Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 744

"I am Ceroi Padgury, serving as the Eighth Wing of the Guardian Ten Wings."

While still kneeling formally, Ceroi declared this loudly, then offered the single rose he held in his hand towards me as if presenting it.

The flow felt like a scene from a play, but his expression was utterly serious.

Ceroi had straight, light purple hair and distinct, clear-cut features.

He had grey wings on his back, and two long, vertical ears reminiscent of the Horse Tribe, and what seemed to be a tail.

The sword at his waist, judging from its shape, seemed to be a rapier.

"Lord Holst has commanded me to 'show every courtesy' to Lord Ridd Baldia, therefore I present to you this rose, cultivated with my utmost care. Please accept it."

"Y-yes. Thank you, Lord Ceroi."

As I politely accepted the offered rose, he showed his white teeth in a smile.

"I am the Eighth Wing, but I pride myself on having the highest loyalty to Lord Holst among the Ten Wings. Since I have been entrusted with your guard, I, Ceroi, intend to protect Lord Ridd from any danger within the territory, even at the cost of my life. Please rest assured."

"A-ahaha. Thank you for those reassuring words."

Judging solely by his bright expression and attitude, he seemed like a fine young man, but the fact that he claimed the highest loyalty to Holst among the Ten Wings suggested I should be cautious.

He stood up smoothly, bowed deeply, then raised his head, flashed a refreshing smile showing his white teeth, and turned on his heel.

"Next, it's my turn~"

A woman with a cheerful voice stepped forward. She had large pink wings on her back and two rabbit ears on her head.

She had her long purple hair tied into buns on either side of her head, but the back hair was left down.

With her large, wide eyes plus her relaxed, smiling mouth, she gave the brightest impression so far.

"Ninth Wing of the Guardian Ten Wings, Jim Padgury. It's only for the short time until we reach the Horse Tribe territory, but pleased to meet you."

"Yes, likewise."

When I shook her offered hand, she smiled warmly.

She probably has Rabbit Tribe blood, and perhaps because of that, her vibe felt somewhat similar to Vene's.

"Well, that's me then."

As Jim said that and turned her back, a woman with a lively, innocent atmosphere came forward, saying, "Last is me, huh?"

She had her long brown hair tied back, and two cat ears grew on her head.

The white wings on her back had black tips, and she seemed to have a tail typical of the Cat Tribe.

However, my gaze was inevitably drawn to the *kanabō* (iron club) she carried on her back.

She was the first person I'd seen other than Dinas wield that weapon.

"Let me introduce myself again. I'm the Tenth Wing of the Guardian Ten Wings, Meroe Padgury. Pleased to meet you."

Meroe bowed deeply, and when she raised her face, she stared intently at mine.

"Um, is something wrong with my face?"

Not understanding her intention, I tilted my head. She began, "Pardon my rudeness, but..."

"Lord Ridd has a cute face, but your gender is definitely male, right?"

"Ahaha, what are you talking about? No matter how you look at me, I'm a boy. Besides, I'm already married."

For a moment, my eyebrows furrowed slightly at the impertinent question, but I soon narrowed my eyes and smiled.

"Ah, is that so. My deepest apologies."

She bowed her head deeply, and when she raised it, she smiled happily.

"But I'm glad Lord Ridd is male. If not, I..."

"If not...?"

I tilted my head at her meaningful words. She narrowed her eyes strangely and smiled defiantly.

"If Lord Ridd were a woman, I'd think you were a 'thieving cat' trying to come between Lord Holst and me. If that happened, I might go mad and beat you to death, I was worried."

"A-ahaha. That doesn't sound very peaceful."

She glanced at the *kanabō* on her back, but I sensed no lie in her eyes or words.

*Dangerous.* Perhaps she is the most dangerous one among the Ten Wings.

"But you see, recently Lord Holst only talks about Lord Ridd! Saying 'Lord Ridd has wonderful talent.' Of course, for me, who loves Lord Holst the most, I was jealous and envious."

"I-I see."

'Has wonderful talent,' huh.

Seeing an organization like the Ten Wings, created through enhanced bloodlines, I can't take Holst's words at face value.

Rather, it sends a chill down my spine.

Just as Meroe puffed out her cheeks and pouted, a sudden question crossed my mind.

"Um, by the way, Lord Meroe, what is your relationship with Lord Holst?"

"Eh, you're asking that? Well, let's see..."

As she blushed, put her hands to her cheeks, and squirmed, Ceroi's clear voice chimed in, "She is merely a subordinate."

Upon hearing this, Meroe turned with a demonic expression and glared fiercely behind her.

"...What did you say, Ceroi? Who the hell do you think you're talking to, huh?"

"I merely stated the facts so Lord Ridd would not misunderstand. I don't care how you feel about Lord Holst, but refrain from making others misunderstand. That oversteps your position and is presumptuous."

As Ceroi shrugged, Meroe's right hand went to the *kanabō* on her back.

"Bastard, you don't understand a maiden's heart at all. You say whatever you want. You're no different from me, aren't you?"

"I harbor no such audacious feelings. Although, if Lord Holst required it, I am prepared to comply immediately."

"Hah! As if Lord Holst would ever require *you*!"

As Meroe spat out the words, Ceroi snorted and glared.

"I have at least more possibility than you. My rank is higher than yours, after all."

"Then, how about you give that rank to me?"

"Fine. Try it if you can."

Just as Ceroi placed his hand on the rapier at his waist, Ibi let out a deep sigh and muttered simply, "Reus, settle this."

"...Troublesome bastards."

The moment I heard a click of the tongue, his figure vanished.

*Huh...?!*

By the time I noticed, Reus was standing between Ceroi and Meroe.

Not only that, he had the tip of the sword he carried on his back pointed at Ceroi's throat, and with one hand, he had grabbed Meroe by the throat and lifted her.

As I stared wide-eyed in shock, Reus spoke in a low, intimidating voice.

"Hey, don't make a disgraceful scene in front of our guest. Or do you plan to die here and apologize?"

"Ku...?! M-my apologies!"

"Ugh...?! S-sorry!"

Glanced at by Reus's sharp gaze, Ceroi and Meroe flinched and turned pale.

The murderous intent emanating from Reus was so intense I could feel it even from this distance.

The last time I felt murderous intent this strong on my skin was when I faced Elba.

"Unfortunately, it's not me who gets to forgive you two here."

Reus coldly spat out the words and looked my way.

"Lord Ridd, we have shown you a most unsightly spectacle. If you demand it, I can have these two die to atone. What will you have us do?"

"Die...?! No, no, no, there's no need for that!"

I frantically shook my head.

Reus's eyes were serious. If I said the wrong thing, he probably intended to actually kill Ceroi and Meroe.

"I understand both of your deep feelings very well, and I doubt Lord Holst would wish to lose such loyal retainers."

"...Is that so. I see."

Reus shrugged as if let down, sheathed the sword he had pointed at Ceroi's throat, and released Meroe, whom he had been holding by the throat.

"Aah..."

"Gah...?!"

Ceroi hung his head powerlessly and fell to his knees, while Meroe crouched down, holding her throat and coughing.

Seeing this, Reus snorted.

"You're lucky, both of you. Be thankful to the magnanimous Lord Ridd."

As Reus turned on his heel, I hurriedly ran over to Ceroi and Meroe.

"Are you two alright?"

"Y-yes. We apologize deeply for showing you such an unsightly display."

"I-I also got carried away... Sorry."

"No, no, it's fine. As I said before, please don't worry about it."

Feeling a strong gaze from ahead, I looked up to see Reus had stopped and was staring at me suspiciously.

"...Um, is something wrong?"

"No, it's nothing."

In response to my question, he shook his head and answered, then faced forward and started walking again.

"...That softness of yours. I hope you won't regret it."

He seemed to mutter something under his breath, but I couldn't quite catch what he said.