Divorce? Perfect Timing Since I’m Afflicted with an Incurable Disease

Iris is known as the “Icy Lady.” Born as the only daughter of a certain marquess family, she became the wife of Duke Matthew of the Krum Duchy a few years ago and has never once smiled. Given this, it’s no surprise that she hasn’t been able to build a proper marital relationship. Not only did she never share a bedroom with her husband, but they never talked, and started to not even see each other as time passed. One day, Iris noticed something unusual about her health. She began experiencing occasional, excruciating pains in her chest. “It’s ‘Frozen Heart Syndrome,'” the doctor declared. The doctor called in an incurable disease. A curse from a witch of ice said to have lived in a distant northern country. Those afflicted with this disease have their hearts slowly freeze over. And within about a year from the onset, they inevitably die. A few days after receiving this diagnosis, her husband, Matthew, informed her of their divorce. “Since I’ve contracted an incurable disease, this is perfect timing,” Iris said, leaving behind only those words as she departed from the ducal household. That was supposed to be the end with her husband… or so she thought. But for some reason, Matthew chased after Iris—

Original Publisher

syosetu

Original Language

japanese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Divorce? Perfect Timing Since I’m Afflicted with an Incurable Disease This web novel certainly took me on a ride! "Divorce? Perfect Timing Since I’m Afflicted with an Incurable Disease" is a blend of romance, fantasy, and tragedy that explores themes of self-discovery and love against the backdrop of a magical world. It’s a relatively short read, and while it has its charms, it's not without its flaws. ### First Impressions Initially, I was intrigued by the premise. A woman with a terminal illness deciding to divorce her husband? That's a bold start. I anticipated a journey of self-discovery, perhaps a poignant tale of embracing life's final moments. The European-esque setting and hints of magic only added to the allure. ### What Works Well The plot, though somewhat convoluted, kept me engaged. The protagonist, Iris, evolves from a seemingly repressed noblewoman to someone actively fighting for her life and happiness. Her decision to seek a cure, even against the odds, is admirable. I found myself rooting for her as she journeyed north, encountering bandits and ultimately, a possible solution to her "ice heart disease." The romance aspect, while not the primary focus, is sweet and satisfying, with the ex-husband showing genuine devotion and willingness to wait for Iris. The integration of magic, fairies, and witches adds a layer of intrigue to the story. ### Areas of Concern One aspect that felt a bit underdeveloped was Iris's internal struggles. While the story touches upon her difficulty expressing herself and the burdens she places upon herself, it could have been explored more deeply. I feel like there were missed opportunities to delve into her psyche and motivations. The magic system, while present, could also have been explained more thoroughly. Some aspects felt a bit rushed, particularly the climax and resolution of the central conflict with the ice witch's seal. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Okay, here's where things get a little spoiler-y. The revelation that Iris's disease is actually a seal protecting the world from merging with a fairy realm is a major plot point. And the solution – dividing the sacrifice needed to reseal it amongst 100 people – is certainly creative, albeit a bit convenient. ### Final Verdict Overall, "Divorce? Perfect Timing Since I’m Afflicted with an Incurable Disease" is an enjoyable read, particularly if you're looking for a relatively short fantasy romance with a touch of tragedy. While it has some flaws in terms of character depth and world-building, the engaging plot and satisfying resolution make it worth a read. I'd give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.