The Duke's Flower is Precarious (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 8
Her long eyelashes fluttered faintly as she slowly opened her eyes. Her irises, like dew-laden blades of grass, quivered for a moment as if trying to grasp the situation, scanning her surroundings.
She was inside a grand bedroom adorned with ornate ceiling frescoes and cornice moldings. Drawing back the bed curtains, she saw through the window directly ahead a meticulously tended, expansive garden. One thing was certain—this was not her usual room where she woke up each morning.
‘I left the count’s mansion yesterday.’
It finally felt real. The fact that she had truly departed from the Count’s household—the very place she had longed so desperately to escape. Although it hadn’t happened in the way she had imagined…
‘Kaeron Roman de Elyos…’
Recalling the man who had extended his hand when she felt trapped as if sinking into mud, Aidel tightly gripped the sheets. She still couldn’t decide whether holding his hand had truly been the wise choice.
“You’re awake.”
“Oh… Good morning.”
Following a brief knock, the door opened to reveal a middle-aged woman. Her neatly pressed, wrinkle-free attire and hair pulled up without a single stray strand seemed to reflect her character. Bowing politely, she introduced herself.
“I am Marline, head maid of the Grand Duke’s household. From now on, I will personally serve Lady Aidel, the future Grand Duchess.”
At the words “future Grand Duchess,” Aidel flinched slightly. It was finally sinking in—this was now an irreversible reality. Noticing her confusion, Marline spoke gently.
“You fell asleep immediately yesterday, so you likely don’t remember. This is the Grand Duchess’s chamber—the space that will belong to you from now on.”
“The Grand Duchess’s chamber…?”
“Yes. One exists both within the palace in the Grand Duchy of Elyos and in the Grand Duke’s residence in the capital. It is a space of deep heritage, passed down since the days of the House of Duke Roman.”
“Roman” was the Grand Duke’s middle name and also the name of the ducal house to which the Empress Dowager had belonged—the empire’s highest-ranking noble family before the current Grand Duke’s rise.
She recalled reading an article about how, upon ascending the throne, the current Emperor had granted his elder brother the title of Grand Duke of Elyos, and how the Grand Duke had inherited the vast estates and fortunes of the Duke Roman’s house—an influential maternal kin with no direct heir.
“To be honest, I’ve been anxious all this time, wondering when the rightful occupant of this room would finally arrive. I’m so glad to meet you at last.”
Marline’s eyes sparkled with emotion as she guided Aidel toward the bathroom inside the room.
“Let’s freshen up first. His Grace has invited you to share lunch.”
“I will. Thank you, Marline.”
Even in her just-awoken state, her posture and movements remained perfectly upright and graceful. Though their exchange had been brief, one’s character could be judged just by the way they looked at and addressed their subordinates.
‘So this is indeed the future Grand Duchess whom His Grace personally brought here.’
A soft smile spread across Marline’s lips. She was immediately fond of the future Grand Duchess. Just seeing how the Grand Duke had carried her here wrapped in his coat was enough to confirm that this young woman held special meaning to him, coloring Marline’s impression with goodwill.
Glancing at the Grand Duke’s coat laid neatly on the bed, Marline was suddenly reminded of him during his days as a prince. Resembling the late Empress Dowager, his refined features had made him appear endlessly beautiful. Yet, contrary to his outward grace, his temperament had been strikingly indifferent and aloof.
There had been one occasion when a young noblewoman, blinded by infatuation, flung herself at him like a moth to a flame. Deliberately bumping into him, she feigned a stumble, hoping he would catch her. In the end, someone did indeed catch her—but only because she had clutched his coat tightly enough to steady herself.
“I-I’m so sorry! I tripped…”
Blushing, the noblewoman apologized. When he looked coldly at the hand gripping his coat collar, she sheepishly withdrew it. Without a word, the Grand Duke removed the coat.
“Dispose of it, Marline.”
Though completely undamaged, his gesture implied that the coat was now unclean simply because another person’s hands had touched it. Leaving the noblewoman flushed and on the verge of tears, he had turned away with icy detachment.
‘I always thought His Grace suffered from severe mysophobia…’
He had always behaved in a manner that suggested an extreme aversion—particularly toward women. Yet yesterday, this same man had personally carried a woman wrapped in his own coat back to his estate.
Moreover, since their sudden departure from the Count’s mansion meant the future Grand Duchess hadn’t had time to pack properly, the Grand Duke had already instructed that Madame Pomponu—the empire’s foremost women’s fashion designer—be summoned that afternoon.
Nor did it end there. The Grand Duke had issued orders to ensure the future Grand Duchess experienced no discomfort whatsoever, commanding a thorough inspection and refurbishment of the entire Grand Duke’s residence.
Thanks to his directives, staff had begun redecorating the future Grand Duchess’s future study since early morning, and, knowing her love of books, had just placed orders for volumes from the Imperial and Imperial University libraries to stock the mansion’s library.
‘At last, His Grace has truly found his life partner.’
The Grand Duke’s life had always been excessive in its perfection and smoothness. His face, so detached and impassive in all things, sometimes even gave the impression of boredom with life itself.
Looking at the future Grand Duchess’s clear, dewy complexion as she emerged freshly washed, Marline’s eyes gleamed with anticipation. She was certain this young woman would transform the life of a man who had previously felt no joy.
[This is the timeline separator]The woman who had captured the Grand Duke’s heart—news of her stirred not only the Grand Duke’s household but rippled far beyond.
Per the Grand Duke’s orders, Gregory had drafted a press release last night, and by this morning, every newspaper across the empire prominently featured the announcement of the future Grand Duchess.
“Is this true?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Pascal, the current Emperor of the empire and the Grand Duke’s only younger brother, asked his steward Isaac once more in disbelief. He reread the newspaper in his hands.
“Aidel of House of Count Fleur…”
The Grand Duke’s sudden marriage announcement—made without any prior hint—left Pascal speechless, his mouth agape in shock. In fact, he hadn’t even known there was a woman named Aidel in the Fleur household.
‘I thought her name was Rozeline.’
He recalled a young woman from the previous New Year’s ball—fresh and dazzling like a rose—who had captivated many an aristocrat’s eye. He knew she had been steadily gaining influence in society, often referred to as “the flower of Fleur.”
Though the newspaper carried no photograph, the name clearly differed from the Count Fleur’s daughter he knew. It wasn’t impossible for a noble daughter to remain unknown if she had never entered society—but the surprise didn’t stop there.
“She placed first in the Imperial University entrance exam?”
“Yes. She’ll be entering the Faculty of Administration this year. His Grace is said to be offering full support…”
A noble lady—soon to become the Grand Duchess and one of the empire’s highest-ranking aristocrats—entering Imperial University?
“Forgive my boldness, but scoring top of the entrance exam suggests she must possess exceptional intellect.”
As a fellow alumnus of Imperial University, Isaac understood how rigorous the entrance examinations were. Thus, even without knowing her personally, he could clearly infer the future Grand Duchess possessed considerable academic depth and insight.
“What on earth is my brother thinking…?”
Pascal frowned slightly. His elder brother had always been inscrutable. But now—announcing a sudden engagement and publicly welcoming a future Grand Duchess who would boldly enroll in Imperial University?
It was especially astonishing given his well-known indifference toward women. The fact that Gregory, the Grand Duke’s own aide, had personally drafted the official press release clearly signaled an intent to openly acknowledge and legitimize her status.
“I’d better see my brother myself. Send a formal invitation to the Grand Duke’s household—extend an invitation for both him and the future Grand Duchess to join me for dinner.”
After all, wasn’t this the same brother who had handed him the imperial throne himself, claiming even that was a burden? Such a man surely had a deliberate, exceptional motive behind this unusually public reception of his future consort.
“Also, initiate a thorough investigation into the future Grand Duchess. Find out everything—her character, how she was raised in the Count’s household—leave no detail unexamined.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The article concluded by stating the future Grand Duchess had already moved into the Grand Duke’s residence to begin preparation for her role and wedding.
While it wasn’t unheard of for foreign brides to do so, it was unusual for a future Grand Duchess to relocate to the Grand Duke’s estate ahead of time—especially when the Count’s mansion remained in the capital and no special reason had been given.
‘Normally, a family that cherishes their daughter would wish to keep her with them just a little longer…’
There must be a reason why Aidel, reportedly the eldest daughter of House Fleur, remained unknown in society—unlike her younger sister Rozeline.
The Emperor’s azure eyes gleamed with a mix of curiosity, intrigue, and slight wariness toward this enigmatic future Grand Duchess—his temperament, like his elder brother’s, despising unpredictability.
[This is the timeline separator]“This is absurd!”
Expensive cosmetics in fine porcelain containers shattered loudly as they hit the floor. Reflected in the gold-trimmed vanity mirror was a woman still fuming, huffing angrily even after hurling objects around.
Rozeline’s eyes burned with rage, reddening at the corners like her own hair color. She glared down at the woman kneeling on the floor—Bien, Aidel’s personal maid, forcibly dragged in by Rozeline’s own servants.
“I told you to tell me everything you know! How did my sister even take the Imperial University exam, and when did she meet the Grand Duke?”
“I don’t know. As I’ve already said, all I know is that Lady Aidel went into town for a fitting recently and then visited the Imperial Library to borrow books.”
Like a rose with razor-sharp thorns, Rozeline was fierce. Despite her swollen cheek—slapped hard by Rozeline—Bien repeated the same answer stubbornly.
Rozeline snatched up the newspaper beside her and threw it onto Bien’s face. The sharp edge of the paper grazed her skin, drawing blood that now dripped steadily onto the floor.
“How can you, her closest maid who’s always by her side, possibly know nothing? Not only did she deceive us all and become the Grand Duchess—she’s even enrolling in Imperial University!”
The Countess had already collapsed in shock yesterday the moment the Grand Duke and Aidel left the mansion together.
Rozeline herself had desperately hoped this was all a nightmare—but this morning’s newspapers carried not only the official confirmation of her elder sister as the future Grand Duchess but also news of her university admission, something Rozeline had never known about.
So that was why she stayed up reading books until late every night… The thought of her sister’s perpetually unreadable, emotionless face made Rozeline’s fury flare anew.
Though noblewomen attending Imperial University was frowned upon in high society, the Grand Duke had publicly declared his support for the future Grand Duchess’s enrollment—leaving no bold noble willing to challenge the stance of the empire’s highest-ranking aristocrat.
‘The one and only, noble Grand Duchess of the Empire…’
Rozeline bit her lips until they bled, unable to accept that her sister had claimed such a position.
‘You’re nothing but a scentless artificial flower!’
She resented her sister—whose natural, modest appearance couldn’t conceal her inherent beauty and elegance. No matter how extravagantly Rozeline dressed herself in expensive gowns and jewels, her sister’s indifferent eyes never showed even a trace of envy.
The only time that composure ever cracked was when the House of Count Fleur denied her existence. Each time Rozeline reminded her she was an “impure seed born without fragrance,” the thrill of watching those steady jade-green eyes tremble ever so slightly was intoxicating.
‘I’m nothing like my sister.’
Rozeline picked up a perfume bottle left on her vanity and sprayed it over herself. As the rich scent of roses filled her lungs, her chaotic mood finally began to settle.
‘I am the Empire’s true flower—the one destined for the highest seat.’
Of all the phrases in the news article, the one she hated most was “the Empire’s flower,” used to describe House Fleur—the family of the future Grand Duchess. That title was meant for her and her alone.
‘Artificial flowers should stay artificial.’
The dead belonged among the dead. Rozeline’s eyes glinted sharply, like the thorns of a rose ready to strike.
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.]
Well it appears in this novel the emperor is a gullible fool.
Can’t wait for second prince to die . How dare he touch grand Duchess with his filthy hand.
I hope Kareon kills first prince . But maybe that’s not going to happen because of diplomatic relations between kingdoms. If at that moment aidel would have remained unconscious ,second prince definitely would have died .It’s unfortunate , that bastard should have died on spot.