Here is the English translation of the Korean paragraph:
Haldin’s ancestor, the former Duke of Delmark, was a national hero who defended the empire in the last magical war.
To obtain the power to protect the empire, he made a contract with a mythical being, which had now become a creature of legend.
In return, he received a strong body capable of using both Ora and magic simultaneously.
Normally, humans could only harness one of these powers: Ora or magic.
However, the former Duke of Delmark, through his contract with the mythical being, gained the ability to wield both Ora and magic, and this power led to victory in the war.
But great power comes with great consequences.
Using Ora and magic together was like mixing fire and oil; if handled properly, it could create great synergy, but if mishandled, it could lead to a rampage of power.
The power inherited by the former Duke continued through the generations, often becoming a formidable force to save the country but occasionally bringing misfortune.
Haldin’s father was also one of the descendants who inherited that power. Just like his ancestors, he used his power for the benefit of the people and the empire.
Everyone in the empire both feared and admired him.
But tragedy struck unexpectedly.
In the year when Haldin turned twelve, his mother was found dead, killed by a monster during a family trip.
The former Duke, who discovered her lifeless body, went into a frenzy, brutally slaughtering all the monsters in that forest. He then took his own life to protect his son from his own uncontrollable rage.
The downfall of the Delmark Duchy, which had received the admiration of many, spread far and wide, even reaching the ears of Blair, who lived in the palace.
While people mourned the fall of the Delmark Duchy in public, they whispered behind closed doors, speculating that someday Haldin, who had inherited the same power as his father, might also go on a merciless rampage.
“Still, I really want to win this time…” Blair eventually suppressed her fear with a competitive spirit and approached Haldin.
Behind the cards, Haldin’s deep eyes, as clear as a blue lake, were visible. Long eyelashes cast shadows on them.
“Beautiful.”
The Haldin Blair saw in person seemed like an ordinary boy, albeit a bit intimidating. He was not the terrifying figure rumored in the stories.
Just as she thought that, Haldin, who had been looking at his cards while Blair was lost in thought, raised his gaze, and their eyes met.
Blair, who had been taken by surprise by those deep blue eyes, absentmindedly picked up a card from her hand.
“Ah.”
Of all the cards she hastily picked, it happened to be the thief card.
Fortunately, thanks to Esmeralda taking the thief card away, Blair was able to win. The game ended with the thief card in Haldin’s hand.
Haldin intentionally let Blair win to end the game, but Blair didn’t realize that at the time.
As Blair, who had just become enthusiastic about the game, tried to shuffle the cards again, Haldin spoke up.
“I’ll take my leave now.”
“Oh my, time has passed so quickly.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Your Majesty.”
Esmeralda looked at Haldin with a concerned expression, as if waiting for him to respond.
“Haldin, I understand your feelings, but there’s no need to push yourself too hard to attend tomorrow.”
“It’s okay.”
Haldin, with proper manners, got up from his seat.
As he left, only Blair and Esmeralda were left in the reception room.
Esmeralda looked at Blair as if waiting and asked subtly, “So, how do you feel after meeting Haldin? Do you think you can be friends?”
Blair couldn’t answer right away and hesitated.
To be honest, it didn’t seem like she could become friends with Haldin. The Haldin she met in person was completely different from anyone Blair had ever met before.
His attitude a moment ago had been quite shocking to Blair.
Here is the English translation of the Korean paragraph:
Like others, he didn’t speak kindly to me or smile at me. Seeing Haldin, who had a neat appearance and polite manners, I realized that not everyone who appears proper is a good person.
Of course, he wasn’t as intimidating as the rumors suggested, but no matter how you looked at it, he didn’t seem like a good person. Despite his courteous facade, he appeared fierce and intimidating.
However, Blair didn’t want to disappoint Esmeralda, so she lied.
“Well… he’s not very talkative, but still, he seems like a good person.”
But her fidgeting fingers and her eyes darting away from Esmeralda’s gaze couldn’t be concealed.
“Lying is a bad habit, Blair.”
In response to Esmeralda’s comment, Blair felt embarrassed.
In the end, she had to be honest.
“Actually… Duke Delmark seems polite, but he doesn’t seem very courteous.”
Hearing Blair’s honest opinion, Esmeralda burst into laughter.
“It’s fortunate that Haldin didn’t hear that.”
Blair, worried that she had been too honest, added, “But, you know, I just met him today. Since he’s someone you hold dear, Your Majesty, I think he must be a good person. I really mean it.”
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.]