From Reader to Ruler: The Forgotten Prince's Rise through Harem-Chapter 7: A New Beginning

Chapter 7 – A New Beginning

Dani and Rishi began their journey back to the mansion. The trip, which should have taken them thirty minutes, stretched to forty-five due to Dani's exhaustion from carrying Leena. Rishi offered multiple times to take over, but Dani refused each time.

By the time they reached the mansion, Dani was panting but determined. He called for the servants, and three maids arrived. Their eyes widened in shock at the sight of him carrying a cat girl.

"Prepare a bath for her. Dress her in clean clothes and move her into the room next to mine," Dani ordered.

The maids hesitated. It was clear they shared the common prejudice against beastkin, their reluctance written all over their faces.

Dani's patience snapped. His voice grew sharp and commanding. "Do you not understand your position? Are you truly bold enough to question a direct prince's order?"

The maids flinched, fear flashing in their eyes. Even Rishi stepped forward to calm him. "Young Master, allow me to handle this," Rishi said smoothly before turning to the maids. "You will do as you're told. No questions."

With no choice, they obeyed.

Dani sighed, rubbing his temples as he entered his room. His mind raced with thoughts about Leena—how he would help her, how he would make her feel safe, and how he could change the way the world saw her.

An hour later, a maid knocked on his door. "Young Master, the girl has been moved to the room next to yours."

Dani nodded and walked to her new room. Inside, Leena was still unconscious, lying peacefully in a freshly made bed. He sat beside her, watching her delicate face. She looked so fragile.

"People are blind," Dani muttered to himself. "They curse and mistreat anything different, never giving her a chance..." He ran a hand gently over her head. "This world needs to change. And I will change it."

A maid soon arrived with a tray of food, placing it on the bedside table before leaving. Dani sat back, watching over Leena. His exhaustion caught up with him, and without realizing it, he drifted off to sleep.

---

When Dani opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was Leena. She was awake, sitting up, and staring at him—not with fear, but curiosity.

"You're awake," Dani said, adjusting himself.

Leena only nodded, her expression unreadable.

"Are you feeling okay?"

Another nod.

"Did you eat anything yet?"

She shook her head.

Dani noticed how quiet she was, barely speaking, only responding in gestures. He found it... adorable. "Cute," he murmured.

Leena's ears twitched, and her face turned red. She quickly looked away, embarrassed.

Dani chuckled, taking the tray of food. The meal was still fresh. He picked up a piece of steak and held it toward her. "Eat."

She hesitated for a moment before taking a bite. Seeing her finally eat, Dani patiently fed her the entire meal.

When she finished, he placed the tray aside and spoke seriously.

"Leena," he said. "I know what you've been through. I know how cruel the world has been to you. I won't ask you to forget your past, but I don't want you to live like this anymore." He took her hands in his. "If the world hates you, then I will be the one person who loves you. Live with me, for the rest of your life."

Leena's entire face burned red. She quickly hid beneath the sheets, her tail curling up as if trying to make herself disappear.

Dani blinked, confused by her reaction. It took him a moment to realize how direct he had been. He had practically proposed to her. His own face heated slightly, but he quickly regained his composure.

Standing up, he walked toward the door. "Leena," he said softly. "I meant every word. Even if you don't believe me now, it's okay. I'll be here when you change your mind."

And with that, he left the room.

---

A week passed.

Every day, Dani personally brought food to her door, knocking before leaving the tray outside. After some time, the empty plates would return, but Leena never opened the door or spoke.

Dani remained patient. He knew it would take time.

On the seventh day, as he approached with another meal, something different happened.

The door opened.

Dani paused, surprised. Inside, Leena stood, hesitating for a moment before speaking—her voice filled with shyness.

"W-What you said... was it true?"

Dani smiled. "Everything was true."

She bit her lip. "You... you treat me like a normal person, unlike everyone else?"

"Absolutely."

"You won't hurt me? You won't curse me? You don't hate me?"

Dani stepped closer. "I will never hurt you. I will always protect you."

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Tears welled up in her eyes. She looked at him, voice shaking. "Why... why are you going this far for me? You don't even know me."

Dani reached out, wiping her tears with his thumb. "Because I can't leave a beautiful girl alone like this."

Leena's face turned completely red. She covered her cheeks with her hands. "D-Don't tease me!"

Dani chuckled. "I'm not teasing you. I'm just telling the truth. You're beautiful, Leena. And cute."

She turned away, her tail flicking shyly.

Dani patted her head gently. "Now, pack up. You have a new life to live."