The Nymph Wants to be Plundered - Chapter 187

“Hmm hmm… This one’s stem is already trying to twist. Mm, this poplar would be good to plant in open ground after it grows just a little more.”

‘Poplar tree… brings back memories.’

Evelyn, who recalled Faye’s wedding reception banquet that was the starting point of everything, simply smiled. Now that a full season had passed, when she looked back on old events, she had become able to smile comfortably enough. Quite fortunately.

Will I ever be able to go back to my hometown, even briefly? It won’t work out, even if Macriss hugged my tree, it would be a distance she couldn’t guarantee.

“Now, how about this one?”

“Yes?”

While she was settling her troubled mind, Iel selected one from among the countless flowerpots and gently set it down at her feet. Unlike the other trees, it had no flowers, not even a single flower bud, but was full of only green leaves.

“It’s a type of citrus tree, a rare and sturdy variety that lives over a hundred years. Right now it has neither flowers nor fruit, but if you raise it well, you’ll see a delightful sight around next year. Would you like to take it and try raising it?”

To be given something to do within Jupiter Castle and even receive a new flowerpot on top of that. Deeply moved, she clasped her hands together and answered.

“Thank you so much. I… actually, before becoming a nymph, I almost went to work at a garden, but to receive a tree as a gift—I never imagined such fortune. I don’t know if I’ll be able to do well, but I’ll do my best.”

Iel blurted out words he hadn’t even thought of before commanding this flowerpot to be brought.

“You have that, don’t you.”

“What do you mean?”

“If you give it fertilizer stones once every few months, it will grow well.”

Startled, she waved her hands dismissively.

“That…! Those should be used for the flowers offered to the World Tree. I was taught that things should be used according to their proper purpose.”

“It’s fine.”

Even though the person who had given her the fertilizer stones had granted permission, Evelyn was busy shaking her head vigorously. Seeing her desperately trying to uphold principles, Iel smiled slightly.

“Those stones aren’t that expensive, and it’s fine if a few go missing.”

“Ah… But still…”

“Well, I suppose you might be nervous from the standpoint of raising a small tree for the first time. Yes, keep watching it until next month, and if anything goes wrong with the citrus tree, you can come ask me. Come even in the middle if needed.”

Iel gave her detailed instructions about the newly gifted tree. While Evelyn was deep in thought, counting on her fingers to not miss a single thing she had heard, he suddenly burst into laughter.

“Hahaha!”

“……?”

“You’re quite amusing.”

“Me?”

“Yes. When I look at your eyes, I can immediately tell what thoughts are contained within. They look like transparent water.”

Transparent water. Having green eyes, Evelyn had never heard such a comparison before and tilted her head. Perhaps water resembled Cassis, who had deep blue eyes, instead.

Iel laughed again seeing her expression that showed she didn’t know what to say.

“Haha, that’s enough small talk, so pick out some pastries you like and eat them. If there’s something you like, you can take it with you.”

She naturally liked delicious things, but she wasn’t greedy enough to pack up a bunch to take with her. If she had been, she would have eaten plenty without being considerate when dining with Cassis.

After the tea time with the kind knight ended, it was when Evelyn bent down to take the flowerpot.

“Ah… I see. I’ll carry it for you. The soil might fall from the roots and dirty your clothes if you carry it as is.”

Since someone had to carry the flowerpot anyway, she couldn’t impose on him. Above all, remembering the words that knights were a noble profession, Evelyn answered while awkwardly trying to lift the flowerpot.

“I’ll just…”

“Give it here. Now, I was planning to put it in this.”

Iel received the small citrus tree flowerpot and put it into a bag with handles, then walked ahead as he had when bringing her here. Evelyn, suddenly empty-handed, had no choice but to follow behind obediently as she had when coming.

A cool breeze that pushed away the hot summer air blew across the garden with a whoosh. When the fragrant scent came rushing from the acacia flower tree planted in a spot with good sunlight, Evelyn’s steps slowed.

‘How nice…’

Tall trees were good because they were tall, and small trees were good because their flower-bearing branches were close by due to their small size. As she was about to go while twitching her nose, Iel looked back and smiled brightly.

“Do you like acacia trees?”

“I think they’re trees that make their surroundings enchanting wherever they’re planted.”

“Honeyed words. Hmm, there’s no suitable site to plant them near the Hall of Glory, so in the future, get separate permission from His Majesty the King or something. Getting good saplings isn’t difficult, so tell me then and I’ll give you an acacia tree too.”

Since she hadn’t intended to make such a request, she opened her eyes wide.

“Why… are you doing all this for me…”

“Just two trees isn’t much of a big deal as payment for giving you one task.”

Iel answered nonchalantly, but seeing the nymph struggling and consistently maintaining a humble attitude made his heart uneasy.