The Princess' Harem
Chapter 36: Another Visit to The Temple

Chapter 36: Another Visit to The Temple

Viana froze, staring at her father, who had just asked what reward she wanted. It wasn’t because she doubted his words or his ability to fulfill the promise, but because the transparent paper floating before her suddenly appeared again.

[Your first task has succeeded.]

[Uncovering the slave trade in Elysia Kingdom and Valendale Empire.]

[Time remaining: 7 days, 8 hours, 25 minutes.]

[Congratulations.]

[Your reward is earning the first trust needed to build your own harem, granted by the King of Elysia Kingdom.]

She stared at the transparent paper before her, disbelief in her eyes. Then, she asked in her heart, ’What do you mean by first trust? How many trusts do I need to earn?’

The transparent paper blinked once, and then its words changed to a new line:

[3 trusts.]

"Viana?"

Suddenly, the King’s voice startled her, pulling her attention away. She turned to him and answered, "Y-Yes, Father?"

The King, puzzled by his daughter’s distant expression, asked again, "What do you want as your reward?"

"I don’t know, Father. I never thought about getting a reward for this matter," she said with a smile, then took her father’s hand and walked down the corridor toward their carriage.

"Really? Not jewelry or clothing like you usually like?"

She giggled and shook her head. "No, Father. I don’t want things like that anymore. If I may..."

Viana didn’t finish her sentence, making the King turn to her. "If you may what?"

She looked at him, tightening her grip on his arm. "I want to collect rewards from you for something I truly desire," she answered with a bright smile.

The King looked at her in surprise but then nodded and laughed again, "Alright. It looks like I should start saving now so I can fulfill your request later."

They kept joking and laughing as they climbed into the carriage, and Viana felt truly happy to enjoy this moment with her family. In her past life, this was something she had never been able to experience.

***

The days passed, and before long, it was already mid-spring. The convicted individuals from the abduction and slave trade cases had been executed in public, serving as a reminder that justice was a highly valued principle in the Kingdom of Elysia.

Meanwhile, after paying the required fines to the Kingdom, Duke Callissto and his family rarely attended noble events anymore. Viana also no longer heard any unpleasant rumors about herself.

With nothing else left for her to do, she spent her time studying every book in the library or chatting with her servants and personal Royal Guard. Even so, she kept thinking of ways to improve and achieve all her targets.

And that was exactly what she planned to do today. She would visit the royal temple again, with the excuse of praying. But her real intention was to meet Kaley.

The last time she met him was a few months ago, with his Love Percentage at 23%, the highest among all the candidates she needed to bring into her harem.

Humming softly, she prepared small packages containing some cookies, candies, toys, and children’s storybooks. She intended to visit the orphanage within the temple grounds and deliver those gifts.

And so, she set off for the temple, accompanied by Joel and Reyes as her escorts.

Upon arriving, she headed straight to the orphanage, thinking she could meet Kaley afterward. Carrying a small basket filled with gifts, it was the only item Joel and Reyes allowed her to bring along.

The orphanage was situated on a hill at the corner of the expansive temple grounds, surrounded by wide meadows and shady trees. A few picnic tables and chairs were scattered beneath the trees.

A woman in her early thirties hurriedly approached them to greet them. Her attire resembled that of ordinary women in Elysia, rather than the clothing worn by those serving the gods or goddesses.

"Welcome, is there anything I can assist you with?" she asked with a curious expression.

Viana nodded and then showed her the basket she was carrying. Smiling, she said, "I brought gifts for the children."

The woman glanced at the basket, then looked back at the Princess. "Thank you so much. Forgive me, may I ask who this kind young lady is?"

Joel was about to object, but Viana raised her hand to stop him.

"Just call me Viana," she said to the woman, then asked her to take her to the children. The woman agreed without suspicion and led them to one side of the orphanage.

Joel walked a bit behind the women, grumbling, while Reyes teased him with a smirk, causing Joel to pretend to punch him in the stomach. However, his motion stopped when he saw the orphanage children laughing as they listened to a young, handsome man with white hair wearing an apprentice uniform from the temple.

Viana, too, froze upon seeing the man. It was Kaley, and she hadn’t expected to meet him here. The children stopped laughing and turned their attention to the newcomers, prompting the young man to look in their direction as well.

Seeing the Princess arrive, Kaley immediately stood up, his face slightly flushed under the sunlight, and quickly walked toward her. He bowed respectfully before her.

"Greetings to you, Princess Viana," Kaley said, his voice formal yet warm, causing the woman who had welcomed Viana earlier to gasp and cover her mouth with both hands.

"M-My apologies, I didn’t recognize you, Your Highness," the woman stammered nervously, about to bow, but Viana gently held her arm to stop her.

"No need for that, you’ve done nothing wrong. Now, could you help me distribute these gifts to the children?" Viana asked with a wink and a smile.

"O-Of course, Your Highness," the woman said, bowing again before taking the packages to the children, who cheered joyfully upon receiving them.

Reyes and Joel also handed out the remaining packages to the children, keeping themselves busy with the task.

That left Kaley and Viana standing off to the side, observing the cheerful scene. Viana glanced at him, noticing the happiness on his face as he watched the excited children.