The Archduke's Songbird - Chapter 24: In Pain’s Embrace

A person died in our world. And when he opened his eyes again… the stars had changed.Reborn into the age of myth, long before his time and when Olympus stood tall, he awakens in the Garden of the Hesperides. Reincarnated as the God of Power he is now watched over by mysterious nymphs under Hera's silent command. Unaware of the divine politics at play or the godhood now within him, he must navigate a world of titans, monsters, and primordial chaos.But he’s not entirely alone. A mysterious System, has merged with his soul, offering quests, powers, and choices that creates and enhances powers and help him shape his path toward ascension. As the gods begin to stir and ancient forces clash for control, the new deity must find his place in a pantheon not yet formed and carve a name into legend with power, cunning, and the will to rise.Because in this world, divinity is earned.And only those who ascend... survive.Author's Note:This story draws inspiration from Greek mythology, but takes creative liberties for the sake of narrative and worldbuilding. While many elements remain faithful to the ancient myths, others will be reimagined or altered entirely. Please enjoy this interpretation as a myth of its own.

At twenty, she had a child in secret.At twenty-two, she was discreetly married into a wealthy family.Qin Mu lost her mother at the age of seven and was sent abroad by her unscrupulous father when she was only eight. Little did she expect her future to be so bright, she decided to climb up on Mu General's shoulders with great strides.Mu Yichen went from being Rongcheng's top heartthrob to its youngest tycoon—arrogant and wise, unfathomable, yet he somehow fell into the hands of a little lass.——About marriage.“Mu Yichen, we are just—friends!”“That can't be the reason you reject me!”Qin Mu was scared stiff, as Mu General rudely carried her off to the marriage registration office, to sign, to stamp, to get the certificate!——Hidden marriage for too long.“If you say our daughter is adopted from the orphanage, I won't argue with you, but when will you make me public?” In broad daylight, Mu General pinned Mrs. Mu against the corner wall, threatening her with a devilish charm.“Depends on your performance!” Mrs. Mu smirked, and the next moment, she counterattacked Mu General.“Quick, cover your eyes!” Mu Baby, who had been ignored on the side, immediately covered her eyes.

An unknown parcel arrives to Yoshio, a 30-years old NEET. The content is a game disk titled “The Village of Fate.” A beautiful CG game with real-life images gets started.

Who made the rule that a woman can't be the first to confess her feelings to a man?

If there was one, then it didn't matter to this young woman.

In order to escape from her stepmother and stepsister, Zhang Liling sought help from Mr. Fang, a Business Mogul, specially invited to take her department on Business Management, and she was rejected because of her absurd request.

But through his Personal assistant, she managed to cunningly secure a home-work contract and moved into his villa.

A few weeks of living together as a Boss and Employee was enough time for Mr. Fang to see all the crazy sides of Zhang Liling and also for her to discover his health secret, hyperosmia. But the irony of her scent not affecting him baffled her.

Mr. Fang not being used to Zhang Liling’s unrestrained behavior and coupled with the rumors about them threatened to throw her out of his villa. But when she finally left, he began to long for her return.

At last, Zhang Liling returned. To others, she was a different person, but to Mr. Fang, she was the same feisty woman he has always known.

Together as a couple, Zhang Liling and Mr. Fang unmasked her stepmother’s deep dirty secret that will threaten the Zhang Family’s reputation.

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EXCERPT

“Mr. Fang, do you accept stray cats?” Zhang Liling asked a little breathlessly as a layer of sweat formed on her forehead. She had just run over in other to catch up with him.

Mr. Fang paused briefly in his steps and turned to give her a good glance after adjusting his reading glasses. “You look like one,” he said in a deep voice before continuing in his steps.

How could Zhang Liling let him leave like that when it was a matter of urgency? She quickly chased after him and yelled, “Mr. Fang, you really have to take this stray cat in.”

“I don't accept stray cats, I only accept humans,”Mr. Fang replied as a slight smile turned up on his face.