Ruby had intended to confront Lucas for embarrassing Maya.
However, before she could call him over, she overheard his conversation with Duncan. Curiosity immediately replaced her anger.
Alora...
Who was she?
Quietly, Ruby followed Duncan through the palace. It wasn't easy. Nobles and servants filled every corridor, and she had to be careful not to lose sight of him. After several minutes, she noticed him walking toward the section where the commoners had been invited to rest.
She frowned.
Why would Duncan come here?
Carefully, she hid behind one of the marble pillars. With so many people gathered around, it wasn't difficult to remain unnoticed.
Then she saw them.
A young girl...
And an older woman standing beside her.
"Good day, ma'am," Duncan greeted politely.
"I hope you're enjoying the celebration."
"We are, my Lord," Alora replied with a smile.
"Everything is so beautiful. The decorations, the music... everything is magnificent. His Majesty truly outdid himself this year."
Duncan smiled.
How unusual...
Most commoners rarely spoke so confidently to nobles. Yet Alora's words were polite, thoughtful, and sincere, she carried herself differently.
Beside her, Irene felt increasingly uneasy, this wasn't how she had imagined today. She had wanted to thank Lord Duncan herself before leading Alora away.
Instead...
The young lord had approached them first.
"My Lord," Irene began respectfully.
"I wish to thank you for helping my daughter regain her job."
She bowed her head.
"Many nobles look down on people like us, but you showed us kindness. For that... I am truly grateful."
Duncan shook his head.
"There's no need to thank me. After all, it was because of me she lost her job. I merely corrected my mistake."
He looked toward Alora. "I know how harsh society can be...especially toward a helpless, beautiful young woman."
Alora's cheeks instantly turned pink.
Beautiful...?
He thought she was beautiful? Her heart skipped a beat.
Irene noticed the change immediately.
Oh no...
This is exactly what I was afraid of. She cleared her throat
"My Lord... I think it would be best if you returned to the celebration."
Duncan raised an eyebrow.
"Are you chasing me away, ma'am?"
"N-No, my Lord." She quickly shook her head.
"It's just... People are watching."
She glanced around nervously. "There were already rumours at the bakery. I don't wish to give them another reason to gossip. We may be poor... but we still value our reputation."
Duncan nodded slowly.
"I understand."
He paused for a moment. "If anyone at the bakery continues to trouble either of you..."
"...tell me."
"I'll dismiss them immediately."
Both Irene and Alora froze.
"My Lord," Alora said gently.
"Please don't."
"People gossip."
"It's part of life."
"I wouldn't want innocent people to lose their jobs because of rumors."
Duncan couldn't help but smile.
"You're wiser than I expected. I like that."
Alora lowered her eyes shyly. "Thank you, my Lord."
Duncan looked at Irene once more.
"It was a pleasure meeting you. I hope we meet again." With a polite nod, he turned and walked away.
Again...?
The single word echoed in Alora's mind, he wants to see me again...?
She pressed a hand against her chest. Why is my heart beating so fast?
Beside her, Irene let out a quiet sigh of relief.
"Thank goodness..."
She had finally managed to send him away. As she turned to leave, she noticed a woman standing behind one of the palace pillars.
Only part of her face was visible...
Yet...
She looked strangely familiar.
Before Irene could get a better look, the woman disappeared into the crowd.
She frowned for a brief moment before shaking her head. Perhaps she had imagined it. Right now...
Her only concern was protecting her daughter.
Ruby quickly walked away before Duncan noticed her. She hadn't been able to hear their entire conversation because of the noise surrounding them, but she had seen the young girl clearly.
Why does she look so familiar?
The question lingered in her mind.
Perhaps...
Lucas knew more than he had revealed.
The celebration continued until evening, guests slowly returned to their carriages, the commoners thanked the palace servants before leaving. Soon, Duncan and Ruby also departed. Lord Skender and Althaia followeshortly afterwards.
The palace gradually became quiet once again.
Meanwhile...
At the Ashbourne Estate...
Maya couldn't stop thinking about everything that had happened. She sat silently in front of her dressing mirror while her maids removed her jewellery and loosened her hair.
The image of that commoner flashed through her mind again.
"The bakery girl..." she frowned in disgust. "So it really was her."
After dismissing her maids, Maya sat quietly before the mirror. The words echoed in her ears.
"Miss Maya."
She hated those words more than anything. Her father, Mr. Ashbourne, was a respected noble merchant whose wealth came from supplying agricultural produce to noble families throughout the kingdom. Although the Ashbournes lived comfortably, they were far from the most influential noble house.
That was why Maya wanted to marry Duncan. Not only did she admire him, but becoming his wife would elevate her family's status and make her one of the most respected noblewomen in Valtheris.
She and Duncan had known each other since childhood.
Everyone already assumed they would marry. Yet after all these years...
Duncan had never properly proposed. Maya was already twenty-one years old, and in noble society, once a woman reached twenty-two without a husband, whispers began to spread.
People would call her too old.
Some would wonder if something was wrong with her. Others would question why no nobleman had chosen her. Even her own friends had begun teasing her.
"Are you sure Lord Duncan still intends to marry you?"
"Perhaps he's changed his mind."
"Maybe you should accept one of your other suitors before it's too late."
Those words haunted her.
She had rejected every nobleman who had asked for her hand because she believed Duncan was her future.
She had waited for him, trusted him, believed in him.
Now...
A commoner had appeared out of nowhere. Maya slowly clenched her fists.
"No."
"I've waited too long to lose everything."
She stared at her reflection, her eyes filled with determination.
"You will marry me, Duncan. And no one... Especially not a commoner ...will take you away from me."