More than half of the Imperial Guard personnel are former members of the Paladin Order and also serve as guards for Helene’s palace.
Unlike with me, they were very close to Helene.
‘I didn’t expect them to behave like this even for such an important event like a summit. Disappointing.’
But this also proved how well Helene had managed them.
Despite being of Quid descent, she had won the hearts of the Imperial Guard knights.
In a country like Nix, where serious discrimination prevails, it’s incredible that someone of Quid descent receives support from knights. In fact, I was almost ready to applaud her.
If it wasn’t against me.
‘Then I have no choice but to use the Royal Knight Order.’
But there was one major problem.
The Royal Knight Order had become a gathering place for loafers.
I found out that Valkyrie used to have quite a reputation in the past.
While the Imperial Guard protected the Emperor and Crusade guarded outside the capital, Valkyrie loyally served all royals and protected the capital itself.
They had different duties and respected each other’s roles.
The problem started when the current Emperor became a member of the Crusade.
‘During the last power struggle, the Crusade united behind Enrique, and Valkyrie sided with the first prince, Enrique’s rival.’
With Enrique’s ascension, the Crusade’s honor rose above the other orders.
As Enrique’s close Crusade associates moved to the Imperial Guard with his ascension, the Guard’s honor also increased.
Valkyrie, however, faced negative changes.
‘The former captain was executed on various charges along with the first prince, and the vice-captain was dismissed and returned home…’
Thus, Valkyrie faced internal divisions.
Notable knights requested a transfer to the Imperial Guard, which was readily accepted under the pretext of needing more personnel to guard the Saint’s palace.
‘So, what remained in Valkyrie were commoners or nobles without money or power, obviously lacking holy power.’
Now, there were open calls for the ‘tax-consuming Valkyrie to be abolished.’
‘Initially, they probably lay low to avoid the Emperor’s scrutiny. But over time, this became chronic alcoholism.’
Given their hopelessness, it’s understandable they deteriorated… but isn’t this too much?
At Valkyrie’s exclusive training ground.
Amidst bright daylight, where knights should have been training vigorously, none were visible.
Instead, the smell of alcohol assaulted my sensitive nose.
I covered my nose with my sleeve and slowly surveyed the surroundings.
“The level is deplorable.”
Derrick murmured in agreement.
Being a knight, it must have been unpleasant for him to see such a state.
I frowned slightly and whispered softly.
“This is a problem…”
Crusade couldn’t be called due to the nature of my soul. Just the thought of being surrounded by paladins at the banquet was suffocating.
Being near Enrique was a challenge in itself; not fainting would be a relief.
If I lose consciousness, Helene will happily take over the rest of the banquet.
‘I can’t let that happen.’
The Imperial Guard was lukewarm, so I didn’t want to use them.
And bringing in the Ahillo family’s private soldiers was out of the question, as it could be interpreted as planning a rebellion.
‘So, I have no choice but to make use of these drunkards.’
Good thing I came prepared to whip these knights into shape.
“Derrick. Call the captain of Valkyrie.”
“Leaving you alone is…”
“Call them. If not the captain, then the vice-captain. Bring them to me. And give that to me.”
“Call them as I said. If not the captain, then at least bring the vice-captain before me. And hand that to me.”
As I extended my hand, Derrick hesitantly handed me ‘that item.’
‘Ah, this feel. It’s been a while.’
The item was none other than a wooden sword.
A slender wooden sword, precisely modeled after my rapier, the Rapier.
Made from Karum wood, known for its elasticity and lightness, it was only slightly heavier than a silver knife.
‘Normally, wooden swords are made to match the weight of real swords, but I can’t wield something like that.’
I caressed the smooth edge of the sword and then firmly planted its tip into the ground. Standing assertively, I gazed ahead.
Thud!
Not long after Derrick left to carry out my command, a loud noise came from somewhere between the knight’s quarters and the training ground. Startled birds took flight in unison.
‘Ah, such a beautiful day.’
I watched the spectacle and looked up at the sky.
‘To be able to bask in the sunlight with my whole body.’
For this alone, I was deeply grateful to that boy.
If he hadn’t so thoroughly filled my lifespan, I wouldn’t have been able to stand outside like this.
I savored the sunlight touching my skin after so long.
“Yawn, I was sleeping so well, what’s this commotion… huh?”
“The Empress…? Am I still drunk?”
“Yawn, I dreamt of the Empress, maybe I should buy a lottery ticket… eh?”
That’s when it happened.
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.]
