The Nymph Wants to be Plundered - Chapter 146

When Cassis grabbed the dwarf by the scruff of his neck and lifted him up threateningly, the small folk reacted in a hurry.

“I understand, I understand. Actually, I was happy about it. Because you treasure the item I made…”

“Stop.”

“…Yes.”

When Daius was put down, he hopped away just as he had when he came up, hurrying off somewhere in a rush. Startled by the king’s deadly rebuke, he didn’t even say goodbye before leaving. After all, for a dwarf, even thinking about what would happen after provoking Cassis’s wrath was terrifying. But Evelyn was also so shocked by the unexpected revelation that she just stood there clutching her bundle, breathing heavily.

A little while later, Lord Laocon appeared with a booming shout, the rising sun at his back.

“Your Majesty, all preparations are complete!”

“I’d appreciate it if you could speak a little quieter.”

“Yes!”

That reply also resembled some sturdy tree. Cassis momentarily thought it would have been good if Laocon had been the World Tree’s choice instead of him, but then immediately had the selfish thought that it wouldn’t work because of Evelyn, and led her forward.

Lord Laocon personally brought out horses for the two of them and showed off his eloquence, which had grown considerably lately.

“Your Majesty the King. To entrust this humble subject with acting as regent—I will grind my bones and flesh for three days to protect Jupiter!”

“You should stay healthy… Lord Laocon.”

Evelyn, who was acquainted with Laocon, mustered her courage to ask after his well-being and even called him by name. At this, Laocon seemed pleased and answered with a grin.

“Haha, fragile nymph. You need not worry about me. I may not be as great a knight as Sir Iel, but I’m known for my strong constitution, so it’s the nymph who should be careful.”

“You shouldn’t go without sleep because of work, should you?”

When she showed concern again, Laocon forgot he was wearing armor and heartily thumped his chest, which was like a vast field.

“Hahaha, understood.”

“We’ll depart now.”

Though their conversation was nothing but clean and proper for two people in their respective positions, Cassis didn’t want to hear any more and urged their departure.

Laocon stood there blankly for a moment before something occurred to him and he looked up at Cassis.

“Oh, how about giving the Hall of Glory a thorough cleaning while Your Majesty is away? Just give the order and I’ll implement it immediately.”

“It’s already clean, so there’s no need.”

Cassis helped her onto the horse and mounted as well. At last, their long-awaited journey for just the two of them was about to begin.

Even though they could reach the picnic destination instantly through spatial movement, there were several reasons for deliberately traveling by horse. To deceive the elders, to show many landscapes to Evelyn who was full of anticipation, and also… to confirm the thread of a certain premonition that had barely reached him.

Fresh air kept blowing as they rode at an unhurried pace. The cold atmosphere symbolizing dawn softened as the fog lifted, and they grew accustomed to the light sound of hoofbeats cutting through the dry grass. Just as Evelyn’s lips seemed to be constantly shaped in a smile, something was pulled down over her.

“The air is still cold.”

“I can’t see very well ahead.”

She only complained quietly with her mouth while leaving the hood that his hand had pulled down as it was. After all, she couldn’t struggle and wrestle with her arms on a swaying, moving horse. He said matter-of-factly:

“Then just see that much. There isn’t much to look at on the way there anyway.”

Contrary to Cassis’s words, she loved all the scenery that passed by as the horse galloped. However, she also wanted to turn around and capture the magnificent Jupiter Castle in her eyes.

Should I speak up, or not? Of course she could see it on the way back, but even that wasn’t certain. If I miss this opportunity that’s come now, there might not be a next time. Swept by a strong impulse, she parted her lips and called to him in a clear tone.

“Lord Cassis!”

“Mm?”

“Um, could I turn around and look at the castle we left behind just once? The castle’s view is so beautiful that I want to see it again. It won’t take long, just for a moment.”

“Alright.”

He slowed the galloping horse’s pace and slowly guided it to turn around. Then before their eyes appeared the majestic and sublime Jupiter Castle harmonized with the lush green World Tree. Afraid of losing her balance, Evelyn couldn’t clasp her hands together and instead gripped the robe covering her knees tightly as she thought.

Over there… around there is my tree. Oh, right. Lord Cassis said he has not only the World Tree but also a blackberry tree. Hmm, I’ve never actually seen that tree itself so I don’t know, but it must be somewhere around this area, right? I hope it’s growing well and safely.

As she thought of other things despite having asked to see the castle, his voice reached her ears.

“How is it, Evelyn?”

She finally raised her eyes and spoke as her thoughts led her.

“I don’t really know how to express it. When I look at that beautiful castle and tree, I get a feeling where my chest fills up so much it feels like it might burst, then becomes tender and aching. Even though the World Tree’s spores floating around over there aren’t right before my eyes.”