Chapter 8

I am Annette, the head chef who has been serving the previous lord at the Bartelink Castle for over 20 years. My mission is to provide delicious meals to everyone in the castle, especially to Lord Rieu. Lord Rieu always eats everything I serve without leaving anything behind. It’s the ultimate satisfaction for a chef, but I am not a second-rate chef who would be content with just that. Although I don’t show it, I am sure he has some preferences and dislikes. I have been observing Lord Rieu closely during meals, trying to find out what they are. He prefers fish over vegetables, and meat over fish. His taste is neither too strong nor too light, but he likes his dishes well-seasoned with spices. He enjoys thinly sliced Mariah fruit.

In this way, I have become quite skilled at observing even the slightest changes in Lord Rieu’s expressions.

That’s why I was truly surprised during that evening meal.

It was the first dinner party after Princess Justine arrived. No one else noticed, but Lord Rieu was clearly very concerned about Princess Justine. He, who had never been moved by any young lady, even those rumored to be his lovers, was showing interest in someone for the first time.

However, what a surprise. The very Princess Justine, who was supposed to be a potential fiancée, was completely indifferent to Lord Rieu. No, it wasn’t just indifference; she seemed to be subtly rejecting him.

(Ah, what a waste! If she would just lift her head a little, she would notice Lord Rieu’s concerned gaze!)

But the princess, far from noticing my inner cry, said she had no appetite and was tired from the long journey, and left the meal almost untouched, returning to her room.

“Oh, how infuriating! I don’t even want to make a single drop of soup for a woman like that!”

“Hey, Annette! What are you saying about the princess? If someone hears you, you’ll be in trouble!”

My colleague Bram looked around in a panic, but at this hour, who else would be in the kitchen besides you and me?

Lord Rieu is a lonely man.

The previous lord and lady had no other children; Rieu was their only child. He was born to bear the heavy responsibility of ruling this land alone. The previous lord and lady were kind and loving, but they couldn’t afford to pamper their son, who would rule a land with many enemies. There was much to teach, and Rieu learned to endure before he learned to indulge. It was still bearable while his parents were alive.

But at just 16 years old, Rieu became an orphan and the sole ruler of this land.

The Bartelink territory has many enemies. More resources are allocated to the military than in other territories, and it is customary for the lord to handle military and diplomatic affairs, while the lady of the house handles internal affairs and coordination. No matter how cooperative the surroundings are, there is a limit to what one person can do. I want him to get married as soon as possible, but the person himself is not very enthusiastic. Moreover, his education has made it possible for him to manage the politics on his own, which is not a good thing.

“Is that so? If Lord Rieu can manage on his own and he’s not interested, then we can take our time, can’t we?”

“You really are an idiot! Of course, Lord Rieu will protect Bartelink, but who will protect Lord Rieu?”

“He doesn’t need anyone to protect him. Lord Rieu is a much stronger man than you think.”

“Hmph, my belief is that no one can stand alone.”

When the princess suddenly appeared, everyone thought she would marry another young lady and was not very friendly. Moreover, the princess seemed to be at odds with Lord Rieu. No, it was more like she was avoiding him.

But I was the only one who hadn’t given up. The princess was the only one who had caught Lord Rieu’s interest.

I am not so broad-minded as to forgive such rudeness as leaving food uneaten.

“Annette, do you know why you were summoned here?”

Princess Justine was sitting on the sofa, looking displeased.

“I am very sorry, Princess. But there is something I must say to you.”

“Did you switch the salt and sugar in the food to say this one thing to me? If this were a real palace, you’d lose your head...”

“The taste of food can’t be judged by appearance alone. Even if the salt and sugar were switched, it wouldn’t be noticeable.”

Princess Justine raised one eyebrow.

“...What do you want to say?”

“You can’t understand a person just by thinking about them in your head. It’s better to confront them directly.”

“I don’t understand what you’re trying to say.”

“No, you do understand! Princess, you eat everything, but your preferences change every day. You didn’t touch the food you asked for twice yesterday. You have a very clear personality, even if it’s whimsical. You don’t force yourself to eat something just because you feel bad about leaving it.”

Princess Justine looked even more confused.

“If you really don’t want to be engaged to Lord Rieu, you could leave immediately. But you’ve been here for so long, avoiding Lord Rieu so obviously. Is there something that’s holding you back?”

“...!”

“You’re not the type to delay making a decision. Be brave!”

Princess Justine seemed slightly flustered.

“Enough of this nonsense! Stop saying things that make no sense and apologize to the princess!”

Just then, Sienna, the usually quiet and reserved lady-in-waiting, interrupted.

“Oh, Sienna. You’ve finally become a lady-in-waiting. And now you’re giving me advice. You’ve really grown.”

“Annette, the princess has her own deep thoughts. Please refrain from imposing your ideas on her.”

“Hmph, you’re just a newcomer! Get lost!”

“I was entrusted by Lady Flore to take care of the princess. Do you intend to ignore her request? The request of Lady Flore, who has supported this castle for so long!”

“Enough! Sienna, you can leave now. Annette, I will overlook this time, but if you do it again, you’re fired. Do you understand?”

Princess Justine looked thoroughly exasperated and seemed to have closed her heart.

Really, if Sienna hadn’t butted in, I could have said more, but it was clear she wouldn’t listen anymore.

I returned to the kitchen and sipped my tea in the empty space.

Unfortunately, the princess didn’t seem to have any intention of changing her mind. It’s frustrating, but what can I do? It’s so frustrating that they care for each other but are at odds.

Oh, God, can’t you give them a little push?

I’m not mistaken. I’m willing to share a little of my good fortune in life to help them. Please do something.

“Prepare breakfast for Princess Justine as well tomorrow morning.”

Lord Rieu’s words, as he rarely came to the kitchen, made me turn around in surprise.

“Oh, the princess will be joining too?”

“Yes, please take care of it.”

My eyes must have sparkled with hope when I heard that.

“Oh, that’s wonderful! Yes, I will prepare breakfast for both of them! A special breakfast!”

“Annette, just serve the usual breakfast.”

“Yes, I understand! Leave it to me!”

I got to work with great enthusiasm.

I don’t know what happened to the arrogant princess, but if she can move Lord Rieu’s heart, anything is fine.

“Bram, we’re going to be busy!”

“Calm down, we still have plenty of time until tomorrow’s breakfast.”

“What are you saying! Princess Justine needs to eat well tonight to prepare for tomorrow! Let’s get to work!”

“What? But dinner is just around the corner.”

“That’s why we need to hurry! Bring all the ingredients without being stingy!”

“Hey, weren’t you the one who said you wouldn’t even make a drop of soup for her just the other day?”

“That was then, this is now! It’s decided!”

Men are so clueless! Princess Justine needs to be in a good mood from tonight. Time is limited, but this is where my skills come into play.

Ignoring Bram’s grumbling, I rolled up my sleeves and started humming a tune.

This story leads to the end of the third chapter.