After a long while, Iris finally calmed down and rose from Shien's arms, her face flushed red.
Shien looked at his thoroughly soaked black robe and could not help reflecting that women really were made of water.
Still blushing, Iris asked in a soft, hesitant voice.
"Was what you just said true?"
Naturally, Iris meant Shien's words: "When we get back, I'll let you marry the bad guy you want to marry."
But Shien had not caught on.
"Of course it was true."
Still lost in his reflections, Shien answered instinctively.
After all, only moments ago, he had been trying to comfort this frightened girl. Naturally, he had to go along with whatever she wanted to hear.
He had not had time to correct his attitude, so he responded without thinking.
But Iris's face turned even redder, and unmistakable delight appeared in her eyes.
"Y-You said it, okay?"
All the unease and fear in Iris's heart were replaced at that moment by overwhelming joy.
"What?"
Only then did Shien react. He blinked, somewhat bewildered.
Iris ignored him, hurriedly speaking as though to hide her joy and conceal her embarrassment.
"Have you defeated Geura already?"
At last, Iris had the presence of mind to care about more important matters.
Shien did not dwell on it for long and was successfully diverted by Iris.
"No, I haven't dealt with him yet." Shien shook his head. "Nobu brought me in. He's outside drawing everyone's attention right now. Once I get all of you hostages out, then I can deal with Geura and those treacherous Beastfolk."
Shien's words reminded Iris of her companions.
"What about Oz and Mafy? What about the Beastman Priests who were with me?" Iris hurriedly asked. "Did you rescue them?"
"Not yet." Shien told her the truth. "I only just