Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 692

"Lord Rid, this meeting was truly fruitful. Let's continue working well together."

"Thank you. The feeling is mutual."

In front of the Ratfolk chieftain's residence, Luvua and I exchanged farewells and shared a firm handshake.

With the meeting and social gathering concluded, and all scheduled activities completed - including touring the Ratfolk territory after beastification training - our group was now preparing to depart for the Catfolk territory ruled by the Beast King Sekmetos.

Incidentally, Luvua herself personally guided us through the Ratfolk lands. Due to geographical reasons, their territory apparently has abundant clean spring water flowing from the mountains, with waterways installed throughout the towns and territory carrying crystal-clear water.

Looking at the people coming and going in the town, many had healthy, glowing skin, likely because the air maintained good humidity levels. However, according to Luvua, they faced food shortage problems due to their high birth rate.

Since they had abundant water, I suggested they might consider introducing rice paddies like those successfully implemented in Bearfolk and Cowfolk territories. I also proposed carp farming, already being done in Foxfolk territory, as an immediately viable option.

'Carp? That muddy-smelling fish? It's edible, but considering the feed costs and effort required for farming, is it really worth it?' Luvua tilted her head skeptically, but Amon and I exchanged glances and laughed it off.

'Actually, carp won't smell if raised properly.''Lord Rid is correct. Foxfolk territory has already begun farming them, and we're advancing export plans to the Empire and Renaluate through Baldia and the Christy Trading Company.'

'What?! Tell me more about this!'

Despite being in the middle of the tour, Luvua's eyes lit up with keen interest about carp farming. However, since farming techniques are valuable knowledge, we couldn't simply disclose them without compensation.

By tying this to the previously discussed topics of Ratfolk students studying in Baldia and exchange programs, we managed to have productive negotiations.

After our handshake, she shrugged wearily and said, "Well then..."

"I'd like to say the negotiations were fifty-fifty, but this time I feel like I lost six to four against you, Lord Rid. You made me concede more than expected with those pitching machines and carp farming techniques."

"Not at all," I immediately shook my head.

"Even if we received your order, the road construction terms were quite stringent. I believe it was a mutually beneficial fifty-fifty negotiation."

While she felt she'd conceded too much, conversely, without 'pitching machines' and 'carp farming techniques' as bargaining chips, the negotiations would have been much tougher. As the Beast King's right hand involved in national affairs, Luvua was one of the most challenging negotiators I've faced.

For the record, my least favorite negotiation partner externally is Her Majesty Matilda. Though she's the Empress, she's even more skilled at behind-the-scenes maneuvering and setting the stage. By the time negotiations are decided, it's practically her victory already. Turning that around is extremely difficult.

Well, thanks to Her Majesty Matilda and other Empire nobles, my negotiation skills have improved, so I suppose I should be grateful.

Luvua looked momentarily puzzled before breaking into a smile. "True. Well then, travel safely. Please give my regards to Sekmetos too."

"Understood, I'll pass that along. Then, we'll take our leave now."

"Yes, you're always welcome here. Lord Rid... no, all members of House Baldia are always welcome."

"Thank you. But next time, I'll be inviting you to Baldia."

As I smiled, she too softened her expression. "My, what delightful words. I'll look forward to that day."

"Yes. Well then..."

Perhaps because she reminded me of Fara somewhat, I felt a tinge of reluctance to part. Someday, it would be wonderful to travel the continent like this with Fara.

As I turned toward the trailer connected to the charcoal-powered vehicle, Luvua came hurrying over. "Ah, wait a moment!"

"Yes?"

Tilting my head, I noticed Luvua blushing slightly as she leaned in to whisper in my ear: "When I visit Baldia, I'll need you and Lord Liner to gather your eligible male relatives and talented unmarried bureaucrats for a social gathering, okay?"

"Ah, haha... I'll do my best."

"Really?! That's a promise then. I'll be expecting an invitation soon!"

"U-understood."

Not 'inviting' but 'being invited' - how typical of her.

With a wry smile, I nodded, and Luvua's face brightened considerably. The Ratfolk's high birth rate might stem from their proactive - or rather, unreserved - attitude toward romance.

Her expression made me briefly ponder this possibility.

◇

The road from Ratfolk to Catfolk territory was relatively well-maintained, making it the smoothest journey we'd experienced in Zveara so far. Probably because it doubled as a transport route. Though I still got carsick regardless.

During the trip, as usual, I rolled anti-nausea candy in my mouth while summarizing the Ratfolk negotiations with Capella, Chris, and others. Since reading documents in the vehicle made me dizzy, I had others read them aloud while Tink prepared the report for Father.

The negotiations with Luvua covered various unplanned topics like securing Zveara's road construction contracts and accepting Ratfolk exchange students in Baldia in the near future. But these were all steps toward better futures for both Baldia and the Ratfolk. Father would surely be pleased.

However, we couldn't let our guard down for the Catfolk territory. Our negotiation partner would be none other than Sekmetos, the Catfolk chieftain and Beast King ruling Zveara. While this would be our first official private meeting, recalling our interactions in Foxfolk territory and Zveara's capital told me she wouldn't be an easy opponent.

Moreover, Catfolk territory borders the Theocracy of Toga, and while there haven't been major clashes, minor skirmishes persist in this quasi-conflict state. Deepening friendship between Baldia and Catfolk (or rather, Zveara and Magnolia) could help restrain Toga's aggressive tendencies. However, substantial material support from Baldia would undoubtedly provoke Toga's backlash.

Previously, we could make excuses since even Zveara avoided direct conflict with Toga. But openly supporting a territory engaged in direct clashes would likely prompt Toga to act. Though we've laid groundwork with House Kelvin along the Empire-Toga border, our opponent is Beast King Sekmetos - we must remain vigilant.

Most importantly, Catfolk territory is home to 'Johan Bestia,' a character from 'Toki Lera.' We must monitor his movements closely. The battle at Hazama Fortress where Baldia repelled Elba should have drastically altered Johan's future, yet we can't completely rule out his potential involvement in House Baldia's judgment again.

In fact, in the upcoming Beast King battle, the outcome of our preliminary match against him could significantly impact Baldia's future. Johan isn't a bad kid, just... difficult to handle. He's quick-witted but has a vulnerability that might be exploited if left unsupervised. As a worst-case measure, we might need to consider bringing him to Baldia as a student where I can keep an eye on him.

Though Citri, despite being engaged to him, would probably be troubled to hear Johan might study in Baldia...

"Lord Rid, you look concerned. Is something unclear?" Capella asked worriedly when she noticed my thoughtful expression during discussions.

"Ah, sorry. I was thinking about our upcoming visit to Catfolk territory. No, nothing's unclear at the moment."

"Understood. Then, since we've summarized the Ratfolk negotiations, shall we proceed to confirm our plans and precautions for Catfolk territory?"

"Yes, please."

As I nodded, Capella began outlining our scheduled activities in Catfolk territory, with Chris and others supplementing details. Though feeling slightly carsick, I steeled myself and listened carefully to everyone's input.