How to Survive as a Princess in a Reverse Harem Game - Chapter 192

I asked as carefully as possible, but I couldn’t help tensing as I waited for his answer. I worried this question might unknowingly touch a wound of his.

Sure enough, Reno visibly stiffened. Had I just ripped open an old scar? I shouldn’t have asked.

“About that……. If I knew anything, I’d tell you, but I don’t. I’m sorry I can’t be of help.”

“It’s fine. I’ll look into it myself.”

I waved it off since I hadn’t expected much anyway. Despite being half-elf and despised for it, Reno’s way of thinking was closer to that of an ordinary human.

Plus, piecing together bits of his past, it seemed he’d grown up blended into this society from a young age, so it made sense he wouldn’t know much.

“Are you disappointed? That I’m half-elf but know nothing……”

“Huh? Not at all. I didn’t even think that.”

I quickly shook my head.

“Actually, I’m sorry. That was thoughtless of me.”

“It’s really nothing.”

Reno brushed it off casually, but I couldn’t do the same.

‘It’d be weird if I said I liked that he was half-elf, right?’

Ironically, I did like that Reno was different. Despite his easygoing, indifferent demeanor, he was sensitive to others’ emotions. That’s why he often noticed my worries or struggles—things others missed—and comforted me.

‘And that’s not all.’

Thanks to Reno, I’d done things I never would’ve otherwise. Like climbing trees.

Some were hard to climb, but usually, it was the fear of falling or getting hurt that kept me from trying.

If not for Reno, I’d never have known how surprisingly comfortable it was up there—or how nice it felt. I wouldn’t have realized how good it feels to share emotions like this, either.

“Your Highness, forgive me for saying this, but…….”

“……?”

“Could you not look at me like that? I might break the promise I just made.”

What promise was that? Wait, more importantly—

“What kind of look are you talking about?”

“The kind that says you want to kiss me.”

At his shameless words, my mouth fell open. The moment I realized it, I covered my lips and rushed ahead, as if fleeing.

His clear laughter followed, but I ignored it. My cheeks were burning.

* * *

The next evening, Isaac knocked on my bedroom door. Since Reno had already told me he’d be coming, I wasn’t surprised, but…….

‘It’s still awkward.’

Watching him undress, I instinctively lowered my gaze. The bed dipped under his weight before bouncing back slightly.

His breath was close enough to feel, yet I couldn’t bring myself to look him in the eye. Strangely, Reno and Isaac didn’t seem bothered, so why was I so conscious of it?

Isaac’s fingers hooked into the hem of my nightgown. As the fabric slid off, grazing my skin, my nerves spiked without warning.

I flinched when Isaac leaned in closer. A fragrant scent lingered at the tip of my nose—similar to Reno’s grassy aroma, yet subtly different.

Suddenly, I recalled Reno saying they’d grown up like brothers. Did that mean their scents were alike?

Dazed, I lifted my head but quickly tried to lower it again. Yet, contrary to my expectation, Isaac wasn’t looking at my face.

“……?”

Where was he looking?

Puzzled by his unusual behavior, I felt his fingers lightly rub my collarbone.

“Hngg~~”

The warmth made me frown slightly. The teasing touch grew firmer, though not painful.

Curiosity got the better of me. “Isaac?”

Only then did he stop.

“Ah…”

For once, his face showed clear embarrassment.

“My apologies. I couldn’t tell if it was a wound or not.”

“A wound?”

I traced the spot he’d been rubbing. All I felt was smooth skin—no pain, no injury.

Hard to see near the collarbone. Do I need a mirror?

“And here too.”

While I was still wondering, Isaac lightly touched my waist. I shuddered but looked down where he pointed. A faint red mark bloomed against my pale skin.

At a glance, it was barely noticeable, but to me, it stood out vividly. It was a bruise from the night a few days ago when I’d shared mana with Reno.

“Ah, this is…….”

“Do you have an idea what caused it?”