The Wicked Wife’s Dark History Keeps Coming Back To Haunt Her - Chapter 66

Judging from Ian’s maturity and the fact that he had been forced to apologize by the homeroom teacher, it seemed likely that even if something like this had happened, Ian hadn’t mentioned it.

If Ian had been the type to complain about everything, the teacher wouldn’t have acted the way he did.

“It’s fine. If Richard gets expelled, Count Azelot will no longer have a way to reach the academy.”

“Well, that’s a relief, but…”

“And when the time comes, they won’t have time to pay attention to Ian.”

Nina let go of her remaining concerns. If Ash said it would be fine, it surely would be.

After all, this was the man who had erased even the powerful Taylor Duchy from history in just three years. Bringing down the Azelot County, like he had done with her own family, wouldn’t be difficult for him.

‘Come to think of it, that potion that man gave me, I had it put aside for Melanie… I wonder if he plans to use it for something?’

She had instructed the head maid to store it, but had completely forgotten about it. If Ash planned to take down the Azelot family, there was a good chance he’d use it.

Although she wasn’t yet at a point where they could discuss every detail, just the fact that he was mentioning this meant…

‘It seems like Ash’s feelings have softened a bit from this incident.’

In the past, he wouldn’t have given her even the slightest clue about his future actions. The fact that he was casually sharing such thoughts now meant the emotional barrier between them had loosened.

“Anyway, you’ve worked hard. Get some rest.”

It was just before the world turned dark. After being away from home for four days, her body felt heavy, and she desperately wanted to bathe and collapse into bed.

Thinking about soaking her tense muscles in a hot bath, she was about to step inside the mansion when…

“…Wait.”

“Yes?”

Nina turned around with a puzzled expression at the faint voice calling her.

Under the twilight sky, Ash was looking at her with an expression she had never seen before.

…What should she call it?

There wasn’t a hint of a smile, but strangely, his expression seemed soft.

His steady ash-gray eyes seemed to hold a warmth she hadn’t noticed before—though the thought passed quickly.

“…Thank you.”

He broke the brief silence, leaving a mysterious word of gratitude as he walked past her.

‘What? Did I hear that right…?’

Did he just thank me?

Nina stood there blinking in surprise, then covered her mouth to stop herself from shouting. He had actually thanked her.

It felt like all her efforts, despite expecting to be scolded, had been worthwhile. The thought that her actions hadn’t been in vain made her eyes sting with emotion.

If she could just make it through the next few months without any major issues, she could achieve her goal of a safe divorce without worrying about karma.

After savoring the feeling of accomplishment for a while, she composed her expression and headed up the central stairs.

“Madam, you’re back?”

Melanie, who was organizing a mysterious box in the lobby, greeted her. Nina nodded in response.

“Was there any trouble?”

“No, nothing in particular, but I will give you a report in the morning. Also, you’ve received some gifts, Madam.”

“For me?”

It wasn’t her birthday, so why were there suddenly gifts?

At Melanie’s glance, the maids approached, holding boxes in their arms. Nina checked the card tucked between the ribbons.

“…These are from Marquis Saldersford and Duke Granvil.”

Was it because of the events at the banquet?

Originally, she had planned to head straight to her bath, but perhaps because it had been so long since she’d received a gift, she suddenly felt the urge to open them, like a long-awaited delivery.

“Shall we bring them to your room?”

“Yes, I’ll check them in my room.”

No matter how eager she was to open them, she couldn’t do so in the lobby.

“Let’s see…”

Once in her bedroom, she opened the lids of the boxes the maids had placed down.

Inside were various medicinal items said to be good for scars, and tea sets. At a glance, they were clearly expensive items, and both families had coincidentally sent the same gifts—medicinal supplies and tea sets.

‘I guess it’s well-known that I collect tea sets.’

Recently, she had sold off several sets to raise funds for a budget, but thanks to Marquis Saldersford and Duke Granvil, she could fill that empty space.

‘I had been bothered by the empty shelf in the dishware storage room, so this is perfect.’

Since she’d received the gifts, she’d have to write thank-you cards tomorrow.

‘And now… it’s almost time.’

Time to go to the capital.

“…They’ve slept in separate rooms for two years. If His Grace doesn’t want to leave the family inheritance to his nephew, he will probably take a concubine instead…”

That mocking voice, filled with joy over her misfortune, echoed in her memory.

Nina shook her head as if to rid herself of the painful memory she would never forget.

Enough with the gloomy thoughts. She needed to wash up and get some sleep.