Ignoring the butler's attempts to stop him, Alan barged into the room, shoving Gloria aside as he headed straight for her father.
Kate, appalled by his insolence, reached out to grab him, but Gloria stopped her with a gentle gesture and urged her to move towards the knight still stationed at the door.
The butler addressing Alan as "young master," the knight making no move to expel the intruding child, and the maids acting as though this was perfectly ordinary—all grated on Gloria's nerves.
But she suppressed her irritation, considering the timing of Alan's appearance fortunate. She had been expecting him to show up sooner or later to confront their father.
"What's with that boy?" Kate muttered, glaring at Alan, who was now standing defiantly in front of her father.
"He's my father's illegitimate son," Gloria whispered.
Kate's freckled face paled as she turned back to Gloria, her wide eyes filled with concern.
Catching her gaze, Gloria offered a faint smile, then shifted her focus to the knight, who stood awkwardly, neither defending her nor reacting to the intrusion.
Kate straightened her expression and gave a resolute nod.
"I'll fetch another knight. My lady, please—"
"My father's son is here. I can't pretend this has nothing to do with me."
"…Understood. I'll return shortly!"
As Kate's light footsteps receded, Gloria's father stood abruptly, his complexion ashen.
Watching Alan approach her father, Gloria narrowed her violet eyes. What could he possibly want to say?