Maya had not seen Duncan for several days. The palace servants only said he had gone on an important assignment and would return when it was completed.
Her thoughts immediately drifted to Alora.
She couldn't shake the uneasy feeling in her heart. At times, she regretted starting the rumours. Duncan had always been the type to protect others, and if he discovered what Alora had been going through because of those rumours, he wouldn't ignore it. Yet another part of her was pleased. Society loved gossip, and once people started talking, the damage was difficult to undo.
"Good morning, my Lord," Alora greeted, bowing her head.
Duncan smiled and gently took the bucket from her hands.
"No, Alora. Just Duncan. I'm on a confidential mission, so I'd rather not reveal my identity."
Alora looked confused, so Duncan briefly explained why he was in the commoners' district. She nodded in understanding and promised not to tell anyone.
"My Lord... I mean Duncan, I can carry the bucket."
"I know," Duncan replied with a smile. "But let me help. It also helps me blend in."
Together, they walked toward Alora's home. Outside, Irene was gathering firewood when she noticed a stranger carrying her daughter's bucket, She frowned, but as the man came closer, she recognized him.
Lord Duncan.
Her expression froze.
What was a noble doing dressed like a commoner?
Duncan politely explained the purpose of his mission and warned them to remain alert because anything could happen. Irene thanked him sincerely and promised to keep everything secret. After a brief silence, Duncan glanced at the pot over the fire.
"What are you cooking?"
"Just rice and curry stew," Irene replied nervously, hoping he wouldn't ask for any.
"That sounds wonderful," Duncan said with a smile. "I'd love to have some."
The three family members stared at one another in shock.
Seeing their silence, Duncan chuckled. "Or... am I not welcome?"
"It's not that," Alora quickly replied, "It's just... nobles don't usually eat commoners' food. You may not like it because it's nothing like what you're used to."
Duncan laughed, revealing a set of perfectly white teeth that stood out against his dark complexion.
Alora found herself staring.
How could someone so dark have such a dazzling smile? she wondered, for the first time, she truly looked at him.
He was tall—much taller than any man she had ever met—with broad shoulders and a powerfully built frame that hinted at years of sword training, His dark skin resembled polished ebony, smooth and flawless beneath the morning sunlight, His jaw was sharp, lightly covered with neatly trimmed stubble that made him look even more mature.
His deep black eyes were calm yet commanding, carrying a quiet confidence that made it difficult to look away. His thick eyebrows and long lashes framed them perfectly, while his slightly messy black hair rested just above his forehead. Near the roots, faint strands of silver-white peeked through his dark hair, making him look unique rather than strange.
Even dressed in the plain clothes of a merchant, nothing about him looked ordinary. His posture was straight, his movements graceful yet powerful, and every step he took carried the dignity of someone born to lead.
His deep voice was warm and soothing, yet it held an authority that demanded attention without effort, no wonder people respected him, Alora thought.
If he walked through a crowded street, people would turn around again and again just to catch another glimpse of him.
Before she realized it, she had become completely lost in admiring him.
"Alora..."
A gentle tap landed on her shoulder, she blinked in surprise, It was William.
"Huh?"
"You've been standing there for a while."
Everyone looked at her. When her eyes met Duncan's, her cheeks immediately turned red.
Duncan smiled.
"Mr. Duncan asked if you'll buy more ingredients, The food won't be enough for everyone."
Alora sighed, "But we haven't been paid yet."
Without saying a word, Duncan handed William a small pouch filled with coins. The family stared at it in disbelief.
"My Lord... this is too much," William said.
"You don't have to do this," Irene added.
Duncan smiled. "Consider it my contribution. I'll be eating with you today."
After much persuasion, they accepted.
Alora and William left for the market while Duncan excused himself, deciding to spend some time with Lucas at a nearby tavern until the meal was ready.
As Irene cooked, countless thoughts filled her mind.
"Is this Lord out of his mind? Why would a noble want to eat our food?"
Then she smiled.
After all...
She had once worked as a maid if Duncan insisted on getting close to her daughter... perhaps she could make sure he never returned.
Meanwhile, Alora couldn't stop thinking about Duncan as she chopped vegetables, while William prepared the chicken. It had been a long time since they had enjoyed such a proper meal.
Just as everything was ready, Duncan returned, and he inhaled deeply.
"Mmm... it smells delicious."
Alora smiled proudly, "Mother and I cooked it."
"That's not fair," William complained. "I helped, too."
Duncan laughed, "You did well, little man."
Only Irene remained expressionless.
Soon, everyone sat down to eat. Although the table was simple, Duncan didn't mind. He happily took his first spoonful.
Immediately—
"Cough! Cough!" His face twisted. "It's... so salty... And unbelievably spicy."
William hurried to hand him water while Alora panicked.
"My Lord... are you alright?"
After several cups of water, Duncan finally caught his breath. Irene pretended to look concerned.
"I suppose commoners' food doesn't suit nobles. Perhaps your guards should bring you something else."
Alora frowned.
"That can't be right. We didn't add that much salt."
She reached for Duncan's bowl, but Irene quickly stopped her and threw the food away.
"There's no need. It simply didn't suit him."
Duncan quietly watched Irene. He wasn't foolish. He knew exactly what had happened. Without another word, he stood up.
"Thank you for the meal."
His voice remained calm, but his expression had hardened. As he walked away, Irene let out a quiet sigh of relief.
She only hoped...
He would never come back.