Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 778

"...Ridd-sama, Ridd-sama, please wake up. We'll be arriving at the Baldia estate soon."

"Un...huh...?"

Inside the towed vehicle heading to Baldia, I had been sleeping with my seat reclined when Tink gently rubbed my body.

At the sound of her voice, I groggily opened my eyes, yawned, rubbed them, and slowly sat up.

"Fwaaah. Huh, we're already here?"

The last thing I remembered before falling asleep was the scene of being seen off by Amon and the others as we departed for Baldia in the charcoal car.

On the night we received permission from Amon to bring back the diary Greas had hidden and the holy book of unknown authorship written in Ancient Martel, we confirmed their contents with him.

The Baldia group, primarily consisting of me, Tink, and Capella, along with the members of the Christi Trading Company including Chris, left the Fox tribe territory.

I asked Captain Dynas of the Knights to remain in Fox territory and continue coordinating with Amon and the others.

'Oh, you're leaving already? How boring, you should stay and play a little longer.'

Rafa had shrugged and said that at our farewell, but I politely yet firmly declined.

Because even though the external trip is over, the Beast King Tournament, which could decide the fate of Baldia, is just around the corner.

I need to quickly report the results of the trip to Father and secure time to train against Johan.

On top of that, we also need to simultaneously organize a team to translate the 'holy book of unknown authorship.'

Even a single moment was precious right now.

Shortly after leaving Fox territory, once Amon and the others were out of sight, I put on a blindfold to improve my sleep quality and fell asleep, but I never expected to sleep all the way until arriving in Baldia.

As I raised both arms and stretched, Tink narrowed her eyes.

"I believe you were tense during the trip and quite tired. You were sleeping soundly, so I waited until the very last moment to wake you."

"I see. Thanks for your consideration. Ah, oh no."

I suddenly realized something and looked around me, seeing Capella nearby carefully holding 'a certain square box.'

"Sorry, Capella. I said I'd take turns managing it with you."

"No, no, this kind of task is my specialty. Please don't worry about it."

Inside the box he was carefully holding was the 'box containing Greas's diary and the holy book of unknown authorship.'

This was far too precious to put in the cargo area, so we brought it into the vehicle I was riding.

Originally, the three of us—me, Tink, and Capella—were supposed to take turns holding the box.

"I also switched with Tink-san midway, so please rest assured."

"I see. Thank you both."

Just as I thanked them, the townscape and scenery of Baldia suddenly came into view outside the window.

"Ah..."

An involuntary sound escaped me as I gazed out the window.

The town of Baldia was a mixture of newly built structures using new techniques and older buildings.

Even now, Baldia was developing little by little.

Looking into the distance, I could faintly see the new Baldia estate.

Even though I had only been away in Zubera for about a month, I felt as if I had returned after years.

"...I want to see everyone soon."

I muttered unconsciously, and Tink let out a soft "hehe."

"I believe everyone waiting at the estate is also eagerly awaiting your return, Ridd-sama."

"R-really? I'd be happy if that's true."

Startled, I scratched my cheek in embarrassment, and Tink's eyes held a hint of affection.

"Liner-sama, Nana-sama, Meldi-sama. And Fala-sama. I think everyone will be very surprised when they see you, Ridd-sama."

"Eh, why?"

"Even for us adults, a month is a long and valuable time, but for someone as young as Ridd-sama, a month is even longer and more precious. I believe you'll understand when you see them."

"Ahaha, you're exaggerating. It's not like I've grown drastically taller or my appearance has changed, so there's no way they'll be that surprised."

I laughed and looked myself over.

The time spent in Zubera was certainly long, but not enough to change my appearance.

"Hehe, well, that's true. Then please look forward to seeing Liner-sama and the others' reactions."

"O-okay...?"

At Tink's smile, I nodded blankly.