Chapter 157. Epilogue: Always Like Newlyweds (3)

“Enoch, I can’t breathe.”

When Ellen, who had been embraced for a long time, protested as if she couldn’t bear it anymore, Enoch hugged her even tighter, seemingly deliberately being mischievous before letting her go.

Ellen glared at Enoch, who was grinning mischievously. Enoch stole a kiss on Ellen’s lips. It was troublesome that no matter how angrily she looked at him, she was still utterly lovable. Even he thought his doting symptoms were getting worse day by day.

“When you act so cute, I really can’t control myself, Ellen.”

“…You never get tired of saying such embarrassing things every time, do you?”

“Well, you become newly lovable every day.”

Ellen felt her face burning and abruptly turned her head away. But she couldn’t avoid Enoch’s persistent clinginess forever.

The group arrived at the port earlier than expected. The port city of Larochelle in northern Rheinfelden was, as always, crowded with people.

As there was some time left before the cruise ship to Erinter departed, the grand ducal couple leisurely strolled hand in hand through the bustling market streets of Larochelle.

Ellen was so excited that she had no time to look around, but Enoch was particularly careful to ensure that his precious wife didn’t bump into the numerous passersby.

Even so, he didn’t miss a single street snack that Ellen fed him. Not because he was hungry or had a craving, but simply because Ellen was feeding him.

He was originally a person who didn’t know such modest happiness, but ever since he started sharing his life with her, everything changed. As if his world revolved around her.

“Sometimes this isn’t bad, right? It has a different charm from the bustling streets of big cities.”

“Yeah, it’s not bad.”

Ellen smiled brightly at his nonchalant response. She was incredibly happy even with such trivial things.

“Shall we go board the cruise ship now? We’ll be in trouble if we’re late.”

She led the way, holding his hand tightly. Enoch smiled slightly and matched his pace with hers.

Ellen’s smile, infused with the transparent early summer sunlight, was more beautiful than any jewel in the world.

* * *

It would take about 6 hours for the cruise ship to reach Erinter. Since it would be a waste to spend all the time in the cabin—although Enoch preferred to be alone with Ellen—the grand ducal couple toured the inside of the cruise ship or came out to the deck to view the sea.

Just then, a group of dolphins appeared near the cruise ship, swimming and occasionally performing high jumps. Ellen, seeing dolphins for the first time, watched the scene with great fascination. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she said,

“I heard dolphins are a symbol of good luck. Maybe something good will happen in Erinter.”

Enoch quietly laughed and kissed Ellen’s cheek. Then he whispered in a low voice near her ear.

“Every moment with you is lucky for me.”

“…Have you been reading poetry lately? Your way with words seems to be getting more and more skillful.”

“I’ve always been like this. Why are you acting surprised now?”

Ellen laughed helplessly at his nonchalant reply. Thinking that she would probably never be able to beat this man in this aspect for her entire life.

The cruise ship arrived in Erinter when the sun was setting and the world was turning dark.

Although she wasn’t opposed to exploring the night streets of an unfamiliar city, Ellen chose to rest comfortably at the hotel as she was quite tired from the long-distance travel.

As the grand ducal couple entered the suite room with a spacious bathroom, they went out to the balcony to view the night scenery while Jasmine and Laila helped prepare the bath.

The bustling streets and commercial districts, where people were actively moving even at night, were particularly bright with street lights, while the night sea and harbor area were dark.

Ellen wondered what this scenery would feel like during the day. Would it feel more lively and dynamic? After all, Erinter’s architectural style, unlike Freuden, uses a lot of bricks and roofs in intense colors.

“Your Grace, we’ve finished preparing the bath.”

“Thank you. You two should go and rest now.”

“Yes, have a good night.”

After Jasmine and Laila left the room, Enoch and Ellen headed to the bathroom together. The two of them bathing together had become a very familiar thing at some point. It would feel rather awkward to bathe alone now.

“Tomorrow we’re going to the capital of Erinter, right?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Come to think of it, the Crown Princess of Erinter invited me to a tea party.”

“I know. The Crown Prince and Princess are of good character, so it wouldn’t hurt to interact with them.”

“It’s surprising to hear you compliment someone. The Crown Prince and Princess must really be good people.”

“It’s not like I look at everyone in the world crookedly.”

Ellen chuckled as she washed Enoch’s hair, who was grumbling in disbelief. With his eyes closed, enjoying her touch, he looked just like a docile cat. Although he was much larger than a cat, and not cute.

Still, sometimes he looked cute in Ellen’s eyes.

Needless to say, the two had now reached a point where they could wash each other’s embarrassing parts without any awkwardness.

To be honest, it’s not that she’s completely unaffected—but in Enoch’s case, there’s always some obvious trick involved—but Ellen, who had become bolder compared to before, even dozed off while he was washing her.

After finishing the bath, Enoch carried Ellen, who was nodding off, out of the bathroom. He sat her on a chair and carefully dried her long hair while pleading in an anguished voice.

“Ellen, you’re not going to sleep like this, are you?”

“Mmm…”

“Don’t sleep. You have to play with me.”

“I’m sorry, I’m so sleepy…”

Mumbling in a very drowsy state, she completely fell asleep by the time her hair was almost dry. Enoch let out a dejected sigh and helplessly looked at Ellen, but eventually gave up and carefully picked her up.

Approaching the bed, he gently laid her down and whispered as he kissed her forehead.

“Alright… Good night, Ellen.”

He certainly thought their hearts were in sync.

Without a doubt.

Nevertheless, it still seemed that his side was the one burning with more longing.

* * *

Though not as much as the port city they had passed through, the capital of Erinter, Belley, was also full of colorful hues.

Unlike the cities of Freuden, which felt splendid but somewhat desolate, this landscape had a warm and cozy atmosphere, as if from a fairy tale illustration. It was a city where romance seemed to breathe.

The place where Ellen’s group was to stay was Enoch’s villa located in Belley’s First Residential District. Ellen became seriously curious about how many pieces of land and buildings Enoch had bought throughout Europia. Of course, there wouldn’t be any in Atreos…

“Your Grace, please look at this.”

“Hmm…? What’s all this?”

“These are gifts that have arrived for Your Grace.”

Surprisingly, on the afternoon of the day they arrived in Belley, famous figures from Erinter sent gifts. Most of them seemed to have been sent to impress Enoch, but among them, there seemed to be some who genuinely liked Ellen.

“Here, this gift is from Her Highness the Crown Princess.”

“My goodness, such a precious item… I should send a return gift.”

It seemed better to send a return gift, if not to others, at least to the Crown Princess. Conveniently, she was scheduled to attend the tea party hosted by the Crown Princess tomorrow.

But… what would be a good return gift?

Since it was for none other than the Crown Princess, it should be a special gift.

Ellen pondered all day while touring Belley, and finally made a decision around bedtime.

Indeed, ‘that’ would be good as a return gift.

The next morning, Ellen went to Evitern Castle using her teleportation magic after informing Enoch in advance. It was so she could bring a return gift for the Crown Princess of Erinter.

When the Grand Duchess, who had left for her honeymoon, suddenly appeared, the vassals of Evitern Castle were startled as if they had seen a ghost, but soon remembered that the Grand Duchess was a mage and calmed down.

Ellen asked the maids to wrap the return gift well, and thanks to their excellent skills, the result was very satisfactory.

By the time Ellen returned to the villa in Belley, the clock was pointing to 9 AM.

As there was still plenty of time until the tea party, Ellen enjoyed a leisurely time touring Belley with Enoch.

The grand park with its beautifully tended flower beds was especially lovely in this season of full bloom, and it was also enjoyable to view the city scenery while riding a small boat along the river.

Interestingly, Belley had a clock museum, but there wasn’t enough time to visit it, so they promised to go next time.

After having lunch with Erinter’s specialty dishes at a pre-booked restaurant, the group returned to the villa around 2 PM.

Enoch was slightly displeased as only Ellen would be attending the tea party. However, when Ellen said he could come to pick her up when the tea party was ending, his face immediately brightened.

He reluctantly let go of her hand as she boarded the carriage after finishing preparations and announced,

“I’ll come to pick you up.”

Ellen replied with a happy smile.

“Yes, I’ll be waiting.”

Soon the carriage carrying her departed, and Enoch, feeling a strange emptiness, stood rooted to the spot and let out a heavy sigh.

Why do I still feel lacking even though I’ve obtained your everything?

Truly, I feel like I don’t want to be apart even for a moment.

“Welcome, Grand Duchess Bayern.”

“Thank you for inviting me, Your Highness the Crown Princess.”

Ellen entered the back garden of the Crown Prince’s Palace, welcomed by Crown Princess Larisa Enis.

A beautiful place full of deep pink roses and light purple lilacs heralding early summer. White tea tables and chairs were placed here and there.

There were about eight other guests besides Ellen at the tea party, all waiting for Ellen with friendly expressions.