Chapter 30

Time passed, and finally, the day of Cal’s birthday party arrived. Although the party was set for the evening, the ducal residence was busy from early morning. Ellie, too, was swept up by Susan and the other staff for baths and massages, leaving her so exhausted that she felt dazed by the time she changed into her dress.

“…Wow.”

“You look so beautiful, My Lady!”

Just as in the catalog, the dress covered everything from neck to arms, but since it was made of lace, it didn’t look stuffy. Over the pale green lace dress, a corset-style skirt was layered from the chest to the waist, and a shawl draped over her shoulders and forearms. It was a style Cal would like.

Knock knock.

“Ellie, may I come in?”

Somehow, Cal knew she was ready and came to find her. Only after Ellie’s hair was finished did the staff leave, and Cal entered.

Ellie, standing before the mirror, turned to face Cal. Cal’s expression brightened as he saw her.

“Ellie, you look so beautiful.”

“Cal, you look handsome.”

Cal wore an ivory uniform. The jacket, with epaulettes and tassels, was tailored perfectly to his broad shoulders and sturdy build.

Cal approached Ellie and offered his hand. Ellie smiled and placed her hand in his. Cal kissed the back of her hand and smiled just for her.

“It’s an honor to have you as my partner, Lady.”

“Oh, please.”

Hand in hand, the two descended to the hall where the banquet was held. All eyes in the hall turned to Cal as he entered.

Cal led Ellie to the Grand Duchess’s side, then moved to his father. As the birthday celebrant and host, he greeted the guests. The Grand Duke first introduced Cal to the guests, and Cal thanked everyone who had come to celebrate.

“And before all of you who have traveled far to gather here, I wish to make one vow.”

It seemed that was all, but Cal’s meaningful words made everyone murmur. Ellie looked at him, wondering what was happening, and Cal reached out his hand to her.

“Ellie.”

Ellie, startled, could only watch as the Grand Duchess gently tapped her back and nudged her forward.

“Oh, Mother?”

“Go on, step forward.”

Not knowing what was happening, Ellie hesitated but slowly approached Cal. At the same time, the intense gaze from behind made her even more nervous.

“Cal? What’s going on…?”

Ellie whispered, worried others might overhear, as Cal took her hand. He knelt on one knee before her and looked up.

“Cal?”

Ellie was shocked and flustered, and the murmurs in the hall grew louder. Cal ignored them and began to speak.

“Elysia. Thank you for coming to meet my family with me. Thank you for taking my hand. I, Calix Elder Hairos, wish to ask you, with all my heart. Ellie, will you marry me?”

Ellie was so surprised by the formal proposal that she lost her words. She never expected to be proposed to in front of so many people, especially in an official setting with his parents present.

As Ellie hesitated, Phil ran out and knelt next to Cal, raising both hands high.

“Please become my sister-in-law, Princess!”

Ellie burst out laughing at Phil’s adorable plea. On top of Phil’s palms was a ring box. With the brothers’ joint effort, Ellie could no longer hesitate. She grabbed Cal’s hand tightly.

“I, Elysia Nord, thank you with all my heart for your affection. Cal, I will be your wife.”

Cal smiled brightly at Ellie’s response, took the ring from Phil’s box, and slipped it onto her finger. Ellie took the other ring and placed it on Cal’s finger.

With the Grand Duke’s family and all the guests as witnesses, Cal and Ellie’s engagement was officially sealed. Now, Ellie was officially Cal’s fiancée and the future daughter-in-law of the Hairos Grand Duke’s family.

As the party continued, Cal and Ellie were busy greeting everyone together. To Ellie’s surprise, people did not pay much attention to her status. Of course, there would be talk behind her back, but at least no one brought it up in front of her.

Instead, Ellie drew attention in another way—from the children guests, especially those around Phil’s age.

Just as Phil had done when he first met Ellie, the young guests called her the Princess of Spring. The girls’ interest was especially strong, and Ellie smiled so much to keep from breaking their innocence that her face nearly cramped.

The party lasted late into the night. As time passed, guests gathered in groups to chat, and interest in Cal and Ellie gradually faded. Cal quietly led Ellie out of the hall.

“Tired? You did well, Ellie.”

“You too, Cal.”

They went up to the second floor, and Ellie led Cal to her room, to give him the present she’d prepared.

“Ellie?”

“Just sit here for a moment.”

Ellie sat Cal on the bed and stepped back. Smiling at his expectant face, she slipped behind the partition. From behind it, Ellie took off her shawl, outer dress, and even her underpants, emerging in a thin lace dress.

Walking barefoot, Ellie approached the bed and took Cal’s hand, slowly climbing onto his lap. Cal had already taken off his jacket and was in his vest and shirt.

“E-Ellie…”

“Tonight, I’ll do it.”

Ellie pushed Cal’s chest away as he tried to hug her, arranging her skirt and taking her place atop him. Sitting on Cal, her skirt spread wide, covering his lower body completely.

“Ellie?”

As Cal looked up, bewildered, Ellie slowly stroked from his chest to his abs over his clothes, then moved her hips back. Sitting atop Cal’s now prominent member, Ellie slowly moved her waist, rubbing her hips back and forth and stimulating him, then began to undress him.

She took off his vest first, then unbuttoned his shirt one by one. She stripped his shirt, revealing his bare skin.

“Aren’t you cold?”

“Haa, I’m a Northerner, aren’t I?”

Ellie touched Cal’s neck and shoulders, slid her hands down his chest, squeezed his firm chest muscles, then caressed the muscular skin of his abdomen.

“Haa…”

Cal moaned softly.

“Ellie, Ellie…”

Though hidden by his trousers, Ellie could feel Cal’s thickening member as she rubbed against him. Even through the thick fabric, she could feel the aroused man beneath her.