Akia’s eyebrows twitched at the abrupt change of topic. After confusing his own feelings by muttering about the knife, now they were talking about a hot spring business.
“As you know, I’m already lacking in business sense. How about you take care of it?”
Akia stared at Duke Belarus, who was in front of him.
Although they were talking about hot springs, there was a look in his eyes that seemed disinterested in business. He seemed more interested in Akia’s response.
“Stay here.”
This was probably what Dmitry wanted to say. Akia’s gaze at Dmitry suddenly became cold.
‘Like a serpent.’
He realized that Dmitry was planning to leave Lea here under the pretext of developing hot springs.
“It’s difficult for me to stay here due to various uncertainties related to the mine collapse. It’s urgent to report to His Majesty.”
When Akia was about to make up his mind to leave with Lea at once, Dmitry’s lips formed a curve. It seemed that Dmitry was very satisfied with Akia’s response.
“Yes. It’s indeed impolite to detain a busy Duke. Then, you alone can go back.”
For a moment, Akia felt a chill on the back of his head. Naturally, he didn’t doubt that Lea would follow him. Seeing Duke Belarus’s triumphant gaze, it seemed like there was something unknown between the two.
Could it be that Lea is related to the Belarus family?
As Akia continued his thoughts in his head, suddenly, the words Dmitry muttered in the garden a few days ago came to mind.
[“…Ariel?”]Yes. Surely, Duke Belarus called Lea ‘Ariel’ while looking at her. That name was undoubtedly the name of the Belarus lady who died about twenty years ago.
‘No way…’
Like puzzle pieces falling into place, Akia’s eyes gradually widened. Only then did Akia realize the meaning behind Dmitry’s subtle smile.
If his thoughts were correct… If Lea was truly related to the Belarus family.
‘I can’t just leave like this.’
After maintaining silence for a while, Akia uttered a swallowed voice.
“I will stay.”
He couldn’t leave Lea alone with Duke Belarus, whose true intentions were unknown.
“Is it okay? The report to His Majesty is urgent due to the unclear points regarding the mine collapse.”
Dmitry, who expected Akia to stay reluctantly, smiled mockingly, as if he had anticipated it.
As if anticipating Akia’s response.
“Let’s replace the report with a letter.”
With that response, Akia tightly clenched his fist.
Lea, at the butler’s suggestion, was exploring the library inside the mansion.
‘He did say I can read any book I want, right?’
As befitting the imperial hero, the library shelves were filled with old and even out-of-print books.
Seeing the library, overflowing with all the precious books in the world, Lea widened her eyes in amazement.
‘So many books.’
While the excited Lea was flipping through various books, the library’s door, which was empty until then, opened, and a familiar voice soon reached her ears.
Feeling a presence, Lea turned towards the entrance.
“You were here.”
Duke Belarus approached her, as if he had been looking for her.
“How is it? Do you like the library?”
“Yes! It seems to have many precious books.”
“My wife’s hobby was collecting books.”
Dmitry stared into the air, as if recalling a long-lost memory. Lea was surprised by the unexpected answer; she only knew that the duke enjoyed reading, not that the duchess had a well-equipped library similar to the imperial library.
“More than that, I want to give you a present, Lea.”
“For me?”
To Lea’s surprised question, Dmitry went to a shelf, took out a book, and handed it to her. Obtaining a pharmacy license at a young age was already impressive.
He didn’t know how surprised she was when she learned that he was also knowledgeable in medicine.
Though it wasn’t confirmed whether she was his granddaughter, Lea, who had grown up admirably in difficult circumstances, wanted to give her something commendable.
“This book…”
“If you’re a pharmacist, you should know. It’s a treatise on herbalism by Dr. Frankenstein.”
Frankenstein was a renowned herbalist doctor, almost on par with Professor Rams. Dmitry had given Lea the most valuable book in the library.
“Such a precious book…”
Lea didn’t know what to do with her overwhelming gratitude. Even without the current inability to access the sap of the Reparatio tree, she was already unsure of how to approach the side effects of the new medicine.
Amidst these circumstances, to receive such a valuable book as a gift was truly heartwarming.
Hugging the book to her chest, Lea’s heart started pounding.
“Thank you so much, Your Grace. How can I express my gratitude…”
Lea’s voice was soaked with emotion. Dmitry, satisfied with her flushed face, smiled contentedly.
“It’s nothing much. By the way, do you know who the author of this book is?”
“Yes?!”
Lea was momentarily surprised to learn about the unexpected connection between Dr. Frankenstein and Duke Belarus. She then widened her eyes at the duke’s continued words.
“Even without that, Frankenstein is currently staying on my territory. If Lea wants, I can arrange a meeting.”
If the doctor knows something that can replace the sap of the Reparatio tree, Lea thought. In her joy, Lea suddenly remembered Akia. As the duke was about to leave for the capital immediately.
“Oh. But… what should I do? It seems like His Grace is thinking of returning to the capital urgently.”
“…….”
“I want to stay here too.”
Although Dmitry provided a great opportunity, Lea’s voice revealed her disappointment. Dmitry closed his eyes tightly as if feeling her regret.
“Don’t worry about that.”
Then, he showed the most affectionate smile imaginable.
“Since Duke Heydern has allowed it.”
At Akia’s permission, Lea’s eyes widened in delight.
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.]
