Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 694

"Tabar, the word 'just in case' is unnecessary, don’t you think? You and I are deeply in love, after all."

"Haha, you’re right. Sorry about that, Sek."

Sekmetos shrugged, and Tabar smiled bashfully as he scratched his cheek.

From the way they naturally used affectionate nicknames in front of us, it seemed their claim of being deeply in love was genuine.

Watching their exchange brought images of my father and mother to mind.

Across time and place, the atmosphere of mutual affection always carries a similar warmth, it seems.

Before I knew it, a soft chuckle escaped me, prompting Tabar to tilt his head.

"...Lord Rid, is something the matter?"

"Ah, no. Your interactions just reminded me of my parents back home."

I cleared my throat and straightened my posture.

"Once again, I am Rid Baldia. Lord Tabar, it’s a pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise, the pleasure is mine."

As we shook hands, Tabar then hesitantly added, "By the way..."

"You said watching us made you think of your parents?"

"Well, let’s just say... the air you two give off when you’re together. It was quite similar, so I couldn’t help but..."

*More like a wife who’s the older sister rather than the husband...* Though saying that out loud would probably earn me a scolding.

I forced an awkward smile, and Sekmetos smirked in amusement.

"Coming from Lord Rid of the Baldia family, known for their devoted husbands, that’s quite the compliment. If I recall correctly, Lord Reiner was older than his wife, wasn’t he?"

"Yes, that’s correct."

Father is indeed older than Mother, though not by much. I’ve heard they married after an arranged meeting.

Still, I had no idea the Baldia family was *famous* for being devoted husbands.

Well, it’s not entirely wrong, so I suppose there’s no need to correct her.

"So, in our case, it’s the opposite," Sekmetos remarked.

"Eh...?"

I blinked in surprise.

*Opposite* would mean Sekmetos was the younger one, and Tabar the elder.

But that was hard to believe.

Sekmetos’ towering stature and imposing presence, combined with the sharp glint in her pale blue eyes behind a silver half-mask, gave her the aura of a true beast king.

Meanwhile, Tabar was slender, shorter, and baby-faced—with his long golden hair, he could easily be mistaken for a woman from behind.

Yet, he was supposedly the older one? That was nothing short of unexpected.

"What’s wrong, Lord Rid? Is there something on our faces?"

Had I been staring too obviously? Sekmetos tilted her head in question.

At this point, honesty was probably the best policy.

"Ah, haha. My apologies. I assumed Lady Sekmetos was the elder, so I was just a little surprised."

"Ah, that. Everyone says the same. Even I thought Tabar was younger when we first met. Can’t blame others for thinking so."

She shrugged, then added in a lower voice, "However..."

"Tabar oversees the noble catfolk clans and manages political affairs from behind the scenes. The stability of our border with Toga is largely thanks to his administrative skills. He’s just as capable and dependable as Luva—a husband I can truly rely on."

Sekmetos pulled him close and began ruffling his hair.

Was this some kind of feline grooming behavior?

Though, it looked more like a wild beast doting on a small cat than a married couple.

"Cut it out, Sek."

"Don’t be like that, Tabar."

Despite having guests present, Sekmetos showed no sign of stopping. If anything, she seemed to be flaunting it.

Tabar sighed and glanced at me with a wry smile.

"She may seem like this now, but when she was little, Sek was an incredibly cute and innocent girl."

"Really...?"

*This beast king was once an innocent little girl?* Well, everyone was a child once, but still...

It was hard to picture, and I found myself staring at Sekmetos again.

Tabar’s lips curled slightly.

"Though, her stubbornness hasn’t changed since then."

"Haha, those were the days. But Tabar, calling me stubborn is unnecessary."

Sekmetos laughed heartily while giving his back several firm pats.

The sound alone suggested considerable force, yet Tabar didn’t even flinch.

*This guy’s no ordinary man either.*

He shrugged and smoothly changed the subject.

"Well then, shall we show you to your rooms? If that’s alright with you, Sek."

"Of course."

Sekmetos nodded, then smirked at us.

"By the way, we’ve heard about the cultural exchange. Lord Rid, Lord Chris, and Amon—we’ve prepared catfolk traditional attire for you, so be ready for that."

"Of course it’s happening here too..."

Amon and I exchanged resigned looks, but Chris leaned in with a grin.

"...It’s fine, isn’t it, Lord Rid?" she whispered near my ear.

"I sent sketches of you and Lord Amon in the attire to a tailor I know, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. They’re eager to see the real thing—this could be a great business opportunity."

"You’re as quick as ever."

The traditional attire I’d been wearing in various places was unlike anything in imperial fashion.

Among the empire’s nobility, there was always demand for *new, beautifully designed dresses with superior aesthetics.*

Currently, the forefront of this trend was the *Duke of Glaze Lazaville*, who personally designed and produced a series of dresses.

However, ambitious young designers were constantly creating new styles to rival hers.

The tailor Chris mentioned was part of a guild where such young talents gathered.

The intricate embroidery and unique color schemes of Zubera’s traditional attire offered fresh inspiration beyond imperial conventions.

If these ideas spurred the young designers to create even better dresses, they might one day rival the popularity of the Lazaville ducal house.

Whether the attire itself sold well or simply served as inspiration for future designs, it was a win either way.

Still, as I glanced at Chris, her eyes gleamed with the unmistakable glint of *money*—she had fully embraced her merchant persona.

Funny how she’d been so hesitant about the attire at first.

"Of course. In business, speed is everything."

"Thanks. Well then, I’ll do my best."

Just as I replied to Chris, Johan came running over.

"Rid, Amon! I’ll help you two change. If there’s anything you don’t understand, just ask!"

"...Thanks, Johan."

"Haha, go easy on us, alright?"

"Leave it to me!"

I nodded, while Amon scratched his cheek with a wry smile.

Johan puffed out his chest proudly, but...

"Now then, everyone. This way."

Tabar turned and began leading us inside the mansion.

Our group followed, stepping into the residence.