"As for your passion and sincerity, I shall test my way."
"Yes, sir, thank you for providing me an opportunity," smiled Byrant.
"Good, now get in the kitchen and make me something," commanded the chef pointing at the door.
"Ah, o...ok, I do not know how to cook properly but I will try my best, sir."
"Get going before I change my mood."
"Yes, sir", Byrant rushed to the kitchen.
"Oi, aren't you being too harsh on my baby brother," declared Leesa, who just stood up after finishing everything that was served to her.
"No, this is just the start, if he can't endure this much then you can take him back with you princess, I have no tolerance for weaklings."
"Princess! Oh please, those phrases stopped suiting me a long time ago and just to give you a heads-up, my brother is no wimp."
"We shall see about that."
[Both of them are judging Byrant who is trying to make something edible. After half an hour or so Byrant comes out with a nice-smelling cheesy dish.]
'It was the first time for Byrant to make food alone as there was always a helper with him to tell him how to do and what to do. I wonder if he will be able to manage without any help.' Leesa was thinking while noticing Byrant's hard work.
"I am done, please try this."
"Oh, it looks good, great job brother," Leesa said with a thumbs up.
"Yes, it at least looks good but what about the taste?"
"It is not bad," says Leesa, already globing down the food.
"Sis, slow down a bit, it is piping hot."
"Hmm, It's not bad for someone who claims not to know how to cook but it's far worse than someone who aspires to become a chef. Don't you think so, kid?"
"Yes, sir of course I am lacking in many ways but I shall work hard to achieve my goal and for that, I will need a great teacher like you to guide me through it."
"I see but just to let you know, being my apprentice is not easy and if I ever find you lagging I am going to send you back home."
"Absolutely, I will work even harder than before and learn everything you teach taking your word for it."
"Good so now for your feedback, it's too cheesy, next the cheese is not melted properly you can even see the crumbs, because of the cheese the dish is too heavy to digest, remember while making a cheesy dish you need to keep a balance between the flavours otherwise its tastes too bland after three or four bites," stated the chef, decided to stop at this as to not demoralize Byrant.
"Yes sir," shouts Byrant diligently, writing down everything the chef said.
"You are currently at the level where only your sister will enjoy eating the food."
"Sir, please my sister is a glutton, she can eat anything given to her that is fresh and not burnt. That's the lowest level for a chef possible."
[Leesa glances at Bryant with a questioning gaze, pondering, "Who does he believe is accountable for transforming me into a glutton?" Throughout the years, whenever Bryant attempted to prepare something, only the chef who assisted him and Leesa would consume the dish, as even the servants rejected it. Consequently, for all these years, Leesa has consumed everything Bryant has prepared, occasionally hastily devouring the food to mask its taste, as the notion goes that by consuming it quickly, only the flavour of the final bite is discernible.]
"Hahaha, ha siblings, they never leave a chance to taunt each other. Okay, so my name is Paul and from tomorrow onwards I will be teaching you various stuff, you need to be here in the afternoon for 3 hours for your lessons, fine with you?"
"Yes sir," says Byrant excitedly.
"Now finish your food Byrant it's getting cold," says Leesa, already finished with her portion.
"I would like you to reconsider and teach him at our mansion if possible," whispers Leesa to Paul in a low voice so that Byrant can't hear.
"And why would I do that young lady? Are you scared for your brother, don't worry I won't eat him up, though I can't guarantee not scolding him harshly," said Paul amusing himself with his statement.
"No sir, it's because he is someone whose identity can attract enemies."
"What do you mean? I know you both are nobles."
"Byrant Marlene, 11 years old, the second born of the Duke and Duchess of the Marlene dukedom."
"What really, here I thought I did not mess up by choosing a perfect apprentice."
"So now will you take up on my offer on teaching him in our mansion?"
"No can do young lady. I insist to teach him here, you will get the results soon."
"Okay then but Just to keep it less dangerous there would be a few guards accompanying him, I will make sure they don't disturb your lessons in any way, I hope you don't mind."
"Sure whatever feels safe to you."
"Phew, I am done, sis shall we return back now?"
"Took you long enough."
"Yes, it was heavy and my stomach was already full."
"Hmm, let's go."
"We shall leave now sir, I will see you tomorrow," says Byrant, making his leave following Leesa.
Back at the royal garden, Flavian savoured his cup of tea, lost in contemplation. Unbeknownst to him, a few servants discreetly observed him, captivated by his dignified presence and pensive expression. However, if anyone could hear his inner thoughts Flavian's image as the crown prince could potentially tarnish his royal stature.
Flavian pondered over how he could revive Ella's memory of their past connection. Reflecting on his actions, he acknowledged that his immature impulsiveness had led him to engage in ludicrous behaviour. Yet, he attributed their initial encounter to fate, considering it as the only plausible explanation. The entire day passed as Flavian carried out his tasks, his mind filled with subconscious recollections of their past moments together. Despite being engrossed in his work, he couldn't help but let a hopeless smile out on his face as his thoughts drift back to the cherished times they had spent together. Determined to win Ella's love once more, Flavian searched for ideas that could reignite their bond. Before retiring for the night, Flavian resolved. He decided to discover the role Ella had adopted in her current life and devise a plan to capture her attention once again.