What Do You Mean I'm The Captain Of A Yandere Mercenary Company? Chapter 866: It’s Still A High Class Event

The venue was surprisingly bustling, with an increasing number of guests arriving. I had anticipated a more intimate gathering, but my estimation of the event's scale was clearly off the mark. Considering its location within Inner Colony space on a Pleasure Station, it made sense that affluent elites would be present, eager to attend such a spectacle.

Meanwhile, I had effectively been assigned the persona of a wealthy noblewoman, and my companions were embracing their roles as my bodyguards with unexpected zeal. Assuming the guise of a socialite here wasn't particularly taxing; my primary duties involved feigning admiration for the exotic creatures and nodding along to the conversations of those around me.

"I possess a few specimens like these at my estate," a middle-aged gentleman with a snow-white beard offered, unprompted. "They serve as rather striking centerpieces for a living room, you know?"

I responded with a noncommittal sound.

Interpreting my utterance as genuine interest, the elderly gentleman gestured towards the creature in the enclosure. "Do you know their designation? They are known as Night Hunters. Their name derives from their formidable prowess after dark, though they are considerably less dangerous during daylight hours. Quite fascinating, wouldn't you agree?"

I had to restrain the urge to inform him that the white creature before us was, in fact, a Snowy Owl, and instead focused my gaze on the bird perched on a branch within its habitat.

Initially, the bird remained on a higher branch, almost obscured from view, but it swiftly descended to a perch nearer to me upon my arrival, its attention fixed on me.

Its demeanor suggested it was awaiting some form of directive.

I felt a strong impulse to reach out and touch it...

"If it pleases you, my lady, perhaps you would consider gracing my estate with your presence? I could even arrange for you to observe them without this intervening barrier of glass."

Good heavens, are all individuals like this?

Just as I was preparing a polite refusal, a voice interjected from behind us.

"I doubt she harbors any interest in your offer, Sir Gretea."

Both the elder gentleman and I turned to face a woman of dark complexion, distinguished by striking azure hair meticulously styled into an elaborate bun. She stood directly behind us.

Her luminous blue eyes seemed to possess a faint glow, almost diverting my attention from the considerable volume of her bosom, which was comparable in size to my own.

She was attired in a white gown that deliberately showcased the upper portion of her chest, complemented by puffy sleeves and thigh-high slits on her skirt, revealing dark, chocolate-toned legs adorned with white stockings that starkly contrasted with her skin tone.

Two draconic horns protruded from the apex of her head, and a lengthy, ebony tail swayed languidly behind her.

Initially, I assumed her décolletage was entirely exposed, only to realize she was wearing a form-fitting black garment beneath her dress, extending from her neck to her fingertips.

Accompanying her were several imposing men clad in suits, all exhibiting similar draconic features, though their skin tones varied from crimson to sapphire to emerald.

Observing that her escorts also bore draconic characteristics, I concluded that this woman had not undergone cybernetic augmentation like Theresa.

This indicated she was a genuine Dragonling, not a human who had been modified.

The elderly gentleman scowled, addressing her. "Lady Iceborne... I was unaware of your attendance here as well."

"Is my presence here a cause for concern?"

"No... Not at all. Ah, I believe I spot another creature of interest over there. If you would kindly excuse me..."

With that, the old man departed, his guards following in his wake.

The dark-skinned Dragonling approached me, offering a smile that revealed two rows of immaculate, pearly white teeth.

She executed a deep curtsy. "Are you quite well, my lady?"

Oh dear, this is precisely where my acting prowess must come into play.

I returned her curtsy. "I am perfectly well. Thank you for your timely intervention earlier."

She gracefully straightened herself. "It is of no consequence. I am quite familiar with his disposition. And I cannot fault him when someone as captivating as yourself is present without an escort. Ah, please forgive my lack of manners. I am Vieretha Iceborne. Might I inquire as to your esteemed name, my Lady?"

Hmm... What name should I provide?

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Please, you may call me Tera."

"My, what a resplendent name. I fear I may be presuming too much, but perhaps I could persuade you to accompany me? It would, at the very least, deter others from approaching you. I mean no disrespect to your guards, naturally, but there are some individuals present who tend to disregard a negative response."

Well... I considered pointing out that she herself might fall into that category, but I supposed having a buxom dragon lady by my side was infinitely preferable to some random stranger.

I gave a nod, stating, "It would be my pleasure to have your company, Lady Iceborne."

She came closer and, to my surprise, linked her right arm with mine, her right hand securing her grip as if it were the most natural gesture in the world.

Then, she offered me a smile, inquiring, "Is there anything particular you wish to see, Lady Tera?"

I had to divert my gaze from her chest, which was pressing against my arm, to respond, "I have no specific requests, really. This is my inaugural visit here."

"Oh. It's the same for me. Perhaps we can simply stroll around and observe what's on display?"

I agreed with a nod, and we arbitrarily chose a direction, leaving the owl display behind as we proceeded to the adjacent exhibit.

I couldn't resist glancing at the horns atop her head, finding myself somewhat captivated by their form and hue, resembling obsidian crystals that extended from her scalp.

She noticed my gaze immediately and tilted her head, asking, "Could this be your first encounter with a Dragonling?"

I responded with a slow nod, "It is... My apologies for staring."

"Fufu~ There's no need for such an apology. I understand that my kind is seldom encountered in these regions. I must admit, I rarely frequent such places myself; I am only here because I possess an interest in observing these creatures."

"Ah... So you have a fondness for animals?"

"Hmm... Not precisely. The matter is somewhat more intricate. And you, Lady Tera?"

"I happened to be in the vicinity and accepted an invitation from Miss Yuki to attend this event, nothing more."

"I see. May I inquire about your family's occupation, Lady Tera?"

Damn... I need to formulate a response quickly... What could I say? Should I fabricate something?

I cleared my throat and voiced the first plausible excuse that came to mind, "Ahem... I would prefer to maintain privacy regarding that matter, if you wouldn't mind."

"Fufufu~ I understand, Lady Tera. So, what are your thoughts about me?"

I looked up at her, slightly taken aback, asking, "What do you mean by that?"

"As the first Dragonling you have encountered, I am curious about your initial impression of my people~"

"I find you to be exceptionally beautiful," I confessed, seeing no benefit in dishonesty.

"Oh my~ How unexpected. I had certainly anticipated that you might be among those who find me intimidating~ I even considered that your company might be motivated by a sense of apprehension~"

Eh? Intimidated? By what exactly?

Perhaps some individuals might feel intimidated by her considerable assets, but for me, it's merely an added perk.

I gestured towards her with my free hand, assuring her, "Believe me, if I were intimidated, I would not permit you to act this way."

"Oh? You are quite amusing, Lady Tera. Fufufu~ I must say, I find you rather captivating as well. May I know if you have a suitor?"

"Not at all," I replied, deciding it would be unwise to disclose that my guards were also my romantic partners.

Her eyes seemed to emit a brighter glow, and just as she appeared poised to speak, a sudden, forceful explosion reverberated through the exhibition hall, rapidly engulfing the area in smoke.

Hmmph... I had thought perhaps nothing untoward would occur here... It seems my optimism was a tad misplaced...

Oh well, apologies, Vieretha... but it's time for me and my girls to get to work~