Upstart Pastry Chef ~Territory Management of a Genius Pâtisserie~ - Volume 3 - Chapter 4

Mirian Castrella, a student in her final year of a magical academy, unexpectedly finds herself caught in a time loop and haunted by strange dreams of the Elder Gods. Her plan had been to become an artificer to support her struggling family, but when the Akana Praediar army betrays her country in a surprise attack, everything changes. Instead, she finds herself delving into the dark secrets of the world, mastering magic, finding allies, and uncovering a vast conspiracy. However, just because the time loop can save her life doesn’t mean it can save her from everything. Mirian must navigate a dangerous world changed by the magitech revolution. Her quest to save the world from the apocalypse will lead her to battle magi and beasts, into the unfathomable underground Labyrinth, across distant lands, and into forgotten ancient ruins. Only through becoming a master arcanist who understands the true nature of the world can Mirian hope to stop the apocalypse she relives through time and time again. If she fails, everything she loves will be lost. ‍ What to expect: - Slow burn power progression - A clever protagonist who changes as the story moves from arc to arc - Expansive world-building full of complexity and secrets - A focus on magic - Intrigue and spell-flinging fights - A rotating cast of characters in each arc - Starts slow, then picks up speed

[Mommy Villainess (The Lady with the Crab Mallet)]***[Original book cover. Artwork by Artist Michiro for WN Author sola_cola.]***In Tilly's past life, she was a villainess who neglected her husband and son for power. Then, the “real woman of the prophecy” came and took them away from her. When she failed to seize the throne for herself, she was executed for all the crimes she committed.Then, came her rebirth.She wants to meet her son again so she vowed to be a good person this time. Good enough to seduce Captain Kiho--- her husband in her past life.But soon, she realized that flirting with the captain is the least of her worry. After all, she discovered that her “evilness” in the past was caused by the true villain--- someone who wanted her dead to steal the special power that she didn't know she possessed.Power that has something to do with the Four Ancient Beasts of the Moonchester Empire: The Red Phoenix, the Blue Dragon, the Golden Tiger, and The Black Serpent.Apparently, she's the Beast Priestess...... and her lineage isn't supposed to exist anymore.Because of her blood, there are people who want her gone.So now, aside from having a happy life with Kiho and their son, she has a new goal: to burn down the b*tches who want to ruin her family again.***[EXCERPT]***[‘Why am I so horny tonight?’]Tilly thought to herself while sucking the crab leg suggestively. And then, she noticed that Captain Kiho gulped while staring at her mouth.[‘Ah, I’m not the only who’s hot and bothered here.’]She didn’t know if it was the alcohol in her system or her desperation to have a child…… but she suddenly felt like flirting with him.They were bound to get married and have a child together anyway.“Captain,” said Tilly as soon as she pulled the crab leg out of her mouth. “I can clearly see that we’re both attracted to each other. Shall we spend the night together?”Kiho remained pokerfaced but she saw panic cross his now glowing yellowish eyes. Ah, the captain was flustered. “My lady, you seem to be really drunk.”She walked towards him and when he didn’t move an inch, she stood in front of him and looked up at him with a grin. “Captain, are you the type of man who will only sleep with his betrothed?”“That seems to be the case, my lady.”He said that as if he was forcing the words out of his mouth. Plus, she could see in his eyes that he was conflicted– that it was hard for him to reject her.[‘Aw, I didn’t know that I have this kind of effect on my ex-husband.’]Or perhaps she just didn’t pay attention in the past.“Captain, I have a solution to your problem,” said Tilly in a playful voice. Then, she stood on her toes and whispered in Kiho’s ear. “Let’s get married.”

Bai Xianyu was a famous beauty known for her delicate and beautiful appearance, captivating everyone with her heavenly charm.

Xie Xingyun, on the other hand, was the legitimate son of the Marquis who gained fame at a young age, earning a reputation throughout the capital.

In her past life, Bai Xianyu’s biggest regret was persistently pursuing marriage with Xie Xingyun. But even after they got married, he remained cold and indifferent, never truly loving her.

Until one day, both were reborn back to the time when their marriage was being discussed.

The elder brother of a young general held a long spear and declared, “If he wants to marry you, he must get through me!”

The second son of a wealthy family said arrogantly, “Apart from being poor, what does this guy have that can compare to me, your second brother?”

The powerful third brother sneered, “My delicate sister must have been deceived by you, you scoundrel!”

The fourth brother, a newly appointed top scholar, looked dashing as he said, “What’s the point of marrying? Brother will study hard to support you…”

Bai Xianyu was taken aback and regained her senses, saying, “Alright… I won’t marry.”

Everyone rejoiced at her decision.

Xie Xingyun stood silently outside the door, gazing down at her smiling face from a high vantage point.

News spread quickly in the capital that Bai Xianyu had given up on marrying the legitimate son of the Marquis, causing numerous suitors from prestigious families to rush to the general’s residence. They saw her ignore their advances and talk happily about marriage with others.

Xie Xingyun, who was always cold and noble, climbed over the wall of the general’s residence in the middle of the night after getting drunk.

“… You said you wouldn’t marry anyone but me,” he said.

Bai Xianyu bit her lip and replied, “Lord Marquis, please restrain yourself. These are my chambers.”

“I am your husband.”

……………………………………………………………

Dear readers! Without any ads, maybe you will prefer .

Ding!『You have acquired the skill: [Universal Language] – All tongues shall now bend to your understanding.』『You have acquired the skill: [Dimensional Exchange] 』『Item Detected: [Gold Coin x50] 』Initiating Currency Exchange…Exchange Rate: 1 Gold Coin = $1,000 USDConverting [50 Gold Coins] → [$50,000 USD].....Kael Lancaster grew up believing his family was ordinary—until he discovered that his estranged grandfather, Theodore, was a multi billionaire.Struggling with his family's debts and uncertain future, Kael decides to approach his grandfather and move into the Lancaster estate, becoming the old man's caretaker. For two years, he endures the family's contempt and Theodore's cold indifference, clinging to the hope that his loyalty will one day be rewarded.But when Theodore dies, the will delivers a brutal blow: Kael inherits nothing.Or so it seems.However, His grandfather had left him something else.A portal through which he could travel to another world—Kael can trade between worlds, amassing power beyond imagination.