The King's birthday drew closer with each passing day, and preparations were well underway.
Servants rushed through the palace halls carrying decorations and supplies. Royal chefs worked tirelessly in the kitchens, while guards remained on high alert. Everything was going according to plan.
At Duncan's mansion, Lucas returned from the errand Duncan had assigned him.
Meanwhile.
Alora struggled to light the stubborn stove in her small home, just as she was about to give up, someone knocked on the door. To her surprise, it was Mr. Benjamin, before she could speak, he beat her to it.
"I have an order for you," he said stiffly. "Lord Duncan has requested that you resume work. You are to return to the bakery tomorrow."
Without waiting for a reply, he turned and left.
Alora stood frozen, she had gotten her job back.
How?
Why?
When?
None of it made sense, her thoughts immediately drifted to Lord Duncan.
Did he know I lost my job? Was he the one who convinced Mr. Benjamin?
But... wasn't it because of him that I was dismissed in the first place?
Countless questions raced through her mind, perhaps she would find the answers once she returned to work. At least... she would no longer be sitting idle.
She smiled faintly and decided to tell her mother when she returned from the market.
"My Lord," Lucas said, bowing respectfully. "I have returned with news."
Duncan continued reading the documents on his desk.
"Speak."
"Mr. Benjamin is doing his best to prepare the pastries for His Majesty's birthday. He's using only the finest ingredients... though I must admit, he's rather terrified of us."
Duncan gave a faint smile.
"Anything else?"
Lucas hesitated.
"No, my lord."
Duncan finally looked up.
"Then you haven't completed your assignment."
Lucas lowered his head.
"I asked you to observe not only Mr. Benjamin, but also his workers."
"Forgive me, my lord."
After a brief silence, Lucas spoke again.
"There is one matter..."
Duncan leaned back.
"I'm listening."
"I heard rumors about a young woman named Alora... and your involvement with her." Duncan immediately put down the papers.
"What rumors?"
Lucas stepped closer and lowered his voice.
"The townspeople believe she lost her job because of you. They say you protected her, which is unusual considering you're a lord and she's merely a commoner."
He paused.
"Many now question her innocence."
Duncan's expression hardened.
"Enough."
He opened a drawer, took out a sheet of paper, and quickly wrote a short note.
"Take this to Mr. Benjamin."
Lucas accepted it.
"Tell him Alora is to be given her job back immediately."
Lucas looked confused.
"My lord... why concern yourself with a commoner? If people hear about this, it could damage both your reputation and hers."
Duncan sighed.
"The rumors already exist."
He folded his hands behind his back.
"If restoring her job can undo even part of the damage, then let it be done."
Lucas bowed.
"As you wish, my lord."
After Lucas left, Duncan stared quietly out of the window, who is behind these rumors?
Someone was clearly trying to frame him.
He wasn't worried about himself,he was a lord.
Rumors came and went, but Alora...
She had lost everything because of them.
With that thought lingering in his mind, Duncan quietly left to prepare for the day.
"No, Alora!" Irene shouted. "You're not going back to that bakery. I forbid it."
"Mother..."
"I think it's for the best. You can't work in your condition, and William's income isn't enough to support all three of us. We need this job."
"No!" Irene insisted. "If Lord Duncan asked for your return, then he must have taken an interest in you. Wasn't it because of him you lost your job?"
"I don't think refusing a lord's request is wise," Alora replied gently. "We could get into trouble."
Irene looked into her daughter's eyes.
"Oh, Alora... you're too innocent."
She held her daughter's hands.
"My daughter... you're growing into a fine young woman. Men, especially noblemen, will begin to notice you. A lord and a commoner can never be equal." Her voice trembled.
"I won't allow that. Never."
William, who had been listening quietly from the corner of the room, finally spoke, "Mother... perhaps we should let her go." both women turned toward him, "We need the money," William continued. "Your medicine is almost finished, and we haven't even paid the man who sold us the herbs." Irene closed her eyes.
She knew they had little choice, A plan had already begun forming in her mind. Very well, if Alora was returning....,
The next morning, Alora and Irene arrived together at the bakery.then she would be right beside her
The moment they entered, whispers filled the room, ignoring them, Alora walked confidently toward Mr. Benjamin's office.
"Good morning, sir."
"Good morning," Benjamin replied coldly. "You may return to work." his eyes shifted toward Irene.
"And what are you doing here?"
"I'm here to work with my daughter." Benjamin frowned."The letter only mentioned Alora."
"I know."
"I'm her mother."
"If my daughter works here, then so do I."
Benjamin's patience snapped. "No! The order clearly stated Alora. Why are you making my life difficult?" He pointed toward Alora.
"She's already turned my bakery into the center of gossip,People are calling this place the bakery that employs a—"
"My daughter is not a whore!"
Irene's voice echoed through the bakery.
"If you hadn't treated her the way you did after Lord Skender's party, none of these rumors would have existed."
She stepped closer.
"You have a wife."
"You have children."
"What if someone spoke about your daughter this way?"
Benjamin remained silent.
"My health may be poor, but I'll protect my daughter with everything I have, We'll work together."
"And no one will stop us."
Benjamin clicked his tongue."...Fine."
He waved his hand dismissively, "Have it your way." as he walked off, every eye in the bakery remained fixed on them.
Alora lowered her head in embarrassment.
Irene gently squeezed her hand.
"Don't worry. I'll handle this."
That evening, Lucas returned once more.
"My lord... I have more news."
Duncan excused himself from dinner with Ruby before listening.
"Alora's mother has started working beside her." Duncan smiled. "So... a mother protecting her child."
Lucas nodded. "But your actions are drawing even more attention to them."
He hesitated.
"Mr. Benjamin even called Alora a whore."
Duncan's smile disappeared instantly.
"He called her... what?" Rage flashed across his face. "I should teach that man a lesson."
Lucas quickly stepped forward.
"My lord... if you interfere now, the rumors will only grow worse." He looked Duncan in the eye "She's a STRANGER."
The words struck Duncan harder than he expected.
A stranger.Then why...
Why couldn't he stop thinking about her?
After Lucas left, Duncan found himself alone,he opened a small leather journal.
Without thinking, his pen began to move.
Oh, stranger, danger— yet this stranger leaves a blonde lord in wonder. Why do strange thoughts follow me,
Pulling my heart where it should not be?
Day and night, you're on my mind; No matter how I try, no peace I find. Society says we must stay apart, yet distance cannot silence my heart.
Stranger, you've turned this lord into a fool, but I won't surrender—I'll show you what this blonde lord can do.
He stared at the words for a long while...
Then quietly closed the book.