The Nymph Wants to be Plundered - Chapter 8
While tree nymphs and water nymphs were distinctly different, her testimony was concerning. Why was she so frail when they had not traveled far from the border? She appeared more debilitated than a human woman of the same age.
‘Perhaps it’s because she chose a dying sapling as her life force.’
Since the fundamental issue could not be rectified, finding future solutions remained uncertain.
Nevertheless, creating temporary measures was well within his capabilities. It was precisely this quality that had enabled him to become the King of Jupiter despite lacking a single drop of noble blood. Cassis surveyed the surroundings and, spotting a suitable pond nearby, called to her.
“Come here.”
“Yes.”
With a gesture of his hand, the dense underbrush and vines intertwined to form a circular space. Then, accompanying a gentle breeze, countless large, clean leaves flew in from somewhere. Cassis personally kneaded the leaves, meticulously filling the interior, and then removed his robe, spreading it over the top.
“Please sit here.”
Having witnessed the instantaneous creation of this comfortable and marvelous space, she hesitated.
“I… How could I sit on your precious garment, honored Elf?”
“Cassis.”
“…Pardon?”
“It’s my name. It means blackcurrant berry.”
He spoke in a somewhat indifferent tone.
Currently, there existed no elf brave enough to provoke Cassis by deliberately shoving that dark black berry in his face or mentioning its name. Perhaps this was only natural, as he had become king following his role as guardian of the World Tree.
Thus, having someone casually call his name or explain its meaning remained a distant memory for him. Though in reality, it was barely a hundred years ago—practically yesterday.
Despite his curt manner, Evelyn responded with a bright smile.
“My name is Evelyn…!”
“I know. Come in already.”
He spoke even more gruffly.
“Yes…”
Seated diagonally on her white robe, Evelyn was trembling slightly, though less than when she had been on horseback.
‘This won’t do.’
Seedling or not, this woman seemed completely unadapted to her nymph-transformed body and appeared likely to die at any moment. Cassis erased his plans to return to the castle today and extended his hand toward her.
“Take my hand for now.”
“Is that all right?”
Her overly cautious attitude nearly drew a sigh from him. This nymph, who barely understood she was a nymph, would need to at least pretend to be dead if he told her to play dead, if she wanted to survive.
“You’re in no position to be picky right now.”
“…Yes.”
Her small hands carefully grasped his large, white hand. Seemingly reassured by his warmth and firmness so unlike her own, Evelyn gently closed her eyes.
Looking at her like this, she was quite beautiful. He wasn’t sure if her appearance had changed after becoming a nymph, but he felt no instinctive aversion toward the other race. Cassis observed her closely for any changes after she had taken his hand.
What has changed?
The trembling that had shaken her like an aspen leaf subsided, and vitality quickly suffused her face.
‘Just as I thought.’
Was this a predetermined misfortune, or the final lifeline desperately grasped?
As guardian of the World Tree, he possessed an abundance of its pure, vibrant essence—more than anyone else. In other words, his abilities surpassed those of any living wood elf, allowing him to easily spare some assistance for this nymph who served a dying tree. Just as he was doing now, with their hands joined.
However,
‘Merely holding hands won’t provide a fundamental solution. I can hardly expect this nymph to hold my hand eternally throughout her life, can I?’
Despite whatever auxiliary aid he might provide, this pitiful nymph was also destined for tragedy—to perish alongside the seedling when its life was cut short. Therefore, a more proactive approach was necessary to prepare for any contingencies.
Glancing briefly at the seedling pouch attached to the horse’s flank, he spoke.
“Evelyn?”
“Yes…!”
“You have become a nymph and entered Jupiter, so now you must obey our… no, my words. You must prioritize my instructions above anyone else in Jupiter. Never forget this. Do you understand?”
“Yes, yes.”
Had she truly comprehended?
The eyes that had been tightly closed now opened gently. Those green eyes were deeper and more beautiful than the leaves attached to that meager seedling. Such is the nature of life.
Cassis looked directly into those eyes and said.
“In the current situation, what we can do is substitute my purified energy into your body. Extracting viable energy from your seedling seems impossible at present. One wrong move and there’s a greater risk of the seedling dying.”
“Is, is there such a method?”
“Yes. Once you properly fulfill your role as a nymph, things might improve, but for now, this will give you strength to endure for at least a few days. What will you do?”
Her innocent gaze tilted slightly like a crescent moon as she tousled her head. Though it was clearly daytime, Cassis suddenly had a thought, Evelyn’s eyes contained small, twinkling stars. Surely somewhere in the night sky, there existed stars that emitted that same luminous color?
“Please help me…”
“Very well.”
