The Nymph Wants to be Plundered - Chapter 17
‘Those high and mighty figures usually travel with an entourage of guards and attendants, don’t they? Draped in flowing robes and adorned with jewels. So…’
Her thoughts were interrupted as Iel, who had seemingly brushed off Cassis’s earlier warning, bowed his head slightly.
“…Understood. However, there is another urgent matter to report, Your Majesty. The border guards have completed their training earlier than expected and will be returning sooner than planned.”
“I see. We’ll need to move up the Aika Festival as well. For now, I’ll take this nymph with me. Report back to me later.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
The title rang out again, clear and unmistakable. Your Majesty. Evelyn’s ears, still tingling from Cassis’s touch the night before, burned crimson. She felt a wave of panic rise within her.
This can’t be… I just want Cassis to remain Cassis. That’s all. Please… let me have misheard.
As soon as the elf called Iel stepped back, the horse began to move again at a slow, deliberate pace. Cassis offered no explanation about the conversation, focusing solely on their journey.
The rhythmic clatter of hooves against the ground echoed loudly in Evelyn’s ears, each step feeling like it was stealing a piece of her heart. With every passing moment, it became harder to breathe.
Though she still sat with her back pressed against Cassis’s chest, her body felt anything but comfortable. Her chest tightened, and her legs, spread wide to straddle the horse, had turned as stiff as wooden blocks. It felt as though her legs might give out at any moment, leaving her to tumble to the ground.
Suddenly, a gentle breeze carried a golden seed from the World Tree, fluttering before her eyes. It caught the sunlight, dazzling her momentarily. Cassis reached out, gently catching the seed and letting it drift away before speaking softly.
“I didn’t get a chance to answer earlier because of the interruption. Yes, that’s a seed of the World Tree. Some elves can’t even see them. But you’re a nymph who serves the trees, so it must be a new ability you’ve gained.”
“That…”
She wanted to ask, but her lips felt glued together, refusing to part. This is the moment, she thought. Before I make another mistake, I need to know the truth about who he really is.
But how could she possibly ask, “Cassis, are you the king of the elves?” as if it were the most natural thing in the world? After what had happened between them yesterday—no, even this morning, when she had shamelessly taken the wild raspberries he had picked and handed them back to him. She had already committed enough improprieties.
As her fear grew, her body began to tremble faintly. Noticing this, Cassis asked with a hint of concern, “Are you feeling cold already?”
“Huh?”
“This won’t do. You’re far too fragile. You need to receive the essence of the World Tree as soon as possible.”
That topic again!
Her anxiety gnawed at her until she could no longer hold it in. With a pained expression, she stammered, “N-no, that’s not it. Cassis, did you just say… you’re the king of Jupiter? Your Majesty…?”
“Evelyn, that’s not what’s important for you right now. Focus on your survival. That’s all you need to worry about.”
His words, more of a command than a reassurance, left no room for denial. He hadn’t denied being the king, which meant there was no pretending anymore. Cassis was indeed the king whom the elves of this land served.
The thought of having to share such intimate moments with the king of another nation—good heavens, what was she supposed to do?
As she struggled to hold her breath, her cheeks puffing out, Cassis continued calmly, “Evelyn, you’re a nymph. We elves have a duty to protect nymphs, though we failed in the past. And now, I am the elf best suited to care for you. That’s all you need to remember in Jupiter.”
“Is that… so…?”
“Didn’t I tell you yesterday? Even if a hundred other elves say the same thing, you must prioritize my words above all else. Never forget that.”
His self-assured, almost arrogant tone left her mind reeling like a leaf caught in the wind. This wasn’t some boastful lie born of pride—it was the truth. Few could so confidently assert their authority over the opinions of countless others…
There was no other choice. Amid her confusion, Evelyn managed to reply without stumbling, “I’ll… trust you, then.”
“Good.”
Unseen by her, he smiled faintly before urging the horse forward.
No one dared to ride recklessly near the World Tree, but Cassis was the sole exception. He could do as he pleased.
Truthfully, something had begun to bother him. He would have preferred a more resolute response, like “I trust you completely,” rather than “I’ll trust you.” But he let it slide. Evelyn was a newly transformed nymph, naive and inexperienced, and the first life he had taken under his protection. She deserved his careful attention.
He believed it was his duty to protect her. That was what he told himself.
