"Please don't make things difficult for these security guards; they're just earning a living, it's not easy for them," Herman said earnestly, his expression as contrived as that of some great philanthropist. Had the people in the banquet hall not known his identity beforehand, they might have taken him for a kind and understanding good fellow.

"Herman, what are you doing here?" Isaac reined in his hostile gaze, but he certainly didn't offer a pleasant expression; there seemed to be a deep-seated conflict between him and Herman.

Yang Ying recalled the intelligence report stating that Herman, as the spokesman for the three major pirate fleets, commanded a private armed force of nearly five thousand men—equivalent to the combined strength of Gray Harbor's two largest medium-sized mercenary groups.

Furthermore, due to Gray Harbor's neutrality principle, there was a strict cap on the number of personnel deployed by mercenary groups and pirates to the harbor, making Herman's numerical advantage practically unassailable.

Herman listened to Isaac’s question and replied with blatant disdain, "Look at you, isn't it obvious? Why state the obvious? A heroic team like the Tran Mercenary Group, which exterminates orcs and brings great honor to humanity, has established itself in Gray Harbor. I’ve come to offer my congratulations—what could possibly be wrong with that?"

The words sounded utterly righteous.

"What’s wrong is that you don't have an invitation. If we follow your logic, doesn't that mean everyone in Gray Harbor who wants to send blessings to the Tran Mercenary Group can just barge in here?" It was Dennis, who had just moved closer; he clearly had no small history of animosity with this lackey of the pirates.

"Why is everyone suddenly so nosy?" Herman complained, gesturing towards Yang Ying with his finger. "I just wanted a private word with this young brother; must it be so difficult?"

"Let's take this to a private room. I imagine a busy man like Mr. Herman isn't here merely to offer congratulations; there must be other matters attached. Our presence here in the banquet hall might spoil the pleasant mood for others. I certainly wouldn't want my invited guests to leave with such a memorable impression," Yang Ying said, sweeping his gaze across the hall, showing Herman the pale faces of his guests.

"Fine, I like straightforward people. We'll go to a room to talk," Herman said, waving a hand to have a bodyguard clear the path as he headed toward a back room of the banquet hall, clearly expecting everyone to follow him.

However, Isaac was not about to play along. He sneered and subtly signaled his own bodyguard to position himself just ahead of Herman's man. Isaac himself took a slight step forward, walking half a pace ahead of Herman, accompanied by Dennis.

Herman let out a low grunt, but while he was confident he could assert himself over Dennis, he was less certain about Isaac. Although the banner of the Caribbean gave him license to act with impunity, Isaac was, after all, the ruler of a city and one of the greatest powers nearby—not someone he could easily trifle with.

Yang Ying followed, with Kalia and Robin trailing behind. Commander Xie, who had been standing slightly further back, gave a few instructions to his subordinates and then followed as well.

Only after they had all left the main banquet hall and entered the adjacent small room did the remaining guests breathe a collective sigh of relief. The reception was nearly over, and none of them wished to remain any longer; they were eager to depart.

Robin’s Spectre Agents, utilizing their excellent communication skills, managed to pacify the guests. As for those who were truly set on leaving, there was no alternative but to escort them out.

In the small room, once everyone had entered, Isaac spoke first: "Say what you came to say quickly. I’m eager to hear what business a profiteer like you has here."

Herman surveyed the fully furnished room and nodded. "Everyone, please find a seat and let's chat leisurely."

He snapped his fingers.

"What is it, sir?" one of his bodyguards inquired.

"Call for service staff. After traveling this far, we need something to drink; my throat is parched. How can I possibly talk otherwise?" Herman showed no pretense of politeness, treating the space as if it were his own home.

The bodyguard immediately complied and went to summon service personnel.

Yang Ying felt a surge of displeasure. Using telepathy, he contacted a Spectre Agent patrolling outside and instructed him to handle a certain matter.

Herman took a chair in the room and had his guards stand behind him.

Isaac, Dennis, Yang Ying, and Commander Xie each found chairs for themselves. Fortunately, there were enough seats for everyone, even Kalia and Robin, though the bodyguards were left standing.

Herman first chuckled a couple of times. "Commander Yang Ying is truly impressive for his age; I hold him in great admiration."

"Cut the nonsense," Yang Ying snapped. "What is your actual purpose for being here?"

"Purpose?" Herman acted as if Yang Ying's question was utterly baffling. "Of course, it's to make your acquaintance. Isn't that self-evident?"

"Well, now we’ve met. What are you still waiting for?" Yang Ying offered a blunt eviction notice.

"It seems I am not very welcome. Heh heh," Herman first wore an expression of feigned melancholy, then suddenly grew serious. "Very well, let’s get down to brass tacks. I heard that when you eliminated the Troodons, you utilized three small warships produced by your parent corporation, is that correct?"

"That is correct," Yang Ying instantly understood that Herman coveted the combat capability of the Valkyrie-class warships. After all, the Kussen Corps had deployed a fleet led by one large flagship to achieve a similar result, only to suffer severe damage—nearly every ship was injured—a victory won at a terrible cost. In comparison, the glorious achievements of the Valkyrie were starkly highlighted.

Yang Ying had anticipated this day would come; the staff headquarters had already prepared numerous contingency plans for just such an occasion.

Among the mercenary commanders present, excluding Commander Xie, the expressions on the others' faces showed little change, clearly indicating they were already aware of this development.

"How much for those warships? Be straightforward, give me a price," Herman demanded, seeking the Valkyrie immediately.

"These warships are only prototypes. The main corporation intends to test their performance in the asteroid belt; we have no immediate plans to release them onto the market," Yang Ying replied with a formalized excuse to deflect the question.

"Hahahaha!" Herman burst into loud laughter, as if Yang Ying had uttered some colossal joke. "Young man, do you honestly think I would be satisfied with that answer?"

"Do you think I care if you are satisfied?" Yang Ying shot back.

"Well said!" Isaac applauded with a laugh. "Don't be polite with that maggot."

Herman’s smile vanished, replaced by a cold snort. "Young man, as someone with more experience, let me offer you some advice: don't mistake kindness for weakness. You have no idea what kind of adversary you are currently facing."

Yang Ying raised a single finger and shook it gently at him. "On the contrary, I am perfectly clear about the adversary I face. This is the only answer you will receive."