How to Survive as a Princess in a Reverse Harem Game - Chapter 60

“There are still many places to look around, so it would be best for us to get going.”

When Reno offered him a piece of fruit, Isaac didn’t take it. Instead, he wrapped his arm gently around my shoulder and nudged us forward.

“By the way, who’s that young man? Your brother?”

“Yes. He’s my younger brother, though he’s not very warm.”

“Oh, I see…… Well, at least the older brother has a good nature. Here, take this and catch up.”

From behind, I caught snippets of conversation between Reno and the merchant. Though I couldn’t hear everything clearly, I couldn’t help but look up at Isaac, curious, and ask.

“Is Reno the older brother?”

“We’re the same age.”

“And if you go by birthdate?”

“I’m older. By quite a bit.”

Judging by the atmosphere alone, I had assumed Isaac was the more mature one with a noticeable age gap, but it turns out they were the same age.

Then again, if there were an age gap, Reno wouldn’t be speaking so casually to Isaac. Though they act like they’re not close, they actually seem like good friends.

“Isn’t this a bit much? Leaving me behind like that.”

“It’s because you were taking up Lady Thea’s time.”

“Taking up her time? I was simply showing her the everyday life of the people—that’s what this outing is about, after all. Touring the market is part of it.”

Reno said this while biting into an apple he’d received from the merchant. He wasn’t wrong. Before we left, I’d mentioned wanting to observe how people lived.

I needed supporters. Most of the high-ranking nobles were already on Meliana’s side.

Without the financial power to sway their loyalty or hope for anyone’s backing, I couldn’t expect to change their minds.

Rather than struggling to win over those high-ranking nobles, it was more strategic to appeal to groups Meliana hadn’t fully absorbed yet—commoners, lower nobles, and mid-ranking nobles.

So I’d ventured outside the palace but…….

‘The streets are remarkably clean. The sewage system seems well-maintained too.’

The people’s faces were filled with energy. It didn’t look like they were lacking anything.

It was a sign that the king’s rule was well-implemented, but for me, it was somewhat disappointing. If there were more visible needs, I could plan ways to address them, aiming for a ripple effect in public sentiment…….

But without a clear strategy, I had no choice but to continue walking aimlessly down the street.

Then, a slightly unusual scene caught my eye.

“What’s that?”

“Pardon? Which one?”

“Over there…… they’re handing something out, aren’t they? And those clothes are those people from the palace?”

“Ah, yes. This is one of the charitable acts organized by Her Majesty Evgenia for the commoners. I think it started back with the previous Queen Evgenia? It’s something meant to benefit women and children.”

“They’re distributing medicine made from the Hezica plant. Since commoners often struggle to get regular meals, health issues can arise, so this program has been around since the reign of the 12th Queen Evgenia. Every two weeks, they open distribution centers to hand out a month’s supply of medicine. It’s especially beneficial for women and children, but it’s good for men as well.”

“Wow, you even remember the herb’s name?”

“It’s one of the well-known ones.”

Isaac spoke as if it were no big deal, but like Reno, I couldn’t help but feel impressed. No matter how well-known, being able to know all these details and answer immediately when asked was quite remarkable.

“By any chance, do you know what kind of effects it has?”

“The effects vary from person to person, but it’s said to reduce headaches and dizziness, and to restore sensation in the arms and legs.”

“I think it also reduces inflammation in the body? I took it a few times when I was younger. My mother used to get it for me, but I didn’t feel any noticeable effects.”

Hmm…… somehow, it seemed like it might be a condition I was familiar with, but then again, maybe not…….

“Above all, there’s a serious problem with that medicine.”

“Huh? What problem?”

“There’s a problem with it?”

Isaac, too, asked seriously, likely because it was a state-sponsored initiative by Evgenia. Fortunately, Reno answered without much delay.

“It tastes terrible.”

“Oh……?”

Well, it was a serious problem, I suppose…… Just not the one I had expected. Right, the taste was indeed an issue. It was a valid concern, but still…….

As Isaac and I exchanged somewhat unimpressed looks, Reno hurriedly added.

“No, seriously, listen. The taste is a very big issue, especially for young children. Look over there—there’s barely a line.”

He pointed to the distribution tent, and indeed, while there were some people, it wasn’t as crowded as one might expect.

“They’re distributing enough for a month every two weeks. Maybe those who need it have already taken theirs?”

“No. Look at those piles under the tent. That’s what’s left over. No one’s taking it because of the taste.”

“……I’ve heard they actually produce less than what’s needed because so much goes unused. The shelf life is short, so even if they make a lot, it ends up wasted.”

“And yet, that much is still left?”

“Yes. Thea, if you tried it, you probably wouldn’t want it again either. It has a really fishy taste. And the smell isn’t any better.”

“Is anyone allowed to take it?”

“For now, yes.”

“Then I’ll go get some. Be right back.”

“What? You’re really going to take that awful stuff?”

“I’m curious just how bad it is.”

Of course, that wasn’t the only reason…… I also wanted to check it for myself. With the magic cloak concealing my identity as royalty, no one would recognize me, so it should be fine.