How to Survive as the Wife of the Monster Duke - Chapter 226

Lady Danette’s small social gathering was quite popular. Ilyin also easily mingled with the noblewomen there. The ladies couldn’t leave her alone. Among them, hardly anyone knew just how powerful Biflten was in the sun. Yet the title of Duke itself carried weight.

There was no harm in keeping a connection. Apart from political motives, Ilyin’s charm was reason enough. Stories from the winter region were just as fascinating. In short, there was plenty of gossip that would keep the bored noblewomen interested. It was around the time Ilyin returned from Lady Danette’s luncheon.

“Be careful.”

Of course, Aden was by her side, escorting her. As they entered the hallway, Milo naturally followed behind the two. Ilyin wasn’t surprised; she had deliberately given a signal. Though Aden merely nodded slightly as if asking if he should come along, Ilyin’s eyes widened.

“You’re dressed as a servant today?”

Ilyin knew Milo was skilled at infiltration, but seeing his appearance change was always fascinating. Anything he wore seemed to fit perfectly.

“You’ve returned.”

After a deep bow, Milo responded.

“Now is the time when the mansion’s servants are most active.”

It seemed he was aware of every detail. Ilyin acknowledged his greeting with a slight nod.

“There are a few matters I’d like to report.”

Milo began his report when the two arrived at Aden’s office.

“I’d like to hear what Ilyin would be most curious about first.”

Ilyin looked up at him. He smiled mischievously.

“I’d like to hear if the Delrose mission in the southern region was properly dispatched.”

Although Milo’s words were directed at him, his gaze was fixed on Ilyin. A warm gaze. Ilyin leaned her head slightly against Aden’s hand that was resting on her shoulder.

“Oh, it was dispatched without any issues. We started with reconnaissance of the nearby areas, but there was no mention of Terry in the reports.”

According to Milo’s report, it meant Terry hadn’t initiated the attack according to her foresight.

“Well, then we might be able to see where and how Terry will appear.” She spoke without even realizing it.

Milo slightly bowed his head, waiting for orders. Aden had the same thought, so he stayed still. This led to an odd silence settling in.

“Ah…”

Was she being too forward? Ilyin flinched momentarily. It was a habitual flinch, a bad habit picked up from the Arlen mansion. Aden brushed his fingers against her cheek.

“You should give him the command.”

Her tone implied that giving orders was only natural for her. No, it was actually natural.

Among the Delrose, there was no one who didn’t pledge allegiance to her. Ilyin looked up at Aden.

Could she really give an order, just as she pleased?

“Aren’t you their sovereign?”

Aden took Ilyin’s hand and raised it. His firm hand gently enveloped her fingertips.

“Like moving these fingertips,” He whispered softly. “Command him.”

Command Delrose, command me.

It was a magical, devilish whisper. Ilyin regained her composure after a momentary wavering. When she had sent troops from the mansion to fend off Yeuster’s forces, it had been a desperate situation that required courage. But this time, she was designing a slightly more distant future with her own hands. To take one more step forward, she had to release the last chains in her mind herself.

“―In the sun, Terry will appear.”

Ilyin, who had closed her eyes, opened them and spoke with a calm expression.

“At that time, investigate how they appear in the sun, which path they take, and why their ethereal forms attack the village instead of their physical forms.”

Milo nodded briefly.

“I accept this mission.”

****

A few days later, an invitation from the Biflten estate arrived again. It wasn’t the usual ornate envelope sent by Lady Danette. Ilyin tensed briefly when she saw the letter with a golden border. She wondered if it was from the royal family.

[From Amid von Roen]

It was a letter from Amid. Ilyin narrowed her eyes.

The memory of his earlier impoliteness during the last gathering had come back to haunt her. Since the letter had been sent to the Biflten estate, it was immediately handed over to Aden.

“…Equestrian competition?”

Aden, having unfolded the letter, had a similar expression to Ilyin’s.

“Oh, is it the equestrian competition held in the southern plains?”

Ilyin reacted to his words. Aden tilted his head slightly. He gestured to Ilyin.

“Would you like to go together?”

There was no reason to refuse, so Ilyin approached him. There were only two of them in the office. Ilyin’s footsteps echoed in the quiet room. Having read the contents of the letter, Ilyin nodded.

“Exactly. It’s held in the southern plains. I’ve heard they hold it every two years.”

Aden, who had spent winters at the estate, wouldn’t have known about events taking place in the south. Moreover, he couldn’t have sent invitations to the winter region from Roen Manor, so it was natural that he didn’t know about it. The southern plains were well developed and known for their equestrian competitions. Nearby families would all participate, but it was rare for invitations to be sent as far north as the winter region.

“There wouldn’t be any reason to send an invitation, right?”

Aden narrowed his eyes. Ilyin, still quietly examining the letter, suddenly spoke.

“I thought you only rode carriages in the winter region.”

Aden looked at her. Ilyin, perched slightly on his thigh, continued.

“Since there’s so much snow in the winter region… Of course, after going there, I realized that we needed to move quickly to catch monsters, but…”

She noticed that the sender was Amid von Roen. Amid didn’t seem to be overly cautious during the gathering.

“Since Amid hasn’t been to the winter region either, could it be that he thinks Biflten’s knights might not be able to handle horses on the plains or don’t know how to ride at all?”

Amid wouldn’t have any reason to specifically invite Biflten to a favorable event. When you think about it, Biflten wasn’t the place where I was humiliated, was it? While horses were used to pull carriages, there was a distinction between carriage horses and those used in equestrian competitions.

“There’s also a mounted archery competition, it seems.”