How to Survive as a Princess in a Reverse Harem Game - Chapter 182

“I can only be away for half a year at most. but the Trial of Lublin lasts two years. As your guardian, I won’t be able to accompany you to the end.”

“We’ve already discussed that part thoroughly.”

Why bring it up again?

This wasn’t the first time we’d had this conversation. We’d spoken about it before and after accepting Killis as my guardian.

When Isaac became my guardian years ago, he had delegated his ducal duties to his retainers so he could leave at any time.

But Killis becoming my guardian was unplanned. Unlike Isaac, he had both family obligations and official court positions.

I understood this and had already accepted it. Yet his bringing it up again made me wonder if he was still uneasy.

“Don’t dwell on it. I’m grateful you became my guardian.”

As I spoke, I recalled Robeum Oratio—that man who pretended to be polite but was utterly disrespectful.

His swordsmanship was extraordinary, proven when he bested all knights at the training grounds. But the way he dismissed Reno and subtly threatened me.

‘Had I taken someone like him as a guardian, trouble would’ve found me one way or another.’

Not that Killis was entirely safe either, given his past loss of control.

But if I had to choose between bombs, I’d prefer one that wouldn’t explode if handled carefully over one that could detonate anytime.

So accepting Killis was the best choice available. Not that I planned to let him know this, of course.

Before we even reached the princess’s palace, Killis excused himself to leave early. He had preparations to make for his departure.

Unlike Killis, Isaac showed no intention of leaving even after our arrival.

“Isaac, aren’t you going?”

Reno, also noticing Isaac’s lingering presence, casually asked.

“You know I’m resuming guard duty today.”

“Since I’ll be serving Her Highness tonight, shouldn’t you rest? You’re not planning to refuse again, are you?”

“Of course not. I’ve no intention of going back on my word. Whether you’re here or not, I’ll fulfill my duties.”

“Then that settles it. Your Highness, I’ll see you this evening.”

“Huh? You could stay for dinner.”

“I have some things to discuss privately with Isaac.”

Reno playfully elbowed Isaac. Judging by Isaac’s frown, this wasn’t prearranged. But before Isaac could protest, Reno dragged him away.

* * *

After removing the heavy ceremonial jewelry and formal gown, I changed into a lighter indoor dress.

As usual, delicious dishes adorned the table, but today I couldn’t savor them.

The thought of sharing mana with Reno later left me tense and restless. The calm I’d felt earlier now seemed like a distant memory.

‘Was I like this with Isaac the first time?’

No—that comparison was meaningless. Back then, I’d been too overwhelmed to even prepare mentally.

No matter how I tried to relax, tension clung to my body. Continuing to eat would only make me sick.

In the end, I barely ate half my usual portion before dismissing the meal and heading to the bath.

The maids tried to follow, but I sent them all away, wanting to be alone. As I began undressing in the bathroom, I paused.

‘Ah, this isn’t a negligee.’

Sleepwear would’ve slipped off easily with a tug, but my indoor dress wasn’t so simple.

Though made of light fabric, it had laces tightly cinching my chest and waist, running densely from my back down to my hips.

‘Should I call the maids? Maybe I can manage alone…’

Struggling stubbornly, I managed to loosen the laces halfway before giving up.

‘This isn’t working. I’ll have to call them back.’

Just as I thought this, I heard movement behind me. Assuming it was a maid, I greeted her without suspicion.

“Perfect timing. I was just about to ask for help.”

“…….”

“Could you undo these laces? I tried removing it myself but couldn’t.”

No reply came.

“……?”

Why the silence?

Before I could turn, someone grasped the half-undone laces and asked:

“You mean these?”

The low voice tickling my ear made goosebumps rise on my neck. Startled, I turned just enough to see a familiar man’s face.

“Reno—?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Reno answered calmly. I, however, was far from calm. While Reno himself was familiar, him entering my bathroom was beyond anything I’d imagined.

“How did you get here?”

“I asked the maids where you were. They directed me here.”

“The maids did?”

“Yes. I assumed you’d instructed them beforehand.”

Meanwhile, Reno had been steadily loosening my dress laces. I could feel the tight garment gradually slackening around my waist.

And then his slightly rough hands brushed against my exposed skin.

“W-wait. Hold on.”

Reno’s hands stilled at my words. I gently stepped away, careful not to make him feel rejected.

“Weren’t you trying to undress?”

“I was, but I thought you were a maid. I didn’t know it was you.”

“Would it be a problem if it were me?”

“Why wouldn’t it be a prob—!”

Wait—would it?

The sudden thought gave me pause. Though startled initially, upon reflection, I’d already decided to share mana with him. Maybe it didn’t matter.

“Shall I continue?”

“……Yes.”

Right—I’d resolved to do this anyway. A little sooner wouldn’t hurt. Delaying would only heighten my nerves.

Nodding slightly, I faced forward again. His hands resumed their work where they’d left off. But my hair kept getting in the way, so he gathered it all and draped it over my shoulder.

I clutched my hair to keep it from slipping back. Meanwhile, the dress loosened further, the fabric parting.

Each time Reno’s slightly calloused hands grazed my bare skin, I shivered involuntarily.

‘This feels… strange.’

Each touch left a lingering heat, making my breaths come unevenly

I exhaled the breath I’d been holding. As my soft sigh escaped, Reno paused.

‘Why did he stop?’

Though puzzled, I couldn’t muster the courage to look back.

“Is this enough?”

His breath spilled over the nape of my neck, making my shoulders hitch.

“Or should I undo it completely?”

With my hair out of the way, his warm breath directly tickled my sensitive neck.

The stimulating sensation made my hairs stand on end. A peculiar current traveled from my neck down to my waist. That alone made my entire body tense, my nerves heightening acutely.

For some reason, fear gripped me. An urge to flee rose, my nape still in his grasp.

This is strange. Why am I so nervous about this?

Clutching the dress that threatened to slip off any moment, I carefully relaxed my grip.