How to Survive as the Wife of the Monster Duke - Chapter 228

And beneath that, rumors spread that the host of Biflten was not a native of Essa but Lady Ilyin de Arlen, who had entered the Biflten family. Despite the long absence of an actual host in Biflten, Ilyin had quickly become active in high society.

A few nobles who had visited the Arlen estate in the Central Region knew that she had not made her formal debut but was well-versed in social circles. However, most people could only see her differently.

“Oh, well…”

Amd seemed to cough unexpectedly, as if he hadn’t expected her to come and greet him in person. The Biflten people who were silently watching him concealed their expressions in their own ways.

Why is that guy smiling? For a moment, his hand that covered his mouth revealed a faint smile underneath.

“Please forget the impoliteness from last time.”

I really didn’t expect this. Amid, who was smiling, glanced at Biflten’s knights. Could those who had only ridden horses in the snowy fields of the North perform well in the equestrian competition?

Leading highly skilled knights also elevated a family’s honor. Therefore, in these friendly competitions, the ranking is often directly correlated with the hierarchy. There were even cases where knights from a lesser-known family gave way to high-ranking nobles, showing them favor.

But it all hinged on skill. With significantly lower skills, one couldn’t hope to achieve a high ranking anyway.

“Thank you,” Ilyin said, nodding her head slightly as a form of gratitude, then turning away. Aden, who had naturally escorted her, spoke.

“Did you hear what the others were saying?”

Ilyin lowered her head slightly. She hadn’t heard the contents of their conversation, but she could well imagine what was being said. She lightly gripped Aden’s hand.

“I can guess how they’re talking.”

That meant she intentionally spoke loudly, which was something only Ilyin could do among the Biflten people who were not familiar with high society. Avenging with a sword was not Del Rose’s only method; as the host, she was the only one who could prevent unnecessary battles before they even began, ensuring that they didn’t take place on the dangerous battlefield.

Yet, she didn’t diminish Biflten’s standing. She understood honor.

“After being attacked, it’s not Del Rose’s way to stay still,” Ilyin chuckled. Aden’s eyes widened briefly at her words, then he lightly kissed the top of her head.

“Den!”

There are so many people watching! In her eyes, which seemed to scold him, there was an undeniable fondness.

At that moment, Ilyin, who had unconsciously shifted her gaze, paused. Aden gently covered her eyes.

“Don’t lend a kind ear to the insignificant ones,” Aden whispered very softly. Many nobles were present because the event was hosted by the Loen family. However, his use of the term “insignificant ones” was due to the Arlen family’s banner that he had noticed at the far end of his gaze. His eyes gleamed coldly.

****

The equestrian competition hosted by the Loen family grew in scale with each iteration. This time, it had expanded significantly, with plans for preliminary rounds. The purpose of the preliminaries was to pit knights from families with high rankings against each other again, determining the final rankings.

The winning family was set to receive a special banquet and gifts prepared by the Loen family. The same conditions were extended to inspectors who participated as individuals, provided they won.

Of course, that was contingent on victory.

“I’ll be off then,” Aegis said, calmly as always. Ilyin watched him raise his greeting and then shifted her gaze to knights from other families.

Many of the knights were participating with items belonging to their hosts or families. Some had handkerchiefs tied around their wrists, bearing their host’s name, as a means to elevate their host’s honor by winning.

However, Ilyin had no intention of giving Aegis a handkerchief. It was already her responsibility to ensure that the knights, who were already suffering from the sun’s heat, didn’t have to wear additional layers.

Instead, she wiped the sweat from Aegis’s wrist and glanced briefly at Aden.

“If it’s Aegis, he’ll surely raise Ilyin’s honor.”

He was undoubtedly a skilled knight. Smiling, Ilyin unfastened Del Rose’s necklace from her neck instead of giving him an item.

“For me, for Aden, and for the honor of Del Rose, run hard.”

Etra handed Aegis the necklace. With widened eyes, Aegis respectfully lowered his head.

“I will do my best.”

The equestrian competition hosted by the Loen family grew in scale with each iteration. This time, it had expanded significantly, with plans for preliminary rounds. The purpose of the preliminaries was to pit knights from families with high rankings against each other again, determining the final rankings.

The winning family was set to receive a special banquet and gifts prepared by the Loen family. The same conditions were extended to inspectors who participated as individuals, provided they won.

Of course, that was contingent on victory.

“I’ll be off then,” Aegis said, calmly as always. Ilyin watched him raise his greeting and then shifted her gaze to knights from other families.

Many of the knights were participating with items belonging to their hosts or families. Some had handkerchiefs tied around their wrists, bearing their host’s name, as a means to elevate their host’s honor by winning.

However, Ilyin had no intention of giving Aegis a handkerchief. It was already her responsibility to ensure that the knights, who were already suffering from the sun’s heat, didn’t have to wear additional layers.

Instead, she wiped the sweat from Aegis’s wrist and glanced briefly at Aden.

“If it’s Aegis, he’ll surely raise Ilyin’s honor.”

He was undoubtedly a skilled knight. Smiling, Ilyin unfastened Del Rose’s necklace from her neck instead of giving him an item.

“For me, for Aden, and for the honor of Del Rose, run hard.”

Etra handed Aegis the necklace. With widened eyes, Aegis respectfully lowered his head.

“I will do my best.”