What Do You Mean I'm The Captain Of A Yandere Mercenary Company? Chapter 869: I Intrigued Someone

The attendees gradually returned to the hall now that the situation had calmed.

I had assumed they’d truly departed, but it transpired they’d simply been relocated to a secure bunker, prepared precisely for scenarios like the one that had just unfolded.

Vieretha’s security detail had already been dispatched to ensure no additional hostile elements remained, allowing for the safe egress of the guests.

I joined them, blending in with the crowd as if I had just re-entered the hall with everyone else, rather than being directly involved in the confrontation with the assailants.

I’m uncertain how Yuki intends to manage the fallout for her guests, as the fact that her event was subjected to an external attack remains a significant issue… However, it’s hardly my concern. Our contract was solely to deal with Kaito, not to safeguard her company’s reputation.

As I merged with the throng being escorted out of the premises, a hand suddenly grasped my arm from behind.

I had to consciously restrain my immediate impulse to strike out at my unseen assailant before turning to face Vieretha, her eyes fixed on me with an unnerving intensity.

"Lady Tera~ Would you do me the honor of accepting my dinner invitation?"

I blinked, momentarily taken aback. "Umm… This is—"

"I am aware that you were the one manipulating those creatures."

Well, that’s just great… Then again, perhaps I didn’t conceal my involvement from her as effectively as I’d hoped. I’d genuinely been wishing for a mere chance encounter, and that she might overlook me amidst the pandemonium.

Alas… it appears she has not forgotten me…

I glanced back towards my companions, and they were all making the throat-slitting gesture, signaling their displeasure.

Oh, come now… I’m hardly going to resort to murder simply for that…

But… I suppose her knowing this does present a complication… How am I to ensure—

"If you agree to this dinner with me, I will divulge this information to no one. And the responsibility will rest solely with me."

Oh? Complimentary sustenance, and she’ll resolve my predicament into the bargain? This is simply perfect~

"In that case, I accept."

"I shall have my staff contact you. What is your current accommodation?"

That’s a pertinent question… I mean… we’ve been residing on our vessel up to this point, but… would it be prudent to disclose that information to her?

Probably not…

It seemed she must have discerned that we lacked immediate lodging, as she took my arm once more. "I will arrange suitable quarters for you and your personal guards. Kindly follow me."

She still perceives my companions as my personal guards, I see…

Well… I suppose we might as well accompany her for the time being and observe how events unfold.

I paused briefly to offer Yuki a salute, signifying our departure and entrusting the remaining matters to her. She responded with a nod.

We had fulfilled our obligation here, and the subsequent cleanup wasn’t part of our contracted duties… Therefore, there was nothing further for us to accomplish at this location.

Also… I am quite certain Yuki is concealing it, but I suspect she is genuinely unsettled by my capability to command all those creatures.

The fact that she maintained a considerable distance from me subsequent to that incident conveyed everything I needed to know about her present estimation of me.

We exited the venue, joining the remainder of the departing guests. I was mildly surprised to discover a driveway outside, where numerous vehicles were lined up, awaiting their passengers.

Unsurprisingly, Vieretha also had a vehicle prepared for her, alongside a separate transport for her designated guards, indicating I would once again be separated from my companions.

Rather than escalating any potential conflict, I chose to comply for the moment.

The vehicle appeared to be a standard four-seater model, rather than one of the more advanced models, such as the aerial vehicle we utilized previously.

This arrangement, however, positioned me beside her, in rather close proximity.

As the car began to move, I noticed her gaze drift downwards towards my legs, and just as I was about to admonish her, she spoke.

"Your attire… has it been repaired?"

Ah… I had nearly forgotten about that detail…

I had, in fact, removed it in front of her for dramatic effect, but after instructing Renata to revert to her original form for the disguise… I suppose I neglected to re-damage the dress…

"I possess a replacement," I stated, fabricating the lie instantly, while idly brushing at the hem as if to dislodge some stray dust.

She hummed in acknowledgment but offered no further comment, leading me to believe I had successfully deceived her.

"So, what is it that you seek?" I inquired, opting to address the matter directly rather than prolonging our journey towards this anticipated dinner engagement she had proposed.

She turned towards me. "Hmm? I had assumed you might prefer not to engage in conversation until I had properly entertained you. Well, no matter… but prior to that…"

She snapped her fingers, and the partition separating us from the driver instantly became opaque. She then offered me a slight nod.

"Now we can converse freely."

"Right… As I was asking, what is it that you are looking for?"

"Mmm~ So… I am simply curious about your true identity? You are not, by any chance, someone who was an actual attendee of the event, are you?"

I observed her, my eyes narrowing slightly.

A smile graced her lips as she spoke, "You needn't be so on guard. I'm merely asking out of curiosity. I have no intention of exposing you or anything of the sort."

"And you expect me to simply take your word for it?" he retorted.

"Hmm... I can understand your wariness, but truly, who would even believe anything I said?"

"That's hardly the main point. I simply don't trust you," he stated plainly.

"I can accept that. What would it take to earn your trust then?"

"Shouldn't that be something you earn rather than ask about?" he pointed out.

"Hmm... Very well. How about this? I already know who you are; I simply wished to hear it from your own lips."

A frown creased his brow. "What do you mean by that?"

"I believe you understand precisely what I mean, Lady Tera. Or perhaps I should say... Miss Tera of the Teran Mercenary Company?"

His eyes narrowed at her, but she merely responded with a smile.

Turning away, she commented, "I must admit, discovering your identity wasn't particularly difficult. It's not as if you made any real effort to conceal it, after all."

"What is it that you want?"

"As I've said, my interest was purely curiosity. You've captured my attention, and I wish to learn more about you."

"And how exactly have I piqued your interest?"

She pivoted back, a wry smile playing on her lips. "Oh? I'm uncertain if this is a display of ignorance or if you're simply being difficult. Are you genuinely inquiring how someone who commanded an entire hall of creatures as if they were mere obedient pawns wouldn't capture my interest?"

He let out a scoff. "You can drop the act. I know your interest doesn't stem from that."

Leaning on her elbow, she gazed out the window for a moment, her tail idly flicking. "Then I suppose you'll simply have to wait until our dinner to discover the truth. Tell me... are those bodyguards of yours your crew?"

Since she already knew about him, he supposed there was little point in lying. He gave a nod. "Yes, they are."

"And are they... merely your crew?"

"What are you driving at?"

"Mmm... Are you romantically involved with any of them?"

"I fail to see how that is any of your concern," he stated.

"Fufufu~ We won't get very far in this conversation if that's the case, will we?"

"I suppose not. Since you've posed so many questions, I believe it's only fair that you answer some of mine in return, wouldn't you agree?"

"Ask away, Miss Tera~"

"Who exactly are you?"

She turned, blinking in surprise. "You don't know?"

"Should I?"

"Ah... My apologies... I had genuinely assumed you were aware of my true identity all along, and perhaps that was the reason for your wariness towards me."

"You're still avoiding the question," he pointed out.

"Hmm... Well, I'm not actively concealing it either. As I mentioned in my initial greeting, I am Vieretha Iceborne, a member of the Iceborne family."

He waited, expecting further explanation, but when none came, he raised an eyebrow. "Forgive me, but was that supposed to mean something to me?"

"You aren't even aware of the Iceborne family? Last I checked, there aren't many black Dragonling families, are there?"

"And what connection does that have to any of this?"

"Oh my? Could it be that you aren't aware? Are you familiar with Dragonling society?"

"I did mention you were the first one I've ever encountered," he reminded her.

She hummed thoughtfully. "Ah, that explains it. In that case, allow me to enlighten you. Within our society, the color of our scales dictates our hierarchical standing. The darker the scales, the higher the position one holds~"

She gestured subtly to her own midnight black scales, meeting his gaze with a knowing look.

...

"Okay... I certainly didn't anticipate that..."

"Could she be royalty, or something similar?"

"Just who exactly have I gotten myself entangled with?"