How to Survive as a Princess in a Reverse Harem Game - Chapter 91
He was asking if I was alright, but the question seemed more fitting for Killis himself. His face, paler than usual, showed he was utterly distressed.
“Did you hear the news, Killis?”
“Yes. As soon as I attended the morning council meeting, the Duke of Futurum presented it as an accomplishment. That’s how I found out.”
“That meeting, Her Majesty Evgenia attends those, doesn’t she?”
“She does. The Duke requested support, claiming he had discovered an excellent alternative. It seems he’s even been distributing it for several days now.”
Wow…… Not only did he steal something Evgenia was involved in, but now he’s brazenly provoking us?
“What was Her Majesty’s reaction? Was she angry?”
“She wasn’t angry, but she didn’t seem pleased either.”
Of course, she wouldn’t be.
“The Duke of Futurum wouldn’t typically bother with something as trivial as Hezica medication that only commoners use. The fact that he presented it right after Your Highness conceived the idea is suspicious. It’s obvious to anyone that…….”
“He did it to undermine me.”
“Undermine you……? Is that something to drink? Are you thirsty, Your Highness?”
Killis stared at me as if I had said something completely incomprehensible, and I realized my mistake. It seemed that idiom wasn’t used here.
“No, that’s not what I meant. Anyway, Killis, even you think the Duke of Futurum is trying to put me in a difficult position, don’t you?”
“That is correct.”
“Her Majesty Evgenia must have noticed as well.”
“Most likely…….”
“Then let’s wait. It won’t be too late to decide after seeing how Her Majesty responds.”
In truth, I had already soothed Reno with similar words earlier, so convincing Killis wasn’t difficult. Seeing my calm demeanor, Killis quickly regained his composure and nodded in agreement.
By evening, Evgenia summoned me in haste.
“Apologies for calling you at this late hour. A serious matter has arisen that couldn’t be delayed.”
“It’s no trouble at all, Your Majesty. It’s not that late anyway.”
After all, I had just finished dinner and was leisurely reading a book.
And honestly, I might have been a bit disappointed if she hadn’t summoned me tonight. I was far too curious about how Evgenia would react to the news that had reached her earlier today.
‘Will she be furious?’
That seemed like the most probable outcome. It would be ideal if this incident incited Evgenia’s ire toward Morris Futurum and the Duke of Futurum.
I wasn’t expecting her to get rid of them entirely—not immediately, anyway. That would be too much to hope for.
All I wanted was for her to grow a grudge against them. Once they became a thorn in her side, they’d inevitably keep provoking her irritation, making it harder for Morris Futurum to act recklessly. Perhaps later, I could even link it all back to Cirilla’s account.
“Perhaps you’ve heard already, but…… the Duke of Futurum has been distributing Coqua to the commoners.”
“Did they even use the name Coqua?”
“It doesn’t seem so. They’ve been presenting it as an alternative to the Hezica medicine while distributing it.”
At least they didn’t use the name—that was a small relief. If they had stolen the name too, it would’ve caused significant trouble. Once a specific image becomes tied to a name, it’s difficult to change public perception.
“Nepheli.”
“Yes, Your Majesty?”
“This incident is unlikely to be a coincidence. I’ll be honest with you—this seems to be a case of information leakage.”
Could she possibly know about Cirilla’s involvement?
“And this leak, it appears to be connected to me.”
“……?”
Connected to Evgenia? That was the last thing I expected to hear.
“Have you mentioned it to Duke Morris?”
“No, I haven’t. But it’s probably no different than if I had.”
Her words were cryptic. How could it be no different than saying it outright if she hadn’t mentioned it?
“This incident is truly regrettable. Since the Duke of Futurum has stolen your credit, I will personally ensure you are compensated.”
The way she shifted the focus to compensation made it clear she wasn’t planning to explain the details—or perhaps it was something too delicate to reveal.
“Then what will you do with the prototype supply?”
“I believe it would be best to either hand it over to the Duke of Futurum or distribute it alongside the Hezica medicine.”
While the latter wouldn’t be an issue, the former was problematic. The quest required distributing the prototype supply. If there was nothing left to distribute, it would mean failing the quest entirely.
Ding!
[ Ensure the prototype supply is not taken.
(※Warning※) If the prototype supply is handed over to the Duke of Futurum, the quest will fail.]
As expected, a message window appeared. Staying passive wasn’t an option anymore.
“Would it be alright if I proceeded with distributing the prototype supply as planned?”
“You may, but are you sure? Won’t it upset you?”
“It’s for a good cause. There’s no reason to be upset about that.”
“……Very well. Do as you wish.”
Ding!
[<System> ‘Ielo Ma of Anesis’ affection has slightly increased.]
Even just looking at Evgenia’s expression, it was clear she was deeply moved, but the system message confirmed it.
‘Perfect. I’ve managed to preserve the quest and earn Evgenia’s favor.’
It wasn’t a bad outcome.
I thanked her and concluded with the audience, but the troubling situation hadn’t changed—it was still just as difficult.
And then there was Evgenia’s reaction. Contrary to my expectations of anger, she seemed to be blaming herself rather than planning any sanctions against the Duke of Futurum.
From her reaction at the banquet, I thought that Morris Futurum, at least, was under Evgenia’s authority. And yet…….
