Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 708

"Wake up, Ridd. It's morning."

"Wha-wha-what?!"

Along with Johann's bright and energetic voice, the door was knocked on violently, and I hurriedly scrambled out of bed, wondering what was happening.

Looking around, sunlight was streaming through the window, but it was still dim. It must be just after dawn.

"Hey, Ridd! I know you can hear me!"

"...Lord Ridd, it seems Lord Johann has come. What shall we do?"

In response to the call echoing from outside the room, Capella, who was waiting near the door, spoke in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Um, I'll go out for now, I suppose."

"As you wish."

I got up from the bed with a wry smile. Considering Johann's personality, it would be better for me to deal with him directly rather than leaving it to Capella.

"I'm coming out now, wait a bit."

"Oh, I knew you were awake!"

A confident voice came from outside. I didn't wake up; you woke me up, you know.

Yawning, I opened the door with a sigh.

"Good morning, Johann. What brings you here so early in the morning?"

"What are you talking about, Ridd? I told you yesterday, 'I'll come again tomorrow,' didn't I?"

"Hmm...?"

Recalling yesterday's exchange with my sleepy head, I remembered he did say, 'I'll come again tomorrow.'

"But it's still too early."

"Because you're scheduled to depart from here tomorrow, right? And from morning until evening, you're packed with plans involving my mother and father. So, as a friend, the only time I can show you around the mansion is now."

As Johann said that, his ears and tail drooped dejectedly.

"...Or do you dislike the idea of touring the mansion with me?"

"Ah, no, no. That's not it at all."

"Really?!"

When I shook my head and smiled at him, Johann beamed, showing his white fangs.

"Y-yeah. Well, I need to get ready, so wait a bit."

"Okay. By the way..."

Johann nodded, then scratched his cheek, looking somewhat apologetic.

"Can I come inside the room? The hallway is a bit chilly."

"Haha, sure. Come on in."

I readily invited him inside and signaled to Capella to bring some warm drinks.

Johann, acting familiar, sat down on the sofa provided in the room and started helping himself to the baked goods like cookies on the table, one after another.

"If you eat too much, you won't have room for breakfast."

When I called out to him, Johann took a sip of the drink he received from Capella and then shook his head.

"You sound like my mother. It's fine, this much won't fill me up."

"Is that so? Well, if you say so."

Letting out a small sigh and agreeing, I changed from my sleepwear into the Beastman tribe's traditional attire. I'd prefer to change into my usual clothes, but while in the Beastman territory, it's probably better for diplomatic reasons to wear this. The Beastman tribe's traditional attire is designed for ease of movement, almost like a military uniform, which is helpful as it's easier to put on than my Imperial-style casual clothes.

"Hmm...?"

While changing, I felt a gaze from behind and turned around to see Johann staring at me intently, his eyes wide.

"...What?"

"Nothing, it's just... after all that moving around yesterday, I thought your build is unexpectedly slender and neat."

"What are you looking at?"

I was taken aback and let my head drop with a sigh. Johann started laughing, "Ahaha."

"Actually, my build is quite slim too, just like you, Ridd. My mother is sturdy, but my father is slender. They say I take after my father."

"O-oh, is that so?"

I nodded in agreement, and Johann's eyes sparkled. I tried not to pay it any mind and resumed changing.

"By the way, who do they say you take after, Ridd?"

"Hmm? I'm often told I resemble my mother."

"Is that so? Then, is your mother good at magic too?"

"Eh...?"

I've never heard anything about Mother being able to use magic. More importantly, Mother suffers from Mana Depletion Syndrome, and consuming mana could likely worsen her condition. Using magic is out of the question. But that doesn't necessarily mean she lacks talent for magic.

Groaning, I tilted my head and then shook it.

"I wonder. Mother is in the midst of her illness, and I haven't heard any stories about her being able to use magic before that either."

"Huh, is that so? Ah, that's right!"

As if struck by an idea, Johann leaned forward and stood up.

"If Ridd's mother gets better, you could teach her magic, couldn't you?"

"Fufu, that's an interesting idea."

I couldn't help but laugh, and Johann puffed out his cheeks in a pout.

"I'm not joking. The magical talent and strong scent you possess come from your bloodline."

He twitched the tip of his nose and pointed at his own nose.

"The Baldia family is famous for having many heads skilled in martial prowess, but there haven't been any heads proficient in magic. It's probably related to your mother's side, or that bloodline. If you get the chance, you should look into it."

"Haha, I get it. I'll consider it if Mother fully recovers and shows interest in magic."

Mother getting better and learning magic from me... Father would surely object, but Merle and everyone at the mansion would be happy. I might even cry from happiness.

I answered with a smile and then changed the subject. "Well then..."

"I'm finished changing. So, Johann, where are we going?"

"Let's see. First, let's go call for Amon too. Then, my room, and after that, how about I show you around the mansion?"

"Okay. I'll leave it to you."

I nodded and signaled to Capella, who was waiting near the door. It meant for him to accompany us as a guard. He immediately understood and bowed.

"Then it's decided. Let's go."

Johann started walking happily and opened the door, but he stopped, saying, "Huh...?"

"What's wrong?"

Peeking from behind, I could see a figure in the hallway. Wondering who it was, I stepped forward, and the figure bowed politely.

"Lord Ridd, Lord Johann. Good morning."

"Isn't that Tink? Why are you here?"

My eyes widened. She was there, perfectly composed in her maid uniform, with an impeccable demeanor. My dedicated guards are Capella and Tink; Capella is on duty from evening until the next morning, and Tink from morning until evening. Right now, it's early morning, usually just before the shift change.

"I heard Lord Johann's voice and hurried here. Especially after last night's events."

She smiled, narrowing her eyes, and glanced at Capella and me. However, her eyes weren't smiling at all.

"...I have no excuse.""Ah, ahaha..."

Capella bowed his head, and I smiled wryly, scratching my cheek in embarrassment.

Watching our exchange, Johann tilted his head in confusion.