Instead of excessively ornate decorations, detailed wooden carvings reminiscent of wood were placed in various places, and gold was applied to the seams, creating an elegant and sophisticated feeling.
Thanks to this, there was a trend of giant white carriages in the capital, but there was no one who implemented the pure white magnolia without flaws, not to mention the unusually fast horses.
“He really came.”
“Well, today is a special day.”
Today was the Emperor’s birthday celebration.
Whether you wanted to appear pleasing or not to the Emperor, if you were a noble, you had to attend.
Especially if you were in a position like someone with the Emperor’s leash tightly held, even more so.
“I thought she would look a bit more distressed after losing her husband, but she looks healthier than expected.”
“How long has it been since she got pregnant? Her belly doesn’t seem to be swelling much…”
“Maybe it’s not noticeable because she’s so thin?”
As Rivianna got off the carriage, numerous comments poured out, trying to subtly observe her like meerkats, all discreetly fanning their faces. Laughter, almost mocking, erupted spontaneously without anyone prompting, as everyone was eager to point out Lady Creighton’s flaws.
However, amid the mockery, probing eyes continued to closely follow every move of Rivianna. Hairstyle, worn jewelry, dress design – nothing could escape their scrutiny.
Rivianna Creighton was a trend in herself. Everything she wore, everything she ate, everything she did became a trend, making her the center of attention.
This time was no different.
Especially since Rivianna had not slowed down her social activities for a while. Many were eagerly anticipating the new trend she would bring.
Of course, it would be even better if there were subtle rumors mixed in.
The crowd’s attention sparkled when another carriage, following Creighton’s, arrived.
Unlike the fashionable carriages in the capital, the large and sturdy one without much decoration stood out. It was the carriage of Duke Piren.
Finally, the protagonists of the rumors were all gathered in one place.
Tonight promised to be quite an interesting night.
It felt like becoming a curious animal on display.
Despite feeling countless gazes directed at me, I walked forward pretending not to notice.
Everyone seemed to make an effort to approach me and strike up a conversation at least once, but none had the courage to break through the Emperor’s knights protecting me.
Knowing that, I stood up straighter, placing my hands on my belly. Even with an added cloth, my belly looked a bit more swollen than usual.
The audience, eager not to miss even my trivial actions, would quickly notice the fact. Thanks to the pre-spreading stories, people had become increasingly curious about my child, more than ever before.
I slightly raised my head.
Two seats were arranged above the ballroom. Normally reserved for the Emperor to overlook the entire ballroom, sometimes VIPs occupied these seats.
“You can come this way.”
I received the polite escort of the Imperial knight and ascended to the designated seat. Along with it, the already warm glances and attention felt even more intense, but fortunately, I was accustomed to such situations.
I confidently ascended the stairs and met the Emperor, who was already sitting in his seat.
“You’ve finally arrived, Lady Creighton. No need for formality, make yourself comfortable.” The Emperor gestured with a smiling face.
I didn’t refuse and sat down right beside him.
“Isn’t it challenging? They say it’s tough to move around when you’re pregnant.”
“I appreciate your concern, but I’m fine.”
“That’s good then. You have a lot to do in the future; shouldn’t you manage your energy?”
Meaningless conversation ensued, but the onlookers, unaware of the facts, intensified their curious gazes.
Even without looking down, I seemed to know. Everyone was curious about what the Emperor and I were talking about.
It was a good thing for me.
“Aren’t you nervous?”
“I don’t know.”
“Our Lady Creighton has a strong heart. I’m quite nervous myself.”
“I didn’t expect Your Majesty to talk like that.”
“Just in case there’s an accident or something.”
The Emperor, narrowing one eye, subtly gestured in one direction.
At that moment, guards at the entrance of the ballroom were announcing a new visitor.
“Duke Calix Piren is entering!”
Despite the warm glances directed at him, the man who confidently walked forward had a strange feeling.
Though everyone looked similar, he seemed like he was cut out and pasted from a different picture.
Of course, it wasn’t that he was dressed oddly. He wore a suit fitting for the ball, and his tall and well-built figure made him look charming even without extravagant attire.
“He didn’t come to the ball; it seems more like he’s going on a diplomatic mission.”
Hearing the Emperor’s sarcastic remark, I finally realized the source of the odd feeling. It was only the atmosphere surrounding Duke Piren that was different.
He was the only one here familiar with something other than peace.
“Maybe you should loosen up your expression. Try to smile a bit. Thanks to you, everyone got scared.”
“It probably feels unfamiliar to you.”
“That’s true, but it seems like I’m getting worse day by day. Do I look like this in front of you too?”
Even the Emperor’s playful banter didn’t ease the tension.
Because I knew exactly whose gaze the man staring intently was directed towards.
From the moment I entered the ballroom, the man’s gaze had been unwaveringly fixed on me.
I knew where that gaze was directed, yet I pretended not to notice.
That’s when something covered my hand.
Instinctively, I frowned and lowered my gaze.
The Emperor was holding my hand.
“Be careful. Calix is not in a good mood right now.”
Even so, I acted as defiantly as ever.
With a smirk, the Emperor lifted my held hand slightly.
It was an action meant to display it openly.
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.]
