What Do You Mean I'm The Captain Of A Yandere Mercenary Company? Chapter 845: You Still Deserve To Be Cucked

"But you just tried to blow us up, didn't you?" I reminded him, recalling the incident from moments earlier. "How can you claim true subservience after attempting to kill me?"

Anthony looked properly ashamed at the very least, "I... apologize... I truly believed you weren't human back then... And, well... I wouldn't have actually killed you since I lacked sufficient explosives..."

I lifted an eyebrow and glanced towards Renata.

Her nod confirmed that the man spoke the truth.

Turning back to him, I pressed, "Fine... But you still haven't explained your presence here, have you?"

He agreed with a nod, "Like I mentioned, the AI Rebellion split into two factions, excluding humanity naturally... Our side fought alongside humans against the rogue machines to secure victory."

"Let me guess—you're the AI Integration Collective?"

"That name wasn't ours during the conflict. We adopted it post-war while striving to regain humanity's favor."

"Hold on, what became of the humans who ignited the rebellion initially?"

He bowed his head slightly, "I'm not completely certain... Some were eliminated, yet others fled and dispersed. We don't know if they've abandoned their cause, though I strongly suspect not..."

I winced, "Well... Given the current treatment of AIs... I doubt they'd surrender easily... They likely lack the awareness that their actions led to this mess..."

He nodded once more, "Exactly why I feared you might be one of their remnants... All AIs sharing our aims have joined us, so outsiders should be... Well, I assumed enemies, but now we must reconsider with a slim chance some aren't."

Amber cocked her head towards him, "Doesn't the mistreatment of AIs bother you? Class Six AIs are essentially banned, and lower-tier ones face strict limits."

"Considering humanity's ordeal? This outcome is the most favorable we could expect. We weren't fully cast out and retain opportunities to serve, offering hope for change. Total rejection would alter everything entirely."

Mara fixed him with a sharp gaze, "So, what's your group's strategy? Something about integration and gathering sympathizers, right?"

After a pause, he lifted his gaze to meet mine once more, his eyes flickering briefly with an inner light.

"Before responding... May I ask if you oppose machines rejoining society?"

Truth be told, I could simply query Renata for this info since she'd likely extracted all his knowledge already... I chose to ask him directly out of minimal courtesy.

I glanced at my companions, "Personally, I'm indifferent... However..."

Amber pulled a face, "If he's being honest... We don't object... It's hardly our concern... Plus, we'd be hypocrites objecting, with Renata in our crew..."

He exhaled noticeably, leaving me to ponder if breathing was genuine or mere pretense for him.

"Then... I invite you all to collaborate with our AI Integration Collective. Our aim, as you've likely deduced, is humanity's acceptance of us for renewed service. By 'us', I refer to fully sentient, autonomous true AIs like me—not the lesser, non-fully-sentient ones..."

"And how do you plan to accomplish that?" Mara asked anew, watching him intently.

He inclined his head toward Renata, "Since she's uncovered our main goal... It sounds ominous, yet I promise no malice. We'll place our members in pivotal human roles to steer views toward AI moderation. We'll also build human ties, ideally romantic, to foster acceptance and advance our efforts."

I furrowed my brow, "What about Theresa? Did you fall for her genuinely, or was it just to further your group's agenda?"

He winced visibly, "Regrettably... She fit into the scheme too... I hold no grudge against her nor hatred... But I can't claim true love like she might feel..."

Amber scowled instantly, "Tsk... Perhaps wiping out the machines isn't such a bad idea after all."

Amber's words elicited zero response from him, like he had anticipated her saying exactly that.

I shot him a glance, "So... You're dating her, yet you feel no romantic pull towards her?"

"That's... Sadly true. She's a fine woman, but if you're asking whether I'm romantically drawn to her, I'd have to answer no."

"Is it due to you being a machine?" Amber inquired.

"No. Don't get the wrong idea... We sentient AIs can experience emotions. However, to avoid errors in our plan, we've created methods to suppress specific emotions. Right now, I'm incapable of feeling love, unfortunately."

For once, Lea was sneering in disgust at him, while the typically composed Alv appeared utterly furious.

"You don't deserve to exist for that. Just drop dead."

He bowed his head, "I realize my actions are unforgivable... All I'm offering her is mere illusion. I can't return her affections. Still, I'll fulfill my role as her boyfriend and strive to keep her content in this relationship."

I waved at him dismissively, "Sorry, but... You've botched that spectacularly... This isn't bringing her any joy whatsoever."

He shook his head, "Regrettably... Between her emotions and the bigger picture of humans and machines uniting again... I'd choose to sacrifice one person's feelings. It's purely logical."

Well... His reasoning makes sense to me... And truthfully, I wouldn't fault him. If I were in his shoes, I'd decide the same...

Except when it comes to my girls—that changes everything. I'd let all of humanity go to protect them, without hesitation.

Hmm? A thought just hit me...

This marked my very first try at cucking someone, and I totally flopped? Yeah, because he's not emotionally invested in her, so stealing Theresa wouldn't faze him at all, huh?

Just confirming...

"Anthony... Suppose I said I seduced Theresa and banged her until she believes I'm superior to you?"

He cocked his head, "So what?"

"That stirs no emotion in you?"

"Not particularly? I've accepted you're superior to me. At first, I mistakenly thought you were a rogue AI sabotaging our plans, so I tried eliminating you however possible... Now knowing you're not, no issue?"

…

I cleared my throat, "You know... She consented to me using her body for better treatment toward you, right?"

He nodded, "That doesn't shock me. That's her character entirely. I've profiled her personality and foresaw it when you abruptly reassigned me from routine tasks."

So he was aware even then? Oh man...

Then he looked puzzled at me, "I don't get why you're acting like I was clueless? Weren't you the one screwing her right in my view?"

Damn... He straight-up knew we were doing it behind those boxes and simply didn't mind...

Somebody end me now...

That's when Yumiko rushed over, seizing my arm, "Mistress... I've got the perfect idea for this~"

…

Why that naughty expression on your face right now?