But perhaps because their power had become too great, their greed grew day by day, and the Emperor’s tacit consent made their abuse of power even worse.
“Yes. They say it’s for building the family tomb of the Gretta family.”
‘Family tomb?’
Duke Valige held back a laugh at the ridiculous news.
They were mobilizing magicians who should be used for saving lives right now, just for the construction of the family tomb. He clicked his tongue briefly.
Probably, even if they submitted numerous petitions to the Imperial family, nothing would change.
Anyone could see that this was a scheme hatched by the Empress to harass Harlen’s domain, the stronghold of the Permanence family.
The Duke tapped his desk and opened his mouth.
“I’ll go to the Curpit River myself. I will personally oversee and command the situation there.”
“Yes!”
What they wanted most was the magicians, but just the fact that the Duke himself was going to the disaster site would greatly increase people’s relief. Their meeting continued late into the night.
[This is the time separator]“It really pours endlessly, doesn’t it?”
The sound of rain pouring as if to beat the window made the old mansion seem even chillier.
Two days had passed since she awkwardly met the Duke, but she hadn’t seen his face once.
“Just one thin wall separates us…”
Lina had first knocked on the door to attend the Duke, but it was useless. He always left the room before her.
He seemed to be avoiding her on purpose, as she couldn’t see the Duke’s face at all.
Thanks to that, since coming here, all she did was sit in her room all day or take a walk, although the continuous rain kept her from leaving the mansion.
And again today, as she roamed the hallway looking out of the window, Lina suddenly noticed the atmosphere of the mansion had changed.
Servants were busy carrying luggage here and there, and outside the mansion, carriages loaded with luggage were bustling.
‘What’s going on?’
Feeling curious, Lina approached a man moving luggage nearby and asked.
“Is something happening at the mansion? Everyone seems busy.”
The man, who looked like a servant, answered after putting down the luggage he was carrying.
“The Duke and the Count are going camping to the Curpit River tomorrow.”
“Camping?”
“Yes. To personally control the flood area of the Curpit River. I’m busy now, so excuse me.”
The servant quickly moved on, seemingly in a hurry.
‘The Curpit River flooded again.’
She didn’t even know why the Duke had come here in the first place. But she had heard of the Curpit River before.
That it suffered from flooding every monsoon season was known to anyone in the Empire.
‘The mansion will be empty for a while, then? What about the ring?’
Pretending as if she would give a ring if only Lina followed to Harlen territory. That little life. Lina swallowed words she couldn’t dare utter out loud.
Not even receiving a ring, and not even being able to see the Duke’s face. It was frustrating for her.
What’s more, it seemed he had no intention of taking her with him, especially as he hadn’t even notified that he was setting out to camp.
“Hoo. Then I’ll just wait a few more days at the mansion.”
Thinking optimistically that it would be prolonged for no more than a week? That’s when she turned her back to return to her room.
“The mage is needed!”
‘Mage?’
Lina halted at the familiar word that rang in her ears. Approaching the place where the sound had come from, she saw the servants gathered, talking with serious faces.
“Clearly, the royal family has abandoned Harlen territory.”
“Those wicked ones. They should come down here and see the situation for themselves!”
“If they had sent the mages earlier, the recovery would have been completed after the rainy season ended. The damage from the rain that’s coming now would have been less!”
Since all the empire’s mages were attached to the imperial palace, they couldn’t hire a mage at will.
Because of this, they needed the royal family’s approval to receive support in all cases where magical manpower was necessary.
‘Is the support for mages not coming?’
Typically, the royal family dispatched mages to help in disaster recovery from natural calamities. But even though the rainy season had ended quite a while ago, there was no support.
Lina was reminded of a village where she had briefly stayed in the past. Everyone was kind to her, and they were all warmhearted people.
But the sudden downpour had flooded the village, and overnight, those who had lost loved ones and homes were left in despair and wailing.
She had done everything she could for them back then, but it wasn’t enough on her own. For a moment, their crying voices seemed to ring in her ears.
[This is the time separator]She didn’t know how she had returned to her room afterward. Lina was entrapped by memories of the past, finding it hard to perceive reality for a brief moment.
“Haah.”
Lina, who had collapsed onto the sofa, stared blankly at the ceiling. The ornate painting that was always there didn’t suit her, as always.
Had she been still for a while? Lina seemed to make up her mind and murmured lowly.
“Alright. Let’s go.”
To the Cuerfit River. Since they said they needed a mage’s help, let’s lend the power of magic. Without anyone knowing.
“But if I say I’ll follow, he will surely object.”
The floodaffected area will be full of chaos. He couldn’t take a woman rumored to be his lover, and it was clear he would think Lina would only be a hindrance.
And Lina didn’t particularly want to go with the Duke either.
“If I go with the Duke, there will be restrictions on using magic.”
She intended to help them using magic, but only in a way that absolutely wouldn’t get caught.
She didn’t know how magical help would be needed, but she could use magic secretly if she went without being noticed.
So, she planned to follow secretly. Thus, Lina spent the whole day planning her trip to the Cuerfit River.
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.]
