She rolled her head back, groaning. “I can’t entrust my station to Ronald. The last time we did that, one of the ovens almost caused a big fire,” she replied. 
I covered my mouth as I snickered. I quickly turned around, preventing anyone in the kitchen from seeing me laughing. Ronald couldn’t be that bad of a worker, is he? Perhaps Laura was exaggerating. She has been annoyed with Ronald for the longest time. 
“Hmm,” I turned around as Grandpa Ben spoke. His chin rested on his hand. His lips pouted a bit and his brows furrowed, in deep thoughts. “You’re probably right about that. I’ll handle your station, then,” Grandpa Ben smiled, which caused Laura’s eyes to widen. “Ronald shall take over counter duties. You, on the other hand, shall go with Robert. He could use some of your insights in choosing a new champion.” 
Laura sighed as she saw no other excuse against Grandpa Ben. “If you say so,” she smiled firmly as she took off her apron, handing it over to Grandpa Ben after. She hugged him for a second and left the bakery with me, following closely behind her. 
“Shall we?” I asked. 
She looked at her clothes before she turned to me. “Can I change into something else? I smell of cookies and to be completely honest, I’m a mess,” she replied. 
I nodded. “Take your time. I’ll wait for you.” I laid a soft peck on her forehead and she went on her way, hiding away her flushed face. 
♔♔♔ 
A while has passed and Laura hasn’t returned yet. My legs started shaking as I anxiously waited in front of the bakery. What could be keeping her? I didn’t require her to look too much of a princess or noble lady. I’d prefer for her to wear something she was comfortable in. Something that she knew she looked good in.
A gentle voice then called me from behind, “Robert?” 
I turned my head and there she was. She wore a white, long-sleeved top that’s a bit loose on the sleeves. She paired it with a long brown skirt and she kept her working boots. Her long, dark brown curls hung free down to her shoulders. 
This was her. The Laura that caught my eyes. 
I stood and walked towards her. Unable to contain my smile, I spoke, “You look radiant, Laura, as you always do.” I leaned in to plant a kiss on her lips, only to be pushed back by her. 
“Robert, please,” she murmured as she looked around, frantic. “People could see us.” 
I stepped back, smirking as I raised a brow. “I didn’t know you cared so much about what other people think. Why does it matter if they see?” I replied. 
She sighed and stepped closer, muttering, “It’s high time that you know this. You’re highly respected here. Ever since your presence was made known in our street, they held you in high regards. Should they catch you being affectionate with me, they might say you have bad taste in women.” She added, “A young, rich man philandering with a lowly woman? Scandalous.” 
Amused, I smiled as I stared at her. I found her adorable whenever she was in a worried state. “Laura, I don’t care if they saw what I just did,” I said, gently grabbing her hands. I caressed her hands softly with my thumbs. I continued, “And why do you see yourself in such a low manner? You may not be of noble birth. But I hold you in high standards, the same standards I have for my mother and sister. So, there’s nothing for you to worry.” I stepped closer, closing the gap between us. I moved a piece of hair from her face and asked, “Do you understand?” 
She was about to protest but resigned to a nod and a smile. She then whistled and Leo stepped out from behind her. She quickly held onto Leo’s rein as he stood beside her. “How are we going to settle this? Perhaps you can ride Leo and I’ll walk,” she smirked as she teased me. 
I rolled my eyes. “Oh, Laura,” I pulled her to me. “It seems you didn’t learn anything from the moment we met.” I carried her and winked. Without hesitation, I assisted Laura up Leo and I followed. I secured Laura within my arms and whispered, “Hold on.” 
With a light kick on Leo’s side, we made our journey to the champion seller back in the Immortal Realm. 
♔♔♔ 
“I offer my deepest condolences upon your loss, Your Highness,” Lord Roland, the owner of the champion selling business, said as we walked through his plantation. “Upon hearing the death of Lady, I was heartbroken for you.” 
I smiled cordially. “Thank you, Lord, Roland,” I replied, squeezing Laura’s hand as she walked behind me. 
Lord Roland has maintained his reputation as the most trusted horse keeper in our kingdom. He has consistently provided well-mannered and healthy champions to anyone who wanted one. Lady came from his stables, which is why I knew exactly where to go when I made the decision to have a new champion. 
“What sort of champion are you looking for, Your Highness?” his voice became a bit enthusiastic, probably an attempt to lighten the mood. “I suppose you’re looking for something a bit bolder.” 
“With all honesty, I haven’t thought about it yet,” I replied, my lips formed a tight line. “I had Lady for the longest time and never did I imagine that I would be here today, looking for a new champion. No other horse can replace the bond we had. Ever,” I continued. “But I also don’t want a horse that’s just another Lady. Loyalty and deep connection is all I need, aside from a healthy stature. And the champion must be able to hold their own.” 
Lord Roland. “It would take a lot of time and consideration in choosing a new horse, Your Highness. But with many choices laid before you,” he proudly pointed at all the horses, “I’m certain you’ll be able to find the perfect match.” 
We then stopped in the middle of the room. As my eyes scanned my surroundings, not one horse caught my attention. When Lady was bestowed in my care, my eyes were set on her and her alone. I never looked at another kind of horse because she was more than adequate as a companion. But to be in the position of choosing a new champion, I never knew it would be difficult. 
My worry was about to consume me when Laura walked over to me. She remained by my side and around the corner of my eye, I saw she was looking. I turned to her and she smiled as soon as our eyes met. She tightened her hold on my hand and grabbed onto my arm with her other. 
I took a deep breath before I returned to Lord Roland. “If it’s not too much to ask, I would like to have a moment to think. As you mentioned, there are a lot of things to consider.” 
“Please, Your Highness,” he bowed, “take all the time you need.” He then called the two servants that accompanied us and left the room.