Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 697

The quality of weapons and armor manufactured in Valdia has improved dramatically in recent years, gaining such popularity that it’s no exaggeration to call them "premium brands."

Among knights, warriors, and adventurers, it’s even whispered that "if you seek the highest-quality arms, go for Valdian-made or dwarven-crafted gear from Gardoland."

The reason Valdia achieved such a stellar reputation in such a short time is due to Ellen and Alex’s exceptional craftsmanship—

and the combined support of Valdia and the Kristi Trading Company, which enabled their research and refinement.

The emergence of magitechnology—a fusion of magic and science—also played a major role, leading to the development of numerous electric tools powered by magic stones.

The Grandork family, now led by Amon, is gradually collaborating on such technologies as well.

It’s true that the former Grandork family prioritized military expansion in their own territory and were reluctant to supply arms.

But Sekmetos and Tabal, anticipating a technological alliance between Valdia and the new Grandork, hinted at procurement, clearly aiming to acquire high-quality weapons at lower prices.

*"…Of course. That was precisely what I intended to discuss in this meeting."*

Tabal nodded with a smile, while Sekmetos let out a *"Haha."*

*"Lord Lidd, you’re as strict as ever. You could afford to be a little more lenient, don’t you think?"*

*"Not at all. If we don’t settle these matters firmly now, it could lead to endless disputes later. For the sake of the future, we should iron out every detail—for mutual benefit."*

*"Indeed. Then, let’s focus on discussing those points."*

With Tabal’s response to my words, the meeting progressed swiftly.

The pricing of arms deals with the Grandork family, the Kristi Trading Company’s mediation, transportation methods, supply route schedules, and so on.

Surprisingly, this meeting moved forward more smoothly than any before.

I had feared Sekmetos might make outrageous demands, but as it turned out, her husband Tabal was the one steering the discussion.

Whether it was his skill or Sekmetos entrusting him with the negotiations, I couldn’t say—

but one thing was certain: he was a shrewd negotiator.

He didn’t make sharp criticisms like Luva, but he pointed out necessary issues and skillfully deflected our arguments with a relaxed demeanor.

In terms of conditions, the agreement leaned toward a *"neither favorable nor unfavorable"* balance—close to fifty-fifty.

At first glance, fifty-fifty might seem fair, but Valdia possesses technology superior to neighboring nations and other territories.

And now, Grandork, entering a technological alliance with Valdia, would be procuring arms produced with that unique expertise.

From Sekmetos and Tabal’s perspective, a fifty-fifty deal for such unparalleled weapons was practically a bargain.

That said, Sekmetos was the Beast King reigning supreme in Zveira. Realistically, we couldn’t push too hard either.

Considering these factors, *"fifty-fifty"* was likely the optimal compromise—advantageous to both sides while slightly favoring them.

True to being Sekmetos’ chosen husband, Tabal wielded masterful negotiation tactics, blending firmness and flexibility.

Though, I did manage to regain some ground with the *uchi-komi-kun* demonstration at the end—Tabal’s eyes definitely lit up at that.

As the meeting neared its conclusion, I glanced at Johan, seated beside Sekmetos and Tabal. His eyes sparkled as he stared straight at me.

*What’s up with him? I hope he’s not scheming something troublesome again…*

Despite a flicker of unease, the meeting ended far more smoothly than expected.

And with that, the venue shifted to a social gathering.

◇

The social event with the Felis tribe was held in the grand hall of the chieftain’s residence, in a standing buffet style.

As expected of a tribe that produced the Beast King, the scale was the largest yet.

The dishes lining the banquet tables were overwhelmingly meat-centric—first meat, second meat, third and fourth meat, with maybe a hint of vegetables and fruits in fifth place.

Just looking at it made my stomach feel heavy.

What truly stood out, however, was the nobles’ eating and drinking—more fitting of a *"grand feast"* than a *"social gathering."*

The sight of them devouring mountains of meat with unrestrained gusto was nothing short of spectacular.

And despite their ravenous eating, not a single stain marred their clothes—how they managed that was a mystery. Maybe their large mouths helped.

Their drinking was even more intense—no, downright chaotic.

At the far end of the hall, seated in the place of honor, Sekmetos watched as nobles lined up before her.

One by one, they greeted her, then downed enormous goblets (36 cm in diameter, 2.7 liters in volume) of alcohol in one go.

Their families cheered them on.

*"Do your best, dear!"*

*"Father, drink it all!"*

*"Heh, leave it to me!"*

After waving energetically at his wife and child, the noble knelt on one knee before Sekmetos, holding the empty goblet aloft.

With a smirk, she filled it to the brim.

*"How much can you handle?"*

*"Do not underestimate me. I shall drink it all!"*

*"Very well. Then prove your resolve."*

As the noble stood and chugged the entire goblet, the crowd erupted in cheers with every gulp.

When he finally raised the empty vessel, triumphant, the hall roared as if heralding a hero’s birth.

*"Magnificent. I’ll remember your face. I expect great things from you."*

*"Th-Thank you for this honor!"*

The noble bowed deeply, then strode away proudly.

And so, one after another, new nobles stepped forward—this had been repeating since the gathering began.

Apparently, downing a giant goblet was a Felis tradition to demonstrate courage and gain the chieftain’s recognition.

*"…That’s some insane drinking."*

*"I’d heard the Felis were hearty drinkers, but this is beyond what I imagined. Even I’m impressed."*

As I muttered while watching from a distance, Amon, standing beside me, chuckled wryly.

Initially, nobles and their daughters had come to greet us—

but the moment Sekmetos declared, *"Who among you can drink with me?"*, the hall erupted, and the drinking spectacle began.

Around us stood Capella, Tink, and others, but Chris and Emma were absent.

The two had set off to promote the Kristi Trading Company, making rounds among the influential nobles.

Ever the shrewd merchants.

*"Hm…? Lidd, isn’t that Chris and Emma over there?"*

*"Huh? Where?"*

Following Amon’s finger, I spotted them—indeed, it was Chris and Emma.

*"You’re right. But what are they planning?"*

The two approached Sekmetos and knelt on one knee.

*"…You are Chris of the Kristi Trading Company, and Emma, correct? Do you understand what it means to stand before me here?"*

Sekmetos narrowed her eyes, but Chris smirked.

Then, he glanced at the nearby 36-cm goblet.

*"Of course. I, Chris, shall drink from that one."*

*"Wha—⁉"*

I hadn’t heard anything about this!

As we gaped in shock, Emma added fuel to the fire.

"And I, Emma, shall drink from that one."

The moment she pointed, the entire hall fell silent—followed by a chorus of gulps.

Then murmurs spread— "No way…⁉" ,  "Impossible!"

And for good reason. Emma was smiling at an ornamental 54-cm goblet—one no sane person could possibly drink from.

"What  ?"

No way. Even the mightiest drinker would fail.

Not a single noble had dared to attempt it.

I couldn’t help but blurt out my shock.

Yet, Sekmetos’ lips curled in amusement.