How to Survive as a Princess in a Reverse Harem Game - Chapter 46
“…….”
“I was worried that Your Highness might refuse because I am a Medietas, but fortunately, you understood my intentions and accepted. After all, you didn’t want Isaac to give up on anything because of you.”
I hadn’t expected such a story.
Realizing this was a more complicated relationship than I’d thought, I parted my lips to speak.
“……Are you truly okay with it, my Lord?”
“Are you asking me?”
“Even if it was your choice, it feels like external pressure played a greater role.”
“Oh, if it’s about that, then yes, I’m fine. Rather, I’m grateful that Your Highness accepted. Thanks to it, I’ve been able to repay the former Duke’s kindness and enjoy a rather free life.”
“…….”
“Please don’t worry about it. If I’d truly despised the idea, knowing my nature, I would have run away.”
“Even so, don’t you think you’ve lost more than you’ve gained as my guardian? Just because you’re mine, Meliana last time—”
“That, too, is nothing you need to worry about. Honestly, I’ve lost more because Your Highness accepted me as a guardian than I have by serving as one.”
“I’ve lost more because of you?”
“Yes. After all, I am an elf Medietas.”
At Reno’s words, I was momentarily at a loss. Before, I hadn’t fully understood the implications. Now, having learned the ‘common sense’ of this world from Killis, I grasped its meaning.
Here, Medietas was a symbol of disdain—a dirty mixed breed who dared to defy human purity.
Of course, the royal family was an exception. Because they were descendants of the Primordial Dragon, they were considered a class apart from others, for some ridiculous reason. To me, all these prejudices were laughable.
“So what? I’m no different from you, my Lord.”
“Sorry?”
“Being a descendant of the Primordial Dragon means you’re a Medietas, right? Or am I wrong?”
Reno was silent for a moment, staring at me before a faint smile formed on his face.
“Even with your memories gone, you’re still the same in ways like this. You truly are a kind-hearted person, Your Highness.”
“Is that so……?”
I felt slightly embarrassed. I was relieved to have handled that well, but hearing I was kind over something like this made me feel a bit bashful.
“Anyway, I’m glad to know you’re alright…… I only asked because I was worried. Being my guardian might be unfairly difficult for you.”
“In what way?”
“I heard that guardians have certain spells engraved on their bodies.”
“Ah, you’re referring to the contraception spell? Yes, that’s unavoidable, as most guardians are infused with mana.”
“……But you’re different, aren’t you? Even with a spell like that engraved, will you be okay?”
“I’ve already come to terms with it. Besides, as a Medietas, I can’t have children through ordinary means anyway.”
I felt a bit taken aback. This didn’t seem like something he’d mention so casually…….
“And you even went out of your way, Your Highness, to allow us to have the spell engraved on our ankles. It’s out of sight, so it’s not something we’re constantly reminded of.”
“Can it be engraved somewhere else?”
“Yes. Where it’s placed is up to the princesses. Did you notice the markings on the backs of the Second Princess’s guardians at the banquet?”
“Yes, I saw them. It looked like a tattoo…….”
“Exactly. That’s the spell circle. I heard the Second Princess had it engraved prominently so everyone could see because she enjoys showing it off.”
“…….”
“In contrast, as I mentioned, Your Highness considered our comfort and had it discreetly placed on our ankles. You’re a considerate master, Your Highness.”
I felt a bit shaken. I’d thought it looked like a spell circle, but I hadn’t imagined it actually was. And to think it was a spell circle for contraception…….
“Even so…… most people misunderstand the relationship between us. In reality, it’s only Lord Isaac who’s receiving mana from me. Yet Meliana, especially, constantly misjudges and mistreats you.”
“Does that bother you?”
“It’s never good to treat someone poorly based on a misconception.”
“And what if it stopped being a misconception?”
“Huh……?”
“I’ve been having thoughts about that recently.”
I was so startled I came to a stop without even realizing it. In contrast, Reno kept walking ahead calmly, gaining a few steps before he continued.
“If the other person were you, Your Highness, I think I’d be fine with people having that misconception.”
When Reno turned back to look at me, he wore a sweet, gentle smile. Seeing his expression, I found myself doubting if I’d understood him correctly.
How…… how could he talk about sharing a bed with such a bright look on his face?
At this point, I couldn’t tell if it was me who was being strange or if it was Isaac or Reno who were odd. But the funny thing was, rather than feeling repulsed by Reno, my heart was racing with excitement over the situation.
“Um…… are you joking?”
“I wouldn’t joke about something like this. So, if your mind changes, feel free to call on me anytime. I might not be as good as Isaac, but I’m still pretty decent.”
I bit my lip, feeling a flush rising to my cheeks. I could tell my face must be turning bright red.
Ding!
[<System> ‘Reno Harsen’s affection has slightly increased.]
