The Nymph Wants to be Plundered - Chapter 20
The Guardian of the World Tree was not one who could freely share the overflowing life force within her body with others. Only the faintest trace could be given, and even that was little more than a simple blessing in practice. Knowing this, the elders had declared with certainty that Evelyn’s permanent revival was impossible.
However, the Ancient Guardian of the World Tree was capable of bestowing a generous portion of her life force upon others. This was a unique and inherent ability, one that set her apart.
Yet, for the Elves, her own kind, it was a futile endeavor, like pouring water onto stone. The gift could only be granted to the Nymphs, a subordinate race of the Elves, and to certain spirits. If she had been able to share her life force indiscriminately with anyone… the Ancient Guardian would have become prey to all from the moment of her birth.
Moreover, the method of this “generous” bestowal was described in this book with startling bluntness.
Forget the tedious rituals and the pitiful tomes filled with sacred incantations. Engage in the act of union in all its chaotic forms, just as you have done countless times to increase the numbers of your kin.
But this was not the only extraordinary ability she possessed. Like the sprawling branches of the World Tree, the Ancient Guardian’s powers were vast, intricate, and manifold. They were so profound that they could even give birth to a new World Tree, enabling the relocation of an entire kingdom. If she did not become a queen herself, she would at least possess the qualifications to crown another.
When Cassis learned of this, his thoughts were singular:
This is the perfect recipe for unnecessary chaos. The Elves are content with Jupiter alone—why stir the pot?
This was why he never revealed himself as the Ancient Guardian of the World Tree, choosing instead to be known simply as its Guardian.
Evelyn, you are the first to break the rules I set.
He had always believed that he would never need to use even a fraction of the dazzling, elaborate powers described in this book.
But fate, as it often does, had other plans. An exception arose, as inevitable as destiny itself. To save the life of a Nymph on the brink of death, he willingly embraced the risk.
Would the World Tree truly welcome his precarious decision? He had not yet dared to ask openly, but he guessed that at the very least, it would not oppose him. If the Tree had disapproved of his efforts to save a Nymph who had lost the will to live, it would have sent thorny roots to bar their path when he and Evelyn rode to the castle.
The fleeting memories came to an end. Raising his head, he repeated the words he had spoken hours before, his tone calm and measured.
“I decided to hold you.”
“…!”
Cassis reached out his hand, but Evelyn, curled up tightly and looking as though she might crumble at any moment, couldn’t bring herself to take it. Whether she was afraid of merging with him or simply overwhelmed, she bit her lower lip hard enough to draw blood. Her hesitation didn’t evoke pity in him—it only made him want to hurry.
As he drew closer to her, he caught the faintest hint of her scent. It wasn’t the unpleasant odor of humans but the natural fragrance unique to a wood nymph. Fresh, like young leaves, with a subtle sweetness of blooming flowers that was enough to dizzy his senses. Normally, it should have been stronger, but in her current state, this faint trace was proof enough that her vitality was still intact.
Intoxicated by the scent that few others could even detect, he pressed her again.
“I don’t have time to wait for you to gather your courage.”
Even if the sky were to fall, he had resolved to protect this nymph who had appeared in his era. She alone—Evelyn alone—would be his priority. If another nymph were to fall into the same plight after her, he would find another way then. Cassis didn’t want to acknowledge how strange his own reasoning was. So, as soon as her reluctant answer fell from her lips, he acted.
“…Yes.”
“Let’s go.”
He lifted her into his arms and began to walk, carrying her to the place where he would hold her until their night turned to morning. When he saw the pristine bed, untouched and without a single wrinkle, he frowned.
“Evelyn, I told you to rest properly. Did you not hear me?”
“I… I did, but…”
“What were you planning to do if I hadn’t come to put you to sleep tonight? The act of union with me won’t be easy for you. Do you truly believe you can handle it?”
Under his relentless questioning, her gaze wavered, cornered and uncertain.
“I… I was going to… but…”
Her voice was pitiful, trembling with unshed tears. Her reaction was unusual, more than just the fear of having her life uprooted overnight. He felt the need to probe further, to ask why she was so hesitant, but Cassis ignored the impulse and laid her down. First, he had to save Evelyn. Only then could she cry, laugh, or even rage at him.
The slender arm in his grasp, the delicate yet alluring curve of her waist, the long, straight legs that now hung limp—he couldn’t bear to see her like this. The memory of the elders shaking their heads earlier gnawed at him, grating on his nerves.
