The Wicked Wife's Dark History Keeps Coming Back To Haunt Her - Chapter 84
She had tried to appeal a bit to raise her husband’s opinion of her, but it seemed she would have been better off not trying at all.
“By the way, instead of staying in a villa or a hotel, why don’t you use the bedroom here? I can just set up a spot on the floor.”
Why else would the imperial family assign them the Peridot Room? It was clearly a gentle warning from the imperial family, aware of the circulating gossip, to keep any marital disputes at bay within the palace. After all, peridot symbolized harmony between husband and wife.
“You usually don’t stay within the palace grounds, but if you do that today, His Majesty may feel disappointed.”
Not wanting him to think she was trying to make advances, Nina added this explanation, just to clarify her intentions.
“…Well, I’ll agree that, for once, you seem to have been helpful.”
Whoosh.
Nina looked up at him, eyes wide with disbelief. Judging by his cold, indifferent side profile, she might have thought she had imagined it, but she was sure she hadn’t misheard.
‘Is he giving me medicine after causing pain?’
It was a bit annoying, but it didn’t feel bad. It felt almost like the playful banter between close friends. At this rate, a peaceful divorce might not be such a far-fetched dream…
“…What are you doing?”
“Yes?”
“We should go greet Her Majesty the Empress.”
Lost in thought, Nina followed Ash’s gaze. The Empress, surrounded by high-ranking nobles and accepting their greetings with a gentle smile, was looking toward them.
“Let’s go.”
Nina walked with Ash over to the Empress.
“Salutations to Her Majesty, as radiant and noble as the moon that casts its light upon all creation.”
After she paid her respects, the Empress, with a warm and concerned expression, asked,
“I heard recently from Duke Granvil. How is your health, Duchess?”
“Fortunately, there’s nothing for Your Majesty to worry about.”
“Nothing to worry about, indeed. The very fact that you were injured is reason enough for concern.”
Seeing the Empress’s worried gaze, Nina smiled softly. The Empress, who usually disapproved of her behavior, was now showing genuine concern.
“Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I have recovered without issue, so please rest assured.”
“Still, I’ll have the imperial physician come later for a checkup, just to be certain.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Since the most powerful figure in society had openly expressed goodwill, Nina’s social life would undoubtedly be smooth for the time being.
“By the way, I heard about your actions from the Princess. Thanks to you, I, the Empress, was able to maintain my dignity.”
Not one to take credit like a stalker… Nina glanced at Rebecca, who was glaring at her from nearby, and turned to the Empress with a smile.
“It was due to Your Majesty’s teaching to always help those in distress.”
“No need to credit me. Teaching without practice is just dead knowledge—it was your own kindness that brought it to life.”
“I was simply following Your Majesty’s teachings, but I’m honored by your praise.”
The Empress appeared genuinely pleased.
She usually looked at Nina with a reserved gaze, but now her face glowed with an undeniable warmth.
“Duke Bayern.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“It’s not widely known, but these two are the children of my old friends.”
Osk was famous for its cultural sophistication, though its small size limited its influence, so this explained the Empress’s personal invitation.
“Today, your wife has done a great deed in safeguarding my honor. Her accomplishments are yours as well, so I am equally grateful to you.”
In other words, she was advising him to hold back on any cold treatment of his wife, at least for today.
Ash caught the hint of reprimand embedded in the Empress’s praise and lowered his head with a calm expression.
Crown Prince Armin, who had been listening quietly, also added his praise.
“My sister and I were deeply impressed by the Duchess’s thoughtful consideration. She was the only one here who welcomed us in Oskian and showed understanding of our culture.”
Nina felt her face grow warm.
…That was just a small gesture she’d learned from some cultural lesson, yet they were praising her so earnestly that she felt flustered.
It seemed that the phenomenon of national pride was universal—it felt like everyone cherished their culture and took joy in its recognition by outsiders.
Initially, Nina had only intended to increase her favor with the Empress a little, but the outcome was far beyond her expectations.
And it didn’t stop there.
“…So, I was wondering if you could accompany these two guests until they return to their homeland after the event ends?”
Er_amaral26@
Yes PLEASE
Let’s have the Crown Prince fully use that time to flirt with Nina, thereby making that a*s of a husband jealous and regretful. Please and thank you 
Juvyyy
y’all r being too mean to Ash
. He was literally emotionally abused by the old Nina, you can’t just expect him to fully trust her and erase all malice. Like come on now 