Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 742

"Lord Rid, I deeply apologize for the sudden postponement of talks due to inadequate territory management. I offer my apologies on behalf of the head, Horst."

When Ibi bowed formally, the Brutritter members also dropped to one knee and bowed their heads.

I never expected such a formal apology, but behind them stands Horst Padgury.

There might be some ulterior motive, so caution is essential.

As the checkpoint became enveloped in unusual tension, while inwardly suspicious, I maintained composure and shook my head.

"No no, not at all. Delayed discovery of dungeons can happen in any territory."

"I'm relieved to hear you say that. Our head Horst also said he'd done something inexcusable to Lord Rid."

"Is that so? Since opportunities will arise again, please tell Lord Horst not to worry about the postponed talks and focus on handling the dungeon."

After exchanging harmless conversation, I cleared my throat and changed the subject with "More importantly..."

"Over half our group consists of Baldia knights. If acceptable, could we assist with anything, starting with evacuating the territory's people?"

"No, we cannot allow anything unfortunate to happen to Lord Rid and your party due to our mishandling. Horst has instructed us to provide strict escort to the checkpoint leading to the Horse Tribe territory."

Ibi bowed with a firm tone.

Taking her words at face value, it's consideration that we shouldn't get injured by monsters overflowing from the dungeon.

Conversely, it could also be interpreted as indicating unwillingness to show us the Bird Tribe territory interior.

Now, which is Horst's true intention?

The Brutritter members have an unusual atmosphere, and pressing further could potentially cause conflict.

While the matter of monsters overflowing from a dungeon concerns me, it seems better to follow Ibi's suggestion here.

"...If I may speak fearfully."

At that moment, one of the bowing Bird Tribe members spoke up and raised his face.

He was the soldier I had been speaking with earlier.

"If monsters are overflowing from the dungeon, swift suppression is necessary. Shouldn't we at least request Lord Rid's assistance with evacuating the territory's people?"

Though the soldier's words echoed through the checkpoint, the expressions of Ibi and the Brutritter remained completely unchanged.

Amid the tense atmosphere, I began with "Um..."

"What should we do? We can respond if assistance is requested..."

"I appreciate the repeated generous offers. However, by Head Horst's order, the priority is Lord Rid's party safely passing through the Bird Tribe territory, so assistance is unnecessary."

"Is that so? Understood."

As I nodded, the creepy man from the Brutritter who had been leering stepped forward before the soldier.

The man had orange long hair with sharp, narrow eyes.

Large wings grew from his back, with no beast tribe characteristic animal ears visible.

"Hey, you. Lord Horst ordered us to escort Lord Rid and guide them to the Horse Tribe territory. For a mere soldier to talk back, moreover requesting assistance from Lord Rid... that's beyond presumptuous."

When he emitted a cold, low voice, the soldier turned pale and pressed his head to the ground.

"Absolutely, absolutely not speaking against Lord Horst or the Brutritter's actions. I deeply apologize for my presumptuous statement made out of concern for the territory's people."

As the atmosphere turned grim, I tried to mediate saying "Um, that's enough..." but the next moment, the man raised the corners of his mouth into a leer.

"Replacements for you are plentiful. Rebels must be purged."

The moment black-tinged magical power overflowed from the man's entire body, black magical power instantly coiled around the bowing soldier's body, lifting him into the air while strangling his neck.

"Forgive me, please forgive me! Lord Endio...!?"

"If you're going to apologize, you should have thought before speaking. Incompetent soldiers aren't needed."

"Wh...!?"

The moment I widened my eyes at the sudden violence and tried to stop it, Ibi stepped between the man called Endio and the soldier.

The black magical power dispersed like mist, and the soldier fell to the ground coughing violently.

"Are you alright!?"

"Y-yes. Thank you."

Rushing to the soldier, the parts constricted by the black magical power were reddened.

Was he really planning to purge him just for that statement?

Suppressing anger, I glared, but the man didn't even glance at the soldier, looking in another direction.

"Ibi, what's the meaning of this?"

Though the man glared sharply, she remained unfazed and glared back.

"This is before guests, Endio. Moreover, actions that create bad impressions with Lord Rid contradict Lord Horst's intentions. Refrain from purging."

"...Fine then."

Endio clicked his tongue and shrugged, finally turning to face us and bowing.

"I apologize for showing you an unsightly scene. However, we possess the right to independently judge and purge incompetents who disrupt Bird Tribe discipline, so please understand."

"...Is that so. However, I'd like you to strictly refrain from such barbaric acts before us in the future. I almost blew you away just now."

"Oh, me?"

"Yes, like this."

Endio provocatively raised his mouth corners in a laugh.

Slowly standing up, I smiled back while pointing my right index finger at him, releasing a thin but intense "Fire Spear" that grazed Endio's cheek.

An explosive sound roared around us, the checkpoint momentarily dyed red by the Fire Spear's light.

"Sometimes magical reflexes like this emerge instinctively. If you're to serve as our escort, please be careful."

"...Kuku, I see. I'll bear that in mind."

Rubbing his cheek grazed by the Fire Spear, he smiled fearlessly and bowed deeply.

This guy is definitely no good.

Like Elba and Gales, he's the type who shows no hesitation in trampling people and sucking their lifeblood.

I can't comprehend Horst giving such a man a special position like "Brutritter."

No, rather, I should consider that the fact he's given such a position offers a glimpse into Horst's true nature.

"Lord Rid, I apologize for the disturbance. I offer apologies on behalf of everyone."

When Ibi bowed, I shook my head.

"No no, it's fine. However, as I mentioned earlier, 'the body can move instinctively' sometimes happens. Next time it might not just be the cheek."

"...Understood."

Raising her face, she began with "Then..."

"We will guide you to the Horse Tribe border point, so please prepare for departure."

"Understood. But since it's a good opportunity, may I greet the Brutritter members before we depart?"

"Ah, my apologies. We haven't introduced ourselves yet either."

Saying this, Ibi signaled the members behind her with her eyes, then cleared her throat formally.

"Once again, I am Ibi Padgury, one wing of the Head's direct special mission force Brutritter."

As she bowed, the seemingly taciturn man with strong eye intensity wearing a headband stepped forward.

His burnt brown hair stands on end, but the back hair is long enough to touch the ground.

His skin is somewhat dark, with what looks like a Wolf Tribe ear only on the right side of his head, and jet-black wings on his back but apparently no tail.

What catches the eye is the thick cleaver-like weapon hanging behind his waist.

If swung down with beast tribe superhuman strength, most things would be split in two or crushed.

"...Brutritter second wing. Leus Padgury, that's all."

"Ah, yes. Nice to meet you."

Though taken aback by the overly brief low voice, I started and looked at Ibi.

"First wing, second wing - am I correct in understanding these indicate Brutritter ranking?"

"Your perception is correct. It's primarily based on ability, but Head Horst comprehensively judges and appoints."

"I see. But 'Ilia' isn't among this group."

When I asked probing, Ibi's eyebrow twitched slightly.