It was 1068, Year 1 of the Xining era. Emperor Zhao Xu had recently ascended the throne of the Song dynasty. The widely respected old-guard of civil officials, Ouyang Xiu, Han Qi, and Fu Bi, were in their twilight years. The unorthodox reformer Wang Anshi was full of vigor, wishing to reverse the tide of decline sweeping over the empire. The stubborn Sima Guang would rather leave imperial government than give up on proper orthodoxy. The literary Su Shi watched from the sidelines, unable to pick a side. ... more>>

With such a talented crop of civil officials, the Song dynasty should have shone brightly. Instead, these geniuses embarked on a mutually destructive course, leaving the Song empire with a gaping, irreparable wound, and leaving future students of history with regret and controversy.

But the sudden arrival of a junior lawyer opens a new path for the Song dynasty. Reformers and conservatives, civil and military officials, domestic and foreign affairs, all shall come under the Law. <<less

[ You’re dead. ]... more>>

Possessed into the game ‘Flower of Arbonis,’ Ardi was trapped in the tedious cycle of regression forced by the system to see the ending with the male lead.

But, this regression seems different…?

“What if you grant me the chance to help you, Young Lady?”

“…I’m not sure what Your Highness is talking about.”

Estieren, who wasn’t even a target, starts showing interest towards her.

And suddenly…

[ Congratulations, Estieren Kaisian Route has been unlocked! ]

…Even his route was unlocked all of a sudden.

Flustered by this, Ardi tries to distance herself from him.

“Why are you here?”

“I was wondering if I would catch a glimpse of Young Lady’s face for a moment. In that case, may I request a song?”

Along with a series of coincidental encounters with Estieren and his sincere actions to help her, the relationship between the two gradually begins to change…

“I’m worried about Young Lady.”

“…For a variety of reasons?”

“Yes, for a number of reasons.” <<less

“I didn’t cheat on you with your fiancé; it was fate, do you understand?”... more>>

The heroine eloped with my fiancé.

On the day of our engagement.

After a moment of disbelief, the male lead came to me.

“The lady I picked out for the contract marriage ran off with her friend’s fiancé.”

“Goodness, there’s a lady just like me.”

“So I’m thinking of proposing a contract marriage to that friend.”

The eyes beneath the bushy eyebrows gleamed sharply.

“Will you marry me, milady?”

… It seems to be me.

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

Since my fiancé ran away anyway, there wasn’t much choice; I entered the wedding hall with the male lead.

I agreed to the contract with the intention of running away if necessary.

“I’ll try to make you a precious person to everyone.”

His fingertips, which descended to my earlobe, lightly brushed my tiny earring.

Shivers ran down my spine.

“The earring suits you very well.”

The earring had a purple gem that matched his eye color.

Something seems wrong with this contract marriage after all. <<less

“I will give birth to your child.”... more>>

Elise, the princess of a ruined country, was brought as a prisoner to the enemy country, where she was to be hanged and presented to the savages. Desperate to avoid this fate, Elise tried to come up with any way to survive. Even if it meant telling an outrageous lie.

There was only one person who held the power to save her. Rezette Kyrstan, the commander-in-chief of the enemy country, also known as the dragon, and Van Yela's loyal dog. Elise knew she had to convince this cold and stubborn man in front of her to spare her life.

In a trembling voice, Elise made an offer that she hoped he couldn't refuse. "I will give birth to your child," she said. <<less

Hestia, the daughter of a fallen nobleman who relies on the Carlton family as her sponsor, is eagerly anticipating the day when she can cast aside everything that is binding her and run away. She thought the time had finally come.... more>>

“Hestia.”

No! Don’t kneel! Don’t propose! And don’t take out that ring box!

“As you might have guessed, I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Expected? Sure, I did. But this wasn’t the way. Weren’t we just friends? Didn’t we agree to be friends?

“Will-“

Hestia closed her eyes tightly. As he continued, she could easily anticipate what he was going to say. Will you be my bride? Will you be the mistress of my family? Will you give birth to my heir? It might be one of these three, but you don’t do these with a friend, right?

“No, I won’t marry you!”

“-you become the mage of my territory?”

…What? Hestia slowly opened her eyes and faced his signature foxlike smile.

“Of course, I’m fine with marriage too.”

Her face turned slightly red. Whether it was because she was ashamed of her mistake or because of his answer, she wasn’t sure.

“But, your dream is my dream. So, Hestia,”

Instead of a ring, he held out a standard mage contract and a fountain pen. In front of her was something she had neither seen nor received before.

“Please, become my territory’s mage.”

Her life had not been a happy one so far. When she was at the edge, where she just wanted to let go of everything, he reached out his hand to her.

“Let’s go to Rosehill together.”

She signed the contract and, as a mage, she followed him, the lord…

The contract with the lord was a trap! <<less

"Elaina, Archduke Grant is coming to visit tomorrow....... Someone you like."... more>>

Diane's sobs reminded Elaina of a book. Every night, she read the same book over and over again in her dreams. In the book, “Moon Shadow,” Diane is sold off to become the wife of Archduke Grant due to family circumstances, preventing her from marrying the man she loves. The book ends with Diane, tired of her loveless marriage, taking her own life.

'This can't be happening!'

She had done so much to prevent Diane's misery. Now she can't stand by and watch her fall into the devil's maw.

"Don't worry, Diane."

Elaina took Diane's hand and reassured her.

"I'll take care of everything."

She will. Even if it means she herself marries him instead.

***

“You've interfered with every approach I've made to Diane Redwood, and now you're asking me to marry you?”

“Think of it more like a one-year contract than a marriage. We can give and take what we want from each other.”

Lyle Grant looked at Elaina with confusion.

“What on earth would you do that for?”

“I have a heart that won't let me turn away from a poor person.”

It wasn't just for Diane. Diane, the protagonist, Nathan, the love of her life, and Lyle and his younger brother. Everyone in "Moon Shadow" was unhappy, each for their own reasons.

“I promise, I'll be your wife for a year, but I'll do my best while I'm at it.”

Elaina smiled up at Lyle, her face full of confidence. She had a plan to make all the characters in the damn "Moon Shadow" happy. <<less

“From the moment I took a breath and opened my eyes, I wondered where I was. But then, I was clear on what world I was in after hearing a familiar name.... more>>

I was reborn as the villainess, Frisia Atreille, from a novel I read before I died, called “I’ll Leave it to You.”

To escape from my fate in the novel's plot, I initiated my contract marriage with him three years ago.

A month before our contract marriage breaks off, Aslei was cursed.

“I can endure it. If it becomes unmanageable, I’ll call the magician……!”

“It’s alright.”

After sleeping with him, I felt dejected and melancholy and avoided him. But eventually, Aslei boldly approached me and made a startling admission:

“Frisia. It is my fault and due to my insensibility that I did not confess before we slept together last night.”

Do you really like me? Isn’t that impossible?

After his confession, my heart pounds for no reason, but I can’t believe him because I know the storyline.

‘If Aslei gets better and I remain as the Duchess…….’

Can I do that?

I feared some horrifying conspiracy would unfold, and I would be discarded. <<less

Dahlia Von Klose who possesses two powers at the same time and the Fifth Returner [5th time regressor] Jurgen Axel Edelred.... more>>

In order to survive one more day, the two desperately needed each other.

Kissing Dahlia’s white legs up to her knees, he felt a distinct satisfaction.

Even if it’s a new presence in her world, yes. There is nothing different from the others. With a remorseful expression she’ll push him away saying don’t do this. She’ll hide the joy of having a higher status person with a dignified, proud face kneel before her, promising that he will grant anything she wants.

Grasping her heel, he swept up her soft calf and grabbed the back of her knee. Then he looked up at her as she trembled like her frightened bird.

Ha!

However, the moment Dahlia’s eyes met his, a chilling sensation of pleasure ran through Jurgen’s back.

Covering her mouth, Dahlia was holding back a burst of laughter, like someone who had seen a gruesome comedy. With her sight full of the kneeling man at her feet, she showed an unhidden scorn.

Unconsciously his grip grew stronger on Dahlia’s leg. Then she flinched and bent forward towards Jurgen. She still hadn’t erased a feeling similar to contempt in her eyes.

“What are you up to? Sir Edeled.”

It was a voice sweet as poison.

Smiling, Jurgen let her legs go, then got up on his knees. Following the dark red eyes that became cold in an instant, Dahlia’s held his stare.

The mask of the noble Jurgen Axel Edelred had cracked. The man’s eyes looked down obliquely and then grew long in a smile as he swept back his flowing bangs.

“Ah… . Did I get caught?” <<less

Grace has endured insults and misfortunes with the sole purpose that she must survive.
She abandoned her life as a noblewoman and became a librarian, living each day quietly and diligently.... more>>

In front of her appeared a man named Karl von Valles.
He proposed a contract, saying he would help Grace achieve what she wanted.

"I cannot accept."
"This makes your 98th rejection."

All she wants is to live a peaceful and quiet life.
But the crown prince keeps interrupting her rest.

"Grace Brodin."

He called out her name softly.
She must’ve been mistaken, but somehow, it feels like he's hurt.

"Why do you refuse so vehemently?"

As he gradually approached her face,
Grace unknowingly nibbled on her lower lip.
Is he attacking suddenly with his beauty?

"Still, I can’t accept it."

Please, can't you just leave me alone? <<less

One night, Oscar picked up the key to a safe he had once desperately searched for. The person who came with it became a living key was a woman, extraordinary in every aspect. Her tearful eyes, naive actions, even her name and appearance. The woman was oddly irritating. He was even displeased at having to ponder how to describe that irritation. So, he wanted to temporarily put it out of sight, in a place where it couldn't be seen.... more>>

“I... want to be by your side.”

It was too ridiculous to be sincere, and far too pathetic to be temptation.

Therefore, the one who was ensnared was undoubtedly an idiot.

Even when subjected to all kinds of insults, the woman approached until the end. On those small, soft palms, which knew no calluses, Oscar von Reinhardt was played with.

So, I must hold you accountable.

To you, who never had sincerity, not even for a single moment.

Until the very end...

To you, who even hid your name from me,

I will hold you accountable, very cruelly.

Oscar von Reinhardt – The head of the Reinhardt dukedom, with black curly hair and blue eyes. He owns the railway that crosses the Norfolk continent and the largest steel company on the continent. He is willing to do anything for his goals, even if it means kissing the back his enemy’s hand. He has brought his ruined family back to prominence through extreme efficiency. Therefore, he spurns himself for falling for the wiles of such ridiculous seduction, nor can he forgive the woman who made him feel this way.

Han Seo Ah – A mixed-race individual with brown hair and brown eyes. She has been an outsider from the moment she formed her first memory. Her appearance stands out, to the point she is suspicious of her birth. The starting point of her sin was when she came into existence. Therefore, she wishes to atone for all her wrongdoings; to her grandfather, and to that man whose mere presence makes her heart flutter. <<less

One day every human on the world suddenly receives a mail claiming to enact the World Salvation Project. Half in doubt Kurosaki Shion, a diligent... more>> university student and loner, follows the mail’s instructions, becoming one of a million Demon Kings governing his very own Domain in the new world. <<less

After a red meteor slashed through the heavens, human progress ground to a halt. ... more>>

Since that momentous day, humanity lost its ability to create rockets, nuclear weapons, airplanes, cars...

The towering pyramid of civilization, meticulously built from the achievements of modern science, crumbled into dust.

Yet, the catastrophe didn't stop there. The grey realm, following the arrival of the red meteor, like a ghostly reflection behind a mirror, dragged the civilized world bit by bit into the abyss of disorder.

In this new age, a human life was no more significant than a speck of dust, yet amidst the ruins, humanity's spirit shone as brightly as the stars.

Amid the crumbling edifice, observers could see a figure—an actor—defiantly standing on the wreckage of civilization, his red cloak as vivid as blood, his expressions flickering between laughter and tears. Behind him, the curtain of the era gently parted. With arms wide open, he whispered to all who would listen— "Let the show begin." <<less

She possessed a villainess who is known and hated for her evil acts in an unpopular novel. But because of her personality, it was extremely difficult for her to play the villainess role. But not for long…... more>>

“I’ll fix your dress according to your taste this instant!”

“My request.”

“O-Of course! As per your request, there’s only one piece available in the whole Empire.”

People around me listen to me well even if I just frown and sit still. Since I don’t have to live in difficulty, I decided to just comfortably live on as a villainess.

“Father. Is it necessary for you to solve formulas in this slow and inefficient way?”

I thought it would be good to be a rich villainess, so I used all my knowledge.

“Why don’t you give me the honor of escorting the Princess?”

I have had enough of dealing with my father, so why did an unexpected character suddenly appear? What if this person disrupts my plan? <<less

Possessing memories of being born, raised and died in a country called Japan… the young boy Hercule was born in the imperial household of a declining empire.... more>>

This empire that once was a super power that reigned over the world… is now a country nearing it’s end. The public finances are in bankruptcy, the military strength declined to the point that barbarians are able to wreck havoc in their territories and the neighboring countries squeezed the Empire for tribute payments every year.

And the young Hercule is forced to take over this empire!

“Eeh!? I can’t run away!?”

“You can’t.”

Thus, the 12 years old Hercule ascends to the throne.

Using the knowledge from his previous life, Hercule struggles to rebuild the empire… reforming the tax system, revolutionizing the industry, reorganizing the public finances, rebuilding the administration and reforming the military system.

This will later be known as the story of the young emperor who restored the Lemurian empire, which would later carve it’s name in history as the great monarch of the three continents, the “Divine Light Emperor” Hercule the First. <<less

County Libelois suffered an astronomical compensation due to the successor’s mistake.... more>>

On behalf of the older brother who could not pay the compensation, Anne leaves for the North as she was pushed by her family and becomes the Grand Duchess.

But the Grand Duke Daymond Cromund, whom she met there, was not as old as the rumors suggested, and was somewhat secretive…

“If I give birth to an heir, please let me leave.”

“So arrogant. If you want a child, you would have to take my seed every day.”

For a moment, Anne almost screamed, reassured by the Grand Duke’s appearance, who willingly accepted her proposal.

Every time he held her, his face was filled with anger.

Daymond held her sadistically as the nights went by.

Anne was confused by the sight of the Grand Duke, who was constantly holding her while enduring his anger.

Did she spit out a forbidden word? <<less

After losing his job Bai Liu became involved with an unstoppable horror live streaming game full of various monsters and players with killer intent.... more>>

Initially, everyone thought Bai Liu was just an ordinary person who strayed into the game.

Later, they realized it was this game that welcomed its god with victory and a laurel crown saying, “Welcome home.” <<less

"Pretend to be my lover and join the social circle."... more>>

Selena, the top star that had the entire world's attention, was suddenly warped to Northern Duke's land during an accident while filming. Kalcion, the Northern Duke that saved her from the infernal beasts, offers Selena a chance to go back home in return for collecting information in various social circles by pretending to be his lover. Selena quickly accepts Kalcion's offer, but…

"Why in the world can't you do this!?"
"Don't you think that the answer to that should be obvious to you, the actress, not to me, the duke?"

There was a critical problem. The Northern Duke's acting skills are horrible!

"…Let's change the plan. I'll seduce you instead."

And thus the contractual relationship between the two started. Will Kalcion's acting skill improve first, or will he start to have true feelings for Selena instead? <<less

Two years of marriage that was as sweet and happy as a dream. But one day, her husband disappeared without a trace.... more>>

Han Seo-ryeong, a blind and ordinary housewife, wandered around looking for him, only to be told;

“You’ll never find him.”

Her husband turned out to be the best secret agent with many faces.

“Our marriage was everything to me, but it was just ‘work’ to him?”

Feeling like her world was collapsing, Seo-ryeong unleashed her suppressed madness.

“If I do bad things, can I cross paths with him?”

Unable to catch him, she decides to get caught first!

What she didn’t realize was that the husband she was searching for so long was just around the corner. <<less

When I got out of the supermarket.... more>>

wilderness spread out in front of my eyes.

I will use my “what seems to be” cheat cultivating tool, and my high affinity with spirits as a weapon, and aim for enjoyable different world life. <<less

Her husband, Derrick Vaisil, who had a funeral four days ago, suddenly came back to life. But this man was so different from before he died!... more>>

“I’m hungry, wife.”

From regularly turning up in the dining room that he had always avoided,

“How about we use the same bedroom?”

To a furtive suggestion of combining their bedrooms that they had always been using separately.

What in the world happened to this man?

*

“You always give off this delicious smell…………. but how can I bear with it?”

Right now, at this moment, Judith felt like he was a cruel predator who would completely devour her from head to toe easily.

“You, uh, what the hell are you?”

He, who tormented her as he repeatedly s**ked on her soft earlobe and put his tongue inside her ear, chuckled.

“What am I?”

Derrick kissed her chin and whispered languidly.

“I am your husband, Judith.” <<less

I’ve possessed a villainess who gets horribly killed every time for abusing the protagonist.... more>>

But just because I’m an evil woman doesn’t mean I have to abuse the protagonist.

I vowed that instead of abusing the protagonist, I was going to make him grow up…!

´Come on Leo. Shall we try-?´

[Synchronization failed. Translation into Belinda’s language].

“Open up your mouth, little brat.”

The damned system turned my mouth into a hellmouth.

But somehow… being a b*tch suits me better than I thought it would.

“Lazy things. How many times do I have to tell you to roll out the red carpet where I step!”

“Get me a limited-edition macaron of each type from the best patisserie in the kingdom.”

“They’re hard to get, you idiot. You could have just begged in front of the shop.”

Wealth, power, and beauty.

And with all that and a system window, I solved Belinda’s problems…

“Belle, won’t you marry me?”

“Master, why don’t you fall in love with me?”

” Lady Blanche, you are the only exception to this black and white world.”

The attitude of the supporting characters who were responsible for the killing of Belinda in the game changed.

Furthermore.

“We propose, based on mutual agreement, that you marry His Excellency the Grand Duke for a certain period of time and then divorce him.”

A contract marriage from the Northern Grand Duke.

Come on, guys. I was only doing my best to be a badass! <<less

Han Seon-Joo’s life is too difficult. He works day and night but is still unable to pay off the debts he has.... more>>

His only hope is to pay off all his debts one day and get out of those shackles.

“You’ve never heard of such an offer? I’ll give you the money. Let’s make a deal.”

“What’s the deal?”

“I give you money, and you give me your body.”

That alpha was a partner that Beta Han Seon-joo could not accept.

However, he had to throw away the last bits of his pride for the money.

“That proposal from before… is it still valid?”

That man was a rope that fell from the sky.

There was no way to know whether he was good or bad, but one thing was certain if I got him, money would come out.

So the contract started. <<less

"Would you like to marry me by contract, Your Highness the Princess?"
The illegitimate princess who no one wants, Odette.
The day she tried to find the right person and propose a contract marriage to avoid a terrible marriage,... more>>

The Duke of Ertmann offered her a contract marriage, whom she thought she would never have a relationship with for the rest of her life.
One of the terms of the contract he offered.
"Love me. If you can't, try your best to make them believe it."
That you love me terribly, so much, that I can live in vain dreams.

Reluctantly, she accepted the marriage, but her doubts did not go away.
Why the hell did he want me? And… why are you looking at me with such sad eyes? <<less

“Do as I say if you value your mother’s life.”... more>>

Erica was the nanny’s daughter and was forced to get married in place of the lady she served. Even the groom-to-be was the prince of the evil Archleiff Dukedom.

‘What if I am hated there, too?’

I’m dead meat if I get caught!

Even if it was frightening, Erica was prepared to put up with all forms of prejudice, mistreatment, and bullying in order to see the day when she would be reunited with her mother. But contrary to her expectation, the life of a fake bride turned out to be sweet, after all…?

“I take back what I said that you should live here like a mouse. Do whatever you want. Do as you like to your heart’s content.”

Erica tries hard not to forget that this marriage was bound to end someday, but it wasn’t easy at all. “Didn’t we agree to divorce once I become an adult?”

“That’s right. And at that time, I didn’t give you an answer.”

Unlike his gentle smile, her husband’s eyes flickered like a wildfire.

“Erica, if you ever have any place to go, shouldn’t it only be next to me?”

Will Erica be able to live the modest life she had always wanted without ever being discovered as a fake bride? <<less

I've transmigrated into my favorite romance novel, which I've read hundreds of times while waiting for its completion.... more>>

Wouldn't it be wonderful if I transmigrated as a noble lady living a comfortable life? Unfortunately, I've transmigrated as the villainess who tormented the heroine mercilessly, ending up dying a horrible death as a fake saint candidate.

So, unlike the original story, I quickly resign as the saint candidate and leave the temple. I then set up a home for a fortune-teller who can predict fate accurately, thanks to my memory of the author's typos. My reputation soars as I impressively predict the future, which was initially just a means to survive.

As a result, the temple that once ignored me, the first prince embroiled in the Throne of Blood War, and the next Ma-topju (the highest-ranking official) consumed by unprecedented narcissism all begin to obsess over me.

To escape the most dangerous part where I'm killed off in the original work, the temple, I must enter into a contract marriage. But who should I marry to make it work?

After much deliberation, embarking on a contract marriage proves to be anything but easy.

How does one navigate a wise married life? <<less