If she wasn't taunting him, if Shalltear truly did not remember, then that must mean she did not have even the slightest bit of interest in him. For an overwhelmingly powerful being like Shalltear, that was not arrogance or overestimating one's abilities.
"No... my apologies. Maybe... perhaps. Yes, this is the first time we've met."
"Is it, really? Well, even if you understand that now, it makes no difference. Perhaps it would be safer to just kill you off. Do you wish to live? To die? If you genuflect before me and lick my shoes, it might please me enough to change my mind."
"Sorry, but I think I'll pass on that."
Brain settled down into a sword-drawing stance as he slowed his breathing. The technique he was using was, of course, ‘Field’. Needless to say, though, Brain knew it was useless against Shalltear.
"Haaaa..."
The dumbfounded Shalltear gently shook her head.
"You don't understand the difference in strength between us, do you? How annoying..."
Actually, I do understand, Brain thought as he looked at her.
Shalltear scared him so badly he wanted to throw up. That much he understood. But knowing this, why hadn't he fled yet?
The corner of his mouth turned up as he thought about this question.
If his heart was a lake, then it was perfectly still and calm. Even in the face of a being that made him want to flee at all costs, he still managed to retain his composure. This serenity was quite unnerving.