The Nymph Wants to be Plundered - Chapter 7
There was no time to marvel at the truth of the saying that elves barely age.
She had received permission to rest in the empty outpost below when night fell. As she was mentally expressing her gratitude, Evelyn sensed something had distinctly changed and raised her head.
The cold air that had been continually blowing through the forest trees had suddenly softened, befitting spring. It was truly fortunate that she no longer needed to shiver from the cold. Just as she uncurled her shoulders and lifted her gaze, an unfamiliar figure was dismounting from a horse and approaching.
‘Who could that be? Ah! Since this is Jupiter, it must certainly be an elf.’
The individual wrapped in a snow-white robe was indeed an unfamiliar elf, as she had surmised.
“Is this the child?”
The guard’s eyes widened as he immediately recognized the face beneath the robe.
“Your Maj—!”
“Enough. That is not what matters now. Report the critical information first.”
The startled guard quickly composed himself and responded.
“Yes, this is correct. She is the nymph from Devran, named Evelyn. She has bonded with a young jasmine sapling as her life force.”
“Where is the sapling?”
“H-here it is, Your Excellency.”
The village chief hastily indicated where the sapling had been placed. Was it left here? Cassis, who had felt no trace of the distinctive vitality of a tree bonded to a nymph during his urgent journey, was perplexed. However, upon briefly glimpsing the sapling contained in a modest pouch, he was greatly dismayed.
‘What is this supposed to be? Even a single blade of wild grass by the roadside would be preferable.’
There was no need to open it and examine the condition of the roots and stem thoroughly. The sapling had no path remaining except imminent death.
In essence, there was absolutely no meaning in making any effort. Their homeland of Devran must have been abundant with vibrant trees, yet she had chosen this one…
What terrible misfortune.
“Please save the pitiable Evelyn, great Elf. I am powerless.”
He looked at the woman standing beside the perpetually bowing village chief. With eyes full of fear, hope for survival shimmered in her emerald irises.
He could not bring himself to turn away. How frightening this must be for her—born a human with an already brief lifespan, transformed overnight into a nymph with an imperfect life force.
“……”
What should he do? Though he knew the most efficient conclusion, it did not appeal to him, abandoning the nymph and departing without further involvement. He could extend a modicum of mercy by merely pretending to bestow a blessing upon the sapling.
However…
To speak of surrender without attempting any effort would be cowardly. Had he not refused to do so himself?
When only the blackberry tree—shunned by all elven knights—aided Cassis, everyone had mocked him and displayed no expectations whatsoever. Yet he had persevered through arduous times to ultimately rise as the guardian of the World Tree. It was said that miracles reach only those who strive with fervent desire. This was the immutable truth that the World Tree had imparted when selecting him.
Concealing his complex inner thoughts, Cassis extended his arm.
“I shall take her with me now. You must be connected by fate; say your farewells promptly. Future meetings will be difficult, so leave no words unspoken in your heart.”
The woman, perhaps due to the sudden parting, appeared greatly disturbed.
“Ch-Chief.”
“Evelyn, please stay well. The elves will certainly save you. Noble Elf, I implore you to care for our Evelyn. Though timid, she possesses an exceptionally warm heart.”
Still wrapped in his robe, Cassis observed the gray-haired village chief repeatedly bowing his head.
Though this woman’s probability of dying before the natural death of the human village chief was exceedingly high, there was no need to divulge such a cruel fact. Is it not said that the mind governs the body? This journey was also about changing that fate.
Thud-thud-thud-thud!
Her first time riding a horse, unfamiliar arms holding her securely, the warmth of another’s body against her skin—a man, no less, and of an entirely different race. Before long, Evelyn’s body had stiffened completely.
“Hick-ugh!”
“…Oh my.”
Nervous, perhaps? Cassis immediately halted the horse upon hearing the conspicuous sound and helped her dismount.
The sight of the woman trembling and suffering from hiccups was beyond pitiful—it was utterly heartbreaking. Yet it did not seem to be merely from vigorous horseback riding. This appeared too severe to be remedied by simply massaging below the chest.
Cassis inquired softly, “Are you perhaps cold?”
“Y-yes. I’ve b-been c-cold continuously. Hic, huung. Ever since becoming a nymph…”
“Hmm.”
Cassis’s brow furrowed.
Though nymphs originated from nature and despite their human-like appearance, they differed in numerous ways. For instance, water nymphs could swim naked in water all day without contracting a cold.
