Interest Compounds on Revenge (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 8
Lea lay bedridden with a high fever for several days. If Grace had any flaw, it was that her body was extremely frail.
Throughout her illness, she kept recalling the memory of walking across a vast meadow.
Lea had left the injured Terren in the cabin and gone outside, desperately searching for a village.
She had to do something—either find a horse or send a letter to the ducal residence.
‘Why can’t I see the village?’
Why did she keep wandering endlessly through the meadow? No matter how far she walked, the village never appeared.
“Grace.”
Just then, an echo reached her. Lea now responded naturally even when called “Grace.”
‘Duke Courtois?’
Following his voice from somewhere, Lea waved her hand—only to suddenly feel someone grasp it, jolting her eyes wide open.
“Are you alright?”
It was no longer an echo. Her blurry vision gradually cleared, revealing Terren holding her hand.
“Duke Courtois!”
Lea bolted upright and looked at him, seated on the edge of her bed. For a while, they simply stared at each other, hands clasped.
“I’m… sorry. I tried to go to the village to get a horse… or at least write a letter to the ducal residence. But it turned out like this.”
Still half-lost in a dream, Lea rambled incoherently before finally bursting into tears.
“It must’ve hurt you so… much. I feel utterly useless for not being able to do anything.”
Lea covered her face with both hands and sobbed uncontrollably.
She cried bitterly, overwhelmed by guilt for failing to complete her task.
“Shh! Stop crying, Grace.”
A large hand gently stroked her head. Only then did Lea realize this wasn’t a dream.
“We’ve returned safely.”
Lea looked up at Terren.
Though he appeared tidy, his right shoulder was still wrapped in bandages.
Yet she couldn’t recall at all how they’d made it back to the ducal residence.
“How…?”
“Grace went all the way to the village and brought back a horse.”
Really? Nothing of the sort came to mind.
Terren couldn’t forget the bewilderment he’d felt upon waking in the cabin.
Grace had wrapped him in blankets like a baby and vanished. He’d feared she’d been kidnapped by bandits.
Frantically gathering his clothes and stepping outside, he’d spotted Grace in the distance, diligently dragging a brown horse up the hill.
Time and space had frozen in that instant—only his heart kept beating. The memory remained vivid even now.
[Duke Courtois! I got a horse!]The woman, feverish and red-eyed, gasping for breath.
Her face, beaming with joy over securing a horse despite her own pain, had seemed like she was welcoming some divine being.
‘So this is what an angel looks like.’
He’d always believed only reapers of hell appeared to him. On battlefields, whenever he’d narrowly escaped death, he’d seen countless spirits beckoning from afar.
Yet for the first time in his life, he’d seen an angel. The thrill he’d felt then still lingered.
“Did I really do it?”
Had wandering the meadow just been a dream?
Lea asked, eyes wide with wonder. Terren nodded.
“Thank goodness.”
Relieved, Lea gave a weak smile and collapsed.
Terren’s shout for the doctor and Pauline’s weeping as she rushed in echoed in Lea’s ears.
[This is the timeline separator]Terren, Luke, and James waited anxiously in the study for someone who still hadn’t arrived, growing increasingly frustrated.
“It’s the area between Bern and Basel. There are many forests there, so escaped slaves reportedly hide and live in them.”
Luke had just returned from reporting the bandits to the Rubec Police Department.
“Whether slaves or bandits, we must eradicate them as soon as possible. Both of you nearly met with disaster.”
James, the steward, spoke passionately. He scolded them thoroughly—saying it was wrong to leave with no escort and just the two of them, and insisting they take guards next time.
“Anyway, I’m amazed by Miss Grace once again. I suppose you truly understand someone only after seeing them in action?”
After hearing from Terren how Grace had acted, Luke could hardly believe his own ears.
“I should apologize for having dismissed her as childish and petulant.”
“By the way, why hasn’t Doctor Wilson arrived yet? I’ll go check.”
Just as James, growing impatient, was about to leave the study, a knock came, and the door opened.
Doctor Wilson had returned after finishing Grace’s treatment. Terren’s eyes finally lit up.
“How is Grace?”
“She has pneumonia.”
Everyone stared at Wilson in shock—his expression was deeply troubled.
“Given her naturally frail constitution, combined with exhaustion and heavy exposure to rain, this is the result. Tonight will likely be the critical point.”
“The critical point?”
Terren shot up from his seat, running his hands roughly through his hair in distress. Luke and James shared his anguish.
“Use any means necessary to save her, Wilson.”
“I’ll do my utmost, Your Grace.”
“First Baron Aiden, and now Miss Grace—what misfortune is this?”
Luke spoke with a dazed expression.
Terren was on the verge of bearing another unbearable burden.
Just then, James noticed Wilson hesitating, as if he had something more to say.
“Doctor Wilson, is there something you’d like to add?”
“I’m not sure if I should say this, but there’s only one certain method.”
“A certain method? What is it?”
Terren fixed Wilson with a sharp glare.
“Do you know the organization called ‘Rafa’? They’re quite famous even in Lebon…”
“Aren’t they a violent gang?”
Luke asked, puzzled.
Though originally composed of gypsies, they were now infamous for taking on any profitable job.
“Their leader supposedly deals in every kind of medicine. Among them is a pneumonia remedy smuggled from the Eastern Continent.”
“Opium?”
Terren couldn’t hide his suspicion. Any medicine from a violent organization was likely to be dubious.
“No. It’s a herbal concoction from the Eastern Continent, said to be exceptionally effective against pneumonia.”
Upon hearing this, Terren immediately stood up. If the medicine existed, he had to retrieve it—though he anticipated it wouldn’t be easy.
“The problem is, even with money, they won’t readily hand it over. It’s said that even the Emperor of Rubec would have to bow his head to obtain it.”
“Arrogant thugs.”
Terren replied coldly.
“How long do I have to get it?”
Terren glanced at the clock and asked Wilson.
“By five this evening…”
“I’ll bring it.”
As Terren moved to leave, Luke stepped in front of him.
Charging into Rafa while wounded in the shoulder?
Terren didn’t realize it, but Rafa’s members were unimaginably ruthless.
Even the police department avoided their territory entirely.
“Luke, bring me my sword.”
“Your Grace!”
Luke cried out in protest, but Terren’s icy stare silenced him.
“I meant I’d go with you.”
Luke lowered his head like a frightened puppy.
‘What’s going on? Why is the Duke’s life so turbulent all of a sudden?’
After the war ended, Terren’s days had been as calm as a still lake—lonely, dull, and utterly devoid of vitality.
It seemed Grace’s sudden transformation marked the beginning of this change. Even more unbelievable was Terren’s own attitude toward her.
‘They’ve both gone mad. Round and round—’
[This is the timeline separator]On the outskirts of Lebon, in Rafa’s territory, Terren and his private soldiers had taken position.
Terren scoffed at the ostentatious building that stood out starkly against the slums.
“Luke, what’s the status of my orders?”
“Everything’s ready. Just give the signal.”
“Good.”
Terren kicked open the door to Rafa’s headquarters, and the gang members immediately charged at him with weapons drawn.
“I am Duke Terren Courtois. Bring me your leader.”
Instead of attacking, the gang members stepped back. Though nobles occasionally visited Rafa, none had ever stormed in broad daylight.
“You have three minutes. Bring me your leader.”
At Terren’s ultimatum, the gang members sneered and mocked him.
“When three minutes pass, your heads will roll across this stone floor.”
Only then did the men who’d been laughing grow serious.
Just then, movement stirred among the gang members. The tightly packed crowd split into two, clearing a path. An old man emerged, leaning on a cane.
“Oh dear! The war hero of Rubec gracing such a humble place! I am Rafa.”
‘So that’s the leader’s name.’
Though the old man—with his white hair, deep wrinkles, and stooped posture—seemed unremarkable, his eyes gleamed with sharpness.
Terren instinctively sensed this elder was Rafa’s boss.
Yet a peculiar scent emanated from him—reminiscent of strong spices or musk. Whether from the fragrance or his gaze, the old man radiated an extraordinary aura.
“You have a quick-acting remedy for pneumonia?”
“So you’ve heard rumors about the herbal medicine?”
The old man smiled calmly, yet his eyes scrutinized Terren meticulously.
Rafa had met every powerful figure who fancied himself influential—except the Emperor and the Courtois ducal family. Yet here stood one of them.
Indeed, the rumors were true—he was no ordinary man.
‘Such a young whelp, yet his audacity is extraordinary.’
Rafa clicked his tongue.
“I need the medicine.”
“Oh dear! It’s not so easily given away.”
“I’ll pay whatever you ask. If that’s not enough, I can cut off your head instead. And if that still doesn’t satisfy you, I’ll erase this place from Lebon’s map.”
Rafa laughed dismissively. Youthful arrogance had its limits.
“Not very becoming of someone in need, is it?”
“Must I bow my head to get the medicine?”
“Would you be willing to?”
Tension crackled between the two men. Suddenly, Terren’s lips curled into a cold, sardonic smile.
“!?”
Rafa broke out in goosebumps. He’d never felt such a threat in his entire life.
“I’ll ask once more—will you give me the medicine or not?”
“Well… that’s…”
As Rafa shook his head, Terren instantly raised his left hand. At that moment, a deafening explosion shook the ground outside, rattling the building.
“Yaaah!”
The gathered men screamed in panic.
“I did say I could erase this district from Lebon’s map.”
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]
[Touch the gear icon in the bottom right corner of the screen to move to the next chapter if you want.]
I don’t understand, if she is trying to save the twins, why is she putting a gun to her head? She needs to be alive for the twins to survive.
This is sounding less like a punishment and more like a privilege.
Sometimes this novel’s inability to reflect anything close to realism frustrates me. Let’s reward arson and attempted murder! (Can’t help but point out the lack of creativity with Mr. Baker’s name.)