Nivea returned to her shop after finishing her little picnic with Matias at the edge of the vineyard. Meanwhile, Matias still had to continue his work. Arriving at her bakery, Nivea rested for a while and then took Seri's place at the ordering counter.
"You're not going back, Seri?"
"No, miss. I'm just here to keep you company."
"Hahaha. Is there no task for you in the kitchen?"
"Nothing, miss."
"Ah, well. So, did I sell a lot of my bread while I was gone?"
"Hmm. Of course, Miss! I've also recorded it well."
"Really? Ah, that's right Seri! You reminded me. I have to check the records this month. How could I have forgotten that."
"Miss, was Mr. Matias happy when you came to visit?"
"No."
"What? No? Mr. Matias didn't like you coming to the estate?"
"Hahaha. Why do you sometimes ask stupid questions, Seri? Of course he's happy to see me come."
"Ah, alright!"
"Why, are you asking about that?"
"I just... just..."
"Take some time off, Seri! You should have some fun and who knows while on vacation you'll find your soul mate."
"What? Leave, miss?"
"Hmm. I allow you to do that. Choose the time that is best according to you. Since you're the one going on vacation, not me. You are free to choose the time. Just not when...."
"At what time miss?"
"When I get married."
"Ah, of course, Miss!"
As the minutes ticked by, the two had finished with their tasks for today at the store. As usual, the shop was always crowded with customers one after another. And together with Mr. Willy, the two girls rushed back to their residence.
Arriving at her room, Nivea sat for a moment and then went to take a shower. Now she feels much fresher after taking a shower. She had also put on her another dress. Seri came over while Nivea was sitting by the window, looking up at the evening sky.
"Miss, Mr. Matias has come looking for you."
"What?" she asked in astonishment.
"Yes, he's waiting for you in the parlor."
"Alright, I'll be right there. Thank you Seri."
From the threshold of the living room, Nivea smiled happily to find her boyfriend sitting on the sofa.
"What's up Matias?"
"Ah, I want to invite you to come to my house right now." as he turning his head and getting up from his seat.
"Right now?"
"Yes! So that later, you can join us for dinner."
"Wouldn't that be inconvenient for your family, Matias? And maybe I'm interrupting your family time."
"Of course not, Miss Nivea Del Castano! Come on, let's go right now."
"Alright! I'll tell Seri first. So that she doesn't get confused looking for me."
"Go ahead Nivea, I'll wait for you here."
Soon, Nivea was back in front of Matias. The man immediately grabbed her hand and led her to the horse-drawn carriage, which would be driven by Mr. Luigi.
"Why are you silent, miss?"
"Miss? Ah, don't joke Matias! I'm quite tense."
"You're in a scary situation? Why are you tense?"
"It's not scary, it's just... I'm... I don't know! Maybe this is a common feeling when a girl is about to meet of her lover's parents."
"Ah, I see! So you're saying that only fellow girls can understand, about what you're feeling right now?"
"Hmm. I think so, Matias."
Matias nodded, then smiled, indicating that he agreed with what Nivea said.
The train that brought them arrived at their destination. Matias who got off first, helped his girl down slowly onto the grass in front of the main door of the Lawrence family residence. With a nervous look on her face, Nivea obediently led her lover into the house.
"Come on, it's not your first time here."
"What?"
"That time you met Martha here."
"Ah, that's right! I had forgotten."
"Wow! You brought your girl, Matias?" countess Victoria's distinctive voice greeted their arrival.
Nivea, who was surprised, hurriedly bowed slightly before her, surprise greetings. "Good evening, countess Victoria."
"Good evening, Miss Nivea. Sit down first with Matias. I will call my husband inside."
"Yes, ma'am!"
Before approaching count Antonio's presence in his room, countess Victoria took the time to visit her kitchen. She ordered Aunt Puff and her assistant to add more portions to their dishes. Because a guest would be joining them for dinner.
"Good evening, count Antonio!" Nivea immediately stood up and said hello when she saw Matias' father appear.
"Good evening, miss! Sit down!"
"Father, I deliberately brought her here so that I could introduce her officially to you as...."
"Your lover?" guessed Count Antonio as he smiled at them.
"That's right!"
"Well, we're very glad you bothered to come here, Miss."
"Ah, no sir! I'm not bothered at all. In fact, I'm afraid my arrival will cause trouble for your family."
"No, miss! We will gladly entertain you. Of course you don't mind, right? If you join us for dinner."
"Ah, of course, sir! Thank you for your concern."
"Come on, let's go to the dining table now." said countess Victoria who again appeared from inside.
They also responded to the invitation by following countess Victoria into the dining room. On the large dining table, there were several kinds of types of food that are quite luxurious in the style of a noble family. Not much different from the usual menu of dishes served at the Del Castano residence. Martha was seen sitting in her chair first. She, who had been in the room, was surprised by Nivea's presence among the members of her family who walked closer.
"Miss Nivea!"
"Ah, you're Miss Martha!"
"Sit beside my brother, miss!" she said enthusiastically, preceding her father's command.
Nivea smiled shyly at the face of Matias beside her. The girl looked a little awkward.
"Sit down!" Matias told her.
Without further delay, everyone began to eat their respective dishes. Followed by chatting again after finishing with their food.
"Did you enjoy your meal, miss?"
"Of course, ma'am! All these dishes are very delicious. I am very grateful for the banquet."
"Come here often, miss! We can pick cherries together in the courtyard."
"Ah, but isn't Miss Nivea busy enough with her bakery?" count Antonio replied.
"Yes, sir! But, I have enough free time after I've finished baking. Ah, I'm sorry I didn't bring you my bread. Matias suddenly came to pick you up at home, without us planning it first."
"Ah, no problem miss! I can drop by your shop anytime." Martha said.
"Dad, I'll take Nivea home in a minute. I'm very grateful thank you and Mom for accepting our relationship."
"Hmm. It's my pleasure, Matias." replied Count Antonio while his wife just smiled.
"You don't have to drive me, Matias. You should rest. Before leaving I left a message with Seri for Mr. Willy to pick me up here at nine o'clock."
"Wow... Look brother! Miss Nivea is very considerate of you. She asked you to rest soon." said Martha who was nodded in agreement by her parents.