Got Engaged to the Man They Call Ugly - Chapter 10
She barely managed to hold back the question lingering at the tip of her tongue.
“Truly, it is an honor…”
Whether reading her thoughts or simply interpreting her expression, Nerva laughed lightly.
“Your expression reminds me of the chariot race I once had against Mars, God of Defeat.”
…Mars?
【Mars: God of Defeat.】
As soon as curiosity rose in her mind, “Monetta’s Vision” swiftly appeared, displaying information from the archive.
【: Once the god of war, Mars lost his position as the sole deity of war to Nerva several years ago after being defeated by her. His whereabouts are currently unknown.】
“Even after losing to me several times, he kept pestering me daily, so in annoyance, we held another type of contest. It was a competition where we took turns riding in each other’s chariots, and the first one to beg to stop would lose.”
Did the gods usually do these kinds of bets? What carefree lives they must lead.
Hiding her sour thoughts, she asked politely,
“I’m sure you won, of course.”
“That’s right. And from that day onward, Mars never challenged me to another chariot race. I remembered that competition and ran at that same speed today, yet you endured surprisingly well. Not even a single scream.”
…Excuse me?
Doubting her ears, she turned to look at Nerva, who smiled back at her.
It was somehow a mischievous smile.
“I knew you were clever, but I didn’t realize you’d be so courageous. You truly deserve to become my daughter.”
“H-hahaha…”
No wonder it felt insanely fast.
Suppressing the urge to vomit, she staggered as she got off the chariot.
* * *
Even after leaving the chariot, they walked deeper into the forest for quite some time.
It was a dense forest, the kind where it wouldn’t feel strange at all if a wild animal suddenly appeared, yet oddly enough, not a single bird chirped.
“Lady Nerva, are we—haa… uh… almost… there yet…?”
“We’re nearly there.”
Why was this body so weak?
Her original body had never had good stamina, but this “Elinne’s” body was even worse.
She hadn’t even walked that far on flat ground, yet she felt utterly breathless.
“This is the place.”
The location they reached was a pond large enough that, if it had been slightly bigger, it might as well have been called a lake.
The water was startlingly clear, but not a single fish lived there. Even the few lily pads floating around were strangely immaculate, without any insect marks.
Why is there nothing here? She tilted her head curiously.
Soon, she realized the reason.
The pond was surrounded by something strange and green.
It was as if a giant had squeezed sparkling green toothpaste neatly around the edge of the pond.
Its jelly-like texture and diamond-like sparkling surface looked just like…
—Hissssss.
A snake!
Meeting those gleaming vertical pupils, she barely managed to hold back a scream.
【Erycthos: Sacred beast of Nerva. Guardian of the Fountain of Wisdom. Its sharp venomous fangs symbolize cunning, and its green scales represent immortality.】
Indeed, it was a massive green snake, thick as a truck, coiled around the pond.
“It’s alright. Rycto, this child is to be my kin.”
Noticing their presence, the snake initially bared its fangs, but quickly became docile upon recognizing Nerva.
Nerva even gently stroked its snout, and it purred softly, like a cat.
…Why on earth is that snake so huge?! Did all gods have a hobby of raising such bizarre creatures?!
She stuck her back firmly against a tree at the edge, desperately catching her terrified breath.
“This place is 『Sapientia』, known as the Fountain of Wisdom. The waters hold the essence of my powers accumulated over ages.”
Amusedly observing her reactions, Nerva explained gently.
Then, she personally bent down and picked up a large lily pad.
“Rycto has guarded this place for many years, awaiting one worthy enough to be my child, to quench their thirst.”
Nerva, affectionately petting the enormous snake that hissed gently like a spoiled child, scooped water from the fountain using the lily pad and offered it to her.
The droplet resting perfectly round upon the leaf was so clear that it reflected her face.
“Here in Elysion, a mortal’s body ages rapidly. Without nectar, one’s lifespan would shorten drastically, lasting at most ten years.”
Ten years?!
Seeing her shocked expression, Nerva smiled soothingly.
“But don’t worry. Drinking from this fountain removes that side effect. You will gain eternal youth.”
“Then this must be incredibly precious!”
Instantly, her eyes sparkled with excitement.
“Are you really sure I can drink it?”
“Of course. Anyone wise enough to offer me a Golden Apple is worthy enough.”
…Actually, I just didn’t want to end up ruining my life like Paris, the prince who chose the Goddess of Beauty.
She swallowed the words that rose to her throat.
