Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 678

In the darkness of the night, Kamui stared straight at me as if trying to discern something.

The revelation that Kalua was of the bear clan chieftain’s bloodline was surprising, and Kamui’s concern about him being "troublesome to handle" likely referred to the risks of information leaks or suspicions of espionage now that his origins were known.

But what mattered wasn’t Kalua’s past—it was his actions up to now.

Since coming to Baldia, he had been the first among the beastkin children to take on rigorous training, often setting an example for the others.

Early on, when the beastkin children had just arrived, I’d ordered surveillance to ensure they didn’t engage in suspicious activity—but no odd reports ever came.

If anything, there were positive reports about certain children training late into the night or studying on their own.

Those same children now served as squad leaders and vice-captains in Baldia’s Second Knight Order.

Naturally, Kalua was among them. I remember him being far more serious—no, driven than the others, as if he had something to prove.

Looking back, perhaps he carried the weight of having abandoned his birthright as the chieftain’s heir.

More than anything, though, he was now an irreplaceable asset to the Second Knight Order.

And to me, as a friend.

I didn’t even need to think—the answer was already clear.

As I lifted my head to meet Kamui’s gaze, moonlight spilled through the clouds, illuminating the balcony once more.

"If he himself has cast aside his name, then I have no issue with it. There’s nothing troublesome about how we’ll handle him."

"...Are you certain? Right now, you may be the only one who knows, but eventually, Lord Liner and others will hear of it. When that happens, questions will arise—about espionage, leaks, even your own oversight. Unfounded suspicions could taint your reputation."

"Pfft—ahahaha!"

I couldn’t help but burst out laughing, earning a puzzled look from Kamui.

"Lord Rid, I’m being serious here."

"My apologies. But that’s…"

Straightening my posture, I met his eyes with unwavering resolve.

"...something we’ve known since the moment we took in the beastkin children. This changes nothing. So while I appreciate your concern, rest assured—neither I nor Baldia are so fragile as to waver over something like this."

"...I see. It seems I worried for nothing."

Kamui’s expression softened under the moonlight, his usual sternness nowhere to be seen.

He looked almost like a different person.

Just then, a strong night wind swept through, rustling the grass and sending a chill down my spine.

"...Achoo! Ah, pardon me."

Kamui blinked, then chuckled. "Seems we’ve talked too long out here. Let’s head back."

"Right."

As we walked toward the window, Kamui shot me a sly grin.

"Ah, I nearly forgot. The wood used for your sculpture was over a century old. I assume you’ll want the same quality for your wife’s and the Renalute royals’ pieces?"

"Eh…?"

I froze mid-step.

Over a century old?!

That had to be absurdly rare and valuable.

A terrible premonition flickered in my mind.

"Something wrong, Lord Rid? Surely this isn’t surprising. Unless… you’re worried about the cost, despite these being gifts for your wife and royalty?"

"N-no! Not at all! Of course, I want the same highest quality for hers as well!"

I puffed out my chest confidently, though internally, I was anything but calm.

Still, for something meant for Mother Eltia—a royal gift—Kamui was right.

This wasn’t some casual present for relatives or wedding favors.

Royalty, nobility, aristocracy—no matter the nation, those of high status cared deeply about appearances.

Skimping here could cost far more in credibility than gold.

Still… noble society really is expensive.

Father was going to have a headache over this.

"Understood. Highest quality it is. In that case, I’ll specially prepare five-hundred-year-old wood."

"F-five hundred?!"

My voice cracked.

If century-old wood was rare, five centuries would send its value skyrocketing—the kind of treasure stored in national vaults!

Wouldn’t commissioning sculptures of myself and my wife from something that luxurious just make me seem vain? I’d earn mockery, not praise!

Yet Kamui only smirked, hand over his mouth.

"Oh? Is five hundred years insufficient? Then how about… millennium-aged timber?"

A THOUSAND YEARS?! That’s the kind of wood designated as national treasures or natural monuments!

This isn’t funny!

"N-no no no no! My sculpture is already more than exquisite enough! Century-old wood is perfectly sufficient!"

"What a shame."

Kamui shrugged exaggeratedly before bursting into laughter and striding ahead.

Did I manage to rein it in?

As I sighed in relief, Kamui casually added, "By the way…"

"You seemed quite worried, but if you recall, I did say the materials would be provided by the bear clan."

"Eh…?"

When I gaped at him, he flashed a triumphant, roguish grin.

"Meaning, I never intended to charge you for them in the first place. If anything, you’re the one who lost out here, Lord Rid."

"Wha—?!"

"Hah! You’ve still got some naivety in you. Consider it a token of friendship."

Leaving me speechless, Kamui cheerfully returned to the banquet hall.

You tricked me, Kamui Magenta!

Now that I thought about it, he had mentioned the materials would come from the bear clan.

But wait—didn’t I already agree to cover all expenses upfront?

"...Could this actually be his way of showing gratitude?"

I tilted my head, though only Kamui knew the real answer.

Maybe this was his way of balancing the scales after the matter with Kalua.

Either way, what an enigmatic man.

And so, the night drew to a close, and the banquet ended.

With our business in the bear clan territory complete, we’d depart for the rat clan lands tomorrow.

Their chieftain, Luva Gandarshika—rumored to be the most reasonable among the tribal leaders.

Somehow, I had a feeling our meeting with her would go more smoothly than the others.

Now then, what kind of sights await us in the rat's tribe  domain?

I couldn’t wait to find out.