How to Survive as a Princess in a Reverse Harem Game - Chapter 159

As my thoughts grew heavier, my steps slowed slightly. I could feel Isaac’s curious gaze on me as he noticed the subtle change.

Snapping out of it, I quickened my pace again. I’d find out about it eventually, anyway.

Though it was my birthday banquet, the event wasn’t held at the princess’s palace but at an outer palace called ‘Somnium’. It was a dedicated banquet hall used only for annual events.

We entered through a private passage reserved for royalty, leading to the back door of the banquet hall.

“Presenting Her Highness, Nepheli Leta Anesis!”

As I stepped into the banquet hall, the first thing to greet me was a chandelier so dazzlingly bright it hurt my eyes. I barely managed to keep my smile intact, resisting the urge to grimace.

I tried my best not to look directly at the crowd. Receiving so many gazes at once would inevitably make me flinch.

From the podium, Cirilla’s face lit up when she spotted me. Unable to call out loudly, she mouthed my name and waved her hand discreetly.

“Nepheli, over here……!”

“How improper.”

Cirilla wasn’t alone. Beside her, Meliana frowned and covered her mouth with a fan, clearly disapproving of the child’s gesture. Like me, Meliana was surrounded by her guardians.

‘I guess that’s where I’m supposed to be.’

I took my seat on the podium next to Cirilla and Meliana.

“Sister, you look so, so pretty!”

“Thank you.”

Despite Meliana’s scolding, Cirilla didn’t hesitate to talk to me. Her reaction was different from when she was constantly wary of Meliana’s gaze.

“Cirilla, you look beautiful too.”

“Yes! I wanted to look good for you! This is my favorite dress!”

Seeing the child’s beaming smile, my own smile became genuine rather than polite.

“I didn’t expect so many guests today. It’s nice to see everyone together after so long.”

Though her words were innocent, they carried a weight I couldn’t ignore. I didn’t know much about it, but it seemed Nepheli’s birthday banquets weren’t usually this grand.

The reason was…….

“It’s probably because it’s been a while since you’ve hosted a banquet, sister.”

Meliana interjected with a remark that could either be a reproach or a simple statement. And she was right.

At the time, I had accepted it because Evgenia had suggested it.

But as I prepared for the banquet, I learned that Nepheli had become a recluse after her magic circuits malfunctioned. Naturally, she had avoided social activities as well. Since she herself had refused, such banquets were rare.

“That’s why they’re here. They’re curious about what’s gotten into you to host a banquet. And to take on a new guardian, no less.”

Meliana’s tone was sharp, matching her piercing gaze.

I maintained a faint smile. Though Meliana and others might have already guessed my intentions, there was no need to voice them.

‘It’s better to be cautious. Until Evgenia fully commits and makes an official announcement.’

People’s hearts are fickle, and even the smallest things can turn them against you.

After that, I focused on talking to Cirilla until Evgenia arrived at the banquet hall.

Though Meliana’s disapproving gaze was bothersome, she wasn’t as openly sharp as before. Perhaps the effects of her earlier reprimand were still lingering.

As I listened to Cirilla’s chatter, someone approached us. Raising my head at the faint shadow, I saw a familiar face.

“May the light of Lublin be with you. Greetings to Her Highnesses.”

“It’s been a while, Duke Yelpen.”

Meliana spoke as she closed her fan. Meanwhile, I took in Killis’s appearance. Perhaps because he wasn’t yet an official guardian, he was dressed in a more elaborate suit than usual.

‘He’s not wearing the guardian uniform…… Wait, why am I disappointed?’

As I examined his attire, I quickly brushed away the thought that had crept in. I had just been embarrassed by the uniform moments ago.

Truthfully, I was curious about how Killis would look in the uniform. Though tall, he seemed relatively petite compared to Isaac and Reno.