He thought his senses had dulled from lack of use. He decided to overlook it, having no other option.
But the fact that he could not find Liz despite scouring the waterways meant that Hersis could not disregard his previously discarded hypothesis.
It could be wrong, but it could also be right.
If it were correct, then losing her was just a matter of time.
He couldn’t endure the long search that would extend throughout the empire if she escaped the waterways.
He was already tormented by self-loathing for the days he had let slip by without knowing her whereabouts. How could he endure any longer?
Hersis regretted his casual neglect of Liz, even knowing the upheaval his divorce from his uncle would cause.
He had trusted Mirabel and also… trusted Liz.
He had believed she would endure his mother’s constant nagging for more than a day or two.
“Idiot.”
How could he have been so careless?
Like a drain that eventually overflows, Liz’s emotional drain might also have reached its limit. Why hadn’t he thought of that?
There was no time for hesitation. If there was even a sliver of possibility, he had to seize it.
“Change the search target to a woman with a three-centimeter linear scar on her forehead.”
The drug could temporarily change appearance, but not remove moles or scars.
Hersis gave the command and immediately set off on horseback.
Upon arriving at the Calier Outpost Village, Hersis quickly scanned the people caught in the constables’ search net. He didn’t need a closer look. At a glance, he knew none of them were Liz.
“Is this everyone?”
“Yes, Your Highness. We’ve thoroughly inspected to make sure not even an ant has escaped.”
On hearing the constable’s report, Hersis changed his line of thought.
Liz had not yet escaped the city gates.
“Did she catch on?”
It was possible.
If she hadn’t escaped through the city gates, she must still be in the city.
And probably not very far away.
She had run away, leaving her money and jewels in her room, so she wouldn’t have the means to go far.
Hersis pondered where she might seek refuge.
Knowing Liz, she wouldn’t impose on a stranger’s home. She didn’t like to complain, and she also didn’t know how to.
Immersed in deep thought, Herxys suddenly caught sight of a group of pilgrims disappearing around a corner of an alleyway.
Their destination strangely aligned with Liz’s own purpose.
A place where one could stay as inconspicuously as possible for as long as one could.
There. There was no other place, he was certain of it.
Then, Herxys proved his conviction.
“That wicked Herxys Kastrion Roskalan!”
Just as he was pondering when to reveal his identity, his name echoed clearly in the meditation chamber without a single letter being wrong.
Herxys spoke as he slowly approached.
“Unexpected. I thought you would have forgotten by now.”
He spoke calmly, but in reality, he was so overwhelmed that breathing became difficult.
It was a euphoric moment, enough to make him forget the anguish and guilt he had been grappling with.
Whether or not she had stolen his medicine, it no longer mattered. She couldn’t escape from him even if she consumed it now.
Seeing that Liz’s misunderstanding had somewhat been resolved through brief conversation, Herxys immediately extended his hand.
“Let’s go. I’ll explain the rest on the way.”
“Um… Where to?”
Liz asked with a startled expression.
“To the Imperial Palace.”
“Where are you taking me?”
“……”
“Why am I… going there?”
Why did she keep asking the obvious?
“Because I live there.”
Liz closed her mouth with a blank expression.
Herxys simply gazed down at her, as if appreciating her.
The light of an oil lamp hanging on the wall made a crimson point in the center of her purple eyes.
Her face, hidden under her robe, had sharper jawlines, as if she had lost her baby fat since they last met.
What about the other parts?
Herxys wanted to know a little more.
And the opportunity had just arrived.
The languidly curved eyes, the golden irises containing a burning desire, slightly parted lips as if they were about to overlap any moment. Liz, who had unknowingly stepped back and trod on the hem of her robe, emitted a mysterious aura even without exposing any skin.
“Aah!”
Herxys swiftly caught Liz as she suddenly leaned backward.
Her abundant red hair waved through the air as her robe was lifted.
“Just as you were.”
A satisfied smile spread across Herxys’ face.
“Everywhere else, just the same.”
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.]
