Headhunting (6)

Speech contains such a thing as nonverbal expression.

Taking advantage of Elinore's absence, I slipped outside to enjoy the fresh air, and I could read hostility in the knight's behavior.

Setting aside the unpleasant, superior look peculiar to people from the central district, I simply disliked the way he ran his mouth.

What could his intention be in suddenly saying he wanted to see what I could do?

Was he really curious about my abilities?

Probably not.

I could tell just by looking at the members of the knight order who had gathered around us before I knew it.

Even apart from the guy who had brazenly shown me his middle finger, the others had gathered with looks of dislike directed at me as well.

‘Hmm, could it be because of Elinore?’

It suddenly occurred to me that this might be the case...