My Lady Chef
Chapter 42: Cheesecake Feast

Belmont's POV:

I was surprised as well.

Chef Pepin had a hard time but somehow Lady Alaina did more than what was asked of her.

One cheesecake was a golden yellow color with a light brown top but it was dusted with some sort of sugar frost and some whipped cream and strawberries while the other one was a white frosted cake with shaved cheese on top and some cute rosettes decorating the top and bottom edges.

The smell was not the usual dense rich smell of cheesecake but it smelled good nonetheless.

Soon two slices were served for each of us and I saw how Ezran's face had a weird stunned look before he ate the first cake which jiggled like it was...

"What the? This cake is moving! How is this possible?" My father was dumbfounded as he ate it and his eyes sparkled before he smiled like a child. "Such an airy feeling..."

Ezran was also digging into the cake so I took a huge bit and nearly bite my tongue at how the creamy cheese taste was light and fluffy in my mouth as I chewed till it disperses without a hint of heaviness I usually get.

I had always dreamed of a cheesecake that might taste light as air but just as delicious. To think that Ezran's wife made something impossible possible.

Amazing...

I saw my father and the delegates eating the first cake with a smile on their faces before they went for the second cake.

And so did I.

The rich taste of the buttercream was the first thing I tasted followed by the faint orange sponge cake which tasted as soft as a cloud then I was hot by the rich salty cheese shavings that somehow harmonized with the sweet airy buttercream.

Two different cheesecakes and yet they had their own charms and flavor.

Addicting! Incredible!

These desserts are unlike anything I have ever tasted!

"You there!" My father motioned for the female server to come to him. "Call Chef Pepin here immediately!"

The Royal Chef came in a few minutes later and was nervous as he bowed before us.

"Did you make these new cakes Chef?" My father's questions were frantic which caused the chef to tremble in fright.

He must be thinking that my father was displeased with the dessert from the loud way he was speaking.

"Your Majesty. Someone else took control of the desserts today! There was an accident involving my cheesecake and I had no choice! Punish them sire, not me!"

At this news, Ezran's eyes sparked with comprehension and I stood up.

If the Duke replaces out that his wife meddled with the food and my father takes an interest in her.

There will be a bloodbath. Time for some damage control.

"Father, the fault is mine. I brought a special chef over to make cakes for us in honor of our two esteemed guests from the Exotic Lands. This esteemed cake maker agreed to bake these cakes on grounds that I do not reveal his/ her identity." I bowed to my king.

"I...see." the disappointment in his Leone eyes was evident as he dismissed Chef Pepin who disappeared into the kitchen. "Well reward this special cake maker well as I am greatly pleased with the confections.

"You-your Majesty? The esteemed cake maker has one last gift for you and your important guests...." the young cook was pushing a cart with covered trays.

There was more?

Only four guests were dining so one tray was given to each of us. Ezran looked calmer but he was staring at the plate with an intensity that frightens me.

The tray cover was lifted and I blinked at the smallest cheesecake I have ever seen. Unlike the two cakes that were given to us in slices; this one was special and it looked too pretty to eat.

Careful detailing was done to it from the dripping thick fruit puree made of blueberry to the tiny swirls of whip cream and the strawberry rose detail.

Ezran looked positively fit to be tied but the moment he took a bite of cake. He was silently stuffing his face.

"This!.... This is similar to Aubergine cheesecake but it was smoother! and the tastes so fruity and so.." My father looked like he was about to cry as he ate his tiny cake sparingly as if he wanted this moment to last.

I took one bite and I was also lost in the creaminess of the cheesecake and the burst of succulent berries to the crumbly goodness of the bottom crust.

Before I knew it, I finished that small cake after just five bites.

A burp resounded from my father's mouth before he laughed it off and the delegates also seem more in the mood after such a tasty treat.

"You. What is your name?" The king motioned for the young cook to come closer.

"N-neo. Your Majesty." He bowed respectfully.

"Did you help prepare these cakes?"

"Yes, sire."

"Hmm.....can you replicate these 3 different desserts next week?"

The young cook called Neo swallowed before he shook his head and bent down on his knees.

"Forgive me, Your Highness but each cake was done in a complicated manner. I merely did as I was told by the...cake maker," he revealed while his head down. The king looked disappointed but he was still in a good mood as he instructed the maids to preserve the remaining cakes so that it can be served during dinner. During that time, I saw a manservant from the outside whisper something to the duke. Ezran immediately excused himself and left for his room.

After dinner was done. I went towards the royal kitchen and found Neo before he can walk away.

He was not dressed in his chef's uniform but is wearing his regular tunic and pants.

"Your Highness?"

"Where did the duchess go after the cakes were served?" I asked him immediately and he explained how she got a servant to show her to her husband's quarters and tasked him to ensure the cakes were served correctly.

"Did Chef Pepin still fired you? If so, I will have a serious talk with him."

"You do not have to, sire. I quit my post. " came his calm answer.

"But why? I thought you needed this job?"

"I did. The pay is better than any pub or tavern but I only go through the same recipes day by day. I thought that is what cooking is...but when I assisted Milady Aisenburg; she was smiling and excited; her concentration and passion while creating those cakes captivated me and reinvigorated my love for food." came his answer. "I am going to go back to my hometown and think about what I want to do as a chef." Since he gave me such an answer, I had no choice but to let him go and he bowed before me one last time before he left to pack his belongings at the dormitory.

"Alaina.....Duchess of Aisenburg." A smile made me lick my lips as I thought of the cakes she made. " She has the looks, brains, and a strong passion for cuisine. What a rare jewel indeed."

I licked my lips as I went back to my Palace to prepare myself for the next court session.

The duchess will be present and I want to look my best when she makes her entrance.0000☐☐☐☐☐☐☐