How to Survive as the Wife of the Monster Duke - Chapter 216

It’s fine here, not just in the Winterlands. Ilyn remembered blushing slightly when she asked Milo to join her in the bridal chamber.

At that time, Milo was completely taken aback and didn’t know what to do.

That seemed like a long time ago. Back then, everything felt as unstable as a thin layer of ice that might break at any moment, and she couldn’t take a step.

It was, but now, it was different. Ilyn knew the ground she was stepping on was solid ice.

“In return, Bilften has been very considerate.”

They held the wedding early because it was going to get colder.

The noblewoman burst into laughter at her words.

“We must have had the wrong impression of His Grace the Earl.”

They were probably referring to terrible rumors about Aden. Ilyn smiled warmly at Lady Arlen’s words.

“You are quite strict about public and private affairs.”

As she didn’t know how Aden would use his reputation, there was no need to point out that he was so gentle and sweet. Ilyn chuckled softly. She thought, Maybe I’m getting a little greedy. I want to keep that sweet side to myself.

“The stories of the Winterlands are very intriguing. The scenery must be incredibly beautiful.”

Moena, who had remained silent until then, spoke up. Though her tone was slightly strained, it sounded deliberately fabricated and awkward to Ilyn’s ears.

“It may not compare to the Imperial Palace, but still.”

“Oh, I see. I heard that Lady Danette recently visited the Imperial Palace.”

Moena, the lady of the mansion, threw a question, and Lady Arlen followed along with the pretense. Lady Danette covered her mouth with a fan.

“Just a short visit to the outer palace as a sponsor. Princess Edna kindly invited me and my daughter.”

“Oh, my!”

The noblewoman exclaimed in admiration. Then, as if waiting for the right moment, Moena brought up another question.

“By the way, have you, the countess, ever been to the Imperial Palace?”

The noble women gaze turned to her, and the other noblewomen exchanged glances.

“Well, of course…”

“You must have received marriage approval, right?”

Some tactless noblewomen whispered, and Lady Danette’s movements stiffened slightly. Etra, with her sharp eyes, caught even those subtle movements.

Ilyn also noticed a pause in Lady Danette’s actions. It was at that moment when the secret of the recipient’s name, “Ilyn de Bilften,” on the invitation letter was revealed.

Lady Danette was undoubtedly aware of it. The fact that she had not been granted the title of countess by the emperor.

Notwithstanding, in most cases, invitations were extended first, even without approval. She would present herself in society, and later, if she were officially granted the title, she would become the lady of Bilften and the first to marry into the Bilften family.

Of course, it was possible to establish a connection with the Bilften.

But what if?

It was well-known that the Bilften’s hadn’t had any dealings with the Imperial Palace for a long time. If they felt the slightest discomfort with the imperial family and, therefore, were not granted the title of countess,

Addressing someone as a countess who hadn’t received approval would become a grave offense. That might be the reason for her chosen title.

The atmosphere at the gathering turned chilly. The whispering noblewomen sensed the change and fell silent.

“You must have visited, right? Of course.”

Moena smiled knowingly.

She’s asking what she already knows.

As a countess, she was part of only two families in the Empire. If it were any other Korean- American family, they would be granted marriage approval under the name of the Imperial family without having to personally meet the Emperor. However, since the marriage of a countess was a significant event, the Emperor would give his approval directly.

But her marriage took place without a sound. There was no rumor about her visiting the Imperial Palace.

“…”

“…”

An odd silence settled in the room. The noblewomen also had a curious gaze, albeit discreet. As it was considered impolite to ask such questions openly, they refrained from doing so.

One noblewoman raised her head confidently and quietly criticized Moena for asking such a question.

“How can you ask about matters related to the Empire’s ruler…”

Inquiring about affairs between other families and the imperial family was a serious breach of etiquette. The only one unaware of this fact at this gathering was Moena.

“Well, she’s originally from…”

“Shh.”

Only Etra, sensitive to sounds, caught the quiet voice.

“Discussing matters from the Imperial Palace…”

Ilyn interjected. She was well aware that Moena had struck a nerve. In fact, even Aden had not mentioned any plans to visit the Imperial Palace.

“It’s cautious to refrain from discussing such private matters in a setting like this.”

Ilyn smiled softly. But this was the right approach, and it was a kind of counterattack. It was practically a reprimand for how one could bring up discussions that should take place in the Imperial Palace in a private setting like this.

Unintentionally, her own voice turned sharp, and Ilyn was taken aback. Moena’s face turned red.

“Ah, I…”

It was clear that she realized her mistake only then. She must not have thought beyond attacking this side of the matter.

Etra’s gaze scrutinized Moena. Being a former maid, it would have been difficult for her to grasp such noble etiquette.

“I apologize.”

Moena fanned herself several times with a reddened face.

“Madam, they say there’s a game in winter where you build something from the snow…”

Lady Danette deliberately shifted the topic with a loud voice. Other noblewomen joined in, creating the appearance of a lively discussion.

Moena stood up after fanning herself for a while, saying, “Would you like to take a breath of fresh air?”

Despite the invitation, Lady Danette did not rise, clearly signaling her intention to stay seated. Moena turned away with a contorted face.

Click, clack, the footsteps sounded loud as she moved further away.