Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 693

Approximately one full day had passed since our departure from the Ratfolk chieftain's residence, and we had now entered Catfolk territory.

At the checkpoint along the way, I was slightly surprised to find not just Catfolk but warriors from other tribes and human soldiers conducting inspections. Upon speaking with them, I learned the beastfolk were regular soldiers while the humans were mercenaries.

In Catfolk territory, where skirmishes with Toga continue, they apparently hire not only capable beastfolk but also trustworthy humans as mercenaries. Our Baldia delegation's passage had been notified in advance, so we passed through without incident.

The Bovine, Bearfolk, and Ratfolk territories had peaceful atmospheres with distant southern mountains visible, lush green trees lining the roads, and beautiful streams. In contrast, Catfolk territory had few trees along roadsides and no nearby rivers. While the roads were better maintained than other territories, the scenery looked rather like rough grasslands.

The villages and towns we stopped at along the way had outer walls and moats made of wood and stone - likely defenses against Togan attacks. While everywhere bustled with activity, the atmosphere felt more rugged than anywhere we'd been before. Armed warriors and mercenaries strode boldly down streets, often approached by cute Catfolk girls inviting them to shops.

"Mister warriors~ Why not eat at our place? Special service for you~""That smell does seem delicious. Heh, but miss, you're more appetizing than-"

As the human soldiers leered, a towering Catfolk chef with bulging muscles suddenly appeared from the shop, making them freeze mid-sentence.

"Oh? You gentlemen like our shop's aroma? Come right in.""N-no, we were just-""You weren't having... improper thoughts about my daughter, were you?"

Under the intimidating chef's glare, the soldiers trembled and shook their heads."N-no way!""Good, good. Now come inside~""Four guests, welcome~!"

Similar exchanges played out everywhere. Shops selling weapons and provisions had merchants energetically hawking wares, while occasional angry shouts suggested fights breaking out somewhere - truly a territory dominated by warriors and mercenaries.

"...Everywhere feels so rough here," I remarked while gazing out the window."That's typical for border territories with frequent conflicts," Tink replied. "Adventurers and mercenaries naturally gather in such places."

Having traveled the continent as an adventurer before joining House Baldia, Tink would know about such things.

"But Baldia also borders other nations without this rough atmosphere.""That's thanks to Lord Liner and former head Lord Estar prioritizing public order. Old Baldia probably had similar scenes."

As comprehension dawned, Amon chimed in: "Speaking of which, when Liner first entered Foxfolk territory, maintaining public order was his first priority. The terrifying expression he wore while cracking down made both allies and enemies shudder."

"...Father with a demonic expression must have been terrifying." I knew all too well how scary Father looked when angry, given his usual stern frown.

"Thanks to him, Foxfolk territory's public order was maintained without major incidents. His skill was remarkable.""I'll tell him you said that." I couldn't help smiling, pleased to hear Father praised.

Just then, Tink announced: "Lord Rid, that building ahead is likely the chieftain's residence."

Looking where she pointed through the window, I saw castle walls unlike any fortifications we'd passed - more fitting to call it a "castle" than a "residence," complete with a moat. There, Sekmetos and Johan awaited our meeting. The thought made my body tremble with anticipation.

Though I'd been on the back foot in Foxfolk territory and the capital, this time would be different. Resolving myself, I popped another anti-nausea candy.

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Passing through the castle-like residence's gates, our charcoal-powered vehicle stopped in the guided courtyard. Stretching as I stood, I saw Catfolk nobles formally assembled outside, with Sekmetos at their center. Time to compose myself.

As I stepped down from the trailer, a powerful magical presence made my back tingle. Instantly, a white blur appeared before me.

"Rid! I missed you!""Glad to hear that, but mind the occasion, Johan. We've talked about this before."

The white blur was none other than Johan Bestia, both a romance target in "Toki Lera" and Sekmetos' child. My guards Tink and Capella looked exasperated but unsurprised - I'd instructed them to let Johan be unless hostile.

"Don't be so stiff! We're friends and relatives!" As Johan tried to hug me, I grabbed his arm and used his momentum to toss him toward Sekmetos. "You should be over there greeting guests properly!"

Despite our playful exchange, Johan's words couldn't be taken lightly - his impulsive remarks had led to the preliminary match in the Beast King battle.

"Haha! Amazing as ever, Rid! Truly my rival!" Laughing delightedly, Johan executed a perfect midair landing before Sekmetos.

Almost immediately, a comparatively petite Catfolk stepped forward and lightly bonked Johan's head. "Oww?!""That's enough, Johan."

While Johan rubbed his head in surprise, we stared wide-eyed. As the Beast King's child (effectively a prince), few would dare bonk Johan's head before Sekmetos. Who was this person?

The individual had golden long hair, sharp yet gentle eyes, and blue pupils. Slender and under 160cm tall, their delicate, youthful features made gender ambiguous at first glance, but their attire suggested male. He wore a military uniform similar to Sekmetos' with an overcoat.

"If you call Lord Rid your rival, you should learn proper etiquette, Johan." His gentle admonishment carried tremendous pressure - oddly familiar pressure.

"Y-yes! My apologies... Father.""Good, as long as you understand."

Johan wilted under this pressure. So this was Johan's father - that explained the head-bonking privilege.

Wait, Johan's father?! Of course he'd have one, given he has a mother, but "Toki Lera" never mentioned him (unless I skipped that part). The family resemblance was unmistakable.

Noticing my stare, he smiled. "My apologies for the late introduction. I am Tabar Bestia - Sekmetos' husband, nominally speaking."

Finally, I recognized the familiar pressure - it was identical to what Father and Mother emitted when angry with me.