Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 718

"Lord Ridd, these talks have been very productive.""Next is the Wolfman territory, correct? Please be careful on your journey.""The feeling is mutual. Thank you, Lady Sekmetos, Lord Tabal."

It was mid-morning, with the sun fully risen. In front of the Cat Tribe Clan Chief's mansion, with the lined-up charcoal-powered vehicles and trailer houses as a backdrop, I was exchanging farewells and handshakes with Sekmetos and the others.

After finishing handshakes with the two of them, Amon, who had been waiting beside me, stepped forward to greet and shake hands with them. Then, Johann, showing his white fangs, extended his right hand to me.

"Ridd, I'm looking forward to meeting you on the grand stage of the Beast King Tournament.""I'm also looking forward to sparring with you again, Johann."

As we shared a firm, strong handshake, he said, "Ah, that's right," and held out a book he was holding in his left hand.

"This is that book with pictures and words mixed together, the one that originated in the Empire we talked about last night. Read it to kill time on your way to the Wolfmen.""Yeah, thank you. It's quite a thick book...?!"

The moment I took it and saw the cover, I froze, struck by an incredible sense of déjà vu. The magazine title, "Monthly Maiden: Flower and Love," sounded vaguely familiar, and the cover depicted handsome, noble-like young men and boys with commoner-like girls and young ladies. This is absolutely a shoujo manga.

Could it be that there's another 'reincarnator' with memories of their previous life besides me and Valeri...?!

"What's wrong, Ridd? You're frowning."

As Johann tilted his head quizzically, I snapped back to reality and smiled evasively.

"No, no, it's nothing. I was just surprised because I've never seen this magazine before.""Is that so? Well, even though it's popular, its recognition is still quite low, so it's not unreasonable that you wouldn't know it, Ridd.""I-is that so?"

While pretending to be calm, I subtly checked the back of the magazine. Just which publisher and who collaborated to release something like this? But my eyes nearly popped out when I saw the publisher's name that jumped out at me.

'Published by Saffron Trading Company • Sponsored by the Erasenize Ducal House'

It's definitely her. This is undoubtedly the work of 'Valeri Erasenize'—the villainess from *Toki Lera* who, like me, possesses memories of her previous life. But what in the world is going on with 'Published by Saffron Trading Company • Sponsored by the Erasenize Ducal House'? I haven't heard about this from Valeri herself, nor from the Saffron Trading Company.

I glanced sideways at Chris, but she seemed deep in conversation with Emma and the Cat Tribe's great clan members. I find it hard to believe Chris didn't know, but it also feels odd that she would keep it from me. Perhaps Valeri and the Saffron Trading Company were moving behind the scenes.

Valeri, who faces the potential future of being judged as a villainess. She did express a desire to do something, feeling anxious about her future, but I never expected this kind of move. However, recalling Valeri's usual words and actions, she didn't seem like the type who could operate covertly without me noticing, publish through the Saffron Trading Company, and gain popularity within the Empire. Maybe Valeri's capable older brother, Latiga, or Chris's family, or perhaps people from the Saffron Trading Company are involved. No, that explanation makes more sense.

"Ridd, why are you staring at the book so intently? Are you really okay?""...Yeah, I was just thinking it looks really interesting. Thank you, I'll read it as you suggested.""Is that so? I'm glad you like it."

As Johann smiled happily, I subtly glanced over at Chris and Emma. I'll need to ask these two about various things. Just as I thought that, I thought I saw Chris and Emma, who were in my line of sight, shiver slightly, but it was probably my imagination.

Clearing my throat, I handed the book to Capella, who was waiting nearby, and turned my gaze back to Johann.

"By the way, Johann. What do you think was the thing that made me happiest during this visit to the Cat Tribe territory?""What's this, a sudden question?""Fufu, just humor me and answer."

Though confused, he thought for a moment before speaking.

"Alright, it must be getting to meet my father.""Sorry, wrong.""Then, it's the matter of Emma drinking the Dragon-Slaying Crescent Moon Blade from Mother.""Sorry, wrong again.""That's wrong too? Then it must be beating me in our spar.""Sorry, wrong yet again.""Eh? Then what's the answer?"

As Johann puffed out his cheeks, I smoothly hugged him and whispered in his ear.

"It's you calling me your 'best friend.'""Ha... Whaaa?!"

Perhaps the answer was unexpected, as Johann's face turned bright red, his ears and tail standing straight up. But considering the future, I can't leave it at that.

"That's why I'm telling you. From now on, if you ever have any troubles or worries, I want you to always consult me, your best friend. I'll definitely do my best to help you.""Wha, wha-wha...?!""We're best friends, right? So, it's only natural I'd want to help if something comes up. Promise me you won't bottle things up?""O-okay. I'll consult you if anything comes up. So, could you let go a bit? Your scent is making me dizzy, and my heart's pounding so much I feel like I might lose it.""Haha, it's a promise then. Sorry for being pushy."

Releasing him with a smile, he remained red-faced, his eyes moist, sweat beading on his forehead as he breathed heavily from his shoulders. Maybe I hugged him a bit too tightly. But this embrace was absolutely necessary to make him consciously recognize that our relationship wasn't just in name, but in reality, that of 'best friends.' Even though I defeated Elba, his future is still uncertain. If Johann were to fall into darkness in the future, the worst-case scenario of him opposing me and Baldia is conceivable. I must absolutely avoid that future. It might seem bad to take advantage of him calling me 'best friend,' but I absolutely don't want to lose the 'best friend' I shared a pajama party with either.

Just then, Tink leaned in from behind and whispered in my ear.

"Lord Ridd, it is almost time for our departure.""Understood."

Nodding at her words, I straightened my posture and looked over Sekmetos, Tabal, and Johann once more.

"Then, we shall take our leave now. For the sake of both our nations and families, let us continue to work well together in the future.""Of course. We have high expectations for Baldia and the Grand Duke household led by Amon. We look forward to it as well."

Hearing Sekmetos's reply, we bowed with smiles. Just as we were about to board the trailer house connected to the charcoal-powered vehicle, Tabal called out, "Ah, that's right. Lord Ridd."

"Is something the matter?""Well, it's, um, that thing.""...?"

As I tilted my head, Tabal leaned in, looking somewhat embarrassed.

"...Regarding the matter of procuring the 'Stapler-kun' for us. We humbly ask for your favorable consideration.""Ahaha, understood. You can rest assured, Lord Tabal, we will arrange for your unit to be delivered promptly."

Tabal, who assists Sekmetos, apparently handles the administrative duties of the Cat Tribe territory single-handedly. For him personally, the highlight of these talks seemed to be the 'Stapler-kun.'

Nodding to Tabal, I waved towards Johann, who was still blushing.

"Johann, see you later.""Y-yeah. See you, Ridd."

And so, our party, having bid farewell to Sekmetos and the others, departed from the Cat Tribe territory towards the Wolf Tribe territory.

Johann, me calling you my 'best friend' was the thing that made me happiest during this visit. Those words held no lie.

I kept watching Johann, who saw us off even as we grew distant, from the vehicle window.

◇

On the way to the Wolf Tribe territory, said to be in a mountainous region. The road was still flat, and the vehicle's vibrations were minimal. I rolled a motion-sickness candy in my mouth while reading the "Flower and Love" magazine Johann had given me.

The content was exactly as the cover suggested, modeled after the 'shoujo manga' from my previous life's memories. The popular work within the magazine seemed to be one called "The Maiden's Sword," whose characters were also featured on the cover and placed at the front of the issue. The story was about 'a noble lady who was supposed to be born a girl, but due to a fairy's prank, ended up with the heart of a boy, wielding a sword and playing an active role in defeating villains. Meanwhile, she coincidentally meets the prince of an enemy nation, and a grand romance spanning countries unfolds'—a story that sounded vaguely familiar.

"...I've been had, haven't I?"

I closed the thick magazine with a *patan* and smiled at Chris and Emma, who were sitting respectfully in the seats opposite me.

"Now then, why hadn't any information about this reached my ears?""Um, well, you see..."

Chris scratched her cheek awkwardly, her eyes darting around, before she began to speak haltingly.