How to Survive as a Princess in a Reverse Harem Game - Chapter 14
“……?”
“I never disliked it. I was just surprised because it happened so suddenly.”
Reno’s eyes widened slightly in surprise, as if he hadn’t expected me to say such a thing.
Ding!
[<Reward> You can now see the real-time affection level of characters available for romance, as well as their status. Would you like to view it?]
[Cancel] / [Confirm]
A reward popping up suddenly in this situation…….
The message window thankfully covered Reno’s handsome face, giving me a bit of relief. I tried to calm my rapidly beating heart, adding quickly,
“Then, let go of me now.”
“As you command, Your Highness.”
Finally, Reno released me. At the same time, I quickly took a few steps back.
The distance that had opened between us caused Reno to blink, then let out a faint smile.
“You lied. You said you didn’t dislike it, but in truth, you did, didn’t you?”
“N-no, it’s not like that. It’s just…….”
Still unfamiliar.
I tried to speak, my lips twitching before I sealed them shut.
No matter how much I knew he was just a character in a game, seeing him move in front of me made him feel like a completely separate ‘person’.
Naturally, a sense of unfamiliar wariness followed.
“Just what?”
Instead of the message window that had vanished, Reno’s face appeared clearly before me.
Reno, completely unaware of my inner turmoil, mischievously smiled and leaned in closer, his face almost pressing against mine.
‘Are you teasing me right now?’
Though it was absurd, his lively appearance made my heart skip a beat. It was then that I took a good look at his features.
His curly golden hair was slightly long, and the way he tied the back into a small ponytail gave it a soft, touchable quality. I almost wanted to reach out and feel it.
What caught my attention next were his pointed ears.
‘How peculiar. His ears are so pointy…….’
Wait, hold on. Are his ears actually pointed?
I couldn’t believe it at first, but when I looked again, it was clear—the tips of his ears were sharp and pointed.
‘He looks just like an elf.’
Yes, like the elves from Norse mythology.
While his ears weren’t the exaggerated pointy kind typically associated with elves, they were more human-like with only the tips slightly sharp, making them uniquely different.
The shape of his ears, something no ordinary human could possess, felt foreign yet kept drawing my attention. Without realizing it, I found myself staring at Reno.
“From your reaction, it seems you don’t actually dislike me…….”
Reno muttered softly. Though it was just a simple remark, it made me tense up. Even the smallest action of mine could be scrutinized.
Fortunately, he seemed to just be casually mentioning it, as he quickly shifted the topic.
“Anyway, since you’ve come to find me, it must mean you have something to do outside the Royal Palace, right? Are you planning to go to the library today as well?”
The library?
Ding!
[<System> A new quest has arrived!]
[<Quest> Let’s learn about the history of the Lublin Kingdom!
As a princess, you enjoy reading. Go to the royal library, read a book, and acquire knowledge.
―Read the book ‘The Myth of the Foundation of Lublin’ completely.]
―Success Reward: Book ‘The Myth of the Foundation of Lublin’, Codex ‘Lublin’s Nobility and Major Aristocratic Families: Character Information’ available for permanent viewing.
―Failure: Increase in suspicion levels of character ‘Reno Harsen’ and surrounding individuals.
―Time Limit: 24 hours.
In the midst of this sudden flow, the message arrived, and this time, there was even a time limit.
Reading a book wasn’t difficult, but it was unexpected.
“Right. I’m going to the library.”
“I knew you would. Let’s go.”
Reno grabbed my hand and started pulling me forward.
‘Huh?’
Did he just take my hand?
I was dragged along, still feeling flustered. Seeing my expression, Reno smiled and said.
“Was it you who said you weren’t bothered by it, Your Highness?”
I never said I liked it, I only said I wasn’t bothered.
But seeing his playful smile, instead of feeling irritated, I found it absurd and ended up laughing along with him.
This must be why people say being handsome matters. Even the most ridiculous things sound reasonable when said by someone attractive.
Still, there was a good side to Reno leading the way.
It meant I didn’t have to wander around looking for the royal library, since I had no idea where it was.
Following Reno, I noticed that the palace buildings were all grand and beautiful, with a similar architectural style. Without guidance, it would have been difficult to find the library on my own.
“We’ve arrived.”
Reno gestured with his head. At the end of it, I saw a massive building supported by huge columns. After hearing his explanation, it really did look like a library.
“Then I’ll stay nearby, so go ahead.”
“Aren’t you coming in?”
“Huh? Coming in?”
Reno asked in disbelief.
