"It's been a while."
Arianell said, smiling brightly.
"Sir Azariah."
I tilted my head, looking at her.
"Sir?"
"W-well, you are higher in rank than me." She hastily explained herself. "..So, yeah."
"....I see."
I looked at her for a moment.
Arianell.
Her white hair framed her, and her clear white eyes sparkled as if genuinely happy to see me.
[<...She's nervous.>]
'Yeah, I can tell.'
"It's been a while for you too," I said casually, sliding my hands into my pockets.
Arianell shifted slightly on her feet, fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve. "You really changed, you know?"
"Did I?" I asked, arching an eyebrow.
She nodded, a little too quickly.
"You feel… different. Like…" She trailed off, searching for the right word.
"Scarier?" I suggested dryly.
Arianell flinched. "N-not exactly! Just... more powerful. And maybe a bit scarier, yes."
I chuckled under my breath.
At least she was honest.
[
