How to Survive as a Princess in a Reverse Harem Game - Chapter 203

“Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?”

“Yes.”

What a relief.

Feeling reassured, I looked past Isaac’s shoulder and asked,

“But where’s Reno?”

“We’ve detained the attackers. We also found what appears to be the medium and the innkeeper.”

Isaac showed Killis and me the medium. It looked similar to the one that had been attached to the arrowhead before.

“You found it remarkably fast.”

“Reno’s spirit located it. Since we’d seen it before, it was able to identify it quickly.”

“Let me have it. I’ll take care of it.”

Isaac readily handed the medium to Killis.

Afterward, we entered the inn. In the center of the lobby, two men were kneeling.

Bound by Reno’s spirit, they remained docile as if tied up, even though no ropes were visible. The smaller-than-expected number made me tilt my head unconsciously.

“Are these all of them?”

“There was one mage and two swordsmen, but they’re all dead. These two also tried to kill themselves, but we stopped them.”

An attack by those prepared to die…….

Just imagining how dangerous it could have been if we’d left them sent chills down my spine.

“Your Highness, what should we do with them?”

“Hmm…….”

A troubled groan escaped me.

I’d only worried about Isaac and Reno getting hurt—I hadn’t thought about what to do with the attackers.

“We should interrogate them.”

Killis added firmly, as if reading my hesitation.

“We must uncover who dared to do this.”

“Right. Even if we have suspicions, it’s better to confirm.”

“I agree we should identify the mastermind. But will they talk easily?”

“Leave that to me.”

“To you, Killis?”

“Yes. I’ll make sure they reveal the truth.”

Killis smiled serenely, but his words carried an oddly menacing tone that didn’t match his pretty face.

There was no way I could stop him when he spoke like that.

“Alright. Then I’ll leave it to you.”

I didn’t know how he planned to make them talk, and I decided not to dwell on it.

Later, Killis asked Reno to move the captured attackers to another room.

“Come to think of it, didn’t you say you found the innkeeper too?”

“He was unconscious, so we moved him to a room. He should wake soon.”

As Isaac said, the innkeeper regained consciousness a few hours later and repeatedly thanked us.

“Thank you for saving me. How can I ever repay this kindness……?”

Seeing the innkeeper’s tearful eyes filled me with guilt—this had happened because of us.

When I told him no repayment was necessary, he insisted on preparing a meal and disappeared into the kitchen.

Meanwhile, Killis and Reno emerged from the room, seemingly finished with the interrogation.

“Did you find anything out?”

“Yes. We identified the mastermind.”

“Really? That was quick.”

“After a little questioning, they spilled everything. It went smoothly.”

Unconsciously, I checked Killis’s appearance. His clothes were spotless, with no traces of blood, suggesting the interrogation hadn’t been physical but rather persuasive.

“Who’s behind this?”

“As expected. It’s Duke Futurum.”

The reveal was unsurprising.

“However, they didn’t have any concrete evidence to prove it.”

“Even if they had evidence, it would’ve been difficult to accuse him.”

“We can’t accuse him? Why not?”

“Everything that happens during the trial is exempt from legal consequences. They deliberately timed it this way.”

Hearing Killis’s words, I recalled reading something similar in a book.

“Do you think Meliana knew about this?”

“I’m not sure, but it’s possible. Though we can’t rule out the chance she didn’t know either.”

“I see…….”

I hoped she hadn’t known. Meliana’s words and habits were rough, but I didn’t want to believe she was the kind of person who would plot someone’s death.

Before long, the innkeeper returned from the kitchen and served us food. A lavish spread of delicious-looking dishes covered the table.

Though Killis’s campfire meals had been tasty, the professional chef’s cooking was on another level. I ended up overeating.

After the satisfying meal, I handed the innkeeper some money—hoping it would cover repairs for any damaged furniture and compensate for the emotional distress.

He refused vehemently, but I insisted. Though I was a princess now, my long years as a commoner made this feel right.

Fortunately, the bath I’d requested was ready quickly. After I washed and waited for Reno to finish, I dozed off almost immediately.

Like me, Reno climbed onto the bed, shaking his damp hair. The sheets sank under his weight.

Looking at him, I brought up something that had been on my mind.

“Sorry.”

“Huh?”

Reno tilted his head. Realizing how abrupt it sounded, I quickly explained.

“Because of today, and because you’ll have to take watch again tomorrow… I feel like you’re pushing yourself because of me.”

“Are you worried about my stamina? That I might be exhausted?”

“Yeah…….”

“I’d say you’re worrying over nothing. Serving you makes me happy. And…….”

Reno looked down at me and smiled.

“Shouldn’t you be more concerned about Your Highness’s stamina?”

His playful, suggestive words made my face burn instantly. Flustered, I bit my lip, unable to respond, until his large fingers gently pressed between my lips and teeth.

Startled by the touch, I froze, and he immediately withdrew his hand.

“Don’t do that. What if you bleed?”

“I won’t bleed from this.”

“You never know.”

“Aren’t you overreacting?”

“Can’t help it. You’re just so delicate…….”

Reno took my hand, measuring its size against his before interlacing our fingers and kissing my knuckles.

His breath tickled my skin, making my shoulders tense.

You’d think I’d be used to this by now, yet every time, I still trembled with nerves.

While I stayed silent, Reno spoke again.

“Besides, you’ve been uneasy because of the recent attacks. But it should be better now.”

“Better?”

“I heard during the interrogation. The medium placed in this inn was the last one. So Duke Yelpen won’t be able to use magic against you anymore.”

I see.

That was at least some hopeful news.

“So rest easy. You haven’t been able to relax properly this whole time.”

His voice, soft as a breath against my skin, murmured gently. Then his large, warm hand stroked my waist.

“Especially since your stamina isn’t great.”

I couldn’t tell if this was comfort or seduction. Or maybe both.

His tender touch gradually warmed my body. Letting out a small sigh, I silently reached up to run my fingers through his hair.

His usually tied-back golden locks, still damp, draped over his neck and shoulders.

It didn’t seem like he did anything special to care for it, yet it was unbelievably soft.

When I brushed his pointed ear, Reno let out a pleased hum.

“Mmm…… Your Highness, aren’t you moving a bit too fast?”

“Didn’t you like this?”

“That’s why I’m saying. It’s unfair if only I get worked up.”

Reno gently took my hand and moved it away from his ear.

I swallowed my disappointment. Touching Reno’s body was nice, but there was a peculiar thrill in tracing the unique shape of his ears, different from others’.

Noticing my reluctance, he leaned close and whispered,

“I’ll let you touch them later.”

“Mm…….”

Soon, our lips met. He carefully licked my lower lip before slipping deeper.