Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 687

"Well? Am I close to the mark?"

Amidst the lively chatter of the banquet hall, Luva peered at my stunned face with an expression that seemed to say, I’ve seen right through you.

Stay calm. She didn’t bring this up because she had concrete evidence—just a suspicion based on my inexplicable behavior.

She might just be throwing out a wild theory to gauge my reaction.

Denying it outright would only deepen her doubts.

But I couldn’t confirm it either...

So, the best response here was—

"Fufufufu..."

"...Lord Rid?"

I lowered my head slightly, shoulders trembling, as Luva blinked in confusion.

"Ahahaha! Me? A 'resident of another world' or a 'reincarnated soul'? Lady Luva, I didn’t take you for such a romantic!"

I laughed a little louder than necessary, and Luva—realizing I was treating it as a joke—pursed her lips in annoyance.

"Th-That’s not it! I arrived at that conclusion objectively, based on your achievements!"

"Is that so? Well, let me be honest with you, then." I smiled. "Lady Luva, if you would lend me your ear?"

"Very well."

She leaned in, her rounded beast ears twitching toward me.

I cleared my throat, took a deep breath, and whispered:

"If I were the reincarnation of Saint Mistina Martel... what would you think?"

"Wh—?!"

Her eyes widened as she jerked back.

When I burst into another chuckle, she narrowed her eyes, her lips twitching.

"Lord Rid, you mocked me."

"My apologies. But if we’re talking reincarnation, she’s the only one who comes to mind."

Saint Mistina Martel—the central figure of the Mistina faith, the state religion of the theocracy Toga—was said to have ascended from mortal to goddess.

Due to historical tensions, openly discussing the Mistina faith in Zubera was ill-advised. But whispering about it to a level-headed chieftain like Luva should be fine.

"Hah. You’re not very good at jokes, Lord Rid. If anyone else heard that, it could spark a diplomatic incident."

"True. But you did say, 'If anyone else heard,' didn’t you?"

Her eyes widened briefly before she sighed in exasperation.

I coughed lightly and shifted my gaze to Chris, who was networking with the aristocrats alongside Emma.

"When my mother was suffering from illness, I desperately sought a way to save her. That’s how I met Chris and Emma—and thanks to them, she survived."

"Lady Nanari, correct? I’ve heard rumors. Mana depletion syndrome, still undergoing treatment?"

"Yes, exactly."

Since her condition had been disclosed in the imperial court, it wasn’t surprising other nations knew.

Nodding, I pulled out a locket hidden in my inner pocket and opened it. Inside was a small portrait of Fara and me standing side by side.

"My, you’re the romantic one, Lord Rid. Is this Lady Fara?"

"Yes. The portrait doesn’t do her justice, but she has a cute yet dignified aura—much like you, Lady Luva."

I scratched my cheek sheepishly as Luva chuckled.

This portrait had been commissioned before my visit to the foxfolk territory. Though embarrassed to ask, Fara had happily agreed.

Now, I met Luva’s gaze seriously.

"Around the time my mother recovered, I entered a political marriage with Fara, then princess of Renalute. Meeting Chris, marrying Fara—perhaps these experiences left me without prejudice toward other races. And recently, I fought alongside Lord Amon. If people say I’ve influenced my father and those around me... maybe that’s why."

"...I see. Very well, I’ll accept that explanation."

"It’s not just an explanation—it’s the only one I have."

As Luva nodded with a smile, I scratched my cheek wryly.

Did I manage to deflect that?

Nothing I said was a lie. After I founded the Second Knight Order with beastfolk children, attitudes in Baldia did shift.

"What have you two been discussing?"

Amon, who had been watching us curiously, tilted his head.

"Just talking about how fortunate I’ve been with the people I’ve met."

"Fortunate...?"

As Amon blinked in confusion, Luva smirked.

"Indeed. I could stand to borrow some of Lord Rid’s talent for attracting connections."

She then narrowed her eyes at both of us.

"Meanwhile, I still lack a partner. You two—barely adults—are already married or engaged. It’s infuriating."

Sighing, she flagged down a passing waiter and began downing glasses of alcohol one after another.

I stared in shock.

She was drinking like someone drowning their sorrows.

"Uh, Lady Luva! That’s not healthy!"

"Rid’s right. Even with a high tolerance, this is reckless."

"Don’t worry. I’m not so weak as to get drunk this easily."

She wiped her mouth, though her eyes seemed unfocused.

A hiccup escaped her before she pointed at our chests.

"Honestly, the two of you. Acting so smug when you’re just kids."

"Smug? Ahaha. You’re definitely overdoing it, Lady Luva."

I’ll admit, getting married at this age is unusual.

Not that I’m complaining.

But Amon and I both entered political marriages. Personal feelings had little to do with it.

As I tried to placate her, she exhaled deeply.

"Sekmetos is married with children. Jetty seems to be enjoying himself, and Vene is still young. Effectively, I’m the only chieftain without a partner."

She fixed me with a stare.

"Lord Rid, don’t you have any eligible relatives or acquaintances? I may not look it, but I’m quite devoted."

"Uh, sadly, no one comes to mind. Perhaps Amon would know? He’s beastfolk and has brothers."

Amon stiffened as Luva frowned.

"Oh, no no. Amon’s brothers are Elba and Marbas, right? Absolutely not. Elba’s a brute, and Marbas... well, he’s competent, but he’s a brocon. Personality-wise, no thanks. Besides, aren’t they both war criminals?"

She delivered this rant like a comedian’s punchline before slapping Amon’s back with full force.

"Gwah—?!"

"You okay, Amon?"

He stumbled, and I quickly crouched to steady him.

"Y-Yeah. I’m fine, Rid."

"Oops, got a bit carried away. My apologies. Well then, Lord Rid, Lord Amon—if you find anyone suitable, do introduce us. I’ll be waiting."

With that, she turned on her heel and strode back into the crowd.

...Yeah, she’s definitely tipsy.

Ah well.

I’d tease her about this during tomorrow’s beastform training.

Watching her retreating figure, I couldn’t help but smile.