What Do You Mean I'm The Captain Of A Yandere Mercenary Company? Chapter 865: Animal Exhibition

My gaze fell upon the dress I was now wearing, attempting to grow accustomed to the sight.

Even though I had been in this world for some time, and had adapted to this futa body, I hadn't really worn dresses since my arrival.

For the most part, I had continued to favor pants and shirts. While I had become comfortable wearing heeled boots, dresses remained an infrequent choice for me.

The current attire was a white evening gown, featuring thin shoulder straps that left my shoulders and cleavage exposed. The hemline cascaded down, concealing my ankles, but a side slit revealed my leg up to the thigh, adorned with shimmering black pantyhose and complemented by white heeled sandals.

Naturally, this was all Renata's doing; she had selected this ensemble for me.

Frankly, I appeared as though I was prepared to attend a grand, high-class ball.

I had initially assumed I would be over-prepared for the event's dress code, but it turned out this was the expected attire for all guests.

It seemed rather peculiar, dressing so formally just to visit what amounted to a zoo. Wasn't that a bit nonsensical?

However, I supposed it wasn't precisely a zoo, but perhaps more akin to an exhibition for rare creatures.

I then turned to observe my companions, who lacked the convenience of an eldritch being conjuring their attire.

Instead, Yuki had graciously permitted them to borrow outfits she had reserved for her staff for the occasion.

Yet, despite the availability of dresses designed to resemble guest attire for the female staff, all of my companions inexplicably opted for outfits that made them look like high-class butlers.

Well, everyone except Renata, who remained in her customary maid uniform.

I suspected their choice was an effort to match Renata, as Yuki had no maid uniforms for us to borrow.

I still couldn't quite grasp why they chose not to select dresses to join me, leaving me as the sole one in a gown.

I must admit, though, they all looked remarkably dashing in their chosen outfits~ I might even ask Yuki if we could keep the ensembles once the job concluded.

Renata approached me, inquiring, "Do you wish to alter anything, Daddy? Perhaps the color of your pantyhose? I believe white might suit you well~"

"I think that would be too noticeable a change, so... It's fine. By the way... When are the guests expected to arrive?" I asked, surveying the exhibition hall.

"The opening is scheduled in about half an hour," Yumiko supplied helpfully.

The hall was bustling with staff, including armed guards clad in purple body armor, serving as security for the event.

Staff members were meticulously conducting final checks on the enclosures just before the opening. I could discern that many were quite anxious about the creatures under their care, maintaining a considerable distance from them.

For feeding the animals, they were utilizing a type of automated dispenser, which delivered food into the enclosures with a simple button press.

As I observed a pair of handlers attending to the exhibit housing the snapping turtle I had assisted in smuggling, the distinct sound of footsteps approached from behind.

Turning, I saw Yuki gracefully making her way toward me. The CEO was attired in a rather daring midnight blue party dress, the front of which barely concealed her chest. The cut accentuated not only her cleavage but plunged all the way down to her navel.

Furthermore, her dress boasted two thigh-high slits, cut even higher than mine, extending to her upper thighs.

She was adorned with various pieces of expensive-looking jewelry, including a necklace featuring a prominent blue orb at its center.

"Miss Tera," she greeted me with a nod, then turned to offer a similar acknowledgment to my companions. "Are these your crew members?"

I affirmed with a nod, gesturing towards them. "That's correct. They are my crew, and my lovers."

She appeared taken aback, her eyes widening slightly. "All of them?"

"Did I stutter?"

"Hmm... Intriguing. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, given your caliber."

"In any case, do you require something?"

"Yes, I simply wished to confirm your readiness. The event is commencing shortly."

"I don't believe my role demands much, does it? I'm supposed to basically blend in with the guests, posing as one of them, while ensuring the animals remain calm in the event that Kaito fellow attempts something."

"Precisely... And this may be a late inquiry, but do you have any idea which creatures you might be able to control?"

I offered a shrug. "Honestly, I'm unsure... But if I had to hazard a guess, I probably can't influence any creatures that are alien."

"What do you mean by that?"

"As in... Creatures that are not indigenous to Earth."

She glanced back towards her exhibit. "You... Know which creatures are not from Earth? How?"

"How can that be? Are there not... records or something similar indicating which creatures originate from Earth?"

"I suspect a considerable amount of that information was lost in the AI Rebellion. These days, these creatures are almost entirely bred on other planets and in designated reservations."

Ah... I should have anticipated this complication...

I grazed my cheek with my fingers. "Well... I suppose if I were to state that all the peculiar-looking creatures are likely beyond my ability to control... that wouldn’t really narrow down the specific ones I'm referring to, would it?"

She responded with a shake of her head. "It wouldn't. But it's acceptable; my primary concern is ensuring that the Walking Disaster over there refrains from causing a rampage. I have personnel capable of managing the others should any incidents occur and lead to a breakout. Naturally, I wouldn't refuse if you found you could exert control over more of them."

"Mmm... I shall exert my best effort."

"That is all I can request."

Just then, one of the guards clad in armor approached her and conveyed something discreetly into her ear.

She acknowledged him with a nod before turning her gaze back to me. "The event is commencing shortly. I shall be relying on you."

"Understood."

She pivoted and began to walk towards the central elevator designated for the arriving guests.

As for myself, I remained in my position alongside my companions. The guests would soon fill the hall, leading them to assume I had entered with one of the earlier groups progressing through the exhibition area.

I observed as the elevator doors gradually parted, revealing the initial contingent of guests.

Yuki was present to greet them, deliver her opening remarks to the assembly, and subsequently guide them toward the exhibition hall.

I had a thought that Kaito might make an appearance, but he was not among the crowd.

Yuki had mentioned extending an invitation to him, though she characterized it more as a social courtesy rather than a genuine desire for his presence. Nevertheless, she indicated she wasn't anticipating his arrival.

I remained positioned before the turtle enclosure and observed the snapping turtle ascend towards the glass barrier separating us. It then settled down, seemingly to observe me.

Awww... How adorable~ If only that glass wasn't between us, I would be reaching out to pet it right now~

One of the guests, adorned in exceptionally expensive attire, also approached the turtle exhibit. It was at this moment that I comprehended the reason for my companions' distinctive attire.

The gentleman was accompanied by bodyguards, and all of them were dressed in attire strikingly similar to that of my companions.

He halted beside me, meticulously examining the turtle before straightening his posture.

"A Walking Disaster? I am quite surprised she managed to procure one for display and containment... How does she manage to ensure it remains within its enclosure rather than breaking free?"

I remained uncertain whether he was addressing me directly or merely vocalizing his own musings.

His query was answered when he diverted his gaze toward me, raising an eyebrow. "What are your thoughts on the matter, my lady?"

I responded with a shrug. "Perhaps it is simply exceedingly well-behaved?"

"Ha ha ha!! A well-behaved Walking Disaster! That is certainly a novel perspective!" He chuckled before offering a nod towards my companions. "I can now understand why you can stand before such a formidable creature without experiencing even a hint of apprehension. Your bodyguard contingent is undoubtedly impressive in appearance."

Hmm... Is he complimenting their looks, or has he somehow discerned that my companions possess considerable strength?

I shall choose to give him the benefit of the doubt and assume the latter, I suppose.

He then gave me a final nod before departing with his entourage, all individuals within his group having kept a watchful eye on my companions as if anticipating an imminent attack.

Well... I still find myself pondering whether any significant events are likely to transpire, considering the substantial number of guests already present...