Villain? Nah. I'm just here for the harem.-Chapter 30: Affection

"I-I will... I will become your wife if you want."

My brain short-circuited.

Updat𝒆d fr𝑜m freewebnøvel.com.

"...Huh?"

Did I hear that right? Did Rin just say she'd become my wife? My mind reeled, trying to process the sheer weight of her words. She stood there, face flushed red like a tomato, fidgeting with her fingers as if regretting what she had just blurted out.

I blinked. "Hey, what are you even saying—"

Before I could finish, she slapped my arm, not too hard but enough to jolt me. "Idiot! Don't make me repeat myself!" she huffed before bolting out of the room in embarrassment.

I sat there, completely dumbfounded.

"What is happening with my life..." I sighed, rubbing my temples.

Just as I was about to collapse onto my bed to collect my thoughts, another knock came at my door. My patience was wearing thin at this point.

"Who is it now?!" I shouted, frustrated. "Can't I get a moment of peace—"

I stopped mid-sentence when I saw who it was. Standing there, with a solemn expression, was Iris. She looked as if she had just been scolded.

I immediately regretted my outburst. "Ah... Iris, sorry, I didn't mean to yell. Come in."

She stepped inside, her usual playful demeanor subdued. "Are you alright?" she asked quietly. "After everything that happened a month ago... I've been worried."

She was still thinking about that night. The night I nearly lost myself. The night I risked everything to protect her.

I sighed, placing my hand gently on her cheek. "Iris, I risked my life, my reputation, everything for you. So please, don't ever show me that sad face again."

Her violet eyes widened slightly before she held my hand with both of hers, pressing it against her cheek. "You're reckless, you know that?" she whispered. "But... thank you."

The warmth between us was undeniable. She was so close, so vulnerable, yet still so strong. She suddenly pulled away and picked up the food Rin had brought earlier. "You should eat. You've been unconscious for a month; your body needs the nourishment."

She began feeding me, taking care to ensure I ate properly. I couldn't help but notice how gentle she was, her touch soft, her actions filled with an affectionate warmth.

As I chewed, she spoke again. "Liliana and Rin were really worried about you, you know? Your family too. Don't take them for granted."

I scoffed. "Liliana was just interrogating me a few moments ago. She's more concerned about my 'affairs' than my well-being."

Iris shook her head. "She has every right to question you. She's your fiancée."

"Fiancée? My ass. It's just a political engagement," I muttered.

She sighed. "Political or not, she carries your family name now. She hasn't denied it, and neither have you. That means something. At least to her."

I remained silent. I hated that she was making sense.

"And Rin?" she continued. "She was alone in this world until you helped her. You became her light in the darkness. Is it really that strange for her to feel something for you? And... haven't you always treated her specially? You know what that means, don't you?"

I stared at her, trying to find a counterargument, but none came.

Iris stood up and turned toward the door. "Anyway, I just wanted to check on you. Get some rest."

As she reached for the door handle, I found myself blurting out, "Hey, Iris... what about you? Do you feel affectionate toward me too?"

She stopped, glancing back at me with a warm, knowing smile. "You stood by me when the whole world hated me. Isn't it obvious?"

And with that, she left the room, leaving me sitting there with a stupid grin on my face.

"I'm... really lucky, aren't I?" I murmured to myself, feeling an unfamiliar warmth settle in my chest.