How to Survive as a Princess in a Reverse Harem Game - Chapter 87

“Sorry. Forget what I said.”

I couldn’t bring myself to look Reno in the eye as I moved past him.

Only then did I realize he wasn’t following me, that he had stopped behind.

I turned around, puzzled.

“Your Highness.”

“Yes……?”

A soft breeze rustled through the foliage, swaying the leaves gently. Underneath the fluttering canopy, Reno’s uncharacteristically serious expression stood out sharply.

“I meant it.”

In that instant, my heart dropped. Whether it was from shock or something else, I couldn’t tell.

But Reno’s eyes, which I had always thought resembled the fresh green leaves of early summer, now seemed as dark and lush as those of midsummer, brimming with life. The emotions flickering across his face and eyes seemed to sweep over me like a sudden gust.

“Just know that. I won’t ask for anything else.”

For now.

It felt like I caught the faint echo of those unspoken words.

When I froze in place, Reno smiled as though nothing had happened. It was the same familiar smile I had always known.

“Let’s head back now. If we hurry, we might make it back to the palace before Duke Yelpen arrives.”

At his usual friendly demeanor, I nodded. Yet, for some reason, I couldn’t shake the image of Reno’s face from just moments ago.

* * *

[<Linked Quest> A Different Perspective Changes the World! Completed (1/1)]

[<System> The quest has been completed. Confirm the results of the validation through Evgenia’s summons.]

As soon as I opened my eyes that morning, a message window appeared.

‘Ah, so today is finally the day.’

It was hard to believe it had only been ten days. Not only had there been the incident where I nearly had a mana surge, but my impatience to know the results had made time crawl unbearably slowly. Every moment felt twice as long as usual.

While preparing to visit the temporary barracks, one of Evgenia’s maids came to see me. She delivered a message, Evgenia requested my presence at her palace that afternoon.

‘So the verification results must have been reported directly to Evgenia.’

No wonder the quest had mentioned her summons.

Realizing there was no point in heading to the barracks, I finished my preparations and sent a letter to Killis, asking for his understanding.

By early afternoon, I was on my way to Evgenia’s palace. Reno, who had overheard my destination, nodded knowingly.

“It seems the validation is complete. You don’t know the results yet, do you?”

“Yeah. It seems she wants to tell me in person.”

“She could’ve just shared it completely.”

I couldn’t help but agree. Ever since seeing the message window and hearing the maid’s words, my heart had been pounding with both anticipation and nervousness. While I was confident the results would be favorable, a part of me couldn’t shake the uncertainty.

When I arrived at the palace, Evgenia’s maid guided me to the study, just as she had last time. Upon opening the door and stepping inside, I grabbed the hem of my skirt and offered my greeting.

“I greet Her Majesty Evgenia—”

“There’s no need for formalities. Come, have a seat.”

Evgenia cut me off mid-greeting, urgently gesturing toward the sofa. It was the same sofa where we had shared a conversation the last time I was here.

It seemed Evgenia had been just as eager for the results as I had been. Lowering the hem of my skirt, I moved to sit across from her.

“Nepheli.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“As you might have guessed, the validation results are in.”

I looked at her with slight tension as she posed her next question.

“What do you think the result is?”

I thought she’d tell me right away, but it seemed Evgenia was keen on gauging my reaction first.

“I believe it was successful.”

“Do you have a reason to be so confident?”

“Because Your Majesty also viewed it favorably. I wouldn’t betray such expectations.”

“Bold of you, even becoming cheeky now.”

Evgenia chuckled softly, suggesting my response wasn’t entirely unwelcome.

‘Judging by her reaction so far, it seems to be positive…….’

Still, she was someone whose true intentions were hard to discern. I’d seen her laugh one moment and completely change her attitude the next, so guessing was no easy feat.

The longer she dragged this out, the more I worried it might be bad news.

As unease began to creep in, gnawing at my composure, Evgenia finally spoke.

“Relax your expression. There’s no need to be so tense.”

“Does that mean…….”