Chapter 179
“Are you alright?”
His concerned tone left me even more bewildered. Why was he asking if I was alright?
“What do you mean, alright? About what?”
“You suddenly closed your eyes, so I thought you’d fainted.”
Is he teasing me? Or is he serious?
“Glad you seem fine. I was worried.”
……He must genuinely mean it.
Good grief, thinking I’d fainted just from closing my eyes? Unless it was habitual, I was fairly healthy—this misunderstanding was baffling.
“You said you wanted to kiss, so I closed my eyes.”
Though unintended, my voice came out sharper than I’d meant.
Perhaps it sounded like I was pouting, as Reno hastily backpedaled.
“Ah, my apologies! I was oblivious. I-I didn’t mean to……. Does this mean the chance is gone?”
“Hmm. Depends on you.”
“Eh?”
Deliberately ignoring his dumbfounded expression, I walked past him. He trailed after me, pleading.
“Um, Your Highness? Could we forget what just happened?”
“No.”
“Your Highness, please…….”
Seeing this tall, well-built man flustered made it hard to suppress my laughter.
By all means, “cute” shouldn’t suit his stature, yet somehow, it did.
Lately, my impression of Reno had shifted significantly. His bold, straightforward approach had made me think he was entirely confident…… but he had his own tender, awkward sides.
‘Well, I should stop here.’
Halting my steps made Reno stop too.
“Hey, Reno.”
Turning to face him, I tightly gripped his uniform jacket and added:
“I didn’t faint…… so don’t make the same mistake this time.”
Without waiting for his reaction, I closed my eyes again. Frankly, I was embarrassed by my own words.
Soon, Reno’s large palm cautiously cupped the side of my face. I’d been vague, but thankfully, he seemed to understand.
With my vision blocked and nerves heightened, my other senses sharpened. The rustle of fabric, his breath drawing near—each hesitant movement tickled my face.
‘Should I make the first move?’
As I hesitated, his lips met mine. Having done this once before, it was better than last time, though still clumsy. Yet the soft, lingering kisses sent tingles through my chest.
“M~mm~~”
The crisp scent of grass with each inhale, the slight tremble in his fingertips, even his overly warm hands—everything about him felt endearing.
It was a strange emotion. One I hadn’t wanted to feel. I knew it was foolish, yet I couldn’t resist.
I really do like Reno.
I wrapped my arms around his neck.
* * *
Upon returning to the princess’s palace, one of Evgenia’s maids greeted me. Naturally, she bore a message.
“An important announcement will be made the afternoon after tomorrow. Her Highness the Princess is to attend the audience chamber with all her guardians.”
The maid didn’t specify the announcement, but only one thing came to mind.
‘The Trial of Lublin must be announced.’
Though the details would only be clear at the audience, this seemed certain.
Yet knowing this didn’t quell my trembling. As I anxiously awaited the appointed day, it finally arrived.
Though not as lavishly adorned as during the birthday banquet, official occasions still required early preparations.
While being dressed by the maids, I recalled the birthday banquet. That day had coincided with sharing mana with Isaac—and coincidentally, today was the same. I’d promised to share mana with Reno tonight.
Once ready, I found Isaac and Reno waiting, both in their formal attire for official events.
And then—
“Killis?”
An unexpected figure stood with them.
Puzzled, I called his name, and he responded.
“May the light of Lublin be with you. It is an honor to see you, Your Highness.”
Why is he here……?
“Duke Yelpen is also Your Highness’s guardian, so he will accompany us.”
Whether out of consideration or not, Isaac’s explanation clarified Killis’s presence.
Right. Now that he’s my guardian, of course he’d attend.
But upon examining Killis’s formal wear, I froze.
“Is that… your formal attire?”
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