The Lady’s Sickly Husband - Chapter 95: See Through the Vanity of Life

[2022 Science Fiction Starlight Award Word-of-mouth Good Book]

[Third Prize of 2022 Science Fiction Essay]

When a photo of the North Pole taken by a satellite was sent back to various countries, people on earth were shocked by the content of the photo.

They saw thousands of wolves in the North Pole, including hundreds of polar bears and arctic silver foxes, all bowing their heads in unison.

On the top of the snow-capped mountain, a giant arctic wolf whose size exceeds everyone’s imagination is overlooking the arctic ice sheet.

- Description from novelbuddy

Who was Quan Jingwu?He was the prominent figure at the heart of the city, nicknamed “Master Jing,” and he was also the pinnacle “Big Diamond” of the city's social pyramid.However, one day, the highly esteemed “Big Diamond” got labeled “exclusive” by a woman, someone they regarded as the lowest of the low.Everyone in the city was left dumbfounded.And who was Jian Qing?She was the family's black sheep, rejected as an illegitimate child, and the laughingstock of the aristocratic families.When she returned, she shone brilliantly; it was time for those who owed her to pay back.As her multiple identities were unveiled, those who once looked down on her felt like they had been slapped in their faces.The first time they met, she was as serene as a lotus. She had a composed demeanor, and she made a grand entrance.The second time they met, she was as fierce as a wild beast. There was a faint smile on her face, but her actions were ruthless and swift.The third time they met, she was as cunning as a fox. With a simple call of “Little Jing,” she completely captured his heart, leading him onto the path of a doting husband and never looking back.Scene of Lovey-Dovey Moments:Subordinate: “Boss, there's a rumor outside that Madam was born to restrain you, and your fortunes don't align.”Master Jing: “Nonsense.”“...”. The subordinates lowered their heads and shifted back slightly, afraid of their boss's wrath.Then, a deep voice with a hint of indulgent laughter rang out, “Clearly, she was born to pamper and love me.”Caught off guard by a sudden burst of affection, everyone instantly felt overwhelmed with love and let out a heartfelt cheer.'Madam, come quickly and take away the boss—boss is about to show off his affections again!'

“Any who don the title of 'king' or anything of the sort in my presence is nothing more than an ignorant fool. This is my land and I shall be reclaiming it soon. I am Cacophony, the Vampire Empress!”As those words left her lips, every cell in my body reacted. It was unreal—no, it was otherworldly. Her beauty, her power, and her overwhelming arrogance. It might've been then that I realized that my normal life had ended.How did it come to this?Ah, it was curiosity. Yes, a deathly curiosity brought me to that graveyard that day.It was there that I stumbled upon her coffin. I had absolutely no clue what I was doing then, and even now I have no idea what possessed me to touch it—that single moment changed the course of history for the entire world. I found myself delving into a completely unknown world.Should I regret it? Maybe. But the truth is, I don't.Exploring the world’s hidden secrets, forging unexpected bonds, and living alongside the revived empress—it’s exciting.“Even if it's wrong, I think I'm going to enjoy every moment of it.”

Is magic really a wish machine?

No! In a universe where magic actually exists, the ultimate nature of magic must be as simple and beautiful as the laws of physics.

This is the story of a mass-produced magic warfare tool man who learned the ultimate nature of magic.

But so what?

Just as a bird can fly without understanding aerodynamics, so a wizard does not need to understand the ultimate nature of magic to use magic.

Knowing the ultimate nature of magic does not mean that the tool man can become a great magician.

But the desire for knowledge is human instinct, and curiosity is the first driving force of human civilization. Humans hope to understand the inner workings of magic, even if it is supposed to be unreasonable.

An inquiry into the ultimate nature of magic, without any justification!

The story in the book takes place in an age where steel dances with gunpowder.

Here, muskets are in the ascendant, armor is still the protagonist, military theories are changing with each passing day, and innovations in systems and craftsmanship are emerging one after another. And this world has one more thing than ours: magic.

The world is undergoing earth-shaking changes, and no one can stay out of it.

- Description from novelbuddy