What Do You Mean I'm The Captain Of A Yandere Mercenary Company? Chapter 872: I’m Gonna Cook For A Dragon

Well... Though I shouldn't be surprised, the food here is indeed palatable, yet I possess an unshakable feeling that a crucial element remains absent...

It was quite similar to Merina's culinary creations, so honestly, nothing truly unexpected unfolded.

My subdued reaction must have alerted Vieretha to the underlying issue, as she directed a piercing gaze at me, inquiring, "Was the cuisine not to your satisfaction, Lady Tera?"

For a fleeting moment, I contemplated deception, but the dragon woman's intense scrutiny suggested she would discern any falsehood instantly.

Consequently, I could only offer a sigh, admitting, "Well... To be candid... It could have been superior..."

From my peripheral vision, I observed the chef stiffen, her complexion rapidly losing its color.

Vieretha, conversely, exhibited a reaction akin to someone discovering their meticulously simmered soup had been spoiled.

Vieretha then slowly pivoted her head towards the chef. Without a word being spoken, the culinary artist had already scrambled from behind the counter, prostrating herself before Vieretha.

"Lady Iceborne! I assure you, I exerted my utmost effort! No shortcuts were taken! Please, believe me!"

What was precisely unfolding?

Vieretha remained silent, extending her hand towards the chef.

The scene unsettled me; I harbored a strong conviction that without intervention, the chef might genuinely forfeit her life.

"Wait," I interjected, my plea surprisingly halting Vieretha's movement.

She turned her head back, regarding me with a slight tilt, as if questioning my interruption.

"She speaks the truth. The deficiency does not lie with her," I affirmed.

Vieretha offered no immediate reply, maintaining her steady gaze across the table. It took a considerable duration before she appeared to regain her composure.

"What do you imply?" she inquired.

I gestured towards the meal we had consumed, explaining, "Should another chef of comparable skill prepare this dish, the outcome would invariably be the same. I stated it could be better because I am cognizant of the established standards for this particular type of dish, and I have previously savored both superior and equally competent preparations. Therefore, I am aware she executed her duties as expected. It is not a failing on her part."

I reiterated the final point, seeking to assure her that the chef was blameless, as Vieretha's intentions toward the girl remained ambiguous.

The young woman even cast a grateful glance my way. It seemed I had indeed averted a crisis, as Vieretha eventually retracted her hand.

"I comprehend... How intriguing... You may withdraw," Vieretha instructed, her eyes still fixed on the chef.

The woman released a palpable sigh of relief before making a hasty retreat, unwilling to linger in case Vieretha's resolve wavered.

Did she genuinely contemplate ending the girl's life over such a trivial matter? Perhaps I would never know.

Vieretha then shifted her attention back to me, the earlier oppressive atmosphere dissipating as a smile reappeared on her features.

"To think that Lady Tera is also skilled in the culinary arts~ Which institution did you attend for your training? Perhaps it was one under my purview?"

I paused.

"Wait... What did you just utter?" I questioned.

"Hmm? I inquired if you might have been educated at one of the culinary academies I oversee? I manage several within the Inner Colonies."

Blinking again, I pointed towards the direction the chef had departed, asking, "Could she have... Possibly... Been an alumna of one of your establishments?"

"Naturally. Why would I not recruit personnel educated within my own institutions?"

I drew a sharp breath. "I fear... The reason for the food's inadequacy is intrinsically linked to the academy."

Vieretha's brow furrowed slightly. "Is that so... Very well, I shall proceed to eradicate that academy from existence immediately."

Hmm... For some inexplicable reason... Her declaration of 'removing' the school from existence conjured an image not of mere closure, but of literal annihilation, akin to a targeted orbital strike obliterating a location from the map...

I raised my hand once more. "Wait, wait, wait! While the school bears responsibility for its instruction, the true issue is not isolated to that single institution! It is the collective history and ingrained culture that compels nearly all, if not all, culinary academies to perpetuate an entirely insufficient approach to cooking. Furthermore... Why do you place such immediate trust in my words? Do you not entertain the possibility that I might have been fabricating everything?"

She tilted her head towards me. "Were you deceiving me, Lady Tera?"

"Well... No? But you had no prior knowledge of that, correct?"

"Hmm... I did not perceive any falsehood in Lady Tera's words, hence my trust."

"I mean... I completely anticipated you'd ask me to prove my capabilities by preparing a meal for you or something similar..."

She exclaimed, "Will Lady Tera be cooking for me? Oh, my! That is absolutely wonderful! If it isn't too much trouble, I would be delighted to savor something prepared personally by Lady Tera!"

Well... I had already foreseen this outcome, so I wasn't particularly taken aback...

I made a show of rolling up my sleeves and approached the counter, gesturing towards it, "I can utilize this, correct?"

Vieretha promptly pulled her chair closer, positioning herself directly in front to observe me, "Please, proceed~"

Since I have obtained permission from the establishment's proprietor...

I made my way to the same wall where the panel had previously materialized. A screen sprang to life as I neared it, displaying numerous windows filled with a diverse array of ingredients awaiting selection.

I moistened my lips as I browsed the extensive list, realizing the immense variety of items available.

From an assortment of fish and various red meats to an abundance of fruits and vegetables... Each would be delivered directly to the counter with a mere press of a finger~

I swiftly chose several items, including some pieces of fish, as I also intended to prepare dishes for my companions, and Ries would undoubtedly desire some fish as well.

The instant my selections were complete, the counter surface slid open, and the ingredients I had ordered appeared, meticulously arranged and ready for use.

The swiftness of the delivery suggested the presence of an automated system responsible for sorting and dispatching the food.

How impressive~

I then proceeded to commence the preparation of the ingredients, all while under the attentive gaze of everyone present in the room, which encompassed Vieretha, her bodyguards, and my own companions.

Ironically, I sensed that only one out of these three groups was observing me with a degree of wariness, ensuring I wouldn't falter in preparing the food or, worse, attempt to poison it.

Given the close scrutiny from everyone, I decided to put on a display for them and attempt my usual performance on the teppan grill.

However, the very moment I attempted a flourish with my spatula, a loud 'bang' echoed, and I observed the utensil being struck and deflected from mid-air, clattering onto the floor a short distance away from me.

I turned my head towards the source of the sound, only to discover that one of Vieretha's bodyguards, a red Dragonling, had drawn his firearm and discharged it in my direction. The bullet had struck the spatula I had tossed into the air.

So, these individuals are permitted to retain their firearms... I suppose that's logical. It would be foolish if they were disarmed and subsequently forced to confront intruders without any means of defense.

He maintained his aim, pointing the weapon directly at me, and cried out, "Lady Iceborne! Please take cover!"

Instead of complying, the black Dragonling's gaze turned towards her subordinate, her eyes narrowing, "What... do you believe... you are doing?"

The man visibly faltered before stammering, "She... she was acting suspiciously... She might be plotting against your life..."

The same formidable aura she had exuded earlier when addressing the chef resurfaced, and I noticed all the bodyguards stiffen and avert their eyes.

I cleared my throat, "Ahem, my apologies. I should have offered an explanation sooner, I suppose. This is my oversight. I shall be performing a cooking demonstration with the utensils, so there's no cause for alarm. Please refrain from blaming him, Lady Iceborne."

She turned her attention back to me, a slight pout gracing her lips, "If that is what Lady Tera affirms... However, I would prefer if you would call me Vier~"

The bodyguards collectively inhaled sharply upon hearing that.

Er... Perhaps I shouldn't address her so casually?

Regardless, my immediate intention is to proceed with cooking.