Tales of the Endless Empire - Chapter 22: Shifting Tides

In her past life, Michelle was an ordinary doctor who worked in a small hospital, but once in a while, a strange envelope would arrive at her apartment and she would take up a weaon and turn into a deadly assassin known for her stealthiness. But being a top assassin, Michelle had many enemies and ended up dying, only to wake up in the body of Michelle Grace, a pampered young miss in a world similar to ancient dynasties, except that cultivation existed there. Not everyone could cultivate, but Michelle Grace could.The original Michelle Grace was engaged to the Crown Prince, and he killed her before Michelle took over the body, so after making a deal with Michelle Grace's father, the Archduke, Michelle took on the name Grace and started a revenge plan on the Crown Prince, his lover, his mistress and his father, the Emperor.A bit troublesome: Michelle gained the attention of two men who together were the Dark Lord. They were horrifyingly powerful, so Michelle had to be careful around them. Luckily, they didn't have in their plans harming her, as they were intrigued by her constitution. Michelle possessed a rare blood, which they could use.

Summoning ceremonies can freely call forth even “those which lurk in the depths beyond the gods”. One boy has top-level abilities even among the cutting-edge summoners who can use those ceremonies. He is Alice (with) Rabbit aka Shiroyama Kyousuke. But this strongest boy summoner has a single fatal weakness. Certain “cursed words” spoken by girls: “Help me.”

When Kyousuke hears those words from Meinokawa Higan, a girl brought to the verge of death, he throws himself into a city where three great summoner forces clash!

Zephany Draven is a shy, clumsy celebrity journalist who is constantly ridiculed for not getting the big scoops. She is soft-spoken and easily intimidated, so she looks weak. However, behind closed doors, she's Eclipse, an altogether tougher, loud-mouthed agent and quite ruthless and efficient.Kendrick Montclair is a gentle, positive artist who loves his family and remains optimistic despite his struggles. His gentle nature makes him easy to take advantage of. But secretly, he's Obscura, a cold, ruthless agent who is efficient and silent.Both work as partners in a secret organization that preserves hidden truths erased by governments, yet they remain completely unaware of each other's true identities.Their goal is to reach the highest level of clearance to access classified information. But just when they're on the verge of success, they fail.Then, a mysterious man appears with an offer—a contract marriage in exchange for the information they desperately seek. Trapped with no alternative, they sign the deal.But neither expected what would happen next.-------------Kendrick and Zephany sat by the glass wall, waiting for their food when a car suddenly crashed through. Kendrick pulled Zephany to safety just in time, but both got small cuts from the broken glass.“Are you okay?” they asked, checking each other.To their astonishment, the cuts healed before their eyes.Their minds raced. “Beside me, the only person I know who has that ability is.”“No! She can't be that loud, short-tempered woman!”“No! He can't be that silent, obnoxious man!”“Did I marry my secret partner in crime?” They both shuddered at the thought.

There was a woman. Born as an illegitimate child and raised under the strict control of the queen, her world was as small as a well.

There was a man. He was forced to marry a woman who was his brother’s political marriage partner. His world, which was infinitely wide, became smaller.

The woman’s original sin, and the man’s resentment. “I should have just died instead…”