This gift is probably something no man could refuse, and no man would dislike.
However, upon hearing Meloâs words, Reigerâs brow furrowed tightly.
"Sorry," Reigerâs attitude became noticeably colder, "I donât have the habit of accepting people as gifts."
Clearly, the other partyâs approach of treating people as goods did not sit well with Reiger.
"Please donât misunderstand," Melo didnât panic at Reigerâs colder demeanor, but rather felt a sense of relief, and explained to Reiger, "We have no intention of treating Nymphs as objects; it was my wording that was problematic. I apologize to you."
"Jelina and Hiluneâs homeland is actually a Nymph tribe protected by Careadohart."
"As you probably know, because of their rarity and uniqueness, the Nymph race has always been passionately desired by others, even to the point of relentless persecution, causing the Nymphs to become isolated from the world, afraid to walk the earth."
"Yet, the Nymph race cannot completely avoid contact with other races, or they will eventually become extinct."
Meloâs words were not just alarmist talk.
Nymphs comprise an all-female race; even if they mate with other races, they have a similar trait to the Amazon of Earth Mistake World, where only female Nymphs are born, never males from other races.
If they truly isolate themselves from the world and refuse contact with other races, once the existing Nymphs perish, the race will go extinct.
The Amazons of Earth Mistake World are similar, being quite xenophobic, but no matter how xenophobic, they still have to mate with males from other races to continue their lineage.
However, unlike the Amazons who abduct men and treat them as breeding tools, discarding or even killing them after breeding, unless theyâre recognized as strong warriors, Nymphs take a different approach.
"To ensure the continuation of their race, many Nymph tribes choose marriage alliances with powerful forces to gain their protection."
"As one of the two strongest empires among human nations, Careadohart harbors a Nymph tribe and several Nymph families under our protection."
"Jelina and Hilune come from the Nymph tribe within our country, having just come of age, and were originally destined to choose spouses from the royal family or nobility of the empire."
For this reason, men from the royal and noble families have been eagerly preparing, hoping to win the hearts of these two Nymphs.
As far as Meloâs intelligence goes, many noble and even royal family members have had conflicts over this matter, sometimes even coming to blows.
Especially those lacking potential see union with a Nymph as a chance to change their lives and are willing to go to great lengths to achieve this goal.
However, as soon as Reiger descended and the news that the Holy Sword Marfa had found its Master spread, the Nymph tribeâs elder personally visited the capitalâs palace to express to the reigning King that they were willing to send the newly of-age Jelina and Hilune to serve the Savior.
In other words, their final choice wasnât the empireâs royalty or nobility, but the Savior of the current era, the Master of the Holy Sword Marfa.
"Throughout history, many Saviors have grown rapidly by associating with Nymphs, repeatedly repelling the abyss."
"For instance, the original Savior, Moslo Reinnaier, had a Nymph by his side."
"You are the Savior we have awaited for eleven thousand years. To ensure you grow stronger quickly, we are more than willing to assist, helping you become more powerful."
Melo spoke earnestly.
"This is also Jelina and Hiluneâs wish. They came willingly to serve you, so please donât misunderstand."
Just as Melo finished speaking, Jelina and Hilune raised their heads, looking at Reiger hopefully.
"Please have mercy on us."
"Please grant us the privilege to serve by your side."
Their voices were as melodious as ever, one tense, the other anxious, but both expressed their desire to stay with Reiger.
Were it any other man, theyâd likely have accepted in ecstatic joy.
Even if cautious about their image, theyâd inevitably entertain hesitation.
To gain one Nymph as a partner is already a tremendous blessing; to have two Nymphs serve is akin to manna from heaven.
Disregarding the Nymph raceâs uniqueness, the beauty and allure of these two maidens alone could drive nearly any man to madness.
However...
"Even if youâre willing, I donât have that desire." Reiger shook his head calmly, "Iâll rely on myself to become stronger. I have my path and donât need to seek such means to grow powerful."
"So, choose someone else, Iâm not the right match for you."
Reigerâs abrupt refusal caused both Nymphsâ faces to turn deathly pale.
"Sir?"
Melo was also surprised at Reigerâs straightforward rejection.
Melo hadnât personally experienced a Nymphâs allure, but understood its potency well.
From Reigerâs initial reactions, Melo saw he wasnât immune to Jelina and Hilune, similarly stirred by primal desires.
Frankly, the attraction women of the Nymph race hold over the opposite sex far surpasses any so-called succubus.
Succubi use seduction and allure, while Nymphs naturally attract with their life force and exceptional looks.
From the moment Melo saw Jelina and Hilune, sheâd repeatedly witnessed men, even her brothers, become despondent when the Nymph pair chose Reiger, no longer seeking a partner within the empire.
Thus, seeing Reiger so easily resist Jelina and Hiluneâs temptation, Melo was both amazed and secretly pleased, realizing that the Master chosen by the Holy Sword was indeed different from other men.
But she hadnât expected Reiger to resolutely reject the two Nymphsâ advances.
This made her anxious instead.
"Word of your descent has spread throughout the Source World, and surely the abyss has received this news."
"Once they learn of your existence, theyâll target you relentlessly, aiming to destroy you before you mature and threaten them."
"Especially those abyss followersâthey wonât tolerate your existence."
Abyss followers, deeply enchanted by the abyssâs power, are those who, forsaking the Source, pledge themselves to the abyss, aiding its cause.
Theyâre a bane to this world, always scheming to break the Holy Swordâs seal, liberate the abyss, and plunge the Source into chaos.
To achieve this, they commit every evil act imaginable, utterly loathed by all races and forces in the Source World as criminals who must be eradicated.
But they hide too deeply, even within major forces.
Melo is sure that theyâre already plotting against Reiger, concocting various schemes in the shadows, waiting to act against him.
In such circumstances, no one, including Melo, wishes for anything other than Reigerâs swift growth.