Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 698

**"Hoh, now this is an amusing diversion. But I won’t tolerate empty boasts."**

**"Understood."**

**"...Very well."**

As the two nodded in unison, Sekmetos signaled to nearby warriors.

Goblets were handed to Chris and Emma, and Sekmetos herself poured the wine to the brim.

**"Hah… What in the world are those two thinking?"**

While we stood there dumbfounded, a gentle voice chimed in.

**"My, Lord Chris is quite the bold one, isn’t he?"**

Turning, I saw Tabal, a glass in hand, smiling faintly.

But Johan was nowhere in sight.

**"Lord Tabal… What exactly is this about?"**

Amon’s question prompted Tabal to take a sip from his glass.

**"The Felis have long clashed with the Torga, and on the frontlines, death could come at any moment. This history birthed a mindset—‘If we must die, let us drink and enjoy today to the fullest.’ Over time, those who could drink prodigious amounts gained respect."**

**"I… see."**

As I nodded, a tale from the Warring States period flashed through my mind—a legendary general who, forbidden from drinking in front of a certain noble, downed a goblet in defiance when insulted, earning a prized spear as a reward.

**"If Lord Chris drinks the wine poured by Sekmetos, he’ll win the hearts of every noble here. Even if he fails, his boldness will earn their favor. He must have considered all this. My, Lord Lidd, you have remarkable friends."**

**"Ahaha… Thank you."**

I forced a smile, realizing Chris must have heard this story while mingling—and saw it as a business opportunity in Zveira.

*Always pushing the limits, huh?*

I signaled Capella and Tink, whispering:

**"Once Chris and Emma finish drinking, get them water immediately. And… just in case, prepare a large container."**

**"Understood."**

**"I’ll also prepare some fruit."**

**"Thanks, both of you."**

With a bow, they slipped into the crowd.

At least we could intervene if things went south.

**"You’re quite kind, Lord Lidd."**

**"N-No, not really."**

Shaking my head at Tabal’s remark, I changed the subject.

**"By the way… I don’t see Johan. Has he not come this way?"**

**"Hm? He should be here somewhere…"**

Glancing around, he added:

**"Ah, incidentally—you may address Johan casually. To him, you’re a dear friend."**

**"O-Oh, thank you."**

*A dear friend…?*

Well, I’m more like his watchdog, but…

Building goodwill is better than hostility.

Still, hearing it outright was oddly embarrassing.

As I scratched my cheek, a commotion erupted from the crowd.

Chris’ goblet had been filled.

**"Now then, Chris—you first."**

**"As you wish. Behold."**

With a fearless grin, Chris lifted the goblet and took a small sip from the rim.

The nobles roared.

**"Go for it, elf lass!"**

**"That spirit—I like it!"**

**"Let’s see you finish it!"**

**"So cool!"**

**"You can do it, elf sister!"**

Amid the cheers, Chris’ throat moved rhythmically, gulping without pause.

Occasionally, stray droplets traced her neck, vanishing into her collar—an unintentionally alluring sight that drew whistles and slack-jawed stares from some nobles.

Their wives, however, shot icy glares, making them pale instantly.

*What a mess…*

I get it—Chris is beautiful—but still.

As the goblet tilted further, Chris finally exhaled, raising the empty vessel skyward.

Yet, the real shock was her expression—utterly unfazed, her pale elven skin only enhancing her cool composure.

*Since when was Chris such a heavyweight?!*

**"OOOOOHHHH?!"**

Amid the uproar, Sekmetos smirked and began clapping.

**"Magnificent, Kristi Saffron of the Kristi Trading Company."**

**"Thank you, Lady Sekmetos."**

Chris knelt respectfully but shook her head.

**"However… Emma will entertain you even further."**

**"Surely you don’t mean to drink from *that* goblet? Chris’ feat alone is enough to overlook it."**

**"No, no. We don’t go back on our word. Besides…"**

Chris’ meaningful glance shifted to Emma, who stepped forward.

**"I, too, am of the Felis. Before our chieftain—the renowned Beast King—I won’t let this chance slip by."**

**"...That resolve pleases me. Very well. Should you empty that goblet, I’ll grant you any reward."**

The nobles murmured in shock.

**"Is such a promise wise?"**

**"Lady Sekmetos!"**

Some tried to dissuade her, but a single glare silenced them.

**"Could *you* drink from that goblet?"**

**"W-Well…"**

They faltered, glancing at the colossal vessel, then hung their heads.

Sekmetos sighed.

**"Don’t fret. It’s beyond most."**

*No kidding—who in their right mind would try drinking from a 54-cm goblet?!*

I barely held back the retort.

**"But that’s precisely why it’s worthy of a reward."**

**"...Understood."**

As the nobles nodded, Sekmetos grinned.

**"A chieftain must show magnanimity to those who dare greatly."**

Her words ignited another cheer, shifting the spotlight from Chris and Emma to herself—her authority over the crowd undeniable.

*This is how a Beast King commands a room.*

**"Well then, Emma—prove your claim."**

At Sekmetos’ challenge, Emma smiled faintly.

**"I trust you’ll remember your promise."**

**"Naturally."**

Seizing a wine bottle, Sekmetos began filling Emma’s goblet without hesitation.

The nobles watched, breathless.

*Can Emma really handle that much?*

I wanted to stop her, but the atmosphere was beyond my control now.

*Just don’t let this end in disaster.*

**"...Hey, bring more wine."**

When the bottle ran dry, Sekmetos barked at the servants.

**"Y-Yes! Right away!"**

As they scrambled, her gaze swept the room—then locked onto me.

**"Lord Lidd, a moment."**

**"Yes? What is it?"**

Approaching, I found her leaning in, eyes gleaming mischievously.

**"Since this is such a spectacle… how about a *wager*? You and I—on whether Emma can drink every last drop."**

**"A wager?"**

*Another impulsive idea? What’s she plotting now?*

As I hesitated, her grin widened.