The Wicked Wife's Dark History Keeps Coming Back To Haunt Her - Chapter 40
Could I ever escape the worry about the ending, even for a moment?
‘But then again, it seems like getting this guy’s help might be a good idea.’
While pondering what to do at the charity event, an idea suddenly came to mind, but Nina dismissed it, thinking it would arouse unnecessary suspicion.
If she kept Hozi by her side, her husband would be reassured.
It would be like having CCTV installed.
Nina, her smile fading, subtly asked the quizzical Hozi.
“By the way, do you have some time to spare after lunch?”
“Time, hmm…?”
The lazy tone of his voice and his manner of speaking when something puzzled him were equally annoying.
Nina put strength into her brow to stop it from furrowing.
What was the big deal about asking for help from a guy who had laughed and waved at her misfortune if it could make the remaining year in high society smoother?
“It’s because I have something to ask you regarding the upcoming charity event hosted by the Imperial Family.”
“If it’s a charity event, can’t you just utilize your specialties, Madam?”
Tea parties, clothing tips, jewelry appraisal, and such.
‘This guy…’
He didn’t seem to think she would take it seriously at all.
But she couldn’t give up so easily.
There was nothing nobles valued more than events involving the imperial family.
Feigning indifference, Nina began to share her plan with the uninterested Hozi.
“I recently had an idea…”
As her explanation continued, a light of surprise began to appear on Hozi’s previously indifferent face.
“…Hmm, the intention is good, but is there a specific reason you need my help?”
“You are a person of deep insight and legal knowledge. I’m asking for your help. I promise sufficient compensation, so please assist me.”
After silently observing her for a moment, he broke into a smile.
“Alright. If my lady needs help, it’s my duty as a vassal to assist.”
Nina’s face brightened at his unexpectedly easy acceptance.
“Thank you, really, thank you!”
Though his personality was sly, and he likely had a reason for accepting her proposal, it didn’t matter.
With Hozi by her side, she wouldn’t be subjected to unnecessary suspicion.
***
Recently, most of the discussions about Nina among the servants were positive.
For instance, they no longer had to strain their eyes working late into the night by dim candlelight since additional staff had been hired.
The bedding, once dirty and smelly, had been replaced, making sleep more comfortable.
They appreciated being able to use soap without worrying about it being noticed.
Having spare uniforms meant they didn’t have to wash clothes daily, and so on.
Her leg injury, sustained while saving Ash, had also come to light, generating goodwill within the household.
However, that didn’t mean perceptions of her had completely changed.
After breakfast,
Ash was walking to his office when he instinctively silenced his steps.
Ahead, the maids were exchanging nervous remarks.
“…She’s been quiet for a while, so why are we being summoned?”
“I don’t know, she’s probably going to make us do something weird again.”
Their conversation was troubling.
“Hey, doesn’t it tell you something that she ate breakfast alone? If they had really reconciled, would they still be eating separately?”
“Right, it hasn’t been that long since everything went crazy. They wouldn’t suddenly be on good terms.”
“Anyway, let’s hurry. We don’t want to be late and get scolded.”
His usually composed face began to crease with a frown, and his lips twisted angrily.
“…….”
Of course.
Pretending to be hurt, pretending to have changed.
No matter what, bad habits die hard.
He knew exactly what kinds of demands his wife made whenever she summoned the servants.
This was his chance to suppress the guilt and confusion he had felt recently.
Changing his destination, he silently followed the maids with a cold, steely gaze.
