Aloof

You head into the viewing room, where the monster girls can watch the interviews happen, and you find the mermaid waiting there. In her current form, there’s very little to identify her as a non-human. She is quite statuesque, tall and regal in bearing, with a curvaceous body that would draw attention anywhere. Her skin is incredibly pale, contrasting starkly with her long, inky black hair. Her most startling feature, though, are her eyes. They are large and almond shaped, though that’s not the most notable thing. Where a human’s eyes would be white, hers are a vibrant blue, that seems to be glowing slightly. Her irises are a bright green in those pools of blue, with small black pupils. It lends her a distinctive, almost alien appearance, with her only other inhuman feature being the faint lines of gills on her neck, barely visible.

Despite being dressed casually in a simple skirt and blouse, she carries herself as if she’s wearing a ball gown. Stepping towards you, she extends her hand to shake, and smiles. You note, though, that it’s a rather professional smile, never reaching her eyes.

“Greetings. You must be Brian. I am Cordelia. I understand you are going to be conducting the interview of my potential sponsor?”

You nod. “That’s right. He should be here soon, but I wanted to get your thoughts before I started. Is there anything in particular that you want in a sponsor?”

Cordelia sniffs audibly. “I’m sure whatever qualities he has will come out during the interview. He must prove that he is worthy of my attention, however. I know what I deserve.”

You raise an eyebrow at that, but simply nod. “Of course. So, no special requests, then?”

She shakes her head. “No. I will make my own decisions. Simply conduct your interview as normal. If he is the correct sponsor, it will be obvious to me.”

You hesitate for a moment, thrown off by her demeanor. She’s unlike any of the monster girls you’ve worked with before. In general, they’re either sweet and shy, or flirty and energetic. Cordelia is the first you’ve seen to be aloof and cold. Before you can think of something more to say, however, you receive a message on your phone.

You glance at it, then nod to the mermaid. “It looks like he’s here already.”

Cordelia seats herself in front of the display, crossing her legs and folding her hands in her lap. “Very well. I shall observe from here. You may go.”

You stand there surprised at such a curt dismissal, but Cordelia seems to ignore your presence now. With a shrug, you turn and leave the room.