The Wicked Wife's Dark History Keeps Coming Back To Haunt Her - Chapter 177
Tea Party at the Nord ducal residence.
Tea parties at Duke Nord’s residence were typically held in the conservatory.
In estates of a certain size, the conservatory—or glass greenhouse—was an excellent space to show off one’s wealth and refinement.
In that sense, Rebecca once again held today’s tea party in the conservatory, and the admiration plainly visible on the guests’ faces served to restore her fractured pride, if only slightly.
“As expected, everyone recognizes the Nord residence’s glasshouse. I’ve been to many tea parties, but nowhere does the fragrance of tea carry quite like it does in your conservatory, Lady Rebecca. Thank you so much for the invitation.”
“The pleasure is mine. I’m delighted you’re enjoying my tea party.”
Rebecca exchanged polite pleasantries with the guests, maintaining a composed smile.
Today’s main topic, without question, was the recently held hunting festival.
However, in Rebecca’s presence, any mention of the Duke and Duchess of Bayern had to be avoided.
Everyone knew of Rebecca’s long-standing unrequited love for Duke Bayern and her resentment toward his wife.
More importantly.
They had all been present at the banquet hall, and they had all seen the murderous glare Rebecca had shot toward Duchess Bayern.
Uttering even the ‘Ba’ in ‘Bayern’ in front of her would surely not end well.
Thus, the guests limited themselves to casually boasting about their husbands’ hunting skills.
“…Come to think of it, I heard Countess Crest will be hosting a tea party soon. Has anyone here received an invitation?”
“House Crest? Weren’t they the ones who recently made a fortune investing in trade ships? I heard they earned enough to buy ten villas in the capital alone…”
“That must be why they’re holding a tea party again after such a long time.”
The House of Crest.
Though it was a count’s family, its land holdings were relatively small, and with low tax revenue, Rebecca had quietly looked down on them.
But if they’d made a significant profit from trade investments, perhaps it would be worth establishing some connection with them.
That thought flickered for only a moment before.
‘Did I receive an invitation from them?’
Rebecca thought carefully, then realized she hadn’t received one. Her brow furrowed.
If a lesser-ranked count’s family wanted to climb higher in society, they should at least try to curry favor in every direction.
It was so absurd that she scoffed. But still, throughout the tea party, Rebecca was plagued by a strange, unpleasant feeling.
There was something oddly uncomfortable about the atmosphere among the gathered ladies.
In the past, such gatherings had been far more cheerful, but now it felt… strained, as if everyone were forcing their smiles.
…A vague, indescribable discomfort.
Rebecca, lips pressed tightly, kept observing the situation when she flinched at a remark from Viscountess Bellasis.
“If we’re talking about Countess Crest, I actually have a bit of a connection with her. Oh, that reminds me, for the upcoming tea party, Duchess Baye—”
Duke Bayern. Or his wife.
As soon as that name that was practically taboo in this setting had slipped out, a sharp glint flashed through Rebecca’s emerald eyes.
“…Are you saying Duchess Bayern is attending Countess Crest’s tea party?”
Viscountess Bellasis gave a reluctant, awkward smile.
“Ah… yes. That’s what I heard.”
That woman, who hadn’t attended any other family’s gatherings, why was she going to that one?
“Have you also been invited to the event, Madam?”
“Yes, I have…”
To Rebecca’s question, delivered with a faint, curious smile, Viscountess Bellasis nodded.
At that, Rebecca’s crimson lips curved into a meaningful arc, as if scheming something.
* * *
Today was the day of the Crest family’s tea party.
The clothes Ian brought back from the academy were fine for wearing at home, but they weren’t suitable for attending a party.
Thankfully, the outfit she had ordered a few days ago arrived on time, allowing Nina to dress Ian up properly.
‘It was definitely worth making that reservation in advance.’
In front of Count Crest’s mansion.
Nina admired Ian, who stood tall and lovely like a young nobleman.
If this had been a gathering full of children Ian’s age, his overwhelmingly striking appearance would have stood out like a crane among chickens.
If this were modern times, he’d probably be cast as a child actor on the spot.
ReadingRainbow9266
Damnit, I love my drama, but I truly don’t want that damn Nord to ONCE AGAIN ruin things. Also, she wants even invited. To use someone else’s invite to once again harass Nina… god WHEN WILL THEY DO SOMETHING ABOUT HER!!!