The Nymph Wants to be Plundered - Chapter 165

If she succeeded greatly as a renowned Guardian, she would receive substantial support and pension, but that path was somewhat frightening. Having to constantly risk her life wouldn’t be easy. Then again, there remained the path of enticing Cassis to become Queen of Jupiter…. but she lacked confidence since she had been soundly rejected last time.

‘Ugh, how frustrating. Isn’t there some other way? I wish some public opinion in my favor would form….’

Having no choice but to go outside, she unexpectedly ran into Mel. Since the Aika Festival, it had been obvious that Mel was avoiding her, so things were about to become awkward. However, Polyxene smiled brightly and greeted her warmly in celebration of becoming a Guardian.

“Hello, Mel.”

“Polyxene , after you returned, what with the Guardian qualification ceremony and all, I didn’t have time to come greet you separately. Um…. Is that story true?”

“Huh?”

A surprising question poured out to the bewildered Polyxene .

“You, you personally received tulip bulbs as a gift from His Majesty the King. Uh…. wait, was it that you’re going to receive them…? I heard it secondhand so I’m not sure. Anyway, is that true?”

“……!”

Beautiful tulips were lovely flowers in themselves, but receiving bulbs as a gift from someone of the opposite s*x had a particularly special meaning for elves. Not a bouquet, not a potted plant with blooming buds, but dirt-covered bulbs. That meant not only meeting frequently with the other person to check on their condition until the bulbs were planted and blooming safely, but even…. it was understood as meaning “let’s create and tend a flower garden together.”

In other words, it implied a proposal and engagement in an affectionate relationship.

‘What? I was just minding my own business, so why did such a rumor spread?’

Polyxene suddenly felt like she’d been thrown into a dense forest full of chirping birds, but for now she quickly turned her head and mumbled evasively. It would be disadvantageous to deny it outright, since this was public opinion that benefited her.

“Uh…mm…well? I’m flustered hearing such talk suddenly. Should I have to respond to every rumor about me one by one?”

“No, I wasn’t demanding you give me an exact answer…. It’s just. Students who earn Guardian qualifications at such an early age like you aren’t common, so I thought it could be possible.”

Mel swallowed repeatedly while trying to elicit more words. Polyxene found this interesting, thinking that the forest she’d been suddenly thrown into had transformed into a gorgeous and cozy flower garden, and grinned.

“Well…. At least you know what my heart is.”

“I do! I know, I know. Hmm, hmm. I didn’t ask an unpleasant question, did I?”

Polyxene gently caressed the back of Mel’s hand with her soft hands that hadn’t developed much callus.

“It couldn’t be unpleasant coming from you, even if it were from someone else. Mel, thank you. You’re the only one who properly asked after my well-being since I returned. At most, there were just a few who peeked around asking if I could show them my insignia.”

In reality, it was obvious that Mel had also come because she couldn’t contain her curiosity after hearing the circulating rumors, but Polyxene acted sweetly and cut through her wariness. Then Mel smiled sheepishly and carelessly let slip some information she had.

“Yeah! Um…what was it again. Actually, there was something I kind of suspected. Recently, orders came down to clean out one of the large rooms in the Hall of Glory.”

What? The Hall of Glory?

Naturally, that matter had nothing to do with Polyxene , but she had no intention of showing any sign of confusion.

It was the King’s business. Whether there was an answer in those words Mel had carelessly let slip or not, it seemed certain that it would definitely be carried out. But she had heard that the Hall of Glory had long ago been completely occupied with every area usefully allocated, so what could be the reason for belatedly clearing out one place now that spring had already passed?

Polyxene avoided Mel’s penetrating gaze and muttered quietly.

“What can I do about His Majesty’s affairs? You’re the same way, aren’t you? Even if you know something, you should pretend not to know, and for things you don’t know, you should keep your mouth shut even more discreetly.”

At this pointed rebuke, Mel’s cheeks turned red. She had just immediately regretted the words she had impulsively blurted out, but seeing Polyxene ‘s lukewarm reaction, it seemed unlikely she would spread it elsewhere. While this was fortunate, it was shameful for her as the King’s maid. At this rate, she’d be kicked out soon.

“R…right?”

“Oh my. We’ve been standing and talking this whole time when you came all this way. Mel, since you’re here anyway, would you like to come in and have some tea?”

“Oh! No. You must be tired from doing this and that, so rest well. Okay? I’ll bring some fruit next time. See you later…!”

Mel, who had taken the bait thrown without any suspicion, hurriedly ran away. She probably did so because if she got caught now, she wouldn’t be able to do what she wanted to do. Polyxene watched her retreating figure and couldn’t suppress a cold chuckle.