Contract Marriage with the Devil Duke - Chapter 8

Olentia quickly removed the eye boogers from her eyes and washed her face with the basin of water brought by her maid Bobby.

She had hired various servants for the Gold Star House besides Bobby, wanting to give her some rest. But Bobby had insisted that she couldn’t do that.

‘I must serve my lady. You’re such a particular person. If other girls took over, they’d quit before long.’

Bobby’s voice seemed to echo in her head again. Olentia wiped her face with a thick towel and said,

“Why don’t you just be the head maid quietly? Who else could do it if not you?”

Olentia’s voice was tinged with concern for her.

Bobby, who knew this better than anyone, let out a small laugh.

“Haha! I’m not confident enough to do that yet.”

“No, why not? Anyone else would have thought it was finally the end of hardship and the beginning of happiness.”

Despite the blunt statement, Bobby’s expression remained puzzled.

Bobby spoke as she combed Olentia’s soft hair with a fine-toothed comb.

“My lady, when I was suffering as the youngest maid at the Armenica Count’s mansion, I was so grateful when you called me to be your personal maid.”

Bobby lowered her head slightly, perhaps feeling a bit shy.

Olentia was equally embarrassed. She hadn’t known that Bobby had kept such an old memory so close to her heart.

About 12 years ago, Olentia had taken on Bobby, the smallest, most petite, youngest, and least experienced junior maid, as her personal attendant.

Well, there was no grand reason for it.

She had simply been worried about the girl who seemed to be withering away day by day.

Seeing such a dark expression, as if she might give up on life at any moment, was a very unfamiliar experience for Olentia, who had grown up showered with parental love.

Olentia, in her abundant state of mind and wealth, wanted to share some of it with someone else.

That’s how her connection with Bobby began.

Olentia briefly averted her gaze and scratched the itchy part of her eyebrow.

“I think I had some arrogant thoughts back then.”

“What kind of thoughts?”

“Well, I was smugly confident that if you came to my side, you would certainly become happy. You know how I acted back then, don’t you?”

Thinking about the past always made Olentia’s face heat up.

After taking Bobby on as her personal maid, she had showered her with kindness like someone giving alms to a beggar.

‘Do you want to eat this? Why are you so skinny?’

She had been desperate to help with every little thing.

‘How are you these days? Isn’t it really nice being by my side?’

She had fished for compliments, wanting to be praised.

‘You’re truly blessed to have a mistress like me.’

She had even praised herself.

Olentia closed her eyes in embarrassment.

“Ah… why did I do that? I regret it even now.”

But Bobby’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Oh, don’t say that! I didn’t dislike you at all back then. I just thought you were cute. You’re still cute now.”

“That doesn’t mean I’m still immature now, does it?”

“Of course not. That’s the word you hate the most. I just really like being your personal maid.”

“Ah! You don’t have to say it like you did when we were young!”

“Alright. My lady, I’m truly happy.”

“You look like you’re really enjoying teasing me on purpose.”

Olentia chuckled and thought about the information she had obtained last night from the information guild at a hefty price. Now she needed to focus on persuading Archbishop Werbu.

‘Archbishop Werbu has headed to Odor Territory for unofficial business.’

How surprised she had been at the guild member’s words.

The Count of Odor, who managed Odor Territory, was Melissa’s brother. He was Olentia’s maternal uncle.

Since she usually kept in touch with her uncle through letters, she thought she could stay at the Odor Count’s mansion for a while if she went to Odor Territory.

Although it was inconvenient to have to take a train due to the great distance from Noctifer, she was prepared to endure that much.

Olentia put on a muslin dress that was good for sweating. The weather had been getting warmer lately.

‘It’s the first time I’m visiting without notice. I hope it’s okay…’

Sending a message to the Odor Count’s mansion and waiting for a reply before departing would take too long. In the meantime, Archbishop Werbu was highly likely to move elsewhere.

So even if it was reckless, she had no choice but to just set out.

Olentia put on a bonnet with a simple pattern and left the Gold Star House. The hot spring sun felt on her head even through the bonnet.

‘It seems the journey will be quite arduous.’

Olentia couldn’t help but let out a hollow laugh.

“I can’t get a first-class ticket? Why not?”

Olentia stared straight at the station attendant’s troubled face as she asked.

She was currently at the ticket office of Geranium Train Station. She had naturally intended to buy a first-class ticket, but today, first class was sold out.

Unless it was a ticket to a famous tourist destination, there was no way first class would be sold out. Odor Territory was not a famous tourist spot.

‘Something’s fishy.’

Sensing something strange, Olentia asked the station attendant.

“What’s going on? Did some ruffian take over first class?”

Judging by the attendant’s expression, it seemed her guess was correct.

She had occasionally heard stories of selfish nobles or bourgeoisie buying all the first-class tickets and using an entire train car for themselves.

Olentia was wealthy too. She could have bought all the first-class tickets if she wanted. But she didn’t do that because it wasn’t courteous to those who needed train tickets.

But it seemed that today, someone without manners had made all of first class their own.

Olentia didn’t mind taking second class, but she was very curious about who this ruffian was.

“Who exactly is this person?”

Olentia’s brow furrowed. She looked just like a small animal robbed of its prey.

She felt frustrated as the station attendant refused to say anything.

‘Well, of course they can’t disclose customer information for security reasons.’

Knowing this, Olentia still found it hard to contain her curiosity.

After a moment, the station attendant handed over a second-class ticket and said,

“I’m sorry. I can’t tell you. Would you mind taking second class just for today?”

“No, I don’t mind second class, but…”

“Then have a pleasant journey! Next person, please!”

Olentia, who had received the second-class ticket, was pushed along by Bobby. The station attendant focused on the person who had been waiting behind Olentia for a long time, and Olentia pouted her lips.

“Who on earth could it be? Who would do such an uncivilized thing? I’m not the only one who needs a first-class ticket.”

“It’s not legally prohibited. What can you do about it, my lady? Let’s just go.”

At Bobby’s words, Olentia reluctantly boarded the train.

The train passing through Odor Territory was quite comfortable. She had been worried because it wasn’t first class but second class, but apart from the lack of a lounge and narrower space between seats, there wasn’t much difference in appearance.

But as soon as she sat down, a complaint burst out.

“I can’t fully stretch my legs…”

Of course, it was better than third class where there was no extra space at all, but the fact that she couldn’t comfortably stretch her legs was shocking.

She sighed and glanced discreetly at the first-class car. She wanted to check who had boarded first class, but it seemed impossible as men in black uniforms were guarding the door.

‘No matter how I look at it, they seem like knights, but they’re not wearing family crests.’

Knights usually wear uniforms with their family crest. The crest of the Armenica Count’s family was an apricot tree, the Luxus Marquis family had an eagle, and the Odor Count’s family had a crescent moon.

Mercenaries were often free-spirited people, while knights had a uniquely neat atmosphere.

That’s why Olentia thought the men guarding first class must be knights.

‘Well, what does it matter to me? The person in first class must be moving in secret.’

How much time had passed?

It was when Olentia had stopped thinking about first class and was looking at the scenery outside.

Bobby, sitting on the aisle side, started dozing off, nodding her head back and forth as if she was tired. She must have been exhausted from packing luggage in the early morning.

Olentia carefully lifted Bobby’s head and leaned it against the leather seat. Worried that she might be cold in her thin skirt, she also covered her with a blanket and swept her bangs to the side to keep them from poking her eyes.

‘Sleep comfortably, Bobby.’

As she was taking care of Bobby, all the people guarding the first-class door disappeared.

Had they all gone to the restroom together?

Olentia looked at Bobby sleeping with her head against the leather seat for a moment, then slowly got up from her seat. She planned to sneak into the first-class area briefly without Bobby knowing.

She thought there wouldn’t be any problem if she just checked the face of the person in first class and came back. Olentia was the type who couldn’t stand feeling uneasy or frustrated.

Olentia first came out into the corridor. The other passengers in second class either didn’t seem curious about who had taken over all of first class or were sleeping or doing their own things.

Only Olentia opened the door and stepped into the next car.

First of all, it was very quiet.

Olentia spotted a large brown briefcase on one seat, but saw no person.

‘Are they in the lounge?’

Olentia moved towards the lounge very naturally, as if she had bought a first-class ticket.

Unlike first class, something felt odd about the lounge. It should have been staffed, but it was empty, and…

“Be quiet.”

A stranger’s male voice was heard right next to her.

‘What’s going on?’

Before she could grasp the situation, Olentia was firmly grabbed by someone. Judging by the large hands and firm chest, it seemed to be a man.

The man wearing a black mask held Olentia’s body with one hand and aimed a silver dagger precisely at her throat.

It’s true.

She really tried hard to hold it in.

But she was so scared that she ended up screaming.

“Eek!”

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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