How to Survive as the Wife of the Monster Duke - Chapter 217

“Today was enjoyable,” Ilyin said.

The nobles’ daily routines started in the afternoon. As a result, the appointed time for their meetings could only be in the evening.

“I hope you can come to the next gathering as well.” Lady Danette, the Countess, held Ilyin’s hand as she stepped out of the room, greeting her repeatedly. Ilyin smiled warmly.

“You’re always welcome at such joyful gatherings.”

“Thank you.”

Lady Danette gestured to the butler, indicating her desire to have the Count’s knights escort their esteemed guest. At that moment, Etra leaned close to Ilyin’s ear and whispered softly.

“Madam, the carriage is waiting outside.”

It was rather mysterious how Etra, who had been with her the whole time, knew about it. Ilyin blinked but didn’t doubt Etra’s abilities.

“Lady.”

Ilyin gently called Lady Danette, who was about to give orders to the butler. Lady Danette turned to her.

“Thank you for your consideration. However, there are Bilften people waiting outside.”

“Oh my!”

Lady Danette approached the window, and Ilyin followed her gaze. There, she spotted Bilften’s crest-adorned carriage.

Unlike Nos’ extravagant style, Delrose’s carriage was practical and elegant.

At that moment, Aden was stepping out of the carriage. His black hair sparkled in the surrounding lights of the Count’s estate.

It was undoubtedly scorching in the summer sun, but he was dressed quite lightly.

“Oh, come personally,!” Lady Danette exclaimed, not sure how to react. Ilyin blushed. She didn’t forget the fact that the gathering was supposed to be an exclusive event for noble ladies. Aden hesitated at the entrance and chose to wait beside the carriage.

Then he looked straight up at the window.

“Oh my!”

Lady Danette’s eyes widened in surprise, resembling those of a rabbit. Ilyin smiled gently and waved at him as if greeting him from afar. Aden’s gaze was clearly fixed on her.

“Do you want to go down and see him quickly? It might be better,” Lady Danette suggested in a friendly voice.

Ilyin chuckled. If it were Aden’s eyes, she would have recognized not only the wave but even his expression.

“Well then, see you again next time,” she said, without specifically mentioning the fact that they shared a lovely secret.

“Aden.”

As Ilyin stepped out of the mansion, Aden hurriedly approached her and escorted her. Etra, who had been gently holding her hand, respectfully handed it over to her Lord.

“I’m glad Ilyin had a pleasant time,” Aden said with a warm smile.

–

Aden exchanged a brief greeting with Lady Danette, the Countess. As a duke from the secluded Biflten family, he was not well-versed in the customs of high society. However, even in Biflten, there were etiquette rules that demanded not to go to a visit empty-handed.

A person who followed from Acid Summit handed a small gift box to one of Lady Danette’s maidservants. Seeing Ilyin’s eyes widen, Aden whispered softly to her.

“This is something from Biflten. It may not be as extravagant as Nos’ offerings, but… it seems you showed some interest in it,” he remarked.

It was probably from the time she spent in the dressing room with Delrose’s maidservants. Ilyin blushed.

Oh my. Even when you’re not with me, you seem so curious about those brief moments.

Aden gestured slightly to Ilyin, and she understood his intention. At this gathering, it was Ilyin who was the main focus, not Aden. He stood behind her as if he were just an escort. Therefore, this gift was not from the Duke of Biflten but from the Duchess of Biflten to the hostess of the gathering.

Ilyin spoke to Lady Danette as if she already knew.

“This is something from Biflten. I prepared it especially because it seems you have an interest in the winter regions.”

You wanted me to say this, right? Ilyin glanced up at Aden. Their eyes met briefly, but it was enough to convey the message.

“Oh my. Such a precious gift,” Lady Danette blushed as she looked at the gift box.

“I apologize for any inconvenience caused today,” Ilyin replied with a bit more heartfelt greeting.

“Well then, sometime again,” Ilyin said as she turned away. Aden slowly escorted her to the carriage.

“Did you enjoy it?” Aden asked with a brief smile. Ilyin smiled back. She was certainly not entirely pleased. Being in the midst of the social competition was not entirely enjoyable.

Moreover, even Lady Danette, who invited her to the gathering, seemed uneasy about her upcoming marriage. So it was only natural for Ilyin to not feel great.

And on top of that, even thinking about the maid—now Mrs. Moena, became difficult, let alone maintaining a smile.

“It’s okay.”

“Hmm.”

But Aden noticed that her response was a bit delayed. Aden hugged her suddenly.