“As you all know, our kingdom was at a disadvantage in the war. Compared to the empire, we were inferior in both military strength and technology. It’s safe to say that everyone anticipated the future that was to come.”
The background explanation was over. Having explained the difficulties he had overcome, it was time to prepare the next part of the story that the audience was waiting for.
How remarkable Callis Argen was! The achievements he had made!
How the hero of the century had turned out!
“Amidst the impending bitter defeat awaiting our army, I boldly went to His Majesty’s tent.”
Gradually, the sound of people’s breaths faded. So engrossed were they in the story that they forgot even the simple act of breathing.
“In front of His Majesty, I humbly lowered my head. Abandoning my knightly pride and dignity, I spoke on behalf of the homeland. I spoke of the war’s weaknesses and the peace and beauty we would lose because of it.”
He drew the sword that he had sheathed.
He repeatedly extended his arm upward and then bent and straightened his elbow. Each time he lifted the sword toward the sky, he yelled mightily.
“And! I brought it! Peace and beauty! Thanks to His Majesty the Emperor accepting my suggestion, the knights who defended their respective countries, and all the citizens who had given their best effort from birth until now! I dare to bestow blessings!”
Callis struck his sword onto the ground. A dull sound broke the silence, followed by the sounds of fireworks.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Fireworks exploded with a deafening roar.
It felt like the climax of the play. He relished the shivers coursing through his body and finally shouted,
“To commemorate the truce between the Empire and the Kingdom!”
“Callis Argen! Callis Argen!”
His name echoed everywhere.
Even the nobles sitting in special seats were busy clapping.
With a face full of joy, Callis descended the podium.
Back behind the curtain, he calmed his excited breath. That’s when he met Chloe.
“Good work, Your Highness.”
Her voice was sweet as she handed him his jacket.
“It’s fortunate they recognize me now.”
She must have also been moved by his speech.
Snatching his jacket somewhat arrogantly, he draped it over his shoulder.
Beyond the curtain, cheers praising the hero continued.
“The atmosphere is heated by the Duke’s story. I also find the tale deeply moving,” said the Emperor, whose voice calmed the surroundings.
It was now the Emperor’s turn. His speech needed to continue before the atmosphere and interest cooled down.
“I too think highly of the Duke’s achievements. However, as his title is the hero of the century, I also hope above all that he remains uncorrupted.”
But for some reason, the Emperor was segueing into an entirely different subject.
Someone had tipped me off. They said a hero of the century, representing a nation and influencing the empire, had committed fraud. As someone who must remain neutral, I can’t dare discuss whose words are true. So, let the wise among you listen and judge.
The audience quieted down at his words.
Those who had been shouting abruptly hushed, and began to whisper among themselves in subdued tones.
‘What is this…?’
The emperor’s words of neutrality felt unsettling. To Callis’s ears, it sounded almost like a death sentence.
He, who had been acknowledged by everyone, who had just been ruling at the top of the world, was now standing in a trial that would determine right from wrong.
With trembling eyes, Callis watched the gap in the curtain.
At that moment, footsteps sounded from behind me.
“Would you move out of the way?”
It was the footsteps of a woman who had been attending to me until a moment ago.
She asked in a cold voice.
Not only her voice had changed. The adoring gaze that had followed him as he descended the platform was gone, replaced by a contemptuous look, as if she were looking at a street rat.
“…Move?”
“I told you to step back because you’re in the way.”
Despite the repeated request, the other person remained frozen.
Chloe, lightly clicking her tongue, gently pushed the motionless Callis aside.
“I need to go up.”
The curtain he had been gripping was now in her hand. She applied force, and the curtain easily gave way.
Chloe briskly climbed the stairs leading to the platform.
Then, just before she took the last step, she turned back.
Perhaps he couldn’t fully grasp the situation with his dim wits; he was still dumbfounded.
“You did well, Callis. Putting on airs that don’t suit you. And…”
Looking at his dull face, Chloe jeered.
“Hiding yourself, wrapped tightly in hypocrisy, behind the mask.”
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.]
