How to Survive as a Princess in a Reverse Harem Game - Chapter 109

I was puzzled, but there were no clear leads, and the mystery deepened.

As I idly glanced at the system window, something caught my eye.

“Huh?”

Could this be the hint for the hidden quest?

[<Linked Quest> Revolution That Changes the World. (In Progress)

― Distribute the new alternative supplements (710/1,000)

― Time Limit: 4 days 03:41:16]

What caught my attention was the time limit displayed in the quest window. Could the 4 in the hint possibly refer to the remaining four days?

Thinking back to the conditions for completion, the idea made sense. Even iron supplements, in a way, were for the kingdom’s benefit and could count as a second contribution.

The only way to confirm was to check the quest again tomorrow. If the time limit decreased to three days, I could verify if the hint’s number also changed.

‘If this really is it…….’

Even if I hadn’t deciphered the hint, the hidden quest would’ve revealed itself and progressed on its own.

I felt a bit deflated, realizing I hadn’t needed to go to such lengths to figure it out, but at the same time, a sense of relief washed over me.

‘It’s a good thing I’ve completed every quest without missing any.’

If I had abandoned or failed even one quest along the way, the hidden quest likely wouldn’t have appeared like it did now.

* * *

“It’s clear that the First Princess deliberately set a trap.”

Duke Futurum expressed his frustration the moment he stepped out of the meeting room. Seeing him in such a state, Morris spoke in a calm tone to soothe him.

“There are still many people around, Brother. Let’s discuss this further at my palace.”

Holding back his words for now, Duke Futurum followed Morris back to his palace. Once there, he poured out all the things he had held back earlier.

“You saw it too, didn’t you? She claimed ours were just chunks of metal, while hers were processed and rust-proof!”

“Calm yourself, Brother.”

“How can I stay calm? I’ve endured as much as I can! It’s clear the Third Princess was caught by the First Princess or cooperated with her!”

“Brother, please stop……”

“The First Princess must have told her not to reveal the process. She knew we wouldn’t be able to access the documents that reached Evgenia’s hands and devised this scheme to trap us!”

“What are you talking about, Uncle? Cirilla cooperating with Nepheli? And what do you mean Nepheli told her not to say anything?”

Despite Morris’s warning, Duke Futurum couldn’t hide his agitation. Hearing his outburst, Meliana frowned and asked.

It was then that Duke Futurum realized he had made a mistake.

“Don’t tell me…… Nepheli didn’t copy our work, but we copied hers?”

Meliana’s sharp questioning made Duke Futurum glance at Morris for support. Although he held the title and authority of the duke, Morris, as a royal secretary, wielded more influence.

Even the careless words he had spoken earlier were enough to deserve reproach.

While Duke Futurum fell silent, Morris smiled gently and spoke.

“That’s correct. We copied her. We had the Third Princess monitor the First Princess’s actions.”

“Why would you do such a thing? What could we possibly gain from it……?”

“What could we gain? My dear niece, have you truly not noticed how Evgenia has been favoring the First Princess recently?”

“But Nepheli doesn’t have her maternal family, and she can’t use magic.”

“Let’s clarify something. The First Princess doesn’t lack the ability to use magic. She refrains from using it because of her frail body.”

“That’s practically the same as being unable to use it…….”

“No, it’s not. If she so desired, the First Princess could wield magic more powerful than Evgenia herself, Your Highness.”

“…….”

“Furthermore, you said she has no maternal family. That’s true. But the First Princess has guardians equivalent to one—Duke Harsen and Duke Yelpen.”

Meliana couldn’t respond. The power of the Harsen and Yelpen families was so immense that even she couldn’t dismiss Morris’s concerns.

“Those two may have been obedient dogs who remained inactive because the First Princess didn’t express her will. But now, you must realize that the situation has changed. We cannot allow the First Princess to act freely any longer.”

“Even so, shouldn’t we have our pride? Stealing her ideas and imitating them……”

“Your Highness.”

Morris lowered his voice slightly, addressing Meliana seriously.