The Wicked Wife’s Dark History Keeps Coming Back To Haunt Her - Chapter 85

Being entrusted with the care of imperial guests was a sign of the Empress’s complete confidence. There was no way Nina would let such an opportunity slip by. She bowed her head modestly, expressing her gratitude.

“I am honored, Your Majesty, that you trust me with this responsibility.”

At that moment, Rebecca, who had been waiting nearby for an opening to join the conversation, smoothly stepped forward and spoke up.

“Your Majesty, if I may be so bold as to offer a suggestion?”

“Hmm, go ahead.”

“If the purpose of these guests’ visit is to gain insight into Nesman’s culture, then ensuring their time here is meaningful is of utmost importance.”

Rebecca’s point wasn’t wrong, and such subtle competition was common. However, openly displaying an internal rivalry in front of the foreign royals was another matter entirely, and the Empress gave her a slightly uncomfortable look but nodded.

“…That’s true.”

“Furthermore, I’m sure there are many who would love the chance to interact with the royals of Osk. Would it not be wise to extend this opportunity to others as well?”

“The event spans four days, after all. Perhaps by entrusting this responsibility to a select rotation of attendants chosen by Your Majesty, everyone could have a fair chance.”

Rebecca finished her proposal with a self-assured look directed at Nina, a confident smile suggesting she was sure she would be chosen.

‘Does she want to compete with me…?’

Nina’s expression turned amused at Rebecca’s sudden challenge.

She wasn’t worried about the outcome. In fact, she was confident of winning.

***

After the banquet ended, Rebecca returned to the Garnet Room, discarding her ladylike facade.

Clatter!

She threw down her hairpin, followed by her earrings and necklace, sending them clattering to the floor.

She couldn’t forget the sight of the Duke and Duchess of Bayern looking so close at the entrance of the banquet hall.

“Did you see the two of them whispering to each other just now?”

“They looked unusually close, didn’t they?”

“It’s such a contrast to the recent rumors—it seems they were just idle gossip, after all.”

“Honestly, the rumors never really made sense…”

Gritting her teeth, Rebecca recalled the conversations she had overheard, trembling with anger.

Given that they were usually like oil and water, even a small change drew attention.

To Rebecca, it didn’t seem like the two had truly grown closer.

‘The Duke… he must have received word of these rumors. That must be it.’

If gossip about his wife’s actions spreading around like wildfire reached him, it would be damaging to his household’s reputation. Surely, he was only trying to manage the situation.

Rebecca thought it was a reasonable move if they were in a political position where divorce wasn’t an option.

If not that, maybe he was just showing minimal courtesy after the incident at the Granvil manor, where that wench had apparently saved his life.

So it was only a matter of time before they returned to their usual distance. She tried to calm the bubbling jealousy within her.

But then,

“Madam, perhaps you should mind your own family matters and keep an eye on your own husband.”

When she saw her husband, Nina’s snide remark came rushing back, stoking her anger to an unbearable degree.

“What on earth have you been doing outside, Frederick?”

Frederick frowned, taken aback by her sudden outburst.

“What are you talking about?”

“What must you be doing out there for that woman to…!”

Just as she was about to continue shouting, Rebecca stopped, clenching her mouth shut. Repeating what she had heard felt beneath her dignity and wounded her pride.

‘Mind my husband? Who does she think she is…’

For someone who couldn’t even gain her own husband’s affection, to tell her what to do was completely overstepping.

“Look over there—your husband is ‘once again’ hitting on another woman.”

The word ‘again’ was surely part of Nina’s lie. Frederick had been chatting with other men, after all. Clearly, Nina had just wanted to rile her up!

“…What did she even say? I have no idea what you’re going on about. Stop overthinking things and get some rest.”

However, Frederick’s indifferent attitude only fueled Rebecca’s suspicions.