How to Survive as the Wife of the Monster Duke - Chapter 238

The chirping of birds perched on branches, the rustling of leaves as they brushed against each other in the wind, and the sound of carriage wheels rolling on the dirt road—all seemed peaceful. There were no signs of an impending attack.

“Now?”

Still, she didn’t doubt her lady’s words. Ilyin nodded slightly.

“When we return.”

“Ah,”

It was related to the letter that had arrived. Etra understood. She nodded in acknowledgment.

Ilyin’s visions were trustworthy, so she had carefully selected Delrose’s knights to be particularly skilled in combat. Nevertheless, she wanted to offer her lady some peace of mind.

“Of course, my lady. I will relay your instructions.”

Etra gently enclosed Ilyin’s hand within her own.

Her lady’s hand felt cold. Etra placed a soft cushion on her lap, and Ilyin smiled at the small gesture of kindness. Once again, her gaze returned to the window.

Soon, they would arrive. The distant view of the villa was familiar, just as she had seen it in her vision. While her vision had taken place at night, it felt as if the image of the white mansion had been etched into her mind.

“…”

Ilyin gently touched Delrose’s necklace, checking it out just to be sure. It had come back to her from the time when Ezyride had gone to the equestrian event, just in case something happened.

Just in case.

She extended her hand, as she had done before when Aden had used his powers. With one hand, she carefully held Delrose’s necklace. Could she use her abilities, even though it wasn’t winter here? She hesitated but decided to give it a try.

“Hwark!”

“Madam?”

Etra looked at her, startled by the flame that suddenly appeared on Ilyin’s hand. She seemed concerned.

“Are you all right?”

Etra unconsciously reached out to hold Ilyin’s wrist but quickly pulled her hand back.

“I’m sorry, Madam, but when you use fire…”

She couldn’t help but think of how Ilyin had used the “ever-burning flame” during winter and how it had drained her. But Ilyin’s complexion looked much better than back then.

“Although, Madam, you seem to find it much less exhausting than during the winter.”

Ilyin put out the flame. Her complexion remained calm throughout. Etra’s concerned gaze carefully observed her.

“But, Madam, you should not overexert yourself.”

She held Ilyin’s hand with a worried expression.

“It’s okay.”

Ilyin felt surprisingly light. There was no overwhelming fatigue. Even in Etra’s eyes, Ilyin seemed to be in good condition.

Still, she couldn’t shake off her worries. Etra knew better than most that Ilyin had no inherent power.

“But if you do, it will worry the others.”

The carriage had slowed down. Etra, who knew the best way to convince Ilyin in a short time, appealed to her. Additionally, Ilyin had no choice but to raise her hands.

“…Only when it’s really necessary.”

Ilyin placed her index finger on her lips as a gesture of secrecy.

“But, please, keep it a secret from Delrose.”

Etra understood that there was no power without a price. She knew it well.

“Of course, my lady. I will make sure it never happens.”

Delrose’s black blade would be sharper than ever before. Etra renewed her commitment once more and gestured to the window. Delrose’s knights, who had received her signal, nodded in unison.

****

“Welcome, my lady. I’ve been eagerly awaiting your arrival.”

Lady Eiret, the gracious middle-aged hostess, greeted Ilyin warmly. She rushed to greet Ilyin as soon as she saw her, crossing the hallway in brisk strides. Her demeanor made it seem as though they were old acquaintances, and she exuded a friendly attitude.

This was the etiquette of the southern social circle.

“It’s your first time attending a southern tea party, isn’t it?”

As they walked through the corridor, many eyes turned towards them. Maids from various noble families initially pretended not to notice but couldn’t help casting glances at the two. If anything were to happen to them, they would immediately inform their respective mistresses.

Etra sensed a hint of resentment in those glances. Ilyin, too, was no different.

She was sensitive to the gaze of others, especially when it carried negative emotions. Despite spending a considerable amount of time with Delrose, the habits ingrained from her time at the Arlen estate didn’t easily fade away.

Even after being with Delrose for quite some time, the ingrained habits from her time at the Arlen estate didn’t easily disappear.

“It’s my first time, and I’m excited to be in such a wonderful place.”

Ilyin responded with a bright smile as Lady Elret gently led her along.

“The tea parties in the south have a more open atmosphere. In the central regions, they usually gather on a smaller scale, but in the south, so many people attend.”