The Wicked Wife’s Dark History Keeps Coming Back To Haunt Her - Chapter 90

“Y-Yes, I’m fine, Madam.”

A large pot lay on the ground, hinting that the woman was likely a cook’s helper. She looked pale and was drenched in sweat—probably dizzy from the heat.

“I’ll take care of this, so you go rest. You don’t look well.”

“B-But…”

The woman glanced nervously at Catherine’s dress, seemingly unable to move because of the mess she had caused.

“Handling situations like this is what people like me are here for. Don’t worry about it and go take a rest.”

“T-Thank you, Madam.”

There wasn’t much the woman could do by staying here anyway. How could she ever afford to replace such a costly dress?

Better if Nina were to handle it—and perhaps improve her notoriety as well.

It seemed to be working, as Catherine now looked at her with a gaze dripping with gratitude.

***

The area managed by House Nord was Central Park.

Central Park was vast enough to need a carriage to get around, so the conditions were better than the packed square, but that didn’t mean it was pleasant.

‘Filthy pigs.’

Rebecca wrinkled her nose at the commoners seated at outdoor tables.

Ladies from noble families were wandering among the tables, teaching them about tea leaves, brewing techniques, and tableware etiquette—all parts of high society culture.

But the commoners’ main focus was clearly on the food.

While they feigned interest at first, soon enough they were holding their teacups improperly, slurping tea, and grabbing snacks with dirty hands. They ate in a rush, like pigs at a trough.

The heat and their uncultured behavior made Rebecca seethe with irritation.

‘Why must nobles be dragged into feeding events for these pigs every year?’

Still, Rebecca kept her smile firmly in place. After all, a lady’s life demanded restraint, even in her private thoughts.

“Madam, I’ve returned.”

Rebecca lowered her voice as her lady’s maid, who had been sent to spy on the Central Square, reported back.

“So, what is Duchess Bayern up to now?”

“No need to worry, Madam. She’s at the coffeehouse chatting idly with her maid.”

“Doing nothing at all?”

“Yes. I watched her for quite a while, but there was no noteworthy activity.”

Seeing that dimwitted look on that wench’s face after her suggestion toward the Empress last night, Rebecca was already confident of her victory.

‘But it’s strange that she would ignore her duties even under the Empress’s watchful eye…’

Rebecca frowned, deep in thought, before shaking her head.

Whatever the Duchess did, it wouldn’t make much difference. Even if she made an effort, it was unlikely her volunteering would stand out, and any lackluster performance would only count against her.

“The Empress must be so disappointed,” Rebecca snickered.

Despite the unexpected display at the banquet that had briefly shaken the rumors of discord between the Duke and Duchess of Bayern, if the Empress grew disappointed in her…

Nina Bayern’s social standing would fall even further. Rebecca’s lips curved in anticipation of what the future might bring.

***

In front of Central Square, at the coffeehouse.

This coffeehouse was a spot Nina had reserved long before her return, with the intention of lounging here while others busied themselves with their volunteer work.

That was her plan last year, and this year she had reserved it for the same reason, though she was using it differently now.

“Madam, are you sure about this?”

“It’ll be fine.”

Having just returned from delivering Miss Catherine Barrington to her parents, Nina sipped her lemonade and lazily swung her foot.

“The people of the Barrington family live by the creed: return kindness twofold and grudges tenfold. My daughter was spared embarrassment thanks to you, Madam. I will never forget this kindness.”

It felt surreal to hear words from the past repeated again.

‘Being a returnee sure has its perks.’

She was curious about how exactly the Barrington family would repay the favor.

For now, her spirits were high thanks to the unexpected alliance with Baron Barrington from earlier in the morning.

While Nina enjoyed her relaxing moment with a cheerful smile, Marsha, with a tense expression, bit her lip before finally speaking up.