Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 754

"...That's pretty much how it went."

Inside the trailer house, as I finished recounting what Aria and I had witnessed of the battle between the Guardian Ten Wings and the monsters, Amon, Tink, and Capella, who were in the vehicle, furrowed their brows and let out thoughtful hums.

"So, from your perspective, Ridd, the Ten Wings possess power at least on par with, if not exceeding, that of the Clan Chiefs," Amon began, leaning back against his seat and shaking his head. "The Padgry family's long-term bloodline enhancement... Perhaps I underestimated their obsession with the Beast King's throne."

"...Since the Beast King Contest is decided by battles between Clan Chiefs, the Ten Wings' power likely won't directly affect it," Capella interjected, then continued, "However..."

"I'm also concerned about Ibi's statement that she, who leads them, is 'far inferior to Horst.' If that statement is true..."

"Then Horst might be a candidate for the next Beast King?" Tink asked in return.

Capella nodded solemnly. "While an instructor isn't necessarily overwhelmingly powerful, the Ten Wings seem to be individuals with quite a few peculiarities. To command such a group, one would need considerable strength. In other words..."

"One would need at least enough strength to defeat them even if they banded together?" I offered.

Everyone nodded pensively.

"Yes, exactly as Lord Ridd says. If Lord Horst possesses strength surpassing even Lady Sekmetos, we cannot deny the possibility of a major shift in Zubera's political structure after the next Beast King Contest."

"But, Capella-san," Tink tilted her head. "Lady Sekmetos has repeatedly won the Beast King Contest. Even if it's held every few years, I find it hard to believe the gap in strength could be that wide."

As Tink voiced her doubt, Aria murmured timidly, "That person..."

"I don't think he ever talked about winning the Beast King Contest or wanting to become Beast King... I don't recall Ibi-nee talking about the Contest or the throne either."

"That might just be him concealing his true feelings," Amon shrugged. "Any Clan Chief would aim for the Beast King title."

As he spoke, I rested a hand on my chin and ventured, "Perhaps..."

"Maybe Horst 'has no interest in the Beast King's throne.'"

"Why do you think that?"

Amon asked, and everyone's eyes turned to me. I began meaningfully, "Well, you see..."

"You might not know this, but I really love magic."

As I said this while scratching my cheek, everyone looked momentarily blank, then chuckled.

"...I'm well aware of that."

"Quite familiar, indeed."

"Anyone who knows Lord Ridd is aware of that."

"Onii-chan, you're saying funny things."

Amon shook his head in exasperation, Tink smiled as she nodded, Capella gave a firm nod, and Aria relaxed her expression.

"Haha, sorry, sorry. But, in a different direction, I felt a certain similarity in atmosphere between Horst and myself."

"Ehh?! Onii-chan and that person are nothing alike!"

"Of course, I'm only talking about a very small part."

As Aria puffed her cheeks and protested, I smiled gently.

"What exactly do you mean by 'a small part'?" Tink inquired curiously.

I cleared my throat. "A love for research and inquiry, I suppose. If I had no position or obligations and could do as I pleased, I'd probably immerse myself in magical research and inquiry. I wouldn't do anything illegal or inhumane, of course."

Amon seemed to have a realization. "I see. So, you're suggesting Horst dislikes being burdened with the administrative duties of ruling the entire nation as Beast King, hides his true strength, sequesters himself within his territory, and dedicates himself to bloodline enhancement research?"

"Yeah, I think that's a possibility."

Based on our meeting in the royal capital, the Clan Chief assembly, and this recent encounter, my impression of Horst was precisely that: *'Could it be that Horst Padgry has no interest in becoming Beast King?'*

If he had even the slightest interest in Zubera's overall governance as Beast King, the significance of deepening ties with the rapidly developing Baldia would be obvious to anyone.

Even if I say so myself.

In reality, all the Clan Chiefs so far have been friendly, despite some twists and turns.

That's because partnering with Baldia could offer solutions to the unique problems each tribe faces.

But Horst is different.

Although he hasn't used direct words, his actions practically scream 'Stay away from the Avian tribe.'

Looking at the results, the relationships between Baldia, the Foxmen, and the Avians have made no progress whatsoever.

This outcome must be Horst's intention.

"Well, though I don't know what Horst is so engrossed in that he'd reject the Beast King's throne."

"Isn't it bloodline enhancement research?" Amon tilted his head.

I shook mine. "That's the most likely possibility, but I think it's dangerous to assume that's all."

"I see. I'll try discussing this matter with Lady Sekmetos soon."

"That sounds good. But let's not provoke Horst too much. Since we don't know what he's thinking, we can't predict what he might do."

"Understood."

He nodded, then adopted a serious expression. "And also..."

"Personally, I'm concerned that there seems to be no one with Foxman characteristics among the Ten Wings. Has the bloodline died out? Or perhaps..."

Just as Amon was about to continue, Cookie, who was also in the vehicle, let out a yawn, "Funyaa..." and simultaneously, a knock came at the door.

"Lord Ridd, the members of the Guardian Ten Wings have returned."

"...Understood. I'll be right there."

I stood up from my seat, responding toward the door.

"Well then, shall we all go greet them?"

"Indeed."

"As you wish."

Amon agreed and stood up, and Tink and the others bowed slightly before rising.

We then disembarked to greet Ibi.

◇

"Lord Ridd, and everyone else. Our apologies for keeping you waiting. The monster horde has been eliminated, so you may rest assured."

Upon exiting the vehicle, Ibi bowed.

Behind her, the members of the Guardian Ten Wings were lined up, standing formally.

"Y-yes, thank you."

While expressing gratitude, I couldn't help but gulp at the sight of them.

Along with Amon, Tink, and the others, light murmurs arose from the knights surrounding us.

It was because Ibi and every single member of the Ten Wings were without a single scratch or speck of dirt.

Even from a distance with binoculars, it was clear the monster horde had been substantial.

They had eliminated that many, all while remaining completely unscathed as a group.

The Padgry family's continued bloodline enhancement research and the Guardian Ten Wings organized by Horst...

They might be an even more dangerous existence than 'Elva Granduke.'

Elva boasted overwhelming strength, but that was limited to him alone.

However, the Guardian Ten Wings, including Ibi, are a group of ten individuals possessing power equivalent to Clan Chiefs.

If we are to prepare for the worst, me becoming stronger alone might not be enough.

The knights of the Baldia First Knight Order are all elite, but it's hard to say they possess power on par with Clan Chiefs.

Those who could oppose the Ten Wings would likely be limited to a select few: Order Captain Dainas, Vice-Captain Rubens, perhaps Nels, who became Kiel's personal guard.

Furthermore, their primary duty as members of the First Order is to protect Baldia.

The children in the Second Knight Order undoubtedly have skill, but as knights, their foremost mission is guarding within Baldia's borders.

I might need to seriously consider this.

An organization not part of the Knight Orders, directly under my command, capable of responding flexibly to various situations and crises, specializing in mobile assault and support—a true 'independent unit.'

"Lord Ridd, is something the matter?"

As Ibi raised her head and furrowed her brows, I snapped out of my thoughts and shook my head.