How to Survive as a Princess in a Reverse Harem Game - Chapter 30
“That’s a different issue altogether.”
“There’s no difference. Moreover, Morris, I’ve already considered Nepheli’s opinion positively. Are you implying that my judgment is flawed?”
A deep scowl darkened Evgenia’s face. Her eyes, sharp like Meliana’s, reflected any slight shift in emotion fiercely.
“Surely I wouldn’t say that. It’s just…… I’m concerned about the youth of Princess Nepheli. My apologies, Your Highness.”
“It’s only natural for Duke Morris to worry. No matter how old a daughter gets, she still feels like a child, doesn’t she? Just as I still see Cirilla as a baby.”
“Both Nepheli and Meliana are adults now. I hope you remember that your excessive concern can hinder their growth.”
“Yes, I will.”
Was it because my favorability increased? Or was it simply that she was still a mother? Evgenia defended me.
After that, the banquet wrapped up quickly. Evgenia led the way, followed by all the dukes.
But there were still some left behind.
“Not bad for a sister.”
Meliana said as she slowly rose from her seat. Eventually, her guardians and Cirilla also stood up.
“Just don’t act so proud. You were just lucky, that’s all. But I’m sure you know that better than anyone.”
She really is insufferable…….
Perhaps because I already understood her temperament, I wasn’t particularly angry. It just felt like Meliana was throwing a little tantrum.
As I watched Meliana’s back, the cloaks of her guardians fluttered with each movement.
‘Ah.’
It dawned on me late that they were wearing uniforms identical to Reno’s. Beneath the fluttering cloaks, their strong back muscles were evident.
What I saw next was a bit surprising.
‘Is that a tattoo……?’
The men’s backs were covered in intricate patterns. They looked like letters or maybe drawings, and it was hard to define exactly what they were. It was completely different from Reno’s clean back.
“Wow, our princess!”
“……!”
Someone suddenly wrapped an arm around my shoulder from behind. Startled, I flinched as Reno’s voice playfully tickled my ear.
“I always knew you were smart, but I didn’t expect you to come up with such an idea. You looked great doing it. I guess all that reading pays off, huh?”
“Um, thanks, but could you let go of me……?”
“Reno Harsen. Didn’t I tell you not to act so frivolously?”
“What’s the big deal? It’s just us here. I’m sure Duke Yelpen will understand.”
“I share the same sentiment as Lord Isaac. I would appreciate it if you could restrain yourself, Lord Reno. Since when have you been so familiar with Her Highness?”
“That’s a bit hurtful. I’m her guardian, so it’s only natural for us to be close.”
Reno still didn’t release his arm wrapped around me.
‘It’s a good thing there’s a chair between Reno and me, so we’re not in direct contact too much.’
This kind of contact still felt unfamiliar. I wondered if I would ever get used to it, but for now…
“Reno, could you let go of me? We should be heading back.”
“Hmm, as disappointing as that is…… I suppose you’re right.”
At that, his arm released me immediately, and as I stood up, I glanced back at Killis.
Well, I should probably greet this man too, but what should I say? Since I didn’t know how Nepheli interacted with him, I found myself hesitating.
“Thank you for your help earlier.”
“That’s not what you should be saying to me.”
“……?”
“You stood me up earlier.”
“I did? When……?”
“Don’t you remember? I heard that you ignored our lesson and went out with Lord Reno instead.”
There was a lesson? With this man?
But why didn’t anyone tell me when I said I was going out?
As I was caught off guard and at a loss for words, Reno sighed, as if he realized something.
“Oh, that makes sense. I wondered why Her Highness was going to the library this morning, it seems she forgot her lesson with Duke Yelpen.”
“It’s surprising that neither the maids nor you informed Her Highness.”
“I thought Her Highness would have communicated that to the Duke. The maids probably thought the same as I did…… I should have asked Her Highness once.”
“I’m sorry. I got the days mixed up.”
“It’s I who should be apologizing. As your guardian, I should have known your schedule. Don’t you agree, Lord?”
As I finally found an excuse and opened my mouth, Reno chimed in to help.
‘I’m grateful for the assistance, but……’
Every time Reno spoke, I felt like Killis’s gaze sharpened, making me want to cover his mouth.
It must be my imagination, right?
Ding!
[<System> Kilis Yelpen’s affection has slightly decreased.]
