The Princess' Harem
Chapter 137: The System’s Rewards

Chapter 137: The System’s Rewards

The night deepened, yet Viana still stood on her balcony, gazing at the dimly lit palace gardens under the moonlight, and occasionally at the lights of Elysia palace in the distance.

She then exhaled. Her thoughts drifted to Joel, Reyes, Arden, Kaley, Rayne, and even Eryndor.

They were all individuals ’matched’ to her by the system. And indeed, they were all extraordinary people, besides being handsome.

She could feel their loyalty to her, especially Prince Rayne or Eryndor, who were, in fact, leaders of kingdoms far larger than Elysia.

However, what she felt for them was only respect, trust, and sometimes, a bond of friendship. She felt no ’love’ for any of them.

And the system... why hadn’t it given her a ’good and rich husband’ as it had promised at the beginning?

Just as she was thinking about the system, a ’Ring!’ sound echoed in her ears. A sound she knew, followed by a transparent panel she always referred to as a transparent sheet.

[Congratulations! You have successfully saved the Kingdom of Elysia from economic crisis and restored its stability.]

[Secondary Objective: Rebuild Elysia’s economic foundation, achieved.]

[Reward: Forest Blessing.]

Viana furrowed her brow at the absurd reward phrase. What did Forest Blessing mean?

She leaned slightly towards the transparent sheet, trying to understand what this strange system was saying.

And the panel flickered again, changing the displayed text.

[Forest Blessing is understanding the language of nature, a bond with all its creatures.]

Viana read the explanation of Forest Blessing repeatedly before the transparent sheet finally disappeared, without warning, as usual.

’Does Forest Blessing mean a skill?’

And the explanation was more like what the Elves possessed. She had seen Eryndor speak with horses, and the horses seemed to really like him.

’Could this be what the system meant?’

Just as Viana was pondering, trying to understand the meaning of this strange reward, a soft knock sounded at her door. Sina, who was usually fast asleep in her own room, peeked in, her eyes half-asleep.

"Your Highness? There’s an envoy from the Elf Forest. They insist this message is very urgent, and only for you."

Viana frowned. An envoy from the Elf Forest, in the middle of the night, and not Eryndor himself suddenly visiting her as usual?

"Let him in," Viana commanded, turning back from the balcony into her room, and Sina ushered the envoy in.

A young Elf, with dark black hair and green eyes, entered the room. He wore a simple tunic but looked very graceful.

He bowed respectfully to Viana. "Your Highness Princess, allow me to introduce myself, I am Faylen," the Elf greeted with a voice that sounded like a whispered wind. "Our Elder, Eryndor, requests your presence in our forest. He says that... nature has responded to your sincerity."

"What do you mean?" Viana asked, her face showing confusion.

The Elf smiled, making his already ethereal natural handsomeness appear even more breathtaking. "Elder Eryndor also said, because you have saved nature and also the elves, you are entitled to this gift."

Viana was even more stunned. "Haven’t we already received so many gifts from the Elves? Help against Arin’s forces, and those valuable metals?"

Faylen merely shook his head. "Forgive me, Your Highness. To understand Eryndor’s intention, it is best if you come to our place."

Viana stared at the young elf for a moment, processing what she had heard. The system’s reward named Forest Blessing, and Eryndor’s sudden invitation, with no explanation for why she should come to the elves’ place, seemed connected.

She thought for a moment. If this was a power as she suspected, perhaps it could truly save her from Lazarus’s grip.

"Very well," Viana said, smiling at the young elf. "Tell Eryndor I will come. When should I depart?"

"As soon as possible, Your Highness," the Elf replied, which Viana acknowledged with a nod.

The next morning, news of Viana’s journey to the Elf Forest spread quickly among everyone close to her.

Joel, who was overseeing soldier training, was immediately summoned to Viana’s study. The same went for Reyes, who was reviewing maps of new trade routes.

"Princess, this is too dangerous!" Joel immediately voiced his objection, his tone filled with worry that was clearly visible in his expression too. His brows furrowed, showing his disapproval.

"The Elf Forest, although the elves are now our allies, is a wild place and inaccessible to ordinary humans. There are so many dangers that can lurk there. And your safety, Princess, is our top priority!"

"I cannot bring a large army into that forest, Joel," Viana explained, trying to calm the former mercenary king. However, she crossed her arms over her chest, indicating that her decision was final.

"They are a people who guard their privacy very strictly. The presence of armed soldiers would only raise suspicion, or even offend them."

Reyes looked at Viana with a sharp gaze. "If Eryndor himself called, perhaps this is very important, something that cannot be handled in Elysia itself. But of course, we cannot let you go alone without protection, Your Highness."

He looked at Viana with a worry he rarely showed. "Let me go with you. Or Joel. We can go in disguise."

Viana shook her head slowly. Her decision was firm. "Eryndor called me, and I must go alone into that forest. You can accompany me only to the forest’s edge. I am confident he will protect me once I am inside."

She looked at Joel and Reyes alternately, trying to convince them by looking at them confidently and firmly.

"Besides, both of you are very much needed here. I need Elysia to remain stable while I am gone. Don’t let there be any loophole that others can exploit again."

Seeing Viana’s stubbornness, and how she seemed beyond persuasion, Joel and Reyes could only sigh, resignedly accepting her decision, although their faces still showed great concern.

"Very well, Princess," Joel finally said, still with a worried tone. "But we will also leave a troop of soldiers at the forest border to stand guard."

"I would be very grateful," Viana smiled sweetly, showing her gratitude for their concern.

Viana spent the rest of the day reviewing the latest reports, giving specific instructions. Arden deftly prepared everything, ensuring that everything would run smoothly while she was away from the palace.

And that night, Viana lay in her bed, closing her eyes to sleep, eager for morning to arrive for her new adventure.