A grand mansion in the southern part of the Renel Empire.
A pair of butterflies, slightly different in size, fluttered as if dancing, gliding through the glass greenhouse.
The flowers blooming in the garden beds, though utterly impractical, seemed to fulfill their role perfectly with their sheer beauty, blossoming vibrantly.
In their midst, a middle-aged woman savored the tranquility of a peaceful afternoon, sipping herbal tea.
She listened to the chatter of the nobles, who eagerly gossiped without her needing to fan the flames, treating their words as music.
“A young lady from the Kan Kingdom is said to be arriving soon with His Majesty the Emperor. But there’s a peculiar rumor that she might become the next empress.”
“Such rumors often float around without basis, don’t they? His Majesty choosing an empress? That’s hard to believe.”
“What does Duchess Rudo think? Do you believe there’s truth to this rumor?”
The gazes of the noblewomen seated around the tea table turned to one side.
The high society of the Renel Empire, known for its strictness and exclusivity, was incomparable to the Kan Kingdom.
At its center was Duchess Katarina Rudo, often called the butterfly of the social scene.
Everyone adored her.
Everyone longed to be part of the salons she hosted.
Though she had lost some of her youthful vigor and charm as she entered her fifties, her meticulous care for those around her and her spirited gaze remained unchanged.
“Empress, you say.”
As Duchess Rudo paused, the noblewoman who asked the question realized her mistake too late.
The only daughter of the Rudo ducal family.
No one was unaware that Lady Isabella Rudo was a flawless candidate for the next empress and had been the leading contender until Kasallin appeared.
“Oh… I asked an unnecessary question. Surely it’s just a baseless rumor.”
“Well, how things unfold depends on the will of His Majesty the Emperor, our heaven and sun.”
“Please, don’t say that. We are all eagerly awaiting the glorious moment when Lady Isabella Rudo ascends to the empress’s throne. With her striking beauty and exceptional talents, no one can compare.”
Everyone nodded in agreement, chiming in from all sides.
Duchess Rudo smiled faintly and said,
“Perhaps not just comparable, but surpassing.”
“Pardon?”
“I’m speaking of the young lady arriving with His Majesty. They say she’s no ordinary woman. The term ‘all-around beauty’ seems almost made for her, according to those who’ve met her.”
The noblewomen were at a loss for words, unable to comprehend Duchess Rudo’s statement.
To surpass Lady Isabella Rudo, the duke’s daughter?
It seemed like excessive humility.
Duchess Rudo continued,
“So, shouldn’t we keep a close eye on her? To ensure no one brings disgrace to the lofty reputation of His Majesty the Emperor.”
[This is the timeline separator]After about ten days of diligent travel, the carriage carrying Kasallin entered the capital of the Renel Empire, Granjer.
True to its fame as a hub of art and trade, grand galleon ships lined the harbor, while noblewomen with parasols leisurely strolled through the imperial park.
Though it wasn’t her first time in the Renel Empire, Kasallin couldn’t shake the feeling that she had stepped into a place where she didn’t belong.
She even felt a strange doubt: would everyone walking these streets truly accept her as the empress?
“Feeling out of place?”
Parnes, keenly noticing the cautious expression on Kasallin’s face, asked.
She nodded honestly.
“Yes. For now. I think it’ll take quite some time to get used to this.”
“You don’t need to force yourself. I’ve lived here my whole life, and I’m still not used to it.”
“Your Majesty.”
“There’s only one thing you need to know before entering the imperial court. No matter what anyone says, you are the partner I personally chose.”
That’s all you need to remember.
Parnes tossed out the words casually and fixed his gaze back out the window.
Kasallin quietly curved her lips into a smile and nodded.
Meanwhile, the carriage passed through the city square, climbing the winding hills, until the silver spires of the Renel Imperial Palace, both familiar and unfamiliar, came into view.
The tightly shut castle gates, like an iron fortress, opened with a heavy rumble, as if awaiting their master’s return.
The sound of crisp military boots echoed, and as she peeked out the window, a surprising sight unfolded.
Knights bearing the twin-lion crest of the Renel Empire stood in formation on both sides, paying homage to Parnes’s return.
“We greet His Majesty Parnes Escalo, the sun of the Renel Empire!”
Amid the thunderous welcome, the carriage slowly came to a stop.
There seemed to be an unusual number of people gathered in front of the central palace today, and sure enough, noble ministers and attendants were all present.
The astonishing rumor that the emperor had personally chosen a potential empress from the Kan Kingdom had already spread widely, and they had gathered to verify its truth.
“Your Majesty, we sincerely congratulate you on your safe return. I trust your health was not compromised during your journey.”
“Yes. Was there anything of note in the imperial court during my absence?”
“No, Your Majesty. Nothing significant occurred. I will report the details shortly.”
Parnes, having stepped down from the carriage and received brief greetings from the attendants, now extended a hand toward Kasallin, as if it were her turn.
Kasallin took his hand and carefully stepped out of the carriage.
The gazes of the nobles, who had been pretending ignorance, turned toward her in unison.
Kasallin was all too familiar with those looks.
Not hostile, but not entirely friendly either—the sharp, distinctive gazes of those observing an unfamiliar guest in their comfortable domain.
How was her appearance? How graceful was her gait, how impeccable her posture? Was her attire elegant, and did it suggest extravagant tastes?
Only after scrutinizing every detail of Kasallin, from head to toe, did they offer polite greetings.
“We greet Lady Kasallin Robepon. You must have endured much to come this far.”
“Not at all. Thanks to the care of His Majesty and many others, I arrived very comfortably. I appreciate your concern.”
The expressions of several nobles softened noticeably.
It seemed her initial greeting and demeanor had passed their standards.
For now, it would be wise to memorize the Renel Empire’s noble registry, as it would help in understanding the people around her.
Some nobles might deliberately withhold their names to elicit responses later or even provide incorrect information about others to cause embarrassment.
While the social scene had many good people, there were just as many who engaged in such childish schemes.
One noblewoman stepped forward, perhaps intending to guide Kasallin, preparing to say something.
But before she could speak, Parnes drew closer to Kasallin, gently taking her hand.
“You must be exhausted from the long journey. It would be best to have the court physician check on you.”
“I’m fine, Your Majesty.”
When Kasallin hesitated, Parnes sighed in mild disapproval and lightly brushed her gaunt cheek.
“Fine, you say. You might fool others, but not my eyes.”
For some reason, his touch felt more intimate, and Kasallin, blushing despite herself, felt flustered.
The surrounding nobles, unable to hide their astonishment, looked back and forth between the two.
They had expected the emperor, who was usually indifferent and never showed concern for anyone, to head straight to his office to attend to neglected state affairs.
“Your Majesty, you must be tired. Why not rest first? We will take great care of Lady Kasallin Robepon…”
“No. I will personally attend to her. Summon the court physician to the emperor’s palace immediately.”
“Pardon?”
The nobles froze, doubting their ears.
Not her serving the emperor, but the emperor serving her?
As the nobles stood bewildered, Parnes cast a cold glance, as if questioning whether further explanation was necessary.
Understanding the meaning of his gaze, the nobles ceased their sharp evaluations of Kasallin, quietly lowering their eyes and stepping aside.
[This is the timeline separator]“There are slight signs of malnutrition and fatigue, but fortunately, they are mild.”
Sir Leon, the chief imperial physician of the Renel court, handed a prescription to the court apothecary as he spoke.
Having previously treated Kasallin’s injured leg, he had a paler complexion and a frail air compared to most patients.
His age was hard to guess as well.
Given his position as court physician, he was likely not young, yet he didn’t seem past forty.
The only clue was the noticeably scratched ring on his finger, suggesting he had been married for some time.
“However, for the time being, refrain from strenuous activities and focus on rest. Light walks or sunbathing would be beneficial.”
“I’ve noticed these past few days that she doesn’t sleep deeply, tossing and turning with groans.”
Kasallin looked at Parnes with wide, rabbit-like eyes.
How did he know she was suffering from insomnia?
Sir Leon glanced between Parnes and Kasallin with a slightly surprised look before responding politely.
“It’s likely due to physical and mental exhaustion. I’ll prescribe medicine to aid sleep and restore energy. Take it with meals daily, and you should recover quickly.”
“Thank you, Sir Leon. You also treated my leg with great care before. I’m deeply indebted.”
“Not at all. It’s my duty. Call for me anytime you need.”
As the consultation ended, Duke Ludwig, who had been standing quietly behind the sofa, swiftly signaled the attendants and maids with a glance.
As if they had urgent schedules, they hurriedly left, and the room, now with only the two of them, was filled with an awkward silence.
Kasallin, for no reason, adjusted her knees neatly and smoothed her already tidy skirt.
It seemed she was the only one who felt nervous whenever they were alone, as he spoke in a more businesslike tone than ever.
“Things will get busy. We’ll formally announce the state marriage, hold the engagement and wedding, and before you know it, the social season will arrive, bringing hectic days. There’s much to discuss, so rest well today.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
It was starting to sink in.
She had come here for a political marriage with him.
There was no need for the complicated emotions typical of newlyweds between them.
Thinking simply and clearly somehow calmed her mind, and Kasallin rose lightly from her seat.
His gaze followed a beat late.
“Then, I’ll take my leave. Your Majesty should rest as well.”
As she gave a slight bow and began to step away, his fingertips brushed the trailing edge of her sleeve.
Turning around, she saw Parnes with an expression that seemed to hesitate, yet carried an inexplicable, subtle thirst.
He slid his hand down, grazing the back of her hand, particularly the bony part, slipping between her slender fingers.
In the humid silence, as their hands smoothly intertwined, Kasallin held her breath without realizing it.
“If I already hate letting you out of my arms like this, that’s a problem.”
“Your Majesty…?”
“I’m in quite a predicament.”
Was it merely her imagination that his cryptic words sounded both alluringly irresistible and dangerously ominous?
His topaz-like eyes, framed by long lashes, flickered in and out of view, and for some reason, she couldn’t tear her gaze away.
Just as she was about to ask what he meant, a light knock came from the door.
“Your Majesty, Duchess Katarina Rudo requests an audience.”
Male lead is a Divorced Husband
She said to him: “Tell me, what makes you like me? I’ll change it!”
Liu Changning transmigrated into a female cannon fodder character in a female-dominant novel.
After reading the first half of the novel’s plot, the first thing she did upon transmigration was to divorce the Pan Jinlian-style male protagonist she had just married.
She indulged herself, pretending to be ugly and poor.
But as time passed, the way that man looked at her became more and more unusual…
Liu Changning was dumbfounded: Tell me, what makes you like me? I’ll change!
――
This lifetime, Pei Yuanshao was rejected by the same woman twice!
The first time, she drove him away. Forced by the situation, he endured the waves of anger in his heart, yielding and humbling himself.
That person lay slanted on a rocking chair, her sallow face emotionless: “If you don’t want a divorce, go cook!”
Pei Yuanshao’s face was dark and gloomy: “You!”
The second time, after the crisis in Jinling City was resolved, the new emperor sent someone to pick him up. He turned around, stammering: “I… I have to go. If you keep me…”
That person lay on the kang bed, her back to him, as if she had long anticipated this day, crisp and clear: “Goodbye!”
Pei Yuanshao was so angry his fingers trembled: “You… you!”
The mission of family and country made him restrain himself, averting his eyes and turning to leave this broken household.
Two years later, they met again. Seeing her ethereal face, his body shook like a sieve.
“She was originally a ‘she’!”
At the Qionglin Banquet, the top scholar of the imperial examination, a talented person with exceptional speech and conduct, all the unmarried young gentlemen from aristocratic families looked at her with shy and timid eyes.
The peerless imperial official Pei Yuanshao felt the anger in his heart erupt. He pointed at the woman surrounded by the crowd at the Qionglin Banquet, his thin lips slightly curled: “Little sister, I wants that person to be the wife-master of my Mingde Prince Manor.”
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