Under The Oak Tree - Part [PDF]

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Marrying the Callous Villain Knight Under the Oak Tree • [연재] 상수리나무 아래 The daughter of a duke, stuttering young Maximilian, married a knight of humble birth at the insistence of her father. Her husband left for expedition after the first night. Three years later, he comes back as a famous knight of the whole continent. How would Maximillian face him? Author(s): Miwangyeol Artist(s): Hermes Year: 2017 Country: Korea Genres: Adult, Drama, Ecchi, Fantasy, Mature, Romance, Smut Tags: Character Growth, Cold Love Interests, Jealousy, Mature Protagonist, Yandere Source: wordexcerpt ASIANOVEL VERSION: 3.11 PDF VERSION: 1.4 UUID: 28629bc0-f7cf-11ea-8f94-7b9fa7d1ad0d USER: Snooze100 DATE CREATED: 2020-09-16 LANGUAGE: English More info and chapters: https://www.asianovel.com/series/marrying-the-callous-villain-knight www.asianovel.com



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Chapter 51 Source: wordexcerpt



“Madam.” She tore herself away from her thoughts and turned her head to see Rudis standing quietly in front of the door. “The lord is back. He is going to have dinner with the knights at the dining hall. Would you like to go down, too?” She hesitated for a moment, then nodded. She was uncomfortable around the knights, but she still wanted to dine with him. At the very least, she should maintain a modicum of amiableness with them as madam Calypse. “Then, I’ll style your hair again.” The maid brought a comb and a hairpin and neatly curled up her hair. She sat in front of the vanity, scrutinizing her dress and hairstyle, and then left the room. In the hallway, servants flitted about, lighting up the lamps. She was passing them all as she moved down the stairs when Max heard the sound of a heated argument drift into her ears. She paused and began to slowly move towards the clamor. Taking a look between the partially opened door of the dining hall, she saw Riftan and three other knights following him while arguing with one another. “We must leave for the royal road by tomorrow, at the least!” “Don’t make me repeat myself. We’re leaving in three www.asianovel.com



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days.” “You have to attend the ceremony! How far do you intend to ignore the Majesty’s sincerity!” “I have to agree with Ricardo this time. The rain has died down, so there won’t be any trouble leaving soon.” Max, who didn’t know if she should intrude and was waiting behind the door, stiffened up. Come to think of it, he had mentioned it during their trip. He was the top contributor in the war and should have headed to the royal road as soon as the battle ended. Max then estimated the distance between the royal highway and Anatol. It should take around 15 days if they traveled fast; if not, it would usually take about a month. “I’ve already sent a pigeon to the capital. I finally came home after three years; King Ruben will understand.” “I know you want to distance yourself from King Ruben. But if you go too far, your influence might disappear.” At the words of the knight, standing at the very end, Ricardo quickly turned his head towards him. “Distance himself?” “Elnuma Ruben III is getting impatient because he can’t summon you to the royal road. You are wary that you might get tied to the royal family due to your contribution to the battle, right?” “…” “…” “It’s not just a case between you and Agnes; it seems like www.asianovel.com



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the king wants to keep you on a tight leash. I also understand that you are wary. But you must avoid going too far as you might end up antagonizing them. He’s already very cautious of his vassals.” “Eliot’s right. If the Remdragon Knights are absent during the celebration, he will surely think he is being humiliated in front of his people. We never know what kind of retribution he will come back with later. You know he’s someone who holds a long grudge.” “Hebaron Nirta! Your words go too far!” At hearing the raised voices, Max began to turn back. The atmosphere between them wasn’t conducive to her appetite. “Ju-just bri-bring my me-meal to my ro-room,” she told Rudis as soon as she climbed back up the stairs and went back to her room. Max couldn’t get rid of the heaviness she was feeling as she was returning to her room, and even when she pitifully ate her dinner alone. Will she truly be fine alone while Riftan is away from the castle? Everyone was genial towards Max now, but she worried that maybe it was because the lord of the castle was around. She felt uneasy as if she was a child who had lost sight of her guardian. “Madam… is the meal not to your taste?” Rudis, who had been patiently waiting on the side, asked carefully. A grimace must have been visible on her face. Max quickly shook her head. “Oh, no. It-it’s delicious. Well, I just… it’s just I don’t have an appetite,” she weakly excused. www.asianovel.com



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“Are you perhaps uncomfortable anywhere?” “I think, I think it’s because I’m tired… I’d like to rest.” “Should I take your plate away?” When she nodded, the maid retrieved the platter from her, a sizeable portion of the food still left uneaten on the porcelain. Max sat at the table and absentmindedly gazed into the figure that Aderon left behind. Just a moment ago, the small sculptures that looked lovely like toys now looked insignificant. Why am I acting like a child? Nothing is wrong with being alone. She had always lived in isolated, what difference would it make if Riftan left? For twenty years, she suffered under a cruel father, shunned by her cold-hearted half-sister, and even disrespected by the rude servants. There was no reason to feel hopeless by Riftan’s month-long absence. “Why in the blazed are you staring at it intently?” A confused, familiar voice brought her out from her own musings. She looked back at the hand that suddenly came into view, surprised. Without her noticing him coming in, Riftan was holding a marble sculpture in his hand and looking at it with an expression that showed he thought it was random and strange. “It-it’s a model… I-I was picking out the de-decorations for the banquet ha-hall.” “The banquet hall?” Max’s heart plummeted when she saw a frown appear on Riftan’s face upon the mention of it. “You, you asked m-me to decorate the ca-castle, so…” her voice trailed off. www.asianovel.com



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“No, I’m not saying no to it.” He hurriedly corrected himself, “I just forgot that there was such a place. I see. The banquet hall… I guess we’ll have to plan a party or a ball soon, right?” She gulped. Her throat went dry as she saw Riftan’s eyes of anticipation directed at her. Just the thought of hosting a ball or banquet made her dizzy with apprehension. “If-if you don’t want to…” “It’s not like I don’t want to. I’m just not used to loud spaces with strangers.” He then bent over, leaning towards her, and pulled the pin out of her hair. Max’s braided hair fell, tumbling slowly on the back of her neck. A smile languidly spread across Riftan’s face as he tenderly untangled her locks with his hands. “But, I do want to see you beautifully dressed and dancing at the ball.” Max felt the word ‘beautiful’ never suited her, and it was so that she had never stepped a foot at a banquet before. Whenever she saw the gap between Riftan’s expectations and her true nature stray far, she felt as if an invisible claw suffocate her heart from the inside. It was too cruel. Oh Maxi… I just wish you all the happiness in this world. :((( double chapter update! If you want to support this novel, please leave a review on its Novelupdates page. Also join our discord channel (click link above site to be redirected) to meet a lovely, growing community for this novel where we share fanarts, discussions and some spoilers for the novel. Have a browse of our . www.asianovel.com



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Ying and Livy’s current translations (from left to right)



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Chapter 52 Source: wordexcerpt



“W-well, come to think of it, I-I didn’t even have a chchance to thank you.” She began, “Th-thank you for hi-hiring a tailor f-for m-me.” “You don’t have to thank me for anything.” The man replied dryly, putting the piece of marble he was holding back on the table. “I know it’s severely lacking compared to your previous lifestyle. Even if it takes time, I’ll get you everything you want, so just hang in there for a bit,” he murmured. He then put his arm around her shoulder and lowered his head, pressing a chaste kiss on her earlobes. She shrank back as his arms wrapped around her, encasing her petite frame. He was far from being lacking, instead he was giving her more than she could ever ask for. She wanted to say that he didn’t have to overwork himself for her so badly, but she just couldn’t do it. Even if it was an erroneous expectation, she felt strangely relieved that he thought of her as someone… precious. “I’m going to the royal road in a few days. I’ll come back with a wagon full of presents.” Her eyes widened at this. “Ye-yes…” “I’ll be back as soon as I can. I’m just going to attend the ceremony and soon…” He mumbled his last words under his breath, making them almost undecipherable. And then a soft, moist, warmth gently prodded into www.asianovel.com



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her mouth. Her eyes widened lightly. The tip of his tongue tasted faintly of strong wine. His slightly coarse stubble gently rubbed against her own chin, his tall straight nose over her nose, and a warm, soothing palm gently caressed her cheek. There was something unique about the way he enveloped her. He was frighteningly persistent and aggressive, yet there beyond this animalistic side, he was also so cautious, holding her as if she was something sacred. When his caresses felt minute, almost fluttering on her skin, she felt as if she were a wildflower. A delicate flower ferociously yanked away and dearly held in his grasp… “Damn… I really don’t want to go.” He mumbled harshly, his warm breath warming her lips. There was a slight trace of saliva when their lips parted. Max looked up at him with trembling eyes. He cupped his hand over one of her breasts over her clothes as he pulled her closer by the waist. “I want to do nothing and just stay locked up in my bedroom for months—perhaps years, and just rest.” She sensed a lot of fatigue in his heated voice. He was exhausted. Max could only imagine how hard it must have been for the past three years. Guilt and compassion sprang up inside her. She hesitated slightly, before she gently moved her hand to stroke his head. The man who had been pouring kisses on her décolletage looked up at her in surprise. She managed to say in a trembling voice,



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“Che-cheer up.” A strange expression crossed his onyx eyes. She had glimpsed a solemn look of heartbreak. He was staring down at her blankly with glistening eyes, when suddenly, he surged towards her, violently locking his lips against hers. She felt goosebumps dance towards the back of her neck at the feel of their moist breaths locked in a battle together. “To be so willing to fire me up—don’t complain to me when you regret it.” He roughly murmured as he gathered her up in his arms from the chair she was sitting on. A sharp shudder roughly scraped the inside of her stomach. She wasn’t scared. Even when he said something like that… Even when he was doing something like this… she wasn’t scared at all. She could see vaguely what kind of person he was becoming to her and that was the only thing she was really afraid of. * “Sto-stop…” Max’s voice came out in a soft whimper as her stomach laid on the bed. From the windows, bright light poured out from the striking blue sky covered only with sparse clouds. It was quite a sunny day. She crawled towards the blanket to escape, but her arms and legs, which had undergone too much of a rigorous exercise throughout the night, lacked the strength to even tear apart a flower, much less break free from a man’s insistent grip. “Ri-riftan…please, please.” “Just a little more…” At the breath that came in between her legs, she hid her face deeply into the sheets. The light from the dying fireplace flickered over their wet skin soaked with sweat and wetness from their www.asianovel.com



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lovemaking. Even the feel of the faint heat was like torture to Max. “It’s incredible. That you have something that can accept me… and I have something that can connect with you…” He muttered like a drunken man as he touched her between her legs. Her hips raised in the air shook with his every caress, her already fatigued thighs were shaking. Her soaked petals had long throbbed from his stimulation, blooming a pinkish red. She choked back a sob from the ecstasy and the erotic quality of it all. The fact that she was baring him her most private part was agonizingly strange to Max. Her heart felt as if it could burst out from her ribcage any moment. “Do you know how beautiful you are?” She felt his warm, husky voice over her moist womanhood. And his fingers gently prodded in, parting her secret doors to stroke it within. Max immediately found herself biting the pillow to restrain her lewd mewls. She was going mad. It felt as if her whole body had melted and only the part under his hold was alive. As tears ran down her face from the intense climax that broke like a dam inside, he gently ran his hand across her back and whispered, “Really, maddeningly beautiful.” His deep, muffled voice clawed at her ears like a siren’s bewitching call. Her body, no longer her own, succumbed to the wild sensation. Max unconsciously pulled on Riftan’s hair. His breath heated up her soft skin and his teeth softly bit her parts that had long gone sensitive from his never-ending touches. She felt like all the nerves in her body were splitting into tiny pieces, tearing her apart from the inside to a delicious heap. “N-no… ah!” www.asianovel.com



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Her words not corresponding with her actions, her back arched higher, her folds stretching as they anticipated for him. Riftan clasped her hips tightly so that she wouldn’t be able to escape, and after he persistently tasted her juices, he positioned his throbbing member against her tunnel and slowly pushed inside, making her feel him to the tip. Max no longer had enough strength to lift even a single finger. As his thick, massive body crashed into her, she shook like a leaf. His manhood pressed inside her, demanding as he filled her deeply to her core and with every thrust, his member growing with his ragged breaths. As his movements picked up, she could hear their slick skin against another; her body that had become almost unbearably sensitive and heated, was roughly swept by a strong current. At the height of her senses, Max finally felt her vision fade, the sounds around her slowly vanishing with her consciousness. I forgot this was an 19 rated chappie. Well hope this has been a surprising treat! xD



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Chapter 53 Source: wordexcerpt



Max was seized by the feeling as if she were plummeting into a cliff in her slumber. Slowly stirring into consciousness, she hears the sound of rain, pounding hard against the windows as if to wake her up from her reverie. The man laid calmly behind her back, their slick bodies plastered to one another. Her eyelids fluttered open as she lay in his arms. Just how long have they been losing their minds with one another? The chest on her back gently shook with the man’s steady breathing. “Even if I’m almost crushing you by being so close like this… I don’t want to part our bodies at all.” He gathered her closer—as if it were any possible—inside his arms, facing him. Skin created friction as they rubbed against another, the tips of her peaks having long gone sore from his constant teases. The man released a satisfied groan, tilting the woman’s head underneath him to meet his lips. He sucked on them, devouring and rolling her soft flesh between his teeth. Max looked up at him with swollen eyes. He looked as messy as she was; his usually cold, stern face like a polished blade was flushed with sweat, his eyes clouded with a heated gaze. His hair was disheveled as if it had gone through a storm, and his skin was laced with half-moon crescents… Riftan faintly smiled, seeing the light wounds on his body. “I didn’t even have a scratch on my body when I was fighting a basilisk…” “I-I’m s-sorry.” www.asianovel.com



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A terrible sound came out from her throat like a strangled cry. And his head dipped down again to capture her lips, sealing the voice inside. Max was quite frightened of his onyx eyes, looking at her with an indecipherable expression. “You’re a frightening enchantress.” She had wanted to implore him what he meant, but her voice could no longer come out as he kissed her flush against him again. Their slick tongues slowly intertwined with another in a slow, lazy dance. “I think I’ve known since the first day. That you would… scar me.” His last words were so faint against her lips that she could hardly understand them. She soon sank into a deep sleep as if she were melting into warm water. * It was raining harder outside as if nature was deviously trying to make up for yesterday’s harmless drizzle. This prompted Riftan and his soldiers to delay their travel to the capital. And as he wasn’t even able to trudge across the village for inspection under the blanket of heavy rain, he spent his whole day lounging around their room for the first time ever since he moved into the castle. The two laid in bed stark naked, merely listening to the rhythm of the rain against the window. Most of the time, they were engaged in a passionate embrace between each other, leaving no inch of skin as they shared their warmth. They made love intensely, making Max worry if such a level of intimacy was even allowed. When they were not locked with one another, they gulped down the food and wine the servants delivered to them. He placed her on his lap as he fed her himself. Feeling sluggish, Max wasn’t able to feel the familiar embarrassment creep in, and www.asianovel.com



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instead, rested her head on his chest as she nibbled on the pieces of sweet fruit and bread with cream he brought to her mouth. At the heart-warming sight, a smile blossomed across Riftan’s mouth. “You’re like a little bird.” He gave her a sip of wine and pressed his lips gently on her bulging cheeks, feeling her flesh soft against his muscles. Riftan wouldn’t let her go even for a split second; he was like an animal devotedly taking care of its own baby. He washed her and showered her with kisses. And Max was utterly captivated by his passionate and persistent love, never having experienced anything like it before. She suddenly had the outlandish urge to hug him tightly with her soft arms and to rub her face against his broad and muscular chest like a child. If she wasn’t so exhausted, she knew she would have indulged in that fleeting impulse. Not even her mother had held her this close before. “These grapes are delicious,” he mumbled as he pushed the fruit through her lips. Max took the grape in her mouth and popped it between her teeth, savoring the sweet juice. As some of the liquid trickled down the sides of her mouth, Riftan tasted it with his lips. His hand brushing against her cheek was gentle, but his caresses were stirring her. Soon, the thought of his damp lips delicately trailing golden kisses on her skin came to mind. Their barely parted bodies heated in tandem with the warm current inside the room. “Crush me with your teeth and take me in.” He stuck his tongue out long as if it wanted to fall into a pit that was her throat. There was some kind of language clearer than words that came and went through their interlocked lips. Max could feel her throat chocking up, but she wasn’t complaining—didn’t want to. Now engulfed with a craze that ate all www.asianovel.com



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her reason, she lifted her trembling arms and wrapped them around his neck. At the next moment, her body fell back towards the familiar soft sheet again. As they stumbled on one another, the plate placed on the bed was knocked over to the side, the pieces of fruit spilling carelessly over the bed. Riftan continued to lick all traces of the sweet juice staining her skin as his thick chest compressed her smooth mounds. Their sweat-laced skin had long tangled with the damp bed sheets. Hello! A note to our dear readers: since we have been preoccupied with RL and it’s been quite a chore to keep readers constantly waiting and giving reasons for lateness we will have a new schedule for every novel: instead of specific days we will be opting posting anytime around the week of which we will have a chapter counter after every chapter like the one below: Update Schedule: 3x a week [✔️ ] [✔️ ] [ chapters have been updated for OAK.



] – it means 2/3



If you want to support this novel, please leave a review on its Novelupdates page. Also join our discord channel (click link above site to be redirected) to meet a lovely, growing community for this novel where we share fanarts, discussions and some spoilers for the novel. Then again, if you want to support your translators, you can be our patron and read these chapters in advance: Ying and Livy’s current translations (from left to right) Living as the Villainess Queen Under the Oak Tree The Duke’s Imposter Sister Predatory Marriage www.asianovel.com



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Raising the Child of the Male Lead Boss Heavenly Divine Doctor: Abandoned Concubine



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Chapter 54 Source: wordexcerpt



The sound of her moaning and his grunting filled the room. Their lips were interwoven as their bodies rolled about in the bed in an intimate dance. To her, his breath smelled like nectar—as they shared their bodies, their breathing also mingled, one breathing the other’s exhalation. Max could feel something warm and overwhelming slowly grow from the center of her heart. As he made eye contact with her, he demanded in a desperate whisper, “Say my name.” “R-Riftan…” she breathed. “Again…” “R-Riftan…” “Again. Say it again…” She called his name until she lost her voice. At that moment, she felt as if she were existing to quench the heat within, to satisfy both his and her body’s demands… In that desperateness, there was no space for lectures on the manners of a virtuous woman. She was clinging onto him like an animal, digging her nails on his skin as hard as they could. He slaughters her, and she rises back to the living. The cycle and his extreme need for her were driving Max insane. “R-Riftan…”



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Max looked up at him through hooded eyes. Mystified, she called his name, as if she were in a dream, and his name was the only one existing in the world. * Unfortunately, the rain dwindled away late in the afternoon and wholly halted around dawn. Max opened her bleary eyes at the mild morning sun she hadn’t seen for a long time. She wanted to lift herself up, but her limbs were too weak. As she faintly moaned at the dull pain, a hand stroked her naked back to soothe her. “Go back to sleep.” She gaped at his face shading her from the bright morning sun. He had woken up far before her, already wearing crisp clothing and armor. Her heart sank at the sight of this. “Y-you’re l-leaving today…” “I’ll be leaving later at noon. We have to get the weapons and food ready first.” He reached for her chin and kissed her swollen lips and then slipped his hands into a white iron glove. “I’ll come back to see you before I leave, so don’t worry and go back to sleep,” he said as he pulled another piece of armor up to his elbows and took his sword before leaving the room. Max stared at the door from where he had departed and blinked. An empty feeling swept through her heart, unconsciously. She finally stood up and walked on her trembling legs and asked the maids for a bath. Although he had told her to get more sleep, she found herself no longer requiring rest. “Madam, your bath is here.”



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Rudis and three other servants fetched a tub filled with warm water. She weakly stepped into the water with the help of her servants. Rudis quickly washed her hair and cleaned her body with a soft sponge, and even if she were extremely embarrassed, she didn’t have any energy left to clean herself. Max kindly took Rudis’s help and sat still in the water. “Will you excuse me for a moment, madam? I’ll go and prepare a dress with a high neck.” A servant wiping off the moisture from her body after she stepped out of the bath asked her carefully. Max immediately flushed when she noticed the blotchy red patches on her body. “Y-yes, please.” When the servants left, Max cautiously stood in front of the mirror and spread open the towel around her body. Her collar bones had marks on them, and her breasts were larger than usual… also covered in pink blooms. She touched her breasts with her shaky hands, finding Riftan’s touch was clearly different from hers. His touch felt as if he were a sculptor’s hand, and she was the clay being molded. She wondered if the woman with littered with love marks on her skin and bright eyes in the mirror was the same person to the woman she was used to seeing; a pale and depressed girl with droopy shoulders and a hunched back. Max slowly slid her hands down her slender waist, her flat stomach, and lastly, between her thighs. Her skin felt warm to the touch, smooth and soft. It didn’t feel as if it were her own. “Madam, your dress is here.” Max took her hand off her body with surprise. Although they were still behind the door, waiting for their permission to enter, she www.asianovel.com



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flushed as if she was caught red-handed. She stuttered in embarrassment. “C-c-come in.” The servants entered the room and proficiently dressed her. She wore a fancy dress with waves of green and gold with a golden belt looped around her waist. Then, she hurried out the door with her hair roughly tied with a ribbon, still wet. Through the open windows, the fresh sunshine gently kissed her face. She breathed in the scent of the air still moist from the rain and hurried down the stairs. He promised to come to find her before he left, but she was still anxious he had forgotten and had gone already. “Good morning, madam.” She walked into a large hall where the servants were sweeping the floors with the windows open wide to let the fresh air in. Supervising them with a sharp eye, Rodrigo respectfully lowered his head when he spotted Max. “Breakfast is ready. Would you like to have it in the dining hall?” “N-no, b-before that, I-I need to see R-Riftan, I mean L-lord Calypse…” “Lord Calypse is in the field with the knights, ma’am.” She was about to leave through the door when she paused. What was she going to do? She wondered if she would only disturb him. As she was hesitating in front of the door, Rodrigo carefully opened his lips.



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Chapter 55 Source: wordexcerpt



“Uhm… madam, if you don’t mind me asking…” The servant let out a couple of dry coughs before continuing awkwardly. “Would you please tell the lord that the meal is ready? I thought he should eat before he leaves for the trip, so I’ve been preparing in the kitchen since early morning.” “I-I’ll t-tell him!” She replied in a loud, exhilarated voice. The old man’s face, which was full of anxiety for asking a possibly presumptuous question, now showed relief. He swiftly expressed his gratitude. “Tha-thank you madam, so…uhm, I’ll leave it to you.” She was just glad to have an excuse to go to him and rushed out the door without a proper response. The dainty autumn breeze gently swept down on her dreary body. She took a moment to look up towards the sky, the pale autumn sun was gradually brightening the day and reflecting over the shiny puddles of water formed throughout the garden. With tiny skips and hops, she waded across the puddles and made it towards the stairs. As she crossed the vast garden, she neared the inner gate. Carefully holding up her skirt to avoid getting it wet, she nimbly went down eight steps of stairs. She passed a guard who bowed his head in haste at their madam’s unexpected arrival. She drew closer and closer to the doors to the hall. Surrounded by a high, thick outer wall and held by the sturdy pillar, this full hall www.asianovel.com



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presented a lofty image amidst the faint glimmer of the morning sun. And the knights donning silver armor lined up in an orderly fashion before the ever imposing Riftan, made for a breathtaking view. As she entered the hall, Max halted in her steps. Without a sound, she slowly took in her surroundings. He seemed to be talking about something serious, so Max felt it was not appropriate to approach him right now. She decided to wait for the opportune moment while the voices in the hall steadily rose. “Leader, if you are worried about Anatol that much, I’ll stay.” Gabel, a young knight who’d shown off his brilliant rhetoric at the dinner party, took a step forward and said, “You wouldn’t have to worry if just a single Remdragon Knight stays put, right?” “That’s not possible. Every single knight who participated in the battle must attend the celebration. Recognition for service should be divided fairly among us all.” “I’m not interested in the titles or rewards from the king. My reputation as a knight is good enough, and I’ve already received more than enough praise. It’s better to stay in the castle and train with my sword than waste my time attending a boring celebration.” “Are you serious?” With his arms crossed across his chest, Hebaron shook his head in disbelief. He seemed to think his companion, Gabel, didn’t mean what he said and decided to call him out. “It’s not like you’re a monk. If all the ladies in the Imperial City piled up at your feet, are you going to refuse? With your flamboyant flair for words, you could swoon around any lady no matter how haughty!” www.asianovel.com



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“You superficial man! Is that all you can think of with that big head of yours?” “What did you say?!” Looking at Hebaron and Gabel glaring daggers at each other, Ruth, who was standing by Riftan’s side, let out a deep sigh. “You two must be under a curse where if you don’t growl at each other for a day, you will catch a deadly infection.” He clicked his tongue as if he was tired of all the arguing, and went on with his words. “As Sir Calypse said, all the knights who participated in the battle must go to the royal castle. Sir Ovaron, Sir Sebrick, and the guards are enough to protect Anatol. Besides, I’m also thinking of staying back.” “What are you talking about? You have to go! You played a huge role in the battle.” “I am not someone who cares for fame or honor. Furthermore, if I go, there is bound to be friction with the palace wizards. I’m basically being treated as a traitor by the wizards because I left the World Tower without permission.” As the wizard shrugged as if it were no big deal, the knights rolled their eyes. Riftan, who had been silent for a long time, decided to open his mouth. “… I will also feel relieved if you were to stay.” “I was planning on doing that from the beginning.” Ruth shrugged as if it were no big deal. With that, Riftan took a step forward, pushing the hall into pin-drop silence. He ran an authoritative gaze along the line-up before him www.asianovel.com



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and spoke solemnly. “Then it’s decided. We leave as soon as we’re ready. The route will be the same one I explained before.” The knights clenched their fists on their chests and briskly put them down. It seemed to be their own way of courtesy. Max, who had been hanging around for a long time in the back, sneaked up on Riftan as the briefing drew to a close. He turned back and looked puzzled at her visit. “I told you, you could take a little more rest. Is there a problem?” “Oh, no… Well, I fe-felt like I had to get u-up, t-too.” She ignored the gazes of the knights as she was approaching him. Riftan looked down at her with worried eyes. Feeling her heart tightening at his gaze, she continued shyly. “They to-told m-me that the me-meals are re-ready, so… II’m here to te-tell you…” He looked up at the sky, measured the slope of the sun, and said to the knights. “Let’s fill our stomachs first.” The knights quickly dispersed. Riftan walked with an arm around Max’s shoulders, holding it as if he were protecting her. Max peeked at his dashing figure under the bright sunlight. Dressed in silver armor atop a thick blue tunic, he was as resplendent as if he had just walked out of a temple mural. She could feel why the commoners would look at him and shout, ‘The wise man of Uigru!’ … the legendary knight who ascended to the heavens. www.asianovel.com



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Chapter 56 Source: wordexcerpt



“… Are you feeling any better?” At the abrupt question, she looked down in a hurry, trying to mask her earlier thoughts. “I-I’m all right.” “You were in pain the last time we did it.” Her face flushed carmine, feeling as if it was on fire. “T-truly, I-I’m fine…” “I wish you would say that when we’re in bed.” He grimaced and asked perversely, “So that if I ask you ‘Can I do it more?’ you would tell me ‘It’s fine’.” “Tha-that, that kind of talk…” She looked around in panic. Seeing that the knights were already far ahead, she looked at him with a timid look and stiffly continued. “Tha-that kind of talk, you, you can’t talk about those things, if someone hears….” “So, what if they hear?” They may find fault with them for being lewd and unprincipled–the sordid almost rose from her throat. So she kept her mouth tightly shut like a honey-fed mute. Over the past few days, only their erotic nights finding their way to mornings filled her memories. When she couldn’t speak and started tearing up, Riftan, who was looking down at her with an impassive face, suddenly burst into laughter. www.asianovel.com



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“My innocent, naive lady!” Then he hugged her by her waist and gently interlocked their lips. Max slightly shuddered at the cold touch of hard armor she felt over her clothes. Her pulse beat erratically against her chest that she could almost hear it in her ears. “Don’t make it too hard to stay apart from you.” Max looked up at him with trembling eyes. She wanted to ask if it was truly difficult to be separated from her. The words, “Can I come with you?” soared from her heart to the tip of her tongue, but couldn’t make past her lips. She might have hung from his neck and begged, had it not been for the fear that his sweet moment would be ruined, and he would be irked. She suppressed the first reckless emotions she had ever felt and tried to sound calm. “We, we n-need t-to go… we have a meal, we have to…” “We should.” He put her down as if his excitement waned as her words brought him to reality. Max restrained her urge to stick to his side, and calmly walked on. *** After the meal, all the knights mounted their chargers. Max came out to the courtyard with a train of servants to see him off. Elegantly balanced atop of a giant black steed, Riftan slowly turned his head and looked down at her. “I’ll be back soon.” “Be, be careful… come back soon.” He somehow managed to understand her small murmuring and slightly smiled. He leaned down almost to the point of falling off his www.asianovel.com



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horse and clasped her face. She couldn’t reject him even though all the servants were watching. She tiptoed and reciprocated his kiss. Their lips that had been just slightly overlapping were now clasped together wholly. The man, who was gently pushing his tongue down her mouth, abruptly straightened up and calmly led the horse to the front as if nothing had happened. The knights, mouths wide open and awe-filled faces, followed with a sigh. Max saw them off with a bright red face. As the knights passed the gate and in a long straight line crossed the moat, the guards on the wall blew their copels with full might. The sound of the dull noise intermingled with the trotting hooves. For a long time, Max stood rooted to the spot, even after their figures had long disappeared from her sight. *** After he left, she fell sick for two whole days. The accumulated fatigue from the myriad of happenings the past few days inundated. It had hit her body as if an embankment had collapsed. She was suffering from a severe cold, so the maids boiled herbal soups and tried to cool her fever down with some wet towels. Thanks to their careful tending, she was able to open her eyes feeling better than the previous day. She asked Rudis to prepare a bath, thinking she would feel much better after she’d washed her sweat-soaked body. “Is it really okay if I don’t call the healer?” Rudis, who brought a hot bathtub with the maids, said. As she took off her pajamas, Max shook her head in negation and pushed herself into the bathtub. “Now, now I am… f-feeling better.” www.asianovel.com



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“I don’t know if the medicinal herbs from the wizard are enough. It’s not too late to call a therapist…” Ruth continued worriedly, trying to dissuade her. “I’m, I’m really fine. It-It’s just a bad cold.” She deliberately smiled. Though she had not fully recovered, the fever had, fortunately, come down. If she ate well today and didn’t move around too much, she would regain her strength and perhaps would feel a tad better tomorrow. She came out into the garden with a thick shawl and in a dress newly made by the seamstress. Temperatures had dropped noticeably in just the past few days. “After the fall rains pass, they say the temperature drops like this,” Rudis explained, smiling gently at the woman she accompanied, who was astonished by the cold wind. “I think, soon–I think winter is coming soon…” Max mumbled. “The winter in Anatol is not that cold compared to other regions. It rarely snows even in the middle of winter, maybe because we are close to the South Sea. Even when it snows, it stops at the point of sleet.” Max was a little disappointed. She had never seen snow piled up as her father’s estate was located in the warm southeast region. She heard that it snowed so much in the capital city of Drakium that they could blanket the whole world and still have snow left over… Will it start snowing by the time he arrives there? Ahhh Riftan finally departed which means more screen time for our Maxi… will be posting more chapters this week. www.asianovel.com



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Update Schedule: 3x a week [✔️] [✔️] [✔️] [



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If you want to support this novel, please leave a review on its Novelupdates page. Also join our discord channel (click link above site to be redirected) to meet a lovely, growing community for this novel where we share fanarts, discussions and some spoilers for the novel. Then again, if you want to support your translators, you can be our patron and read these chapters in advance: Ying and Livy’s current translations (from left to right) Living as the Villainess Queen Under the Oak Tree The Duke’s Imposter Sister Predatory Marriage Raising the Child of the Male Lead Boss Heavenly Divine Doctor: Abandoned Concubine



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Chapter 57 Source: wordexcerpt



“You’ve only just recovered, so don’t stay outdoors for too long.” “I-it’ll just be a short walk.” She smiled at Rudis and walked away. The quiet and calm maid, who rarely talked unless necessary, one day slowly began to fuss over her like a sister would. All she did was say a word or two out of concern without crossing the line, but that was enough to warm Max’s heart. Is this really… my house… home? Her eyes glazed around castle Calypse, the notion bringing to mind her life back in castle Croix. She had spent her whole life there, yet she had nothing she was emotional about. No people, place or anything for that matter, that could remotely make her miss the place. A cold castle that had once sheltered her for so long but she couldn’t bring herself to call ‘home’ – for it never felt like one. She hoped that she just might be able to fill her life with new things completely different from that of her past. She hoped she would grow fond of this castle and its people, and hoped she would find love here and make this place her home. The pitiful, smidgen of hope that had erupted within made her heart tighten. Is it really possible? Leaving Croix didn’t mean she had become a completely different person. She was still that stutterer they had labelled dumb and inconsequential. Someday he’d also realize that I’m useless. Then everything might change. She felt her blood chill with the thoughts of www.asianovel.com



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losing his amorous, affectionate touch or burning gaze. What if he suddenly turns into my father and…?! “Madam? I think you are still sick….” She must have looked anxious as Rudis gave her a look. Max shook her head, as if the action was enough to dismiss the negative thoughts plaguing her. “I’m oh-okay. I would li-like a war-warm cup of t-tea.” “I’ll prepare one right away.” Max took this moment to gather herself. She had a decision to make. If she wanted her fears to never see the light of the day, she had to trudge far across the great unknown, beyond the haunting past of the halls of castle Croix, the reproached Maximilian and unfamiliar future. A resolve, a patient, but rather steely one was burning inside her heart. I can change. I must start acting like a lady. I’ll become a dependable landlady for him. *** By the next day, Max had fully recovered. Although she was yet to regain her full strength, she felt enervated. This day, she had a visitor–Merchant Aderon. Had it been the usual timid Max, she would have avoided the meeting, but today she had an intent to fulfill. Without hesitation, she met with the merchant and discussed the plans for the Great Hall. She carefully listened to his explanations without interrupting, before launching into a few questions of her own. After much consideration, she decided to lay faintly jade-toned, white marbles on the floor of the banquet hall in the Great Hall and have all windows furnished into exquisite glass. Before he took his leave, the merchant assured he would bring in workers from the guild www.asianovel.com



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and commence the work the very next day. With that settled, she made a beeline for the library with the transaction statement she’d just received from Aderon. She skimmed through several, heavy tomes, and worked on recording it in the account books as how Rodrigo did it. By the time she had finished writing the items with her clumsy, almost non-descript, handwriting, the sun had sunk low into the horizon. This hectic and busy schedule continued for days as there were many places in need of repair and there seemed to be no end to things she had to purchase. Each day she met with Aderon early in the morning to be guided on areas that needed fixture and flair. After buying more auxiliary landscaping, she would check to see if the workers were working properly. In the afternoon, she met with the landscaper Aderon had arranged to garnish the dreary garden, and then the engineers to confer on the patterns to be engraved on the railings and window frames. Her day exhausted by a flurry of work, Max would then wrestle late into the night with a mishmash of item statements. Her anxiety piled up with the lack of guidance and uncertainty for her endeavors. A worried Rudis would cajole her, “Madam, you look very tired. You should take some rest….” “I-I’m all right,” she would say immediately. Max checked the banquet hall where the crew was dutifully removing the stone plates and then went straight down to the first floor to rein in items coming in from the upper branch. As if on cue, Aderon and his workers pulled in a large carriage into the castle. The servants of the castle unloaded the luggages inside the carriage and carefully carried it into the castle. “They’re some marble plates and tools required for the process.” www.asianovel.com



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“Wh-what about the wi-windows…?” “The upper branch in Anatol doesn’t have that much glass. We have to order it from the capital or from Libadon to get decent quality glass. For now, I’ll send a telegram to see if we can purchase in bulk quantities of glass from a nearby branch.” She almost replied with her thanks at the words that seemed like they were out of kindness. Then, Max took him to the living room, swallowing a sigh on her own. She was acting like a deep-rooted servile person as the zealous merchant began to explain the time and cost of the refurnishings before the maid could even bring him a cup of tea. Max tried to be attentive to every detail, grasping every inch of what he was saying without missing anything. However, as soon as Aderon began to use a mixture of unfamiliar currency names, her head became more and more of a convoluted mess. She sweated hard as she tried to catch up with all the calculations. One Soldem is 20 Lilams, 20 Lilams equals 240 Derhams, 240 Derhams equal 12 Denars, and 30 Denars equal…. “Oh my, I was too excited just now. Please forgive me!” The merchant ceased his rambles just when she felt her head was about to explode. She flashed him a narrow smile. “N-No, it’s all right.” “I guess I can’t help but feel enthused at the thought of contributing to the redecoration of the great Lord Calypse’s castle.” “Th-thank you, For think-thinking like that….”



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Chapter 58 Source: wordexcerpt



Aderon rose from his seat with an awkward face, leaving behind the parchment paper with several explanations written down. As soon as he left, Max bolted for the library in haste. It took her several hours just to record the cost of the marbles and the wages for the workers. She heaved a weary sigh at her pathetic accomplishment when she suddenly heard something behind her back. She looked back in surprise and was greeted by the sight of a man looming from behind in the far corner of the library, enclosed in a pile of books. “Ru-Ruth…” The man looked back at her with his sullen eyes while scratching his light gray hair. Max didn’t know how to react, so she replied with a blank stare in turn. He was now sitting on top of the precious ledgers. How long has he been lying there? “Why are you so noisy these days?” The wizard suddenly frowned and complained, seemingly feeling no embarrassment encountering the lady of the estate while sleeping on the library floor. Max stuttered back, bewildered by his imposing manner. “Ca-Castle–I’m re-redecorating the castle….” “The castle is the castle, but what I’m asking about is madam Calypse’s business.” “M-me…?” “Who else? You’ve been whining in the library for the last few days. Did you know you have been greatly disturbing my www.asianovel.com



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sleep?” Her mouth hung agape, ashamed over the fact that someone had been watching her piteous acts of groaning, sighing and tearing at her hair. She instantly felt furious with him for not telling her his presence had been nearby in her times of anguish… and stupefied that she was being reproached instead of getting an apology. She didn’t know which of the three emotions she should react to. While she stood there astonished and unable to respond, the man rose from his makeshift comfort and went right before her. “Are you… a bookkeeper?” She hurriedly snatched up the sheets of paper on her desk, bleakly hiding them from his sight. However, the man just ignored her effort to conceal the papers and nimbly picked them up from her evasive hands to scrutinize the incorrigible handwriting. The next moment, the wizard’s eyebrows quivered. “… just how many miscalculations do you even have?” “Gi-Give it…!” He turned around to keep the paper away from her outstretched arm and kept looking over the contents in sheer horror. He blurted out a low groan. “Why is one marble plate twenty Liam? I’m sure you just wrote the wrong units, right? Please tell me you merely mixed up units.” “Ju-just right now… I-I was in the m-middle of fixing it…!” Max desperately explained herself to Ruth, who was on the verge of foaming at the mouth in anger. He, who was glaring at her with squinted eyes, instantly went for the books she was hiding behind her back. www.asianovel.com



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She was flabbergasted at his straightforward behavior. A gentleman should never touch a lady’s things without permission, or so she had always been told. The act of forcefully snatching away a lady’s belongings without permission was something only a ruffian would do. Max pulled on the hem of her dress with a red face. “Gi-give it back! Ho-how, how could you, dd-do, do something so, so, rude…!” “… Just how much have you spent in the last few days?” She flinched and carefully looked up at him. The wizard’s face was horribly distorted and her heart sank at the sight of it. Was something wrong? Ruth clenched his teeth and slowly gathered the strength to ask. “How much?” “We-well, that’s….” Cold sweat trickled down her body as she tried to think of an answer. “Ri-Riftan… said not to worry about money.” “But you should at least know how much you spent, no?” The reproach made her face burn with discomfiture. She shrank away and couldn’t look straight, akin to when her private tutor had admonished her for her pronunciations. “I-I-I don’t know the exact, exact number..” “Do you know the approximate amount?” As soon as she slowly shook her head, the wizard rubbed his temples violently, attempting to regulate his annoyance. For a www.asianovel.com



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moment, she wondered why she was being scolded by him, but then the fear of having done something terribly wrong gnawed at her. So, Max confessed after a long hesitation. “A-a-actually… I-I-I’m not familiar w-with this kind of work, so….” “If you aren’t familiar you should at least ask for help!” His words uttered in frustration were too right that she couldn’t say a word in response. Max trembled in horror, feeling like the biggest fool in the world. “Is-is it really that… wro-wro-wrong?” “First of all, the ledger is a mess. Some items are ridiculously cheap, some ridiculously expensive… the calculations don’t match at all. Also, these item purchases–there are too many unnecessary purchases! While it’s true that Lord Calypse made a ridiculous amount of money from the battle against the dragon, you can’t just spend it without thought! There are numerous knights and guards in Anatol and we are responsible for their upkeep. Most importantly, we are planning on building a big road that will connect the port to the village next year. To add, winter is approaching so our tax revenues will take a hit. We have to try and cut back on any kind of possible waste!” Max shrank her neck in like a turtle at the relentless onslaught of censure. “I-I didn’t, know… I-I didn’t hear anything about that. Hehe just said to do whatever I want.” Ruth let out a deep sigh after he heard her mumblings. As if he had lost all his energy, he drooped his shoulders and continued. “I’m not saying redecorating the castle itself is wrong. It’s www.asianovel.com



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true we have become like a military factory that doesn’t care about anything but defense. But it’s too much. If you keep spending money like this, it will be just a couple years before Lord Calypse has to go rob another Dragon Lair.” “Th-that…” Max reeled back about to collapse and gripped the chair firmly. She was trying to give the castle a massive facelift to make Riftan glad… after all, it was the responsibility of the mistress of the house to keep things beautiful too. She felt all the blood in her body leave as she thought of how her husband might go berserk for her misguided actions like the man in front of her. Max looked up at him with tears in her eyes. “If-if you te-teach me what I did wrong, I-I will fix it….” Update Schedule: 4x a week [✔️] [✔️] [ expect these chapters for this week! 3



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If you want to support this novel, please leave a review on its Novelupdates page. Also join our discord channel (click link above site to be redirected) to meet a lovely, growing community for this novel where we share fanarts, discussions and some spoilers for the novel. Then again, if you want to support your translators, you can be our patron and read these chapters in advance: Ying and Livy’s current translations (from left to right) Living as the Villainess Queen Under the Oak Tree The Duke’s Imposter Sister Predatory Marriage www.asianovel.com



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Raising the Child of the Male Lead Boss Heavenly Divine Doctor: Abandoned Concubine



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Chapter 59 Source: wordexcerpt



In the quiet study, the air stood still. Except for the ruffling of pages, there was nary a sound. There were only two people in the study, yet it was more suffocating than a crowded room full of clamour. As he flicked through the pages of the ledger, every now and then, Ruth pressed the middle of his forehead with his forefinger as if trying to pin down his emotions. As he went through line after line, word after word, his thoughts dared not reflect on his face. Nearby, a sullen Max stood still, like a child who had been reprimanded for wrongdoings. Her gaze was fixed on the ledger as well as if it held authoritarian power over her future. Every time a page turned, her heart paused. Every fleeting second, she’d steal a glimpse of the vacant visage before her, trying to gauge the other’s mood. She could, however, glean nothing and could only go back to feeling more sullen. After what felt like forever, his wordless audit had finally drawn to a close. The party in charge of the rising tension in the room, let out a deep sigh and roughly rubbed his face out of habit. Then, he turned to the only other person in the room, and without preamble, looked her straight in the eyes. “I don’t know what to talk about first,” he said impassively. Max, who was by now a bundle of nerves, felt like crawling into a hole. She had little courage to face what was to come. “Are you sure you have all the purchase bills in here?” His www.asianovel.com



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face did not betray his thoughts even now. “Y-yes! The b-bundle of p-papers there…” He narrowed his eyes at the pile of parchment paper she was referring to, then closed the ledger with a smack that reverberated in the silent room. Max quivered ever so slightly. “We can start tomorrow as it’s quite late already.” He solemnly suggested. “Yo-you ca-can t-tell me no-now…” She had been on the edge for far too long, the sooner she was done with the better it would be. If she had to go through this for a minute longer, she was afraid of an imminent nervous breakdown. However… “This ledger isn’t something that we can fix in a couple of days.” Max immediately pursed her lips, silenced by the sharp words. What did she have to say? Ultimately, all she could do was quietly nod, burning in silent shame.



“You’re early!” The next morning saw Max rushing to the library as soon as she woke up. She didn’t want to delay even a moment more than necessary to set right the ledger. Her entire night had been spent in jitters, the bags under the eyes serving as proof. When he saw the dainty figure scurrying into the room, Ruth greeted her with a lazy, unimpressive yawn. He was sleeping in a corner, dressed in his usual, tattered apparel from before. It seemed like it took him great effort to straighten himself up, and the look he shot her all along was of someone who had been disturbed in the midst of something very important. www.asianovel.com



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Max narrowed her eyes, clearly aware of what the gaze on her meant. She had snuck out of her room shortly after sunrise. Before leaving, she’d wiped her face with a wet towel, not wanting to bump into any servants looking unkempt. By the time she made it here, she was panting and a thin layer of sweat had made its way on her flushed face. And was this man, living free and easy, silently accusing her of invading his privacy while she had spent the night on pins and needles? If anyone knew that he was the one Max feared, they would scoff it off calling it absurd. “Let’s look at the purchase records first. We should cancel any unnecessary orders before it’s too late.” Without wasting a moment, he pulled out a chair from the desk, made himself comfortable, and got straight to the point. Surprised by the sudden change in demeanor, Max tucked her uncombed, messy hair behind her ear in a bid to hide her unease and quietly took the seat opposite him. She attempted to break the terse silence. “The me-merchant wiwi-will be co-coming th-this af-af-afternoon. I can can-cancel a-any orders to-today.” “Very well.” He simply answered. He deftly organized the parchment papers by date and started to go through each of them in detail. As he looked through the records, she gripped onto her skirt nervously and waited with bated breath, not daring to utter a peep lest he is irked. “Firstly,” he finally said, “20 lirams for a marble tile… you wrote it down incorrectly. A marble tile 1 cubet by 1 cubet for 20 derhams is not a ridiculously expensive price. No, it’s actually quite cheap.”



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Just when Max sighed in relief, she discovered she had celebrated too soon. Ruth tapped the desk with his fingers and continued in the same detached tone. “But I’m not certain if switching the floors of both the hall and banquet room into marble tiles is necessary. It’s not long since they’ve been changed into stone tiles,” he said and sighed. “I reckon there’s nothing we can do since construction has already begun. Nevertheless, Lord Calypse deserves this kind of luxury so it should be fine.” “B-but they ha-haven’t sta-started wi-with the ha-hall so wwe can can-cancel…” “That would be great, thank you.” He replied dryly and went onto the other sections. “Everything else looks fine. Stair handrails, balcony banisters, windowsill, curtains and carpets, wall decorations, furniture, chandeliers and statues, fount… fountains?!” His flat voice screeched when he reached the end of the list. Max flinched like someone had slapped her on the back. He whipped his head around and glared at her with narrow eyes, tacitly demanding an explanation. Unable to dare to look straight at him, she looked away and started spurting excuses. “The me-merchant sa-said it’ll lo-look goo-good in th-the ga-garden…” “Do you know how much money goes into maintaining a fountain? Drawing water is a huge construction in itself! And what’s more, it’s made of marbles and crystals? This bastard is trying to rip you off!” At his angry cry, Max dropped her head. It looked like she’d shrank in size. No matter how pitiful she appeared, his caustic remarks www.asianovel.com



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didn’t meet their end. “And where did the idea of changing every single window in the castle with high-quality glass come from? This is a kind of luxury the emperor during the Roem Dynasty would’ve had! Do you know how expensive glass is?” “Cro-croix Castle has gla-glass win-windows…” “That’s because it’s owned by the Croix family! Madam, your father is one of the richest people in all Seven Kingdoms!” He couldn’t believe she was comparing such polar opposites! If Lord Calypse was rich, then the Duke of Croix’s wealth could only be described as exorbitant. Even the commoners were aware of this fact, how could his own daughter be oblivious?!



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Chapter 60 Source: wordexcerpt



Ruth thumped his chest with frustration. He was trying in vain to quell his agitation, knowing well he was speaking to the lady of the house. But his emotions couldn’t be pacified with her preposterous plans. Even so, he explained as calmly as he could. “Glass is not practical at all. Insulation of glass is extremely poor that it will be no different to living with the windows open. Moreover, knights often train in the backyard and it will be only a matter of time when such expensive windows shatter to pieces from swinging swords. Another thing, it scratches easily so it’ll be challenging to manage them. Servants will be spending most of their time polishing them and soon, you’ll be short-handed.” When he picked the points Max had never thought of, she quietened even further. He looked through to the very last bill and only then did his face softened a little. It was unknown if it was the realization of his brusqueness up until now or the mere content of the bill, even so, the ensuing words had a hint of softness. “Fortunately, not everything has been ordered. Why don’t we agree to change the windows of the main hall, banquet room, and some of the guest rooms into glass, and the remaining rooms can either be converted to balt glass or have double covering for insulation? It’ll be very useful in the winter if you add an outer door and have them partially ajar to let fresh air in. That will be enough to show off your wealth to the guests without burning a hole in your pocket.” He pulled out a new piece of parchment paper and drew a blueprint of the castle as he explained. Max blankly looked at the www.asianovel.com



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drawing and nodded. “A-all r-right. I-I’ll t-tell him th-that.” “The crystal fountain is not worth anything.” He tossed the parchment paper in his other hand over his shoulders and dipped the quill into the inkwell as he set a new piece of paper in front of her. “Let’s get rid of the garish ones and one by one note down those absolutely necessary,” he said, seemingly taking the reins in his hand. A nonplussed Max simply stared at the quill in horror. She was expecting him to rewrite the ledger for her, but here he was just enlisting things and handing over the vital aspect to her. She certainly didn’t want a rerun of the rebuking session! “W-what if I-I make a mi-mistake ag-again…” She tried to hint that he must draft it. “You’ll be taking care of this in the future. I’ll guide you in the right direction, so don’t worry.” He had made his stand crystal clear. She looked down at the ledger, feeling lost. Her head was as blank as the paper in front of her. Panicking, Max sifted through the bills and searched for something to write. She tried to calm herself and looked for the oldest purchase record and wrote down the items purchased and the details with it. She followed it with the number of people hired, their wages and contract period, and then… things began to get complicated with only her meager knowledge in work. Max scrunched numbers, scribbling down numbers as sweat laced her temples. How much was each currency worth? How should I calculate? She turned bemused by the second. Her fingers tightly clenched the quill as if to squeeze out the answers. www.asianovel.com



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Upon noticing how flustered a mere ledger had made her, Ruth furrowed his brows. He seemed to have an inclination as to what was going on in her mind, but he still opened his mouth in order not to assume. “Just to be sure, you do know the currency units, right?” “I-I k-know them!” She anxiously denied, horror creeping within at the possibility of her secret being discovered. However, the wizard looked at her narrowly with suspicion. Under the intense scrutiny she was being subjected to, Max held her breath and managed to add… “I-I’m just… I ne-never u-used mo-money before, I…” Without another beat, Ruth launched a question. “How much is 60 lirams in soldems?” “I-I, um, fo-four?” She folded and straightened all of her ten fingers and blurted out an answer she fervently hoped was right. But at his resulting glare, she quickly took her answer back. “Thr-three!” “How much soldems do you get from 24 denars in soldems?” “I-I…” “What about 10 lirams in derhams?” Almost in tears, Max’s face flushed with shame and humiliation. Yet the sharp pair of eyes were still intently staring at her, unfazed by her crumbling emotions. It’s all over! He must have figured out I’m a halfwit. He’s going to www.asianovel.com



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think that I’m a stutterer, a mere idiot. Will he tell Riftan? She dropped her head in trepidation, any lower and it would have touched the floor. After a silence that seemed to stretch on forever, she heard a weary sigh. “Even Princess Agnes wasn’t this ignorant of the world! How sheltered did you grow up?” Unable to give any excuse, she bit her lip. Her mortification was for everyone to see. Ruth was silent for a long moment and exhaled loudly as he went through the inner pocket of his robe, fishing out a small pouch. “Listen closely,” he said as he picked two silver coins. One was thick and wide as his middle finger, and the other was thin and wide… two-thirds of a pinky. Ruth tapped on the large coin bearing the insignia of a bird with its wings spread. “This is a liram. It’s a silver coin the Roem Empire created and spread all across the continent. It is worth twelve times this smaller coin, the derham,” he said pointing at the smaller coin. “Derhams are from Rakasim in the Southern continent. It has been used widely since the trade with this continent has grown these few years ago. It’s small but carries a high credit.” She looked at the small silver he’s placed on his palm, concealing her fascination. It was her first time seeing a coin this close. Ruth let her observe for a bit and continued explaining. “Lirams are exactly twelve times heavier than derhams. That’s why twelve derhams are exchanged for one liram.” He then pulled out two gold coins. One was big as a liram and the other as a derham. www.asianovel.com



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“This big one is a soldem, created by the Roem Empire, just like lirams. This small one is a denar, also from Rakasim. Likewise, soldems are twelve times heavier than denars. “Wh-why does th-the So-southern co-continent make ssuch s-small coins?” “Business in the Southern continent is far more developed than where we are. If a coin is too large, trade between individuals cannot be possible.” He answered as if her question was bothersome. She couldn’t fully understand him, but Max didn’t ask more questions. Ruth put the coins down and continued talking more about money. “Gold coins are worth 20 times more than silver coins. A single soldem is exchanged for 20 lirams and a single denar is exchanged for 20 derhams.” Weekly Releases: [✔️] [✔️] [✔️] [✔️] [ chapters for this week! 3



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If you want to support this novel, please leave a review on its Novelupdates page. Also join our discord channel (click link above site to be redirected) to meet a lovely, growing community for this novel where we share fanarts, discussions and some spoilers for the novel. Then again, if you want to support your translators, you can be our patron and read these chapters in advance: Ying and Livy’s current translations (from left to right) Living as the Villainess Queen Under the Oak Tree The Duke’s Imposter Sister



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Predatory Marriage Raising the Child of the Male Lead Boss Heavenly Divine Doctor: Abandoned Concubine



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Chapter 61 Source: wordexcerpt



“Th-then this small go-gold coin… How much is o-one dedenar worth in li-lirams?” Max asked about the part she was most confused about. “It doesn’t come to an exact number. Five lirams are worth three denars.” Ruth answered as he pushed the gold coins from the South and the large silver coin from Roem forward. She quickly wrote his words down on the paper. Five lirams equal three denars. Watching her, Ruth sighed softly. “I assume you are confused when using lirams and denars together. Soldems are a large unit hence infrequently used; the same goes with derhams because they are too small. Silver lirams from Roem and golden denar from Rakasim serve as the regular medium of exchange between nobles and merchants. For that reason, it’s a real pain as they’re not converted as easily as we would like. It’s not like we can crush the coins into smaller pieces… In the end, we convert all of them into derhams and it becomes easier after that.” Max nodded gloomily. “I-I didn’t k-know t-there were… s-so ma-many different kikinds of mo-money…” “This is nothing. There are coins from Balto in the North and Suikan in the East. The purity of the silver and its weight are the same as soldem and lirams, so they’re not used separately like the denar and derhams… but it will be useful to keep in mind the different shapes at least.” Ruth rummaged through the pouch and frowned. www.asianovel.com



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“I don’t have any gold coins from Balto and Suikan. I’ll try to get them later.” Max was only terrified at the names of more coins and regions. It was only going to confuse her more if he brought them to her. “D-do I ne-need to kn-know them if the si-sizes are sisimilar to so-soldems and li-lirams? I’ll ju-just need to chcheck the si-size…” “Recently, there is a growing number of feudal lords producing their coins to show off their wealth and power. But most of them are mixed with lead and copper, so you must filter them out. On the other hand, the coins from Balto and Suikan have high purity, so it’ll be extremely useful to know how to distinguish them. Soon, there will be merchants from the North and East coming into Anatol.” “O-okay…” “The coins with high credit are soldem, liram, denar, derham and copper segals used by the commoners and dants used by a few prominent people… That should be enough for you to know.” “Ho-how m-much is da-dants worth?” Max asked, having never heard of it before. “Dants are the most valuable coins in this world. It was manufactured during the wealthiest periods of the Roem Dynasty. It’s made of Orihalcon and is the size of a palm, and only 600 exist in the whole continent. I believe Lord Calypse has 160 of them.” Ruth replied with a flat voice. Max was surprised that he owned 160 of those precious coins. He then switched to a bragging tone as if they were his. “They were found in the den of the devils in the Osiria Canyon, six www.asianovel.com



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years ago. At that time, Lord Calypse frantically hunted after evil spirits and collected their treasures as if he was possessed by something. Dants were one of the precious things he collected. Initially, he found 200 of them but used 40 dants for building a rampart, getting maintenance work done on the castle and installing a road in the village.” “Y-you can d-do all that wi-with o-only fo-forty co-coins?” “He used twice as much as the estimated cost. He paid the workers several times more to speed up the construction process.” Ruth explicitly put on a displeased look on his face. This wizard seemed to be strict about money. “Y-you must have kn-know Ri-Riftan fo-for a lo-long time.” “I’ve known Lord Calypse since he was a soldier. That was about twelve years ago.” Her curiosity soared when she heard this. He would’ve been fifteen then. Was he a soldier since? She’d heard that he was eighteen when he became a knight. Normally, it took three years of training and a year of serving as a chamberlain to officially receive a sword to become a knight. “Now, now. Let’s stop the small talk and continue with the ledger. We should finish this before the merchant arrives, shouldn’t we?” Max swallowed her questions and returned to the ledger at his reminder.



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Chapter 62 Source: wordexcerpt



Upon hearing that Max wanted to cancel most of the orders, Aderon wore a worried look and tried to persuade her with his glib tongue. She almost fell for it but remembering Ruth’s glare and how he treated her like an extravagant woman, Max was able to keep her opinion. Realizing there was nothing he could do, Aderon sighed and handed over a new written statement. Max tried to estimate how much the price Aderon wrote was worth in her head. Imagining the gold and silver coins Ruth showed her in a pile… she was able to grasp that the price she was paying was never a small amount of money. She devoutly signed the paper and left the room. When she told him that things have gone well, Ruth relaxed his brows a little. “Can you show me the statement?” She handed it over. “Well, this man isn’t completely unscrupulous,” the wizard finally said after reading the paper top to bottom. “H-he ca-can t-try to fo-force you in-into bu-buying but he i-isn’t a ba-bad person…” “No one is bad in front of their sacrificial victim.” He spat a cold comment which contrasted his rather gentle mien and pulled out a chair in front of him to sit down. Max also sat across him and rolled her eyes. She had known this before, but this man was extremely ill-tempered and liked to make www.asianovel.com



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blistering remarks, unlike his soft and kind looking face. His crooked way of seeing things was somewhat similar to Riftan, apart from his talkative and nosey side. “I’ll take a look at it. Try writing it in the ledger.” “O-okay…” She didn’t pose a question on how he’d naturally become her supervisor and merely toed the line. “Here, the calculation is wrong again.” “Oh, I-I’m so-sorry.” He looked at her numbers and tapped the corner of the parchment paper again, massaging the middle of his brows. She hurriedly corrected her mistake. He then pointed at the section below. “Here, the unit is wrong.” “I-I’m s-“ “And it will help to have your statements written in detail. That way, you can avoid any confusion when you tally the accounts in the future.” “O-okay…” “Here, you have misspelt. This will be a document left for generations, so please restrain from scribbling the words.” The tutor her father had assigned hadn’t been this strict. Neither was he patient. The result was what it was now. She wrote the letters clearly, fearing that he was going to point them out again. After she was done, Ruth checked the ledger as if going through her homework. “This is good enough,” he said arrogantly as he closed the www.asianovel.com



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ledger. His face looked easy and lax. “With this, every problem has been solved. Now, I would appreciate it if you stop coming to the library and interrupting my sleep.” Max rolled her eyes. Was he thinking of continuing to sleep here? Riftan clearly said this man was using the tower in the backyard… No, it was not something for her to interfere. After thinking for a while, she slowly opened her lips. “W-we de-decided to la-landscape the ga-garden next spspring…” “….” Ruth horrendously contorted his face. Max pulled out the shamelessness she didn’t know she had and pleaded. The hours she spent trying to work out things she had never done before alone flashed before her eyes. She didn’t want to go back pulling her hair, unable to make out heads or tails. Since she had already been embarrassed, she thought there won’t be any more harm asking for more help. “A-and the mai-maintenance in the annex…” “……” Ruth grabbed his head with regret.



After that day, Ruth officially became Max’s helper in organizing the ledger. When she quietly approached him sleeping on the floor of the library, he woke up mumbling how he regretted helping her in the first place, but thoroughly went through the book, nevertheless. www.asianovel.com



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Furthermore, he advised her on purchases for the castle. It was more of a nag than advice, but they were valuable words. Since then, Max started to ask for advice on even little things. “I think the servants will be thrown off if you order them to pull out the tree next to the gazebo,” Ruth said after quietly listening to her plan on redecorating the garden. She tilted her head to the side. “I-It’s dead a-and do-doesn’t sprout le-leaves an-anymore.” “People of Anatol believe that spirits lie in trees. For that reason, people here do not uproot trees simply because they’re dead and regard logging as sacred work. The servants will be shocked at your order to remove the tree just because it looks bad. “Bu-but…” Max was befuddled. She had never known of such a custom back in Croix. “I-if we te-tell them i-it will b-be used for fi-fire, then wowould i-it be ac-ac-acceptable? I-I mean, i-it’s hi-hideous…” “They might accept it.” He frowned and stroked his chin. “But I’m worried that the tree by the gazebo is an oak.” “Wha-what about oa-oaks?” “People here deeply believe in the legend about the first knight who rode a dragon and flew into the sky. The hill where Uigru hopped onto the dragon is the hill right there.” week we are going to learn about the legend of the oak tree finally :)) Weekly Releases: [✔️] [✔️] [✔️] [✔️] [✔️] [✔️] If you want to support this novel, please leave a review on its www.asianovel.com



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Novelupdates page. Also join our discord channel (click link above site to be redirected) to meet a lovely, growing community for this novel where we share fanarts, discussions and some spoilers for the novel. Then again, if you want to support your translators, you can be our patron and read these chapters in advance: Ying and Livy’s current translations (from left to right) Living as the Villainess Queen Under the Oak Tree The Duke’s Imposter Sister Predatory Marriage Raising the Child of the Male Lead Boss Heavenly Divine Doctor: Abandoned Concubine



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Chapter 65 Source: wordexcerpt



The sudden voice pulled Max out from her unpleasant thoughts. She turned back and saw two boys dressed head to toe in black tunics looking at her curiously. At their gaze, she instantly straightened herself up, realizing that they were apprentices she had seen several times with Riftan before. The two boys politely bowed their heads as a greeting, hands on their chests in reverence as one would expect from a knight-in-training. “We’re sorry to have taken you by surprise. We were worried about the Madam being alone, so we had to come and talk to you,” the boy explained, looking apologetic. “I-it’s okay. Tha-thank you for… worrying about me, I…” Her eyes wandered to the side, her tongue inexplicably finding difficulty with words to address the young boys before her. A boy with stunning silver hair was quick to notice this, and he introduced himself in haste. “We apologize for the late introduction. I’m Yurixion Lobar. We are knights in training waiting for our knighthood next year.” The taller boy next to him also opened his mouth to say, “I’m Garow Livacon. I’m going to be knighted on the same day as my friend here,” he gestured to the silver-haired boy. Max fumbled with her hands, “I, I am Max, Maximilian… Calypse,” her introduction coming out in an embarrassing stutter. Despite having already known her identity, Yurixion flashed her an amicable smile, as if to reassure her. www.asianovel.com



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“You must have been taking a walk alone,” he continued after the exchange of names had come to close. “N, no…. I, I was touring the in-inner facilities,” she answered with some hesitancy, fearing the latter would reprimand her/ The boy’s face turned grave after hearing her answer. “It is dangerous for the Madam to travel alone even if it’s just inside the castle.There has been frequent outside visitors these days and if somehow a mishap occurs–” “Mi-mishap…?” She asked back in shock, finding the situation quite nerve-wracking. Sensing their Madam’s apprehension, the boy hurriedly added in panic, “I wasn’t trying to scare you. I was just worried for the Madam of the estate…” then he added in an afterthought, “Ah! If you don’t mind, may we accompany you, Madam?” Max hurriedly declined with a fervent shake of her head, “N, No. II can’t just take your, pre-precious time…” “Please don’t say something like that! It is an honor for a knight to serve the Madam. We, we may not have been officially knighted… yet we would risk our lives only to save you from any danger,” the boy heatedly expressed. At the startling amount of fervor in his words, Max took an unconscious step back. Seeing their madam recoil, the boy next to him stabbed him in the ribs as a warning. “Yuri, Stop exaggerating your words!” “Exaggerating?! I am deadly serious, I truly would…” Perhaps realizing his brashness, the boy quickly clammed his www.asianovel.com



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mouth shut with some embarrassment. The next time he faced Max, he was a tad calmer. “Anyways, you can’t go around alone. I can call a guard if it’s specifically my service you find not to your liking,” he gently said. As much as Max appreciated their efforts, she found it to be over the top to be guarded inside the castle’s safe premises. “It-it’s just in-inside the castle… to-to go that far….” “Madam, there is no guarantee that the castle is safe! If anything happened to you, Madam, I would be too ashamed to face Lord Calypse on his return.” The boy’s face turned shades of blue with his rapt reply with the idea of their beloved leader scorning them. As soon as Max was greeted with the sight of the young boy’s crumbing face as if the world was ending, she immediately felt sweat ooze from her pores. “We-well if, if it worries you tha-that much… then, please…” she finally acquiesced. Given her consent, the boy’s face instantly lit up. She felt an onset of dizziness at the quick change of expression. “Where should I escort you to, madam?” Resigned to her two new companions, she quietly said, “…I-I was on my way to-to the blacksmith….” “What a coincidence! We were also on our way to the blacksmith. I’ll accompany you there.” With that, Yurixion took the lead with energetic steps, a more placid Garow following after him with a shrug of his shoulders. It was only after a moment’s hesitation that Max began to trail after them, feeling very awkward. The boy’s passionate attitude was something www.asianovel.com



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refreshing to Max, and was a contrast against the callous, taciturn countenance of her husband, Ruth’s bluntness, and the rest of the knight’s indifference to her. ‘He’s probably 16… maybe around 17 years old?’ “Do you have any special business with the blacksmith?” The boy prompted her away from her thoughts. “My-my business is… when winter comes… merchants said, the-they would come less often so…I-I’m checking if they need a-anything.” The boy’s eyes brightened, “I see! I was on my way to the blacksmith because I broke my sword while sparring,” he cheerfully pointed to the pointed blade hanging on his waist. “It’s a bit embarrassing, but this is the second time it broke this month alone. I break it so often that the blacksmith starts nagging as soon as he sees me.” A slight smile tugged at the corner of her lips. She could tell Yurixion was embarrassed by the faint tinge of red on his cheeks, and while his outpouring friendliness was quite overwhelming, Max could see he was a kind and easygoing person. “I don’t know when I can reach the tip of Lord Calypse’s feet with my labors. No, rather, if I could amount to the furthest tip of the Lord’s feet, it would already be an immense relief.” The boy beside him who had remained silent throughout suddenly quipped, “We would be conscripted to the Remdragon Knights next year. Isn’t your goal too low?” “Garow, you still don’t understand Lord Calypse’s greatness.” He replied with a mild shake of his head. “It’s already a tremendous achievement to reach just the tip of the tip of www.asianovel.com



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the tip of his feet. Forget even reaching the tip of the tip of his feet!” “Oh, really.” The latter replied with a resigned tone and slightly fed up look on his face. Meanwhile, Max felt enthused at the boy’s blind reverence for Riftan and she couldn’t help but join their conversation. “Ri-riftan… Is-Is he that outstanding of a kn-knight?”



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Chapter 66 Source: wordexcerpt



“Madam, he not just outstanding!” The boy looked back at her as if she were describing Riftan with the most austere terms. He then launches to a tirade of Riftan’s outstanding achievements that led to his reputation, “Lord Calypse is the greatest knight in the continent. There’s a reason why he is called the wise man of Uigru! Across the continent, there are only five knights that are revered as Rossem Uigru! Two out of the five knights were bested by Sir Calypse. It was only six years ago that he beat Libadon’s top knight, Sejour Aren, but he also beat the holy sword of Osiria, Kuahl Leon at the Western Union swordsmanship competition!” Max only smiled vaguely in return. She had heard about the commander of the Paladin Division many times, a man commended for his excellent swordsmanship—yet, it never dawned on her that her husband could far surpass a man considered to be an elite knight in the continent. “I decided to be a knight after seeing Sir Calypse performance during that sword competition. I have admired him ever since,” the boy finally ended his impassioned speech with his devotion to Riftan. “I, I see….” Max replied at a loss for words. This, in turn, prompted a stern look on the boy’s cheery face. “Madam,” he somberly started, “You have no idea how incredible Lord Calpyse is, do you?” www.asianovel.com



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She hurriedly countered with her little knowledge on Riftan, “I, I know…. a-about the d-dragon….” “Even if he did not participate in the expedition, Sir Calypse is still a great knight. Have you never seen him swing a sword before?” “I, I have!” She interjected immediately, feeling quite defensive. “I saw him fi-fighting a mo-monster….” Her words trailed to a quiet whisper. She was not sure if her disclosure of the fiasco on their travel had counted as seeing. It was the first time Riftan had wielded his blade in front of her, yet she had passed out, unable to see the spectacle. And on the second time it happened, the fight was over before she even knew it. But Max couldn’t stomach the boys finding out her lack of familiarity with her husband’s feats. Therefore, she began to spin an exaggerated tale… “I-I also know,” she started, straightening up her spine, and her nervousness, as she recounted a profligate version of the fight. “I-I saw Riftan cu-cut a gi-giant a-as bi-big as this fo-fort in hahalf! The-there was a to-total of te-ten gi-giants, bu-but he de-defeated them a-all i-in the b-blink of an e-eye.” She was describing the event shamelessly, even though, in reality, she could not remember how many of the fearsome beasts had appeared. She presumed, at the very least, there would have been ten. Her bluff proved successful, as the boy looked at her with renewed enthusiasm on his naïve face. “For real? Ten giant ogres…!? What a story! Can you tell us more?” Max flinched at his enthusiasm. The boy’s incredible excitement for the story caught Max off guard. However, at this point, she could not www.asianovel.com



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tell him the mortifying truth that she could not remember because she had fainted. She quickly remembered a tale she heard from a minstrel and made up an outrageous story, her stutters increasingly becoming evident with the deepening lie. “Whi-while we we-were on a ca-carriage, we-we susuddenly he-heard a loud s-screech! I-it was s-so lo-loud thathat I thought th-the s-sky wa-was te-tearing a-apart. M-my entire bo-body froze be-because I wa-was s-so scared; I-I dididn’t even re-realize th-that Ri-riftan to-took out hi-his swsword. And b-by the ti-time I no-noticed, Ri-riftan had already go-gone o-out t-to fi-fight.” “Sir Calypse’s swordsmanship is the fastest in the world! His enemies always end up with their head decapitated and their bodies split in half bleeding all over the ground before they even notice him taking out his sword!” The boy yelled with delight. Although she found it disconcerting how the boys enjoyed hearing such a morbid tale, she continued on regardless. “O-outside, th-there we-were ten gi-giants as bi-big as a fofort…! A-all the knights d-drew their s-swords! Ri-riftan wewent ahead of th-them and s-swang hi-his s-sword at the bibiggest gi-giant! Th-then the gi-giant…” Max looked up, trying to recall what the boy said had said earlier. Trying to intertwine some semblance of reality in her story. “Th-the gi-giant’s he-head was decapitated, and its totorso cut in half a-and b-blood sprouted li-like a fo-fountain! Th-then it d-dropped to the g-ground.” “Sir Calypse’s sword had even split through the dragon’s breath!” He nodded, convinced, “Hmph! An ogre is only a piece of cake for him!” www.asianovel.com



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Max evoked exhilaration on the boys with her tale. Despite her bothersome stuttering, the boys showed no sign of annoyance at patiently waited, eyes sparkling, as she went on with the story. Their reactions that of pure astonishment served to fuel Max further, her tale increasingly becoming animated as she started to mimic the giant. “A-another gi-giant sa-saw what ha-happened a-and shouted s-so loud th-that m-my e-ears popped a-and it sswang a huge ba-bat with a sw-swoosh! Ri-riftan ju-jumped up hi-high like a flying swallow… and do-dodged like it wawas ch-child’s play.” She smiled, quite liking her description of him as a sprightly ‘flying swallow.’ “T-the gi-giant was so du-dull that… it co-couldn’t keep up wi-with Ri-riftan’s mo-movement and ke-kept slamming t-the g-ground with its ba-bat! Boom! Bam! So s-strong th-that it fe-felt li-like the e-earth wa-was sh-shaking…!” She imitated the giant slamming the ground with its weapon of destruction. The boys’ shoulders also shook as if they were dying to know what happened next. Max, too, began to feel uncontrollably excited as it was the first time someone had been so engaged in her story. “Th-then! Ri-riftan swang his s-sword. Th-there was a susudden f-flash and then I sa-saw th-the giant’s bi-big arm cucut off li-like a sa-sausage! Th-then it d-dropped to th-the ground wi-with a loud th-thud and blood….” She noticed that whenever something gory was mentioned, the twinkle in the boys’ eyes became even more dazzling. She raised her arms and yelled. “B-blood rained li-like a shower! Every ti-time the giant www.asianovel.com



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sho-shook its half cu-cut a-arm, black b-blood poured dodown ev-everywhere like he-heavy r, rain…! I had to babathe for half a-a day just to wa-wash out the blood o-on me.” Max, who was swinging her arm, trying to mimic the giant with a decapitated limb, suddenly froze.



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Chapter 67 Source: wordexcerpt



As she turned her stiff head, she saw Ruth squatting under a tree carefully scraping the moss between its roots. Soon after, he grabbed his sack and stood up. “My clothes and armor are stained so black, I wonder if I should change the name to Knights of Hume (Black) Dragon instead of Rem (White) Dragon,” he said with a sour face. “Mr. Ruth!” Yurixion, visibly glad to see him, ran towards him. “What are you doing here?” “I am making reagents at Lady Calypse’s request, to revive the trees in the garden,” said he as he lifted up a sack. Fixing his gaze upon her, he continued. “It seems you were recounting the fierce battle you went through during your journey.” Max literally flushed from head to toe. She had been caught bluffing, red-handed, and out of all the people, by the very one who saw her vomit and pass out. All she wished was to turn into dust and disappear. However, the mood of her audience wasn’t affected at the slightest. The boys shook with excitement, not noticing her embarrassment at all. “Yes! She was telling us how Lord Calypse slayed ten giant ogres in a blink of an eye.” “Ten giant ogres you say….” www.asianovel.com



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As each word drawled, Max’s heart pounded tenfold with anxiety. She wondered if she should cut her losses and just get out of here on the pretext of having something urgent at hand. Her eyes darted eyes around like a prey looking to escape. Like Ruth didn’t know what she was thinking! He cast her a sly smile and while sounding completely natural, he said, “You only got that far? There was also a battle in the mountains.” “A battle in the mountains?!” Yurixion exclaimed. “We were crossing the Anatorium Mountain when we ran into a pack of werewolves. How… how many were there in total? Mrs. Calypse? My memory is a bit blurry off late…” “I- I also don’t….” “Understandable, I mean there were so many that it was tough to count. The whole mountain was covered with their dark fur, so it probably seemed like someone had put a carpet over the mountain.” “There were that many werewolves on the Anatorium Mountain…?” Yurixion cried in astonishment. Max was sweating profusely, as she was unable to agree or deny what Ruth said. With a gentle smile, the wizard continued. “How about you tell them the story of what happened that day in detail Mrs. Calypse?” The boys’ gazes, suffused with anticipation, flew towards her. Max’s face was red-hot, she didn’t have nerves thick enough to make up a story in front of someone who was actually there when it all happened. Perhaps taking pity at her current state, Ruth extended her a helping hand. www.asianovel.com



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“We can’t just take up our lady’s time like that as she is very busy.” “Y-yeah… I-I’m a bi-bit busy..” She didn’t even blink before grabbing on to the helping hand. However, did she think she’d be let off so easily? Ruth stopped her again… “Oh, come to think of it, I have news for you, Madam. I was so focused on your story that I almost forgot to tell you. “Ne-news…?” She carefully looked back at him, suspicious, wondering if this was another one of the wizard’s pranks. But when she noticed him holding a small unfolded sheet of parchment for her to see, she relaxed just a tad. “This is a telegram that Lord Calypse sent to my tower through the palace’s sorcery device. He said he is going to leave for Anatol as soon as the ceremony ends. It would take around fifteen days at most…. No, considering the knights’ mobility, they should arrive in ten.” Upon the unexpected news, Max instantly forgot about her embarrassment and beamed. She skipped to him and promptly took a look at the parchment, saw the date of departure and a summary of the route. Ruth shook his head and let out a deep sigh as if he was helpless. “Seems like he’s really just going to swing by and then return.” “Wha-what’s wro-wrong with tha-that?”



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“There’s nothing wrong with it, but… he might as well reclaim the king’s graces while he’s there, you know?” “Sir Ruth, I am sure Sir Calypse is worried about our town’s safety. A colossal amount of werewolves had appeared near our land; how could he not be worried?” Yurixion passionately defended Riftan. As the conversation streamed in a direction she disliked, Max became noticeably nervous and hastily wrapped up the conversation. “An-anyways… tha-thanks for te-telling m-me. We-well I sho-should sta-start he-heading to th- the sm-smithy, I hahave some bu-business the-there…” “Oh, I know very well that you are a busy lady, Madam.” Max walked away, leaving Ruth and his sarcastic tone behind. Her footsteps were so light that it surprised herself. She wanted to hum but held it back as she was aware of the boys following her.



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Chapter 68 Source: wordexcerpt



Having completed her rounds of the inner castle, Max returned to her room to sort out the items she had to order. Thus, the rest of the day was spent peacefully in the company of papers and food. The next day, right at sunrise, she ran to the library with the papers, handing them over Ruth to make sure there were no problems. The wizard, who was lying on a worn-out carpet and sleeping using books as a blanket, frowned at being disturbed. Even so, he quickly straightened himself and started checking the order sheet sans complaints. Reviewing the list from the top, he dipped a pen in ink and crossed out some spots. “The butler has already prepared enough oil and candles. I’m sure we have silverware and dishes stored in the warehouse. Also, where on earth are you going to use all these soaps and fragrance oils?” “I tho-thought the kn-knights enjoyed ta-taking bath anand sau-sauna so….” “What the… Do you really think those men would use such luxurious soaps and fragrances? They would all frown if they even get near something with floral scent. It’s enough to just order the amount you need.” Ruth relentlessly crossed out items from the list. Then, giving it a once over, he spoke as if he was doing her a favor. “The rest seems about right.” www.asianovel.com



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“S-so sho-should I… ju-just order them no-now?” “Let’s just add in a few more items.” Max’s eyes opened wide as it was the first time he had wanted to buy something. She curiously looked at what Ruth was writing down and saw a list of names. Max was taken aback as she thought he was planning on purchasing some slaves. “Wha-what ex-exactly are you wr-writing do-down?” “Names of scholars. Please ask the servants to purchase writings under these names as it is.” Max looked at him blankly. “A-are y-you trying t-to buy someth-thing you perpersonally wa-want right no-now? Mo-moreover, it-it’s an exexpensive lu-luxury item li-like a boo-book ….” “Madam, knowledge is an incomparable asset.” He spoke with absolute seriousness and solemnity. “These writings are not for meeting my desires. They are what this library needs, what I’m trying to say is that anyone can come in and read them freely.” Max’s jaw dropped at his brazen words. This wizard absolutely hated it when anyone, other than himself, was in the library. He even hinted to her, the lady of the castle, that he was annoyed when she came to the library. Frankly speaking, occupying the castle tower was not enough for Ruth, without authorization he had also taken over the library. “I-I’ve never seen… an-anyone ex-except for y-you and me use the li-library be-before.”



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“There will be more people using it from now on.” He talked big. Max squinted her eyes, doubting his words. The knights were busy training all day and rarely walked around except to dine at the Great Hall, so what more people. Max was very annoyed by Ruth, who was extremely picky and nosy with items that she planned to buy but was so thick-skinned when it came to things that he wanted. Max snatched the pen from Ruth and crossed out his list. Ruth flipped out and took away the parchment from her hands. “I am the wizard of this castle! Improving my skills is not only beneficial for me but Anatol, too!” “A-as ex-expected! Yo-you’re ju-just trying to order ththem be-because y-you nee-need them! A-and these boobooks…. Th-they’re not e-even wi-wizarding books!” “Ho-how did you know?” “Fo-for tw-twenty-two ye-years… I ba-basically lived in a lilibrary like you. I-I can at le-least re- recognize phiphilosophers like Ge-gerad and Ka-kazaham!” Ruth’s blue-grey orbs shook violently, he was agitated. There was clearly a mix of books that had nothing to do with magic. Max smiled knowingly. “Ha-hand it ov-over. I he-heard the-there will b-be a roroad co-construction ne-next year! W-we ca-can’t manage tto b- buy thi-this ma-many…” “Then… then are you fine with your child growing up as a fool who knows no better than how to swing a sword?!” He exclaimed urgently. Max, who was stretching her arms to take the paper away, turned red as if someone had poured boiling water on her head. It felt like steam was coming off the top of her head. www.asianovel.com



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“Ch-ch-child… Wha-wha-what are you… wha-what are you say-saying!” To the extremely agitated Max, Ruth said nonchalantly, “What are you so embarrassed about? It is natural for couples to have children. Unless Lord Calypse goes on another expedition, in the next year or two, the castle will probably be filled with the cries of a child.” “Ch-ch-child, child….” She was burning up so much the whole area around her eyes was scorching hot. She wrapped her hands around her face and after much effort cooled off. Her heart started thumping when she’d just thought of hugging her baby with black hair. Ruth grabbed the squirming lady’s hand. “Don’t you want to raise your child to be smart and intelligent?” “Th-the ch-child is-isn’t ev-even born yet….” “It’s too late after he’s born! A child feeds on wisdom to grow! We need to establish the environment in advance!” She didn’t know what was late, but the wizard’s momentum prevented her from making any counterargument. Ruth quickly wrote down a list of orders on the parchment while she was distracted. “Okay, finished.” He handed her the parchment with a face full of satisfaction after he had filled out nearly five lines. Max took it with a sullen look. “I-if we buy so many books and when Ri-riftan gets angry….”



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“Lord Calypse doesn’t care about paltry pennies like this.” Max gazed at him dumbfounded. Even though she wasn’t that worldly, she knew how expensive books were. If it weren’t so expensive, why would her father keep certain books in the display closet so nobody could touch them? Glass couldn’t even compare. Not only did it take a lot of effort and time just to carefully write line by line on the expensive paper, but it also cost a lot to carefully sew it all together, not to mention covering it with leather and gilding it. On top of that, it was not easy to get books that weren’t heroic epics about knights, such as poems or romantic novels filled with minstrel songs, as they were written by a small number of authors and even when you did somehow get it the seller could set any price. She protested with a loud voice. “You’re the one who said sa-save.” “Madam, you know what is more precious than gold? Knowledge.”



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Living as the Villainess Queen Under the Oak Tree The Duke’s Imposter Sister Predatory Marriage Raising the Child of the Male Lead Boss Heavenly Divine Doctor: Abandoned Concubine



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Chapter 71 Source: wordexcerpt



Days went by and the construction had finally come to an end. Max and her row of servants took a tour around the great hall, transformed into an unrecognizably beautiful room. A gold-plated chandelier hung from the ceiling, shimmering with a subtle but impressive glow. It lit up the former room basked in a perpetual darkness, and underneath it was a carpet embroidered in red and gold threads. A long, soft drape was spread over the staircase, which led to the large, fancy banquet hall. Max admired the hall in all directions. The cold stone floor was replaced with smooth marble tiles, and three gorgeous, silver chandeliers decorated the arched ceiling of the room. On one wall hung a carpet embroidered with Uigru soaring to the sky on the back of a dragon, and wine-colored curtains covered the windows. On the podium were chairs dressed in silk and fur and a unicorn statue made from marble stood on the terrace outside the window. “How do you like it, ma’am?” Aderon carefully asked to make sure the lady of the Calypse castle was pleased. Max slowly moved her head up and down as she touched the clear, shiny glass window. The warm ray of sunlight poured through the glass and brightened up the area. “I-it’s amazing.” Satisfaction spread on Aderon’s face and Max smiled along with his genuinely happy grin. Although he might be a tout at times, he was not a trickster, that was for sure. He offered high-quality materials and at an adequate price — as well as faithful, hard workers. To show her appreciation, Max invited Aderon for a feast at the castle. With www.asianovel.com



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his stomach full of expensive wine and the chef’s special dish, roasted deer meat, Aderon left the castle for the final time as a satisfied man. “Oh, wow. I can’t recognize this place at all. Sir Calypse sure will be surprised when he returns.” Standing by the front door, watching the merchant’s couch disappear in the distance, Max turned her head at the voice. It was Ruth, scratching his messy gray hair, coming down the stairs. Max asked with a hint of uncertainty. “Wi-will he like it?” “Well, he did ask for a renovation, so there’s no doubt he will be happy at the sight.” His apathetic response did not help Max feel confident at all. She glared at the sloppy man, lazily yawning, and replied with frustration. “Do-does it hu-hurt if you give a co-compliment?” “Ah, it’s beautiful. It’s so spick and span I can’t seem to open my eyes. My mind is completely blown away by the glittering spectacle,” he soullessly recited as he stretched his back. Max once again stared at him with disdain, but Ruth ignored her walked towards the door. As he was about to leave, he remembered something and stopped to turn and looked at Max and her entourage of servants. “Hmm… is this the right time?” he mumbled to himself and pulled out a small bottle, swirling with unknown liqud from his inner chest pocket. “The… potion to bring the tree back to life is ready. Do you want to test it now?” www.asianovel.com



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“A-already?” Her eyes widened discreetly, aware of the eyes around them. “I sacrificed my sleep to get this ready,” Ruth said although it was obvious he just woke up from a good long nap. Having seen him sleeping on the library floor a couple times, Max wanted to give a snarky reply, but in the end, she couldn’t resist nodding. It was true that he had gone through extra lengths to help her with the ledger and make the potion… He turned his steps and walked out to the garden and stood by the lifeless oak tree next to the gazebo. Max stood by him as she watched him uncork the bottle and pour the mysterious liquid over the roots of the tree. “Oh, the mighty spirit of nature. Take this poor one into your arms and grant your breath of life!” he chanted. Max rolled her eyes at his loud voice. She herself was frequently treated with spells after being hit by her father often at a young age and was familiar enough with the procedures to know witchcraft can be used with simple commands. She was sure his elaborate monologue was for showing off. Just as she was wondering why Ruth was exaggerating, Max glimpsed at the servants behind her, full of awe, and realized his intention. It was to show them he was doing his best to bring the tree back to life. Ruth opened his arms and looked up to the sky as if receiving vigor from the gods above, then brought his hands together by his heart and solemnly closed his eyes. Max bit her lips to swallow her laughter but soon was wide-eyed when she saw faint waves of light coming out from the outer line of his body. The light began to accumulate around him, and Max exclaimed with astonishment. Besides being the subject of witchcraft, she had www.asianovel.com



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never witnessed a spell in action upfront. The soft light oozing from his hands spun around his body once and slowly surrounded the tree and the ugly, dead oak gently took in the light, as if it were drinking it.



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Chapter 72 Source: wordexcerpt



Watching this charming spectacle, Max stealthily poked the light, shining with a warm glow. Then, the glob of light soaked into her hands like honey. Startled, Max pulled her hands away and Ruth bulged his eyes at the sight. “How odd,” he said, lowering his hands by his side. After all the light had seeped into the tree, Ruth stroked the rough branches as if to check something and turned to face Max. “Madam, it seems you have an affinity, although only a little, to mana.” “A-affinity to m-mana?” “It is the most basic talent required to practice magic.” Max stared in wonder. She had what it takes to become a witch? Lost in deep thought, she stared down at her own hands when Ruth shrugged his shoulders. “It’s only the most basic skill. It’s just like having a bit of agility which can help you become a swordsman. You can’t become a witch or a wizard for only having that.” “Ah… I-I see…” Max drooped her shoulders at his words, unexpectedly dampened by his words waking her up to reality. Of course, there was no way she had any special skills. Ruth smiled gently at her disappointed face. “Still, it’s a very valuable skill. There are many surprising sides to you.” She cocked her head at him quizzically, “Su-surprising siwww.asianovel.com



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sides?” “You can be surprisingly full of rage, you can bluff, you don’t want to lose, and you have an affinity to mana…” Her face flushed at the unexpected descriptions. It didn’t feel like it was her at ll. Yet, the man continued his impression of her, despite the embarrassment that was present on her face. “The first time I saw you, I thought you were a quiet and weak lady. But the more time we spend time together, the further I get to learn about the timid madam – full of something new and interesting every time.” Seeing his straight face uttering her compliments, Maxx could only reply, “I-it doesn’t sound l-like a c-compliment.” “But it is a compliment,” Ruth said with a cheeky face. But the man was ever as sardonic. Even compliments were given with a shrug and an impassive tone. Max pouted her lips and lightly kicked the dark roots of the tree sticking out of the soil. “Anyways… so i-is it a-alive?” she tried changing the subject, feeling conscious of herself. “There’s no way of knowing.” “W-what do you m-mean?” What could he ever mean there was no way of knowing just after he casted the long and fancy mantra of a spell? When she looked at him through narrowed eyes, he nonchalantly shrugged. “What I have done is inject nature’s mana into the tree. We can see the results when spring arrives. If green leaves sprout, then it has recovered, but if not, then it’s probably dead. I guess you can pluck it out then if it’s the latter.” www.asianovel.com



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She looked up to the bare, dense branches and nodded. Garden landscaping was scheduled in spring anyways. Her eyes then glanced around the garden, picturing the intricate plan she had already made with the gardener beforehand. Max made up her mind to remove the tree if it didn’t sprout young leaves in spring and replace it with colorful flowers and young saplings.



Completing its renovation, the Calypse castle was now getting ready for winter. The servants placed thick boards around the well to prevent the water from freezing, repaired the horse shed, and restocked the storage with ample amount of forage and firewood. Everyone was working hard to do their share for the upcoming freezing months. The maids were busy as well. They crouched in the laundry room and washed clothes with their red and swollen fingers, diligently swept the floor, and spurned threads of fabric to practical clothes in the weaving room. They had no time to spare as they had to get the winter clothes ready for the guards before the weather got too chilly. Rudis, losing his patience at the amount of tasks being delegated, carefully suggested to Max. “Madam, I’m afraid we simply lack the workforce and time to prepare everything for winter. How about we buy the fabric from a merchant?” Max willingly accepted the idea as she had also seen enough of her maids overworking. “H-how many do w-we need?” “We have prepared half of what we need. If we can order the other half…” Max scanned a pile of fabric folded neatly in the corner of the weaving room. She could already hear the nosy wizard lecturing her www.asianovel.com



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for placing a careless order. Her fingers carefully brushed across the parchment as she wrote the amount they needed and closely examined the amount of fabric prepared by the maids. “I-is this e-enough?” “Yes, that will be perfect, Madam.” Rudis nodded, then continued to list everything else that needed attention. “We also need some leather straps and thread to hold the clothes in shape. Oh, and more needles for…” “Madam, I’m sorry to interrupt, but we need you immediately. There has been an incident.” Apologies for the long wait. In accordance with COVID-19, I had been running around getting documents so I would be able to move places and I consumed most of my time for this errand.. However all is well now (minus the terrible internet connection) and will be back to posting chapters. Thank you readers! Weekly Releases: [✔️][✔️][



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If you want to support this novel, please leave a review on its Novelupdates page. Also join our discord channel (click link above site to be redirected) to meet a lovely, growing community for this novel where we share fanarts, discussions and some spoilers for the novel. Then again, if you want to support your translators, you can be our patron and read ahead of schedule: Ying and Livy’s current translations (from left to right) Living as the Villainess Queen Under the Oak Tree The Duke’s Imposter Sister www.asianovel.com



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Predatory Marriage Raising the Child of the Male Lead Boss Heavenly Divine Doctor: Abandoned Concubine



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Chapter 73 Source: wordexcerpt



Max, whose head was buried in her piece of parchment paper, writing down the list of materials from Rudis, popped her head up and looked at the door. There stood Rodrigo, looking very worried and urgent. “W-whats w-wrong?” “A man claiming to be Rob Midahas, lord of southern Libadon, has marched to the village entrance with thirty other knights. But he doesn’t have anything to prove his identity, which has caused a problem.” “R-Rob… Midahas?” Max frowned at the unfamiliar name. Libadon was part of the allied countries of the west and happened to be the country that Anatol exchanged most frequently out of others. However, that didn’t mean she knew all the names to the lords in Libadon. Furthermore, there was no way Maximillian, who had been isolated from the noble since a young age, was able to identify a person only from a name. “W-what is the l-lord of Li-Libadon do-doing in A-anatol?” “He says he has made the long journey for a friendly meet up.” “B-but w-we can’t just l-let them i-in…” “We cannot allow an armed group of men to enter our territory without a clear identity,” Rodrigo agreed with her sentiments in a determined tone, which was rare for his gentle personality. www.asianovel.com



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“While it’s frequent for outside merchants and soldiers to request an entrance since many malignant spirits reside near Anatol, some sort of identification to prove their status needs to be presented, no matter what. This is to prevent any thieves or forces from plundering the village during Lord Calypse’s absence.” All the blood drained from Max’s face. She could feel the maids behind her hold their breath amidst the nervous silence. Her head went blank at the situation that was entirely new to her, but Max soon regained her composure and spoke. “W-who would d-dare to l-loot a land g-guarded by t-the Rremdragon Knights?” “We can’t be sure.” Max turned her head at the sound at the new voice. It was Ruth, who ran inside the room all from the other end of the corridor after hearing the news. “Everyone knows the Remdragon Knights are attending the King’s banquet. I’m suspicious about how they claim to have come to socialize while the lord is absent.” Max turned pale. “R-Ruth, d-do you also t-think they have ccome to i-invade Anatol?” “There is a possibility. Lord Calyspe is the main knight to have successfully suppressed the sect. In recognition of his contribution, he was handed the majority of the treasures of Dragon Lear. It’s not entirely odd for someone to covet this treasure and decide to attack the Remdragons.” “T-then d-do we f-f-fight?” “If they act tough, it is appropriate for us to forcefully eradicate them. But as Rodrigo said, there are thirty www.asianovel.com



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knights…” he said and frowned with annoyance. “If this man, Rob, really has thirty knights behind his back, it’s going to be a difficult battle. A low-class knight can easily take over ten guards. And if there is a high-class knight, then it’s needless to say.” Hearing Ruth assumes a full-on battle, Max swallowed hard, anxious. “And if this man really is what he says he is, then it’s a bigger problem. They might hold the fact that we forcefully turned them away against us and politically retaliate. Although we are part of the seven allied countries of the west, conflict between lords have always been present. “T-then what d-do we d-do?” “What do you think we should do, ma’am?” Ruth asked back. Max flinched and hunched her back. Now with no Riftan around to guide her, Max, the Lady of the territory, had the responsibility to keep her village safe. “I, I…” Max stuttered and clattered her teeth. She frantically bit her lip and tried to keep herself calm. “I-I’ll g-go to the g-g-gate and t-talk. I-I need to k-know w-what k-kind of p-people they a-are.” “Fair point. You have to look at them to know who they are,” Ruth willingly agreed with Max. “Allow me to prepare you, ma’am. You should be guarded in the case of sudden physical conflict. Rodrigo, let Sir Ovaron and Sir Sebrick know, immediately.” “Y-yes, sir!” said Rodrigo as he ran out of the room.



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“And ma’am, follow me if you will,” Ruth said as he quickly spun his body around. Max handed the paper she was holding to a maid and walked after him. When they arrived at the garden, old man Kunel was leading two horses across the field. Ruth instantly took them by the reins. “Do you know how to ride a horse?” “Y-yes…” To be honest, it was her first time riding a large horse like this, but she nodded, nonetheless. Max stepped in front of the slim mare and Kunel let out his hand to help her on the horse. When she got on the saddle, she tightly gripped the reins and squeezed her thighs to find her balance. After examining Max and seeing she did actually know how to ride a horse, Ruth hopped on to his. “The soldiers will be lined up in the gymnasium. Follow me.” And with that, he raced across the garden in a breeze. When Max followed him through a gate, she saw about thirty soldiers standing in an array. An old knight with white hair, who seemed to be the leader of the group, raised his voice at the sight of Ruth. “So, there’s a guy in the front gate demanding to be granted entrance, huh?” he said while riding a horse and lightly tapping on his sword at the promise of bloodthirst. “Well, the poor guy should be ready to taste some blood.”



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Chapter 74 Source: wordexcerpt



Ruth then clarified, “Your job, sir, is not to go to battle, but to protect the Lady.” “What?” the old knight said and whipped his head around to see Max. She straightened her back and spurred the horse towards him. “N-nice to m-meet you.” The old man scratched his cheek with his fingers at her careful greeting and replied. “There is nothing to worry about, ma’am, as long as I, Ovaron, have your back.” He then led the army of men through the gate with confidence. Ruth went with them and sent a nod to Max. She also tagged along and crossed the drawbridge, her heartbeat racing with the clatter of hoofs hitting against the stone floor. As she continued to walk along the path she once took with Riftan on a different occasion, she became more and more uneasy. She pressed her lips together, anxious not to bite her tongue, and went down a steep hill and through the busy village. She was frightened to death as she had never ridden a horse at such a fast speed. It was some time since Max maintained her tight grip on the rein and chased the soldiers in front of her when she finally saw the rampart. A young guard by the entrance hurried his steps towards the men on horses as soon as he saw them. “You’re here!”



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Reaching the gate, Ruth and the old knight jumped off their horses, and minutes later when she finally caught up with the crowd, Max got off as well with some assistance. “Where is this so-called lord from Libadon?” “He is just outside the gate. If you follow me here…” “Madam, this way.” Max moved her stiff legs and followed them up the stairs to the top of the rampart. There, she saw thirty-one men on horses on the other side of the wall. They all had fearsome, tanned faces and a long sword on each of their waists. Ruth leaned over and spoke to them, his voice loud and resonant. “Who is the Lord from Libadon?” “It is I, Rob Midahas,” said a man on a ginger horse. Max carefully examined him. He was a man in his mid-thirties, sturdy and strong, with light titian hair. The man looked up to the top of the wall in turn, squinting his eyes to get a better view of the young man asking for him. “Are you the lord of Anatol?” “I am merely an employee here at Anatol. The Lady here is my lord’s deputy,” Ruth said as he pointed at Max standing next to him. Feeling the man’s glance land on her, Max unconsciously drew back. At the sight of this, the man smiled with a sneer. “Very nice to meet you. As you’ve heard, my name is Midahas, the ruler of Kaisa, located on the west of Libadon. I have heard impressive words about the dragon slayer in my hometown and have made a long journey to meet him, so I request you to open your gates and allow me with warmth.” Max took a glimpse at Ruth. His arms were crossed, observing the www.asianovel.com



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situation. He didn’t look like he was about to help her. She then cleared her throat and opened her heavy lips and raised her voice. “I-I heard y-you do not p-possess any s-sort of i-iidentification. I-it is our g-guideline to n-not a-allow, anyone u-unidentified.” “I lost my identification plate during my journey. If you allow me in, I will immediately bring myself to the parish of Anatol and prove my identity.” “A-Anatol d-d-does not allow u-unidentified i-individuals through t-the g-gates. T-this is an o-order by t-the lord, tthus c-cannot be d-disobeyed. P-please go to a p-parish in a d-different t-t-territory to get y-your i-identification plate and v-visit us a-again.” At her stuttering, yet determined speech, the man grimaced and replied in an irritated tone. “I can’t understand a word you’re saying. Is there anyone else I can talk to that knows how to speak?” With the insult thrown straight at her face, Max turned pale as a sheet. “She is the Lady of the Anatol. I advise you to treat her with respect,” Ruth interrupted to defend her. “I’m just saying I can’t understand her!” Max hid her embarrassment and cried back. “I-I m-made myself c-clear that I-I cannot o-open the gates. Come b-back with an i-identity p-plate!” “We have travelled over and through the den of demons. Are you insisting on my exhausted men to return back to the www.asianovel.com



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dangerous road?” The man was now speaking in a threatening tone. Max shrunk at his coercive attitude and could only say nothing through her shaky lips. Sensing his victory, the man shouted louder towards the top of the wall. “Does the Lady of Anatol not have any mercy!” “I-I…” “If you say so, the next time I return, you will face hundreds of knights from Libadon! I cannot accept this kind of rudeness!” “Y-you don’t h-have any i-identity… I-I don’t h-have a cchoice…” “I told you I can give it to you once I get to your parish!” His voice became more louder and more intimidating with every word. At his triumphant behaviour she was unable to refute, Max felt completely defeated. She was engulfed in fear – one that was so familiar and that reminded her of her past horrors, as sweat started to trickle down her forehead.



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Chapter 75 Source: wordexcerpt



Faced with a paralyzing fear, her body unconsciously froze. And soon, Max broke out into faint shudders. His mocking glare was a haunting, familiar sight for her – enough to crumble her defenses and render her mind blank. Seeing their mistress shell-shocked, at a loss of what to do, something impatient and fuming surged inside Ruth for the man below them. Simply put, he wasn’t able to stand it anymore and came up to support her. “Stop crossing the line! Why the hell are you blaming her when you’re the one who lost your own identification card? How can we trust thirty armed men to come in and not cause any problems?! Are you daft?!” Yet his outburst was only taken with a pinch of salt, “Pff!” Rob Midahas glanced around his men in jest, “So you’re locking the gates because Anatol’s security isn’t strong enough to deal with thirty men? I guess this place is full of cowards without their lord!” he then spat viciously. “What did you say?!” All this time, the knight, Ovaron had been trying to contain his temper behind the flanks when he heard this ridicule. He immediately moved forward, his blades almost singing for bloodlust in their sheath after the brazen words from the incorrigible man. “Ruth! Open the gates immediately!” He gestured for the wizard in anger, his words magnifying the extent of his fury, “I’m going to bloody slit these arrogant bastards’ throats myself!” www.asianovel.com



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“Sir Ovaron!” Despite their difference in rank and age, Ruth fiercely glared at the older knight, who had already had his sword out, as a signal for him to be careful of his brash actions. Seeing the other party halt with some grievances, he then quickly whipped his head around and raised his hand high up in the air. However, before he was able to do anything, a flame, along with a powerful growl, flew towards him without preamble. The scorching flames licked the walls without mercy, causing the stones to tremble violently at the heavy impact. And a scream tore out from Max as the world swayed before her eyes, and her hands frantically clung for life on to the battlement. At this open display of aggression, the guards stood back in confusion. “Let’s see you try!” Rob Midahas instantly let out a resonating roar as he took out his sword. This was enough to plummet the situation into chaos. Max was only able to crumble down to her knees, astonished at the turn of events. Meanwhile, Ruth quickly snapped out from his shock seeing the bedlam unfurl before him. He swiftly made his way towards the defenseless Max and grabbed her up by the arm. Max numbly followed after him as they ran down from the confines of the wall to safer grounds… the terror freezing her nerves being the only thing stopping her from screaming. From the earlier rancorous attack of the flames, the tall gates had been shattered to cinders and the knights openly marched in with sounds of guttural victory. “Shield!” Ruth yelled with his hand up. And upon his order, it was as if nature bent to his will as a bluish barrier of wind appeared, halting the knights’ advance. But this resistance was only momentary as an opposing knight swung his sword down and ripped the wind barrier apart with ease. www.asianovel.com



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Ruth looked back in alarm. “He’s a high-ranked knight. Sir Ovaron!” he yelled to the older knight. “Leave it to me!” Despite a towering display of a wall, Sir Ovaron scaled down the stone walls, landing with an audible sound on the earth. On his descent, he cried and swung his heavy sword towards the battlefield. At the deafening noise of two blades clashing together with immense power, the wind ripped and split into half. Max tried to quickly flee the incoming man, but she felt so terrorized by fear that she tripped on a rock and fell to the ground. “Madam!” Ruth, whose hands were tied with making barriers and unable to support her, could only look back and yell. Only a few steps from Max, was Sir Ovaron and the intruder in the middle of a ferocious battle. The wizard and the guards were occupied with blocking the intrusion of the black-clothed knights while simultaneously protecting the civilians. The curious onlookers who had only come to see what was going on, all screamed and ran away at the unexpected battle that came before them. Unable to muster any strength in her legs, Max barely stood up with the help from a nearby guard. Ruth then yelled, “Madam! Please take refuge and go to a safe place!” “Bu-but–” She started. Despite her dread, she knew she had to do something, anything! She was the mistress of this home – a home now being ruthlessly invaded by strangers! Ruth seemed to see the determination in her eyes, but he could only root her back to reality, “Go, right now! You’re no help even www.asianovel.com



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if you stay…” his words suddenly faded at the end. The wizard’s eyes then shifted back towards the battlefield; his vigor seemed to fuel more energy into his spells. Max trembled all over, feeling out her wits. But then she felt a weird, tingling sensation – a gut feeling – beckoning her to glance into the blue skies. It was right then, a guard shot an arrow into the sky and yelled, “Re-remdragon Knights! They’re here! The Lord, the Lord has returned!”



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Chapter 76 Source: wordexcerpt



The soldier manning the tower cried out in deference, palpable relief on his features at the arrival of these men capable of turning the battlefield around. And it was as if their entrance signified an ominous presence, as it all suddenly became eerily silent. The sounds of fighting and earsplitting clangs of swords halted, as if it was never there at all. The protectors of Anatol all raised their heads, expectant and joyous, like a sunflower towards the bright sun as the intruders looked back in alarm and shock. There, from up the green hills, only the sound of the hooves against earth rumbled against their ears as silver-armored knights stormed towards the castle. And when the face leading the knights came into closer view, all tension in Max’s body bundling her nerves tight immediately disappeared. He was back. Yet this return was far from their first meeting; it marked a different feeling inside her… It seemed like months when it had been only short of three weeks that Max had last seen his figure, now dashing down from the slopes as if he was able to overcome any challenge. And she rightly believes it so. While she was observing him close the distance between the gates and his horse, she felt something stir inside her heart. One that of his presence giving her safety, and the second that of shame at having failed to protect their estate. “… I guess some guests came over while we were gone.” Riftan looked over the black-clothed knights from his majestic www.asianovel.com



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steed as he arrived near the battle that had ceased. The wind blew at his hair, wisps of dark locks dancing around his eyes that had thinned like a beast… and an inflamed one, about to devour those who stand in his way. As an uncomfortable silence commenced, he suddenly drawled out, “What are guests that aren’t invited called again?” he then held up his hand, and the Remdragon Knights behind him slowly surrounded the enemies in a circle. One said, “Gatecrashers, leader.” “More like burglars,” another spat. The knights steadily gathered around the dumbfounded intruders while exchanging words, only then did they stop their horses from stepping forward when they had taken their place. Max silently watched the confrontation from where she was. It was only a few moments ago that these same trespassers were going at them at a frenzy, at the height of their confidence. Now, as if they were overwhelmed by a pressuring sense of oppression from the newly-arrived Remdragon knights, they didn’t even move an inch. “You dare come into my lands and make a mess… then allow me to write, ‘Praise to the ignorant and the valiant who didn’t treasure their lives’ on your tombstones for you.” His words were only softly spoken, yet the wind that brought them to its intended recipients blew chills down their spine. The sound of a sword being slowly drawn, as if he was taking his time, from its sheath, suddenly made the trespassers’ face turn pale. The man who had announced himself as ‘Rob Midahas’ then hurriedly laid down his sword in an effort to diffuse the confrontation and yelled. “I, I am Lord Rob Midahas, the ruler of Kai’Sa in Libadon!” “…Lord?” Riftan stopped and cockked one of his dark eyebrows www.asianovel.com



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up. Seeing Riftan’s reaction, Rob was able to regain some of his confidence back and lifted his chin up, defiantly stating, “These men,” he started to gesture to Ruth and the knights, “have committed disrespect by questioning my identity and refusing admittance! A small fight happened during the process. That’s all there is to it!” “A small fight you say….” Riftan’s answer came in a gloomy slur as his gaze unhurriedly passed over the injured guards on the ground to the gates that had once stood protecting his estate now on the ground in ruins. Rob’s face became noticeably hard. “I-I’ll apologize for not controlling my anger and my overreaction. So… let’s, let’s let this one go. Yo-you wouldn’t want to… make the situation worse, as well. Therefore–” “I guess this means war.” His calm voice coldly swept across them. Riftan smiled, barring his teeth like a ferocious wolf as he slowly stirred his steed towards Rob Midahas. The knights steadily moved aside to open the way for their leader and even though he was entering the enemies’ domain, there was not a hint of hesitation nor wariness on Riftan’s face. He continued his words ever so leisurely and serenely that it seemed monotonous to their ears. “You brought soldiers and attacked the castle gate… this is an obvious declaration of war. In return – and after I cut your throat – I’ll run to your land, break down the city walls and turn everything I see into shambles.” Rob Midahas felt his heart in his throat. “Are, are you insinuating you’re going to break the peace agreement www.asianovel.com



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between the seven countries!? If-if you do that, the king of Libadon won’t grant you forgiveness!” “As soon as you broke the gates of my castle, you were no longer protected by the agreement.” At the casual declaration of revenge, even Max felt goosebumps erupt on her body and she unconsciously gripped the guards’ forearm tighter. Riftan’s face was strangely calm. Yet the serenity before her felt eerie, like the quiet before a brewing storm. A lot might think Maxi’s development was stunted once more, but if there’s one thing to know about growth, it’s that: it will not always be linear. Some past traumas may still find their way to the surface and that is human. Nevertheless, change is inevitable and our Maxi will grow Last Week’s Releases: [✔️][✔️][✔️][✔️][✔️][✔️] This Week’s Releases: [



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Predatory Marriage Raising the Child of the Male Lead Boss Heavenly Divine Doctor: Abandoned Concubine



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Chapter 77 Source: wordexcerpt



The man named Rob, apparently feeling the same distress to befall on him, hurriedly backed away with his face completely turned aghast. However, before he could retreat further, Sir Ovaron stood right behind him, his sword menacingly pointed at him, cutting off his only escape route. Being forced into a corner, Rob’s face twisted, and he suddenly shouted, “The-there are hundreds of knights in Kai’Sa who have sworn allegiance to me! If you kill me, then it will be war!” “I look forward to that.” “Lord Calypse!” In the growing tempest, Ruth immediately made his way towards Riftan’s side, who had his sword already out into the air. Seeing the wizard approach him, Riftan’s dry gaze tilted towards him in question. “If he really is a nobleman of Libadon, you can’t kill him here. Once we take him into custody, we can negotiate with Libadon and sell him…” “Are you arguing with my decision?” Riftan replied, boring his steely eyes into Ruth’s smaller frame. Ruth stood his ground, looking at him determinedly, “War brings nothing but loss. It’s better to just follow the procedures and get some compensation in return.” “I refuse.” Riftan spat coldly, the venom dripping from his words, “We can just barge into his land and take everything, who cares about lengthy procedures?” www.asianovel.com



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It was a ruthless tone that conveyed he thought nothing of both the thirty-armed knights before them now and the hundreds of knights stationed in Kai’Sa. Ruth let out a small sigh, “If you do that then it will cause friction with Libadon and…” he trailed off and suddenly looked back at Max, who was hiding in the back with the help of a guard. “Must you defile the eyes of the lady even more? Please show some chivalry.” A frown rippled across Riftan’s calm face that had been promising war a moment ago. When he glanced towards the back, trying to figure out what the wizard had meant, his eyes opened wide seeing Max unsightly sitting on the floor. Right away, a look screaming bloody murder, incomparable with his fury from before, appeared on his still face. He fiercely stared at Ruth and snarled, “Why on earth is my wife in a place like this?!” “Isn’t it natural that when a problem arises in the territory, it’s the madam’s responsibility to take care of it at the absence of the lord?” Ruth stayed perfectly calm despite the ferocious aura that made even the knights around him freeze. Riftan gritted his teeth at the former’s calm façade, then suddenly pushed his sword right under Rob’s neck with lighting speed. “Drop your weapon and get down from the horse… If you don’t disobey, I’ll let your neck stay connected to your head.” “Just, just let me go! I’ll leave this land right away…” “You want me to just let you go after you attacked my estate?” Riftan then cut his horse down violently. “It’s either you die here or surrender. Your choice.” www.asianovel.com



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Rob’s eyes quickly glanced around to grasp the situation. His men were completely surrounded by Remdragon’s knights. Maybe realizing there was no chance of winning, he threw his sword away and came down from the horse. His knights, following his lead, also gave up their swords on the ground. Riftan then signaled his knights with his eyes. “Tie everyone up and throw them into the dungeon.” Max could finally let out a long sigh of relief, her shoulders visibly relaxing. She couldn’t believe that after he came, the whole situation had been cleared up in a matter of minutes. “Ma-madam, are you all right? Are you hurt anywhere—” “What were you thinking?!” Max, who was trying to stand up with the help of a guard, felt her back stiffen. When she raised her head, she saw him sitting tall on his horse with his back to the sun. Despite the bright backlight, she could clearly see the anger perceptible on his face. She stuttered in reply, “I-I heard there was a problem so….” “What the hell are you saying you could have done?” he snarled, gripping the reins of his horse until his knuckles turned white. At that moment, Max felt the blood from her face drain. She hastily bent her head down to hide her face white from shock. It felt excruciatingly suffocating, as if all the air from her lungs had fled, to see the person who treated her with such kindness up till he left, give her such a chilly look. “I, I…” She desperately scrambled for words to defend herself, but nothing came to mind. Because it was as he said – there was nothing she www.asianovel.com



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could have done… Max couldn’t finish her sentence and could only bite her lips tight she was sure they would bleed. She suddenly heard a harsh curse ring out from above her, and she felt her body rise into the air. Max stifled a yelp as Riftan snatched her up from the waist and sat her in front of him. When that was done, he then shouted back to the men behind him. “I’m going to the castle first. Clean everything up.” He didn’t even stop to listen for a reply and just drove his horse away like lightning towards the castle. The youths, who had gathered far away to watch, hurriedly opened up the way for them. Max clung onto his bosom, which was wrapped in hard armor, and closed her eyes tight. His forearm, surrounded by a cold bracer, was fastened around her waist so tight it hurt.



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Chapter 78 Source: wordexcerpt



Frightened she had stepped out of line, Max had immediately cowered in fright, fearing she had made him angry with her. She’d been around angry men, her experiences far too many to keep track of. It was almost second nature for her to begin feeling faint whenever a bigger man would step towards her, threaten her. But it wasn’t just the violence that frightened her right now. It was the fact that someone who treated her so well, cared for her greatly, had now begun to bear his fangs at her. She felt like a dog punished by their owner for their insolence. She wanted to beg him not to hurt her, hate her. She knew she messed up, but her voice refused to come out, so instead, she only clung tightly onto his cloak in her desperation. “Come on down,” Riftan told her, shaking her out of her treacherous thoughts, and she realized they finally made it into the castle. He reached out to her, offering her his hand to help her dismount the horse, and Max hesitantly grabbed it. She slid down gently, until Riftan pulled her close, her body flush to his, hefting her up in his arms and carrying her through the garden. A rush of servants came, bowing in greeting, but Riftan paid them no mind, preoccupied with only one thing. “Put Talon in the stables,” he quickly ordered them as he finally entered the Great Hall. Max meekly looked up, watching his expression and studying the details of his face. He barely even spared a glance around the hall that she had gone through extreme lengths to redecorate in weeks’ time. Max feels her body tremble more, the fear growing inside her… www.asianovel.com



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‘He’s angry, really angry,’ she cried silently in her mind, before she gulped down the fear and spoke up, “Ri-Riftan,” she began softly, “I-I’ll walk by my-myself.” “Don’t talk,” he quickly told her, as he sprints up the stairs, the carpet cushioning his steps as Max flinches at his harsh tone. Despite the added weight of his armor, and her in his arms, along with running up two flights of stairs, Riftan barely broke a sweat. He quickly entered their room, letting her down finally, and closed the door behind them. Max was left in the middle of the room, standing idly awkwardly as she waited for her punishment, when Riftan gave her an intense gaze after locking the door. ‘Is this where it starts?’ she fretted, ‘What if, what if he hurts me physically? Why is he so angry? I only tried to fix things like a lord’s wife would do!’ Her knuckles turn white as her grip on her skirt tightened up. When she finally found her voice again, and opened her mouth to speak, something was already covering her mouth. “Mmph!” she muffled, her eyes widening in surprise. His hand, still in iron gloves, came up to her face, firmly clasping her head in place as he held her at the back of her head. His chapped lips move against hers, tongue prodding her lips open to enter her mouth. Max hands came up, resting at his firm hands, gripping it to steady herself. Her body was painfully pressing up against his armor, her pulled flush towards his, as his stubble rubbed her smooth chin. She let out surprised gasps from time to time, eyes wavering as she glanced at him. When he finally pulls away, his gaze hardened as he looked www.asianovel.com



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down on her in his arms… “What would you have done had I not gotten there on time?” he asked her, his frustration leaking out of his voice, as he cradled her cheeks carefully. Max flinched when the cold metal came into contact, but she eventually relaxed against it. “I wa-wasn’t ex-expecting they’d be a-able to break through the ga-gates,” she answered him truthfully. “You shouldn’t have been there in the first place!” he hissed at her, “No matter what happens, you never. Ever. Go out there! Especially when it’s dangerous for you!” he exclaimed in frustration before lowering his tone of voice, “Alright? Do you understand?” he asked her, his concern shining out as he stared into her eyes. So taken with him, she quickly nodded in assent and relief quickly fills him, the tension rolling off his shoulders and he gave out a deep sigh as he finally calmed down. After a moment’s hesitation, Max finally reached out to him, her hand resting against his chin, rubbing soothing circles. Worn out, Riftan leaned into her touch, dipping his head as he pulls her face closer, resting their foreheads against each other. At this proximity, the grassy scent of his hair tickled Max’s nose. She wondered if he had slept on the verdant fields last night instead of a cot or bed. “When I saw you,” he began, his voice quaking as he spoke, “On the ground, I felt like I was about to lose it, darn it!” he cursed, his arms tightening around her, as if to keep her close to him, “I came as fast as I could, not even to rest, and when I saw you like that-” “I-I’m so-sorry.” Max whispeeds to him, but Riftan’s eyes turn www.asianovel.com



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grave as he gets lost in his thoughts… “Had I not been quicker, had arrived a second longer… things would’ve been so much worse, f*ck it…” “I’m so-sorry I scared you. I’m re-really so-sorry.” She winced a little bit, pulling at his arm, softly telling him he was beginning to get rough as he rubbed her chin. Remembering he still had his armor on, Riftan finally released her, and proceeded to remove the metal constraining him. When his gauntlets were gone, and vambraces off, he neared Max and pulled her flush to him once more in an embrace. “Are you hurt anywhere?” “No.” “Let me check.” he tolf her, quickly pulling away. Max felt like a moth to flame, her eyes mesmerized by his black orbs as he looks over her with concern, “Let me see for myself you aren’t hurt,” he added as Max could feel her heart throbbing painfully against her chest, her breathing echoing in her ears. She remembered the lonely nights, the endless worry of when he’d return. The cold nights of when she curls around in on herself, hugging herself to sleep in a wide bed all alone, waiting desperately for him to come home. His calloused hands flitted everywhere on her body. From her tousled hair, to her face, resting on her shoulders, and grabbed her robe, pulling it down abruptly. Max choked back her surprise, her body jolting as the air hit her skin. She could feel the sweat trickle down her neck as he proceeded to examine her body. As his hands continued roaming, she felt a rush of heat begin pooling, replacing the ice-cold sensation of fear from before. Her eyes followed his hands, watching the way his skin touched hers… www.asianovel.com



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His hands soon went up once more, clasping the pin in her hair, pulling it off and throwing it to the ground in haste. He grabs the back of her hair once more and pulls her close to him. “One scratch, one head,” Riftan suddenly whispered in her ear. Long awaited reunion of our yandere Riftan and Maxi… Last Week’s Releases: [✔️][✔️][✔️][✔️][✔️][✔️] This Week’s Releases: [✔️][✔️][



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If you want to support this novel, please leave a review on its Novelupdates page. Also join our discord channel (click link above site to be redirected) to meet a lovely, growing community for this novel where we share fanarts, discussions and some spoilers for the novel. If you want to support your translators, you can be our patron NEXT MONTH and read ahead of schedule. Ying and Livy’s current translations (from left to right) Living as the Villainess Queen Under the Oak Tree The Duke’s Imposter Sister Predatory Marriage Raising the Child of the Male Lead Boss Heavenly Divine Doctor: Abandoned Concubine



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Chapter 79 Source: wordexcerpt



Max blinked in confusion. “What?” she could only utter in reply. “Each scratch I find on you, one of their heads rolls down their shoulders,” he clarified for her in another warm whisper, and Max felt goosebumps all over her arms with his words. There was a different kind of intensity when he said it in a hushed voice, much like a silent prayer. She was so used to hearing him shout in anger, like a raging forest fire. Max trembled beneath his touch like a dragonfly caught in a spider’s web. His deft fingers made quick work of the straps holding her dress together, as she felt them begin loosening up, and pulled down her chest. His dark eyes swept over her figure. From her pale shoulder blades, to her clavicle, down her breasts, still covered with a thin cloth. She felt her breath tighten in anticipation… “One head,” he finally said, eyes quickly spotting one scratch before dragging the dress further down to expose more of her skin. When he reached her forearm, he saw the angry discolored skin, and his lips curled into a snarl. Flustered, Max poorly attempted to cover up her bruise. “I got this from the li-library.” she excused, “When I bumped in-into some-something.” “Don’t lie.” he snapped at her…



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“I-I’m not ly-lying! Nhngh!” she murmured as he gently pressed a kiss onto her bruise, the words dying in her throat, watching as he slowly made his way down. After nipping gently at her pulsepoint by the wrist, Riftan straightened up, hooked one of his arms beneath her knees, and hefted her up effortlessly, with his other arm supporting her back. In reflex, Max brought her arms to circle around his nape, her clavicle cradled beneath the crook of his neck. He dipped his head, planting a series of gentle pecks as he slowly made his way towards their bed. “Ri-Riftan, re-really, I-I’m not hurt,” she insisted, but Riftan was stubborn, gently laying her down on the bed as he towers over her… “I said I’d check for myself,” he told her, finally discarding her dress, pulling it off from the waist down and haphazardly threw it onto the floor. Feeling utterly exposed with just the quaint cloth covering her chest, Max averted her eyes nervously. His hands travelled down her legs, stopping by her ankles as he took off her shoe, and then the other, rolling up her underskirt. She couldn’t hold back her grimace when he brushed upon the scrape she had gotten when she fell to the ground. Immediately, Max clammed up, shutting her legs closed. “This is no-nothing!” she continues, “I o-only fell by mymyself!” “They’ve sealed their fate with this.” he growls lowly, his eyes glaring deeply at the wound, a dark glint in his eyes. Max reflexively squeezed his arm gently, gaining his attention. “Re-really, it does-doesn’t hurt. Don’t do that be-because of me.” she begs, and he frowns at her. www.asianovel.com



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“They not only attempted an invasion on my lands, but also hurt my wife. It’s my right to kill them and their blood to make them pay for their crimes.” he tells her, “That won’t even be enough to satisfy my bloodlust. I need to make an example now, to prevent anything of similar nature to occur in the future.” he explains, and Max’s lips tremble… “But you-you’ve o-only just a-arrived…” her choked sob spilling out as he quickly looked up at her in shock. With a roll of her eyes, Max refused to avert her gaze as she continued on despite the tremor in her voice, “If we go to war, you have to go far a-away a-again. And I will have to be a-alone.” “Fuck,” he curses softly, a hand immediately coming up behind the nape of her neck and pulled her down, smashing their lips in a searing kiss. She could feel his desire for her, his want to devour her, pull her closer than was physically possible. And despite her best wishes to do so too, her neck was aching along with her body with the awkward way it was currently bending. Sensing her discomfort, Riftan pulls away and adjusts them accordingly, his hand pulling her Schumi down to her waist, and cups her butt as he lifts her. She felt her head spin when he lifted her, gasping at the cold metal of his breastplate as she came into contact with it, in contrast with his warm palm. She moaned as his tongue swooped in, tasting every corner of her mouth, tangling around hers before he pulled away with a string of saliva connecting their mouth. His eyes bore into her intently. “You… what are you doing with me?” he muttered in an anguished tone. He licked his lips, removing the rest of her clothes and threw it amongst the others on the floor. Max was now curled up comfortable, bare as a newborn babe for him to see. His warm hands immediately came up to her chest, cupping her soft mounds, kneading it before www.asianovel.com



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diving in and wrapping her taut nubs into his warm mouth. Her hands immediately buried their fingers, carding itself around his hair, lightly pulling at it as she elicited a breathy moan. The feel of her armor against her naked skin was strange. She felt weak, helpless, and vulnerable. Her eyes caught sight of his neck, its sweat glinting as the armor reflected its light, giving his glossy black hair a mesmerizing shine. Riftan felt his vision blur in front of him as his hunger for her grew intense, his ministrations beginning to get rougher by the second. He felt like he was losing control of his faculties, pulling her flush against him so hard, she feared he would crush her to bits. She gasped at the increasing sensation of her tips rubbing against the cold iron roughly as an electric sensation ran up her body and she twitched in pleasure… “You were always in my mind, f*ck…” he breathed out in that husky tone, planting fierce kisses in every inch of her mounds, “Every day ever since we’ve parted these past few weeks. It’s been so hard.” A gasp escaped from her lips as he kneaded her chest, “It was almost like it’s been years since I’ve last seen you,” he tells her as his mouth swallows her other peak.



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Chapter 80 Source: wordexcerpt



Riftan slid his hands down, calloused palms rubbing against sensitive skin as he trails down to the inside of her thighs. He muttered feverishly against her skin, his warm breath spreading jitters as she spreads her legs to accommodate him between her. She let out choked sobs as she also wrestled with the urge to clamp her legs closed due to the pain. However, the decision was made for her as Riftan gently grips her thighs, spreading them further apart, his head dipped down as he buried his face between her legs. Shocked by his movements, Max squeaked and squirmed her body, twisting it to break away as she flipped her body on its stomach and pulled on the sheets. Despite her valiant efforts, she could not escape his hands and their grip on her. He pulled her back down, rubbing the pads of his thumbs in circular motions against her skin as he buried his face between once more as he kept her still. “Ri-Rift.. ngh!” she moaned, her thighs reflexively clamping around his head as she felt him delve into her. Riftan grunted at the sudden interruption, and grabbed her ankles, prying them open to prevent any more interruptions. Her breaths turned ragged as she lied down, pulling at the pillow and biting at it to muffle her sounds. Her body shook as he continued with his tongue circling gentle strokes on her petals. She still couldn’t believe he would do such an obscene thing. It wasn’t the first time she experienced something like this, but it didn’t mean she was used to it. Her body felt so warm – she could feel it betray her as it welcomed Riftan with no hesitation. Max threw www.asianovel.com



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her head back, her mouth agape as his stubble tickled her thighs. She shivered at the sensual feeling she got at hearing his breaths against her skin. It was erotic. “Wait a little more,” he breathed out to her in a husky tone, “Then I’ll put it in.” Her hips thrusted upwards, as if telling him to hurry up. In response, his fingers began caressing her, trying to calm her erratic movements as he quickly removed his pants, freeing his hardened member. It sprang up in full attention, eager and stiff to enter her. She could hardly find the time to be embarrassed now. Max moaned at the growing sensation building up inside her, the warmth pooling at her gut. Her hands flew to the back of his head, gripping his hair and pulling at it lightly as she pulled him deeper into her. She could feel his warmth make contact, their nether regions rubbing against each other as they rutted together. She could feel herself lose control as she incessantly rubbed her already moist flesh against his hardened member. “F*ck.” Riftan hissed as she grinded against him. His hands gripped her waist, steadying her before he aligned himself and rammed deep into her already wet walls in one swift motion. He groaned at the sensation, of her insides sucking him in greedily. He began to thrust, hips pulling and pushing as he hit her in her sweet spot. Max sobbed as she clung onto him. She could feel the slight sting as he moved inside her. It’s been a while since they’ve done it, but it still left her unsatisfied, wanting more of his body. She moved her own hips in a circular motion, meeting with his lunges as he crushed her body into his. www.asianovel.com



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He was still in his armor. His eyes raked over her body; his lips shivered as he took the pretty way her skin flushed. Dark, beautiful eyes stared at her as if to devour her. Unfortunately, he was the one to be eaten tonight. She wrapped her legs around his waist tightly, urging him to move. She couldn’t believe she’d done such a thing. “Ugh, what you do to me…” he mumbled softly as Max pulled him closer to her. “Ri-Riftan…” she looked up at him, her eyes pleading as he desperately tried to control his urges. Harder, just like last time, please, lose control… she begged with her eyes. With one more pull from her legs, harder than before, Riftan felt a dam broke as his desires grabbed hold of him full force. He felt himself lose consciousness for a moment before he eyed her with deep seated desire. He picked up his pace, ramming deeper into her… Harder… He wanted to break her, turn her into a sobbing mess. He could feel her growing desperation for him as her body writhed with every thrust, her toes curling deliciously as she spread her legs further. He felt his breath hitch at the sight of her, as he suddenly felt faint. The sound of the creaking bed had numbed her ears. His armor clanging loudly as sounds of flesh hitting flesh joined the fray. He whispered her name over and over… “Max… Max…” www.asianovel.com



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He let out a long and drawn out moan. It made Max feel many different things as she heard it. She found it beautiful, just like how everything about him was for her. Be it his face, the way his eyes were lidded with desire. She insatiably drank in the sight of him as she lightly pawed at his face. Riftan drew her in by the waist as he dived in for a kiss as he pressed in deeper. But no, it wasn’t enough. Deeper, Max wanted him to go deeper, impale her to the depths she hadn’t known existed. “Ah, damn it.” Riftan cursed as he pulled away, finally breaking free of his lust, “I didn’t even take my armor off.” Instinctively, Max clung on to him tightly as he untangled their limbs. She could hardly believe the audacity of her body asking for more. At the feel of her grip, Riftan looked down on her flushed face, chest heaving heavily and out of breath. He chuckled, resumed to untangle their limbs, rubbing soothing circles along the way on her thighs. “Just a moment.” He told her, “We’ll be at it again in a second.” He finished, as he finally managed to stand up.



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Chapter 81 Source: wordexcerpt



“No, I…” Max began protesting as she closed her legs once he was gone almost immediately in embarrassment. Riftan’s deep gaze refused to move away from her as he made quick work of his armor, throwing the breastplate, shoulder pads, greaves, boots and his tunic haphazardly to the floor. On his back glistened the thin sheen of sweat, as the sunlight poured in from the window. His muscles flexed as he moved, much like a skintight golden armor. Max found herself enamored with the sight of his naked torso. It used to be the sight of a man would cause her so much terror. However, with Riftan, it made her feel all warm and fuzzy inside, so unlike with their enemies who would tremble at the sight of him. She could feel her heart thundering against her chest… She wanted to touch him. “Come here.” He whispered as he tossed his pants off and sat on the edge of the bed, fingers moving in come hither motion. “Come sit on top of me.” “Ri-Riftan, I-” “You’re not satisfied yet, aren’t you?” he asked her, quirked up a brow in her direction, “I’ll make you full again.” He said, his hands moving to grab his member. She hesitated for a moment, before doing as he told, watched in a sensual thrill as he pumped his hands on his length, making it go hard as she moved to straddle his hips. His free hand gripped her soft thigh,s guiding her as he steadied www.asianovel.com



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her on his lap. She tried to stand up again, her embarrassment getting the best of her, but his grip on her waist prevented her from escaping. He drew her in, slowly, mouth quickly wrapping itself around her chest as he scraped his teeth around her perked nubs. She moaned as she felt him rubbing his now hardened member against her petals, the touch teasingly light. Her arms snaked around his head to pull him closer. It was as if she was possessed – her finger wounded themselves around his hair, pulling at him, hugging him closer to her peaks. It was as if her body was demanding for him to be closer. She buried her face, inhaling the scent of his hair as she rubbed her smooth cheek against it. He gave one upward thrust, and entered her until he was fully sheathed inside. Max shuddered in pain and satisfaction simultaneously. Their limbs entwined around each other’s like snakes coiling around during mating season. “You, you… you were about to go crazy without me too, right?” Riftan breathed out, his desperation leaking out of his voice as he stared at her. Max stared at him with hooded eyes, her body warm as it was wrapped around his, heart pounding hard against her chest. It felt like it would burst. “Hey, tell me.” He prodded once more, “I’m not the only one going insane, right?” he repeated in a low growl and Max moaned. “Yes, I was a-about to go cra-crazy.” She admitted as she mumbled her words, her mind muddled with pleasure. He gritted his teeth as he continued to pound against her, his hips thrusting in deeper strokes as her body shuddered with the force and www.asianovel.com



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intense pleasure. Her nails dug into his skin as her hands found purchase on his neck. And eith every deep thrust, her wetness clung to his skin, driving him mad. Her inner walls scraped against his ho, throbbing length, wracking her nerves with endless desire as she rolled her hips in tandem with his. Despite their skin already rubbing against each other, she still wanted to pull him closer, bury him deeper into her. Max cried out, the slick of their sweat made it harder for her to hold on. More, just a little more, she chanted inside her mind. The heat coiling around her gut… She wanted to swallow him whole, devour every last inch of him. Mine, take me… her voice echoed inside her thoughts as she hugged him tighter, clinging onto him for dear life… “Max… Max… ngh…” he moaned against her ear, his warm breath hitting her earlobes. Max pulled away as she opened up her eyes to look at him. So beautiful, she thought. To think such a specimen would look at her with such desire, filling every crevice of her body with want and satisfaction… Staring at her as if she was the only one for him. The floodgates opened as he filled her as promised and Max felt like crying. *** The cackle of the fire as it danced on the wood, and the rattling sound woke Max up from her slumber. Before she knew it, the day www.asianovel.com



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had ended, and now it was dark outside. She blinked a few times, her eyes adjusting, before she pulled herself up as quick as she could when she spotted him. Riftan stood in front of the fireplace, his gaze trained intensely onto the burning logs. Despite her efforts, her legs were stubborn, unmoved as the strength from her body left her. She let out a soft groan in protest, when Riftan quickly spun around to see her trying to get up. He must’ve heard her. He was already dressed comfortably, a black tunic with wet spots all over, indicating he had taken a bath shortly before. “You’re quite the light sleeper, aren’t you?” he told her, his eyes glinted with amusement as he let out a low chuckle. Max shook the sleep away from her mind. “I di-didn’t e-even know you washed up.” She told him, and he hummed at her, suddenly walking towards her. “I wanted to wait until you woke up to take a bath together, but I needed to ask some questions.” He informed her, planting a soft kiss on her bare shoulder blades. She felt her cheeks flush, as she looked up at him with nervousness. “So, you in-interrogated them?” “Yes.” He sighed as he stared back to the fire, “I even summoned the clergy to verify on of their status.” “So there’s, he was re-really an a-aristocrat..?” she asked, as Riftan grew silent. The frown he gave her for her question made her tense up.



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Why was she asking so carefully?



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Chapter 82 Source: wordexcerpt



Riftan answered in a slightly disconcerted tone, “That’s right. He was a nobleman from Libadon.” Max suddenly felt faint with Riftan’s confirmation. Did I do something wrong again? There was a nagging suspicion alight in her mind that perhaps things wouldn’t have gone astray had she acquiesced to the man’s demands and offered him a peaceful entry to Anatol… Seemingly sensing the worries from her scrunched face, he replaced his hands towards her disheveled hair, curling his fingers around her locks carefully before pushing her to him so he could place a chaste kiss on her cheeks. It was a gesture meant to comfort her anxiety. He then proceeded to vanquish any sort of overthinking in her, “But he wasn’t a feudal lord as he claimed. He was only the son. He wasn’t too favorable of his father choosing his half brother as the successor to the family. Lo and behold, he stole his family treasure and escaped with it to Whedon.” Riftan softly unbundled the knots in her fiery mane as he continued, “He’s been wandering around the country with the knights who followed him, and then caught a whiff of a rumor that I seized rare treasures from the dragon expedition.” Max’s eyes widened at this information. “Then… di-did he came here to hu-hurt Riftan?” she replied in a worried tone. When this question reached his ears, the fingers playing with her locks froze momentarily. For a while, his gaze was only trailed upon her in scrutiny – but very much out of fascination. Max found his www.asianovel.com



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steady gaze bewildering and almost retreated from his touch when he suddenly burst into laughter. “He’s not that insane.” He said, a small smile on his lips, “He just never thought I’d cross the land from Drakium to Anatol in eight mere days. He got his timing wrong, it was far off.” Come to think of it, Max did remember Ruth telling her that Riftan would be able to shorten the travel from 15 to 10 days should he hurry. For him to be able to curtail that to two more days – he must have been traveling in great haste. “Or… was it I who got the timing well? Had I been a day or two late… it would have been terrible…” His words suddenly trailed off as he went deep in thought. “He had three men with him that were high-ranking knights. Rob Midahas himself wielded a powerful magic device. It would have been difficult – maybe even impossible – to stop his troops with the remaining soldiers in Anatol.” “Ma-magic… tools?” Max asked with some uncertainly. The realm of magic and their nuances still came as a strange existence and knowledge to her. “It was the family heirloom that he stole. A magic tool capable of conjuring a high level flame spell. It’s what turned the gate to cinders.” At the memory of the blown off gate, his face suddenly hardened. “With Remdragon out of the territory, he might have thought he probably had the chance of winning. In fact, it would have been a struggle to locate him had he robbed our vaults and fled to Libadon by the time I got here.” He growled in anger at the thought, like an awakened beast ready to fight. Seeing him become more heated, Max anxiously grasped his arm. While she knew his fury was with reason, there still lies the fact that www.asianovel.com



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he wouldn’t be able to avoid damaging conflict should he recklessly harm someone of nobility. Even if that said noble did something senseless. When Riftan looked down and caught sight of her anxious eyes, he only smiled bitterly, apparently aware of this fact as well. “I was meant to cut his head off and hang it on the wall. An example for those who want to invade our walls. But… it truly would be devastating to engage in a war.” Max knew Riftan was stubborn to his roots, therefore when she heard the man speak of a compromising tone, she was quite taken aback. “The-then…?” “At the break of dawn tomorrow, I will be contacting his father. And then I’m going to yell at him to discipline his child after I tell him to compensate for the damage.” Faced with an answer that spoke of little violence, saved, possibly, for some minor cussing, Max sighed in relief. Riftan was quite satisfied with the idea, even more so seeing that his wife was contented with it. Finally, finding a conclusion to the dreary matter, he began to move his lips to her shoulders, placing soft kisses on her skin as a small smile formed on his lips. His kisses tantalizingly moved towards her decolletage and then to her warming cheeks, and as he moved closer to her Max could smell a fragrant scent from his damp hair. Suddenly, Ruth’s words came to mind, that of him telling her Riftan would probably pout if he urged him to use scented soap to be more satisfactory in the Madam’s eyes. She couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled out from her chest. This, in turn, prompted a curious look from the oblivious watcher. “Why are you laughing?”



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“Well, the, the scent of ro-roses… from yo-your hair…” she frankly began causing a faint blush to cross his cheeks. “I only thought.. you’d like it more if it smells good…” Watching him smooth his wet locks hurriedly in embarrassment, Max felt heart tighten. It was only some time ago when she first met him. Back then, with his menacing words and towering figure, she had surmised he would be as fierce as her father – if not, even worse… Yet she never thought it actually would be the polar opposite. A man that was unlike his external appearance could be so kind to a fault… And she never thought she would now find him so lovely, this husband of hers whom she had been so afraid of once. “Um… am I not manly enough?” he suddenly murmured, breaking her off from her trail of thoughts. As he sniffed the lingering scent of soap on his body, something compelled Max to slowly rose despite her drowsy body and softly press her lips over his cheeks. At the soft touch, his reaction was instantaneous: body hardening like a stone. Realizing her brazen actions, her head felt faint as a searing blush crept to her face. Yet she was resilient on placing one more kiss at the tip of his chin – she might as well go all the way. “Oh, no. It-it smells go-good. And Riftan, yo-you are… always manly.” Riftan, who had been struck silent all along finally uttered, “… Then I’ll use this soap for the rest of my life.” Apologies for the late updates. My health hasn’t been good these days so I had to take a break. Will post the remaining chapters sometime this week I hope these chapters were enough to satisfy you all from the drought… www.asianovel.com



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This Week’s Releases: [✔️][✔️][



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Last Week’s Releases: [✔️][✔️][✔️][✔️] If you want to support this novel, please leave a review on its Novelupdates page. Also join our discord channel (click link above site to be redirected) to meet a lovely, growing community for this novel where we share fanarts, discussions and some spoilers for the novel. If you want to support your translators, you can be our patron and read ahead of schedule. Ying and Livy’s current translations (from left to right) Living as the Villainess Queen Under the Oak Tree The Duke’s Imposter Sister Predatory Marriage Raising the Child of the Male Lead Boss Heavenly Divine Doctor: Abandoned Concubine



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Chapter 83 Source: wordexcerpt



The next moment his lips were on hers as his hands snaked around her waist to pull her flush against his chest. Something tingled inside her as he gently caressed her soft mounds in ardor. At the unexpected way her body reacted to his touch, Max began to slip from his grasp in embarrassment. “Oh, you, you already…” she tried to fumble for words and ultimately ended up gesturing to his damp hair as if trying to say she didn’t want to mess it up. “What are you talking about?” His gaze intensely bored into her, leaving her no room for escape from his clutches. “You seduced me first.” The latter only widened her eyes at this. “No-not seseduce…no…” Indeed, she had kissed him boldly – a first of hers – yet she had done it out from the sweetness that sprung from inside her… though it necessarily didn’t mean she wanted to pull him back under the covers! Yet it seemed her futile reasoning was only drowned by his intense affection for her. One that she felt lost in the more she dwelled on it. His top was suddenly off, and his naked, beautifully sculpted torso decadently shined in the light, bringing a thrill to her blood. He rushed at her without another second, encasing her lips in a hard kiss, rough and desperate. “You’ve earned it yourself, Maxi.” He whispered like a drunken man as he pushed her under him with little strength. www.asianovel.com



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Only his voice, like a sickeningly sweet bass, rang out through her ears as the hours burned. Like a succubus, he drained the strength out from her body in fervor – she was only his and he was only hers. The satisfaction of their joint bodies was much greater than the initial pain and she eventually succumbed to his persuasion and needs, her arms locked against his neck as the night gently cradled them to a world only theirs. *** The next day, Max woke up only after midday. As per routine, she washed and dressed with the help of a maid. Despite having stayed up all night, Riftan was already gone as soon as dawn broke, having went out to deal with the intruders. Having remembered he had traveled a long way, she felt sorry he wasn’t able to rest properly. “Madam, are you uncomfortable anywhere… ?” Rudis, who was diligently brushing her tangled locks, asked in a worried tone, a hint of anger on the maid’s usually cool face. Max immediately shook her head. “Oh, no… I’m-I’m all right.” “The wizard said he’d take care of the wound…” The maid persisted, concern becoming more evident on her face, “Should I bring him in right now?” “Oh, it’s ju-just a slight injury… it’s no-nothing.” The older woman was currently fussing over a wound she had gained from the battlefield – yet to Max, it was merely a little scratch on her leg when she fell. Max shifted her eyes down, touching the fresh wound from yesterday that stretched on her shin. Compared to this meager wound, the guards must have suffered more severe injuries from the enemies’ sword. She shook her head fervently, not wanting to fuss with such a little scratch.



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“It’s o-okay, you do- don’t have to do….” “Oh, no. It could become a scar later on….” Rudis, who rarely spoke strongly, soon clamped her mouth shut, thinking her attitude was becoming presumptuous. After some time, she finally said, “Then, I’ll get some ointment.” “Wi-will you?” Max answered back, feeling apprehensive at the thought of a scar forming. Rudis hurriedly went out from the room and came back bringing a round bottle of medicine and some clean bandages. While it wasn’t a wound that required bandages, Max obediently applied the medicine under Rudis’ insistence and wrapped it with the clean cloth to prevent it from being contaminated. “Tha-thank you,” she softly said after the ordeal was done. The maid straightened up, brushing her skirt straight. “I’ll bring the meal to your room.” “Oh, no. I’ll e-eat at the ha-hall and do the re-rest of things I didn’t do ye-yesterday…” “The Lord told me to let you stay in the room and rest today.” An awkward looked crossed Max face at Rudis’ words. While it was true she was quite weary from the several rounds of love-making they did throughout the night… it wasn’t to the point where she wanted to just curl up and let the day pass. Besides, didn’t she only wake up at noon? She didn’t want to be stuck around doing nothing in the room, and alone, while he was already out and working without proper rest. “I-I’m a little surprised from ye-yesterdays’ fuss but… I’m not sick,” she began. www.asianovel.com



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“But the lord told me….” “I-I will tell hi-him.” With her stubborn firmness, Rudis no longer refuted and answered with a quiet nod. Max then left the room with a thick shawl draped around her shoulders to shield herself from the chilly afternoon breeze that was even pouring in from her open shutters. She walked down the hallway, sweeping her sights down the clean, newly washed window frames and laid out carpets. “B-By the way… Di-did Riftan say so-something about.. the ca-castle?” At the question, Rudis became embarrassed. She hesitantly replied, “He couldn’t afford to look around because of the commotion yesterday.” “Ah… ye-yes.” “However, the knights were stunned.” Rudis added hurriedly as soon as Max looked dejected. There was an unusually bright smile on the face of the taciturn maid. “They arrived at the Great Hall for dinner late into the night yesterday, and the first time they arrived at the castle, they praised it for the astounding changes.” Max perked up hearing this. “Re-really?” Rudis nodded again at her query. They then stepped down the stairs though the hallway, Max footsteps bouncing with every footfall. As soon as she appeared, the maids cleaning the hall’s windows would straighten up and bow politely towards her. When she finally entered the hall after exchanging greetings with the other servants, Ruth and three of the Remdragon knights, who were eating, raised their heads towards her. Fixed with their gazes, www.asianovel.com



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Max suddenly halted where she stood. Unless it was a special day, the knights usually ate their breakfast and lunch at the hall as accommodated by the castle. It was the first time she had encountered them without Riftan by her side, therefore her eyes flitted to and fro, uncertain with her next action. “Are you all right? You fell pretty bad yesterday.” Ruth broke the awkward silence that lingered in the hall. His hair was disheveled, as if he had just woken up from sleep as usual. He yawned, ignorant of the tension in the room and looked Max up and down. “I thought you’d broken bones since Lord Calypse was acting so desperate towards me. But it looks like you’re all intact.” “… It-it’s only a li-little scra-scratch,” she muttered softly in return. “I thought so.” He flatly replied and pulled out the chair next to him. “Sit down first. Bring the madam her lunch too,” he then gestured to the servants, the latter bowing without another second thought. Max cast a quick glance at the face of other knights, which didn’t betray a trace of their emotions, and resignedly sat herself down in front of the table. It seemed too awkward and improper to just leave. Yet even when she was already seated, uncomfortable silence still prevailed. Max waited impatiently for the meal to come, and when she couldn’t stand the silence, she finally opened her mouth. “Whe-where is Riftan…?” “Lord Calypse is outside repairing the gate. He called in blacksmiths and engineers to hang steel doors this time.” Ruth grumbled, ripping the bread in half and placed it grumpily inside his mouth. www.asianovel.com



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“It seems that he wants a defensive barrier to be set up. He’s already a maniac with defenses and now that darn nobleman just had to turn the gate into ashes and make him more jittery that he already is.” “It-it’s good to be sa-safe.” Max deliberately replied in a lively voice, relieved to have something to talk about. Ruth, however, merely frowned and exclaimed as if such request would drain the life out of him. “From now on, I’ll probably break my bones just to deliver his request.” Just in time, the maid came in bringing soup with chicken, salad and freshly baked bread and placed them on the table. Max’s eyes bulged at the appetizing scent of the warm soup that wafted into her nose. She didn’t know exactly how magic tools were created, but from the wizard’s grumbles, she surmised it must be daunting and troublesome. Ruth grabbed his head and continued to moan throughout their meal. Then, as if a brilliant light bulb hit him, he raised his head and asked Max, “Come to think of it, you can do basic math, Madam, can’t you?”



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Chapter 84 Source: wordexcerpt



Max swallowed abruptly that the food almost went down the wrong pipe. The man before her stared at her with a peculiar gleam coming from his blue-gray eyes, which until now, have always seemed to be full of sleepiness. Cold sweat started to break out on Max’ forehead. If she says she could not do it, then it will seem as if she was willing to be considered as a fool in front of the knights who have been ignoring her as if she were a complete stranger to them and unworthy of their time. If she says she can do it, however, she feels that her future here will be full of hardships. Max could not decide on either courses of actions as both seemed equally grim, so she instead decided to avoid his eyes and hoped they would change the topic by pretending to be distracted by the soup she was eating. However, Ruth reached out and blocked her view of the food. At that moment she was caught again as his slender eyes pierced hers. “… Is it okay to pay back like this?” “I-I’m not good enough to help you…” Max truthfully confided to him. “I know. I wouldn’t ask you if it wasn’t a situation that I could handle on my own.” He responded as he looked down. Max felt a faint desire to help him, seeing the wizard look so pitiful before her. As she looked at him with forlorn eyes, it was as if he sensed her stares and looked at her then too. Having been caught, Max straightened her back and feigned indifference. www.asianovel.com



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“You haven’t forgotten that I helped you both materially and spiritually, have you?” The wizard suddenly spoke and Max placed her spoon down. “N-No. But I really can’t…” Max started to protest – she could not help him even if she wanted to. Not only did she lack the ability to, but she also doesn’t know what kind of hell she would have to face if she was going to do so. The wizard’s fastidiousness was truly unusual, and quite alarming. Max avoided looking at the wizard’s face, while Ruth moved closer to her like a leech. “All you need to do is organize simple records and calculations. It’s a very easy thing to do, even for you.” The wizard told her and Max sighed. “Hey, wizard… Don’t go too far. It’s disrespectful to the madam.” The knight with them, who was pretending not to hear any of their conversation and was only interested in eating, finally joined in. Max thought that if she refused the wizard, she would be condemned as an ungrateful person and would hear this snarky label whenever she encountered him. She was sure that was what this eccentric wizard would do to her if she refused him. Moreover, she thought that sooner or later she would have to bite the bullet and would not be able to avoid it forever. Out of her wits, she finally responded with a nod and the frown on Ruth’s face turned upside down upon seeing this. He then reached out to take some of his potatoes and deposited those on her plate as a sign of goodwill. “I won’t forget this grace.” The wizard told her gratefully. Max answered him with a tight lipped smile. “… You guys must have gotten quite close to each other during the times you have spent together.” Hebaron, the bulky www.asianovel.com



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knight who was still listening to their conversation, suddenly remarked. He then reached out to scratch the back of his head as if waiting for the implication of his words to sink in. Max hesitated and answered carefully and turned to address Hebaron. “H-He gave me advice on decorating the castle.” “Aha…” Hebaron responded almost fumblingly as he took a big bite off the bread and gave them a thoughtful look. Max dismissed her anxious thoughts at Hebaron’s almost nonchalant attitude towards her and tried to finish her meal in peace. But the silence surrounding them was once again broken when Hebaron spoke up. “The castle has become quite pleasing to look at.” He told them, and Max laiborously swallowed her food before responding. “Ah… Th-Thank you.” The man flitted his eyes around the room as if trying to take in the view. His deliberate acts of scrutiny looked awkward to Max, and she too was starting to feel uncomfortable with him. It’s been a long time since Max and Hebaron knew of each other, but even so, they had never formally exchanged introductions and only ever seen each other in passing. Max did not feel comfortable to talk with Hebaron so casually – they were still strangers after all, so Max decided to just follow his gaze as he still looked around the room. For some time they remained in an agonizing silence. Soon, the knights who had finished eating their food had begun to leave their seats, one by one they came before her and bowed their heads in respect, then departed from the restaurant. Max looked down on her soup bowl, it seems to her, the food looked rather sad. “The Remdragon Knights were unfair. Even with that www.asianovel.com



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attitude, I could not help but think.” Max was startled by Ruth’s declaration and turned to look at the latter. Ruth seemed to not have noticed this and continued the speech in a sour manner, while dipping the bread in the thick soup. “This expedition was the opportunity to throw the weight of the Remdragon Knights across the continent if the result was favorable, but had it erred on the opposite site, they would have taken a devastating blow to their pride.” Ruth’s eyes then clouded, as if he were currently trapped in some place far away. “The Red Dragon was that terrifying. Three or four knights would have been killed without Lord Calypse. In fact, there are those who were very close to death back then. One of them was Lord Calypse himself, as he fought on the front lines and crossed paths with death several times.” Max began to stiffen despite Ruth’s calm and monotonous voice, as if he were telling only a trivial story. “The Duke Croix has passed on such a difficult and dangerous expedition to Lord Calypse. Even the daughter didn’t do the least to defend her husband, who had been pushed to death on behalf of her father.” “I-I was…!” Max begun to protest but Ruth spoke out. “That’s what the knights who followed Lord Calypse have been always thinking.” Ruth placed his spoon down and talked with an expressionless face. Max just let her lip quiver in response. She wanted to argue that it was she who was thrown out. And it was her that had been ignored all this time by them. The man took her by force, and then left her without saying anything. She even thought before that he didn’t want nor cared for her at all.



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What could she have done? Why was the blame always placed on her shoulders? Thank you for everyone’s patience. I have finally cleared my tasks for this month and DIS, OAK, RCM will now follow a schedule. If something comes up and I am not able to post at that particular time frame, I will be sure to tell you readers. Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday (Around 12 – 1 PM, GMT) This Week’s Releases: [ Releases: [][][][]



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If you want to support this novel, please leave a review on its Novelupdates page. Also join our discord channel (click link above site to be redirected) to meet a lovely, growing community for this novel where we share fanarts, discussions and some spoilers for the novel. If you want to support your translators, you can be our patron and read ahead of schedule. Ying and Livy’s current translations (from left to right) Living as the Villainess Queen Under the Oak Tree The Duke’s Imposter Sister Predatory Marriage Raising the Child of the Male Lead Boss Heavenly Divine Doctor: Abandoned Concubine



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Chapter 85 Source: wordexcerpt



But soon, self consciousness sinked in and she was well aware that could be only an excuse. Max however, could not say a word and she felt her face grow white by the second. “I-I didn’t know he was going to take me to the castle,” Max whispered as if it was an afterthought. “The knights who went to the Castle Croix to take you were treated badly.” Ruth told her in his still dull tone, as she uttered in a faint voice. “I-I haven’t h-heard.” “Didn’t you think that you would come to Anatol with the knights of Croix?” Ruth asked her, the intensity of his voice making her flinch. She couldn’t say that there were no one to accompany her on that journey, nor could she deny that her father would not allow for her to travel a long way there. Max could not even argue with him that even the idea of visiting her husband was impossible for her. In the end, she couldn’t find anything to say that would seem reasonable to him, and something he would accept, so, she shook her head instead. Ruth shrugged beside her as if the issue was of no consequence. “There’s no point in looking back on what’s already gone. No matter how the knights treated you, the fact that you are the wife of Lord Calypse remains unchanged. Don’t mind what they do or say unless they become too rude,” Ruth told her and Max meekly nodded. www.asianovel.com



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Whether it was an act meant to provide Max comfort or to further irate her, the wizard had already stood up from his seat and said his parting words. “Then, I believe you’ll come to the library to help me soon.” He told her, and Max responded by nodding feebly at his indifferent attitude. With that, the wizard paid his respects and went out of the great hall while stretching his shoulders. Max remained behind, as slowly the others began to file out of the room, soon leaving her alone in the room. By now her soup had already gone cold and unappetizing but Max still stirred it aimlessly, round and round the bowl in an unending circle. She felt like she was in a very lonely and anxious situation with no way out. Maybe other people were feeling the same way as she was. Perhaps her reputation as the wife, who had pushed promising knights to their deaths and caused faithful allies to turn away from her husband, was what she will forever be known as, and now, Max thought that they might be thinking of her only as a pampered mistress now that she was showered with Riftan’s riches. Her mind then went back to the time wherein she was blatantly ridiculed by the man named Rob Midahas in front of the gate, and in front of her own people… this memory still served to break even the slightest confidence she has managed to build up over the past few weeks. Everything had faltered badly in one instance. Would Anatol’s residents be proud of their hostess who showed such a pathetic face? She couldn’t stand the melancholy feelings inside her heart any longer and Max finally gave up and stopped eating her food. She turned to leave and went out of the restaurant in silence. www.asianovel.com



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“Madam!” Max turned around to look at the source of the voice. Perhaps her precarious mood was too much that Rodrigo was able to spot her walking across the hall. His polite voice came to greet her from behind, and so she stopped walking and waited for the older man to come close to her. Rodrigo was walking through the gate with a large box in his arms. “The Lord has commanded me to ask you that you go to him,” he then told her while shifting the box in his hands. Max looked at him in surprise. “I-I heard he went to the north gate.” “He just came back and is now in the garde-” Rodrigo responded. Max started to run out of the door before his words were over. As she passed the pavilion and stood in front of the stairs, she saw the servants busily carrying luggage in the spacious garden. Her eyes suddenly widened at the sight: there was a huge cart led by five horses, and the servants were constantly taking out small boxes off of it and were carrying them into the castle in delicate movements. Max passed by them and went down the stairs gingerly. In front of the wagon, Riftan stood talking with two men who seemed to be merchants from the South Continent. He turned his head towards Max when he spotted her. “Maxi.” He greeted her and Max tried to give him her best smile in reply. She then quickly hurried towards him, like a puppy called by its master. Riftan smiled faintly and took the horse rein from the merchant and slightly pulled it forward. The mare, so breathtaking that it enchanted the people around, began to walk forward, slowly but gracefully. Finally, Riftan and Max met halfway. www.asianovel.com



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“Here.” Riftan told Max as he gently patted the long, graceful neck of the horse and proffered its rein. Max’s eyes were blankly staring at the creature, unable to read his proposal. “Don’t you like it?” He asked her again in a slight teasing tone. “E-Excuse me?” Max replied as she didn’t understand what he meant. He instead, grabbed her hand and forcibly let her hold the rein. “I said I’ll buy a gift for you when I come back, didn’t I?” Riftan reminded her. Max glanced at his calm face and then at the meek horse. He pulled her out of her dazed look and led her to touch the horse’s face. She timidly stroked the golden mane with a trembling hand and in response to her touch, the mare gently rubbed her nose in her palm. “All of my horses are big and ferocious, so I don’t think they’ll suit you. This mare is still young but well trained. So it won’t be hard to handle her.” Riftan told her as he noticed Max warming up to the horse. “S-so pretty..…” Max breathed, and Riftan smiled contentedly at her reaction. “Now it’s yours.” Riftan declared. “I-I’ve never s-seen…. such a wo-wonderful g-gift.” Max told him. The mare rubbed its face in the palm of her hand with a charming pout. Max mildly stroked its mouth and nose and gazed at the wonderful gift he had given to her once again. The long slender legs and waist, rich golden mane, and clever black eyes were the picturesque mare. The balanced body shape and glossy fur show that it is of an excellent breed. www.asianovel.com



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“C-can I take it…? Really?” Max excitedly asked. “I said it’s yours.” Riftan assured her and he replied with a slight frown. “No one but you can ride on such a fine fellow.” He added. The horse squirted its breath vigorously as if it had understood their exchange. Max laughed and stroked its ears. “Do you like it?” Riftan asked, tilting his head and looking down at her. “I l-love it.” Max replied. But to be honest she had more than a mere liking towards the horse and so Max decided to give her answer carefully. “I re-really a-appreciate it… I-I really do.” Max exclaimed after clearing her trembling voice that was filled with emotions, she had wanted to speak more confidently about how much she appreciated the gift.



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Chapter 86 Source: wordexcerpt



“Thank you so much.” Max repeated, and as soon as those words escaped her lips, Riftan who had been looking down on her, dipped his head and kissed her. Riftan’s sudden action took Max by surprise and she instinctively took a step back. Riftan on his part acted as if nothing had happened and begun to casually address the merchants around them, as if he had not just kissed his wife in front of the party. “My wife seems happy. I’ll give you an additional 50 percent as a token of gratitude. I thought it would take you a day or two more for you to deliver it, but it arrived earlier than expected. Therefore, I also thank you for hurrying up.” Riftan told the merchants, and the latter seemed to be in disbelief at his generosity. “Oh, dear God! It’s not a big deal sir. It’s what you asked us to do sir, of course we had to cater to your request as soon as possible, it is only natural for us to satisfy our clients!” One of the merchants told Riftan. Max listened to their small exchange while hiding her red face behind the horse’s neck. She felt embarrassed because of the way Riftan nonchalantly expressed affection towards her in front of so many people. Max looked around anxiously to see if anyone might have seen their sudden display of affection and felt scandalized by seeing it, thankfully it seemed that no one seemed to have minded the gesture as the servants continued on their tasks. After some time, Riftan finally ended his conversation with the www.asianovel.com



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merchants and the latter turned to leave. Just as they had begun to pack up and leave, Riftan approached Max and draped one of his arms over her, and hugged her to his side. “Let’s go to the room, so you can look more clearly at the things I bought for you. You might find something you would like.” Riftan told her with a gentle smile. “I-is there more…?” Max asked in surprise and Riftan nodded before replying. “All the boxes the servants are carrying now are your gifts.” Riftan then pointed to the pile of boxes still in the cart. Upon seeing it Max’ mouth fell wide open. She estimated that there were roughly enough boxes to fill one of the castle’s guest rooms. “I told them to move it to the room. So let us go in now.” Riftan whispered to Max’s ear as he handed the halter to a nearby servant and then led Max towards the Great Hall of the castle. Max allowed him to lead her inside. As they walked Max could not help but feel as if she was walking on clouds. She couldn’t believe she felt so depressed and anxious a while ago, it was as if those worries vanished because of Riftan’s arrival. “So, be-because of the gate re-repair… aren’t you bubusy?” Max asked shyly and Riftan shook his head. “I’ve already delegated the task to several people and have left them instructions on everything that needs to be done. The knights have decided to take turns in guarding the gate until it’s completed, so there won’t be any intruders coming into the compound and making a disturbance even if I don’t stand guard.” Riftan told her and Max bit her tongue to prevent herself from responding. www.asianovel.com



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The truth was that Max did not ask Riftan because she was worried about the castle’s security, rather she wanted to voice out her concern that since Riftan had only a bit of free time, she might be disturbing him in the midst of his busy schedule. Max however decided not to correct his understanding of her question. The two of them continued to climb in comfortable silence until they arrived at the newly structured hallway she had been working on. The sunlight came pouring in from the windows and was sprinkling beautiful golden rays on the red carpet. Riftan, suddenly turned his head to look at her. “Come to think of it, I haven’t properly complimented you on the fact that the castle has become very nice since you redecorated it. The butler said you went through a lot to make it this beautiful.” Because of Riftan’s sudden praise, Max found herself blushing at him. “Do you like it…?” She asked him meekly. “I like it. I was surprised when I came down the stairs in the morning. For a moment I thought I had moved to another castle overnight.” Riftan answered her in a slightly teasing manner and Max breathed a sigh of relief. “Ye-yesterday you di-didn’t say a-anything.. I was woworried.” Max confessed as she recalled how worried she was the day before. Suddenly, Riftan’s eyes narrowed at her. “Yesterday I could not exactly say to you ‘By the way, the castle has gotten so nice, you’ve done a great job’ in the midst of my anger. In the first place, the one that caught my attention was seeing my wife in that mess. Do you think I would have seen the state of the castle at that time? Even if you had plated gold all over the castle, I wouldn’t have www.asianovel.com



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noticed any of it, not at that moment.” Riftan explained with his brows deeply furrowed and Max dropped her gaze, wondering what to do now that he looked at her with his cold eyes as if he was incensed just thinking about it. As if sensing that she had grown depressed by his answer Riftan let out a small sigh and patted Max’ head reassuringly. “I don’t want to be angry anymore, so don’t bring it up. Let’s go see your presents now.” Riftan told her gently with a smile and Max nodded her head in understanding as they set off again. Once the two of them entered the room, Max saw the servants cleaning up the mountain of boxes and arranging them neatly at the corner of the room. Rudis was standing guard at the corner and was supervising the servants carefully. She kept her eyes locked on them and was making sure they did not drop the boxes, while throwing constant reminders to be careful with them. Finally, one of the maids saw Max and Rfitan and hurriedly bowed her head when she saw them. The rest of the servants followed suit and greeted them. After exchanging pleasantries, Rfitan approached Rudis. “Did you finish moving all the luggage in the room?” “Yes, it’s all thirty-two boxes sir. Would you like to check their contents?” Rudis asked and when Riftan nodded, the servants began to open the boxes one by one with the wooden poker. Max stayed at the sideline and stared blankly at the endless pouring of gifts that was happening in front of her. From the Southern Continent, Riftan bought her high quality silk and glamorous pattern fabrics. There was also glossy fox fur, a www.asianovel.com



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waistband made of snake skin, a gold threaded shawl, silver hand mirror, and a hairpin decorated with pearls.. The piles of gifts reminded Max of those that Rosetta had received. She recalled seeing Rosetta buried in a luxurious gift countless times, but it was the first time she found herself experiencing it. Max reminded herself to remain calm. “Is this all my pre-presents?” Max asked Rfitan, her mouth slightly trembled as she did so. “Why? Do you not like it?” Riftan asked her in a worried tone. Two updates for today! Also slightly adjusted time frame since posting takes a lot of time Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday (Around 12 – 2 PM, GMT) This Week’s Releases: [][][ [][][][]



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If you want to support this novel, please leave a review on its Novelupdates page. Also join our discord channel (click link above site to be redirected) to meet a lovely, growing community for this novel where we share fanarts, discussions and some spoilers for the novel. If you want to support your translators, you can be our patron and read ahead of schedule. Ying and Livy’s current translations (from left to right) Living as the Villainess Queen Under the Oak Tree The Duke’s Imposter Sister www.asianovel.com



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Predatory Marriage Raising the Child of the Male Lead Boss Heavenly Divine Doctor: Abandoned Concubine



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Chapter 87 Source: wordexcerpt



Max shook her head hurriedly when she saw him frowning. Max’s half-sister didn’t bat an eyelash even after receiving a pile of jewels. It would be strange from Riftan and the others to see that the Duke’s favorite daughter would shrivel at this. Max kept her face indifferent and recalled Rosetta’s haughty demeanor. “N-no. I l-like.. it.” Max answered simply. Riftan looked relieved at her answer and gestured at one of the servants to open the boxes near them. Max tried to stay reserved like all those wealthy princesses in stories. However, she couldn’t stop her mouth from opening like a fool each time a new gift was unboxed. As another box was opened, Riftan approached it and took out an emerald hairpin from a jewelry box and carefully inserted it over her ear and completed her look by adorning her neck with a sparkling diamond necklace. Max looked down at the extravagant jewelry resting on her collarbones and found herself be lost for words. Riftan pressed his lips on her cheek with a pleased face, he seemed to be liking what he was seeing. “It suits you well just as I thought.” He told Max proudly. “T-thank you…” Max answered. She muttered these words with a flushed face. Max then gently ran her fingers through her hair in order to feel the ornament that was stuck between her curls. She glanced slightly at the mirror that hung www.asianovel.com



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on the corner wall and looked at her reflection. For a moment, she was struck with awkwardness seeing herself being adorned by so much jewelry. Riftan was treating her as if she were the most precious royal daughter in the world. It was both pleasant and uncomfortable. To be honest, Max felt like a clown wearing a mask that didn’t fit her. “Why such a face? You don’t like it?” Riftan asked her after noticing her somber expression. Max hurriedly straightened her face. “N-no. It’s really pretty. Y-you must have been busy… When d-did you find the time to buy a-all these presents?” She asked Riftan and the latter shook his head dismissively at her worries. “You left all the jewelry and clothes you used in Croix Castle because of me. Of course, I have to make time to make it up for you.” He answered with a grin and Max hurriedly hid her blushing face. But the inside of her chest hurt as if there was a thorn in it. “T-thank you for y-your consideration.” She told Riftan sincerely. Riftan seemed happy with her reaction and told the servants to organize the presents now that she had seen them all. As he busied with the servants, Max stood behind Riftan trying to erase the strange feeling of guilt from her mind. Especially since she didn’t tell a lie, but even with these thoughts she could not erase the uncomfortable feeling inside of her. Riftan, after confirming that all the gifts were complete and secured immediately went out to check the state of the prisoners. www.asianovel.com



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After he left, Max began to fill out an unfinished textile order she wasn’t able to complete due to the disturbance yesterday. After careful consultation with the maids, she decided to head down to the kitchen in order to make sure that preservation of the winter meals was going well. Any castle is bound to be busiest during the times of late fall to early winter. As these were the occasions when temperatures began to drop rapidly, and when it will become more difficult to get fresh vegetables. The price of meat was bound to double or more during this season as well, therefore the kitchen servants had to work without a break in order to prepare long-lasting dried meats, pickled fruits, smoked sausages, and large amounts of flour from the mill, and other stocks in order to prepare food for livestock. Max went to search for Rudis in order to get an update on how the preparations were going. Rudis then began discussing to her what they have been doing. “In winter, it becomes difficult to find grass for the livestocks, so we slaughter most of them and only keep alive those we could feed. We take the slaughtered cows and pigs from the butcher’s shop, drain the blood, trim the guts and send it to the castle, the meat in the kitchen is smoked and stored, and the intestines are washed clean and used to make sausages.” Rudis told her as they walked along the kitchens to check on the preparations. Max listened to Rudis’s explanation and looked all around her, she could smell the heavy scent of oil around them. She was used to the kitchen being full of bustle and busy staff, but for the last few days it almost looked like a battlefield. On a large table set up on the corner wall, three or four servants were making sausages with large basins and plates surrounding www.asianovel.com



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them, while on the other side a large chunk of meat was being cut into small pieces using a saw and a pool of blood was flowing from it. The smoky smell of fire stung the tip of her nose. Max turned her head away from the direction of its source, and pinched the tip of her nose bridge. Outside the wide-open door, she saw four temporary fire pots made of stones. Five or six servants were putting a large wire net on it and smoking a chunk of meat over it. She felt exhausted seeing the enormous amount of meat. “I have ne-never seen so much meat be-before.” She told Rudis. “We’ve prepared enough food to last us for a while. However, we can’t keep the smoked meat for too long, so most of the neat things we have are going to be made of dried. Beef jerky is also very useful for the knights when going out on a three or four days expedition.” Rudis informed her. “I-is this all g-going to be made into d-dried meat?” Max asked Rudis, eyeing the large pile of freshly slaughtered meat. Max looked curiously at the meat hanging on the wall. In the record sheet given by Rudis, the weight of food stored each year and the weight of food to be stored this year were meticulously written. “As the knights return from the expedition, we need to prepare twice as much as we did last year. Actually, I should have prepared it before the temperature dropped..” “D-does it t-take a lot of time?” “The meat should be salted and drained for several days, then sliced thinly and dried in the shade for another few days. It takes a lot of work.” Rudis replied and Max felt suddenly embarrassed because it seemed that the preparations for winter had www.asianovel.com



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been delayed because of the castle decorations she had been doing. Rudis seemed to have sensed Max’ guilt expression and hurriedly added, “But with more hands, we’ll be ready before the temperature drops further.” “I-it is good t-then!” Max then glanced around the kitchen staff and noticed that they indeed needed to hire more people. The sight of the sweaty working servants filled her with worry. It was the role of the hostess to supervise the household of the castle, and based on what she had seen, she knows that the workload of the servants has been enormous. Perhaps she should ask Riftan if he could hire more servants, for in addition to making food, the servants of the castle were already working so hard all day long, making winter clothes for soldiers, taking care of livestock, sweeping and polishing the castle that they may not complete their winter preparations. “T-tomorrow I will a-ask Aderon i-if he can a-arrange the wworkers…” Max began to tell Rudis, but before she could finish her sentence she heard that there was someone calling out to her. “Madam!”



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Chapter 88 Source: wordexcerpt



Before Max could finish her words, a powerful voice cut her off guard. Max then turned her head at the source of the bustle, and her eyes widened in surprise when she saw six knights in training standing up next to the meat-grilling stove, their faces were shiny with sweat, but their expressions were lively. Standing at the front of the group was Yurixion Lobar. When he saw her, he came running towards her, his face was full of relief and gladness. When Yurixion was finally near her, he hastily asked Max his questions. “I heard you went through a lot yesterday. Are you hurt anywhere? Is it already okay for you to be out like this? When we heard what those jerks have done to you…!” Yurixion began rambling, and with each second his voice rose an octave higher, and Max felt grateful for his apparent concern. “I a-am fine…” Max told the young knight in training. Just as she said this, Yurixion’s best friend Garow, came to stare expectantly at her as well. Garow’s eyes sparkled in astonishment at Yurixion’s incessant questions, and let out a small sigh at his best friend’s actions. “Yuri, calm down, please. You are making the lady feel embarrassed.” Garow told Yurixion. “But Garow… when I heard what happened I’ve never felt more sorry for not being knighted yet.” Yurixion whispered back. The sulking expression Yurixion wore made Max smile. It reminded www.asianovel.com



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her of the image of a big puppy who was dropping its tail and sulking towards his master. He looked adorable. “Th-thank you for yo-your concern… bu-but I was fi-fine. Tthe soldiers were hurt, but… yo-your Lord a-arrived just in titime.” Max told the boys to reassure them. “I have heard that story, too. I heard that those cowardly jerks were terrified by Lord Calypse’s spirit and surrendered right away? They are pathetic cowards! Well, those mice of Libadon will not be a match for Lord Calypse afterall!” Yurixion excitedly exclaimed. It was obvious that the lad had thought highly of Riftan. Max casted her eyes on the ground as she felt her cheeks heating up with embarrassment. The boy could hardly stop once he had begun to sing praises to Riftan. It’s not that Riftan was unworthy of praise, which was why she felt like rolling her eyes when Yurixion started reciting about all of Riftan’s merits and good deeds but because Yurixion always idolized Riftan that even Garow, who standing next to him, was already shaking his head as if he was tired of his best friend’s daily habit of talking about their lord. Max gave them a resigned smile and carefully cut off the excited boy’s words by throwing them a question. “B-by the way, what b-brings you to the kitchen…?” It was only after Max asked the question that the boys seemed to snap back to their senses. Yurixion looked back at other knights in training standing behind him. “We can not stand the smell of grilling meat. We slipped out during training.” Yurixion replied and Max nodded. That’s why everyone looked so troubled when they saw her. Max smiled meaningfully to reassure the boys who were afraid that the www.asianovel.com



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hostess might tell on their leader that they skipped on their training. “W-we are boiling sa-sausages now. Chef, ca-can you give them a p-plate, please?” Max told the boys as she gestured for the young lads to come closer. The chef, who was stuffing the cleanly washed pig intestines, raised his face and smiled broadly. “We are grilling over there on the fire pot now. Hey! Fill up a plate of sausages and bring it here!” The chef screamed at a kitchen staff and the hungry boys hurriedly ran towards them like a swarm of bees. Max then decided to slip away when the boys began eating so that they could enjoy the snack comfortably. When she came out of the kitchen, she saw servants were lighting up the candle holders all over the hall. If they did not light the lanterns in advance, the entire castle would become dark in the instant the sun rested and so it was customary for them to do this. In the instance of emergencies, it was vital that the central hall and stairs had to be lit from early hours. The castle was twice as bright now than earlier when she passed its hallways as the newly ordered lanterns were placed everywhere, but the servants were also twice as busy. She spoke with a determined face as she walked through the hall. “I wi-will immediately get more wo-workers for totomorrow.” Max told Rudis. “You don’t have to….” Rudis replied to her while shaking her head. “N-no. It takes more se-servants to manage such a large ca-castle. T-there are a lot of people ne-need to be served. I t-think we need at le-least 30 more t-than we do now. Will www.asianovel.com



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there be e-enough residences for them?” Max asked. “Yes. There are plenty of empty rooms left on the first floor for the servants.” Rudis answered. “T-then I will talk to the L-lord sometime t-today.” Max was resolute, they had to hire more people if they wanted to be ready for winter. For her last rounds, Max looked around the barn and when that was finished, she returned to her room to write a simple journal. In order to manage a large castle like the Calypse Castle, it was necessary to grasp what was going on in every corner of the palace, in order for her not to miss what problems they had or will have and she had to fix those soon for there were a lot of people depending on them. Suddenly a knock came from her door – it was one of the castle maids. “Madam, Lord Calypse is likely to be late, and he has sent me a message for you to have dinner first. Shall we set it up at the dinning hall?” The maid asked her. Max told the maid that she will have dinner at the hall and followed the latter out. When she arrived at the place and was served the food, she decided to eat slowly, hoping that Riftan would come home soon and find her there. How long she was sitting in front of the table, Max could not tell but she must have sat there for more than an hour because everything felt cold. Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday (Around 12 – 2 PM, GMT) This Week’s Releases: [][][][] Last Week’s Releases: [][][][]



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If you want to support this novel, please leave a review on its Novelupdates page. Also join our discord channel (click link above site to be redirected) to meet a lovely, growing community for this novel where we share fanarts, discussions and some spoilers for the novel. If you want to support your translators, you can be our patron and read ahead of schedule. Ying and Livy’s current translations (from left to right) Living as the Villainess Queen Under the Oak Tree The Duke’s Imposter Sister Predatory Marriage Raising the Child of the Male Lead Boss Heavenly Divine Doctor: Abandoned Concubine



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Chapter 89 Source: wordexcerpt



Rudis, who had been out for a while had also now returned, and called her attention with a cautious voice. “Madam?” Rudis began while Max still sat, and she wanted to ask how much longer she planned to stay at the dining hall. Max glanced out at the window. It was all dark outside. Was Riftan still outside until this time? No matter how tough a man he was, Max was worried. She wished he could take a break for a while and come home. Finally, Max knew she could not keep the rest of the servants waiting for she, too, would worry them. Her food also had grown cold. “Bring it to the room, please.” Max finally answered a curious Rudis and got up from her seat. She looked at the flames burning in the fireplace, flaring up the firewood meaninglessly one last time before starting her way up to her room. The day at Calypse Castle was both very long and short. It felt difficult when she was busy, but she was satisfied here compared to when she lived in her father’s castle as if she were a dead person. Was Riftan also satisfied living here? Max wondered. Recalling Rudis’ words during the day, Max scrunched her face in deep thought. Through observing the attitude of the knights alone, Mac could tell how unfairly Riftan was treated by her father. He had no choice but to blame himself. But he was trying to do better somehow and gain her father’s approval. Frankly speaking, she didn’t quite understand why he was acting www.asianovel.com



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that way. No matter how much she thought about it, she didn’t have an attractive side to entice other people. She had neither a dazzling beauty, nor any extraordinary talent, nor was she full of wit. The only best thing to claim was that she was descended from Duke’s eldest daughter. But even that was not a big deal if she stood side by side with a princess. What part of her did he like so much for him to go through such lengths? ‘Whatever the reason is… It must be a lot of luck for me.’ Max thought absentmindedly and let out a sigh. She admitted bitterly what her father had said. She thought that the sum of her father’s violence had become an unexpected luck for her because it led her to Riftan. Max firmly prayed to make sure that this happiness would not pass away. “Hmm…” Max stirred as she felt a sudden chill enveloped her body. Her long and firm fingers gently wrapped around her chest in an attempt to warm her skin. Max awoke from her nap and looked at the faint morning dawn that was leaking from the window. It seems to her that she fell asleep while reading a book after dinner. With her shoulders curled up against the chilly dawn air and her stiff eyes blinking faintly, Max suddenly felt a strong forearm tightening around her waist. Max was startled by this and turned her head behind her to look. She saw Riftan sleeping next to her. When did he come back? He was lying on his side, wearing only a pair of bottom trunks. She glanced doubtfully into his face. ‘Is he pretending to be asleep..?’ Max thought www.asianovel.com



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She had been fooled by him several times, so she squinted her eyes and looked at him for a long time wondering if he was truly asleep. But Riftan only breathed slowly, lay still and didn’t budge. When she pushed his hand carefully because she thought he was really asleep, he unexpectedly loosened his arm. Max turned around carefully so that her husband wouldn’t wake up. ‘Are you… tired?’ Max asked Riftan in her head. He was in deep sleep and she could not help but wonder at how tiring the previous day was for him. Max gently touched his finely sculpted face, which was covered by the bluish light of dawn that filled their room. His hair that had grown long was disheveled like a bird’s nest. She saw his forehead wrinkled when the hair poked and tickled his eyes, so she pushed the strands over. At this moment he looked so vulnerable that Max slipped a smile. She did not know what’s going on inside her head. She couldn’t fathom her love for this man, who was at least 1 kvet (about 30 centimeters) taller and twice as big as she was. However, Max crawled impulsively into his arms and buried her face against his firm chest. When it seemed certain that he had fallen asleep deeply, the urge to take a more daring action soared within her. She put her face near to his neck and took a deep breath. A mixture of masculine body odor and fragrant soap, and the remains of intense sunlight, gave off an inexplicably sensual fragrance to her. As she inhaled the smell deep into her lungs, a mysterious heat trickled through her stomach.



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Max carefully touched his chin. Riftan was indeed a dazzling presence to behold. His firm, and yet smooth skin seemed to glow faintly even in the dark, and his face, with his long eyelashes, looked innocent and lovely while he slept. ‘I think my head is getting weird…’ Max thought to herself as she stared at Riftan’s sleeping face. Only a few months ago, Max had never dreamed of using the words naive or lovely to describe Riftan Calypse. But now, she was feeling the strange urge to rub her face deeper in his arms, as if he was a soft cotton pillow. However, she was holding back the crazy impulse to do so. Not only did she have no courage to do so, but she didn’t want to wake him up from a deep sleep she knew he deserved after a long time of not being able to rest properly. Max slipped out of bed so he could rest well without interruption, picked her robe and left the room. There was a chill of dawn that greeted her in the corridor. She put on a thick robe over her thin woolen dress and went straight down to the kitchen. When she arrived at the place she thought happily that she was right, indeed there was as much warmth in the kitchen as she thought. Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday (Around 12 – 2 PM, GMT) This Week’s Releases: [][][][] Last Week’s Releases: [][][][] If you want to support this novel, please leave a review on its Novelupdates page. Also join our discord channel (click link above site to be redirected) to meet a lovely, growing community for this www.asianovel.com



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novel where we share fanarts, discussions and some spoilers for the novel. If you want to support your translators, you can be our patron and read ahead of schedule. Ying and Livy’s current translations (from left to right) Living as the Villainess Queen Under the Oak Tree The Duke’s Imposter Sister Predatory Marriage Raising the Child of the Male Lead Boss Heavenly Divine Doctor: Abandoned Concubine



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Chapter 90 Source: wordexcerpt



The head cook was kneading bread in front of a long table when he noticed someone pushing the door open. His eyes widened in surprise when he realized it was none other than Madam Max who had entered the kitchen. Max smiled awkwardly at the head cook as she moved to the fireplace while rubbing her palms against her shoulders. “madam, what could be wrong at this early hour that you are here?” The head cook asked Max, the former’s face was full of concern and Max shook her head faintly before replying. “Well there is no-nothing wrong. I just woke up susuddenly. I did not want to di-disturb the lord while he rerested, so I came out qu-quietly…Can I stay here for a momoment? Will it be o-okay?” Max asked. The cook was caught off-guard when he heard the lady ask for his permission to stay in the kitchens. He fervently nodded his head in response. His actions were so abrupt and stront that he feared his skull would crack due to the force. “Of…of course! I have prepared freshly baked bread and rabbit soup just now. Would you like to have a taste?” The cook offered Max and she smiled at him in turn. “Well, ma-maybe just a li-little bit. I will eat some. But, bebefore that…I want to wash my face…Could you bring me wawater and a to-towel?” Max asked. www.asianovel.com



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“Yes of course! Please wait one moment, madam.” The head cook immediately grabbed a clean basin off the shelves and poured hot and cold water in it in order to get the right temperature that would suit the lady of the castle. When he was done he quickly handed Max a crisp, clean cloth along with the lukewarm water. Max received them gratefully and then proceeded to sit at the table in front of the fireplace to wash her face more easily. She carefully dipped her fingers in the water and then ran her wet palms through her tangled locks. After she did this, soon a maid entered the kitchen premises and began helping the cook to set the table. It was also this same maid who brought and served her hot thick soup, as well as steaming fresh and white bread. Max moved the basin to one side, and then grabbed the warm loaf, and split it in half. The golden crust crackled as she pulled at it. White steam also rose from its soft, creamy, white flesh and carried its warm scent. Max then proceeded to spread a small dollop of butter, on it and then took a bite. The sweetness of freshly baked bread melted in her mouth, and its heat also slightly burned her tongue. It went deliciously well with the salty rabbit soup and her palate was soothed by the glass of goat’s milk with honey that was also provided for her. Max enjoyed filling her stomach with the delicious meal in front of a roaring fire, and she felt quite satisfied. When she was finished with her meal she started to leave the kitchen feeling drowsy. “What’s the matter this morning?” Max asked herself as she debated whether to crawl back into bed, or start her day early since she was already awake. However, before she could decide on what to do she heard a www.asianovel.com



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familiar voice behind her call her name. Max spotted Ruth walking at the hallways that led to the kitchen; his face was clouded with frustration. He approached her swiftly and blocked her way. “You must have been enjoying your early breakfast. That is a relief. Unfortunately, since I was carrying out important work for the lord, never mind breakfast, I haven’t eaten since the day before yesterday.” Ruth complained sarcastically at Max. Max’s mouth stiffened at his speech “Ye-yesterday, I was bu-busy…” she began to explain to him, but she was cut off when Ruth started talking again. “Yes, I heard that Lord Calypse bought a tremendous number of gifts for you. You must have been busy opening presents all day long, correct?” Ruth told her bitingly and Max furrowed her brows at his words. “No! The work that I had in the ca-castle kept me ooccupied…it was more than I tho-thought!” Max tried to explain to him. Certainly, it was true that she did spend quite a bit of time opening gifts, but Max was obstinate of mentioning that. Ruth however kept on glaring at her with his sunken eyes full of dismay. Max did not want to show in front of the servants how flustered and pitiful she was because of this man. With his highhanded attitude, he always made her feel like a bad child being scolded by their teacher. “Of course, you must have much work to do. However, as the Lady, you have to prioritize the safety of the house above all else. What could be more important than setting up the magical equipment defenses around the castle wall to keep www.asianovel.com



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out intruders? The only person who can help me is you Lady Calypse since you are proficient at math.” Ruth whispered to her. Max squinted her eyes at the implication of his words. She would have bet her life that the wizard did not think she was talented at math and he was only nitpicking on her. “Of course, sa-safety is im-important. But…it is no less imimportant to pre-prepare for the wi-winter. As soon as I’m fifinished with my work…” Max began to reason out but Ruth spoke again. “To Lord Calypse, the safety of his residents is more important than anything else. As his wife, if you help me finish the task quickly, the lord will also feel more at ease.” Ruth snapped at her. Ruth’s words were testing Max’ patience but it also piqued her interest. “Re-really? Do you re-really think that?” Max looked up to the wizard in curiosity. “Absolutely.” Ruth told her, his voice was full of confidence. Max was so consumed with the thought that Riftan would consider her a capable person if she did manage to protect his people, that she did not detect Ruth’s coercive way of speaking towards her. She secretly glanced at the servants, who were pretending to work and enjoying eavesdropping on their conversation and let out an unavoidably lengthy sigh. “Al-alright. I will make he-helping you my full pri-priority. Are you sa-satisfied n-now?” Max told Ruth. “It would be more satisfying if you could lend me your hand www.asianovel.com



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immediately.” He replied. Max could see that his lean face was weary from exhaustion. “There is a mountain of formulas that must be organized. Originally, there are supposed to be two or three assistants to take care of this, so it’s too much for me to do alone.” He told her as they began to walk towards the kitchen once more. “O-okay, I u-understand. For now, you should eat.” Max answered as she led him to a table and asked a kitchen maid for food to be served. “This is enough.” Ruth said dismissively, waving his hand at the kitchen maid, implying that the latter did not have to do Max’ bidding. He instead picked up a piece of bread that was placed on the table and had just come out of the oven and took a rather large bite from it. He also walked over to a sack placed in the corner of the kitchen and took out one apple from it, and then deposited it into the pocket of his robe. He turned back to face Max, as if telling her to follow him while he chewed on his bread and Max gave him a nod. When Ruth began to leave, Max told the maid to find her in the library if there was any urgent business for her to attend to. After doing this, she followed Ruth’s footsteps and left the kitchen area. Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday (Around 9-11 PM, GMT +8) This Week’s Releases: [][][ [][][][]



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If you want to support your translators, you can be our patron and read ahead of schedule. Ying and Livy’s current translations (from left to right) Living as the Villainess Queen Under the Oak Tree The Duke’s Imposter Sister Predatory Marriage Raising the Child of the Male Lead Boss Heavenly Divine Doctor: Abandoned Concubine



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Chapter 91 Source: wordexcerpt



Ruth’s previous remark that there was a mountain of work to finish was no exaggeration. Max opened her mouth as she stared at the library that had now become a mess in barely more than two days. Precious ancient texts were strewn about carelessly on top of one another; the desk was crowded with stacks of clutter and parchments. Even on the floor, there was a cloth large enough to seem like a blanket. It looked as if a war had taken place there. She lowered her head to look down at the cloth. There were drawings of detailed, complex patterns covering every corner. It must have taken at least five bottles of ink to cover those areas. Max stared at empty bottles of ink as it rolled by their feet and sighed. “For what re-reason did you leave the to-tower and come to the li-library…?” She asked, looking at the mess Ruth created in the library. “My tower doesn’t have much space to work. Even with that, Lord Calypse threatened to take it away if I don’t complete these magical equipment defenses within a week.” Ruth reasoned out. Max squinted her eyes and recalled the enormous tower within the castle’s back garden. What in the world could cause for there to be no space left? That tower was enormous. Could Ruth also not have a place to sleep, so did it also mean he has slept on the library floors for some time now? www.asianovel.com



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There is no way that’s true…right? Max told herself. She could not tell if Ruth was displeased or not with his current living arrangements as he put down the apple’s core on one side of the desk and pulled out a chair. Max begrudgingly pulled out the opposite chair and sat on it. It seemed like he did not mind living in that mess. “The task I’m giving you, madam, is simple. I would like you to use these tools to re-draw the shapes that are drawn here in detail. I will let you know how to use it. It will be easy to use once you know how to calculate.” Ruth told her. He then laid out six flat wooden boards of various shapes before her. Max clasped those pieces and looked down at the dreadfully complicated figures on the parchment. There were many similar drawings of figures and those were stacked on top of the desk. “Why are there so ma-many of these?” Max asked Ruth. “This is the design of the magical equipment.” Ruth replied. “Ma-magical e-equipment…it’s this a-absurdly huge thing?” Max exclaimed as she pointed at those parchments with varying symbols. “It depends on the type you need it for, but the magical item I’m trying to produce is about the size of the pumpkin. These designs are the magical blueprints that go into the equipment. This complex and extensive sorcery involves elaborate layers upon layers overlapping and being placed inside a material with magical power to become a magical tool.” Ruth explained to her. “So-sorcery…?” Max asked again as she looked closely at the figure with a curious glance. www.asianovel.com



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Circles, triangles, squares, and spirals were intertwined intricately over yellow parchment. She realized when Ruth requested her help that the task of producing magical tools must have required some intricate calculations, but it seemed that the forms he needed were more elaborate than she thought. “The balance of magical power flowing within the natural world…in other words, mana. Now, assuming the amount of mana is 10, shall this device amplify the mana by 100 or, maybe, 1000? All magic consists of this formula. The capability of the wizard is determined by how efficiently he or she can amplify mana to create the desired outcome.” Ruth explained. Max tilted her head at his placid answer, she was still confused. “But…wi-wizards can just use ma-magic right a-away and don’t have to draw pi-pictures like this, do they? Ruth, you have also per-performed ma-magic by only re-reciting spells…” Max reasoned out, and Ruth gave her a sigh. “To some degree, magic can be done as many times as we like by drawing the formula in the mind and memorizing the starter. But that is limited to general magic that is quite simple. High-level spells take hours of preparation.” “Then, what you are ma-making now…must be great, highle-level ma-magic.” Max exclaimed and the wizard looked down at the pile of parchment before him before giving her a smile and nodded. “The Noum Shield is a defense sorcery of earthly properties. Like the previous time, if an intruder tries an offensive spell, the shield senses the mana and creates a powerful barrier with a roughly 20 Kvets radius (approximately 6 meters). If we could instill the spell within the magical equipment and place it in front of the castle www.asianovel.com



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gate, we would be able to withstand many of the previous fire-based attacks.” Ruth added and Max stared at the parchments in amazement. “That’s…re-reassuring.” Max suddenly felt her interest surge. She had previously only seen healing magic done by priests and defense magic used by Ruth. But she had never encountered this type of magic before. She had heard the remarkable feats of wizards written down in stories, but had never known the methods that they used to be capable of performing such tasks. “This…if you can com-complete the dra-drawing of this spell, can you do ma-magic?” Max asked Ruth earnestly. “If you do not understand the underlying principles, even if you were to draw them one hundred times, it would be of no use. We must be able to control the mana. Magic is not about creating something from nothing. It is a technique for changing form: transforming something that already exists in this world into another. Spells will never work unless a certain amount of mana is injected.” Ruth told her “But…e-even or-ordinary pe-people who don’t know how to ha-handle ma-mana can use ma-magical tools, you know?” Max pointed out. “That’s because of this holy stone.” Ruth exclaimed and showed her the stone.



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Chapter 92 Source: wordexcerpt



Ruth scavenged through the messy wooden desk, casting the books and papers aside until he finally found the stone emitting a red light and showed it to Max. “It’s a stone with a certain amount of magic. If you put this stone inside the magic tools, even people without magic can operate and harness the magical properties and use it as much as possible. It’s like the fuel for magic tools.” Ruth told Max as he gave her the stone to observe it. Max held the palm-sized gemstone in her hands and looked into it closely. It was mysteriously red and glassy as if she was staring into water. It felt strange to her touch. Max’ heart pounded in a way she had never felt before. It was like she was seeing a glimpse of another mysterious world. “Come on, if you have satisfied your curiosity, shall we start working now?” Ruth asked Max, his voice effectively pulled her out of her mild trance. “If we don’t hurry, I will be taken away from the tower by Lord Calypse.” Ruth added sarcastically and Max gave him a nod. Ruth pushed the book into one place to create more space for them to work with while she laid the stone down on the table and listened carefully to his explanation as Ruth gave her further instructions. The wizard explained step by step how to draw the complex and difficult shapes to make it easier for her to do her tasks. www.asianovel.com



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Max immediately began to understand what she had to do in order to help Ruth. She studied and learned how to calculate from him, and so she was able to get used to the work at an unexpected quick pace. She added and subtracted the numbers step by step, and took the ruler and traced the complex shapes and drew them into their correct sizes and shapes, as she was instructed. Even though it was an incredibly complicated task for her, she never felt bored doing it, it surprisingly even seemed fun. Ruth, who had been silently writing ancient words on parchment for a long time, raised his eyebrows astonished at the amount of work she had finished. “Your hands are faster than I thought. There’s not much of a mistake in your work.” Ruth praised Max, and she squinted her eyes to discern whether the remark was a compliment or not. “I can do this kind of work, too.” Max said in defense and Ruth nodded at her. “I didn’t doubt that. I meant you were better than I thought.” Ruth explained to her. However, despite his reassuring words, Max knew the wizard was making fun of her, and demeaning her abilities as if it was a given that she was ignorant and incapable of the simplest task. Max didn’t feel complimented by him, she knew him too well. Regardless of what he truly thought of her, Max could not care less. She was already relieved that she wasn’t likely to suffer from his nagging of her now that she has proven herself useful to him. “I’m re-relieved to hear it’s he-helpful.” Max told the wizard before turning to focus back on her work. With a faint smile to herself, Max continued to organize the piles of www.asianovel.com



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parchment. After some time, she felt the heat from the windows. She looked towards the source and saw it was already late into the afternoon. How long have they been working in the library? Max asked herself this as she felt her fingers which were holding the quill pen began aching. Just as she thought of this, the doors to the library burst open. Due to this sudden disturbance, Max stopped what she was doing and turned her head towards the doorway. Her eyes widened when she saw Riftan in a black tunic and leather dark brown pants walking deeper into the library and heading towards her. She found herself wondering of where Riftan could have been and what he was doing all throughout the day at the sight of his casual attire. The fact that he did not wear any armor on his clothes meant that he had no plans to go out of the castle. Max found herself standing instinctively to greet him. As she stood up from her seat with a welcome smile, his cold voice pierced her eardrum sharply. “The servants have been here since early morning. What the hell are you doing?” Max looked perplexed at the displeasure on his face; she did not know why he sounded so upset. Riftan began to pace the room and stopped in front of the table and glanced at the piles of parchment and books scattered around her. “What the hell are all these things?” Riftan asked her sharply and Max slightly winced at his tone. “As you can see, we were making the magic tools as Lord www.asianovel.com



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Calypse asked.” Ruth answered Riftan. The wizard seemed unconcerned by the domineering attitude of Riftan, the latter’s eyebrows curled fiercely up at the reply. “Why should my wife be where you make magic tools?” Riftan asked Ruth. It seemed he was trying hard to control his temper in front of the Wizard. “I asked Madam for help. As I have told you many times, I am pressed for time and could not do it all by myself.” Ruth reasoned out. Ruth’s harsh tone made Riftan’s lips curl up in a scowl. He turned over the desk and snarled threateningly at the wizard. “I ask you to do some cleaning, how dare you think of using my wife to help you?” Riftan looked like he was ready to kill Ruth on the spot for disrespecting his wife and Max felt a slight panic rise in her chest. “I didn’t ask you for help because I thought she’d be distracted. She’s the only one who’s good at shapes and knows how to read and write, so I asked her for help. I can’t get help from the knights.” Ruth replied. The wizard did not seem to think what he did was wrong. “So, you think it’s all right to seek help from the Lord’s wife!” Riftan raised his voice louder and his eyes grew even more murderous. Max quickly made her move towards him and stood between them.. “Ri-riftan.. I am o-okay.” She told him gently. Riftan cast a fierce look.



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Her shoulders trembled at the threatening attitude he seemed to be wearing but she couldn’t leave Ruth who helped her in many ways, so Max tried to keep Riftan calm. “It’s not that di-difficult…most of all, it’s for the sa-safety of A-anatol. I don’t want the same thing to ha-happen…”Max began explaining but before she could finish Riftan spoke again. “Of course, I’ll never let that happen again.” Riftan this time spoke to her in a more softer tone. But his face still looked rigid and he seemed reluctant to let this incident pass. Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday (Around 9-11 PM, GMT +8) This Week’s Releases: [✔️][✔️][ [✔️][✔️][✔️][✔️]



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If you want to support this novel, please leave a review on its Novelupdates page. Also join our discord channel (click link above site to be redirected) to meet a lovely, growing community for this novel where we share fanarts, discussions and some spoilers for the novel. If you want to support your translators, you can be our patron NEXT MONTH and read ahead of schedule. Have a browse of our . Ying and Livy’s current translations (from left to right) Living as the Villainess Queen Under the Oak Tree The Duke’s Imposter Sister Predatory Marriage Raising the Child of the Male Lead Boss www.asianovel.com



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Heavenly Divine Doctor: Abandoned Concubine



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Chapter 93 Source: wordexcerpt



“But you shouldn’t take the risk to be in danger yourself.” Riftan told Max. “Oh, my God! Where the hell is this place full of danger? Because you’re afraid your wife might be stabbed to death with a quill pen?” Ruth told Riftan, his cold sarcasm was clearly apparent. “You often cause explosions and fires! Why are you doing this here when you have the tower in the first place? What if this room will be caught in fire too!” Riftan snapped back. “What we’re making now is a defensive magic tool. There’s no chance of an explosion or a fire! I could swear it on my ancestors. Even if there’s a problem, at best, the library will be safe.” Ruth steadily replied. Riftan twisted his lips at distrust at Ruth’s words. The fact that there was no more reason Riftan could give to oppose the wizard seemed to have fueled his irritation. Looking around them, Max carefully pulled the hem of Riftan’s clothes away from the front of the desk. She knew well when to recognize two hunting dogs fighting, she had to keep them apart first. “Don’t be a-angry… Ruth… says it’s safe.” Max told Riftan aiming to ease out his irritation. “I’m not angry,” Riftan whispered back to her and finally gave www.asianovel.com



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her a sigh as if admitting that he had lost. “I’m just worried.” “Okay. If you really want to help, help him. But not too much. And Ruth, never think of getting her into a dangerous experiment or you will answer to me.” Riftan gave Ruth a meaningful warning as he glared at the wizard. “What the hell do you think of me?” Ruth answered back in disbelief. “Anyway, that’s enough for today. I’ll take her with me, so work hard on your own.” Riftan announced and led her toward the door. Ruth rose urgently from his seat as if surprised by Riftan’s abrupt actions. Suddenly, Max felt a tug on her arm and noticed that Riftan had pulled her arm towards him. It was strange that she didn’t feel scared when such a big man was dragging her away in a state of anger. She used to be so scared when he frowned at her. Now she wonders how her perception of him has changed. She felt anxious of course by seeing the surge of displeasure painted on his face, but she also felt at ease knowing that he won’t harm her. “W-where are you going, and without your armor?” Max asked Riftan as they were retreating away from the library. “I’m taking a day off. I should have some time to refresh myself.” Riftan answered back, stopping on his tracks. Max opened her eyes wide at the unexpected remark from her husband. She sensed that Ruth seemed surprised, too. It was very rare for Riftan Calypse to declare that he would rest. “W-what are you going to do about the disposal of the intruders?” Max asked again. “I’ve already sent a messenger of Libadon. I’ll release the www.asianovel.com



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prisoners as soon as the compensation arrives. Until then, don’t let them die in a dungeon.” “What if Libadon says they won’t send any compensation?” Ruth suddenly asked. “That’s when I will cut their throat….” Riftan answered. He uttered those hideous words casually as he looked at Max’s face. Then, he waved his hand at Ruth silently if prodding him to speak some more but Ruth did not say a word. “At that time I’ll go and fix it.” Riftan declared. “All right. You’ve had a hard time for a while, so take your time today or so.” Ruth finally said. Riftan snapped back. “Thank you very much.” Riftan then led Max to the entrance. Meanwhile, Max gave Ruth a nod over her shoulders and followed Riftan out of the library where bright sunlight was already blazing through the windows in the hallway. Riftan glanced out of the newly changed windows and then looked back at Max with his eyes shining. “You’ll have to fully dress to go out. It’s sunny, but the wind is quite cold.” He told her. “W-where are we go-going?” Max asked. Riftan began to beam with excitement.”You’ve got your own horse now. You’ll ride on it before it gets colder. I’ll show you a good place to ride.” Max opened her mouth and stared at him blankly. She was surprised and pleased that he was trying to spend time with her www.asianovel.com



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outside their bedroom. “A-are you not t-tired? Would you’d r-rather take a r-rest in the ro-room..” Max began to protest but was cut off. “I’m not an old man, Maxi. I’m not that frail to be always needing some bed rest. If I had to spend some time in the bedroom….” Riftan did not continue what he was going to say. Max held her breath in seeing the heat that was glimmering in Riftan’s black pupils. At a glance she sensed what the intense gaze he had given her meant. His face glowed as if it had been caught in fire in a flash. He smiled lightly as he hugged her, his head bowed down towards her fluidly. “It’s very tempting, but I’m going out into the fields today. I’d like to take you and stroll through my land.” He told her instead.



They stopped by their room to change into some riding apparel, and Max then followed Riftan into the stable. With the help of the stableman, Riftan took out the beautiful white steed that had become her own since yesterday. Max’s horse was followed by Riftan’s own giant warhorse. On her way to Anatol, she at once recognized that the horse was carried by Riftan. Riftan stroked the horse’s neck with an affectionate touch. “You’ve been on this one, haven’t you? It’s Talon. It’s perfect except for its nasty temper.” He told Max. Max inquisitively asked, “Do you like that horse?”



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“I like it. My dream was to have my own horse ever since I was ten. And this is the best horse I’ve ever had.” When Riftan rubbed his face against Talon’s nose, a sudden sharp jealousy shot up inside of Max. Max was embarrassed by herself and turned away. According to the teachings of the Church, nothing was as ugly as a jealous woman. But now she was envious of a mere animal, not of any other woman. “Did you give this horse a name?” Riftan asked her, as he came closer towards her back. Trying to get her feelings together. She hurriedly straightened her face and shook her head. “N-not yet.” She answered. “Well, you have to make one. You have to call its name often for it to be able to follow you nicely,” Riftan informed her. “W-what name w-would you like?” “It’s your horse, so you have to name it.” After much thought, Max spat out a word that came to her mind. “Re-rem….”



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Chapter 94 Source: wordexcerpt



Riftan chuckled, running a hand across his locks. “My wife lacks imagination. Just because it’s white, it’s Rem?” “Re… The name Rem… Hey,” Max faintly flushed as she defended her choice, “I like it.” She didn’t bother to mention that he was named after the knights he led. A moment later, the horseman saddled her on the steed’s back, and she sat on Rem’s back with Riftan’s help. She wasn’t accustomed to horseback riding yet, so her body instinctively stiffened at her feet far from the earth. She strained her arms, clutching the reins tightly. On the other hand, he was a natural. “You don’t ride a horse often, do you?” He spoke conclusively, glancing at her clumsy posture. Though embarrassed, Max nodded her head timidly. “I di-idn’t ride a ho-horse that o-often. I didn’t ha-have much wo-work to do. Well, I’ve a-always been in-inside Croix Ca-Castle.” “I know that. It’s quite a famous story. The first daughter of the Duke of Croix was weak and extremely delicate, so she was reluctant to appear before the public.” Max had an anxious look at the strangeness of his voice. “Well, I-I didn’t know tha-that rumor was go-going around.” “The Duke of Croix is one of the ten most influential people www.asianovel.com



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in the West. It’s perfectly natural for people to be interested in his daughter. Besides, you didn’t show up on the outside at all unlike your sister, did you? No wonder you piqued the people’s interest. There was even a knight who sneaked into the Croix Castle because he couldn’t overcome his curiosity about you.” It was the first time she heard such a thing. Max immediately dodged his curious gaze. What did Riftan think of her after hearing the rumor? Would he have imagined a lady with a weak body, as delicate as jewels? She was obviously short and thin, but she didn’t have any charm. It was true that she was frail and timid, but she also knew that her personality wasn’t so lovely. She snapped out of her thoughts, speaking in a bright tone to hide her feelings of inferiority. “We-well, the knight mu-must have been di-disappointed.” “Why?” Riftan, who was dragging his horse slowly towards the rear gate, looked back at her and frowned. With a tight grip on the reins, Max replied with a blank look. “Oh, only be-because he went through lengths, only to see… she-she was an ordinary wo-woman.” The tip of her ears flushed red as she spoke. She believed her appearance was plain, but she didn’t want to be so demeaning in front of her husband. Even pretending to be an ordinary beauty felt like a shameless remark. “I don’t think so. You’re lovely enough.” As he slowed the horse down, he approached her. Max thought he was overreaching, and only laughed awkwardly. “Oh, do-don’t do that. Tha-thank you for telling me.” www.asianovel.com



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Then he frowned as if he was dissatisfied. “I’m an honest fellow. If you had a disappointing appearance, I wouldn’t have reacted so enthusiastically in the bedroom. Have you forgotten that I let you sleep well last night?” Max was literally crimson red from head to toe. Her lips were frozen, wondering what to answer. Riftan lifted himself off the horse and grabbed her chin, staring into her orbs intently, which made her heart thump loudly. “I guess it was stupid to ask you to do horseback riding. Would you like to go to the bedroom now?” She shook her head stiff enough to produce a creaking sound. He made a vague expression, which was hard to tell whether he was smiling or frowning, and immediately stood up straight. “Then hurry up. We can’t stay here any longer if we want to leave the castle.” Max soothed her pounding heart and managed to chase after him.



They walked silently along the narrow forest path behind the gate. The world was still as if it had fallen into a deep sleep. All she could hear was the sound of branches swaying in the wind, the rustling of fallen leaves, and the cries of birds from the distant sky. Max stared blankly at the image of the Riftan in a peaceful silence. He moved naturally and gracefully, as if he was one with a horse. On the other hand, Max leaned back and held the reins like a lifeline so as not to fall off Rem’s back. Riftan, who turned his head to make sure she was following well, smiled bitterly at the sight. “I didn’t realize my wife was such a terrible rider.” www.asianovel.com



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The jeers from the front heated her cheeks. “I to-told you… yo-you insisted I ride with yo-you,” she replied back a bit defensively. Riftan chuckled, then instructed her. “Try to relax your shoulders. When you’re nervous, the horse can feel you jittery too.” Max breathed out long, attempting to relax her shoulders. However, every time the horse moved, her hips jolted up and down, causing her to lose her posture. Riftan, who was observing the scene closely, brought his horse closer and advised her with a serious face. “You relax your upper body and tighten your thighs matching the movement of the horse. Like when you sat on my lap…” I would just like to take the time to thank each and every one of you readers for your patience and support for this novel. You guys are my inspiration 3 Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday (Around 9-11 PM, GMT +8) This Week’s Releases: [✔️][✔️][ [✔️][✔️][✔️][✔️]



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Ying and Livy’s current translations (from left to right) Living as the Villainess Queen Under the Oak Tree The Duke’s Imposter Sister Predatory Marriage Raising the Child of the Male Lead Boss Heavenly Divine Doctor: Abandoned Concubine



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Chapter 95 Source: wordexcerpt



“Ri-riftan!” She cut him off with a surprised exclaim. “Hey, yo-you, you – the horse, you can’t be vulgar!” “What’s the matter?” Riftan laughed cheekily, “There’s nobody here.” “Well, still… it’s not appropriate!” At the sight of her blushing face, Riftan merely chuckled before bursting into unrestrained laughter. “Oh, I don’t know what you’re so ashamed of. On the bed, that’s how you-” “Ri-Riftan!” Max raised her arm to shut his mouth. But before she could reach him, she began to lose her balance, almost falling down from the horse. Riftan quickly stretched out his strong arms to help her regain her posture. “All right, all right. Calm down,” he cajoled her, the corners of his lips twitching at the repressed laughter. Max replied with an indignant stare at his shameless actions. But Riftan merely grinned and leaned down to press a chaste kiss on her forehead, making her almost stumble a second time from her horse. Riftan finally bursted into laughter as he grabbed her back again. “This… I might have to teach you how to properly sit on a horse again.” www.asianovel.com



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“Just go on a-ahead… I wo-would be able to ride bebetter.” His smile deepened at her sullen words. Despite Max trying to maintain a dignified attitude in front of him, she found it difficult to remain angry at a playful Riftan – a sight that was rare for her to see. And the truth was, every time she heard Riftan’s carefree laughter, her heart erratically pounded against her chest. Together with her flushed cheeks, she found even breathing a laborious task. “All right. I’ll check if you’re right.” Riftan teasingly accepted it and drove his horse forward. He had perfect control over the horse, as if the mane’s vigorous strength was akin to his long, muscular legs. All throughout the ride, Max noticed that he was keeping up a manageable pace to make it easier for her to catch up to him. On their way back to Anatol, they grazed the meadows like a gentle, passing wind. This trifling consideration warmed her heart for no one had ever cared about her as such. The man before her seemed genuine seeing her as a lovely lady and a satisfying wife. “You don’t really enjoy riding horses, but do you like animals?” Riftan suddenly threw a question out of the blue. Max blinked her eyes at him owlishly. “I-I like them. Ho-how did you know?” “There was a time I saw you sitting in the garden when I visited Croix Castle. You were petting a cat on your lap.” Max was stunned. Never had she thought anyone would have been observing her. She was pondering the time when Rifan saw her when the latter continued to speak in a calm tone. www.asianovel.com



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“It seemed to be having a good time rolling around. It was a gentle and peaceful sight, so I can still remember it even to this time.” “Oh, maybe… It was the stray cat tha-that had been raised in the ki-kitchen to hunt rats. Bu-but it’s hunting skills were po-poor, so he wasn’t fe-fed much. I-I used to feed them secretly.” “So as thanks he would do all sorts of tricks on your lap.” A thoughtful look settled on his face as he glanced over his shoulders. “And what else do you like?” When she asked him for the barrage of questions, Riftan smiled bitterly, “As I said before, everything about you is mysterious. You rarely talk about yourself.” There was a pause, before he spoke in a soft tone, “Why are you so reluctant to reveal things about yourself?” The question made Max’s heart plummet down. It only occurred to her that he had been asking questions because he truly was ignorant of who she is. Was he able to ask such things because she looked like a lady who had no problems to him? Max was suddenly struck with confusion. Her father’s contemptuous attitude towards her and this man’s treatment of her were so vastly different that she didn’t understand how to proceed with the situation. “Re-revealing… I-I have never been reluctant.” “All right…” He then launched into another series of questions, “Then tell me what you like, what you hate, what you think about.” www.asianovel.com



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Max suddenly felt grumpy. “Yo-you don’t even tell me fi-first. E-even to everyone, you… are not talkative.” “At least I speak more than you do.” A frown etched across his forehead as he tried to remember he and Max’s conversations with other people. Ultimately, he shrugged and said, “Well, all right. Try to show yourself more,” he acceded. “As for me, I like horses, alcohol, and greasy food… Actually, I like anything that fills my stomach and stings my tongue.” He continued to list as he moved the dropping branches that blocked their way. “What else is there… Gold and jewels, honor, powerful weapons… The normal – I like what most men like.” Max shifted the horse’s gait as she thought of a query, “Whawhat do you hate?” “Lies,” he answered back without hesitation. “And the incompetent. I’ve seen too many proud people who are undeserving. And more humans cheating on other people. I’m sick of them.” Max felt her heart sink. Even though it wasn’t meant for her, her whole body froze in trepidation.



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Chapter 96 Source: wordexcerpt



“Well then, what about you?” Riftan questioned lightly, without noticing her distress. Max quickly concealed her emotions by trying to appear nonchalant. “I just…like the sorts of things that o-other pepeople al-also like,” she answered simply. “That’s not fair. I want a proper answer.” Riftan asked her. At his prodding tone Max thought some more in order to elaborate on her words to give Riftan a satisfying answer. After making up her mind on what to say, Max opened her mouth again. “As I said be-before…I like a-animals. Dogs, cats, hohorses…I like chicks and ra-rabbits too.” “And?” “I like re-reading books. When I was at Ca-castle Croix, I was a-always in the li-library.” Max announced and Riftan gave her a nod. “Indeed, the butler told me that you spend the best part of your time in the library.” Riftan told her and Max smiled faintly at him. “That’s right. There are ma-many rare and pre-precious books in the li-library at Ca-castle Ca-calypse. Al-although, Ruth clings on-onto most of them…” Max added the last phrase as if it was an afterthought.



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Riftan glanced back at her in an almost surprised manner, he lowered his head towards him and asked in a rather conspiratorial tone, “Shall I kick him out of the library?” “If you do that, he won’t let me for-forget it for the rest of my life.” Max warned him in a slight panic. Riftan made an uncertain expression at her quick protest. He gave her a small frown and stared into her eyes before finally speaking his mind. “It seems like the two of you are becoming rather close.” Riftan said in a low voice and Max sensed that even though he tried to mask it, the former felt uneasy about her spending time with Ruth. “When we were de-decorating the ca-castle…he gave me lots of ad-advice. He’s fu-fussy and he nags a lot…but he seems like a good per-person.” Max explained but somehow it seemed like her words put him in a bad mood instead of comforting him. Riftan remained silent for a while, as if he was trying to choose his words, when he seemed calm enough to speak once again he turned to face Max, and said, “That’s the right. He’s fussy and has too much to say, but he’s an honest man.” Honest. Max realized he said it as though there was nothing more important than trust. “And things you hate?” Riftan opened his mouth again after riding quietly for a while, lost in thought. “You have to answer that too, for it to be fair.” Lashings, yelling, cursing and beatings came to her mind – but she could not give him such an honest reply. Yet, she did not want to lie to him either. Riftan hated lies more than anything. She hesitated and chose an honest answer to give www.asianovel.com



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him. “My-myself.” Riftan blinked at her in confusion as though he did not understand why she said that. She said it lightly, like it was nothing much. “I…I hate my-myself.” Max repeated this time with more conviction. Just as she said this, the path they were on ended and a wide meadow appeared before them, they had finally arrived. Before he could press her further to explain what she had meant, she galloped off over the hill, leaving Riftan to stare at her retreating figure.



Contrary to her expectations, she found that she was able to fully enjoy horse riding. She felt incredible at running freely over the expansive hills without any restrictions. There wasn’t any other place where shs felt more comfortable and enjoyable than travelling through winding mountain paths. She galloped across the grasslands, which slightly glowed golden caused by the warm winter sunlight. She rode freely as if nothing was holding her back. Max noticed that her posture improved little by little as she rode, and by the time he suggested that they should rest a little on the top of the hill, she was already able to ride with a straight back without even thinking about it. “I brought some wine.” Riftan told her as he jumped off his horse and led them underneath the big tree at the top of the hill and www.asianovel.com



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helped her to dismount her own. “You’ve warmed up. I can feel your heart thumping as fast as a hummingbird’s,” he said as he placed his hands on her sides and lifted her off easily. Max evened out her breathing, rough from the horse riding, and wiped the beads of sweat from her forehead. Just as he had said, her heart was pounding in her ears. “It re-really…feels like I have a drum be-beating in-inside me.” She told him as she touched her chest. She could feel the light vibration from there. “That’s a pretty analogy.” Riftan told her before swooping down to press his lips to her blushing cheek and finally set her down on the ground. Riftan then proceeded to spread his cloak out on the grass under the tree and sat on it. Max dropped down next to him. The cold breeze quickly cooled their hot bodies. Max noticed the outline of a town at the bottom of the hill. She adjusted her cloak as she stared at the scenery below them. The wind smoothed down the golden fields as it swept over them in apparent hurry. “It’s such a be-beautiful place.” Max whispered as she basked in the warm ambiance around them. “It looks better in the spring. The fields are green and brimming with wild flowers then.” Riftan told her with a smile. She felt her chest swell with anticipation at his talks of spring. Anticipation… She could never have imagined that the day in her life would come where she would feel anticipation and yearning for www.asianovel.com



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something. Everything was new, and joyful, and a little frightening too. “Come here. You’ll get cold quickly since you sweated.” Riftan called for her as he leaned his back against the thick tree trunk, and pulled her close to share his coat. Max sipped from the small bottle of wine while sitting slightly on his lap. Unlike when he was teasing her, she didn’t feel awkward or embarrassed to be so close to him now. Being wrapped up in his strong arms felt so natural. “Give me some too.” Riftan whispered to her as he clasped his hands around her waist and leaned his head over her shoulder to take a sip. Max placed the wine bottle on his lips and tilted it carefully so it won’t spill. He took a few gulps and removed his lips when he was done. He then stared into her eyes intently. “Why do you hate yourself?” Riftan asked. It seemed that Riftan had no intention of lightly skipping over what she had said earlier. Max averted her eyes in embarrassment for what she told him, he did not want him to stare at her in pity. Surely it was obvious that she had only one answer: she sounded like the stupidest person in the world when she spoke. In some ways, the fact that he kept avoiding the subject was a little funny. Max asked nonchalantly, “Have you…ne-never had a time when you ha-hated your-yourself, Ri-Riftan?” “I’ve had plenty.” Dear readers, all chapters have been updated for this week



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