MTL - Close to You - Chapter 25

Avery Asteria was far from having anyone's dream job. Family circumstances had him drop out of school and flying around the expanse of space looking for treasure among the discarded trash in an old ship his father had been restoring. It was far from glamorous work, but it was all he could do to earn the money he needed.He was not the only one looking for fortune among the stars, though. One day a score that looked too good to be true led to a run in with a band of pirates. With some quick wits and a bit of luck, Avery managed to escape the worst, but he ended up missing out on collecting the valuable salvage he had his sights on.Having lost a large chunk of his gear in his flight from the pirates, Avery seemed to be truly at the end of his rope. However, a twist of fate led him to discovering an experimental vessel that had been lost to the far reaches of space.With this new ship in his possession, his prospects were looking up. It had everything and more than what any spacefarer could want. And Avery was going to use it to become the leader of the greatest band of mercenaries in the galaxy.

[Powerfulcouple]The entire Yong City knew that Eldest Miss Su of the Su Family had a malicious nature and a scandalous reputation, acting outlandishly day after day, much to her family's disgust.Worthless dad: “I certainly do not have such a daughter; my only daughter is Xinyan.”Old Madam: “Shameless thing, you've completely thrown the Su Family's face away.”White lotus younger sister: “I'm sorry, Sister, we were never people from the same world.”Scumbags: “Trash that can't show their face in public, lowly people don't deserve to enter our circle.”However...Before Eldest Miss Su had expressed her opinion, various bosses couldn't hold back any longer.A certain Film Emperor: “Picking on my boss—tired of living, are we?”A certain Association: “Mr. President, please instruct, bankruptcy or banishment?”A certain Group: “What's the Su Family? Not even worthy to carry the BOSS's shoes.”Bigwigs from various fields: “Hello, sister-in-law!”Su Ran: “?”While the outside world was marveling at the continuously revealed identities of Eldest Miss Su, the man who was legendary for his mystery and restrained self-discipline swept her into his embrace.“Little ancestor, is there any identity of yours that I don't know about?” the man's voice was seductive, lazy, and casual.Sister Ran curled her red lips slightly, smiling brightly: “Your wife.”

Sometime after ‘Gates’ appeared in this world, humanity was divided into two: [User] and [ordinary human beings] Lee-kyung was able to awaken into a user and choose a [Class]…but, in momentary misjudgement, chose to be a [Necromancer], the worst of all classes.

Lee-kyung, searching for the materials to evolve his skeletal servant, ‘Lackey,’ was barely able to participate in a high-level raid for [Tower of Command] Dungeon. In an accident, he falls down alone to uncover a hidden conspiracy.

Injured and desperate to survive, Lee-kyung called out to anyone…and reached a vengeful spirit. “Please, I’ll do anything….Please form a contract with me and save me!”

–-You’ll do anything?….

TW: Depictions of mental health

Sirens: a name derived from an ancient creature, used to describe those who could charm, lure, control, and heal others by singing.

Subjected to live the life of a siren, Aria had experienced, seen, and heard many horrific things. Broken beyond repair, Aria resigned herself to death, when suddenly…

The Grand Duke, Lloyd Cardence Valentine, arrived and whispered, “Should I kill everyone here?”

“If you need me, just call me. Your song will always reach me, wherever you are.”

In the end, Aria called the devil, bringing death to all those present, along with herself.

“Let’s fall down to hell together.”

And with that, Aria breathed her last and died… only to return to her 10-year-old self.

Now that she had a second chance at her life, Aria was determined to change her fate, as well as the cruel fate of her saviour, Grand Duke Valentine.

And so… Aria proposed to him with a marriage contract.

She sold her soul to the devil and vowed to protect him.

The young duke took the contract from her hand.

“So, where should I stamp the seal?”

* * *

“You said you’d divorce me within 10 years.”

The grown-up villain leaned in, hovering his head before he kissed her tenderly over her crown.

“Now that we’re adults, we should sign another contract.”