The Nymph Wants to be Plundered - Chapter 85

At any rate, seeing how she had repeated the same thing three times, it seemed that resolving this concern clearly would be the best thing he could do right now.

‘Her eyes are fully open now.’

Those deep green eyes full of concern were beautiful, but they also provoked a subtle irritation. What was the big deal about that festival?

Cassis finally let out an uncharacteristic complaint.

“Is that all you have to say after waking up for the first time in days?”

“What…? Did I sleep for a long time?”

Perhaps because she had just awakened, she didn’t seem to recall the attack that had occurred in front of the sanctuary. Given her poor physical condition, that might be for the best.

He nodded.

“Yes, you slept too much. From now on, sleep only twice a day. Once for a nap, and once at night with me. If you sleep three times…”

I’ll punish you.

Even as he thought it, it was such an absurd and licentious statement that he couldn’t bring himself to say it. Cassis was, at least, a man with that much conscience. He quickly changed the subject.

“The Aika Festival will start soon.”

“Please… attend. You… absolutely… must. So that… everyone can… enjoy… a happy festival…”

“…Alright. Evelyn, I’ll make sure the next festival includes activities you can participate in too. How does that sound, do you like it?”

Her pale lips trembled slightly and formed a gentle curve, suggesting she had understood his words. To his eyes, it was the most beautiful and pitiful smile in the world.

“I’d like that… Is that a promise?”

“Yes.”

“Okay… I’m going to sleep a bit now.”

Despite having hardly spoken, Evelyn’s eyes slowly closed as she sought sleep again.

Going back to sleep after sleeping all this time, and right after he had just threatened her not to sleep. Cassis twisted his lips slightly, but without complaint, he stroked her hair and left the bedroom. It was to carry out the AikaFestival as she wished.

***

The day in Jupiter Castle usually began with the fleet-footed elves taking the lead. Especially when there was a rumor that might prick up others’ ears, that beginning came even earlier. For example, like today.

“Polyxene, Polyxene!”

“Oh, Mel. Hello?”

Spotting Mel running from afar, Polyxene hurriedly smoothed her tied hair that hung down.

She had to make a good impression on Mel at all costs. Besides King Cassis, there were only four elves who could enter the Hall of Glory. Soon… it would be five. Anyway, one of them was the maid Mel, which was why. It didn’t matter to her that Mel was the sister of Brax, the leader of the Sentinel trainees.

‘Heheh, just wait and see. Soon you’ll be serving me. You might think you’re special, but it’s actually me.’

Polyxene, harboring thoughts that were arrogant to the point of being sinister, nevertheless greeted Mel with an expression as docile as a deer grazing on grass.

Those who aspire to great things should not be irritated by small matters. Until that moment comes, one must keep their true intentions thoroughly hidden. Of course, even after being betrothed to Cassis, she would have to continue this way for a while. Until she found a suitable maid who would obey like the tongue in her mouth, unlike the stupid Lya.

Mel, who had run over in one breath, placed both hands on her knees and panted. That sight slightly irritated Polyxene, who was undergoing rigorous Sentinel training.

‘What’s so hard about that, getting out of breath after running just that far… Not befitting an elf who serves the honorable King.’

After waiting a moment, Mel caught her breath, raised her flushed face, and parted her pressed lips.

“Haa, haa. Did you hear the news?”

“Hmm?”

“About the Aika Festival, it was all prepared but kept being delayed. They say it will be held in two days and then… then… His Majesty the King will attend too. Not just for the opening declaration, but he’s expected to stay until at least the afternoon? Huff, huff. I’m so out of breath.”

“What?!”

Startled, Polyxene forgot the mask of pretense she had put on her face and opened her eyes wide. The story she had just heard was not just surprising but shocking news.

Cassis appearing at the Aika Festival!

Their king was one who could captivate the hearts of countless elf maidens with just his lustrous blue eyes alone. The cold winter sea, a vast and deep lake whose bottom was too distant to gauge, the deep blue autumn sky… All the metaphors that minstrels, including Nike, had racked their brains to create and offer did not satisfy Polyxene. Even more than the typical golden hair characteristic of elves, she desperately wanted those deep blue, beautiful eyes.

Ah, such a heartless one. Our king who takes all of Polyxene’s love yet doesn’t even look back.

That was actually preferable in the mind of the proud Polyxene. She was tired of insignificant men who either fidgeted or approached her with strides full of petty confidence.

Cassis. A splendid name she wanted to pronounce aloud, one that didn’t dare lose even a single letter. His three-syllable name itself deserved to be a term of endearment.

Once she was recognized as a formal Sentinel soon, Polyxene planned to rise as a proper resident of the castle and gradually win his heart. So that she could stand completely by his side as the queen of Jupiter.