Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 700

**"Then, here I go."**

At the center of the venue, bathed in the spotlight, Emma readied the Dragon-Slaying Crescent Blade—a weapon far larger than her own stature—and began her beast transformation.

A faint surge of magical energy swept through the air as her body became enveloped in pure white fur. Even her hair lightened into a glossy, silvery shade.

Despite having just downed an enormous cup of alcohol—likely eighteen sun (about 54 cm) in diameter—her steps showed no sign of faltering. If anything, the only hint of intoxication was a faint glimmer of moisture in her eyes.

The noble clans couldn’t hide their astonishment at her composure, and murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"To achieve the near-lion 'White' form at such a young age… She wasn’t just boasting after all."

Sekmetos, resting her cheek on her hand, allowed a small smirk.

If I recalled correctly, the 'Lion' stage of transformation was something Johan could achieve, putting him on par with Rafa’s Silver Fox in strength. Judging by Sekmetos and the nobles’ reactions, reaching 'White' must require immense training. Even among the Second Knight Order’s Felin members, none had achieved it.

With her transformation complete, Emma began her martial demonstration with the Dragon-Slaying Crescent Blade—her movements fluid, her steps unwavering.

At first, her motions were slow and deliberate, but they gradually intensified. The massive crescent-shaped blade sliced through the air, its sharp whistling filling the hall.

Watching her, I couldn’t help but worry—shouldn’t the alcohol be hitting her hard by now? Yet, Emma’s performance was so poised, so breathtakingly elegant, that not a trace of drunkenness could be detected.

Glancing around, I saw the nobles completely entranced by her display.

How much time had passed?

Emma came to a stop, raising the blade skyward in a motion resembling a prayer.

"...Magnificent."

Sekmetos, looking as though she’d been thoroughly outplayed, pressed her lips into a thin line before reluctantly beginning to clap. The nobles, seemingly unable to deny Emma’s skill, followed suit, filling the hall with applause.

Emma bowed gracefully to the nobles before releasing her transformation. Then, with effortless poise, she strode toward us, giving me and Chris a triumphant wink as if to say, "I did it!"

She knelt before Sekmetos, her voice steady.

"Well? Do I now have your recognition as the rightful wielder of the Dragon-Slaying Crescent Blade?"

"Hmph…"

For once, Sekmetos seemed at a loss for words.

She’d probably hoped Emma would stumble mid-performance, proving herself unworthy. But Emma remained perfectly composed—an absolute monster when it came to alcohol.

"Sek, you’ve been outplayed."

The voice came from behind us. Turning, I saw Tabar, Sekmetos’ husband, smiling faintly. Beside him stood Amon, though Johan was still nowhere in sight.

"This bet is our loss. Let us gracefully hand over the Dragon-Slaying Crescent Blade. However… Amon here has proposed an interesting alternative."

"An alternative?"

Sekmetos tilted her head slightly as Amon nodded with a grin.

"Indeed. What if we—the Foxkin and Baldia—collaborate to forge a blade surpassing the Dragon-Slaying Crescent Blade and present it to Lady Sekmetos? Of course, only if Lord Ridd agrees."

"An excellent proposal." Tabar chuckled. "Let us create a masterpiece that will stand the test of time—a symbol of our friendship."

Catching the meaningful look in his eyes, I immediately grasped the intent and nodded.

Sekmetos couldn’t outright refuse to hand over the blade in front of the nobles, nor could she break her promise. This compromise would allow her to save face.

"Sek, think of the future."

Tabar’s gentle urging finally drew a deep sigh from Sekmetos.

"Fine. Emma, I recognize you as the new wielder of the Dragon-Slaying Crescent Blade."

"Thank you."

Emma and Chris exchanged relieved glances and bowed, but Sekmetos wasn’t finished.

"However… The Dragon-Slaying Crescent Blade is a treasure passed down through our lineage. Naturally, its wielder must hold a rank befitting its prestige."

"Are you saying my commoner status disqualifies me? If so, Lord Chris or Lord Ridd can hold it in name instead."

Emma’s retort carried a sharp edge, but Sekmetos merely shrugged, amused.

"Don’t jump to conclusions. Emma, I grant you not only the blade but also the surname 'Ivron.' Henceforth, you shall be known as Emma Ivron."

"…Huh?"

Emma blinked in stunned silence, while the rest of us gaped.

A surname—in the Empire, this was equivalent to being ennobled.

A commoner ascending to nobility over a drinking contest? That was unheard of in any era.

"Lady Sekmetos, this is far too sudden!"

"Preposterous! Granting a lowborn girl a noble house name? Unprecedented!"

As protests erupted from the nobles, Sekmetos silenced them with a pulse of magical pressure.

"I said the blade is a relic of our heritage. The name is an honor bestowed by me. Do not mistake it for a traditional noble title."

"B-But still…"

Emma, now thoroughly flustered, could only stare as Sekmetos smirked.

"If you truly wish to refuse, you may return the Dragon-Slaying Crescent Blade instead. Well?"

"…Understood. I humbly accept the name Ivron."

The hall erupted into murmurs once more.

A commoner Felin girl, armed with nothing but alcohol, had not only claimed a national treasure but also a noble surname from the Beast King herself.

This was the kind of tale that would be told for generations.

"Then, Emma Ivron—take the Dragon-Slaying Crescent Blade, fairly won through your prowess."

"My deepest gratitude."

As Emma bowed, Tabar raised his voice.

"A splendid victory, Emma Ivron!"

His applause spread like wildfire, soon filling the entire hall.

Emma bowed once more to the nobles before returning to our side, sticking out her tongue playfully.

"Sorry for the fuss~"

"Sorry doesn’t cut it, Emma!" Chris groaned, rubbing her temples. "Do you have any idea how worried I was?"

"Ahaha… Truth is, I’ve always wanted to put those Felin nobles in their place. Guess I got carried away."

"Carried away?! I nearly died of stress!"

As Chris slumped in exhaustion, Emma bowed apologetically.

"Lord Ridd."

Sekmetos’ voice cut through the noise, her smile sharp.

"I’ll be expecting that superior weapon you promised."

"Yes, of course!"

Her grin carried an unspoken threat—anything less than perfection would be unacceptable.

I’d need Ellen and Alex to examine the Dragon-Slaying Crescent Blade and forge something even greater.

Just as tension settled over me, Tabar cleared his throat, drawing attention.

"Now that we’ve enjoyed such thrilling entertainment, let us drink! Tonight, we celebrate the rise of Emma Ivron!"

"OOOOOH!"

Cheers erupted, cups clashing in toast after toast.

What had once seemed like a disaster had turned into a resounding success.

As I sighed in relief, a familiar voice spoke behind me.

"Enjoying the party, Ridd?"

Turning, I found Johan grinning, his white fangs glinting.