Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 776

"...I wonder, could the reason the Padgry family is so fixated on strengthening bloodlines be because they know this fact?"

"Lord Ridd, what do you mean by that?"

Tink tilted her head at my words.

"Well, if the origin of the Beastmen's birth lies with Mysterina Martel, then wouldn't one think that by concentrating Beastmen blood, one could gain power equal to Mysterina, or something like that?"

Currently, the Bible distributed by the Mysterina faith tells the heroic tale of how Mysterina became Goddess Mysterina Martel.

I thought it was embellished to some degree because it's a story, but in the author-unknown sacred text, it said 'Mysterina, who gained power, destroyed everything.'

Judging from the descriptions of 'the origin of the Beastmen's birth' and 'creating the sky-soaring dragon', there's no doubt Mysterina possessed 'power beyond human understanding.'

"...In other words, you're suggesting that strengthening bloodlines is a method to create a new 'Mysterina'?"

As Tink frowned, I nodded.

"It's just speculation at this stage. But assuming the Padgry family knows this, it might connect to the words Ibi whispered to me: 'Don't delve too deeply into the Beastmen.'"

The origin of the Beastmen's birth is Saintess Mysterina.

The insides of Goddess Mysterina Martel and Saintess Mysterina are completely different people.

Mysterina's power was beyond human understanding, and the sky-soaring dragon, said to have buried numerous countries with divine breath in the Mysterina Bible, actually existed.

Even with just this much information, merely knowing it could put your life at risk from Toga.

Especially the fact that 'the origin of the Beastmen's birth is Saintess Mysterina' is content that requires careful political handling.

Applying the words 'don't delve too deeply' wouldn't be strange.

Still, it doesn't feel quite right, though.

"Well, in any case, I can't say for sure."

Shrugging my shoulders, I glanced at the 'Author-Unknown Sacred Text' and then looked at Capella and Tink.

"By the way, can either of you read Ancient Martel language?"

I've been taking various lessons in Baldia, and during my absence from the Fox Tribe territory and the diplomatic visits, I was given a lot of homework from my teachers.

Despite appearances, I study every day, but I've never learned Ancient Martel language.

"No, unfortunately, I cannot read it. How about you, Ms. Tink?"

As Capella shook his head and asked, she also shook her head slightly.

"Me neither. First of all, Ancient Martel language is not common. Even in Toga, it's a language one is finally permitted to master only after becoming a cardinal or archbishop close to the Pope. Since Lord Gleas's hobby was historical research, he likely learned it through self-study."

Self-study, huh. Gleas must have really loved historical research.

"I see. Then, the only way is to take this back to Baldia and ask Sandra and the others to translate it. Ah, of course, after getting Father's permission."

"That seems best."

As Tink bowed, I turned my gaze to Capella.

"Sorry to ask, but could you, Capella, being from the covert operations unit, think of a way to manage this journal and sacred text?"

"Understood. Once we return to Baldia, I'll have Ellen and Alex make a trick box. Until then, I believe it would be best to store them in the box Lord Gleas used and manage them strictly."

"Got it. Please do that."

Nodding in response, I covered the journal and the author-unknown sacred text with the cloth they were wrapped in and returned them to the box.

Still, Toga and Zubera, continuing their skirmishes over territorial issues stemming from historical recognition.

An author-unknown sacred text that could overturn the very foundations of both nations' claims—Gleas certainly hid something incredible.

But could Ibi's words 'don't delve too deeply' be related to this?

Or is there another darkness in Zubera besides this one?

As I stared at the box, a sense of incongruity that didn't sit well made me furrow my brow.

◇

On the same day we found Gleas's journal and the author-unknown sacred text, I contacted them saying 'I have urgent business' and visited the mansion where Amon lives as tribal chief.

I'm usually shown to the office, but this time we were taken to a guest room.

Apparently, the office is surrounded by empty one-shō bottles and piles of documents, in no state to receive anyone.

Shortly after being shown to the room, Amon arrived with dark circles under his eyes, slightly gaunt cheeks, and disheveled hair.

His usual refreshing demeanor was gone, replaced by a gloomy atmosphere; he looked haggard.

"...Ridd, sorry to keep you waiting. I'm a bit sleep-deprived."

"Ahaha. It's okay, don't worry."

While Amon and I were traveling around Zubera, the administrative tasks within the Fox Tribe territory were supposed to be handled by Rapha, who was entrusted as the tribal chief's representative.

However, she apparently threw aside all work except for 'urgent and important' matters, using the scenery of the piles of documents accumulating in the office as an accompaniment for constant drinking parties.

To make matters worse, the alcohol consumed at those parties seems to have been the 'sake' I sent. Seeing Amon's exhausted state makes me feel partly responsible, and my heart aches.

Thinking it might lighten his mood a little, I decided to hear him out before presenting the main topic.

Upon hearing this, Amon slumped his shoulders, let out a deep sigh, and began complaining—a rare occurrence for him.

It was apparently so egregious that an enraged Amon confronted Rapha, and she replied as if it were obvious, saying something like:

'How foolish. If I properly performed the duties of tribal chief representative, there's no guarantee that people wouldn't start saying again that I should be made tribal chief. That's why this was the final necessary evil to solidify your position as tribal chief, Amon. Work hard, Amon. I'll be cheering for you from the shadows, from afar.'

Hearing this, Amon apparently had no words to retort.

Reluctantly, it seems he, without time to recover from the long journey's fatigue, has been continuing administrative tasks while taking turns with his close aides, including Barbarossa, to catch brief naps.

"...So that's the situation. I've been holed up in the office until just before you visited, Ridd. Really, my sister is such a handful."

"Sorry for intruding when you're so busy."

"No, don't worry about it. I was just thinking of taking a break for a smoke."

Amon lightly shook his head and then said, "So..." and began.

"What brings you here today?"

"...I have something I want to discuss only with you, Amon. Sorry, but could you ask the guards to leave the room as well?"

"Haha, more troublesome business, huh? Sure."

Jokingly laughing, he signaled to the Fox Tribe warriors in the guest room to leave.

As the sound of the door closing echoed, only me, Amon, Tink, and Capella remained in the room.

"There, that should do. Now, what kind of trouble have you brought today?"

"'Trouble'? What do you think of me, Amon?"

Puffing out my cheeks and narrowing my eyes to glare, Amon shrugged in a comical manner.

"What do I think? You're the 'unconventional, maverick hero who's an extreme family man', of course. And though it may sound strange to say, after spending time together during the diplomatic visits, I've gotten somewhat used to your words and actions, Ridd. No matter what happens, no matter what you consult about, I won't be surprised anymore."

"I see, that's good then. Then I can speak without worry, too."

Honestly, it was painful to talk about a new problem to him, worn out from being swamped with work.

But if he says that, then I can speak without reservation.

"Actually, in the study of the mansion we're using as a garrison, I found a journal and a book that Gleas had hidden."

"Wha...!?"

As Amon's eyes widened and he leaned forward, I signaled to Capella, who was standing by.