Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 699

**"Nothing extravagant. You heard my promise—if Emma empties that goblet, she earns a reward. But if she fails, you cover the banquet's expenses. An amusing wager, don’t you think?"**

**"W-Wait a moment!"**

Chris was the first to react.

**"The challenge was our idea. Lord Lidd—no, House Valdia has nothing to do with this."**

**"Don’t be tedious. If you issued the challenge, you must have been confident of success."**

**"That’s…"**

As Chris and Emma hesitated, Sekmetos’ gaze sharpened.

**"Or were you merely seeking attention through failure? If so, you’ve gravely underestimated us."**

**"N-No! We would never—"**

They hurriedly bowed, but I stopped them with a raised hand and met Sekmetos’ eyes with a calm smile.

**"Understood. I accept your wager."**

**"Haha! Straight to the point, Lord Lidd!"**

Sekmetos’ smirk widened as the nobles erupted in cheers.

**"As expected of the maverick stormbringer! You understand the spirit of revelry!"**

**"That’s the Valdian spirit!"**

**"Lord Lidd, I like your style!"**

Drunken shouts filled the air—typical banquet behavior.

*Well, as long as they’re enjoying themselves…*

Still… I glanced around.

*If Emma fails, I’m footing the bill for this whole feast.*

*Do I even have enough savings for this?*

At worst, years of income from the Kristi Trading Company and the Second Knight Order might vanish.

**"...Lord Lidd, I’m sorry for dragging you into this."**

**"Huh? No, don’t worry about it."**

Chris and Emma whispered apologetically, but I shook my head.

**"As Sekmetos said, you wouldn’t have issued the challenge without confidence. Might as well ride the winning horse."**

**"Ah, well…"**

Emma scratched her cheek awkwardly, and my blood ran cold.

**"Wait… you *can* drink it, right?"**

**"I believe so. I’ve never been intoxicated, no matter how much I drink."**

She paused.

**"...But I’ve never tried a goblet *this* large. That’s my only concern."**

**"Ah… I see."**

She glanced at the vessel in her hands.

The wine’s surface faintly reflected our faces—yet it wasn’t even full.

*Just how much is this going to hold?*

But the wager was set. No backing out now.

**"I chose to roll the dice. Whatever happens, I’ll take responsibility. So, Emma—no pressure."**

**"...Thank you. I *will* empty it."**

As determination ignited in her eyes, the servants returned with armfuls of wine bottles.

Sekmetos snatched one, uncorked it with a flick, and grinned.

**"Now, let’s fill the rest."**

**"Please do."**

Emma held out the goblet, and Sekmetos poured with relish.

Bottle after bottle emptied.

Soon, the goblet brimmed, its surface trembling on the verge of overflowing.

**"Well then, Emma—show us."**

**"As you wish."**

With a deep breath, she pressed her lips to the rim and began drinking.

Gasps filled the hall as all eyes locked onto her.

At first, the wine’s volume made its descent imperceptible—but soon, the level visibly dropped.

From where I stood, the rhythmic *glug-glug* of her swallowing was unmistakable.

*How is her body handling this?*

Emma was petite, even by Felis standards. Yet the wine vanished as if into a bottomless pit.

*Does she just… bypass her stomach entirely?*

While I gaped, the goblet’s tilt grew steeper.

The nobles, initially jeering, now stared in stunned silence as the vessel tipped toward the sky.

Finally—

**"Haaah…"**

Emma exhaled, licked her lips, and smirked.

*She actually did it.*

Sekmetos’ lips curled as Emma rose, lifting the empty goblet high.

The hall exploded in awe.

**"Magnificent."**

**"Thank you. As a Felis, I’ll treasure Lady Sekmetos’ words forever."**

Emma bowed, then straightened.

**"Now… about my reward."**

**"Very well. What do you desire?"**

Sekmetos lounged in her chair, chin propped on a fist.

Emma’s gaze slid to the broad-bladed polearm clutched by a warrior at Sekmetos’ side.

**"I would like the *Zanryū Hangeitō* (Dragon-Slaying Crescent Blade)."**

**"…What?"**

Sekmetos’ face darkened.

A ripple of shock tore through the nobles.

*Uh… what’s happening?*

**"You’re aware this blade is one of Zveira’s ancient, hallowed weapons?"**

Emma nodded.

**"Of course. But *any reward* was your own promise, Lady Sekmetos."**

Her smile held steady as the nobles erupted.

**"Outrageous! For mere drinking?!"**

**"How dare you, you thieving cat!"**

*A national treasure?!*

To demand such a relic as a drinking prize—Emma’s audacity was staggering.

*Did Chris know about this?*

I glanced at her.

Chris stood unfazed, smiling serenely.

*Of course. After years in commerce, she’s immune to chaos.*

Meanwhile, my pulse pounded under the thickening hostility.

*I need to learn from them—*

Then Chris turned stiffly, her lips moving soundlessly:

*‘H-Help me, Lord Lidd…’*

*Wait—this was Emma’s solo act?!*

My stomach dropped. Emma and Sekmetos were locked in a silent duel.

*Is there some grudge here?*

No time to wonder. If this escalated, relations with the Felis would implode—far beyond monetary damage.

**"Everyone, please quiet down!"**

My voice cut through the uproar.

**"Chris and Emma merely issued a drinking challenge. The wager and reward were Lady Sekmetos’ own proposal. Emma’s claim is logically sound."**

**"B-But—!"**

**"Unless,"** I pressed, **"you imply Lady Sekmetos would break her word?"**

**"Guh…"**

The protests died, replaced by sour grimaces.

*Bought time—but the next move is hers.*

**"Isn’t that right, Lady Sekmetos?"**

**"Very well."**

She inclined her head, then raised a finger.

**"But the *Zanryū Hangeitō* is no ordinary weapon. A wielder must prove worthy. Emma—demonstrate your mastery here and now."**

**"Gladly."**

Without hesitation, Emma rose.

Sekmetos took the polearm from her retainer and offered it.

Emma accepted with both hands and strode to the center of the hall.

A path cleared before her.

Silence fell like a blade.