The Wicked Wife's Dark History Keeps Coming Back To Haunt Her - Chapter 103

She knew exactly when he had gotten angry.

The moment she had said she would allow him to have an affair, his gaze had changed in an instant.

“Honey.”

“…Speak.”

“I wasn’t pushing you to meet other women. I don’t even think you’re the type to do that.”

“……”

“You brought up the courtesan first, testing me—trying to see if I still liked you, if I was still obsessed with you. That’s why I said what I did.”

When Nina linked her arm through his, as if leaning on him for support, the chill that had been simmering beneath his expression softened just slightly.

“Now, let’s go to Her Majesty the Empress. We need to hear the results.”

Nina’s gaze met Rebecca’s from across the room.

Rebecca stood before the Empress with a confident smile—only to have it wiped from her face moments later.

“After observing both of you over the past four days, I have determined that the one who best embodied the spirit of this imperial event is Duchess Bayern.”

The victory was Nina’s.

“Your decision to open a consultation booth in a coffeehouse—was that influenced by the Chief Justice?”

The Empress regarded Nina with a pleased smile.

“Moved by the devotion Their Majesties have for their people, I was deeply influenced by my grandfather, who holds Your Majesties in the highest regard. I pondered how best I could assist in fulfilling Your Majesties’ will.”

Nina modestly deflected the credit, attributing it to her grandfather.

This was a message—a signal of reconciliation to the grandfather who had distanced himself out of disappointment, as well as to her family.

I’ve truly come to my senses.

You don’t have to worry about me causing trouble anymore.

“I didn’t expect you to have such deep thoughts.”

“How could they compare to the depth of Your Majesties’ love for the people? It is embarrassing to receive such praise when I have done so little… In truth, I was only able to complete everything safely because my husband supported and helped me.”

“Duke Bayern?”

The Empress looked genuinely surprised as her gaze flicked toward Ash.

“…From beginning to end, it was all accomplished through my wife’s efforts alone.”

Honestly, he could just accept some of the credit.

Nina shot Ash a brief look.

Even if her husband was naturally beloved by the imperial family, there was no way the incident in the warehouse hadn’t reached the Empress’s ears.

She had intended to share some of the recognition to help smooth over his record.

Well, whatever. As long as we’re married, we’re technically of one body and mind.

At least this way, she wouldn’t be restricted from speaking during political meetings like in her past life.

And besides, she’ll be heading back to the private room soon, so what could possibly happen?

Staying here too long risked Rebecca picking a fight, and more than anything, she wanted to take off this suffocating dress and rest in something comfortable.

“Honey, I’m really exhausted today, so I think I’ll head back to the private room first.”

“Let’s go together.”

“Huh? But…”

Shouldn’t he stay and socialize, maybe enjoy the ball a little?

It wasn’t like he was in poor condition, unlike her.

When she looked at him in confusion, he added, almost as if making an excuse,

“If I let you leave alone on a night like this, I wonder what Their Majesties would think.”

“Oh… That’s true.”

After all the effort they had put into acting like a harmonious couple, it would seem suspicious if one of them suddenly left alone.

For most couples, it might not be an issue, but they were the Duke and Duchess of Bayern.

“…Never mind. Honey, I have an empty stomach—let’s at least eat something before we go back.”

Since he had been by her side almost the entire time, he likely hadn’t eaten anything either.

Her own appetite was gone because of how unwell she felt, but that wasn’t the case for him. He needed to eat something.

“Then wait for me on the balcony. I’ll be there soon.”

Nina nodded and stepped onto the balcony.

But just as she did, she heard voices from the balcony next door.

She had been about to sit down when she recognized one of the voices—Rebecca.

Immediately, she stilled.

Of all people…

She wasn’t sure who the others were, but at least one of them was definitely Rebecca.

Might as well listen in and see what she’s saying.

“…Even so, I can’t help but be concerned. Her Majesty must have her reasons, of course, but everyone knows Duchess Bayern’s conduct is disgraceful.”

It was Rebecca who spoke first.

‘I was wondering when my name would come up…’

Nina let out a quiet chuckle.

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