Changing the Keywords of the Dark Lords (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 8
“I’m dead. I’m really dead.”
Thank goodness her ability included keyword cancellation—otherwise, she might have had to keep watching that horrifying scene.
While Delina was sweating profusely, Felick was laughing uncontrollably, and Bellion simply watched her in silence.
Of course, the moment she canceled the keyword, Delina dashed back to the prison, eyebrows flying, worried someone might chase after her—and she even carefully remembered to lock the prison door herself.
Would that just now stay in their memories?
If the memory of turning into a dog remained, she might as well have booked herself four assassins already. Naturally, she never dreamed of going up to those four and asking, “Hey, do you remember turning into a dog?”
Still, at least she now understood how to use keywords…
It seemed that when she added a desired keyword in front of the would-be masterminds, a corresponding trait was imposed. Keywords could be used once per person per day—but that was good enough.
Frankly, whether she’d even get to see those faces again was uncertain.
Convinced that instead of drawing closer, she’d only driven them further away with that shocking, terrifying incident involving the giant dog-man, Delina despaired. Just then, she heard movement outside.
“……!”
Delina reflexively shot upright. The one who soon appeared was Felick. Seeing Delina so tense, Felick suppressed his laughter and reassured her.
“It’s me, Miss.”
“…….”
“Don’t worry. I came alone.”
“What about the others?”
“They’ve all gone back. They didn’t seem to remember the situation clearly—just stared blankly the whole time… Still, since His Highness declared the test over, they all left without protest. As for what happens next, I couldn’t say.”
Good!
Delina felt relieved, at least for now, knowing those four couldn’t properly recall what had happened. But Felick still wore that “I’m about to die laughing” expression.
“Oh, Miss—so how exactly did you do that?”
“…I already told you. It’s a secret family technique passed down through generations…”
“I never expected the House of Count Floren to possess something like that. Anyway, thanks to you, Miss, I think I’ve laughed enough for an entire month. Honestly, I got stepped on by His Highness earlier because I was laughing so hard.”
Felick cheerfully mentioned being stepped on. Soon after, he opened the prison door and gestured.
“Come now, Miss. Let’s go.”
“Where to?”
“Where else? You must go to your assigned room now—not the prison.”
At those words, Delina’s expression slowly brightened.
“So… really…?”
“Yes. As promised, you’ve passed the test. From now on, you’ll receive patronage from the Grand Duchy of Ulphirim.”
Hooray!
Delina nearly shouted “Hooray!” three times without realizing it—but catching Felick’s eye, she merely twitched the corners of her mouth. Meanwhile, Felick, walking beside her, continued speaking.
“His Highness must surely be impressed by your talent—turning people into dogs.”
“Come on, not that impressed…”
“It’s a secret, but I can turn people into dogs too.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Everyone turns into one when they drink with me.”
Just stop talking. Seriously.
Seeing Delina’s annoyed look, Felick chuckled amusedly.
“And please speak freely. We’ll be living together now.”
“Oh, okay.”
“By the way, your official patronage title is ‘Jester.’”
“…Huh?”
“In short, you’ll be sponsored as the Grand Duchy’s jester.”
Jester, jester…
“…Do others have patronage titles like that too?”
“No. You’re the only one. Isn’t that special?”
It was so special she nearly cried. She hoped never to be called that name anywhere else.
“Jester.”
And as if to mock Delina’s wish, someone called out “Jester!” from afar while approaching—none other than Bellion.
“Where are you going?”
“I was showing the lady to her new quarters. She’s now under patronage, after all.”
Felick looked down at Delina and grinned.
“Oh, Miss—since it’s your first patronage, you may ask His Highness for anything as a gift. Now, whatever you say goes.”
“No, I don’t really need anything.”
“How about a birthday present? I noticed your birthday was recently—you wanted a puppy, right?”
Apparently, he’d already investigated even that she’d bought a puppy from the House of Count Floren. But Delina grimaced and said,
“No. I don’t need it. I’m absolutely sick of dogs—or anything dog-like.”
“I remembered.”
“…Yes?”
“The gift.”
Bellion, who had been standing beside Delina as if deep in thought, suddenly turned and started walking away. Felick promptly urged Delina.
“Go on, Miss. Hurry and follow him. His Highness seems ready to give you the gift.”
“No, I really don’t need anything…”
“Don’t worry. His Highness’s gifts are never ordinary. I’m sure you’ll like it.”
…Would she, really?
Though still suspicious of Felick’s words, Delina had no choice. With a small sigh, she began trailing after Bellion.
Well, if it’s just a gift, it’s probably meant kindly…
She was uneasy, yet honestly wondered what bizarre thing could possibly appear next. Trying to stay positive, Delina hurried her steps so as not to lose sight of Bellion.
“…So this is my gift?”
“Yeah.”
Why do ominous premonitions always come true?
“Grrrrrrr…”
And why is this last would-be mastermind growling like a real beast behind bars?
With light brown hair and green eyes, his condition was terrible—but judging by his appearance and the window hovering above his head, this was definitely Zen. She just hadn’t anticipated this situation at all.
“I wanted a puppy, but… he’s human, isn’t he?”
“But he looks like a dog.”
“…Well, he really does kind of…”
Truthfully, she might not have recognized Zen without the keyword hovering above his head. His state was severe.
‘…He’s so small.’
Stunned by Zen’s tiny frame—so unlike the adult Zen she knew—Delina’s lips trembled. His limbs and body were so gaunt from apparent malnutrition that he looked even smaller than Delina herself.
The bandages covering his wounds had all been torn off, blood seeping through the injuries. Uneaten food lay scattered on plates across the floor. At the pitiful sight, Delina frowned.
“Grrr.”
Even as Delina observed his surroundings, Zen’s eyes flickered warily at her. Seeing him crouch like a beast, almost walking on all fours, Delina finally understood Bellion’s words.
Then she noticed some documents on the floor. Picking them up, she saw they were notes about Zen.
‘Ah, so that’s why…’
Now she understood Zen’s condition. He gave off the same vibe as a large dog. Yet, sensing the killing intent radiating even through the thick iron bars, Delina swallowed hard.
“Jester.”
“Yes?”
“Can’t you turn him back into a human?”
“…No. That’s impossible. Besides, your ability only works temporarily.”
Without the keyword ‘Human Male,’ it couldn’t be done—and even keyword effects likely had time limits. Bellion replied flatly to Delina’s question.
“Well, fine.”
“…”
“Anyway, it’s a gift.”
“…Thank you.”
Who gives a human nearly turned into a dog when someone asks for a puppy? True to Felick’s words, this gift went far beyond ordinary—and Delina gave a hollow laugh.
“Can I give him food?”
“If you can.”
The plates were already pitifully scattered across the floor. Delina picked up a fresh one nearby and calmly watched Zen.
“…Zen?”
At Delina’s single word, Zen’s eyes darted uncertainly—and Delina didn’t miss that moment.
He remembers his name.
Adult Zen had clearly been capable of communicating with people. Most likely, trauma from war or time spent with wild dogs had temporarily made him forget language.
“Do you know his name?”
“Mind reading—it’s a jester’s skill, one of our family’s secret techniques.”
“Even the daughter-in-law doesn’t know?”
“This time, not even the son-in-law knows.”
Delina slowly approached Zen.
“It’s okay, Zen. I’m not here to hurt you. I came to give you food.”
“…”
“You need to eat well for your wounds to heal quickly. This isn’t strange—just try it. The food here is actually good. Even prison food tastes nice.”
She couldn’t tell if Zen understood her words—but calling his name seemed to calm him slightly compared to before.
Quickly, Delina placed the plate in front of Zen.
“There. Eat well, okay?”
Hesitating at first, Zen slowly lowered his head at Delina’s words. She felt both relieved and worried at the sight.
There’ll be so much to teach him… if he’s to live like a human again…
“He follows his master well.”
“…He’s a person.”
…Seriously, why did my life suddenly turn out like this?
She’d met all five masterminds as planned and even secured Bellion’s patronage—yet Delina sighed deeply, feeling like nothing was going right.
Male lead Asks for a Divorce Every Day
It’s not often you come across a plot like this in the female-dominant genre — make sure to check it out!
This is a novel I’m planning to reread as well.
The male lead is strong, skilled in martial arts, and not the usual fragile type you often see in matriarchal novels.
Meanwhile, the female lead is a scientist—rational and logical. Even when she falls for the male lead, she doesn’t let her emotions cloud her decisions.
If you push through the first few chapters, you’ll gradually find the story really intriguing.
It has a mix of mystery, detective elements, and romance.
The author’s writing style is like crafting a puzzle—except they deliberately leave out a few pieces, making it hard to predict what happens next, yet keeping you hooked.
In the end, everything will come together and be explained.
One-sentence summary: Wife, stop playing with beakers and look at me!
In a laboratory accident, research scientist Zhu Wansheng accidentally travels to a matriarchal world. The original owner of the body is an eighteen-year-old only daughter of a wealthy rouge merchant, already married with a handsome young man.
Zhu Wansheng grins: Nice! She always said she was heaven’s favorite granddaughter. After a life of toil in her previous life, she can enjoy blessings in this one.
However, her joy lasts no more than three seconds as bad news arrives: the original owner’s family is about to go bankrupt, and her husband wants a divorce.
Even worse, she’s stuck with a research system full of restrictions.
Zhu Wansheng: ? Is this the destiny of a research dog?
——
Faced with this mess, Zhu Wansheng pours herself a bowl of wine to drown her sorrows. In her drunken haze, her husband arrives.
His figure is imposing, holding a long sword, with a dignified air that captivates Zhu Wansheng.
Gu Yingqing, however, looks at the alcohol-reeking Zhu Wansheng with undisguised disgust and coldly asks, “Divorce or not?” The intoxicated Zhu Wansheng mumbles vaguely, “I think… it’s not… it’s not… impossible!”
——
The next day, after sobering up, Zhu Wansheng is full of energy, rolling up her sleeves ready to make a big move. As for yesterday? She has no memory of it.
Zhu Wansheng is ambitious; a research dog fears nothing!
Upgrading rouge, extracting fragrances, producing perfumes, researching lipsticks… all shall bow to the power of modern technology!
The original owner’s dying rouge shop is revitalized. Her mother is pleased and with a wave of her hand, passes on the family business to her. As she takes control and her experimental results gain popularity, it’s the pinnacle of her life…
——
But there are always those who can’t stand to see her doing well. Jealousy, scheming, assassination attempts – they want nothing less than her life.
The person who has always kept his distance from her suddenly holds her tightly in his arms, eyes full of concern.
She is unharmed, but he falls into a pool of blood…
Zhu Wansheng feels guilty, “I can grant you one wish.”
Gu Yingqing tentatively circles his arms around her, carefully resting his head in the crook of her neck, pleading softly, “I regret it. Can we not divorce?”
Zhu Wansheng: ? When did I agree to a divorce?
[Small Theater]
The newly developed rouge is beautifully packaged, and Zhu Wansheng is eager to try it.
Gu Yingqing suddenly appears: “My lady, may I apply it for you?”
Cool fingertips lightly brush her lips. His Adam’s apple bobs as he leans in for a light bite.
Zhu Wansheng: ?
Gu Yingqing: It smells so good, I wanted to taste it…
On a warm spring day, Zhu Wansheng tries a new perfume: “Spring Night.” Gu Yingqing corners her against a wall.
Warm breath lingers on her neck.
“My lady, from now on, may I test the fragrances for you?”
[Humorous female scientist vs scheming live-in son-in-law male lead]
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Chapter Comments (37)
Inline Comments (53)
“Right. He arrived this morning. It’s about time the kid woke up, after all.”
Omg omg Omg he is actually back! I forget where he went but I’m interested to see how he could have possibly improved his skills. Looks like he still unhealthy, sleeping in so late. I think he is on the smaller side compared to the MLS.
At the voice, Mernin froze. The noble ladies and gentlemen who saw his face bega
I wonder if it is Noah, it could be Ashud. Idk id really want to see NOAHas the ML instead of the typical crown prince~ but I’m a fan either way
Celine’s murmuring about the heat gave Delina a glimpse into the terror she must
Del is so observant and really smart to notice the reason! I wonder if Celine had anything to do with her rewinding time. Honestly where did Celine even come from?!
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I wonder how well Zen understands Del’s speech. Also does the Duke think of her fondly? Does he even know how to laugh?? He calls her Jester so he definitely thinks she’s like a clown. I also wonder how the OG FL is like, the one everyone was obsessed with. And the girl who was Gideon’s lover, I wonder if she had a unique power that gave her a second try
I wonder how well Zen understands Del’s speech. Also does the Duke think of her fondly? Does he even know how to laugh?? He calls her Jester so he definitely thinks she’s like a clown. I also wonder how the OG FL is like, the one everyone was obsessed with. And the girl who was Gideon’s lover, I wonder if she had a unique power that gave her a second try
The kids are really cute!! They are only 12, but they still have childish tendencies while still being powerful. Truly good luck to Del, especially with the Duke having an unusual fondness with training the kids. Cause what do you mean your trying to X a child??