How to Survive as a Princess in a Reverse Harem Game - Chapter 20
He would surely ask why I was trying to get up, but I couldn’t bring myself to answer. I just wanted to apply the ointment and get back on my feet quickly.
When I opened the container, I found a solid ointment with a purgatory hue and a small brush. I dipped the brush into the ointment and gently applied it to Reno’s cheek.
Even though I tried to apply it carefully, he flinched every time I touched him.
“Does it hurt?”
“No, it’s not that, um…….”
“……?”
“No, it’s nothing.”
I tilted my head, but Reno didn’t seem inclined to answer.
I focused on applying the ointment to his wound. Since it was such a small injury, it didn’t take long to finish.
After putting the brush back in the ointment container and sealing it, I mumbled absentmindedly.
“I hope it doesn’t leave a scar.”
“I wouldn’t mind if it did. It would give me a bit of a wild look, don’t you think?”
“I’m not so sure about that…… but it would be a shame to have a scar on such a handsome face.”
Because it was a genuine thought that slipped out unconsciously, I didn’t realize my blunder until a message window popped up unexpectedly.
Ding!
[<System> ‘Reno Harsen’s affection has slightly increased.]
The message window appeared suddenly and disappeared quickly.
What was that? What did I say that made his affection go up?
After briefly recalling what I had said, I realized my mistake.
Heat flooded to my face.
From the moment I saw Reno, I had thought he was handsome, but to say it out loud—especially to his face—was humiliating!
I felt so embarrassed that I wanted nothing more than to escape and run away from this situation.
“What I just said, that was…….”
“Am I handsome?”
Despite my frantic attempts to salvage the situation, Reno asked me directly. He even leaned his face closer to mine.
I was so flustered that I instinctively pulled my head back, causing my body to nearly topple over, but I didn’t fall. By then, Reno’s hand was firmly supporting my back.
What a disaster. I should have gotten up and moved away before saying such nonsense.
While I was frozen in place, Reno lightly grasped my wrist. Then he brought my palm to his cheek and gently rubbed it against him.
“Your Highness? You need to answer me.”
The ointment I had just applied was sticking to my hand. Yet, instead of feeling disgusted, I found my mind drifting in a daze.
It was just a simple question, so why did my heart and fingertips feel so tingly? Was it really because of his looks?
“You know you’re handsome, right?”
“I know, but it’s a different matter for you to think so. Still, I’m glad.”
Reno beamed at me, and in that moment, I found myself staring, lost in thought.
‘What is it about that smile……?’
Like anyone else, Reno’s eyes narrowed, and his lips curled up, but there was something strangely alluring about his smile. Even the tear mole beneath his left eye seemed to add to his charm.
How could someone with such a playful face create such an atmosphere?
My heart raced, and heat flooded my face. Nevertheless, I tried to act nonchalant as I pulled my hand away from his and opened my mouth to speak.
“I should reapply the ointment.”
* * *
After applying the ointment to Reno’s cheek again, I returned to the royal palace with him. However, Reno insisted on staying outside and didn’t accompany me inside the palace.
I recalled the events from the way back from the library, as well as the reactions of the maids, and told him to go ahead.
‘If things are going to change, they need to change gradually.’
It would be strange if everything changed at once.
Still, since it was a path I had traveled before, finding my way to my room wasn’t difficult. The maids greeted me warmly upon seeing me return.
“Your Highness, Lady Evgenia has invited you to dinner tomorrow.”
Lady Evgenia… Wasn’t that a reference to the ‘queen’ of this place?
“I received word that she hopes all the princesses can attend, if possible.”
Ding!
[<System> A new quest has arrived!]
[<Quest> Invitation from Evgenia.
Evgenia wishes to have a meal with her children after a long time. Please attend the dinner tomorrow.
―Failure: Decrease in Evgenia’s affection.]
[Cancel] / [Confirm]
