What Do You Mean I'm The Captain Of A Yandere Mercenary Company? Chapter 875: Rumours Around The Icebornes

Yuki’s already pale complexion seemed to drain even further upon hearing that name.

"Vieretha Iceborne? You got tangled up with someone like her?"

I tilted my head. "Wasn’t she at your exhibition yesterday? You even saw me leave with her..."

"I knew she was there, but I didn’t know you left with her or got involved with her at all! Did it look like I was in a position to care about who you were talking to?"

Okay... I suppose that was on me... She was definitely occupied during that event...

"So… Yeah… Apparently, I caught her attention and intrigued her, or something. Judging by your reaction, is that a bad thing?"

She paused, then shook her head. "I can’t say for sure if it’s good or bad since it’s you… But just know that I can’t recall the last time she showed interest in another person."

"What do you mean by that?"

"She’s never shown interest in others. Anyone who speaks with her feels as though she’s treating them like inferior lifeforms or mere objects. She barely pays attention and usually speaks only a few words."

"Um… I don’t think she acted like that with me…"

"I’m not even surprised. You’re capable of commanding an entire horde of creatures that could obliterate this station if you willed it. I bet if you ordered my dogs to kill me, they’d turn on me instantly, forgetting I was their owner for years."

I grimaced slightly. "I wouldn't do that..."

"I know… But the point is, you *can*, and that's quite frightening. I'd say you're the natural enemy of all Biotamers. Or rather, you stand at the very apex of all Biotamers. Are you certain you're not from a Biotamer family?"

"I am quite certain, yes."

"Hmm… In that case, would you like to marry me? I believe I'm a good catch, even if I say so myself. I'll ensure you never have to work another day in your life."

"Uh… You asked that before, and my answer remains the same… I’m sorry."

She shrugged. "Worth a shot, I suppose. How about just one night with me? I’ll happily carry your child, and you don’t nee--"

"I believe I also declined that offer," I reminded her.

Also… You can stop glaring at her now, Yumiko… I’m not going to have a child with her…

And the dogs have decided to rest their heads on my lap; I’m just idly petting them.

Yuki steepled her fingers. "What if… We just have sex for pleasure? No commitments. Just two people…"

I inhaled sharply and discreetly glanced at Mara and Yumiko. Neither of them displayed the same hostile glare they’d given Yuki when she proposed marriage and having a child.

Turning back to Yuki, I conceded, "I suppose I wouldn’t mind that…"

"Perfect. Then, shall we begin now?" she asked, unbuttoning her suit to reveal more of her cleavage.

I cleared my throat. "Ahem… May I remind you that you wanted me to deal with Kaito? And I was also asking you about Vieretha?"

The mention of the Dragonling's name seemed to jolt her back to reality, and she sobered up.

"Right… I’m still finding it hard to believe she’s shown interest in anyone. But do you even know who she is?"

"From what I understand… she’s apparently in charge of her family’s business administration? And her family holds considerable influence in the business world?"

She nodded. "That's an understatement. I doubt there's an industry they aren't involved in. There's even a conspiracy theory that an oligarchy controls the entire USC, and the Iceborne family is behind it."

"And what about the Nobles?"

She shrugged. "Various theories exist. Some say the Nobles control the Iceborne family, while others suggest the Icebornes hold sway over the Nobles. Of course, there's no proof for either claim, but neither has been disproven, so it's still possible one is true."

"I’m surprised no one is trying to befriend her, then… I didn’t see anyone interacting with her during your exhibition."

She raised an eyebrow. "You truly don't grasp the extent of their family's influence, do you? Understand this… If you work for a company and offend someone from the Iceborne family, you can expect to either lose your life or never work again."

I raised an eyebrow in return. "Should I be worried then?"

"As I've stated... If it were anyone else, I would readily agree. However, precisely because it's you, my skepticism is high. I believe that apart from a select few noble families, you are the only one capable of confronting the Iceborne family without succumbing to fear."

I refrained from mentioning that my companions were also among those who could stand against them, choosing to remain silent.

She continued, "So, to address your inquiry, I suspect you have little reason for concern. Did she communicate anything to you?"

"Umm... Not particularly? We only had a brief encounter, and she generously treated me to dinner and provided me with lodging at her hotel here."

Her eyes widened in surprise. "Wait... You shared the same room with her, and she even dined with you?"

"Err... Yes? Is there something unusual about that as well?"

"For her to consent to spending time with someone in an enclosed space... Was it her invitation?"

"Yes?"

She drew a sharp breath. "Just so you are aware... There have been whispers suggesting it's perilous even to be in the same room as her without direct interaction, as one might inexplicably vanish."

"What is she supposed to be—some kind of monster?"

"I hesitate even to utter this, but... Rumors suggest she is not mentally... stable."

"What on earth does that imply? Does she possess some form of ability?"

"Some believe so... There are even theories that her entire lineage consists of Psionics, though it's generally accepted that only humans can manifest such powers."

Indeed, even I am aware of the concept of Psionics.

Yuki then extended a finger, stating, "Hypothetically, should you unearth any details concerning her family or Vieretha herself... you could furnish me with that intelligence. I am prepared to offer substantial Credits in exchange."

I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "What?"

"Individuals are prepared to compensate handsomely for information regarding their family, and some are present on this very station at this moment. The stakes are exceedingly high, mind you. Even trivial details, such as her culinary preferences, would command a price."

"You're portraying her as some sort of prominent figure."

"In a sense, she is, though not in the conventional public sphere. Knowledge of such specifics enables people to avoid provoking her wrath, thereby preventing their potential 'disappearance.' Now, regarding your conversation with her, what transpired?"

"I didn't engage in much conversation, actually... Our meeting concluded prematurely as she cited other commitments and suggested I depart."

"She dismissed you? I'm rather astonished you remain here."

I considered clarifying that she hadn't exactly 'dismissed' me, yet I conceded that, in a manner of speaking, her actions had led to my departure.

Just then, Yuki's personal terminal emitted a chime, signaling an incoming communication. She activated her screen, revealing a separate display we could not perceive.

After a brief perusal of the message's content, she looked up at me. "It appears our schedule must be expedited, Miss Tera... The vessel carrying my procured creature has just arrived in the hangar bay. As previously arranged, you will escort this beast to Kaito's office, where it will proceed to eliminate everyone present. Following that, you will intervene and subdue it."

I cracked my neck. "Understood. I trust our compensation reflects the complexity of this task."

"Naturally. Otherwise, you might simply unleash your hounds upon me~" she remarked, gesturing towards the dogs resting on my lap.

Right... With that settled, it's time for work, my girls!