Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 710

"So, what do you think, Ridd, Amon? It's a good view, isn't it?"

Johann, who had guided us to the top of the castle walls, stood with the Beastman territory bathed in the morning sun behind him, showing his white fangs in a proud grin.

"Yeah, it is.""Ah, it's quite a spectacular view."

As Amon and I looked out at the scenery through the gaps in the crenelated walls, the chilly early morning wind brushed past our cheeks. Tink and Capella were standing by nearby.

The area near the clan chief's mansion was a grassland with flat roads stretching as far as the eye could see. Looking into the distance, one could faintly see smoke rising from towns and villages. Beyond that, a faint mountain range was visible. Looking directly down from the high castle walls, there was also a deep outer moat. Combined, the height difference likely easily exceeded ten meters.

Given that it borders Toga, the structure of the Beastman clan chief's mansion is more of a fortress than a stately home. The fact that it's situated on a flat grassland with no nearby towns or villages is probably to prepare for enemy attacks. Advancing across a grassland with no cover would make them perfect targets for the soldiers on the walls. The walkways on the walls were always stocked with bows, arrows, and stones of various sizes, ready for immediate combat. In Baldia, the fortresses bordering Zubera, Balst, and Renalute have similar structures and preparations.

"What you two are looking at now is the northern side, where the Wolfman territory is. Over there is the eastern side, where the Ratman territory is, right? And that way is the western side, which leads to Toga."

"Huh..."

Following the direction Johann pointed with my eyes, I could faintly see the border wall said to have been built over many years by the Beastman tribe between them and Toga. If I had to name something similar from my previous life, it would be something like the 'Great Wall of China.'

While I was lost in thought, a *thump* echoed deep in my chest, a shiver ran down my spine, and a chill swept over me. What is this? This clingy, unpleasant feeling. It's like I'm being watched. No, it's more similar to the 'will of mana' I felt from Cross and the other knights. But this isn't heartwarming; it gives more of an impression of a will trying to dominate people.

Toga is the country where 'Elliot Oration,' one of the romanceable targets in *Toki Lela*, resides. I have no connection with Elliot so far, but the future is beginning to change bit by bit due to my actions... I hope nothing happens.

My body shivered from the sudden chill, and Amon, standing next to me, tilted his head.

"Ridd, what's wrong?""Ah, it's nothing. Just a bit chilly."

I scratched my cheek, evading the question. Saying I felt a chill coming from the direction of Toga would be far too suspicious. I didn't want to make Capella and Tink worry unnecessarily.

"Now that you mention it, with the wind, it is a bit cold.""Is that so? I don't find it that cold."

Amon's words were followed by Johann's, and then Tink cleared her throat.

"Everyone, it is almost time for breakfast. Perhaps we should move to the dining hall?""That's a good idea. Johann, could you lead the way?""Of course. Come on, this way!"

When I asked, he smiled sweetly, lightly patted his chest, and then started walking, leading the way. Amon and Tink followed behind, but I was concerned about that 'unpleasant feeling' from before and turned to look towards Toga once more before starting to walk... but this time, I felt nothing.

"...Was it just my imagination?"

Tilting my head, Capella, who was beside me, also turned to look towards Toga, following my gaze.

"Lord Ridd, is something the matter?""No, it's nothing.""Ridd, what are you doing? We'll leave you behind!"

Snapping back to reality at Johann's voice, I saw they had already moved quite far ahead."Sorry. I'm coming right away."

Having finished our tour of the clan chief's mansion, we moved to the dining hall to have breakfast.

◇

Upon arriving at the dining hall, we found Sekmetos, Tabal, Chris, Emma, and others already seated at a large round table, chatting and laughing. The topic seemed to be mainly about Emma's drinking prowess at last night's social gathering. Neither Chris nor Emma showed any signs of a hangover.

"Good morning, Lady Sekmetos."

When I greeted her with a smile and a bow, she noticed us and narrowed her eyes.

"Good morning, Lord Ridd, Lord Amon. Did you sleep well last night?""Yes, I slept very soundly.""I fell asleep before I knew it. It helped me recover from the fatigue of the journey.""Is that so? I'm glad to hear that."

After exchanging light greetings with everyone present, I took a seat near Chris and the others. Amon sat to my left, and Johann to my right. Tink and Capella did not take seats but remained standing respectfully behind us.

"Um, Lord Johann. Shouldn't you be seated closer to Lady Sekmetos and the others?"

I asked in a formal tone, as this was a public setting. He narrowed his eyes.

"Don't worry about it. Today, I want to deepen my friendship with friends who have come from a distant land. Father, Mother, that's fine, right?""Ah, it's no problem."

As Tabal nodded, Johann's eyes sparkled happily."Haha, see? I told you it was fine.""Understood. Then, shall we eat together?"

I let out a soft "Fufu" laugh, and Sekmetos relaxed the corners of her mouth and signaled to the servants and maids waiting by the wall.

"Then, let's have breakfast.""As you wish."

The servants and maids bowed and immediately began preparations. Soon after, dishes were brought in one after another.

I thought it might be all meat dishes like at the social gathering, but surprisingly, there were many fish dishes. From their appearance, they seemed to be saltwater fish. Perhaps they were procured from the Monkey or Rabbit tribes, whose territories face the sea. It seemed there was no culture of eating raw fish like sashimi; instead, there were grilled fish, simmered fish, soups, plain fries, stir-fries, and a wide variety of other preparations. However, with so many varieties, the quantity was insane. No, really, I can't eat this much.

"Lord Ridd, the portions we leave will become the meals for the servants and maids. If you cannot finish it, please do not hesitate to leave it.""Ah, is that so? Thank you, Lord Tabal."

I breathed a sigh of relief, patting my chest. Just then, Johann spoke up. "That's right, Ridd."

"Let's see who can eat more. Let's have a contest.""Eh, no way."

I refused immediately, and Johann's eyes widened.

"W-why not? I thought friends deepen their bonds by competing against each other!""I don't know where you heard that, but I think just enjoying a meal together normally is enough.""But I want to compete with you and Amon!""Me too?!"

Amon blinked, seemingly not expecting to be included.

"Of course! Given our ages, we're the ones who will shoulder Zubera's future. We should compete now to see who deserves to be at the top!""W-well, I somewhat understand what you're trying to say..."

Watching Amon's confusion out of the corner of my eye, I shrugged my shoulders with a sigh.

"Shouldering Zubera or not, I am the eldest son of the Baldia family. There really isn't any meaning in us competing, is there?""Grr..."

Johann puffed out his cheeks, then suddenly gasped, his eyes glinting strangely.

"Ah, I see. Ridd, you're afraid of losing in a competition, aren't you?""Is that a provocation? Well, you can think that if you want. There's a saying, 'losing is winning,' you know.""Ugh, you have an answer for everything. But at least I found out that Ridd has a small appetite, just like a girl, matching his appearance.""...What did you say?"

Even though I knew it was a provocation, being called 'like a girl' definitely struck a nerve. Sensing the change in my expression, Johann snorted and grinned fearlessly.

"Then, let's compete!""Fine. If you insist that much, I'll accept your challenge!""What are you two getting so worked up about...?"

Just as Amon was shaking his head in exasperation, the laughter of Sekmetos and Tabal rang out.

Wondering what it was about, I looked over to see the two of them smiling at us.

"It's the first time Johann has said something like this. Right, Tabal?""That's true. Since it's a rare occasion, if Lord Ridd wins, how about we explain the Beastman tribe's Beast Transformation in more detail? Is that alright, Sek?""Ah, that's fine."

As Sekmetos nodded, my heart leaped with excitement and curiosity.

They'll explain the Beastman tribe's Beast Transformation in more detail?! Isn't this a perfect opportunity?

Trying to maintain my composure, I cleared my throat.

"You're not lying about that, are you?""Indeed, I swear upon the name of the Beast King.""Understood."

I narrowed my eyes and turned back to Johann.

"Then, let's see how much we can eat in the next hour. Alright, Johann?""Alright, that's what I wanted to hear!""Amon. Could I ask you to be the referee?""...You're really going to do this? Sigh, fine."

He took out a pocket watch from his breast pocket with a resigned expression and placed it on the table.