Trampled and Broken (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 33
I’d rather they at least muttered among themselves.
Everyone was holding back their words, watching her every move, making the silence unbearably heavy.
Thus, despite the considerable distance between the two children, their quiet conversation reached Hestia’s ears clearly and unfiltered.
People still kept silent, their eyes fixed on Hestia. Their stares made it hard to breathe.
“Y-Your Holiness….”
The orphanage teachers stammered, anxiously gauging Hestia’s mood.
But before she could even speak, the priests hardened their faces and began scolding the orphanage director and teachers.
“How do you normally manage the children?”
“How dare you speak of Her Holiness like that…!”
“It’s a misunderstanding! We didn’t mean anything like that….”
The orphanage director and teachers looked pitiful as they desperately tried to smooth things over.
Hestia quietly raised her right hand. As if on cue, everyone fell silent.
She turned to the priests, lifting the corners of her lips slightly.
“Please, don’t.”
At her plea, the priests frowned.
“With all due respect, Your Holiness, this isn’t something we can overlook.”
“You all heard what Jack said.”
She took a deep breath and forced a bright tone into her voice, feigning nonchalance—as if this were the only thing she ought to do here and now.
“Lilith only just woke up. Children are sensitive to sleep, you know. It was just sleep-talking—surely it doesn’t warrant serious attention?”
The person who’d been insulted herself claimed it was nothing.
Probably, this would end right here.
After all, whether truly or not, she was the Saintess—the highest-ranking figure in the temple.
Since she had decided to let it go, no one else could hold anyone accountable for this matter.
Hestia emphasized her point once more, as if urging them.
“I’m sure none of you here are so idle as to repeat a child’s sleepy mutterings.”
It was a gentle warning.
She knew perfectly well that gossip about her wouldn’t stop just because of this.
But if everyone felt a little guilty, they might at least refrain from speaking carelessly.
“Of course.”
“Naturally, Your Holiness.”
The nobles and orphanage teachers all nodded tensely, careful not to offend Hestia.
Only then did Hestia take one last look at the faces of those present.
Yet there was one spot her gaze deliberately avoided.
It was precisely where Aslan stood.
In truth, his intense stare had been burning her cheeks since earlier, but stubbornly, she refused to meet his eyes.
She felt wretched and pathetic.
To show him the very image she least wanted him to see.
It would’ve been far better to stand before him completely bare.
What expression was Aslan wearing as he looked at her now?
Was he looking at her with contempt?
She couldn’t muster the courage to find out.
Biting her lip, Hestia kept her head firmly turned away.
Anyway, the event’s atmosphere was already ruined beyond repair.
The remaining children, too, were too nervous to eat properly.
Hestia decided it would be best for everyone if she excused herself.
After all, giving everyone a moment to recover was the only way this event could end decently, at least outwardly.
“I’ll step out for a moment, then.”
Forcing a smile, Hestia turned to leave.
Behind her, her maid Angela quickly followed, worry etched across her face.
“Let me accompany you.”
“It’s fine, Angela. I’ll just touch up my makeup and be right back. Please handle things in my place.”
“But, Your Highness….”
Too exhausted to say more, Hestia lightly waved her hand and walked off alone.
No matter how hard she tried to steady herself, her body swayed slightly.
Understanding Hestia’s wish to be alone, Angela fretted but dared not follow.
Thus, Hestia entered her private lounge inside the orphanage building by herself.
Unsure whether she’d properly closed the door or not, she collapsed onto the chaise lounge.
“Throwing a tantrum already?”
Just as she let out a long, pent-up sigh, a low voice and a click of the tongue came from the doorway.
“…Duke Kalati?”
Hestia turned her head and involuntarily gasped.
She truly hadn’t known.
She never expected Aslan to have followed her.
While she was still flustered, Aslan strode boldly into the lounge without even asking permission.
It felt like a brazen invasion.
Closing the distance in an instant, Aslan looked down at her with a furrowed brow.
Hestia swept her disheveled hair behind her ears with her fingers and looked up at him.
He seemed to be holding something back—his breathing grew rough.
After a brief, tense silence, he finally spoke to her.
“Why did you hold back?”
“….”
“Were you trying to play the good person?”
Despite her exhaustion, Hestia let out a small, dry laugh.
“If only I could actually be that good a person.”
What an impossible woman.
How could she possibly laugh right now?
Aslan tilted his head slightly and crossed his arms.
“Are you stupid, Princess? Why endure such treatment without protest?”
“What should I have done in that situation, then?”
“You should’ve gotten angry. Warned those who spoke recklessly and held them accountable. Or just walked out of there immediately.”
Hestia found Aslan’s reaction unfamiliar.
This man, who never flinched at the crudest insults hurled his way—calling him a barbarian and worse—was now furious over the slight humiliation she’d just suffered.
‘You’ll make me misunderstand.’
She quietly straightened her posture, holding her breath.
Truthfully, she wanted nothing more than to lie down on the sofa, but revealing her poor health to Aslan would do her no good.
Clasping her hands tightly on her lap, she asked in the steadiest voice she could manage.
“What would change even if I did that?”
Aslan’s eyes narrowed.
But Hestia, undeterred, continued calmly.
“One doesn’t get treated the way one wishes to be treated. What can I do about that?”
“Princess.”
“So please, Duke, don’t get angry either.”
“….”
“This isn’t worth getting upset over.”
Her clear eyes held a calm demeanor.
Unconsciously, Aslan clenched his teeth.
He was furious precisely because of that detached, unbothered expression—so indifferent to everything. He balled his fists, struggling hard not to raise his voice.
“Not worth getting angry over?”
His voice dropped over her head like the chill wind of early winter shedding its last leaf—cold and bleak.
“Princess, do you really not understand the situation? Those brats were gossiping about you—daring to chatter about the Princess as if it were mere entertainment, spouting cheap, sensational nonsense, and you caught them red-handed.”
“I know that.”
“And yet you say it’s not worth getting angry over?”
Unable to suppress his irritation any longer, Aslan clicked his tongue roughly.
“Well, that’s remarkably generous of you.”
He knew even as he said it that his words were petty and childish, yet he couldn’t help but spit them out.
Why was she so cold and cruel only to him?
Her apparent kindness and compassion toward others grated on him.
He didn’t like that she cared about anyone else.
“Are you truly deaf? Why won’t you say anything in response?”
Frustrated that she listened to his harsh words without so much as a flinch, he finally snapped at her.
Only then did Hestia’s violet eyes meet his again.
“Did you chase after me just to get angry like this? Or… why did you even attend this charity event?”
Aslan clenched his fist.
He didn’t understand why, but calming his anger felt impossible.
“Was I not supposed to come here? Or am I someone who shouldn’t be near you?”
Hearing such an absurd question, Hestia’s brow furrowed.
She stared at him silently for a moment, then finally spoke under his persistent, demanding gaze.
“I never said anything like that. I was merely asking a question. So please don’t take it so personally.”
“Hah.”
“You never show your face at social events in the capital. You didn’t even attend your own welcome banquet the other day. So I was surprised to see you here—and curious what could have drawn you to this event.”
At that moment, Aslan froze.
His eyes narrowed, sharp and piercing.
Hestia didn’t look away. She had no reason to. Whether he believed her or not, she’d spoken the truth.
After a pause, his lips parted once more.
“How unusual. You’re curious about me.”
His voice had softened considerably.
Hestia couldn’t fathom why his demeanor had shifted so suddenly.
‘Well… at least he’s not angry anymore. That’s something.’
As she calmly regulated her breathing, Aslan turned his head slightly, gave a faint smirk, and murmured,
“Truly unusual. The Princess showing interest in me. It’s unlike you.”
At first glance, it sounded like mockery.
She could have easily let it pass without comment, but Hestia chose to correct him.
“I’ve always been curious.”
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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