Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 683

"Lady Luva, what do you think of this proposed amount?"

"...Hmm."

Luva examined the documents with her dull eyes still devoid of light, furrowing her brow as she read. The tense atmosphere in the negotiation room was palpable—both our group and Luva's faction watched the proceedings with bated breath.

We had prepared our own materials alongside the documents provided by Luva's side. Using these, we drafted a preliminary cost estimate for Baldia's road construction project, spanning from the foxfolk territories via Zveera's royal capital, Vestia, all the way to the ratfolk domains.

The three of us—myself, Chris, and Capella—had crunched the numbers using abacuses, while Amon and Tink prepared the "Punch-in Machine" to formalize the estimate.

We labeled it "preliminary" because the final decision wasn't mine alone to make. Though the Baldia Second Knight Order would handle construction, the knights ultimately answered to House Baldia—meaning my father had the final say.

That said, we had already discussed profit margins for on-site estimates in anticipation of this scenario. The amount we presented to Luva fell within those agreed-upon margins, so Father would likely approve.

Luva set the documents down on the table with a slow exhale, rubbing her temples.

"Admittedly... this does seem reasonable."

A collective sigh of relief rippled through both factions.

But then she immediately added, "However..."

"Could you show a little more flexibility?"

"Thank you for the consideration, but any further concessions would exceed my authority."

I narrowed my eyes slightly and shook my head. Though they had seized the initiative earlier, it was now our turn to steer the discussion.

"If you insist on a lower price, I would need to consult Father Liner for approval. Naturally, that would delay the project's start date—please understand."

While charcoal-powered transport wasn't feasible, road construction was something Zveera could technically handle itself without involving Baldia.

Yet they had still come to us.

There were many possible reasons, but the most critical factor was likely *time*.

Given current circumstances, securing supply routes to the frontlines was undoubtedly a priority for Zveera—and speed was essential.

In that regard, Baldia's road construction was unmatched on the continent, both in efficiency and quality.

Luva had previously emphasized how "Torga's incursions grow more aggressive each year." That meant establishing reliable supply routes was urgent.

Even if Baldia handled the construction, the roads wouldn't exclusively serve the Cristy Company—Zveera's own supply corps would use them too. This would not only secure new supplies through us but also drastically improve frontline logistics.

"Is there truly no room for negotiation here?"

As expected, Luva bit.

But the quoted price was already at the absolute limit of my discretion.

"Personally, I'd love to accommodate you, but this is non-negotiable. Lady Luva, no amount of gold—no matter who offers it—can buy back lost time. Please keep that in mind."

At my words, Luva's eyebrow twitched.

"...A painful truth. It seems you've seen right through us."

"I wonder what you mean."

I feigned ignorance, and Luva returned her gaze to the estimate.

Silence descended again, tension thickening in the room.

But now wasn't the time to speak.

She was undoubtedly weighing her options.

After a moment, Luva finally relented.

"...Very well. We'll proceed under these terms."

"Thank you."

*Yes!* I mentally cheered while maintaining a composed bow.

Chris, Capella, Amon, and Tink exchanged relieved glances—we'd succeeded in closing the deal within my authorized limits.

"However," Luva added, "there's *one* additional request."

"...And that would be?"

I tensed, but she simply smiled and pointed at the Punch-in Machine on the table.

"I'd like you to explain this. And if possible—no, *absolutely*—I want it."

"Ah, *that*. I should've known Lady Luva would spot its value. I'm delighted it caught your interest."

Amid the negotiations, I'd overlooked how Luva and the other clan leaders had been eyeing the Punch-in Machine with fascination.

When Tink first demonstrated it, the clattering keys had made them widen their eyes in shock. Handing over the printed estimate had elicited murmurs of awe—their reaction was arguably the most impressed of any tribe we'd showcased it to so far.

(For reference, tribes who'd already seen the machine were warned that leaking its details to other Zveera clans would result in immediate confiscation of trial units and revoked purchasing eligibility. Hence Luva's team couldn't hide their amazement.)

After clearing my throat, I explained its functions, consumables, and future development plans—then invited them to try it themselves.

A loud *BANG* echoed as Luva's chair toppled over from how abruptly she stood.

"As clan leader, *I* shall test it first."

"Y-Yes, of course! Right this way, Lady Luva. Everyone, please feel free to gather around."

Her eyes, now blazing with light—no, *radiant* with intensity—locked onto the machine as she briskly approached. The other nobles quickly followed, forming a crowd around the Punch-in Machine in seconds.

The sheer enthusiasm dwarfed all prior demonstrations.

Given Luva's role as Sekmetos's right hand overseeing administration, these officials likely drowned in paperwork daily. Noticing bandage-wrapped hands among them, I wondered if some suffered from carpal tunnel—handwriting *was* grueling work.

Under their intense scrutiny, I guided Luva through the Punch-in Machine's operation.

Her tentative keystrokes drew astonished gasps when the keys clacked.

"...So memorizing the key positions and building muscle memory increases speed?" she murmured.

"Exactly," I confirmed. "With enough practice, you can type without looking. Skilled users can transcribe speech in real time or easily compile minutes. It *will* boost productivity."

"Fascinating. Give me a moment—I need to memorize this."

"Memorize...?"

Before I could process her meaning, Luva closed her eyes. "Quiet, please."

In the ensuing silence, her fingers twitched intermittently as she muttered under her breath.

What was she planning?

"Ready."

Her eyes snapped open, and she began typing—at a speed that made *me* stare in disbelief.

*Touch-typing?! Already?!*

The rapid-fire keystrokes drew cheers from the nobles.

"You there—fetch the bag behind my seat," Luva ordered without pause.

"At once!"

A noble retrieved it, and she pulled out stacks of documents—budget drafts, personnel transfers, labor reports, *workplace injury claims for clerk's carpal tunnel*, defense budgets, *succession briefings for the next Beast King*... all things outsiders absolutely shouldn't see.

(Some felt oddly relatable, though.)

"I've been meaning to draft these. Lord Rid, mind if I test it properly?"

Cracking her neck and rolling her shoulders, she flashed a grin that reminded me eerily of Fara.

"G-Go ahead..."

"Thanks. This won't take long."

Luva proceeded to operate the Punch-in Machine with unmatched speed and precision, churning out document after document without a single error.

"This is *perfect*. Can I keep this one?"

Her hands never stopped moving, eyes fixed on the papers rather than the keys.

All we could do was gape in awe.