Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 679

"Lord Rid, that was a good discussion."

"Likewise."

In front of the Bearman chieftain's residence, Kamui and I exchanged farewell handshakes.

Having completed all the proceedings of the talks, our group would now depart for the Ratman territory.

Incidentally, learning from last time's mistake, I ate less breakfast this morning.

I absolutely cannot afford to make such a disgraceful spectacle in front of everyone again.

"Leave the matter of the sculpture to me. I promise to send Renalt the finest piece."

"Ah, yes. Thank you. But please, moderately priced materials will suffice."

I wouldn't know what expression to make if I saw a sculpture of myself carved from five-hundred or thousand-year-old materials.

As I scratched my cheek with a wry smile, Kamui nodded "Understood" while glancing toward the rear where our group's charcoal-fueled vehicles were parked.

With his height exceeding two meters, he could probably see quite far into the distance.

"Is something the matter?"

I tried following his gaze, but couldn't see anything unusual from my vantage point.

"No, it's nothing."

Kamui shook his head but cleared his throat somewhat awkwardly.

"Also... about Kal'ua who taught you Beastform. She has good potential. Take good care of her as one of our kin."

"Ah...?!"

Since the Second Knight Order members were helping with departure preparations in the rear, he must have been watching from afar.

How tsundere. I nodded while unable to suppress a "heh" and a smile.

"I'll be sure to tell her that."

"No need to go out of your way to mention it."

Kamui replied deadpan before changing the subject. "More importantly..."

"Next is Luva's territory, correct? Well, do your best."

"...? Yes, thank you."

The suggestive tone made me tilt my head in puzzlement, but Kamui said nothing more.

After bidding farewell to the chieftains, our group boarded the charcoal vehicles and trailers, leaving Bearman territory behind.

Between the woodcarving sculpture, Kal'ua's origins, and Beastform training, many things had happened, but all's well that ends well.

Since we were seen off amicably in the end, I'd consider the talks successful.

Our charcoal vehicles swiftly crossed the plains of Bearman territory, entering Ratman territory after about a day and a half.

◇

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

"Chief Luva, it's been since the chieftain council. Long time no see."

Upon arriving at the Ratman chieftain's residence, Chief Luva Gandarsika and nobles welcomed us.

As I shook hands with Luva and looked around, I felt my mood lift slightly.

Probably because unlike the Oxmen or Bearmen, there was no overwhelming height difference creating intimidation.

The Ratmen are reportedly the smallest among beastkin, with adult males 150-155cm and females 145-150cm tall.

With their cute, childlike faces, most present were likely adults, but they could easily pass for adolescents.

Not that I'd ever say that to their faces - they'd surely take offense.

The houses in Ratman villages and towns we passed en route were also uniformly compact to accommodate their stature.

Father or Dynas would probably bump their heads trying to pass through doorways.

"...? Is something wrong, Lord Rid? You seem rather relaxed."

"Ah, my apologies. Coming from Oxman and Bearman lands, the eye level is more comfortable."

When I scratched my cheek, Luva nodded understandingly. "Ah, I see."

"We Ratmen are comparable to dwarves in height - perhaps even shorter. Whereas Oxmen and Bearmen are among the tallest races on the continent. Your reaction is understandable."

"Huh, comparable to dwarves? I didn't know that."

Now that she mentioned it, Ellen and Alex - dwarves in Baldia - were about the same height as the Ratmen here.

The dwarven kingdom of Gardland.

Unlike Renalt or Zveera, it doesn't border Baldia, so I likely won't visit.

But given the chance, I'd like to compare their heights with Ratmen firsthand.

"Now then, Amon, Lady Chris, Lord Rid. The cultural exchange preparations are ready. Let me show you there first."

"Ahaha. I figured it'd come to this."

"At this point, I'm getting used to it."

Amon and I exchanged glances and shrugged.

This was probably standard procedure in every territory now.

However, one person timidly raised a hand - Chris.

"Um, I think I misheard, but... me too?"

"Indeed. I heard you wore the attire in Bearman territory as well."

"But..."

As Chris tried to decline, Luva suddenly smiled.

At that instant, a static-like crackle sounded as a dark aura began emanating from behind her.

The atmosphere grew heavy and tense.

"...Tall with long, slender legs and uniformly mature, beautiful faces. Any Ratman would envy the elves. How often I've yearned for such."

Luva spoke fluently with a smile, but her words carried an undertone of... personal resentment?

A chilling presence. She stepped closer to Chris.

"Having someone like you wear our tribal garments is a rare opportunity. For the sake of Christie Trading and Zveera's partnership, this cultural exchange is absolutely, positively essential. Don't you agree?"

"Y-yes. Understood. I'll gratefully accept then..."

Chris seemed to realize resistance was futile, nodding with slumped shoulders.

"I'm glad we understand each other. Now then, let me show you to the room. This way."

As Luva and nobles led the way, I gently patted the dejected Chris's back and smiled.

"Welcome to our side."

"This isn't a welcome..."

Chris sighed deeply, shaking her head in resignation.

Heh, seeing others get roped into things gives me a strange sense of camaraderie.

Probably because it's usually me being dragged around.

That said, observing Luva and noblewomen's attire - predominantly red and white with intricate embroidery exuding elegance...

Yet adorned with cute ribbons, frilly sleeves and skirts - the outfits were utterly charming.

While somewhat resembling imperial-style dresses, the Ratmen's clothing felt more adorable.

"Hey, Chris."

"...? What is it?"

When I called, she leaned in after I gestured to listen closely.

"Those clothes - don't you think they'd sell well if marketed properly to imperial and Renalt noblewomen? The style's similar to imperial fashion, and imperial dresses are popular in Renalt too, right?"

"Now that you mention it... There'd be sizing and wearing considerations though..."

Chris murmured, then suddenly straightened.

Her eyes and expression instantly shifted to merchant mode.

She was likely already compiling customer lists in her head.

"This is a business opportunity. A massive one at that. Emma, I'll fully utilize this chance to wear the attire. Come with me when changing."

"Yes, understood!"

As Emma responded cheerfully, Chris glanced at Tink.

"Lord Rid, may I request Tink's assistance to gather better insights?"

"Huh? S-sure, that's fine."

"Thank you. Then Tink, please come with me."

"O-okay..."

Taking Tink's hand, Chris hurried after Luva. "Chief Luva, might I ask something..."

Emma followed after them.

Ever the shrewd merchant.

"...By the way, Kapella."

"Yes, what is it?"

After clearing my throat, he stepped closer.

"Could you arrange to send some of those clothes as souvenirs to Mother and Fara back in Baldia?"

"Oh, in that case, have some sent to Tis and Citri from me too."

Hearing me, Amon quickly raised his hand.

"Understood. I'll make arrangements."

Kapella bowed slightly, but I could swear his usually expressionless face held a faint smile.