What Do You Mean I'm The Captain Of A Yandere Mercenary Company? Chapter 870: She’s Buying Me Dinner First

Their civilization, it seems, was one deeply intertwined with their physical forms... or more precisely, the hues of their scales. Hmm...

Although countless thoughts swarm my mind regarding this, I believe discretion is the better part of valor for the time being.

Our discussion reached an abrupt end as the vehicle halted before a particular establishment, its doors swinging open to admit us.

The attire of the personnel standing guard immediately signaled its nature as a hotel, and I was gracefully escorted past the entrance, Vieretha maintaining her position by my side.

Furthermore... she then linked her arm with mine as if it were the most natural gesture in the world...

I allowed this familiarity, as she was treating me to a meal, and I held a considerable anticipation for the culinary delights that awaited.

After all, my quest for an exceptional chef within the Inner Colonies remains unyielding! Consider the sustenance provided at that mining station I encountered; the slop the cook served was, against all odds, still palatable despite its unappetizing appearance!

She guided me into the opulent lobby, where the staff promptly approached, offering a respectful bow.

"Lady Iceborne, welcome back."

"Mmm... Prepare our most exclusive suite and arrange a private dining chamber for my guest," she commanded, her voice carrying an almost palpable chill.

A subtle yet discernible frost seemed to permeate the air with her utterance.

The attendant hesitated only a moment before inclining his head further, "It shall be done, my lady."

My gaze then drifted to the name emblazoned above the hotel's entrance.

"Iceborne Palace: Serenity Pleasure Station."

I surmised this establishment was likely part of a larger chain, this being merely one of its many branches.

And I had a rather clear inkling as to its proprietors.

Turning to Vieretha, I saw she clearly recognized my deduction, offering a knowing smile before continuing to lead me onward.

She paused abruptly, turning her attention back to my companions, "I must offer my apologies, but we uphold a strict no-weapons policy on the premises. I'm afraid we cannot make an exception for this rule. You may entrust your armaments over there~"

The Dragonling woman indicated a counter situated near the entrance.

My girls glanced towards me, and I gave a subtle nod. If a confrontation were to arise, our lack of weaponry would hardly diminish our efficacy, considering the presence of Amber, Mara, and myself.

Should we be compelled to fight our way out... then everyone would simply meet their end.

I was compelled to dematerialize my halberd into a cubic form, and thankfully, no one inquired about its peculiar functionality as we proceeded.

We passed through a scanner designed to detect weaponry, and for a brief moment, I worried it might register Renata, but it remained inert, suggesting the system wasn't calibrated to detect eldritch entities.

Much like the Grand Honpeki where we previously lodged, this was unmistakably a high-caliber establishment, attracting a clientele of similar standing.

I was reminded of the hushed reverence and averted gazes of the surrounding patrons when Mara's family had graced the lobby.

While the atmosphere here wasn't identical, it was certainly comparable, as every individual in the lobby froze, and a profound silence descended upon the expanse when Vieretha entered, with me in tow.

It was evident she held considerable influence to elicit such a reaction.

I managed to catch snippets of hushed conversations from some of the guests.

"Could that be..."

"Vieretha Iceborne? Indeed... the one they call the Ice Dragoness..."

"Isn't she the one managing the family's enterprises?"

"Precisely... She assumed the mantle at a remarkably young age. Their lineage is among the select few Dragonling families that maintain their prestige without relying solely on ancestral legacy."

"And who is that accompanying her?"

"Perhaps... a companion?"

"Are you witless? We are discussing Vieretha Iceborne. How many suitors has she rebuffed? I heard she even dispatched the last one audacious enough to express his affections!"

"Indeed. I've never even caught wind of her harboring clandestine affections. Thus, someone in her company is certainly a surprise..."

Excellent... it appears I've stumbled into another precarious situation. She bears an uncanny resemblance to Eleanor.

Whether Vieretha perceived the hushed murmurs circulating about her, she gave no outward indication, continuing her steady escort of me through the hotel's environs.

We ascended via elevator to the hotel's upper levels, disembarking on one of the mid-tier floors.

Upon exiting, we were met by a gathering of staff, a mix of Dragonlings and predominantly humans, positioned before the lift.

In unison, they bowed deeply, "Welcome, Lady Iceborne!"

Vieretha offered only a soft hum in acknowledgment before proceeding past them, drawing me along in her wake.

Her familiarity with the locale was undeniable, as she navigated the restaurant area without the need for guidance, leading us directly to a private chamber undergoing final preparations.

Within the chamber sat a square table, two seats positioned opposite each other, and other furnishings along one wall...

Hmm? This arrangement seems familiar... They even have a teppan grill here? Is this a trend among the affluent, or a standard for high-class establishments targeting discerning clientele?

Well... Merina's culinary skills weren't flawless, but they were quite commendable by the standards of this world. Perhaps there's an unexpected delight awaiting me here?

"Please, have a seat, Lady Tera," Vieretha gestured towards one of the chairs, even pulling it out to assist me in sitting.

It felt rather ironic; she had maintained the facade of a lady assisting me throughout, yet she performed the chivalrous act of pulling out my chair instead of the other way around.

Without objection, I accepted her offer, though I soon noticed the absence of seating for my companions.

Clearing my throat, I inquired, "Ahem... And what about my err... My bodyguards?"

The black Dragonling tilted her head as she settled into her seat. "Oh? Do you typically dine with your bodyguards? It hardly seems proper for them to do so."

Is she truly continuing this charade? She's aware I'm a Mercenary Captain, not some noblewoman, isn't she? Therefore, my companions should be referred to as my crew, not my bodyguards.

Unless... she genuinely believes I'm a mercenary accompanied by hired protection? Surely not.

Actually... she appears genuinely perplexed. Could it be that she investigated me extensively but neglected to thoroughly research my companions?

Just as I was about to clarify, Amber interjected, "There is no need, Lady Tera~ We shall simply stand guard."

Really? She's relishing this bodyguard role, isn't she?

Wait a minute... They're simply creating a pretext to ensure I feed them later, aren't they? Ugh... You know you can just ask, and I'll do it regardless, right?

Ah well, I adore my girls too much. I'll figure out if we need to utilize our ship's galley or if I can simply borrow their kitchen later...

Turning back to Vieretha, I asked, "That's fine then... So... What is it you require?"

She offered a smile. "Oh my, there's no need for haste, Lady Tera. First, I must extend my hospitality, lest I appear discourteous."

As if summoned, the door swung open, revealing a young woman dressed in a chef's uniform.

She approached our table and bowed stiffly. "Lady Iceborne... I will be serving as your chef today."

In contrast to her previous animation when addressing me, the black Dragonling merely offered the young woman a curt nod.

The chef showed no surprise, proceeding directly to the teppan grill to commence her preparations.

My curiosity piqued, I observed as she retrieved various utensils from concealed compartments that emerged from the counter. Subsequently, a side panel on the wall retracted, unveiling a console panel.

The chef moved towards it and began interacting with the console. This action caused a section of the counter adjacent to the teppan grill to lift, revealing multiple dishes laden with an assortment of ingredients.

Oh wow, that's quite ingenious~ I wonder if I could utilize that feature later~

As I watched the chef's work, my optimism waned considerably upon noticing her placing the food onto the grill without a hint of seasoning in sight.

Blast it... She probably attended the same culinary academy as Merina, or perhaps a similar institution...

It seems I can only anticipate a rather bland meal for dinner then...

Actually... Would it be considered impolite if I were to take over the cooking duties now?