How to Survive as a Princess in a Reverse Harem Game - Chapter 113

The most certain way to prove it’s safe is to show them myself.

But even if I did that, there was no guarantee that I could distribute the remaining supplies to everyone.

‘As long as the rumors persist, it’ll just be a vicious cycle.

It wasn’t just about distributing the initial 1,000 test doses. This was meant to be an ongoing national welfare project.

If I only had a day left, I would’ve focused solely on completing the quest. But I still had three days. I wanted to try as hard as I could while there was still time.

‘Scooping water from a stagnant ditch will only bring up more filth.’

The source of the contamination had to be fixed, and the path cleared to let the water flow freely again.

I didn’t know who started these rumors, but I resolved to uncover the truth and set things straight.

As I adjusted the hood of my mage robe, Reno asked,

“Your Highness, are you already returning to the palace?”

“No.”

“Then……?”

“I need to find out more about these rumors—and the person who started them.”

“Then please wait a moment. I’ll look into it.”

“Huh? How?”

“I have spirits, remember? I can ask them for help.”

“Ah…….”

Oh, right.

“Are you sure it’s okay? It won’t tire you out or put a strain on you if you use them too much?”

“It’s not an issue, so don’t worry. Even when I keep them around you all day for your protection, I’m perfectly fine.”

That’s true.

“Of course, if I’m searching over a wide area, I’ll need to concentrate a bit more, but it’s nothing for you to be concerned about.”

“Are you absolutely sure? You won’t collapse like Killis, right?”

“I wouldn’t push myself to that extent.”

“So, you are pushing yourself. I should just go and—”

“It’s better for me to overexert myself a little than for Your Highness to move personally. It’ll be faster too.”

“Well, that’s true, but…….”

Even so, I couldn’t help but feel guilty. As I hesitated, Reno spoke again.

“If it really bothers you, just sit next to me and hold my hand.”

“Hold your hand? Will that help?”

“Probably.”

Reno shrugged with a grin. His vague answer left me unsure whether it would actually help or not.

I glanced toward Isaac.

Whenever Reno said something cryptic, Isaac usually stepped in to explain. But this time, he remained expressionless as usual.

He didn’t say a word, which suggested there might actually be a reason to hold Reno’s hand.

Reluctantly, I sat down beside Reno and asked.

“Should I hold it now?”

“Huh? Oh, yes, please.”

With his permission, I took his hand. Unlike Isaac, who always wore gloves, Reno’s bare hand conveyed its texture and warmth directly.

His hands were rough, calloused in places. They felt different from Isaac’s but somehow similar at the same time.

“Please keep holding on.”

I was going to…….

But Reno seemed worried I might let go midway. When I assured him I wouldn’t, he finally relaxed, closing his eyes.

I stayed as still as possible to avoid disrupting his concentration.

How long had it been? Reno opened his eyes and said.

“I found them.”

“Already?”

“Yes. They’ve been chattering nearby this whole time. I even detained them, so let’s go.”

To think you even went so far as to detain them.

Impressed by Reno’s abilities, I followed him to the location he indicated.

The place wasn’t far—a plaza in the vicinity. In the center of it, a man was screaming desperately, thrashing about as if in a frenzy.

“After killing my younger sister, you’ve done this to my body too! And it’s all because of that hunk of metal the princess distributed! Look at this! My body won’t move all of a sudden! If you drink the water infused with it, everyone will end up like this!”

“That’s him.”

“Seems so.”

Even without Reno pointing him out, it was obvious. With him shouting so loudly, it would’ve been impossible not to notice.