How to Survive as a Princess in a Reverse Harem Game - Chapter 77
“By the way, how’s your taste after that?”
“Pardon?”
“The Hezica medicine. It tastes absolutely dreadful, doesn’t it? They say once you take it, you lose your taste for a while.”
“Well, my guardian had some fruit on hand, and after eating that, I felt fine right away.”
“Lucky for you, then.”
I forced a smile. I really shouldn’t mention that I almost threw up after taking it.
But the fact that Evgenia knew the taste of the medicine…….
“Your Majesty, have you tried it yourself?”
“I have. Quite a long time ago, when I was much younger.”
She was still young and beautiful, though…….
It wasn’t just a passing thought. Evgenia looked so youthful that I could easily believe she was my sister. According to the knowledge Killis shared, it was natural, considering she was of the bloodline of the primordial dragon.
“Even though it’s meant to be distributed to the commoners, ultimately, it’s my people who will consume it, so I need to ensure it’s safe.”
Evgenia said casually, but I couldn’t help but feel differently.
Ah, this person. She truly thinks about the kingdom, I thought.
“So, how was it after you tried it?”
“It seems like it would be a bit…… overwhelming to consume every day. Especially for children, I think it would be even harder for them.”
“Exactly. The foresight of the previous Evgenia was admirable, but the practical effects fall short. The taste is so bad, no one wants to take it. And because they don’t take it, they don’t get the benefits.”
“The herbs used in the medicine have a short shelf life, so they can’t be stored for long. In the end, all of it gets thrown away.”
“You’ve figured that out too?”
“I had some help with that.”
“From what you’re saying, I remember now. Duke Yelpen had requested permission to review the management documents for the Hezica medicine, right? That’s where you found all this out.”
“Yes, I asked for that.”
“Right. You must have suspected something, which is why you asked to see it.”
This, too, was the correct answer.
I admired Evgenia’s sharp insight. At the same time, it also meant she viewed me positively.
“I’m just grateful that you think well of me, Your Majesty.”
“It’s only natural that I think well of my daughter, isn’t it? Of course, I love Meliana and Cirilla equally as well. They are all my daughters.”
Hmm…… I wasn’t so sure about that…….
I recalled my own situation and Cirilla’s. Meliana didn’t seem to have been particularly loved either, but my situation and Cirilla’s were especially bad.
I was looked down upon by not just the royal guards but even the library attendants. And Cirilla…….
‘She seemed to be threatened by Duke Morris.’
From what I had gathered in my meetings with Evgenia, she was more competent than I had initially thought. So, she likely knew exactly what was going on.
Perhaps as a mother, she loves us, but as a queen, she doesn’t coddle us.
As a ruler, she might be a good person, but I wasn’t so sure she was a good mother from the perspective of a child.
Of course, I wisely chose to remain silent. It wasn’t my place to interfere with Cirilla’s matters, especially considering my current position and circumstances.
Though I would help to a certain extent—like continuing to report without revealing that Duke Morris had found out—I knew this burden was pushing my limits.
“Anyway, I understand why you focused on the Hezica medicine. But how did you come to think of this as a replacement?”
“After examining the Hezica medicine’s effects, I discovered it contained iron. I also realized that its problems were its taste and short shelf life. So, I thought about what could serve as a viable alternative.”
“And this is the solution?”
“Yes. It’s simple. You just add it to soup or stew before cooking, and there’s no taste to worry about. The shelf life is also much longer than Hezica medicine.”
“A simple conclusion.”
At her brief statement, my body instinctively tensed. I realized that I had let my guard down too soon, thinking the mood was favorable. Her words, though seemingly neutral, felt more like a critique.
‘Was this all a test?’
I had grown complacent in the good atmosphere up until now. While I didn’t think I had made a mistake, it was hard not to worry. People’s intentions were hard to gauge.
As I silently studied Evgenia’s expression, she finally spoke.
