Upon seeing this message, Jonas smiled faintly, disregarding the inquiry and simply closing the communication interface. It was evident that the anonymous provider of information to Miss Yukas Amili was indeed Mr. Jonas himself. With a keen awareness that Miss Yukas Amili wouldn't report her intelligence to the peacekeeping headquarters, Jonas had a clear motive: to involve Yukas in this commercial affair. Providing falsified identification to grant her access onto the cruise ship, Yukas Amili was notably cautious, unlikely to delegate such a task to another in uncertain circumstances. Thus, prior to contacting Miss Yukas, Jonas was ninety percent certain she would follow his intended course of action.
As the day of the commerce assembly approached, sunlight bathed the ocean's surface, shimmering with a gentle radiance. Though not yet the peak of summer's heat, the midday sun still proved somewhat glaring. Beside Jonas walked a young woman with golden short hair... She lowered her head, as if reluctant to reveal her face, her cheeks tinged with a slight blush, teeth clenched in a manner betraying her unwillingness. This was naturally Miss Riquier... albeit slightly altered from her previous appearance, seemingly having undergone a simple disguise.
"Well then, Miss Riquier..." Jonas chuckled softly, sensing the girl's reluctance. "One with such a furrowed brow hardly appears to be anticipating a reunion with an old friend." Jonas's reference to an "old friend" naturally indicated Miss Tengyu Mozzi. Upon hearing his words, Riquier couldn't help but turn her head away, seemingly unwilling to engage. Although she was well aware of the man's sinister inclinations, his words still weighed heavily on Riquier's heart, stirring up feelings of immense frustration akin to a boulder lodged in her chest.
In anticipation of this potentially being a trap, Jonas still chose to attend the assembly, evidently possessing means to counter such traps. Unaware, Miss Tengyu Mozzi was likely to face her second painful defeat. Despite knowing all this, Riquier found herself powerless to inform her. With this realization, the girl couldn't help but clench her fists. Now, all she could do was pray silently that Miss Tengyu Mozzi would sense something amiss and terminate the plan prematurely. Beyond that, she was utterly helpless.
"Let us proceed. Everyone must eventually face the consequences of their actions, Miss Riquier, there's no need to overly concern yourself for your friend..." Jonas's tone was calm, yet it sent a chill down Riquier's spine. "You have already paid the price, and she will too." ——This is the resolve you should have had before you acted. Upon hearing these words, Riquier's gaze turned fierce as she looked towards Jonas, who remained outwardly calm, as serene as an undisturbed well. Yet in this silent confrontation, it was ultimately Riquier who chose to retreat first.
"Alright, let's go." Seeing the girl yield, Jonas wasted no more time, heading towards the cruise ship, and as he walked, he spoke: "The assembly only permits one bodyguard per person, and restricts the weapons carried by bodyguards. Miss Riquier, you should understand how precious this opportunity I'm offering you is." ——You are nothing short of psychologically abnormal. Hearing this, Riquier glanced sidelong at Jonas, cursing him inwardly. She knew all too well that Miss Ennise Nora's combat prowess far surpassed her own. Yet, instead of bringing Miss Ennise Nora to this assembly, Jonas had brought her... Clearly not out of admiration for her abilities, but for some more twisted reasons.
As Riquier cursed Jonas inwardly, an electronic voice snapped her thoughts back.[Identity card verification in progress, iris verification passed. Welcome, esteemed Mr. Jonas Veitin. We hope you have a pleasant experience.]As the voice faded, the elevator descended, and the electronic doors slowly opened. The opulent decor of the cruise ship unfolded before her eyes, like a fleeting dream, a mirage of opulence and luxury.[Identity card verification in progress, iris verification passed. Identity: Attendant]Hearing this, Riquier couldn't help but pause. Before she could react, Jonas spoke: "Don't just stand there, let's go in."
Within the cruise ship, Yukas Amili wore a white dress, gracefully weaving between different guests. Through professional disguise, it was unlikely anyone would recognize her, especially considering she hadn't met most of the merchants here and had no reason to fear recognition. In fact, this wasn't her first time undertaking such undercover tasks; the last time she executed such a mission, she disguised herself as a bodyguard for a corporate heir and successfully prevented the launch of orbital weaponry. Today's mission, for someone of her experience, wasn't particularly challenging. The only thing to be cautious about...
Feeling numerous gazes directed towards her considerable assets, Yukas couldn't help but feel a tinge of annoyance. Although her disguise altered her appearance, certain physical features couldn't be changed, attracting unwanted attention.
"Madam, may I invite you to a dance?" A somewhat flamboyant voice sounded, prompting Yukas to look up and spot a gentleman in a suit. If she remembered correctly, he was the heir of some electronics tycoon. Yukas felt a wave of helplessness; the situation she least wanted had arisen. Just as she was about to decline, another voice spoke from the other side.
"Apologies, she already has a partner."
The tone was calm, the voice familiar to Yukas. Like a sudden realization, a sense of foreboding rose within her. Almost immediately upon seeing the figure, she recognized him.
—Jonas Veitin?
What was he doing here?