The Del Castano family had just finished having dinner together. The couple and their daughter had also wrapped up their light conversation.
Before they dispersed from the table, a male servant approached duke Eduardo. Bringing news that they had a guest. Duke Eduardo rounded his eyes as the servant whispered the name of the guest. The expression certainly piqued the curiosity of duchess Elvira and Nivea. But not for long, the expression displayed by Duke Eduardo had returned to flat, even he had a thin smile.
"Come on, let's receive the guest together." he said as he got up from his chair.
"Doesn't the guest just want to see you, Eduardo?"
"Come on Elvira! Just come along! And you too, Nivea."
"Ah, alright Father!"
Duke Eduardo gallantly strode toward the front of his residence. Duchess Elvira and Nivea walked side by side, following the head of the family. To Nivea's surprise, she found the love of her life standing there.
"Good evening, duke Eduardo." Matias bowed slightly in respect.
"Isn't that young man the son of count Antonio Lawrence?"
"Yes, Mother!"
"So, he's the young man you fell in love with?"
"Ah Mother, he loved me first."
"What did you say?" the two people fussed to themselves two steps behind duke Eduardo.
"Can you guys be quiet?" duke Eduardo turned his head because the faint sound of both of them made him unable to concentrate.
"Ah, good evening, Mr. Matias Vander Lawrence. Please have a seat." as he directed them to the circle of sofas in the center.
Likewise, duchess Elvira and Nivea had already begun to step up, about to take their seats and join the meeting.
"Good evening, duchess Elvira." with a nod and a smile the man greeted the hostess.
"Well, Mr. Matias, do you wish to see me here?"
"You didn't greet me, Matias?" the girl who felt ignored, glanced at Matias who was sitting opposite her.
"Ah, excuse me... Miss Nivea Del Castano. You really look beautiful tonight."
Nivea actually puffed out her cheeks, with her eyes rolling in her head she stifled a giggle at hearing her lover say that.
"I hope you are in a good mood, Mr. Eduardo." his focus had returned to duke Eduardo.
"Of course! Of course, Mr. Matias. Just say everything you want to say to me. I deliberately brought the two of them along so that they would also hear what you have to say."
"Very well, Mr. Eduardo! I have come this evening solely to ask for your approval and that of Madame Elvira."
"Consent?"
"Ah, I mean... I really hope that both of you can approve of the relationship between your daughter and myself."
"Hahaha. Are you kidding?"
"No, sir! I'm telling the truth."
"Please just answer, Father." Nivea pleaded, interrupting the conversation.
"Shush!!!" her mother replied without turning to Nivea. She looked at her husband with a curious look.
"Hmm. So, when did you guys start your relationship?"
"Since... since..."
"A long time ago, Father! Matias has liked me since we were in third year."
"What?" the three people around the girl turned to her in unison.
"I... I know... Your mother told me!" she said pointing at Matias.
"My mom told you that?"
"Of course! Countess Victoria came to taste my bread."
Matias could only gape in disbelief.
"So, what answer do you expect from me, Mr. Matias?"
"Of course, I hope you can allow us to continue our relationship, Mr. Eduardo."
"Hmm. All right! Go ahead!" as he got up from his chair. Making the others gasped in surprise. "I'm happy to approve your relationship." he continued with a nod and a faint smile.
"Really? Thank you, Mr. Eduardo. I am very grateful to you and you, madame." Matias stood up and bowed before duke Eduardo and his wife. He cheerfully expressed his gratitude.
As for Nivea, she just laughed at the scene.
Duke Eduardo and his wife had returned to the living room. They gave opportunity for the couple to talk, to spend the rest of the day together.
Nivea cheerfully took her lover's hand. Dragging their steps to the side yard of the house. Nivea plopped herself down on a lawn chair. Likewise Matias who was now also sitting beside her.
"That's my room!" Nivea pointed towards a large window that was visible not far from them.
"Ah, so that's where you sleep?"
"Hmm." she nodded then looked down in embarrassment.
"Are you happy?"
"Of course! Aren't you happy?"
"Hahaha. Who wouldn't be happy to hear that your father approves of our relationship?"
"But, we haven't met your father yet."
"We? Do we have to meet my father together?"
"Of course, Matias! We have to ask them for their approval as well."
"Ah, that's right! I have to formally introduce you to my father and my mother. Introduce you as my lover. Ah, not that!"
"Then?"
"As my future life partner, of course."
The girl's eyes filled with tears at her lover's words.
"Are you not joking?"
Matias shook his head, convinced that he was saying something serious.
"I... Thank you, because you liked me a long time ago."
"I just had to work hard to hide it."
"But now, your hard work has paid off, hasn't it?"
"Hmm... Of course! Thank you too for being willing to reciprocate my feelings."
As the night wore on, the deep, star-studded sky accompanied Matias on his way back home. After Matias' departure, Nivea hurried into her room and changed her dress into a nightgown. Not long after, Seri entered the room with a cup of chamomile tea for her.
"Your tea, miss!"
"Ah, thank you Seri."
"Hmm. I heard Mr. Matias is coming, Miss?"
"That's right, Seri! He hasn't been gone long. You know what? We've gotten approval from father."
"Really, miss? I'm happy to hear that."
"But, we haven't met his parents yet. I'm quite worried thinking about it."
"What are you worried about, miss?"
"I don't know! I'm just afraid they won't approve of us."
"That's impossible, miss!"
"Is it? How can you be so sure, Seri?"
"Yes! Just tell them that you have the approval of duke Eduardo and duchess Elvira. I think they'll agree to it, too."
"Hahaha. Is that so? Hmm. We'll try it later." as she picked up her cup of tea and began to sip it.
"Get some rest Seri! I'm going to bed soon."
"Alright miss! Good night. May you sleep well."
This was the first time Nivea felt her night was that sweet. Her day ended with a perfect smile.
Meanwhile, in the distance, Matias had just set foot in his residence. Near the chair, someone greeted him. He had been waiting for Matias since ten minutes ago. Due to an urgent matter, he had to meet Matias tonight as well.