The Credentials of a Couple (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 8
It’s been quite a while since I last ventured this deep into the Imperial Palace.
I quickened my pace, glancing at the lavishly decorated interiors—unchanged from what I remembered.
I didn’t know the Emperor’s intentions, but I had never had any pleasant memories tied to the Imperial family.
“This way, please.”
The head steward opened the door and bowed deeply.
Inside the glass garden stood the Emperor.
“You’re finally here. I was waiting so long I thought my eyes would fall out.”
“Liviana Crayton pays her respects to the Sun of the Empire.”
“Spare me the formalities—no need to be so stiff.”
The Emperor grinned widely and walked toward me.
He had his hair neatly swept back in line with the capital’s current fashion, and jewels adorned his cravat—a man who felt distinctly different from the late Emperor.
Much like the bouquet he held out with a smile.
Caught off guard by the unexpected gift, I hesitated—until, offered again, I finally accepted the bouquet.
“These flowers bloomed quite beautifully, I thought—but beside the Marchioness Crayton, they seem to wilt.”
“You flatter me.”
“It’s no flattery—merely stating the truth.”
The Emperor’s eyes softened into a gentle curve.
I smiled along with him but subtly averted my gaze.
The new Emperor was clearly different from his predecessor, yet not entirely so.
His eyes carried the same gaze as his father’s.
“Speaking of which, I find myself envying Calix more than ever.”
“……”
“What’s so surprising? Everyone knows Calix and I are close.”
Soon enough, thanks to the Marchioness Crayton, our bond would grow even stronger.
The Emperor playfully winked one eye.
Only then did I realize why the Emperor had summoned me—it had something to do with Duke Pierne.
I hadn’t paid attention to Duke Pierne these past few days, overwhelmed as I’d been.
“Your Majesty, I’m truly sorry—”
“No need to worry. Rumors will spread, but so what? They’re just rumors after all.”
The Emperor laughed, cutting off my words.
I opened my mouth again to clear up the misunderstanding, but once more, he spoke first.
“Besides, sometimes rumors can be useful—like those about the Lady Crayton.”
“Rumors about my daughter?”
“That she doesn’t resemble her father in the slightest.”
“Those rumors aren’t even worth mentioning.”
I knew that certain gossips had been whispering doubts about whether Bake was truly Meriel’s father.
But that was just gossip—nothing more.
I could say with absolute certainty that I had never once been unfaithful.
“Don’t give me that look. I know better than anyone that the two of you haven’t met even once since that incident.”
The Emperor drew slightly closer and lazily nodded his head.
Unlike me, whose mood had darkened, he seemed thoroughly amused.
“But that very rumor will help you two come together. Not many men would willingly raise another man’s child, so custody won’t be an issue.”
“What on earth are you—”
I couldn’t finish my sentence and swallowed hard.
A sudden memory flashed through my mind.
“I believe there’s been a misunderstanding.”
“A misunderstanding? What misunderstanding?”
Before I could speak, the sound of a door opening interrupted us.
Both the Emperor and I turned our heads instinctively.
“You’re late, Calix.”
“……”
“What are you waiting for? Hurry over here, already. If you’re late, you’d better move quickly now.”
“I only asked you to prepare a place for me.”
Duke Pierne strode in with long, firm steps and stood between the Emperor and me.
I found myself staring blankly at the broad back of the man who’d appeared so abruptly.
I finally understood why Duke Pierne had brought up events from eight years ago—but that didn’t resolve all my doubts.
“Don’t be so cold. I only thought your lady might be lonely on her own and wanted to keep her company.”
“In that case, you may now kindly step aside.”
“What’s wrong with the three of us enjoying a cozy chat together?”
“……”
“Fine! Alright! I’ll vanish like the nuisance I am—go ahead and have your private talk. Happy now?”
Only after the Emperor grumbled his way out did Duke Pierne turn around—and my eyes widened.
He was standing far too close.
“Uh.”
Flustered, I instinctively stepped back but accidentally stepped on my own hem, losing my balance and falling backward.
Yet I didn’t embarrass myself by falling—though, truthfully, falling might have been better.
If I had, I wouldn’t have had to dwell on the firm sensation now pressing against my waist.
I looked up at the man’s impassive face and bit my lip hard.
Ironically, we were now even closer than before.
“……”
“……”
A brief silence hung between us.
I pushed Duke Pierne’s arm away and straightened myself.
Throughout it all, he showed no reaction whatsoever.
Not even a simple “Are you alright?” or a flicker of embarrassment—just staring at me.
That indifference made it even harder to bear.
Seeing his composed face stirred up memories I’d desperately tried to suppress.
But it wasn’t unbearable—not yet.
More importantly, this meeting with Duke Pierne would be our last.
We would never be entangled again after this.
“I’m sorry. I misunderstood.”
“……What exactly did you misunderstand?”
Was it my imagination, or did his voice sound unusually low?
I took another step back and clenched my fists tightly.
“……Have you, by any chance, met Margaret since returning to the capital?”
“Margaret?”
Duke Pierne’s brow furrowed.
Unlike Margaret, who had claimed they’d spent the night together, he seemed unsure who she even was.
I let out a hollow laugh and slumped my shoulders.
“Never mind. She’s not someone you need to know anyway.”
“There must be a reason you’d bring up such a person here.”
I wished he’d just let it go—but his steady, insistent gaze wouldn’t yield.
I knew he wouldn’t back down unless I gave a proper explanation.
In the end, I had no choice but to surrender.
“……She told me she was carrying your child.”
“……”
For just an instant—but unmistakably to my eyes—
the stoic man’s pupils flickered.
But I pretended not to notice.
I had countless questions—but I asked none.
Rehashing the past wouldn’t change anything.
Too much time had already passed.
“Now you understand, don’t you? Every word we’ve exchanged until now was based on a misunderstanding.”
“……”
“Once again, I sincerely apologize for my misjudgment that blew this matter out of proportion. If you wish, I’m prepared to offer appropriate compensation.”
“……”
I couldn’t decipher the meaning behind his unwavering gaze.
To be honest, I didn’t want to understand.
Slowly exhaling, I wrapped my arms around myself as if for protection.
I just wanted to finish what I needed to say and leave this place.
“If you have nothing more to say, I’ll take my leave now.”
Unable to meet Duke Pierne’s eyes any longer, I turned to walk away.
But my steps were halted almost immediately.
Duke Pierne swiftly moved in front of me and looked down.
I lifted my head wearily.
“Do you have something else to say?”
“……”
“If not, please step aside.”
Under my impatient stare, he finally moved to the side.
His expression remained unreadable—still as blank as ever.
But whether it was love, guilt, or something else entirely, I no longer cared.
All I knew was that we’d ended long ago.
*** *** ***
“Bake. Drinking already in broad daylight?”
“……Shut up.”
“Oh, I get it—you heard the news! The lovely Marchioness paid a visit to the palace today!”
“……”
“Don’t glare at me like that. I’m on your side, aren’t I?”
Count Naret grinned slyly and draped an arm over Bake’s shoulder.
Bake glared back with bloodshot eyes, then downed his drink in one gulp.
“It’s just work. There’s nothing wrong between my wife and me.”
“Of course not! A refined lady like the Marchioness would never get tangled in some vulgar love triangle. Unlike that dog rolling around in the frontier—who knows what he’s capable of.”
“……”
“What good is noble blood if it’s worn thin enough to be no different from those filthy mercenaries? A man like that couldn’t possibly have any sense of loyalty.”
Count Naret deliberately exaggerated his tone as he refilled Bake’s glass.
Judging by his slurred speech, Bake had clearly been drinking heavily even before he arrived—but that didn’t matter.
Experience had taught him that the drunker Bake got, the more generous a drinking partner he became.
“Remember? At that party, right in front of everyone, that man casually spoke to you first. Do you honestly think he’d have done that if he’d respected you even a little?”
“……”
“Thinking about it now, the Marchioness went too far. She knew exactly how everyone would see it, yet she still spoke to him alone.”
“……”
“Poor Bake.”
Count Naret clutched his chest dramatically and frowned.
Bake didn’t turn to look at him, but his mouth twisted into a grimace.
“I’m saying this as a friend—watch yourself.”
“……”
“Judging by how the Emperor’s acting already, he seems ready to give anything to Duke Pierne—yes, that man—just to secure his own position—”
Squeeeak—
The chair scraped out with an eerie sound.
Count Naret stumbled as he caught Bake rising unsteadily.
Bake was so drunk he could barely hold himself up.
“Oops. Better call a carriage right away.”
“Forget the carriage.”
Bake clumsily shoved Count Naret aside and turned away.
Watching Bake stagger off, teetering on the edge of collapse, a smile crept across Count Naret’s lips.
How long had it been since Bake became a noble? Yet he still couldn’t hide his emotions properly—it was almost laughable.
“Where do you think you’re going!”
“None of your business!”
The moment he snapped irritably, Bake’s unsteady body toppled over completely.
“Big talk for someone who’s only half a man.”
Instead of helping him up, Count Naret took the opportunity to peek into Bake’s wallet.
True to his merchant-born roots, the wallet was stuffed thick with bills.
Count Naret deftly pulled out all the cash and slipped it into his own pocket.
Judging by the state Bake was in, he’d likely need someone to cover for him soon—so taking his “service fee” in advance wouldn’t hurt.
*** *** ***
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The door rattled under a rough pounding.
Margaret rose calmly from her seat, as if accustomed to this.
Liviana had acted so confidently—but nothing had changed.
If their bond had been something that could end with just a single sheet of paper, it wouldn’t have lasted this long.
Margaret fought to suppress the smile tugging at her lips and opened the door.
As soon as it swung open, a pungent stench of alcohol stung her nose.
“……Weren’t we done?”
She tried to sound indifferent, but couldn’t hide the surge of hope brimming inside.
It had been a long time apart.
She’d missed the comfort of his embrace—missed him deeply.
“Then shall we start over?”
Bake leaned against the doorframe and looked down at her crookedly.
Margaret swallowed nervously under his gaze.
His pupils were slightly unfocused—he’d clearly been drinking heavily somewhere.
“What happened?”
“……”
Bake pressed his lips shut.
But from his flushed face, she could guess what had happened.
His pattern never changed.
He’d stew silently in front of his wife, unable to utter a word, until finally he came running to her arms.
She was the true victor, as always.
Margaret reached up and cupped Bake’s face with both hands.
Then, standing on tiptoe, she slowly pressed her lips to his.
His gaze wavered for just a moment—but only for an instant.
Margaret knew he wouldn’t push her away.
“I just wanted to comfort you.”
“……”
“Just for a moment. A very brief one.”
She pulled back just enough to look up at him—and deliberately bit his lower lip.
In that instant, Bake’s hand roughly seized the back of her head.
Margaret’s eyes widened briefly, then she wrapped her arms around his neck.
That was the beginning.
No more words were exchanged.
Only ragged breaths and greedy hands tangled together as they claimed each other.
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.]
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