Chapter 348: The Witch of Cuteness
Satella's eyes brimmed with wariness and distrust.
But this was a normal reaction. Someone like Roy, who barged in uninvited, acted overly familiar, and behaved so inexplicably, would naturally arouse suspicion.
Even Roy's "Divine Visage" had limited effect. This passive authority granted him a baseline likability but couldn't outright warp someone's judgment or turn them into a mindless fan.
Only by actively invoking this power could such effects be achieved. Yet Roy dared not use it on Satella. From her emanated an overwhelming pressure—a force capable of devouring this very world. Roy wasn't afraid, but he knew that forcibly twisting her consciousness would likely provoke resistance from the power within her.
'So this is the power of the "Witch of Envy"… From initial observation, its manifestation isn't exaggerated, but its mystique is profound. Such is the nature of this world.'
Roy narrowed his eyes, sensing the hidden power coiled within Satella.
Similar to the lunar world, the power wielded by witches in this world isn't particularly impressive in terms of spectacle, but its effects—its level of mystery—are extraordinarily high. However, due to the constraints of this world, such power can only manifest at this level. Yet, if one could break through these worldly limitations and apply these effects to higher dimensions or the multiverse, it would become an incredibly formidable ability.
'But Satella seems unable to control her own power—the overflow of magical energy is far too obvious.'
Roy pondered thoughtfully.
Being stared at so intently by Roy made Satella uneasy. Her violet-blue eyes, pure and clear, darted around furtively as she subtly inched her slender legs backward, ready to flee if this inexplicable nobleman lunged at her.
"Won't you come in and sit down, Satella? Your intention to run is far too obvious."
Roy picked up the basket Satella had left in his home earlier—a beautifully woven one, likely crafted by her own hands—and tossed a wild berry into his mouth.
The berry was sour and unpleasant, hardly palatable, which explained why it was only food for the slum dwellers. Still, it contained some nutrients, barely enough to sustain a person.
Only then did Roy take a proper look at Satella.
She had stunning silver-white hair that cascaded down to her waist, so smooth it was hard to believe it belonged to a malnourished girl from the slums. Her delicate oval face was elegant without being coquettish, her skin snow-white, her willow-leaf brows and almond-shaped eyes framing long lashes that sheltered violet-blue gem-like irises, clear as the sky reflected in a mirror.
Satella wore a tattered, patched-up dress, but unlike others in the slums, her clothes were clean—clearly washed often. Roy's sharp nose even caught a faint fruity scent from her, devoid of the usual stench of the slums.
"Unsoiled by mud, unadorned by clear waters," Roy thought to himself, the phrase surfacing in his mind.
The girl wore no expensive ornaments, yet nothing could obscure her natural beauty. Still, girls always loved to adorn themselves, and Roy noticed a small flower tucked into her hair—likely picked from outside.
Roy's gaze shamelessly lingered on Satella's chest, his expression one of scholarly curiosity. His sharp eyes could discern the curves beneath her dress, but given her lifestyle and diet, such proportions seemed improbable.
Could this be a difference between elves and humans? Do elves grow like this just from eating fruit?
Roy pondered the question with academic detachment.
To Satella, however, Roy's gaze was nothing short of lecherous. She quickly covered her chest and took another wary step back.
"It's dark outside, and the night is dangerous. Won't you really come in and sit?"
Roy knew the half-elf had misunderstood him, but he didn't bother correcting her, simply repeating his invitation.
This time, Satella couldn't hold back. "...This is my house, isn't it?"
What a strange man, she thought, acting like the host and asking the actual homeowner if she wanted to come inside.
Satella couldn't help but silently complain in her heart.
'An overinflated sense of self-importance?'
This phrase, which she didn't fully understand herself, suddenly popped into her mind.
However, Satella could sense that Roy meant her no harm. If he had ill intentions, the power within her body would have been triggered, and she wouldn't still be here engaging in verbal sparring with him—she would have long since fled.
"Esteemed... noble lord... is there something you need from me?"
Satella hesitated for a moment before speaking up, noticing that Roy hadn't made any untoward advances.
"I heard rumors in the city about a half-elf living here, so I came to see for myself. As expected, Satella is as beautiful as the tales say."
Roy's unabashedly direct compliment was something Satella had never encountered before. Her cheeks flushed slightly as she lowered her head. "...Now that you've seen me, could you please leave?"
Being a half-elf wasn't a title of nobility—quite the opposite. As a mixed-blood, she had always been treated with malice and regarded as utterly lowly. While Satella didn't hate her heritage, she couldn't help but feel inferior because of it.
"I mean you no harm."
Seeing the girl trembling like a wounded fawn, always poised to flee, Roy softened his tone.
"I know... you... you seem like a good person."
Satella's words made Roy's lips twitch. He hadn't expected to be handed a "good guy card" so quickly.
Still, the effects of 'Divine Visage' were evident. By treating her with kindness and aided by the passive effects of 'Divine Visage,' this sensitive girl's initial impression of him was likely favorable.
"This is your home. Come in and sit properly. Also, while I may be friendly toward you, other nobles might not be. If you don't want trouble for yourself, or for this slum, or to end up a homeless wanderer, I suggest you come inside and hear me out."
Satella hesitated, her expression wavering, before finally stepping inside with her small basket, murmuring inexplicably, "...Pardon the intrusion."
The moment the words left her lips, Satella froze. This was her home—why did it suddenly feel like this man had become its master the moment he arrived?
After some thought, she could only attribute it to the nobleman's overbearing nature, always steering the conversation and making her unconsciously follow his lead.
Roy found this 'Witch of Envy' far more endearing than he'd imagined.
He watched Satella with keen interest.