Chapter 37: Iris

Chapter 37 Iris

Whether it was a dream or reality, it was strange enough to have a silver-haired beauty kneeling before him in a knight's stance.

Lin You prided himself on not having any strange preferences and reached out to pull him up: "Please rise first."

However, Lanen said, "Please grant me the honor of staying by your side."

His speech was flowery and overly formal. Before Lin You could respond, his vision suddenly blurred, and a fluorescent blue display screen appeared in his sight.

A cold electronic voice spoke: "Hello, host. Please decline."

Lin You paused.

Decline?

He didn't voice it, but 66 seemed to read his mind: "Decline Lanen's request to stay by your side and say the following lines."

A line of small text appeared on the display screen.

"The head of the Collet Family and the Iris Major General of the Third Army, I am fully aware of your intentions and am very interested in your proposal. However, if you wish to remain by my side, I need to see more of your sincerity."

"...?"

This line was even more flowery, making Lin You suspect he was in a scripted game set in a medieval Western backdrop.

As if noticing his confusion, 66 briefly explained the system's binding and mission objectives, warning: "You need to assume the role of the Third Prince Lin You and complete the storyline as him. As a reward, once the role-play is complete, you will be granted a chance at rebirth."

66 warned: "For the stability of this small world, it is best for you to score over 60 points in role-playing."

Lin You had played similar games before. In some role-playing games, if the behavior is too extreme, the character would be judged and eliminated.

By now, Lanen had maintained his half-kneeling posture for a long time. In the prolonged silence, his heart sank gradually until it hit rock bottom. Then he heard the Third Prince speak thoughtfully, his voice tinged with the confusion of just waking up: "...I am fully aware of your intentions... but I need to see more of your sincerity."

He had indeed refused.

Lanen silently sneered.

He had already pledged himself to the male, and from now on, he could no longer respond to the pheromones of other males. If this wasn't sincerity, then what was?

However, in such a situation, it was only natural. The male knew he had no escape and would only press forward step by step until the last drop of blood was squeezed from the Collet Family.

But even so, Lanen showed no sign of it on his face. He gazed at the male with near obsession, bowing respectfully: "I will show you my sincerity."

"..."

It was no exaggeration to say that Lin You was covered in goosebumps.

This scene was too much like a novel or a game, and the beautiful man before him was like a puppet on strings or a pre-programmed NPC. He delivered the fixed lines and script with full emotion, but it didn't reach his eyes, all to please the player in front of the screen.

Lin You glanced at the screen, and the system displayed another line: "The stage plot has ended. Please have Lanen leave."

Lin You breathed a sigh of relief: "I need to rest now. Please leave."

Lanen picked up his clothes, bowed, and silently withdrew.

Only when his figure completely disappeared from the hall did Lin You finally relax and sit back on the soft bed.

The system quietly appeared, encouraging him: "The completion rate is very high, host."

Although maintaining a cold and noble image in front of the new host, 66 was already crying her eyes out in private.

Look! What a good host! Does whatever he's told, unlike that Xie guy before, who kept asking questions and acted two-faced.

Lin You was still out of it.

Anyone who suddenly dies mid-game, only to wake up bound to a system spouting lines, would be pretty stunned.

After the system explained, he got the gist of the situation. Then the system displayed the novel on the screen, prompting Lin You to read: "This is the reference text, please study it carefully."

A 400-plus-page novel, Lin You had just read the beginning of the first chapter, and for some reason, he suddenly patted his face. His eyes darted around, then, after glancing at his thighs, he leaned back, pulled the blanket over his head.

System: "?"

What’s going on?

Then Lin You whispered, "So, were we doing that just now?" His tone tinged with hidden hope.

—Had his twenty-year stint as a magician finally come to an end?

When he first woke up, he felt dizzy, the ache in his chest hadn’t fully faded, and the lack of oxygen and near-death experience had left his brain foggy. Lin You remembered the unfamiliar touch, kind of pleasant, but the details were hazy. Only after reading the novel did it hit him—they’d just started back then.

System: "...?"

It paused before answering: "Yes?"

Lin You’s face turned beet red, his neck flushing too.

The system had a bad feeling.

It asked in confusion: "Why are you blushing? Haven’t you ever tried it before?"

Don’t you have 328 wives? You’re such a player—why the shy act now?

Lin You: "?"

He was a little annoyed: "Of course, it's my first time."

System: "?"

It sensed trouble, its central processor on the verge of crashing: "But, you have 328 lovers?"

328 lovers, and you’ve never slept with any of them?

Lin You was baffled: "328? Oh, you mean my fan group? But what does that have to do with whether it's my first time?"

"...Don’t they call you wife?"

Lin You tried to educate this ignorant system: "It's modern society, they call me wife, they also call other streamers wife, everyone can have countless wives and be called wife by countless people, that doesn't conflict, right?"

System: "...?"

It was baffled by modern society’s tangled relationships, tried to analyze the possibility of a promiscuous person having countless lovers but still being a virgin, and then came up with an outrageous ratio of 0.003%, and then doubted life, completely crashing.

Taking advantage of the system's silence, Lin You started reading the novel.

To be fair, the novel reading experience wasn't good, neither a sweet nor a satisfying story, packed with pointless violence. At the beginning of the novel, the protagonist Lanen was at an absolute disadvantage.

As the eldest son of an old noble family of the empire, Lanen was once engaged to a male of the Liam Family. This male was injured in an attack during interstellar travel, and Lanen was accused of being the culprit. The law enforcement officer extracted Lanen's fingerprints from the bullet that hit the male, the evidence was conclusive. If he couldn't obtain a pardon, he would face the final outcome of exile.

Lin You frowned as he read through two chapters, still not quite grasping the plot, when suddenly he pointed at a line of text, his eyes lighting up a bit: "Is Lanen a major-general?"

System: "? Yes."

It didn't quite understand Lin You's intention in asking, but the sense of foreboding grew stronger.

Lin You: "So he wears a uniform?"

"...Yes."

Lin You: "!"

Lin You is quite the homebody, with hobbies like gaming and reading manga, making him somewhat of an otaku. And as with many otaku, he has his peculiar preferences—Lin You, for instance, has a hidden fascination with uniforms.

Although *Star Warfare* is a shooting game, Lin You initially played it because the protagonist's uniform was customizable.

Every time he entered the game, he would casually select his gear and then play with smooth ease. Yet, no one knew that the model of the silver-haired hunk in the silver-white uniform on the main display screen was something Lin You had meticulously crafted over half a month. He knew every accessory on the outfit by heart. Although the shooting game offered limited accessories, Lin You was never satisfied, feeling something was missing. But it's no exaggeration to say that it was his virtual wife.

Every day before logging off, Lin You would spend twenty minutes admiring the model repeatedly, then immediately buy and store any new accessories when the game updated its system.

And Lanen happened to have white hair too. Lin You mentally pictured him—the perfect body proportions, the beautiful lines of his calves—if he were to wear a uniform, it would probably be stunningly beautiful.

He asked eagerly, "What color is the Third Army's uniform?"

System: "?"

The sense of foreboding was strong, the system's electronic core racing, but it still dutifully answered Su Zhu's question: "White."

Lin You: "!"

Before the system could decipher anything from his strangely glowing gaze, there was a knock at the door.

Three polite knocks, neither too light nor too heavy, and then an elderly man with silver hair entered the room. Dressed in formal attire and white gloves, he bowed and placed a glass of warm milk in front of Lin You, reminding him, "Your Royal Highness, there is a military inspection in three days. Please do not forget."

The system prompted: "This is your butler."

As a prince of the empire and one of the contenders for the throne, Lin You enjoyed rights but also had to fulfill obligations. Regular military inspections helped boost troop morale, and the three princes took turns performing them. This time, it happened to be Lin You's turn.

The butler handed him a data pad, displaying several icons: a rose, a briar, a pure white *Iris* entwined with thorns, and other patterns.

The system quietly reappeared: "Choose the Third Army icon; there's a plot mission."

Having read the first three chapters of the novel, Lin You knew about the plot mission. He nodded, selected the *Iris*, and handed the data pad back to the butler.

The butler's expression remained unchanged, but he paused slightly when Lin You chose the Third Army, a flicker of sympathy in his eyes.

Lin You's mother's family belonged to the Seventh Army, and every previous visit had been to the Seventh Army.

Choosing the Third Army, where Lanen was stationed at this time, was probably a test of his commitment.

*

In the Third Army's lounge.

Lanen pushed up his sleeve, revealing his forearm, and injected a dose into his arm.

The fluorescent blue liquid entered his bloodstream, bringing a sharp pain. His arm soon swelled slightly, burning painfully, but Lanen remained expressionless, calmly pulling his sleeve back down.

The military doctor, Devin, sat across from him, crossing his legs, watching him: "You need to inject as soon as you return? Didn't you gather any pheromones from that last encounter?"

Lanen lowered his gaze: "Just a little, not enough."

Pheromones are one method used to control females, ensuring their obedience over extended periods, while males are typically reluctant to share them.

He casually tossed his coat to Devin: "Analyze the residual pheromones and see if we can create a substitute."

Devin tsked, took the coat, and placed it into a specialized sealed instrument: "If the third prince finds out you're illegally analyzing his pheromones, he might just have you killed."

Lanen replied, "I must prepare for the worst."

The third prince claimed he wanted to test Lanen's sincerity, a tactic Lanen had encountered numerous times before. He wasn't worried about Lin You's rejection; the Collet Family's wealth could sway any male, even an imperial prince. Yet, the previous challenges were inevitable, and Lanen had to endure each one.

Other punishments didn't worry him, but pheromones would severely disrupt his work. Lin You had just marked him, and for the next few months, Lanen would be consumed by an obsession with his scent. This change was purely hormonal, beyond his control. Even someone as resolute as the Third Army's major general couldn't resist it.

Just then, Lanen's wrist communicator beeped, followed by Devin's. Everyone in the Third Army received a message.

"The third prince will visit the Third Army in three days. All personnel are to prepare for the reception."

Devin smiled bitterly, "This is definitely about you."

Lanen was not surprised.

Males, especially those in power, often treat females as their personal property. Capturing Lanen but not flaunting it before the Third Army would feel incomplete.

Devin sighed softly, "This meeting is crucial. Since that incident, even though you haven't been dismissed, there's been growing unrest in the army. Many are vying for your position. Just days ago, a troublemaker was suppressed. If the third prince snubs you, many won't stay quiet."

Lanen nodded expressionlessly.

He knew it was out of his hands and sighed faintly, "I'll keep the meeting as brief as possible."

On the third morning, the starship arrived precisely at the Third Army's entrance.

A red carpet was rolled out, and the honor guard stood ready, flanking the starship. Lin You, clad in an ornate ceremonial outfit, descended the starship steps slowly, his butler at his side.

Lin You, the youngest of the three princes, was also the most striking. Fresh into adulthood, he retained a youthful charm, his poise and nobility shaped by a life of privilege.

Zerg males were scarce, and high-ranking ones even more so. For a moment, all eyes were on him.

The high-ranking officers of the Third Army lined up on both sides, with Lanen standing in the center of the formation. To the outside world, he appeared to be fervently pursuing the third prince. At this moment, he held a bouquet of bright red roses, dressed in meticulously groomed attire, with a perfectly measured smile, staring unblinkingly at Lin You, his eyes full of affection.

Males always enjoy such affection.

But Lin You felt extremely uncomfortable. He is somewhat introverted and a bit of a homebody. Speaking in front of so many people was already difficult for him, not to mention being stared at "lovingly." Moreover, Lin You had read the novel and knew that Lanen had no feelings for him.

This fake 'true love' was really hard to handle.

Fortunately, the system helped him record the speech, so Lin You didn't have to memorize it. He looked straight ahead, enunciating clearly while reading the script, occasionally making eye contact with the military females below, showing a polite and appropriate smile.

But when he glanced at Lanen, Lin You paused slightly.

...He seemed to see his electronic wife.

Lanen's silver-white hair was tied into a high ponytail, his silver-white uniform completely enveloping his body without a single gap, appearing particularly ascetic. He wore black leather gloves and black leather boots, holding a bright red rose. The three intensely clashing colors were harmoniously unified on him, making it hard to look away.

But what attracted Lin You's attention more was the badge on Lanen's chest.

It should be the unique badge of the Third Army's major general, a shield-shaped silver metal badge engraved with a pure white Iris entwined with thorns, using a matte spray paint process, shimmering with a mesmerizing halo in the sunlight.

Lin You seemed to realize what his electronic wife in the game was missing.

The badge has smooth and elegant lines, with entwined thorns maintaining a sense of strength, complementing the entire uniform perfectly.

—If only it could be detached and placed in the game, that would be perfect. [Note: "the game" refers to a specific context.]

By now, he had finished reading the speech, and the audience burst into applause. Lin You, accompanied by his aide, walked into the crowd. For the next three hours, he would provide a voluntary visit, including dining with the high-ranking officers and learning about the military plans.

He approached Lanen.

Lanen had a pair of captivating almond-shaped eyes, which seemed to look at everyone with deep affection. He knelt on one knee in front of Lin You, executing a formal knight's salute, as if the person before him was his unattainable love. Then, he presented the bouquet with both hands, smiling, "Your Highness, please accept this bouquet of roses. They come from the Guaniyer galaxy at dawn, traveling across vast distances to reach your hands. But in my eyes, they cannot compare to you."

The Third Army erupted in murmurs.

The person involved, Lin You: "."

In an unknown corner, he was about to fall apart.

The males of the Zerg seem to enjoy dramatic declarations, and the females are also masters of sweet talk. No one sees anything unusual in speaking such affectionate words to a male they've only met twice. Everyone was closely watching Lin You, anticipating the Third Prince's reaction, as his attitude might determine Lanen's fate and the future of the Third Army.

The system subtly prompted on the screen, "You should take the bouquet, throw it to the ground, stomp on it twice, crush the petals, and arrogantly declare, 'Sorry, Major General, but I hate roses the most.'"

Lin You already knew the plot and knew he had to follow it for the mission. But when it came time to act, he hesitated.

In front of such a large audience, this would be publicly humiliating Lanen. Lin You's upbringing did not allow him to do such a thing.

In the prolonged silence, cold sweat trickled from Lanen's forehead, disappearing into his silver hair. He clenched his palm tightly, the sharp pain spreading from his hand, barely keeping his legs from shaking.

They were too close.

The faint scent of citrus hung in the air. They had just completed the initial marking, and at this moment, the male had a fatal attraction to the female. Even though he had just been injected with medication, his muscle cells were still unsatisfied, urging him to move closer. This was a deep, instinctive drive. Lanen almost exerted all his willpower to restrain himself from reaching out to hold Lin You's hand.

"Enough! Take it, quickly!" The involuntary trembling made Lanen extremely uncomfortable. He gritted his teeth, thinking, "Then throw it away, crush it, throw it back at me, anything, just don't stand here anymore!"

The system also urged, "Su Zhu, you've hesitated too long."

Lin You hesitated briefly, then reached out and took the rose.

Before Lanen could react, Lin You suddenly let go, allowing the blooming rose to fall to the ground, scattering the petals. Then, he stepped on it.

The imperial prince appeared disdainful, his tone full of arrogance, "I'm sorry, Major General Lanen, but you know I hate roses the most."

The Third Army fell silent.

The imperial males are all very pampered, especially the princes. Having been catered to all their lives, the First and Second Princes are both picky and difficult to please. It seems the Third Prince is no exception.

Lanen, however, breathed a slight sigh of relief.

His body screamed to get closer, but his soul seemed to float in mid-air, watching coldly, with a sense of relief as if he had expected this.

Almost within two seconds, he smiled again, "Your Highness, whatever you like, I and the Collet Family behind me will do our utmost to provide you with everything you desire."

Lanen constantly displayed his bargaining chips, reminding Lin You that even if he didn't care for his face, he needed to consider the family behind him.

Lin You looked down at him, "Everything I want?"

Lanen smiled, "Yes, everything you want... uh!"

Lin You suddenly leaned in close. The distance between them was now less than twenty centimeters. The sweet scent of citrus enveloped them, making Lanen's muscles instantly sore and weak, almost causing him to collapse.

Two strands of silver hair fell awkwardly. Lanen's pupils contracted slightly as Lin You's face loomed larger in his vision. The male raised his hand, his fingertips landing on the Iris badge.

Lin You said, "I don't like roses, but I do like another kind of flower. Could you part with it, Major General?"

"..."

Lanen managed a strained smile, "Of course, please go ahead."

Lin You said, "I like pure white Iris. So, may I ask if you could give me this badge, Major General?"

Lanen's pupils narrowed sharply.