How to Survive as the Wife of the Monster Duke - Chapter 236

“Ilyin is attending the social gathering.”

“Yes, it’s an event hosted by Lady Elret, the Marchioness.”

Aden had never heard of the Elret family, but that didn’t necessarily mean it wasn’t significant. Still, he couldn’t take this lightly, especially considering Ilyin’s recent revelation:

“It’s a secret.”

Aden didn’t want to burden Ilyin with any more worries. It was time to keep his promise to her—to make sure she didn’t have to walk the gravel path with those gentle feet of hers.

“Have you investigated Lady Danette’s gathering?” Aden asked, and naturally, it was Milo who responded. Today, he was disguised as an ordinary servant.

“Yes, it seems there’s another one during the equestrian competition.”

Of course, Ilyin couldn’t attend the gathering since she was here. Aden nodded briefly in understanding.

“The attendees?”

Milo handed him a piece of paper containing a list of those invited to Lady Danette’s event. It included “Lady Moena.”

“Is there a list of those invited to Lady Elret’s gathering as well?”

“Yes, Lady Danette has a wide network, so she received an invitation early. She’ll be attending with some of her close friends.”

Aden shifted his gaze as he turned to the next page. The paper listed the approximate topics of discussion that had come out of Lady Danette’s gathering, which Ilyin had missed.

The event was strictly women-only, which meant that dressing up as a woman came with various difficulties, even for someone as skilled as Milo. However, the Delrose clan had several operatives skilled in infiltration, including female agents.

One of them was, of course, “Agent Eni.”

Aden’s indifferent gaze fell upon the name, and he continued to read. As he delved deeper into the content, he couldn’t hide his displeasure.

“She’s trying to challenge the Duchess’s authority.”

He knew better than anyone that the rumors weren’t true. Ilyin wasn’t that kind of person. However, this time, the rumors were harsher.

“Agent Eni, has Moena visited the southern region recently?”

Aden glanced at Milo. Milo nodded.

“Yes, it was an inconspicuous carriage, but it’s confirmed that she made contact with Amyd von Loen on her way back.”

That meant they knew who had dared to insult Biflten. Aden’s lips curled into a small smile.

“They’re stooping pretty low.”

He was well aware that the rumors weren’t true. Ilyin wasn’t the kind to fear being discarded, not anymore.

Regardless of what kind of past Ilyin had, it didn’t matter to him. Whether Ilyin chose to discard those who feared her or not, the power of choice lay solely in her delicate hands. He wanted her to wield that power to assert dominance.

“It’s just a weak attempt to provoke.”

Aden put the paper down and stared at the name “Moena.”

Lady Moena… The act of buying titles was a serious crime under imperial law. Falsifying one’s age on official documents to appear underage was an even graver offense. Once the truth was revealed, Lady Moena would lose not only her pitiful title but also the “tiger” she had lured into her clutches—Roen von Leon.

“Let her be a burden Ilyin will never have to deal with again.”

Perhaps the handmaiden’s social activities would last no more than a week. She would pay the price for daring to meddle with Ilyin. Aden smiled.

“I will take responsibility.”

Milo lowered his head deeply in acknowledgment.

****

The distance from Lord Leon’s mansion to Lady Elret’s mansion was quite significant. Since many prominent southern noble families were staying at the Roen estate, Lady Elret chose to host her gathering in a villa near the Leon mansion.

Naturally, Lady Leon had also been invited. As a gesture of goodwill, she sent generous gifts, considering she was bringing guests to the Roen mansion. She even provided separate attendants for Lady Leon. It was all part of the elegant etiquette of high society.

Thanks to Lady Elret’s consideration, Lady Leon accepted the invitation with a cheerful heart. There was more to Lady Leon’s gesture, however. She sent a luxurious carriage and an escort to accompany the guests. This was likely due to the recent incidents involving monsters near the Leon estate.

While many families accepted Lady Elret’s hospitality, some prominent ones politely declined, mostly because they had brought enough knights for protection. Among them were the Biflten family.

“I’ll be on my way,” Ilyin said with a bright smile. Aden, however, felt quite uncomfortable.

“Are you sure you’ll be fine?”

He couldn’t accompany Ilyin to the gathering today. Unfortunately, he had scheduled activities with Lord Leon this afternoon. Aden wished he could decline, but the Beaufort family needed to be active in public events to establish their presence.

They planned to enjoy a day of hunting in the woods until evening, followed by the banquet. In other words, it would be a long day.

“Aren’t you concerned, Aden?” Ilyin reached out to him from inside the carriage. Aden joined her in the carriage.

“I’m sorry,” he said, “but I can’t go with you today. Lord Leon has scheduled events.”

Ilyin’s expression turned stern. “You know…?”

Aden knew that she didn’t want to trouble him further. It was time to keep his promise to her—no more gravel paths with those delicate feet.

“I understand,” Aden said, his tone filled with regret. He gently kissed the back of Ilyin’s hand.

“I’ll be there to meet you as soon as I’m done.”

Aden wished he could stay longer but had to attend to his responsibilities. He brushed her hand lightly before reaching up to stroke her arm.

“I will be back,” he assured her.

Ilyin smiled, her eyes filled with warmth as she embraced him. She nestled into his warm embrace, and in that moment, she whispered in his ear.

“Even if you can’t make it, don’t worry.”

Her warm breath brushed against his ear, sending shivers down his spine. Before he could react, she pulled away.

“Ilyin?”

Aden watched as Ilyin moved away, puzzled by her words. She smiled at him reassuringly.

“Don’t worry.”

He knew that he wouldn’t be able to make it, but it didn’t matter. In her premonition, Aegis had clearly stated that Aden would be spending time with Lord Leon. So, even if he couldn’t come, there was no need to feel disappointed.