How to Survive as a Princess in a Reverse Harem Game - Chapter 25
“To the library.”
“To the library?”
Reno tilted his head, seeming slightly surprised, unlike yesterday, and I tried to act nonchalant despite feeling a bit flustered.
“I finished reading the book I borrowed yesterday.”
“What? You read all of that? You finished it in a day, no, even if you exclude the time you slept, that’s just half a day, isn’t it?”
“It was interesting as I read…….”
Reno looked at me again as if he couldn’t believe it. I could understand his feelings, I hadn’t expected to read it all in one night either.
I gave an awkward smile and went to the library with Reno. I was still bothered by the commotion Meliana caused yesterday, but I didn’t want to leave Reno behind and wander alone, as it would feel like I was being wary of her.
As I picked up several history books, cultural books, and etiquette manuals in the library, Reno looked shocked but quietly complied.
I decided to take all the books back to the palace. Yesterday, I had no choice because of a time-limited quest, but today I didn’t have any quests lined up.
‘There’s no need to stay in the library if it’s not urgent.’
To be honest, it didn’t matter to me, but I wanted to do it for Reno, since he didn’t like the library.
When we reached the front of the palace like yesterday, I reached out to Reno to take the books from him. However, he shook his head.
“How can Your Highness carry this? As I said, I will take it to your room.”
Before I could insist further, he strode confidently into the palace. Just as we entered the corridor leading to my room, I heard a voice.
“You’ve returned, Your Highness.”
The maids who hurried towards me paused for a moment, looking flustered. Their gazes were directed at Reno.
Reno didn’t stop his pace and continued walking, motioning with his chin in a neutral manner.
“Excuse me, but could you please open the door? I don’t have a free hand.”
Only then did the maids rush to open the door. As Reno placed the books on the desk and was about to show me a gesture of respect, he said.
“Well then, I’ll take my leave…….”
“Please wait a moment, My Lord.”
“……?”
Unexpectedly, a maid stopped Reno. She added, as if she had never viewed him with any hesitation.
“You should start preparing for dinner as well, My Lord.”
“Oh, that. I can just change my clothes later and go…….”
“That won’t do.”
“Anyway, no one will care about me. Everyone will just be focused on Your Highness and Isaac.”
“You are also the princess’s guardian, My Lord. The appearance of a guardian is tied to the dignity of the one they serve. I trust you wouldn’t want to lower Your Highness’s reputation.”
At the maid’s firm words, Reno let out a small groan and looked at me. His gaze was quite earnest, as if he were silently pleading for help.
I pretended not to notice his eyes and turned away.
The last glimpse I caught of Reno’s face seemed to say, ‘Your Highness, is this how you treat me?’
However, even I, who was unfamiliar with the situation, could see the validity in the maid’s words. Moreover, the fact that those who had previously viewed Reno with suspicion were now stepping forward indicated that this was a necessary measure.
Reno didn’t seem inclined to argue further and quickly agreed.
“……I understand. I will do as the maid suggests.”
“Another maid will escort you, My Lord.”
“Understood. Then, Your Highness, I’ll see you again soon.”
After Reno left, my situation wasn’t much different. The maids surrounded me.
“……?”
“You need to prepare as well, Your Highness.”
It dawned on me that I shouldn’t just be standing there, watching like an outsider. The maids promptly guided me to the bath, and afterward, they moved about quite busily.
‘There’s still plenty of time until the banquet, isn’t there?’
As I wondered about this, I soon discovered the reason behind their urgency. The dress, accessories, and makeup were all lavish, and they carefully styled my hair, which was long and straight like Nepheli’s, curling each strand with great care.
Their attention to detail was so meticulous that the service I had received the day before and that morning felt almost trivial in comparison.
As a result, I hadn’t even been able to touch the borrowed books. My anxious heart gradually gave way to resignation as time passed.
After what felt like an eternity, when I finally finished getting ready and looked in the mirror, I couldn’t help but marvel at my reflection. The base beauty was already lovely and pure, but with the meticulous makeup and hairstyle, I felt an elegance that seemed beyond reach.
When I stood up, I was taken aback by how the heels of my shoes were higher than usual, but strangely, I felt no discomfort and didn’t wobble at all. It was as if I had been wearing them for ages, the sensation was oddly familiar.
Curious, I turned around a few times, but the maids urged me that it was time to head to the banquet hall, so I stepped out of the room.
At that moment, I unexpectedly came face to face with someone.
“……Isaac?”
My whisper was so faint that under normal circumstances, it would go unheard. However, Isaac responded as if he had heard my call, placing his hand over his heart and bowing his waist to me.
