How to Survive as a Princess in a Reverse Harem Game - Chapter 160

“I came to greet you before the banquet begins.”

“Of course. As her fiancé, you’ll be the first to dance with her. And you’ll close the banquet too, right?”

Her words seemed to hint at his status as a guardian candidate. Killis, understanding, replied calmly.

“It seems I’ll have that honor.”

“Hmm, I wonder if it’s an honor or a disgrace. The only certainty is that you, like Sir Isaac, have crossed an irreversible river.”

“I appreciate your concern, but it’s my choice. Even if it’s a pit of fire, I’m prepared to jump in.”

I thought he was being polite, but his temper hadn’t gone anywhere.

Watching Meliana and Killis engage in this strange battle of nerves was awkward. Meliana had started it, but I hadn’t expected Killis to retaliate like that.

Lately, I’ve been seeing new sides of him, and it left me feeling oddly unsettled.

Killis, seemingly only here to make an appearance, bowed and said, “Then, I’ll see you later.” before walking away. As he left, Meliana spoke up as if she’d been waiting.

“Duke Yelpen is already on your side, so why make him a guardian? You’re even giving him special treatment.”

“…….”

“I just don’t understand.”

Ding!

[<System> Affection with ‘Meliana Via Anesis’ has slightly increased.]

……Why is your affection going up?

I was just as confused. Blinking at the message window floating in the air, I sighed.

I’ve noticed this before—her affection starts off deeply negative but tends to rise frequently.

The funny thing is, realizing this fact makes me view Meliana more affectionately. Despite our terrible first meeting and the lack of good interactions since then.

Is it because of her appearance? People are easily swayed by looks, and Meliana is undeniably beautiful.

“Do you have something to say to me? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“No…… I was just thinking how pretty you are.”

“W-what?”

Oops, it slipped out.

I had only meant to think it, but I ended up saying it aloud. Bracing myself for a sharp retort, I felt a little tense.

“Honestly. Do you think saying things like that will make me like you? Don’t get the wrong idea.”

Ding!

[<System> Affection with ‘Meliana Via Anesis’ has slightly increased.]

It went up again?

Blinking in confusion, I heard the announcement of Evgenia’s arrival, and she soon appeared.

Everyone who had been seated rose to greet her, and the formal opening remarks began.

‘Are they going to hold the guardian appointment ceremony right after this?’

But my expectations were completely off. Evgenia’s speech ended briefly with, “Please enjoy yourselves.” and soon soft music began to play.

“Your Highness.”

Killis, who had been nearby, approached and extended his hand to me.

“May I have the honor of dancing with you?”

“Of course.”

Having prepared for this moment, I took his hand without hesitation and stepped onto the central floor.

A soft waltz began to play. Following our practice, I lightly placed my hand on Killis’s shoulder and began to move.

The dance was less about physical closeness and more about spinning and locking eyes, syncing our breaths. Thanks to that, I was able to learn it quickly despite the short practice period.

Though the waltz was calm, it wasn’t conducive to casual conversation.

But it was a relief that there wasn’t much direct physical contact. Even though I could act normally around Killis, memories of the past sometimes resurfaced.

Perhaps sensing my slight trembling, Killis gave a wry smile and released me as soon as the song ended.

Afterward, I turned to Isaac and extended my hand. I had learned that it was customary to dance with each guardian in turn after the fiancé.

“Isaac.”

“The honor is mine.”

The stoic man approached as if he had been waiting and took my hand. Then, he lightly pressed his lips to the back of my hand.