Bright yellow tungsten bulbs were gently enclosed in delicate crystal-petal shades, hanging in clusters from the banquet hall's vaulted ceiling and casting a warm, bright glow.
Long tables were covered with pristine white linen, and silver cutlery gleamed softly beneath the lights.
Nico Robin sat in the first seat to the right of the head of the table, an arrangement that itself conveyed unmistakable regard.
She took small sips of the milky fish soup in her porcelain bowl, her spoon making faint sounds against its rim, while her gaze casually swept over the other women at the table. These were the "women" Boer had mentioned.
Today, Elena was not standing in attendance beside Boer, but sitting in the third seat on the left.
When she noticed Robin's gaze, she meekly lowered her head, her long golden hair cascading down like a waterfall and revealing a stretch of fair neck.
Like a docile blond dairy cow, Robin silently assessed, noticing how the pale dress accentuated her voluptuous figure.
Her gaze shifted a little farther forward and settled on Allison. This tall beauty had stunning features, though a trace of youthful immaturity still lingered.
She occasionally stole glances at Boer at the head of the table, her eyes timid, like a frightened little animal's. Upon discovering Robin watching her, she immediately turned her face away, her slender fingers unconsciously rubbing the edge of her napkin.
A proud little swan. Robin's gaze briefly lingered on her not-yet-fully-developed chest.
Chloe, seated first on the left, broke the silence. Her red lips curved slightly, her eyes becoming crescents.
"This is the first time Boer has brought a sister home, especially a flower as beautiful as you, little sister."
Her voice was sweet as honey, carrying the allure peculiar to a mature woman.
Robin elegantly set