Baker's Love: Kneading Hearts
In the humming city of New Caspia, there stood a little bakery, quaint and full of warmth. Sanra's Bakery was her haven. It was a dream come true for Sanra, a young woman who thrived amid flour, sugar, yeast, and the heavenly smell of freshly baked bread. Her laughter was as warm as her oven, making her customers feel like old friends.
Sanra's day began early in the morning when the city was still under the veil of darkness. Like a maestro in her own world, she set about her magnum opus. Every day, she magically transformed everyday elements - flour, water, butter, sugar, and yeast - into creations that warmed the heart and soul.
One fine morning, the tinkling of the door chime announced the arrival of a new customer, a tall figure aptly camouflaged in the early morning shadows. This stranger was no ordinary man. He had eyes as deep as the ocean and his hair was the color of ripe wheat. His aura screamed of an untold story that fascinated naive Sanra.
The stranger, who introduced himself as Elidan, quickly became Sanra's regular. Every morning, he would visit the bakery and settle for a fresh croissant and coffee. What started with small talk and polite smiles, gradually developed into deep conversations and laughter. Elidan's mysterious charm unfolded, revealing his real identity to Sanra. He was the prince of the neighboring kingdom, and the air of mystery surrounding him was due to his desire to escape pomp and showy exhibitions of his title.
Sanra, enamored by the confession, found her heart wavering for Elidan. Struggling between her growing feelings and the reality of their status, she descended into a whirl of emotions. Despite her turmoil, Sanra continued creating her sumptuous pastries, spreading warmth and love through her art.
Days turned into months, and Elidan's regular visits turned into lengthy stays. Their bond developed, and soon enough, Elidan confessed his burgeoning feelings for Sanra. Amid the fragrant loaves and melting butter, a simple, beautiful love story started to bloom.
However, their illicit affair didn't remain a secret for long. The regal walls of Elidan's castle couldn't cage the whispers that circulated about the Prince's mystery woman. Eventually, the news snaked its way to King Erdan, Elidan's father, who was furious at this revelation. Stubborn and irked, King Erdan ordered Elidan to break his ties with Sanra, asking him to focus on his duty towards their kingdom aimed at strengthening it through strategic royal alliances.
Crushed by his father's revelation, Elidan was torn between his duty as a prince and his love for Sanra. He didn't want to hurt the woman he deeply loved nor disown his own people. As his heartaches echoed throughout his castle's walls, Sanra too felt the melancholy swallowing her, and their blissful world seemed to fade into oblivion.
But love always finds its way. The couple decided to meet one last time at Sanra's Bakery. Elidan entered, and to his surprise, he saw a gigantic piece of bread wearing a golden crown. Curious, he took a bite and found a tiny scroll tucked inside it. It read, 'I release you from your promise of love, Elidan. Be the prince you were meant to be, and I will be the baker I have always been. Our station may divide us, but nothing will ever erase the love that blossomed here. My love will always knead its way back to you.'
Elidan looked at Sanra, his eyes filled with pain and admiration. They shared a hard goodbye, knowing their paths could cross, but their world would never collide. Elidan left, leaving behind a beautiful yet unfinished love story.
In the grand scheme of life, Sanra and Elidan remained as they were - a prince and a baker. However, the love between them was immortalized in the crusty loaves and sweet pastries that continued to flood Sanra’s Bakery.