The Grandmaster Strategist - Volume 1, Chapter 1: A Destitute Scholar

A powerless woman’s worst nightmare is marrying someone against her will. When those who are supposed to protect her betray her in the vilest of ways, Leonor is forced to marry a Duke known for his cold nature and repulsive appearance. After a miserable childhood, it shouldn’t have been a surprise to her that her future was never truly in her hands in the first place.Duke Desmond de Montclair was nobody before the war. He garnered the King’s favor by doing the impossible in battle. Unfortunately, any achievement is eclipsed by his appearance and unbearable personality. In a kingdom that idolizes beauty, there is no room for someone like him.At first, Leonor finds life with the Duke to be what she’s used to - walking on eggshells and never speaking what’s truly in her heart. Eventually, things slowly start to change as the Duke learns about the horrors she faced while living with her family. His power becomes the key to her revenge.However, in a moment where she feels cornered, Leonor confesses to the Duke that she’s in love with someone else. The progress she has made with the Duke comes crashing down around her.Will her magic abilities be enough to convince the Duke not to throw her out? If she can make herself useful to him, perhaps she can gain his sympathy somehow…

Chu Zhi crossed the parallel world and became the top streamer in China, with hundreds of thousands of comments on Weibo updates.

Because of playing big names, plagiarizing new songs, hidden marriages, and derailing, a series of small fresh meat that has become a paste.

The start of the day is broken, and fortunately [personality system] does what most stars dare not do, and you can get points and draw the blind box.

So-

“Famous singer-songwriter Chu Zhi has a hangover, seeking inspiration for new songs.”

“Being late to the show and playing big names? No! Artists work and rest differently.”

“Chu Zhi’s unrestrained and unrestrained nature has the style of Wei and Jin celebrities.”

Chu Zhi said: “People are too good at making up their minds for talented people.”

- Description from novelbuddy

In the Kingdom of Zarethrone, justice isn’t served by a blade or exile it’s served through pleasure.A land where one can escape death... if they satisfy the desires of royalty. Where punishment comes in the form of seduction, and the King's rule is wild, wicked, and erotic.Prince Kaelith, the only heir to the throne, is forbidden from lying with any man.In a kingdom ruled by lust, his desire for a man is the only crime he must never commit. But when secrets swirl, forbidden hearts awaken, and his body begins to crave what the law denies… how long can he obey the rules of his father’s kingdom?Hale is a poor, rebellious son of a village blacksmith. He didn’t expect to catch the eye of Prince Kael. And he didn’t expect Kael’s gentle hands, stolen glances, or whispered promises in the dark.But falling in love with the prince is illegal as a Man. Forbidden. Deadly.As their hidden romance grows under royal eyes, from royal chambers filled with whispered moans to courtroom punishments that ignite passion, every chapter drips with sin, secrets, and the battle between pleasure and power.In Zarethrone, no one is truly innocentAnd pleasure is the only way to survive.Warning: This story contains mature themes, erotic punishments, LGBTQ+ relationships, and royal affairs not suited for readers under 18.If you're ready for a royal fantasy like no other, add to your library, leave a review, and join the journey of His Majesty’s Secret.

“Ah, Young Master, Cassius?...I'm afraid you'll be dissapointed to hear that he's not available at the moment as he's 'attending' to his adopted mother in her room.”Cassius's lovely maid, Isabelle said in a fluster while she heard lewd sounds escape from her Mistress's room.“No, I'm sorry to say that you can't meet Young Master today, since he's 'helping out' his sister-in-law with some 'favours' in her garden.” The innocent Isabelle excused herself as she witnessed her lady's flower being picked, instead of the rest of the flowers in the garden.“I hate to say this sir but Young Master, Cassius is currently guiding Miss Knight in the 'ways of the sword', so you can probably only meet him tomorrow.” Isabelle once again blocked the guests from entering, knowing that the sword her Young Master was handling could penetrate a body, but could never wound one.“I apologise once again as Young Master is at the Capital right now teaching a class to the female students in the Academy.” Isabelle said with her cheeks flushed, already knowing that her master was taking a very 'practical' lesson about human reproduction with the girls in his class.“Oh my! The King wants to meet the Young Master?...Well I guess he'll have to wait since Young Master, Cassius has gone clothes shopping with the Queen.” Isabelle lied to the King himself, knowing that her Young Master wasn't shopping for clothes and was actually removing the royal clothes off the Mother of the Country.Excuses...Excuses...The loyal maid, Isabelle had no choice but to make excuses for her Young Master, who was the most talked about and hated noble on the Continent because of his depraved escapades with all sorts of woman ranging from his own Family to Royalty itself and his Tyranical rule over his estate.And to think that not too long ago he was considered a wastrel noble, who was going to drink himself to death one day....When did it all begin she wondered as she excitedly walked into his room to get the reward she deserved for being such a loyal made, while someone else made excuses for her this time.•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•[No NTR - No Yuri - No sharing - No system that assists the protagonist - No mind control - No drugs or potions that influence the girls - No unnecessary Drama - Incest - Harem - Hardcore Netori - Slice of Life Romance - Demigirls - Elves - Vampires - Beast Girls - Slaves - Royalty - Finally a very competent protagonist]