The Nymph Wants to be Plundered - Chapter 135

「Never mind, you fool.」

Evelyn, who had become a fool just for asking back, smiled an awkward smile that barely formed dimples. It was because Cassis’s words felt more like blade-sharp rebuke than congratulatory remarks for a successful festival.

‘He’s never spoken to me like that before. Why is it? The feeling is so cold.’

He finally finished speaking.

“…That is all. From now on, I hope you will live lives that are honorable not to someone else, but to yourselves. Do not use the long, long lives given to you—and of course, to your kinfolk—merely as a way to pass time.”

“Lo-long live His Majesty the King!”

“Long live!”

The elves who had gathered in the agora with anticipation for the new festival let out considerably more deflated cheers and then all hurriedly fled from the scene. Among them, some who were turning around properly toward the back were startled when they recognized Evelyn. Leaning against the plane tree, she finally realized that something had changed.

‘Hmm…’

In the blink of an eye, the residents who had gathered to enjoy the simple, old-fashioned festival had scattered. Evelyn stared at the small flower cart she had noticed on her way there, when someone silently approached and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. It was Cassis.

“…You were magnificent.”

What should I say to him? “You came” was somehow too embarrassing to say, so she chose this instead. Just looking at his pure white face before her eyes made her head want to drop down on its own. Then, his fingers caught her chin and lifted it up.

“If you’ve done nothing wrong, don’t hang your head for no reason. It gives others ammunition.”

“Yes.”

Having left this meaningful advice, he looked around the now empty agora. The residents who had hurriedly fled lest they be caught by him were peering at festival flower decorations and incense burners from a distance. No matter what, they undoubtedly wanted to enjoy this special day. Since Cassis had absolutely no desire to chase after the residents and lecture them even after his speech was over, he intended to let them enjoy themselves.

“The afternoon sunlight might get hot, so let’s do something first. Evelyn, would you like to ride that flower cart?”

The flower cart, decorated with an abundance of flowers that had bloomed in the current season, was simple yet eye-catching enough to captivate passersby. It wasn’t overly painted, so the wood grain was visible to the naked eye, and the arched roof had supports where fresh flowers bloomed together with water-laden leaves, continuously reflecting the bright sunlight.

Unfortunately for the residents who had fled, they simply couldn’t come near this area because they were afraid of their king, whose eyes were blazing blue-green with anger. Therefore, no one currently occupies this cart.

Evelyn hesitated, meeting his eyes that held anticipation.

“What? Is this a cart we’re allowed to ride? It seems too small for that.”

“I know it’s not just for decoration, so try riding it while no one’s around.”

She nodded unknowingly, but soon realized what this meant. Evelyn ended up riding the flower cart, Ruba somehow ended up pulling the cart, and Cassis sat in the seat beside her, leisurely admiring the morning glories falling through the window. Feeling instantly sorry for the situation where the two of them were being carried, she stamped her feet.

“I-I’ll get off. Making Ruba work so hard…!”

“A unicorn is also a type of horse. And Ruba has been playing around a lot lately, so he needs to exert some effort. It would be a waste of his muscles to just leave him be.”

At his casually tossed remark, Ruba snorted uncomfortably several times. Evelyn seriously whispered, worried that Ruba might throw the cart aside. Since this cart was cramped even for two people, with their legs pressed tightly together, if that happened they would quickly become entangled.

“Lord Cassis… Ruba’s personality is not ordinary. If he doesn’t like something, he jabs my bottom with his horn.”

His left eyebrow furrowed at hearing such an absurd statement.

“That’s something only I should be doing.”

She never expected him to openly say such things in broad daylight while riding a cart with the front completely open. Even though there was only Ruba pulling the cart nearby… She was shocked and elbowed him repeatedly while whispering.

“If you say such things…!”

“It’s fine. More importantly, we should designate a destination for the coachman. Hey, to the front of the sanctuary.”

「Ugh… I’m only doing this because it’s a festival. Got it, Evelyn? Normally there’s no way I’d do this kind of thing!」

Though Ruba grumbled in displeasure, he did pull the flower cart. Steadily. Like a unicorn, he was overflowing with strength, and for Evelyn’s sake, he was willing to move the cart. The behavior of that long-legged elf riding beside her was infuriating no matter how he thought about it, but he had to endure it since there was no other choice.