once.

With life-sized models, the craftsmen could easily adjust the size for reproduction.

"That's unacceptable!" Chris protested, her face red.

"Absolutely! Chief Kamui, mass-producing these without our permission is going too far! This could become a diplomatic issue!" Amon added heatedly.

Clearing his throat, Rid narrowed his eyes. "Chief Kamui, you are familiar with the concept of portrait rights, I presume?"

As he spoke coldly, suppressing both embarrassment and anger, something unexpected happened—his emotions resonated with his magic, generating an intense chill around him.

So this was how Fara occasionally emitted that cold pressure. Observing himself almost objectively, Rid kept his gaze fixed on Kamui.

Everyone else recoiled at the sudden drop in temperature and the oppressive magical pressure—except Kamui, who remained unfazed.

Then, abruptly, he burst out laughing. "Forgive me, Lord Rid. It was just a joke."

"...Really just a joke?" Rid glared skeptically, cheeks puffed.

"Truly," Kamui said, scratching his head apologetically. "These statues are meant as cultural exchange gifts—tokens of friendship to be sent to each of your territories."

His expression softened into what might have been his gentlest look yet. "Your parents and family in Baldia must miss you dearly, Lord Rid. I thought these might bring them some comfort."

"Ah..." That was true. The Baldia family had portraits made from time to time, but statues were a different matter. In the Empire, royal wooden carvings were seen more as souvenirs than art.

Looking again, the craftsmanship was truly exceptional. If this statue could bring joy to his parents, then its childlike charm and vitality were perfect.

"I see... Thank you. My father and mother will surely appreciate it."

"Good. I'm glad to hear that." Kamui then turned to Amon. "We'll arrange to send yours to the Foxfolk territory."

"Understood. Thank you."

"And Lady Christina's can go to the Saffron Merchant Guild's headquarters in Astoria—"

"No!" Chris interrupted, shaking her head frantically. "Absolutely not! Please send it to the Baldia estate instead—no, wait, not now either!"

Muttering to herself, she turned to Rid. "Lord Rid, could my statue be kept at the Baldia mansion for now? I apologize for the trouble."

"That's fine, but... why?"

Leaning in, she whispered, "If my father and brother see this, they might actually do what Chief Kamui joked about. It would become reality—for me alone."

"Ah, right." Rid understood. Chris's father Martin and brother Mighty doted on her excessively. If they saw her statue, they'd likely mass-produce it.

"Understood. We'll keep it at the Baldia residence until you say otherwise."

"Thank you."

As Chris bowed, an idea struck Rid. If his parents missed him, then surely his Eltian mother felt the same. That "letter" had been meant to motivate him, but its underlying concern for Fara and maternal warmth were undeniable.

Well, no time like the present.

"Chief Kamui, regarding the statues being sent to Baldia... might I make one additional request?"

"Depends on what it is. What do you need?"

Though slightly embarrassed, Rid knew his request was nothing to be ashamed of. His face warm, he steeled himself.

"I'll cover the expenses, but could you send craftsmen to Baldia to create a life-sized statue of my wife, Fara Baldia?"

Kamui's eyebrow twitched at this. Suddenly, Rid found himself the focus of oddly warm, sweetly amused gazes from everyone around him.

Huh? Why did the atmosphere just shift like this?