How to Survive as a Princess in a Reverse Harem Game - Chapter 178

The moment I heard that, it all came back. The awkwardness and tension I’d managed to forget came rushing back. As I stood stiffly, Reno scratched his cheek with an embarrassed expression.

“Still disappointing. Seems I was the only one looking forward to it.”

His face and tone dripped with disappointment. His reaction left me flustered.

“No, I mean…….”

It had been weighing on my mind—something I’d wanted to forget to some extent. But I never meant to forget it so completely and hurt Reno’s feelings.

Hesitating, I grabbed the hem of his uniform jacket.

“Actually, I felt the same as you. It really bothered me. Just now, my mind was preoccupied with other things…….”

I couldn’t bring myself to finish and instead bit my lip. I was more accustomed to hiding my emotions than expressing them.

Because of that, laying bare my feelings like this felt embarrassingly exposing.

“Anyway, it’s not that I didn’t care.”

“It’s alright. You don’t have to force yourself. Maybe you really didn’t care.”

“Ah, I told you no? I really did care. Seriously.”

As I desperately tried to explain, I noticed the corners of Reno’s mouth twitch slightly. Then our eyes met directly. He wasn’t openly laughing, but the crinkles at the corners of his eyes clearly held amusement.

‘Was he teasing me this whole time?’

A sense of betrayal made my lips part involuntarily. Even seeing my expression, Reno didn’t hide his smile.

“My apologies. You looked so flustered, it was adorable.”

“So you were pretending to be disappointed on purpose?”

“Hmm, half right, half wrong. I was genuinely disappointed at first. Especially after Isaac stole my chance last time…….”

Reno grinned mischievously, as if he’d never been gloomy.

“But seeing you care so much, I suppose it doesn’t matter anymore.”

“About last time…… I’m sorry.”

“Your Highness has nothing to apologize for. Who could’ve swayed Isaac’s stubbornness? And thinking about it, he wasn’t wrong. I was just overeager despite knowing nothing.”

“Knowing nothing?”

“Well, I lack experience. Isaac has served you many times, but for me, it was the first… Still, I’ve been studying these past few days. I may be lacking, but I’ll do my best—please trust me.”

W-what exactly has he been studying?

The urge to ask surged, but I couldn’t bring myself to. I already understood the implications.

“Your permission for me to serve you—is it still valid?”

“Yes. It’s valid.”

As I replied, I nodded slightly, worried he might not hear. Contrary to my expectation that he’d say more, Reno simply stared at me quietly.

Suddenly self-conscious, I averted my gaze when Reno called, “Your Highness.” I tilted my head in response, and he whispered softly:

“Like last time…… I want to kiss you. May I?”

“Now?”

“Yes. Now.”

The boldness of his words left me stunned. During archery practice, we kept others away for safety. So even if we kissed now, no one would know…… but I hadn’t anticipated this.

Still, I didn’t dislike this side of Reno. After a brief hesitation, I slowly closed my eyes, waiting for the contact.

But as time passed, nothing touched me—except for his hand brushing under my nose. Confused, I opened my eyes.

“Reno, what are you doing?”