How to Survive as the Wife of the Monster Duke - Chapter 232

Considering the circumstances, it was improbable that highly skilled knights would be present. Nevertheless, this level of ineptitude was disheartening.

“It’s not that much of a loss that Viscount Arlene’s knights perished,” Aden commented, touching her forehead. Her heart sank for a different reason.

Ilyn had endured perilous times under the escort of such individuals—or rather, without the proper escort she should have received.

“…”

Aden silently swallowed her simmering frustration.

“What’s the situation in Delrose?” she inquired, just to be sure. Milo provided a clear response.

“No casualties. However, the whereabouts of the Terry group are currently unknown.”

“Duke Leon must have dispatched his own knights.”

“That’s correct… They attempted to approach only after their own knights were attacked.”

The situation was far worse than they had initially perceived. Arden set aside his pen and chuckled ruefully.

“So, we have no idea where Terry’s might strike next?”

When he ceased writing, Milo spoke in a cautious, subdued tone.

“Yes… We know the general location, but as it’s another family’s territory, our freedom of movement is limited.”

By now, the Duke of Leon’s movements had surely caught the attention of other influential families. Any family situated in the southern region would have become aware of the monstrous presence as well. Given these circumstances, an increase in vigilance along the boundaries of B.P.T. would not raise suspicions.

“Just keep an eye on the location and maintain a strict alert in the surrounding area,” Aden instructed.

There was no one else present except for Ilyn. In Aden’s view, given their inability to comprehend the movements of the nearby monster group, the situation was perilous even within the confines of Duke Leon’s residence.

“I will follow your orders,” Milo affirmed, bowing deeply. He, too, was a Delrose who never wished to witness Ilyn’s injury again.

****

Ilyn found herself immersed in a dream—a rare occurrence for her. Upon glimpsing the mobile device symbolizing precognitive dreams, she instinctively sought out Aden, only to realize her regret.

“She said she would come after a brief report, really…”

Attempting to wait, her fatigue eventually overtook her, causing her to fall asleep.

“Just a moment, Ilyn.”

“Are you feeling lonely?”

Aden, emerging from her room rather late to soothe Ilyn’s “loneliness,” perhaps contributed to her improved slumber.

“…”

Upon awakening, Ilyn, her cheeks flushed, surveyed her surroundings. It had been some time since she had dreamt alone, but it no longer held the same fear it once did. Her trust in Delrose ran deep. She knew they would surely receive a positive report, much like Aegis, who had triumphed overwhelmingly in the preliminary rounds.

The finals of the equestrian competition awaited them the following day.

“Please invite me again next time!”

The lively voice of a lady resounded in her dream. In this dream, Ilyn found herself in a room that didn’t resemble the Duke of Leon’s surroundings she had seen before falling asleep.

“Madam, it was a brief but enjoyable time.”

The departing individuals were all noblewomen. Glancing around her room, Ilyn detected a familiar ambiance. While the gathering differed from Countess Danette’s tea party, it was unmistakably the same room where the previous tea party had taken place.

It appeared as if she was being invited to a small social event in the southern region. Ilyn left her room, following her dream-self.

“I truly enjoyed our time together. If the opportunity arises, I would love to see you again.”

“Then it would be my honor.”

Her gracious hostess bid her farewell with a smile. As Ilyn stepped out of the mansion’s front door, she was met with a sprawling hillside. She couldn’t help but notice that the mansion’s walls appeared quite low compared to the Winter region, where towering walls were built to fend off monsters.

“Once again…”

In her dream, Ilyn took a step forward while waving goodbye. In the distance, a carriage came into view. Aegis and several other knights stood by the carriage, adorned with the emblem of Bifflten.

“Aegis came today?” Ilyn inquired with a smile in her dream. Aegis greeted her politely.

“You’re spending time with Duke Leon.”

It was evident that he was choosing his words carefully, being outdoors. Ilyn, in the dream, burst into laughter, fully aware that this gathering might not be entirely enjoyable for Aden.

“I’ll have to comfort you when you return.”

Ilyn whispered softly as she boarded the carriage. Aegis, riding a horse alongside the carriage, offered a brief bow.

“I’m sure you will.”

The carriage, with Etra and Mille as Ilyn’s escorts, began its journey to Nice. In her dream, Ilyn watched the carriage disappear into the distance.

Was this the conclusion of her foresight? What did this dream foretell? Her attention turned to the mobile device, which was vibrating within the carriage. It was at this point that the carriage had been traveling along the road for quite some time.

“Hehehe!”

Suddenly, the carriage began to slow down. Ilyn within the carriage seemed not to grasp the situation just yet, but it was vividly apparent in her dreaming eyes.

Black-scaled monsters surged through the darkness. Just as she had seen in her precognitive dream, they took on corporeal form and bore down upon the carriage.

“Madam, please stay inside the carriage.”

It was Etra’s voice. The windows inside the carriage were shrouded by blinds. In no time, Etra leaped out of the still-moving carriage.

Ilyn observed Etra’s poised stance as she alighted from the carriage that had yet to come to a halt.

“Everyone, be on guard!”

Etra cried out, brandishing her sword high. This signaled all the knights of Delrose, including Aegis, to draw their blades.

“Strike!”