Status Window Chapter 27 : Vocational Experience as an Adventurer (3)

27. Vocational Experience as an Adventurer (3)

"Let me introduce her to everyone. This is A-rank adventurer, Signa Volg."

The moment the lady proudly introduced Signa-san, those sharp golden eyes glared toward us.

" "Hii!! " "

"Wow... amazing...!"

The boys went pale in an instant and their shoulders trembled. But I was the opposite. I couldn't help but stare at Signa-san with shining eyes.

A pressure that felt like it was piercing my skin. An aura so dense it felt like my breathing would become shallow. This is... the presence of a true powerhouse. An intensity that makes my whole body tremble!

"Come on, Signa, say hello too."

"...Signa. ...Nice to meet you."

When the lady urged her, Signa-san gave her name briefly, sounding annoyed. Her voice was much softer than I imagined, clear and transparent. Completely different from her rough appearance.

That gap shot right through my heart again.

"S-so cool...!"

Hearing my unintentional mutter, I felt like Signa-san's wolf ears twitched just a tiny bit.

"She might look a little scary, but Signa is a really good girl, you know."

The lady stood in front of us and smiled brightly. With an expression meant to reassure children frightened by a giant beast.

"Her personality is serious, and she would absolutely never do anything bad to people. She keeps her promises properly too... truly, she's an adventurer more sincere than anyone."

Saying that, she placed a hand on Signa-san's shoulder, and Signa-san averted her gaze slightly, remaining expressionless.

Is she shy? No, surely not... but her ears twitched again. She is shy!?

"I-is that... true...?"

One of the boys raised his hand timidly.

"Yes, it's true. So it's okay not to be scared. Right, Signa?"

When the lady sought Signa-san's agreement, her gaze sharpened intensely.

"It-it's not okay!!"

"See, her eyes!! Her eyes are scary!!"

The boys shook their heads with all their might and backed away. Looking like they were about to run away any second.

Even seeing such a reaction, Signa-san didn't get angry, just looked down at us expressionlessly. Her golden eyes narrowed and shone quietly.

"...Not gonna eat you."

Just that one phrase made the boys scream "Hiii!" But if you listened closely, her voice was surprisingly calm, gentle as if speaking so as not to startle small animals.

"She looks scary, but inside she's really good-natured. She's the type who puts her body on the line to protect everyone."

"R-really?"

"Strong and kind..."

The boys were still trembling with skepticism, but as for me—

"...Amazing! So cool!"

I couldn't suppress my excitement. This person is an A-rank adventurer. Strong, proud, and kind. The authenticity of the world spreading before my eyes made my chest hot.

I stepped forward in front of Signa-san without thinking.

"I'm Rio! Pleased to meet you today!"

When I introduced myself with a beaming smile, Signa-san's eyes widened slightly in surprise. At that moment, a notification sound rang. Surely the favorability for the first meeting had been set. But I don't have time to check right now.

"Fufu, it seems this child is fine. How rare, someone approaching Signa without being scared."

"..."

When the lady teased her, Signa-san returned to being expressionless and nodded slightly. However, she didn't speak.

I want to hear more words! ...That's right! If I open the Mind Window, I can listen all I want! It feels like I'm doing something bad, but this is also necessary to know Signa-san.

So without reservation, I'll read it! I displayed Signa-san's Mind Window.

*[Not scared of me at first meeting? Is such a thing possible? Until now, everyone has avoided me...]*

Apparently, she is shaken inside. She's expressionless and her emotions are unreadable, but her heart was different.

*[...What is this child? She doesn't look away. Not trembling either. Rather, she looks happy.]*

Signa-san's inner voice was a mixture of surprise and confusion. Even while remaining expressionless, thoughts were swirling around inside.

*[There hasn't been a single child who wasn't scared of me until now. I don't understand. Even though I've always been told I'm dangerous...]*

Signa-san's golden eyes stared intently at me. Her appearance was scary as always. But the presence residing there was just a little bit softer. Like an animal whose interest has been piqued approaching.

*[...Rio, was it. Why approach? Not scared? Normally... people should avoid me.]*

And the inner voice continued even deeper.

*[Her eyes are clear. No color of fear. Looking straight at me. Not eyes of lies or flattery. ...It's been a long time since I've seen this.]*

There, the inner voice cut off for a moment. But the next instant, a small thought leaked out as if suppressed.

*[Not hated? Not feared? Just that makes my chest this warm...?]*

Signa-san remained silent as usual, expression unmoving. But inside that heart, surprise and joy were quietly swaying.

*[...I want to know more. Why she doesn't look away. ...I want to talk, just a little.]*

At that moment, the notification sound rang again. Isn't this a good feeling? Surely her favorability and such must be going up. I'm starting to look forward to checking it later.

"Geez, Signa falls silent right away. Let's see, today we'll follow Signa and go to the dungeon. Is everyone ready?"

"Of course!"

"Ah, aaah!"

"A-anytime!"

"Good answers. Then, let's depart for the dungeon!"

When the lady raised her voice cheerfully, we also thrust out our hands and shouted.