The Nymph Wants to be Plundered - Chapter 86

That plan was in danger of developing tiny cracks due to his strange whim. Right after the Aika Festival ended, she would have to go outside the castle again for Guardian training, but what if she found an unknown lover while the festival was going on? It would be awkward to present herself as his perfect woman!

Polyxene couldn’t believe it at all and asked back with a voice that suddenly dropped.

“Is that really true? Well… Mel, you’re a lady-in-waiting to His Majesty, so how come you’re hearing this news?”

“Uh, umm?”

Mel, who had excitedly rushed over after learning the new information, hastily fumbled with her words.

These days, she often found herself drifting on the outside, rarely summoned and unable to properly receive orders even when waiting inside the hall. Unlike the two knights. Even the fact that the King would be attending the Aika Festival wasn’t something she learned directly, but information she had heard from others.

On the other hand, Mel thought that at least in this matter, she didn’t need to keep Phivi’s request. Wasn’t that right? This wasn’t something she learned in the Hall of Glory, but a story that came from outside.

When no clear answer came, Polyxene nodded slightly with a surprised look.

“I’m surprised that even you, His Majesty’s lady-in-waiting, didn’t know.”

“Ah, umm. It must be because it’s such good news that they wanted to announce it to all our kind? Ahaha…”

“I see? Anyway, thank you. Everyone will be as surprised as we are when they find out.”

“Yeah…”

Mel knew that Polyxene was in love with the King, so she couldn’t understand why her reaction was so lukewarm.

The King coming to the Aika Festival, where love, romance, and coquettish moans intertwined! The moment she learned that fact, she thought Polyxene would be jumping up and down and dancing with a face full of happiness.

The woman before her seemed preoccupied with something, her eyes looking past Mel as if staring at something in the distance.

‘…Polyxene’s expression is so unfamiliar. What is it? Does she not want to be His Majesty’s partner that day? It doesn’t add up.’

Not only did it feel strange, but Mel felt like she shouldn’t linger here any longer. This was because Phivi’s voice seemed to echo in her ears, urging her to keep her soul’s oath. Stop the unnecessary conversation and leave this place.

Eventually, feeling uncomfortable, Mel took a step back.

“I have something to do, so I’ll be going now. I think we’ll all get busy preparing for the Aika Festival that His Majesty will attend.”

“Mmm. Take care, Mel.”

Polyxene’s voice, as she said goodbye, suddenly sweetened like fruit soaked in honey. As if denying that their conversation had been awkward. Did I misunderstand something? Mel couldn’t figure it out, so she tilted her head and left.

As Mel, who had delivered the unexpected news, disappeared into the distance, Polyxene’s brows furrowed like a winter fox that had lost its prey.

“Ha…!”

This was not good news. This is far worse than I expected, what should I do?

She could understand why the Aika Festival had been postponed day after day rather than being held immediately, since their return had been earlier than planned. There was also some kind of incident. But what? The King suddenly decided to attend the festival…

‘…This is problematic. It’s obvious that all sorts of worthless creatures will rush forward to target my King instead of me.’

Polyxene’s plan had been this.

Even if the Aika Festival were held, Cassis would likely just make the opening declaration and not attend, as usual. Polyxene planned to slip away while everyone was enjoying the wild party and meet him alone, surrounded by silence.

Of course, that brief window wasn’t going to happen by chance—it was an opportunity she had created by desperately begging Iel for help. She said I would definitely meet Cassis that day.

After that, it would be her turn to win his love with her own strength.

‘I could have easily accomplished it with my beauty and appeal. But what is all this? I don’t want to compete with other elves on equal footing!’

Pouting her lips and lamenting wouldn’t change anything. If it was information from none other than Mel, it would certainly turn out that way. Should she start with skin care and hair styling first? As Polyxene rose with a hint of anger, she chuckled.

“…Right, that’s true. I did gain one thing amid all this. Those absurd rumors must have all been false. Ha, I didn’t need to fret while believing everything I heard.”

The nymph that Lya had allegedly beaten up hadn’t shown any sign or news of recovery or death afterward.

These were the countless rumors she’d heard upon returning to the castle. The residents here grumbled that the King’s decision to bring the nymph to the Hall of Glory and care for her was excessive, but they didn’t actually know the details and tended to gloss over it.