Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 673

"『So you really did see "that guy"』"

The affectionate way she said "that guy" - it was undoubtedly Cross she meant.

"Yeah. This makes the second time for me. Tink, have you seen him often?"

"No, today was my first time. But I always felt like he was nearby somehow."

She shrugged with an exasperated expression, but her tone sounded oddly pleased.

"Rid. And Lady Tink. Just what are you two talking about?"

Amon tilted his head at our conversation.

"Oh, it's nothing. I was just thinking what a kind husband you'll make someday, Amon."

"Indeed. Without a doubt."

"Eh, um... what exactly do you mean by that...?"

Of course, we couldn't exactly say "Cross has become a guardian spirit clinging to Amon's back."

As Tink and I exchanged glances and nodded to cover it up, Amon only grew more confused.

Amid the ongoing cheerful chatter of the clan leaders, a particularly loud laugh suddenly boomed out.

Startled, I looked over to see Kamui laughing while holding his forehead.

"A rule-breaking maverick who's a doting husband, eh? Truly amusing."

"Ahaha, is that so? If you think so, then feel free to call me whatever you like."

At this point, with things having escalated so far, there was nothing to be done.

Scratching my cheek with a resigned smile, Kamui nodded and said, "Very well."

"I accept your proposal to dispatch our craftsmen to Baldia. I promise they'll create another masterpiece there."

"Really? Thank you."

Expressing my gratitude, I gave a slight bow.

I'd expected him to name some conditions, but the atmosphere didn't seem to call for that.

In any case, my original objective had been achieved.

Now, to clear up a slight misunderstanding.

"Um, about the completed sculpture - I'm actually planning to send it to my wife's family in Renalt."

"Oh? So our sculpture will be presented to Renalt's royal family then."

Kamui's eyes, which had been friendly, took on the sharpness of a statesman's.

If the rice field development proceeds as planned, it will create agricultural ties between Renalt and the Bear Clan.

This matter could then become an opportunity for them to deepen friendly relations with Renalt.

My goal was simply to give Eltia-sama some small comfort in her feelings for Fara.

But if it also serves as a chance for the Bear Clan to promote themselves, creating mutual benefit should motivate them.

"Yes. While it will be sent under Baldia's name, I'll make absolutely certain to convey that it was crafted by the Bear Clan people."

My carefully worded statement caused a stir among the clan leaders.

Sent under Baldia's name, but with credit given to the Bear Clan.

In other words, if the sculpture is well-received, it would definitely help strengthen ties between the Bear Clan and Renalt royalty.

With the Empire and Balst between Renalt and Zubera, opportunities to build relations are rare.

But through this matter, they could gain connections ahead of other clans.

This shouldn't be a bad deal for them either.

I deliberately shifted my gaze from Kamui to the sculpture.

"So please, create another soulful masterpiece like this one here."

"Very well. Then we'll provide all materials from Bear Clan territory. Also, we'll make another copy of Rid's sculpture."

"Eh? Another copy of my sculpture?"

When I tilted my head in question, Kamui nodded firmly.

"If it's for Renalt's royal family, then the sculptures of Rid and Fara - symbols uniting the Empire and Renalt - should be a matching pair."

"Ah... right."

His reasoning was sound.

Sound, but it would mean sending a sculpture of myself under my own name alongside Fara's.

Somehow that feels incredibly narcissistic, like some self-absorbed, cringeworthy person.

Well, both King Elias and Eltia-sama are rulers - they'll understand the intent behind it.

Though I'll probably get teased mercilessly next time we meet.

"Then the Christie Trading Company will take full responsibility for transporting both the craftsmen and sculptures."

Shortly after I voiced agreement, Chris stepped forward with a merchant's keen look in her eyes.

For transporting between Bear, Ox, and Tanuki Clan territories to Renalt via Baldia, the Christie Company with its connections and charcoal-powered vehicles would be most reliable.

Plus, she probably wants the achievement of handling cross-territory transport.

That would help spread awareness of the Christie Company's exceptional - almost anomalous - capabilities within Zubera.

Looking across the continent, almost no trading companies have distribution networks spanning Zubera, Balst, the Empire, and Renalt.

The distances between nations make it normally impossible.

What makes it feasible is Baldia's backing, the charcoal vehicle system, and of course, Chris's renowned business acumen.

"Very well. Then let us begin the talks, including that matter."

"Right. Understood."

As I nodded, Kamui began walking ahead.

Most key agenda items were already settled in Ox Clan territory anyway.

Here we'd just be confirming details and finalizing arrangements.

After this, we'll inspect potential rice field sites, then finally proceed to Kamui's beast transformation training.

So far, the diplomatic tour has progressed smoothly.

There were some minor deviations from initial plans.

But nothing major enough to be called unexpected problems.

My rapport with Kamui is good, and we should be able to depart Bear Clan territory without issues.

For the beast transformation training, I planned to have Karua of the Second Knight Order's Bear Clan participate.

He's more courteous than others, even since first arriving in Baldia, and would behave appropriately before Kamui.

Though unexpectedly gaining a reputation as a doting husband (beyond just being uxorious) was unforeseen.

But handled well, this could also help soothe Eltia-sama's feelings and build ties with Renalt.

As they say - turn misfortune into blessing. Everything's trending positively so far.

At this rate, the talks, site inspections, and beast transformation training should all conclude without incident.

I genuinely believed that.

◇

"Karua. I'd heard rumors you washed up in Baldia. But to shamelessly appear before me now, even daring to learn beast transformation? Still as thick-skinned as ever, I see."

"Lord Kamui remains as short-tempered as ever with family who defy him, I see. Your public face seems quite polished though."

Kamui and Karua.

The murderous atmosphere between them.

The waves of killing intent radiating from both.

Like the moment before a deathmatch begins.

The oppressive, suffocating pressure of a battlefield.

In the grasslands slightly removed from the Bear Clan leader's residence, only the three of us remained.

"Wh-why has it come to this...?"

I stood stunned by their intense confrontation.

The talks and field inspections had concluded without issue.

While moving to this grassland for beast transformation training, the three of us had made light conversation in a relaxed mood.

Yet the moment they faced each other, the atmosphere instantly turned hostile.

Both had been perfectly calm moments before.

Karua hadn't told me anything about this.

Some clan leaders had reacted with surprise upon seeing him, which I'd noticed but didn't inquire about, figuring he'd tell me if necessary.

Even under Kamui's demonic glare, Karua remained composed, narrowing his eyes.

"And the thick skin might run in the blood... former Father."

"Don't get cocky, brat."

"Eh?!"

Karua's "former Father" made me doubt my ears in shock.

Just what history existed between these two?

Wait, you two were father and son?

You could've told me that much sooner...