Arabella covered her mouth in surprise at the breakfast served on the table.
There were a lot of fruits and vegetables for the first time. She gulped at the sight of Lobelian fresh vegetables made into an elegant-looking salad. The fruits were also chopped into thin slices and arranged in the shape of a rose.
The main course, steak, which she surmised was from her husband's hunt at dawn, was also garnished with vegetables and fruit. It looked tender and soft and the slices for her were much smaller and thinner compared to her husband's. She also had a smaller portion.
She looked around searching for Aletha. She was sure this was Aletha's doing. She was already allowed into the kitchen. And there she was, standing beside the Head Chef. They both bowed at her and Arabella smiled. Her eyes lingered on Aletha.
'Why is the Head Chef here? Did he come to see my reaction to these dishes? Of course, these are to my taste if Aletha made these.'
But then again, it had been twenty-two years since she last ate food Aletha made. However, this body of hers just had it more than a month ago when she was still in Lobelius.
[Milady looks so delighted. Just what kind of food had they been feeding her?!] Aletha thought and glanced at the Head Chef.
[Would Her Majesty really love these? Even the maids who saw these seemed to like it just by the appearance. I simply have to see Her Majesty's reaction to know if she would truly prefer these over the food we used to serve her.] The Head Chef was nervous and fidgety.
[This is what my wife usually eats? Isn't her portion of steak too little? Would she really be full with such a small portion? It's not like we are lacking in food. I thought people in Lobelius were rich in food. Why would their first princess eat so little? Was Arabella mistreated in her own home?] Ferdinand was wide-eyed and going to the wrong conclusions.
'I wasn't really mistreated but my parents were strict. And normal ladies like myself simply eat differently. Even ladies in Valeria do not eat as much as you military men do,' Arabella wanted to say but just remained silent. Even her father and older brother eat a lot but still not as much as Ferdinand and his knights.
Arabella was reminded her husband lacked exposure to meals with ladies since he always just sends his Prime Minister to formal banquets and events.
Ferdinand was just extra attentive when it comes to war-related matters and let the formalities be the Prime Minister's job.
Due to this, there were even rumors he was just an uneducated muscle-head who only knew about war.
They didn't know Ferdinand also did his share of paperwork but disliked attending events because all of it was boring to him.
He only did his utmost best to remain patient on the day of their wedding and finished the ceremony and the formalities because his Prime Minister threatened to resign if Ferdinand fails to behave and complete his duty.
"Shall we eat?" Ferdinand said and their breakfast finally began.
Arabella had a few slices of fruit as appetizers before eating a whole plate of vegetable salad. She simply missed it so much and it tasted so good. She loved how light and fibrous it was.
[This is the first time Her Majesty finished something on her plate.]
The Head Chef and other servants were gawking at her. Even Ferdinand was so surprised.
[So this is what Her Majesty likes to eat? Does she prefer fruits and vegetables? I have to note this for future reference.] Eunice was also observing keenly.
Arabella smiled at Aletha and both the Head Chef and her husband were jealous.
"You like fruits and vegetables?" Ferdinand asked her.
"Yes. They are light and easy to digest. Unlike you and the knights, I don't get that much exercise so my body doesn't digest just as fast, so I like to eat more fruits and vegetables and just small portions of meat or fish for nutrition purposes," Arabella clarified once and for all while the Head Chef was around so she wouldn't have to suffer this life eating foods she disliked just as she did before.
"I see. Alfredo, you better remember this," Ferdinand glared at the Head Chef who had been serving her the wrong foods.
Alfredo flinched and bowed. "I deeply apologize for serving you wrong this whole time, Your Majesty. I will do my best to learn how to make the dishes you prefer."
"I appreciate your apology. I will look forward to the meals you will prepare for me in the future."
In her previous life, when she was new to the palace, Arabella was too scared to speak her mind since she was afraid to displease her husband.
She didn't want him to think she was too picky. She didn't want him to think she hated the food he loves and would end up disliking her because of a difference in taste. He still paid her no mind though after he got an heir. She suffered for nothing.
But this time, she doesn't care what Ferdinand thinks of her as long as he doesn't conclude she was suspicious and kills her.
She should at least have good meals in her second life. She won't endure it all again just to please everyone.
Arabella proceeded to the steak. She tried cutting a small portion and she was delighted that it was well done but still tender and juicy. It wasn't salty too. The amount of salt was just right.
'Aletha, you are my girl indeed!' she eyed her maid with so much love that Ferdinand and the Head Chef flinched.
[I am happy and honored that Milady still loves my cooking.] Aletha smiled brightly too.
[I really need to learn from this maid. His Majesty might just fire me if I fail to satisfy Her Majesty's taste. I have to milk everything I can get from her maid.] The Head Chef eyed Aletha as if she was some precious tome.
[I have never seen Arabella make such a delighted face when she has her meals. I thought it was because she still felt bitter about getting separated from her beloved prince. And yet, all this time, it was because the food here didn't suit her taste. I have to get her maid on my side.]
Since then, the food served to Arabella was better and better. Who knew she wouldn't have to suffer if she just speak what was in her mind? Why did she just endure it in her previous life?