The Nymph Wants to be Plundered - Chapter 63

“Oh…”

Mel also seemed slightly taken aback by the unexpected encounter. Evelyn buried all their past conflicts deep in her heart and bowed her head politely.

“Hello! I, um, it seems the Guardians came in here to rest earlier, but I won’t disturb you. I just wanted to make sure to welcome you back to Jupiter.”

Well done, that was good. This is better than not saying anything at all.

Evelyn left herself this small praise and promptly turned around. She had absolutely no intention of insisting on meeting the Guardians and starting a conflict, especially given their not-so-pleasant relationship. Just then, a cheerful voice that sounded familiar came from behind Mel.

“Are you Evelyn?”

Her name, being called for the first time by a stranger aside from the three she had somewhat become acquainted with. Evelyn responded, drawing on an inexplicable courage similar to when she had rushed here.

“Yes!”

“I see. I heard your name briefly before returning to the castle. Everyone just finished their regular training and will be leaving again soon. Hmm, right after the Aika Festival, perhaps just a few days later?”

“Ah… I see.”

So not all elves live permanently in the castle. As Evelyn memorized this newly learned fact and was about to turn around again, an elf with a large build and short green hair approached closely behind Mel. It was a man.

He seemed to be the one who had called her, and his genial expression made him instantly likable. That elf addressed her with a broad smile.

“Evelyn seems to know my little sister.”

“Oh, brother. It’s not like that…”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Brax, and you know Mel? I’m Mel’s older brother.”

So Mel has an older brother. As Evelyn quickly lowered her eyes and nodded slightly, Brax smiled.

“Haha, a nymph who’s quite shy. Since you’re here, as you said, at least exchange greetings with all the Guardians before you go.”

“Thank you.”

Evelyn swallowed hard, then stepped forward and respectfully bowed her head to each unfamiliar face. Fortunately, the unknown Guardians received her greetings almost amicably, without hostile glares. The only exception was one person standing at the very back with folded arms. That area was darkened by shadows, making it difficult to see clearly.

Just one person… That’s understandable. How could everyone be exactly the same? While Evelyn was composing herself against the urge to shrink back, Brax looked around.

“Hmm? Where did Polyxene go?”

“She went out through the back door. We only noticed when we saw the door opening in the breeze.”

Brax sighed after hearing someone’s response.

“Ah, she slipped away already. She was here just a moment ago—my fault for not noticing.”

“Is it any surprise that Polyxene acts so sly? It’s obvious what happened. She probably rushed off saying she had something important to tell His Majesty the King. I bet she’ll end up making a wasted trip without meeting him.”

To Cassis…?

While she was puzzled by this unexpected information, Mel, who had been gauging the situation, stepped forward decisively.

“Ahem, ahem! You, if you’re done with your business, you should go now. Everyone’s tired from just returning. You’re not planning to follow us all the way to the baths, are you?”

This response was actually better than before. Since they had graciously received her greetings despite her sudden visit without prior appointment, she decided not to push her luck. Lingering after achieving her goal would only cause resentment.

“…Yes. Thank you for opening the door, Lady Mel.”

“Hurry and go. Our rest time is being delayed because of you.”

Bang!

In front of the door that Mel had hastily shut, Evelyn gave an invisible nod.

Although the ending was a bit awkward, she had at least greeted the Guardians. Since their attitude wasn’t blindly cold like that of the other elves in the castle, the tight knot in her solar plexus seemed to loosen. Though they might… quickly become just like the others in their attitude.

Well done, well done. As Evelyn was about to leave, taking comfort in her small act of courage, Brax, who had been staring blankly at the door his sister had slammed shut, spoke up.

“Mel.”

“Don’t lecture me.”

Brax, having broken the silence, glanced back and gave a good-natured smile.

“Well, all of you have worked hard today. Go ahead and eat or bathe as you please, and as for Polyxene… hmm, she probably won’t return, but if she does come back, briefly inform her of the next schedule.”

“Yes!”

“Thank you for your hard work too, Sir Brax.”

“…Hmph.”

Mel’s brother remained popular as ever. Mel, harboring some resentment, folded her arms and avoided his warm gaze. If he were to urge her to go elsewhere, she was prepared to lie flat on the floor and refuse to follow. She absolutely detested being unjustly interrogated.

However, unfortunately for Mel, she soon found herself alone with Brax. The Guardians, excited to be back at the castle after a long time, all rushed outside their quarters to have fun rather than resting comfortably or bathing. Among them were countless individuals going to meet their lovers.

Just as Mel was watching for an opportunity to leave, Brax quietly spoke.

“Are you treating her poorly because she’s a nymph of human origin? The Mel I know didn’t have such a narrow mind, but you’ve changed.”

With just a single scene, Brax seemed to have grasped the entire situation. Mel bit her lip tightly, flustered, and decided to make an excuse.

“B-brother, you don’t know anything. Do you think I’m acting this way for such a trivial reason? She, the King…!”