How to Survive as a Princess in a Reverse Harem Game - Chapter 85

More importantly, why had the mana accumulated so rapidly all of a sudden…….

It was an oversight on my part. Considering this had never happened before, it seemed likely that once the accumulation passed a certain threshold, it began to surge rapidly.

‘The last time I checked, it was at 88%, wasn’t it? Could it be that the speed increases around that point?’

I might need to shorten the interval for sharing mana with Isaac in the future.

But even now, it feels frequent enough—cutting it down further seems a bit…… excessive.

Should I suggest doing it just once more when my monthly cycle is about to return?

“Your Highness.”

Isaac leaned in slightly, his voice low and soft. As he called to me, I instinctively raised my head, and at that moment—

“……!”

Isaac’s face was suddenly right before mine. The unexpected closeness of his handsome features sent my heart plummeting into my stomach. Before I could steady myself, my gaze caught sight of his bare skin under the warm, golden glow of the lamplight, and I quickly averted my eyes.

That’s when I realized—my body was bare as well. I wanted to pull the blanket over myself, but Isaac’s weight pinned it down, making it difficult to move.

“Um, my lord… could you, uh, just for a moment……?”

As I struggled to tug the blanket, Isaac shifted his body slightly to the side, giving me enough room to pull it free. Only after wrapping myself securely in the blanket did I feel a hint of relief.

I glanced at Isaac, feeling self-conscious, and noticed he was wearing pants. How unfair that only he was dressed…

“Are you feeling alright?”

“Yes. I think I’m okay…….”

“Do you still have your memories?”

“I guess…….”

I awkwardly nodded. I had apparently been in situations where I almost overflowed with mana, causing memory loss, and he was likely checking to confirm this.

As I carefully assessed the situation, Isaac turned away from me. He then poured water from the pitcher on the side table and handed me a cup.

“Here you are.”

“……How did you know? That I wanted to drink water.”

“I heard you saying so before you woke up.”

I must have unconsciously mumbled something because I was very thirsty.

Even after quenching my thirst, my mind felt somewhat dazed. When he extended his hand asking for the cup back, I returned it to him. After handing back the cup, the last moments before my mind became hazy suddenly came back to me.

“Um, have you seen Reno by any chance?”

“He’s likely stationed near the palace. He’s assigned as Your Highness’s guardian for today.”

“Oh…….”

So, Reno must have been the one who brought me back to the bedroom. I’ve only caused trouble for him, haven’t I?

As I was thinking that I should apologize to him the next time I saw him, Isaac, who had been watching me, asked a question.

“Do you wish for Reno to stay by your side?”

“What?”

“I simply asked because Reno was sharing mana with Your Highness before I arrived.”

“Reno was receiving mana from me?”

What was he saying?

At first, I didn’t quite understand and only blinked in confusion. But then, realization struck, and I was horrified.

“A-are you saying I was doing that with Reno?”

“I’m not entirely sure what Your Highness is implying, but when I arrived, you were sharing mana through direct contact.”

“Ah……?”

Isaac’s words startled me at first, but his explanation calmed my racing heart a little. According to him, all I did with Reno was kiss.

A kiss was still a big deal, of course, but I couldn’t help feeling oddly relieved—given that I had feared the situation might have escalated further.

However, Isaac’s next words caught me off guard again.

“If you desire Reno, I can summon him for you.”

“What? No, it’s not like that!”

I quickly shook my head, and Isaac, who had been acting as if he were about to call for Reno, stopped moving.

“Do you dislike Reno, then?”

“No, that’s not it, but…….”

Trailing off, I hesitated for a moment before finally asking.

“Are you okay with me giving mana to Reno?”

“Your Highness’s intentions are entirely your own. My opinion holds no significance in what you choose to do.”

There he goes again…….

Watching this man, who never revealed his emotions or personal thoughts, made me instinctively bite my lip.

This is strange. I knew I shouldn’t expect anything from Isaac—had no reason to—but why did I feel so disappointed and hurt?

“There’s no need to call Reno. What I’m giving to you is already enough. And…….”

“…….”

“Thank you for saving me.”

“I simply did what I had to do.”

Isaac nodded silently, his response as typical and reserved as ever.

Still, why is he staying with me today? This was unlike him. He usually left immediately after fulfilling his duty, never lingering afterward……. Could it be that he intended to stay by my side until dawn this time?

There was nothing particularly significant about him staying, but I found myself inexplicably hopeful.

“You seem to have recovered well enough, so I shall take my leave now.”

His words mercilessly shattered the small expectation I had just allowed myself to entertain.