My Lady Chef

Bel's POV:

"Your Highness? I was going to visit you once the lunch meal rush was over." Alaina soon found me and curtsied. "Pardon my messy appearance, milord. I do not usually look this way."

"No, no...It is very practical. No need to apologize. I just came to give my thanks for a delicious meal. I loved the idea of a...savory pie. It was genius."

"Oh well, I am pleased that you love it." she smiled before someone called her. "Your Highness, are you here because you need someone to show you around the castle?"

She seems very busy so I declined but took her hand which smelled like herbs and bread to kiss it.

"I will see you at dinner. And..." I leaned closer to her ear and whispered. "I am placing the kingdom's hope for a prolonged trade with Ryu in your hands"

She looked surprised but her eyes lit up with excitement at my challenge as she nodded.

"Leave it to me, Your Highness." She said confidently and left me a bit dazed as I walked away.

Do all women have that confidence?

It was rather....attractive.

I wonder if my future queen would have even half the conviction Alaina has.

That was only my wishful thinking.

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Dinner came soon enough.

And I am nervous because usually Prince Oshu would be complaining like a wounded parrot but ever since he was served luncheon; he has been deathly quiet and even now he was silent as she sat next to me at the table.

of the table as the host and he seems in an even darker

he gave me that scowl was because I stole a certain lady he was aiming

supper will be a bit different. In honor of our esteemed guest, Prince Oshu from Ryu; my wife has crafted a dinner menu made of Exotic Land ingredients and some of our own local products. Enjoy.

served by young squires dressed in simple but clean

The cook responsible for this is a woman. Yes?" Oshu said to me as the appetizer was placed in front

The Duchess

very acceptable. If she pleases me then our kingdom will continue to trade with each other."

as the squires took off the wooden covers and saw something I have only seen a few times in my

Exotic Land food called dumplings. They differ from Ming's

the steamed mincemeat which was a bit visible. I

were the utensils used for dumplings but the others used their forks

the dumpling skin was chewy and delicious! The dipping sauce

to one of our dumplings. Impressive and fine delicate work." Oahu murmured to himself as he ate

*talking in Ryuen.

received by everyone, Even Ezran and my brother Elliot were intrigued and satisfied by it as the small baskets were taken away to be replaced with the last

thin slices of eringi mushrooms on top called Chawanmushi. This is not

took a bite. His usual

sorcery is this?" Elliot gasped

with its rich yet delicate taste as the thin bits of mushroom enhanced the

to

then offered cups of either cold or hot

cold tea and nearly moaned at the light sweetness of the

at peace as

feeling relaxed from a brief tea break, the next dish came and they were two

looked pleased. "I have eaten these at Ming and Ledo. I never thought I would taste it again." He hurriedly took on with

and there were cries of pleasure and noises of then buns being

cloud and slightly sweet but the pork filling was smoky with a savory-sweet sauce