“I’m sorry. My lower half is a bit busy right now.”
“……?”
Oh no, I was just trying to soothe things over…!
Eve was reacting so honestly to everything I said that I accidentally let it slip.
After being mentally hit multiple times in such a short time, Eve looked a bit worn out. Her pale face opened her mouth.
“Well, it’s okay. That doesn’t mean you dislike me, right…?”
“Eh? Ah, yes. Honestly, there’s no reason to dislike you, Eve. In fact, I like you.”
“…Really?”
Are you trying to nicely roast me with that?
Is my maiden graduation still alive…?
Eve’s voice sounded surprisingly desperate. I felt a bit guilty for being too harsh, especially since I had promised not to corrupt her.
I leaned in closer, wrapping my arms around Eve’s head. The distance between us was shrinking.
Eve’s unexpectedly large chest pressed against me, almost as if it was trying to envelop me.
“Ugh….”
Eve was startled and instinctively tried to pull away, but her head was already caught by me.
Stuck in an awkward position, Eve clung to me. Just as planned.
Trying to act as if nothing was wrong, I continued speaking in a slightly tender voice infused with some guilt.
“Of course, I like you, Eve. I did say it wasn’t necessary earlier, but that’s not a reason to reject marriage—it’s actually an attractive point.”
“Then, can we say that you haven’t completely rejected my proposal?”
Is there still a chance to capture your heart?
Even as I tried to sound hopeful, I couldn’t help but have lewd thoughts in my mind.
It’s the best!
I don’t know about the other men of the Pan Continent, but at least for me, it’s a point that raises my affection.
I gently patted Eve’s round head and nodded.
“As I said earlier, I can’t do anything right now. But if I manage to finish what I need to do, and if you can accept that there’s another woman by my side, will you give me the ring again?”
“When that time comes….”
“Yes. At that time, please place it on my hand yourself.”
As I said that, I slowly pulled away from Eve’s head.
“Ah….”
Eve sighed as if she was disappointed. I’m sorry, but the service stops here. Well, maybe I could throw in one more thing?
With a sly smile, I turned my arms behind me, then pressed my forehead against hers and whispered.
“That aside… the promise we made last time is still valid. Whenever the World Tree’s power is needed, whatever it is, I’ll help you once. Think carefully about what to use it for.”
“……”
After a brief silence, Eve responded with her usual scheming smile.
“Hehe. You’re giving me a blank check. Are you sure about that?”
If you realize what I might ask of you, you’ll regret it!
I totally could engage in some kingly humiliation play!
Eve, what did you hear from me? I said no lewd stuff!!
But I understand that feeling. Honestly, I don’t have much thought of the Emperor, but when it comes to the Empress, I can’t help but imagine being devoured.
…But hey, I’m a former erotic writer, and Eve’s a queen, so why is that?
Suddenly hit with that question, I wrapped it up nicely and buried it deep in my brain to forget.
Otherwise, I’d feel too sorry for Eve and would probably act like a man.
Instead, I nodded at Eve’s not-so-threatening threat, smiling.
“Of course, it’s fine. I actually came here to discuss that.”
Satisfied with my response, Eve got up with a smile. I couldn’t help but sneak a glance at her tidying her disheveled clothes.
“Hmm. Well then, I’ve finished what I needed to do, so I’ll be on my way.”
“Please do as you wish. I’m just sorry if I’ve embarrassed myself too much today.”
If it weren’t for you, no one would know of my shame!
What the heck did I just do? Somebody erase my memory!
Before I knew it, Eve was evoking an odd atmosphere, with half-closed eyes and a relaxed smile radiating a sense of mystery.
While I do feel a bit pathetic about my inner turmoil, I’m just glad to see she’s recovered well.
And I’m relieved that I haven’t completely soured my relationship with her.
Thanks to that, I can address any future issues she faces quicker.
Most importantly, I didn’t outright reject Eve’s proposal; I just temporarily declined and said I’d conditionally accept later.
And it seems Eve does not take this condition too seriously.
I never thought she’d boldly shout for a 3p when I mentioned I’d see other women…
What kind of monster have I created?
I might have felt a sense of self-loathing, but it’s also the result of my own creation. Hence, it’s the karma I must bear.
I arranged the plants I’d grown as Basilieus to have a decorative effect and then released my powers.
“Hoo….”
The feeling of the wooden crown disappearing from my head. And that empty sensation like a part of my senses was wrenched away.
So, if you use the power for an extended period of time while connected to the surrounding plants, such side effects may occur, huh?
I steadied my wobbling body by putting strength into my legs and waved at Eve.
“Well then, I’ll take my leave for today. We’ll see each other again soon.”
“Is it okay if I ask when that might be?”
Don’t assume you’ll be safe until then!
Come back before this new ‘daughter’ runs out!
“Well, you know, if I have something to do, I’ll drop by. It shouldn’t take too long, so no need to worry. I believe I’ll clear the first floor and head to the second soon.”
“Oh my. Is it really that soon? You truly do possess exceptional talent….”
I’ll crush that talent before it blossoms!
Strong man, distorted desires!
“Yep. So I think I might come back soon. If it’s okay, could you gather any information you might have about Basilieus by then?”
“Of course, that’s perfectly fine. Basilieus is one of the special powers granted by the World Tree. Though it’s from ancient history, I’m sure the records still exist… although it won’t be free.”
Hehe. I’ll fully skin you alive!
Should I ask for the underwear I wore today?
“Haha! Don’t worry. I wouldn’t dare come empty-handed. I’ll make sure to prepare the payment separately, so just have the materials ready.”
“Ufu. I trust you. I won’t let Jonah down in the slightest.”
Gently gaining your trust and then betraying you at a crucial moment!
Saying I won’t disappoint sounds too lewd, so I’ll just say I won’t let you down!
After a firm handshake with the steadfast Eve, I left the general store Eden.
It was time to return home where Ellie was waiting.
*
Eve slowly looked around the store where Jonah had just disappeared.
The unique design made the space feel as if plants and buildings had become one. It was a style she’d only seen in ancient elven architecture.
The power that controlled the plants. A symbol of royal authority. The very essence of the legitimacy acknowledged by the World Tree.
The oldest power, sharing the name with the first king. This was a sight that could only be created with the power of Basilieus.
“Hehehe….”
In a slightly happy mood, Eve sank into the sofa where Jonah had been lying just moments before. No, she just sprawled out like he had, taking a deep breath.
The fragrant scent Jonah left behind still lingered.
“Wow. That’s so blatant.”
“Boss. Pervert.”
Lemon and Apple were having a noisy argument in the corner, but it didn’t matter much to Eve.
Wrapped up in the traces Jonah had left behind, she recalled the conversation they had just had. What could be more important than that?
‘Did I tell him to wait because there was something to do? I can manage that without a problem.’
Eve had been waiting close to a millennium. A few decades more wasn’t something to get anxious about.
She could just help Jonah and wait a little longer.
The real problem was that there were a lot of other women around Jonah…
‘Whoever you love, no matter how tainted it is, it doesn’t matter! As long as in the end, I, Eve Nirvana, am by Yggdrasil’s side…!’
After all, human lifespans are just around a hundred years! Even the long-lived beastmen or dwarves struggle to exceed 150 years!
No matter how powerful one may be, surpassing twice their given lifespan is a distant dream!
But what about Eve?
Having already lived for over a thousand years, she showed no signs of aging. As long as she didn’t get hurt or ill, she had hundreds of years left… perhaps even over a thousand more.
All thanks to the power of the World Tree bestowed upon her since birth.
And Jonah also possessed the power of the World Tree, one of its mightiest abilities, which would surely extend his lifespan dramatically.
At least comparable to an ordinary elf… perhaps he might even be able to spend his final days with Eve.
“Ahh… I can’t wait.”
For elves, waiting is common sense.
Thinking about all their competitors buried under the ground and the half-elves frolicking over their graves made Eve’s lower belly warm up.
Wiggle wiggle.
Instinctively, she crossed her legs and rubbed against the sofa.
That sight shocked Lemon and Apple, who were in the corner, making them bolt out of the store.
“Wha, what. She’s totally crazy.”
“Lemon, that’s not her. That’s the boss.”
Wasting no time to correct the “crazy” part, Apple locked the store’s door from outside.
Today, the Pangrave was peaceful.
Anyway, it was peaceful.
