I'm Terminal Anyway, No Regrets (17 Chapters Left to Complete) - Chapter 8
The Empire had been eyeing Glisia greedily.
They could have easily conquered it through military might, but chose to wait to build a justification.
The Emperor used the Wilboyers as payment for having accepted them, and this visit was essentially an ultimatum to Glisia.
The Empire also exploited the fact that the Wilboyers’ second son was in critical condition. The Wilboyers, fully aware, willingly allowed themselves to be used.
They desperately wished for Glisia’s downfall.
Yet, when the word “invasion” came from Ormia’s lips—a member of Glisia’s royal family—Liam held his breath.
Her calm, matter-of-fact tone, as if she knew the future, sent shivers down his spine.
But that wasn’t what mattered right now.
Ormia’s time here was short.
“Fine. If it means saving my brother, I’ll get him to the Empire by any means necessary—even if I have to kidnap him.”
“That would escalate things and make everything harder.”
“No matter how much divine fa—”
Liam bit back the word that had slipped out as naturally as a term of endearment.
He had witnessed her blessing with his own eyes and felt it in his body. She was no longer the enemy Beltoar—he now saw her as his only hope to save his brother.
“Still, she’s royalty. Do you really think the King would ever agree to send his own princess?”
“We’ll just have to make His Majesty agree.”
Her arrogant words narrowed Liam’s eyes.
Ormia took a small sip of tea.
“Do you have a plan?”
“Wait until I send the signal. Until then, just follow His Majesty’s lead.”
Liam tapped the table lightly with his fingers.
He felt suffocated. Every detail—the scent of Ormia drifting from behind him, her mere presence—grated on his nerves.
It would be easier if they could just face each other directly.
He wanted to see the expression on her face as she spoke.
“If the Empire asks for me first, His Majesty will absolutely refuse. So we need to arrange it so that His Majesty offers to send me first, and the Empire reluctantly accepts.”
She was a Beltoar—greedy by nature. Would a king, so ruthlessly possessive, willingly give up what was his?
As if reading Liam’s thoughts, Ormia continued.
“It won’t take long. I must reach the Empire before autumn arrives.”
He understood why autumn mattered, even without asking.
His brother’s death.
The excitement he’d felt over divine blessing now turned cold at the thought of that cruel future.
“My plan is…”
Ormia’s softly spoken strategy was clear and precise.
Liam listened coolly. It left a bitter, unpleasant aftertaste in his mouth, like medicine clinging stubbornly to his palate.
“I’ll go out first.”
“Is that another one of the princess’s abilities?”
A faint scraping sound of a chair being moved prompted Liam’s question.
He’d asked it himself, yet the possibility of it being true made the fine hairs on his neck stand on end.
“My foresight lets me know who I am and when my brother will die.”
“The future may shift as events unfold, but I know for certain he’ll die before turning twenty-two.”
“Twenty-two?”
“It’s a blessing bestowed by the gods.”
Her usual calm voice trembled slightly.
Among royalty, those gifted with special powers and divine blessings were not uncommon—yet she still felt oddly out of place.
Without realizing, Liam glanced toward Ormia.
On the side of her face hidden when she sat, there was a small, fine scar.
It was one he hadn’t noticed during the banquet.
[This is the timeline separator]For Liam, pain had become routine ever since his ability first manifested. On unbearable days, he relied on the medicine the Emperor gave him—but the addiction that followed was pure hell.
It was a constant test of endurance.
No matter what he did, pain never left him.
So what was this feeling now?
Seated in the annex reception room, Liam stared at his open palms.
At this very moment, he felt not a trace of pain.
‘This is my body.’
His shoulders, usually rigid from enduring pain, now relaxed. He had never had the mental space to think of anything else before. His nerves had been perpetually frayed—hypersensitive to even the smallest sounds or touches.
It wasn’t just the absence of pain.
His body felt so perfectly healthy it almost seemed unreal—far beyond anything the Emperor’s medicine had ever offered. It was almost frightening.
And now he understood, viscerally, why Glisia’s dukes showed such unwavering devotion to their royals.
Could anyone truly abandon this state of euphoric perfection?
Could anyone willingly return to the agony he’d known before?
“What happened?”
Marcus Venam, seated opposite Liam in the palace annex reserved exclusively for Imperial envoys, wore his usual tightly buttoned coat, his collar stiff as ever.
Marcus had noticed the change in Liam.
“You look like a man in love. Did you meet some lovely woman or something?”
Liam masked his expression with a quick rub of his face under Marcus’s curious gaze.
“Glisia holds special meaning for the Wilboyers.”
Though close enough to call each other friends, it wasn’t the sort of relationship where Liam would mention meeting Princess Ormia.
When the Wilboyers left Glisia and settled in the Empire, Emperor Ethertsia elevated them to Grand Dukedom.
He also married Liam’s father to a royal daughter, formally integrating the Wilboyers into the Imperial family.
But it wasn’t an act of pure generosity—the Emperor meticulously used the Wilboyers as his loyal hounds.
He supplied the Wilboyer family, who lacked divine blessing, with addictive medicine and tightened the leash so they could never escape.
Knowing the Empire’s sinister motives, even living as an Imperial citizen offered no peace of mind.
Especially since the Crown Prince was particularly cunning and cruel.
“Duke Versi sent word. He wants to negotiate.”
“As expected.”
“Yeah—just trying to buy time.”
The Beltoars had already drafted a contingency plan for their visit to Glisia.
The King, who had consistently refused Imperial invitations until now, wouldn’t suddenly change his stance. The Empire, fully aware of the inevitable refusal, had merely been gathering justification.
The Emperor intended to use the Wilboyers—now upgraded to his elite force—as the spark for war. Thus, this visit was merely ceremonial.
The invasion had already been decided. The only question left was timing.
“We planned to spend winter in Glisia, but Wilboyer has an urgent matter. What should we do?”
Kyler Wilboyer—the Wilboyers’ second son.
The fact that Liam, the heir, had rushed to join the envoy party was proof enough that Kyler’s condition was dire; it wasn’t something they could keep secret.
“We wait.”
At Liam’s heavy reply, one of Marcus’s eyebrows shot up sharply.
Though Liam had concealed his impatience well, his entire demeanor—rigid throughout their journey to Glisia—had shifted.
“Might as well see how long they intend to toy with us.”
“Tch. You really are a nasty one.”
Despite his family’s life hanging in the balance, Liam’s chilling composure made Marcus smile pleasantly.
“Bring some wine. Since we’re in Glisia, we should try their local specialty—the one they say turns into holy water.”
Vengeance and ruthlessness were fine qualities in a good hound.
Loyalty could always change, but someone with a clear purpose was easy to use—and someone seeking vengeance never spared their own body.
Marcus poured wine into Liam’s cup.
[This is the timeline separator]Ever since Jeffrey had demanded divorce, he returned to the mansion before dinner.
He’d initially pretended to be a loving husband, mindful of public perception—but that act lasted only two days.
On the evening after meeting Liam, Jeffrey finished an awkward meal and was about to head to his room when he changed direction and walked toward the garden instead.
Night made me feel more alive. The rich floral scent and freshness of the grass—ordinary things I’d never truly appreciated before—now felt precious.
I’d fashioned my own shackles, caring only about others. Raised that way, I never thought of breaking free—nor even considered it possible.
I was young, pitiful… and foolish.
I just needed to let go.
I just needed to release myself.
“What did you even do wrong that you grovel like that in front of such a brat? He’s letting you keep your title, for gods’ sake. Just get divorced.”
Voices drifted through the window.
The Olan family had gathered in Jeffrey’s study.
“Elena! Have you lost your mind? Divorce in the Olan house! What will people think if Jeffrey gets divorced? They’ll assume the princess divorced him because he truly did something wrong!”
“Mother, don’t worry. They’ll just think he’s such an unbearable bastard I couldn’t take it anymore. People will understand.”
“Divorce is out of the question.”
Jeffrey, listening from outside, spoke firmly.
“If we divorce, Duke Haiman will abandon House Olan.”
“Exactly! Ever since Jeffrey married the princess, people have pitied House Olan—treated us kindly and offered help, praising our noble sacrifice. How dare you suggest divorce! That’s absolutely unacceptable.”
“Mother, everyone already knows the princess demanded the divorce! What can I even do? It’s over.”
“Elena, you’ve always been quick to give up since you were little. Jeffrey, why don’t you take this chance to spend a night with the princess? You’re married. They say a woman never forgets her first man.”
“Mother! How can you ask me to bed the princess? I don’t even get aroused!”
“Then what do you propose?”
“There’s no way to undo this divorce—it’s impossible.”
At Jeffrey’s frustrated reply, Madam Olan gasped dramatically.
“That’s it! Force the princess to confess, in front of everyone, that she wrongly suspected her husband. Make her apologize.”
“Oh! Of course! We’ll just say it was all the princess’s misunderstanding!”
“Exactly! That’s the way, Elena!”
They were giddy with excitement as they plotted their scheme.
They didn’t even bother lowering their voices—after all, I’d always been helpless against them.
“That would be perfect—but would the princess really do something so insane?”
“We’ll make her.”
“Yes! Jeffrey, we’ll just spread rumors that she suffers from pathological jealousy.”
“There are three of us. If we all claim the princess acted strangely, who do you think people will believe? Do you really think anyone would side with her?”
Leaving Madam Olan’s laughter behind, I headed toward the garden.
A lively night breeze swept through, lifting my hair.
“Truly consistent, aren’t they?”
I believe human nature is inherently evil.
People push others into corners just to survive, blaming and resenting others while absolving themselves.
They bully the weak and invert social hierarchies when they hold more power.
They behaved exactly the same way in my first life.
Back then, they accused me of being obsessive and strange, took “dignity maintenance fees” from me to keep them at arm’s length, and confined me within the estate.
The mansion’s servants merely watched.
They’d grown so accustomed to Madam Olan’s cruelty that they pretended not to see my subdued state—and news of the household never leaked outside.
Or perhaps it did reach the Duke’s or even the King’s ears—but no one ever intervened.
“Stay strong.”
It wouldn’t work this time.
The lilac-scented breeze felt so sweet I closed my eyes.
What a fragrant night.
And just as before, Madam Olan was repeating the same cruelty she’d committed in my first life.
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 (17)
Inline Comments (120)
For a man, this reaction was understandably awkward.
Oh. 👁️👁️😳
“If she’s being sent away anyway, who would do such a thing!”
Seriously, that people disgust me so badly… The audacity! Caring for her only in the struggle, and calling her devious when they are the ones who should be cursed! I hope she rises in the Empire and i hope that the news somehow causes in them atleast despair or some kind of disability.
“Marcus, please shut up! People avoided me, calling me ‘God’s rejection’—how cou
👁️👁️
👄
Man… I know she’s miserable, but did you have to humiliate the woman like that?
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Girrlll whaaaat😭 that’s saaaaaaaad. But i hope she doesn’t do something to let them harm her body… even if it’s for scaping
Yes! Thank god he say it! Omg, she is crazy but the olan worked well. I hope she gets to the empire safely and swiftly
Loved this novel, i came because i started the manhwa and the story was really wonderfull, so i just had to know the rest. I am loving it.