The Wicked Wife's Dark History Keeps Coming Back To Haunt Her - Chapter 117
âIf you dislike the Dunklin family, Madam, then you should at least attend somewhere else. The Reginald family is not suited to your status.â
âI wonât accept objections. Iâm going there.â
Nina cut off Melanieâs advice without hesitation.
She had asked Melanie to stay by her side and help her, but that didnât mean she intended to follow all of her opinions.
âAnd besidesâŠâ
Court painter.
An artist who observes and records the daily life of the imperial family in drawings, someone who remains in their shadow, always near power.
âHis name was Henry, wasnât it?â
For now, he was merely the second son of an undistinguished Viscount, but once he became a court painter, he would be granted the title of Count and rise as an emerging figure within the imperial palace.
But Nina wasnât trying to befriend House Reginaldâs second son for that reason.
She planned to leave behind the life of a noble after her divorce. Such things held no importance for her.
The reason Nina intended to visit the Reginald estate was to purchase Henryâs early and practice works before he became a court painter.
Once he became a court painter, he would follow the imperial family everywhere and be tasked with recording their daily lives through his art.
Since most of his time would be spent with royalty, his freedom to paint what he wanted would be severely limited.
Which meant that the works he created before that point would skyrocket in value.
That had been true for every court painter in history.
The position of court painter was reserved for those recognized as the finest artists of their time, and it was the highest position an artist could attain.
âIf I can become his patron, even better.â
As a patron, sheâd gain the right to purchase Henryâs works before anyone else.
Sheâd been wondering how she would support herself after the divorceâeven if she received alimony.
If she could just get her hands on Henryâs paintings, she wouldnât have to worry about money when the time came.
Even handing over just a few pieces to House Bayern would be more than enough to offset all the money Ash had poured into her dressing room.
âBut⊠how did he end up becoming a court painter?â
About half a year from now, his value would skyrocket.
The problem was, she couldnât remember what exactly triggered itâŠ
âIf that is Your Graceâs decision, I believe it would be best to inform His Grace first.â
âAh, of course.â
Naturally, just like the head maid, he would be assuming she planned to attend the Dunklin Marquisateâs charity event.
âIâll go speak with the Duke first.â
After confirming that Ash was currently having tea, Nina went to see him.
ââŠDid you say youâll be attending the Viscount Reginaldâs banquet instead of the Dunklin Marquisateâs?â
When Ash asked with an expression that said he couldnât understand what he was hearing, Nina nodded.
âYes. I donât know if youâre aware, but Marquis Dunklin has a poor reputation. Even the foundation he operates has plenty of shady aspects.â
âIâm aware of that. However, setting that aside, Iâm asking because House Reginald doesnât seem like a reasonable alternative.â
Now that he mentioned it, he had a point.
She was the only one who knew that the Reginald familyâs second son would become a court painter.
Nina racked her brain like rolling a stone, but no matter how hard she thought, she couldnât come up with a convincing reason for visiting the Reginalds.
âW-Well, I just liked the artwork.â
âThe artworkâŠ?â
âThe care put into the invitation illustration is just so beautiful. And if you donât want to come with me, Iâll just go alone.â
Nina smiled sweetly and held out the invitation to him, as he looked at her with an expression of disbelief.
She just said she liked the drawing. What was he going to answer to that?
***
At the Reginald Viscountcyâs manor, Henry, the second son, was anxiously staring out the window.
A noble young lady who turns seventeen formally introduces herself to Her Majesty the Empress of the Nesman Empire.
This is whatâs known as the official dĂ©butante presentation.
And once she completes her debut, she is treated as a quasi-adult and begins participating in balls and social events in search of a future spouse.
Today was the day of the ball celebrating his younger sisterâs seventeenth birthday.
Er_amaral26@
Yesss!!! So glad sheâs finally using her future information in order to make some cash! I always love that aspect of regression storiesđ Canât wait to see her rolling in cash while everyone around her looks confused hehe đ