CHAPTER 118: CHAPTER 118: GOING TO TOWN

As the dishes were placed on the table, everyone slowly began to eat. The sound of spoons tapping gently on bowls, soft chewing, and quiet sipping filled the room. Warm soup, roasted meat, soft bread, and sweet fruit were passed around.

After some time passed, the Grand Duke leaned back in his chair and looked around the table with a calm expression. Just like their usual routine, he and the Grand Duchess liked to ask about their children’s day after dinner.

"So," the Grand Duke said in his deep voice, setting his spoon down, "what has everyone done today?"

Cedric was the first to answer. He wiped his mouth with a napkin and sat straighter in his seat. "I trained my new beast today," he said. "It’s a strong one, but a bit stubborn. I think with time and effort, it will learn well. It already responds to basic commands."

The Grand Duke gave a pleased nod. "Good."

The Grand Duchess added gently, "And I’m sure it’s in good hands with you, Cedric."

Cedric smiled a little and nodded his thanks.

Next, Cyruz spoke, his voice louder and full of pride. "My swordsmanship is improving," he said quickly. "The knight captain said I’ve gotten faster and stronger. I’ve been training harder this month."

The Grand Duke gave a small hum and nodded again. "A strong body means nothing without sharp skill and mind."

The Grand Duchess smiled proudly. "You’re both growing so well. I’m happy."

Then she turned her gaze toward Ellory, her eyes soft and filled with love. "And you, my dear?" she asked kindly. "How was your day today?"

Ellory, who had been waiting excitedly for her turn, sat up with a big smile. "It was amazing today, Mother!" she said quickly. "First,Brother Axel and I finished our toy car project!" She pointed proudly at Axelius.

The Grand Duchess gasped lightly with a happy smile. "Really? That’s wonderful, darling!"

Ellory nodded quickly, her cheeks glowing. "Yes! And after that, Marriane, Clarisse, Hannah, and Hestia visited! It’s been five months since they last came, so I was really happy!"

"They must have missed you," the Grand Duke said with a rare, gentle smile.

"They did!" Ellory replied with a grin. "I showed them the toy car, and they all loved it. We laughed so much!"

After Ellory finished her cheerful story. At the head of the table, the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess exchanged a small glance, then both looked toward Axelius.

Axelius finished wiping his mouth with the napkin, He placed it neatly beside his plate, then looked up toward the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess.

"I have a favor," he said,

The Grand Duke placed his hands together as he asked, "And that is?"

"I would like to ask for permission to go to town tomorrow."

There was a short pause. Everyone seemed to look at him in surprise. It had been years since Axelius asked for anything—not to leave the estate, not to attend gatherings, not even to participate in family activities after Ellory’s birthday..

"To town?" the Grand Duchess asked gently, tilting her head. "May I ask for what reason?"

Axelius nodded. "I wish to bring Ellory with me, too. It will only be for a short visit."

Ellory’s eyes widened, and her fork almost slipped from her fingers. "Ehh? Me?!"

Axelius glanced at her for a second before returning his gaze to the heads of the house. "The reason is... I kept Ellory with me for the past five months, studying non-stop. It wasn’t something I forced, but I know I took a lot of her time. So I’ve decided to take her out. Just for a day."

He paused briefly, then added, "If that’s alright, I would like to go with fewer guards to avoid drawing attention. We would like to walk through the town like normal citizens."

The Grand Duchess’s eyes softened, and she gave Ellory a glance. The little girl’s face was already bright with excitement, even though she tried to sit still.

The Grand Duke leaned forward slightly, his voice calm and thoughtful. "You want to blend in with the common folk?"

Axelius nodded. "Yes. Just for a while."

The Grand Duchess smiled, her tone warm. "That sounds thoughtful of you, Axelius. And very kind of you to think of Ellory. I can see how much she’s looking forward to it already."

Ellory gave a small squeal, covering her mouth with both hands. "A day out with Brother Axel! I can’t wait!"

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The next day came with a soft breeze and clear blue skies. Birds chirped outside Ellory’s window as sunlight touched her blankets. She opened her eyes and sat up quickly, her heart already full of excitement because today was special—today she would go to town with her brother Axelius, and it would just be the two of them.

She stood up with energy and went straight to her wardrobe. Her maid had already prepared her favorite dress, a light cream one with soft blue ribbons. As Julie, Her personal Maid helped her get ready, Ellory couldn’t stop talking.

"Julie! Do you think Brother will buy me lots of snacks? I want to try everything! Maybe we can go to the book stall too? Ohhh, I’m so excited!"

Julie smiled while braiding her hair. "Yes, yes, slow down, little lady. I’m sure Lord Axelius will do whatever you want today."

"I’ll make him! He owes me for five months of studying!"

When she was ready, Ellory walked down the stairs with happy steps. Her shoes tapped lightly, and her white bag swung by her side. She turned around the corner toward the entrance with a big smile—until she stopped.

There, standing near the front door, were Cedric and Cyruz, Cedric was fixing his sleeves while Cyruz waved his hand with a big grin. In front of them was Axelius and behind him stood Millie, holding a pouch and a folded map.

Ellory’s smile slowly faded, and her brows furrowed into a deep frown.

Cyruz raised his hand and waved like nothing was wrong. "Heheee~ We’re coming too, lil’ sis!"

Ellory blinked, her eyes wide, her mouth dropping open. She looked straight at Axelius, her hands rising in disbelief. "Why are they coming too?! I thought it would be just the two of us?"

Her voice was loud and full of disappointment. She looked like a balloon that had been popped. Cyruz’s smile disappeared immediately, and he scratched his head awkwardly.

Axelius simply shrugged, his voice flat and calm. "Ask the Grand Duke."

Cedric spoke with a small sigh. "Father said it’s better if we all go together. He wants us to protect you and also see how the town is doing. We couldn’t say no."

Ellory puffed her cheeks and crossed her arms, clearly not happy with the news. She turned her head away and pouted, her cheeks red.

"I thought it was gonna be our special day," she muttered.

Axelius looked at her for a moment, then walked over and patted her head gently. "It still is," he said.

That made her feel a little better, even if she was still pouting.