My Lady Chef

Chapter 93: Prince Oshu

Bel's POV:

"What happened? Why did the duke leave so suddenly?" I asked Joel, one of the twins that Ezran left

in charge.

"News of a few rebels infiltrating Guthrie reached the lord's ears. The duchess tried to protect the city

gates and the duke went ahead to check on her."

"Dear Goddess. Is she alright?" Elliot, my younger brother the 3rd Prince asked. He has the same eye

color as I but his silver hair had a touch of blue sheen on it. He has not met the duchess yet but is

aware of how much the duke treasures her.

Amongst my brothers, I liked him the most.

"We are not sure, Your Highness," Joel answered him before he moved away.

I am pretty sure that those rebellious insurgents will be weeded out once the duke arrives.

News of the Fall of Guthrie Kingdom was on everyone's lips after the death of its king at the hands of

the Duke of Aisenburg.

But what surprised everyone was how fast the clean-up was. The standard time for every conquered

territory is about a year at the most. Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

But somehow everything has been done in just 6 months. Remnants of the deceased king's supporters

have been killed or imprisoned and the surrounding towns and villages have accepted their fates.

But the rumors that floated around were incredible to behold. They say that the duke's wife took over

supervising the soldier cooks making food which is why the quality has improved so much that the men

were energized for every battle or mission they encounter.

I even heard of new food being crafted by the duchess that is eaten by the knights and soldiers alike.

Things like Sheperd's Pie, Meatball Croquettes, Hearty Vegetable Stew and even desserts I have

never tasted like Bread Pudding and Milk Jam Buns.

She was even called a "Cooking Goddess" by the senior knights according to the rumors.

My mouth was drooling the minute I heard that I was assigned by Father to accompany my brother

Elliot to his new territory and to serve as a translator to our honored guest.

The 13th Prince of Ryu. Prince Oshu.

He replaced the previous representative a few months ago after he heard of the delicious cakes being

served in the Palace. (which was courtesy of the Duchess of Aisenburg)

When I heard that she was cooking at her husband's camp. I wondered who was baking this month's

cake and was surprised to learn from my butler that the duchess trained the current head chef of Cafe

Terra to make the cakes and the Cherry Ripple Cake that my sisters have been loving lately, was his

creation.

I visited the lively and popular Cafe Terra and was happy to see a familiar face. Neo was once a low-

tiered chef from the Royal Palace until he quit after assisting the duchess in remaking the cakes that

were ruined.

He seems happier with where he was now. His position as a cafe chef was humbler existence than a

royal chef apprentice but I have never seen him this at peace and so eager to work before.

He also seems to have bulked up and his appearance was much more dignified and he even gave me

a basket of some of the cafe's best sellers.

A new flavor, Strawberry Swirl Cream Roll Cake and some Chicken Chipotle Buns. All of which were

dishes he devised and perfected with Lady Alaina's guidance and help.

It also shows that the Duchess can bring out a certain talent from people if she was been able to train

Neo and mold him into an exceptional cook.

And now I am on my way to see the lovely woman again.

After more than a year after meeting her, I wonder how the lovely Alaina is doing....

Normally, the prince's welfare is above everything but I cannot have the only chef who has a chance of

pleasing Prince Oshu to fall I'll so I let the duke go to her.

We cannot have her falling sick and incapable of cooking a feast.

"*First Prince, I hope that this lady you speak of can appease my cravings for food from my

homeland."Prince Oshi's bored voice broke my inner musings.

(*He is speaking in Ryuen, the official language of Ryu. It is similar to Japanese)

"*I believe the food she makes will appease you. Prince Oshi. She is the wife of a good friend of mine

and has been informed of our arrival." I spoke politely as is the custom of his people.

People from Ryu wear these flowing garments called kimonos and pants resembling skirts called

hakama.

Oshu is wearing an expensive kimono made of red silk with the eastern dragon pattern and light

cream-colored umanori (hakama pants with a clear division), the edges tucked into black boots edged

with fur.

He was 8 years younger than me which makes him 20 years of age and yet he seems pampered and

spoiled with over 20 samurai guards for an entourage. I managed to convince him to bring only 4 of his

best warriors on this trip.

"I hope so. The Palace food was too rich and salty. No hint of restraint and delicacy. Ryuen food takes

the art of boiling and grilling fish and meat to the next level.."

I listened to his praises on God knows whatever food preparation he was saying, nodding and making

a sound every few minutes.

The 13th prince is a well-known snob when it comes to food in the Exotic Lands. He could also pass for

a pretty girl if he did not have an Adam's apple.

But he does know good food and Illios trades a lot of soybeans, rice wine vinegar, and plum wine as

well as other fish products among other things with their kingdom.

So I have to keep him happy to secure another trade agreement father wanted.

I just hope the young duchess came up with something to please him.

Pleasing Prince Oshi is a matter of great importance.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The very few times I do an inspection visit of Ezran's camp. It was always orderly but a bit chaotic but

now I can see that the castle walls are being rebuilt and the smells of bread, smoke, and herbs were

really enticing as our carriage drove past the cobblestone road.

All the soldiers were lined up to receive us with Ezran and his senior knights upfront the castle's front

courtyard.

As the carriage pulled upfront. I went out first while Prince Oshi followed, flanked by his samurai

warriors.

"Greetings to the rising suns of our kingdom." My friend great us first as he bowed as every one of his

knights knelt down with their heads bowed.

"Rise, Duke Aisenburg. Thank you for greeting us. My brother Prince Elliot has been chosen to be the

new governor of Guthrie."I stepped aside for my brother, who greeted the duke.

Ezran for his part, maintains an aloof but polite air as he made his greetings to Elliot.

"May I introduce the 13th Prince of Ryu. His Highness Prince Oshu Minoru." I stepped back to let the

Eastern prince greet Ezran.

"I have heard that you are a great warrior who won a recent battle." The haughty foreign prince looked

at Ezran for some time before he miled. His accent clearly showing in our language.

That was a surprise. Oshu never smiles.

Unless....