How to Survive as the Wife of the Monster Duke - Chapter 208

“If it is Duke Leon, then wouldn’t you have already known and come here?”

The Emperor spoke as if he knew. Duke Leon bowed his head.

“How could I dare to fathom Your Majesty’s thoughts? However, if by any chance you have heard stories about the regrettable person who revealed himself in my domain…”

“Oh.”

The Emperor exclaimed without any expression on his face.

“I bring a woman by his side, claiming that she is my wife and should be addressed as the Duchess.”

The Emperor narrowed his eyes. It was evident that his mood had become uncomfortable, prompting Duke Leon to bow his head.

“Your Majesty, I find it questionable that, as someone who has become your subject, he would dare to behave so arrogantly without even paying you a visit when your mind is already unsettled,” Duke Leon said.

As Duke Leon spoke out like this, it became easier for the Emperor to bring up the topic. No matter how troubled he was by the news of Duke, saying, 

Has he not shown a lack of respect by not greeting him even once? 

Indeed, Duke Roen was a favored individual.

“With the order of the Empire in place, how can someone who hasn’t received your consent dare to act as a duchess or engage in marriage? As someone who has been bestowed the Empire’s sword, I believe such an act is unacceptable,” Duke Roen’s voice echoed in the chamber.

“Summon her to the palace and govern with the authority of the owner.”

****

Even under the sun, Ilyn kept herself busy, unwilling to neglect her duties as the hostess of Biflten Manor, which was not far from the summer residence.

Aden was equally occupied. With Duke Biflten exposed to the sun, additional matters had arisen that needed to be handled.

“Don’t worry, Ilyn,” Aden reassured her. It was a response Ilyn wanted to give him. It was around this time that she could roughly grasp how affairs were being conducted at the summer residence.

[To Lady Ilyn of Biflten Manor] 

“Addressed to Lady Ilyn of Biflten Manor.”

Ilyn tilted her head slightly, wondering who could have sent it.

[Countess Dannet]

A peculiar feeling washed over Illyn as she read the letter. Setting aside other matters, why was she addressed as “Lady Ilyn of Biflten Manor”? Why not use the clear title “Lady Illyn, Duchess of Biflten”?

“Do you know her?” Etra asked. Ilyn nodded slightly. She was one of the women she had spoken with at Duke Leon’s gathering.

Most nobles dared not approach Biflten. Even though it had become clear that the rumors about Aden’s gaze hardening upon meeting someone were untrue, the majority of nobles still hesitated.

However, there were a few who courageously approached. One of them was Countess Dannet.

“I have many questions about winter, and if you ever have the time, would you be willing to enlighten me?” 

Countess Dannet’s words were polite, accompanied by a gentle smile. Etra seemed to ponder for a moment before responding.

“She’s the lady we saw at the gathering,” Etra remembered. She continued, her voice filled with conviction. “Her family is not hostile towards Biflten.”

Ilyn blinked in surprise. “How does Etra know?” After all, Etra had only spent time in the winter region. Etra laughed at her words.

“Naturally, I know a few things.”

It meant that the family was not included in the list of known enemies. 

“Ah…” 

To know the enemy meant to know the ally as well. It was a harsh yet reassuring fact. Etra didn’t seem like a simple maid from the beginning.

She said she picked up the sword for Delrose. But when it came to considering her a knight, something felt different compared to Aegis. Aegis had the qualities that one would associate with a “knight,” but at the same time, she possessed a rather open-minded approach. Someone who truly resembled a knight was Emil from the Knight Order. Ilyn recalled Emil, who was following in Yester’s footsteps. A person who strictly adhered to principles However, his loyalty ran so deep that it showed on his face. What kind of person was Etra in the past?

Ilyn glanced briefly at Etra. She wanted to ask, but if Etra was hesitant to speak, she didn’t feel the need to inquire further. Given their positions, even if Etra didn’t want to say it, she couldn’t refuse.

“…”

Etra seemed to understand what was on the mistress’s mind. She must be curious. However, she couldn’t mention that she hadn’t asked. Above all, it was a past that couldn’t be spoken lightly to this fragile, innocent mistress.

That’s why she only mentioned that she picked up the sword for Delrose. But she didn’t pick up the sword for such a pure reason. Etra observed the mistress’s profile as she glanced down at the letter again.

As if trying to find any trace of reluctance on her face.

How does the mistress regard Nos? The people of Nos may be considered to belong to Biflten, but what about Lidan, the elder of Nos?

What about their bloodline?

If Lidan is deemed guilty, there may be no mercy. Considering that they are suspected of sending assassins, if their guilt is confirmed, there will be no delay in their condemnation.

But what about the innocent child of Lidan? Is the child responsible for the sins of their parents or family? Should that child have died?