SWNOVELXO Chapter 77
(… I feel like I’m being intensely watched.)
Piana Ishaan, the highly anticipated rookie, may appear to be a child, about elementary school age, but the dense aura of magical power surrounding her sets her apart from typical mages like Camille. It’s as if she has an aura of intensity that one could instantly feel.
Like a small, adorable creature found by a group of women, Piana allowed herself to be swept up in their attention. However, despite being surrounded, her eyes remained fixed on me. At first, I thought she might be on guard since I was the only man present, but the atmosphere didn’t suggest anything like that. Instead, it felt more like she was observing me, almost as though I was some kind of curiosity.
“Do you know her, Allen?”
“No… I don’t think we’ve met.”
While the women were oblivious to it, Aina, who was standing next to me, noticed that Piana had been staring at me and asked if we were acquainted.
Naturally, I didn’t know her. During the recent regular meeting, I had heard from Nana that Piana was from a knightly family near the royal capital and that she was an exceptional mage with a rare talent for healing magic. But this was my first time meeting her in person.
“But she’s been staring at you the whole time.”
The Akatsuki Brigade is full of women who, typical of this world of Asphial, are all strikingly beautiful, like idols. Their appearances are top-tier, and it’s easy to imagine them attracting attention from scouts as they walk through the streets. However, most of them have a more mature beauty, like Saioji and other members of the brigade. They are more suited to the word “beautiful” rather than “cute.”
My acquaintance Camille and the girl next to me, Aina, are among the few who fit the “cute” category. They resemble adorable high school girls. But right now, Piana, who’s at the center of attention like the eye of a storm, is different. Her charm resembles that of a small animal, exuding a captivating innocence that could easily evoke an overprotective feeling. She possesses a kind of loveliness that makes people want to shield her.
In a way, she has an allure that could ruin people, like a beauty who can enchant and weaken the resolve of those around her. The brigade members were completely enchanted by her charm.
Despite her childlike appearance, a silver monocle adorned her right eye. Its translucent light-blue lens gleamed as it focused intensely on me.
Both Aina and I found this curious, but the commotion surrounding her made it impossible to ask her anything directly for the time being.
—
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
After the introductions and a brief gathering with Piana and the two other new recruits, Saioji finally arrived as the star of the evening.
Lately, Saioji had been extremely busy, but it seemed her enormous workload had started to lighten. She was now able to leave her office and interact with the members more frequently.
Today marked the day of her return to her primary role as an adventurer. After spending two months in the royal capital, Saioji was finally able to resume her main activities.
Despite a slightly tired look, there was a bright and refreshed expression on her face as she walked in. The brigade members, who had been crowding around Piana, immediately turned their attention toward Saioji. Their faces, which had moments earlier been wearing playful expressions, now shifted to determined, sharp gazes, exuding a commanding presence and an air of authority.
“Shizuku-san, your coat…”
“Thank you, Raffin.”
Raffin, the deputy leader who had been waiting at the entrance of the restaurant, naturally approached Saioji without being prompted and took her coat. Despite the scene resembling one of a master and servant, the respectful atmosphere surrounding Raffin and the other brigade members made it clear just how revered Saioji was.
(Amazing. She’s probably still a high schooler by Japanese standards.)
It’s hard to tell whether it’s thanks to her prestigious Saioji family background or her own charisma, but earning this much respect isn’t something anyone can achieve easily. In a way, this single moment demonstrated Saioji’s extraordinary nature. Meanwhile, the three new recruits, who were seeing her for the first time, were visibly tense.