The Wicked Wife’s Dark History Keeps Coming Back To Haunt Her - Chapter 82

“I heard that in Osk, it’s customary to decorate one’s body with beautiful art for important occasions. Are you Her Highness, the Princess of Osk?”

“Yes! I am lost. I need help.”

Was it because she had just dealt with that insufferable Duchess Nord?

The Princess’s golden eyes sparkled with gratitude, as though she had found a savior, and Nina couldn’t help finding it endearing.

“If Your Highness is looking for the banquet hall, then you’re in the right place. As Princess of Osk, a state guest, you absolutely belong here.”

“Is this right place?”

“Yes, indeed. But why…”

Just as she was about to ask why someone of her status had arrived alone—

A man’s urgent shout interrupted.

“…Adela!”

It was the Crown Prince of Osk, Armin, who had only just realized his sister’s absence and was now approaching quickly with a retinue of attendants.

Like the Princess, he had orange hair and golden eyes, a healthy tan, and a muscular physique.

Unlike Ash, whose dark features gave off a sleek, powerful air like a black panther, the Crown Prince had a round-eyed, puppy-like charm.

Without concern for the attention they were drawing, he began speaking rapidly to the Princess in Oskian, his expression clearly one of frustration.

Just when Nina had finally secured a chance to get close to the Princess, the Crown Prince had to interrupt—what luck.

‘Still, I made a good impression, so perhaps that’s enough for now.’

With the Princess being scolded, it didn’t seem right to linger nearby. Nina decided to quietly return to her place, knowing there would be other opportunities.

However, as she was about to leave, the siblings both turned to look at her.

“……?”

“…Ahem, excuse me. I am Armin von Abbot Osk, Crown Prince of Osk.”

“Nina Bayern. It’s an honor to meet the heir to the throne of Osk.”

Nina offered a faint smile and greeted him with a formal Imperial bow. The Crown Prince replied in fluent Imperial,

“I’ve heard you helped my younger sister when she was in need. I was so startled by her sudden disappearance in a foreign land that I may have shown a lack of decorum before my sister’s benefactor.”

Understandably, he must have been anxious when his sister disappeared in a foreign country.

“Please don’t worry. I fully understand your concern, Your Highness.”

In truth, it was heartwarming to see such a close sibling bond.

‘I, on the other hand, declared a clean break from my family without even valuing them…’

After stealing her grandfather’s signet ring and using a forged letter to pressure a court decision.

What had she told her grandfather, her mother, and her father?

“Are you saying you’d rather see me divorced? I’d rather die than face that kind of disgrace!”

“Are you really willing to cut ties with us? Your actions have brought not only you but the whole family to suffering!”

“Then consider me a daughter no longer. It’s better than having parents who would make me a divorced woman.”

The melancholy was fleeting, for the Crown Prince’s eyes soon sparkled, just as his sister’s had earlier.

“Thank you for your understanding. If it’s all right, might I have the chance to repay you?”

Nina felt a pang of guilt—she hadn’t approached with entirely pure intentions, so she declined politely.

“If the state guests enjoy their time here, that’s all the thanks I need. It wasn’t much of a help anyway.”

All she wanted was for him to share a favorable impression of her with Their Majesties.

“But…”

The Crown Prince took a step closer, looking disappointed.

“What’s going on, Wife?”

A tall figure suddenly appeared, stepping between her and the Crown Prince.

It was Ash.

“Honey?”

He turned his head toward the now-frozen Crown Prince, his faintly furrowed brow and the cool glint in his eyes betraying a hint of wariness.

‘Anyone would think he was jealous.’

To someone unaware of the dynamics between them, that’s certainly how it would seem.

But here, no one would think that.

With the Emperor, Empress, and other royals expected to arrive in the banquet hall shortly, it was only natural for an Imperial nobleman to be cautious of any unfamiliar guests.

To break the awkward silence, Nina decided to introduce them to each other.

“Honey, this is His Highness, the Crown Prince of Osk, and this is Her Highness, the Princess.”

At this, the Crown Prince’s expression froze in shock as he asked a question.