The Nymph Wants to be Plundered - Chapter 202

“Is that really true?”

Considering Polyxene’s usual nature, these were such textbook words that seemed impossible to come from her that Iel doubted his ears. Naturally, even among young knights, there were plenty of pathetic ones who didn’t prefer duty stations far from the castle.

She readily nodded and revealed her intentions.

“Yes. If I want to introduce myself as a proper guardian come autumn, I thought I should put in that much effort.”

“I understand. Knights dispatched to the Isle of Solitude will return soon, so I’ll choose a place that doesn’t clash too much with their jurisdiction. Hmm… That’s it! Macriss has been short-handed lately, so go there.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Iel felt relieved by Polyxene’s respectful attitude in answering immediately without objection. There was no refusal reaction whatsoever—no complaints about how going there would lead to arguments with noisy Nike, or that she didn’t want to go. He had thought she would at least make excuses about being worried about conflicts. He suddenly felt pleased inside.

‘Polyxene has become mature. Yes, isn’t there a saying that a suitable position makes a fine person? As more time passes, there will be nothing to worry about. Her obsession with the king will also lessen once they’re completely separated.’

Polyxene then politely clasped her hands together and said while looking toward Macriss.

“Macriss is like the heart of Jupiter, so I would be truly happy if I could go there and help with anything.”

In Iel’s mind, the heart that formed Jupiter’s foundation was naturally the capital that served the World Tree, but there was no need to deliberately disturb Polyxene who had made a good resolution. He tried to soothe her with various kind words and hurriedly tie up this matter. Just then, Polyxene , who had been quietly behaving herself, suddenly spoke up.

“Um, big brother.”

“Mm. Speak.”

His silver hair was constantly swaying like wind-blown grass blades as he worked on drafting documents to send to Macriss. Wondering if he was that eager to send her away, she hesitated before deciding to honestly ask what she was curious about.

Something was different about Cassis’s atmosphere. If previously he had loftily maintained his dignity and prestige as the high king, today his emotional side was quite visible, and there seemed to be another reason for it.

“But… this is just, I’m really just asking casually. Since you also went to the thorn forest with me, you wouldn’t know what happened in the meantime. His Majesty the King currently has no lover, correct?”

“Wait a moment.”

The answer was different from before. That meant there were changes to the situation, right?

What answer would she be able to extract in exchange for having her actions mortgaged until autumn? Polyxene felt anxious but also inwardly rejoiced. Even if she went to Macriss, would she really be doing menial tasks? There remained the excellent option of pressuring Nike to quickly resolve the remaining work, so her mood wasn’t entirely bad.

After writing everything at lightning speed and completing the seal, Iel immediately raised his head.

“As far as I know, there isn’t.”

“Yes…”

A fortunate but disappointing answer. His abstinence would be the same too, right? He was like that during the Aika festival as well. Since it wasn’t much different from what she knew before, she waited quietly, but he furrowed his brow and added a word.

“…I trust you’re different from Mel, so I’ll tell you, Polyxene . Recently, His Majesty ordered a certain room on the second floor of the Hall of Glory to be cleaned.”

What? That girl Mel—she wasn’t given leave but was kicked out for running her mouth wrong? Hmph. I knew that would happen someday. Working as a maid in the Hall of Glory while loving to chatter—of course she’d be ruined.

Having immediately grasped the situation, Polyxene just nodded for now.

“I see.”

“Though you haven’t received permission to enter the hall, you must have heard about it, right? While outsiders can enter His Majesty’s office or reception room on the first floor for necessary business, the second floor is completely different. That place has been used solely for the king’s private purposes for generations… Wait, back then, I had my own suspicions.”

Iel said this much and gently shook the sealed letter several times. It was to check if it was properly attached, but Polyxene found it frustrating beyond measure that the conversation had abruptly cut off.

What did you think and how? Tell me quickly!

Putting down the letter, he braced his hands on the table and stood up, then let out a quiet sigh.

“Haah, yes. As you said, I wondered if perhaps he had found a serious lover to keep in mind and wanted to house her there. A one-night fling wouldn’t do, but according to regulations, someone he’s considering for engagement would be acceptable. But that wasn’t it. I was also flustered when I first heard about it, but when I looked into it, it was indeed something that should have been done.”

“Yes…?”

If it wasn’t a lover but someone worthy of using the second floor of the Hall of Glory… surely not!

Iel nodded deeply with his arms crossed.