Chapter 81: The Aftermath
Aldrian hadn’t expected such a question. He looked at the elf who had accompanied him for most of his time in the Ivory Empire. He already considered Sylphia a friend, part of his family, someone he cared for. They often talked about their adventures and experiences, but never about women.
He was at a loss for how to answer. Did he like that type of woman? Aldrian knew what she meant—she must be referring to Arin. From the outside, Arin’s clothes might resemble something a prostitute would wear, but he never judged someone based on appearances. Now, with Sylphia’s question, was she asking if he liked women who wore scanty clothes?
He is also human, a man, and he hasn’t reached the point where he sees worldly lust as nothing more than flowing water, he’d be lying if he said he had no reaction when seeing a woman like that. Did he like it? Of course! For him, it’s just another way to give his eyes some enjoyment.
But restraint and self-control were crucial. He didn’t want to be ruled by his own lust, didn’t want to become a slave to his desires. He had to remain in control.
Sylphia blushed after asking the question. She didn’t know why, but seeing the way Arin dressed and interacted with Aldrian had made her wonder. Did Aldrian like that style of clothing? She wasn’t naive—she knew men often enjoyed seeing women dressed provocatively for their own entertainment. She simply wanted to know if Aldrian felt the same way.
Aldrian coughed and looked at Sylphia.
"Well, if you’re asking if I like women like Miss Arin’s type, I have to say I don’t judge people by their appearance. I need to know what kind of person someone is before I can decide if I like them or not. Maybe her style of dress isn’t appropriate for some, but I’m more interested in who Miss Arin is as a person—her personality, her morality, and so on. Not the way she dresses." He finally gave his answer, though it was a diplomatic one.
"So, if someone dresses like a harlot, you can still not like them if they’re not good people by your standards? And also vice versa?" Sylphia asked, her curiosity growing.
"Of course," Aldrian replied, sipping his tea.