Blossoming Path - Chapter 167: The Forest Holds Its Breath

It’s been 11 years since I’ve lived for others and not for me.

The moment I cried out wanting to get away from my exhausting life, I opened my eyes in the body of some Count’s 20-year-old daughter.

Since this happened, I decided to live my life freely as a single woman.

But…

“I need a lady to act as my fake wife for a certain period of time.”

“A contract marriage?”

“The term is one year. When the time is up, I’ll give you divorce with no strings attached.”

The Duke of the Empire whom I had happened to meet at a ball was hitting on me.

Turns out he’s no other than the Emperor’s beloved brother, Duke Scade!

Hold on, it’s just going to end in a clean divorce with no strings attached?

“You should also give me alimony. Give me one of the best lands of the Ducal household with 10 years’ worth of profit.”

“…..What?”

“If you don’t want to do that, then we cannot get married.”

This time I’m going to live a life taking care of the things I need first!

***

“I’ll escort you since it’s late.”

Where to? My bedroom is just around the corner.

“Tonight, I’ll do my best.”

No, I don’t need you to do that.

“Did you just look at that man?”

Excuse me, Duke, you said it’s for a limited time only, so why do you keep obsessing over me?

In this world riddled with strife, where even kids know spells, and powerful mages are nobility, Cael was born with no mana at all. An heir to the family of mages, he was his father’s disappointment, and his city’s laughingstock. But who knew that he had a much different destiny? To prevent a looming catastrophe no one else knows about—to stop the Starspawn.

“Blood Mage System activated. Greetings, user. I am your Blood Mage System. Consume the blood of powerful creatures to purchase new abilities.”

With that power, Cael will become a hero able to stand against the fate that crushed countless others—even if the world will call him a demon instead.

……………………………………………………………

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