My Eccentric Harem

The apartment was quieter than usual that evening. Aqua was lounging on the futon, flipping through a magazine. Albedo sipped her tea while eyeing Aoyama from across the table, and Mantis hummed softly by the window.

The glowing Harem System interface hovered in the corner, its presence a constant reminder of Aoyama's chaotic new life. This time, the words "Spin Now" pulsed insistently, as though urging him to take the next step.

Aqua smirked, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Well? Are you gonna press it, or are you too chicken?"

Albedo arched an eyebrow. "Considering his track record, I expect this to be another exercise in madness."

Mantis tilted her head, her voice calm as always. "I'm curious to see who the system will bring to us next."

Aoyama sighed, rubbing his temples. "Fine, fine. Let's get this over with."

He pressed the button.

The interface flared to life, spinning rapidly as names zipped by in a blur: Erina, Emilia, Noelle, Katarina… Finally, the wheel slowed and stopped on a name written in elegant golden script.

---

Katarina Claes – My Next Life as a Villainess

---

A bright light filled the room, forcing everyone to shield their eyes. When it faded, a young woman stood in the middle of the apartment. She had long, wavy brown hair and sparkling blue eyes. Her aristocratic dress, complete with ruffles and a lacy collar, gave her an air of elegance—until she glanced around in confusion, clutching her head.

"Where am I?!" she exclaimed, her voice rising in panic. "This doesn't look like my estate at all!"

Aoyama stared at her, dumbfounded. "Uh… welcome to my apartment?"

Katarina turned to him, her eyes wide. "Who are you? And why am I here? Is this some kind of kidnapping Route?!"

"Kidnapping?!" Aoyama sputtered. "No, no, it's nothing like that! I can explain!"

Before he could say more, Aqua burst out laughing. "Oh, this is going to be fun. She's as clueless as she is dramatic!"

Albedo sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Aoyama, you've truly outdone yourself this time."

Mantis stepped forward, her antennae twitching as she smiled gently. "Katarina, please don't be afraid. We'll help you understand."

Katarina blinked, calming slightly at Mantis's soothing tone. "O-Okay. I'll listen."

After settling Katarina on the couch with a cup of tea, Aoyama did his best to explain the Harem System and how she'd ended up in his apartment. Katarina listened intently, her brow furrowed in thought.

"So… I'm part of a harem now?" she asked, tilting her head. "That's… different."

Aqua snorted. "That's putting it mildly."

"But why me?" Katarina continued, her gaze locking onto Aoyama. "I'm just a simple noblewoman! Surely there are others better suited for this… arrangement."

Mantis placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You're here because the system saw something special in you. We're all learning to adjust together."

Albedo huffed, her wings twitching. "Adjusting is an understatement."

Katarina took a deep breath, her expression softening. "Well, if everyone else has managed, I suppose I can too."

It didn't take long for Katarina's eccentric personality to make an impression. By the next morning, she had already rearranged half the kitchen in an attempt to "organize" it, much to Aqua's annoyance.

"Why are all the snacks in the vegetable drawer?!" Aqua demanded, holding up a bag of chips.

Katarina crossed her arms, her expression earnest. "It seemed like the most logical place! Vegetables are important, so snacks should be too!"

Aoyama groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "This is going to be a long day."

Despite the chaos, Katarina's genuine kindness and enthusiasm began to win everyone over. She insisted on helping with chores, often creating more work in the process, but her efforts were undeniably heartfelt.

"You're… unique," Aoyama admitted one evening as they sat on the balcony.

Katarina beamed. "Thank you! I've always tried to be my best self."

Aoyama chuckled. "I think you're going to fit in just fine."

---

Harem System Update

Later that night, the system reappeared with an update on Katarina's profile.

---

Name: Katarina Claes

Role: Villainess (Redeemed)

Skills: Diplomacy, Gardening, Chaos Coordination

Harem Affection Level: 10/100

---

"Ten points already?" Aoyama murmured. "She's a fast learner."

Mantis smiled from her spot near the window. "She has a warm heart. I think she'll grow close to us quickly."

Albedo frowned slightly but nodded. "She's… tolerable. For now."

Aqua smirked. "I give her a week before she drives you all crazy."

Despite their mixed reactions, Aoyama couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. Katarina had brought a new energy to their group, and he was curious to see how their dynamic would evolve.

---

To Be Continued...