Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 672

"I see. You wish to send our finest craftsmen to create a statue of your wife. A most admirable sentiment. Though I had heard rumors of the young Lord Rid being a devoted husband, I never imagined your 'unconventional' nature would extend this far."

"Eh...?"

Kamui covered his mouth with a hand, grinning slyly.

Damn it... Had he really just voluntarily asked for a life-sized statue of his wife? This went beyond being a loving husband—it practically made him look like some obsessed spouse fanatic.

"Chief Kamui speaks true. This is truly heartwarming," one of the clan leaders remarked.

"Placed beside Lord Rid's statue, they would make a splendid pair."

"One can already picture the two gazing lovingly at their statues in the future."

"A magnificent idea indeed. I almost wish my own husband would take inspiration from this."

The clan leaders all wore soft, indulgent smiles as they looked at Rid with expressions usually reserved for adorable puppies.

"N-no, that's not—"

The creeping embarrassment made his body temperature spike, his face burning. Being known as a devoted husband was one thing, but if this incident spread, he'd be labeled not just an "excessively doting husband" but a full-blown "wife-obsessed fool."

Given his existing titles like "The Maverick Prodigy" or "The Unconventional Rising Star," certain people would absolutely delight in whispering about this. If it reached the imperial capital's social circles, the rumor would spread across the empire in no time.

Vivid mental images assaulted him—familiar nobles teasing him mercilessly:

Emperor Irwin, smirking while pretending innocence as he inquired.Empress Matilda, hiding her smile behind a fan while prying for details.Crown Prince David, calmly weaving questions about this into discussions of Rid's "unconventional" reputation.Princess Addie, expressionless but leaning forward like a hound on the scent.His now-brother-in-law Kiel, imitating Matilda's faux-innocent interrogation style (as family, he'd be the most relentless).The "villainess" Valérie watching with cool amusement but undeniable curiosity.The pure-hearted Marquis' daughter Maronne asking seemingly innocent questions.The timid rabbit-like Marquis' son Belzelia stammering inquiries (though his floppy ears made him less intimidating).And dear, sweet David—the only one who'd listen with sympathetic, objective calm. What a good kid.

Though purely imaginary, these projections stemmed from hard-earned experience in imperial social warfare. This called for careful, precise explanation to prevent the "wife-obsessed fool" label from sticking.

Just as Rid steeled himself to clarify under the clan leaders' fond gazes, Amon suddenly spoke up."Wow, I'm shocked," he said with startling sincerity."To think you cared for Lady Fara this deeply, Rid. This goes beyond—"

"...⁉"Rid's eyes snapped toward him.Wait. No. Amon, my friend, what are you doing with that angelic smile?

Sweat erupted across his body as his heartbeat skyrocketed.Amon was his friend! They'd commiserated over troublesome epithets before!Then—movement. Behind Amon, Rid thought he glimpsed Cross smiling faintly.

This was the second time he'd "seen" Cross behind Amon. The chill down his spine had nothing to do with magic.

The first time, he'd dismissed it as imagination or perhaps a ghost.Was Cross now acting as Amon's "guardian spirit" out of concern for Tis and Tink?

But that wasn't the immediate problem.

If this really was Cross's influence...Guardian spirits subtly guided their charges. Given Cross's personality and Amon's tone, Rid could guess what came next.

Yet he couldn't stop it.The train had left the station.

Stop. Don't say it, Amon—Rid's pleading gaze went unanswered as Amon cheerfully dropped the bomb:"Beyond a devoted husband—a full-blown 'wife-obsessed fool.'"

"Ooooh...⁉" The clan leaders murmured in awe.

No! Not "Ooooh"!Rid slumped, covering his face in utter mortification.

The murmurs crescendoed instead of fading:"How astute!""Fitting for the 'Unconventional Rising Star' to have unconventional depth of marital devotion!""Why, they may become the empire's most iconic couple!""So Lord Rid treasures his wife enough for even Lord Amon to call him 'wife-obsessed'!"

Some nodded sagely; others clapped; one elder even teared up.

Rid's thoughts spun:It's true I love Fara deeply, but—Wait, no, that's accurate, but—This isn't what I meant!

He'd wanted to explain properly, but how had things derailed so completely?

The imaginary nobles in his mind now grinned in unison (except sweet David and rabbit-eared Belzelia, who looked pitying—good kids).

As Rid stood shell-shocked, Amon approached worriedly."Rid? Did I say something wrong?"

"No... no. You just spoke your honest observation. Nothing incorrect."

"Then why are you...?" Amon followed Rid's gaze toward the ceiling where no one stood.

Cross, I know you were the ultimate devoted husband.And yes, your influence definitely affects me.But was branding me a "wife-obsessed fool" really necessary?

As Rid sighed deeply, Tink approached."Lord Rid? May I ask something strange?"

"Hm? What is it?"

"Did you... see something just now?"

"Wait—you saw it too?!"

Her eyes rounded before she suddenly giggled. "Fufu..."