The Villainess is a Marionette - Chapter 31

※ This book contains coercive relationships and violent scenes. Please be aware before proceeding.※ The names, locations, and characters mentioned in this book are entirely fictional.The calculation method of gamblers is truly peculiar.They lend money at exorbitant interest rates to those who haven’t even spent any money as collateral.For 15 years, Hongju has been collecting debts from housemates while being tied to collateral.One day, a man appears, claiming he will invest in the house.A rich fool, a money tree.The housemates called him Mookyung.“As long as you do as I say, I’ll help you.”Mookyung makes a suspicious proposal, offering to repay the debts in exchange for house information.Why would he make such a proposal to a debtor who is already struggling?Still, there is suspicion about him…“Do you think I’m a swindler right now?”“No.”“You shouldn’t. It’s all too obvious. Swindlers can tell just by looking.”Hongju has no choice but to accept that proposal.Growing up on scraps, he knows exactly where to stretch his legs.

Kazuma and Masako are a loving married couple who run a successful indie game development studio from their cozy home. After leaving the corporate world behind, they poured their hearts into creating hit games like Mori Journey, Exaslia, and their biggest success yet, Mori Adventure. Despite their professional success, the real magic lies in their personal relationship—a mix of playful teasing, deep affection, and unwavering support.Through late-night coding marathons, romantic anniversaries, unexpected livestream mishaps, and wholesome surprises, Kazuma and Masako navigate the challenges of both game development and marriage. Kazuma is the steady, hardworking coder, while Masako is the lively, creative artist with a penchant for mischief and teasing her husband. Together, they bring out the best in each other, blending love and laughter into their daily lives.From heart-melting romantic moments to hilarious hijinks, their story captures the highs and lows of balancing love, work, and dreams. Whether they’re surprising each other with heartfelt gifts, overcoming obstacles in game launches, or simply sharing quiet moments together, Kazuma and Masako prove that life is truly a game best played with your partner by your side. Their journey is a heartwarming tale of love, passion, and the joy of building worlds—both virtual and real—together.

A fourth chance at life. The last chance.Zarek remembered when he first experienced the Godsfall Apocalypse. Those tears of red and sparkling rouge that split the skies, opening up one dangerous realm after another.That feeling of helplessness had been palpable, heavy... suffocating. It hung above his head like a guillotine, an edge graced by death's kiss...He grinned at it.One last ride, no Talents left on his stat screen, and nothing but a dull machete and his girl by his side. What was a better thrill than that?How could he possibly fail a fourth time?Unfortunately, there were others. Other Rebirthers. Some that might have been on their last attempt just like him, or some that still had more to give to this cruel world.None of it mattered, though. He had planned everything out meticulously, each life playing its own role.He would come out on top this time. How could he not?He was Zarek Ashborn.

He was tired of being broke. Tired of pretending. Tired of watching others win a game he didn't even understand.But when a failed job interview leads Alex into the world of a mysterious millionaire, he’s thrown into a hidden war, one where money isn't just earned… it's engineered.Guided by Uncle Raymond, a man with a dark past and deep wisdom, Alex begins to discover the suppressed history and secret systems behind money, from cowries to crypto, banks, black markets, and so on. He learns that wealth isn't something you chase... it's something you attract by understanding value.But then, Alex stumbles upon The Sovereign Circle, a group of elite powerbrokers who don't just make money... they control its very definition and rig the system for profit. Raymond? He’s unknowingly tied to them.Being torn between exposing the truth and protecting the man who changed his life, Alex faces a final test: Will he play the game like everyone else or will he rewrite the rules?***This is a story for anyone who has ever asked, “Is there more to money than making it?”