My Lady Chef

Chapter 23.1: Beef Wellington - Part 1

Pierce's POV:

I am the Duke of Aisenburg's personal secretary who handles his businesses and numerous shipments

that came from his fleet's trips in several countries including the Exotic Lands.

It is a very trying job but thanks to the generous salary I receive every month; I was able to pick my

brother and sisters up from the orphanage. Two were already married and working for the duke while

my little sister was attending boarding school in Volantia upon the Duke's patronage.

Right now, we are meeting his wife. The Lady Alaina Aisenburg seems to be the talk of the city right

now.

Even before the duke summoned me and Hubert the bookkeeper; I was intrigued by the sudden

appearance of the duchess whose background was a mystery.

From what I could learn from Milford; the lady was but a daughter of a border baron up in the Northern

Realm in the Arcana Region who begged the duke to save his father when he was captured by

enemies during a skirmish with Barbaros.

Not many ladies would risk their reputation to steal into a man's room and strike a deal with him for the

sake of family. She must either really love her father to risk herself or she was foolish enough to think

that my lord would help her without any payment just because he is the protector of the Kingdom.

Either way, I will get an accurate measure of her soon.

"A friend of mine in the Knight's order said that the duchess made a treat from them after training,"

Hubert said as he examined the silver spoon on the dining mat in front of him. "Something about it

being three different kinds of cold salads. "

"The duchess made them?" my fingers twitched in disbelief. " A noble lady cooking? That is absurd."

"Yes. I told my friend that but apparently it is true although the only one who can confirm that farfetched

story is her handmaid who assists her in the art of cooking."Hubert grinned at me. " Also, I heard from

every male servant that her Grace is a rare beauty."

"Even prettier than the reigning Belle?"

"Yeah, they say she looks like a fey queen. With shiny blonde locks and eyes that resemble the

Emerald Sea." the bookkeeper has a weakness for pretty women since his wife was also one.

The doors opened and I saw a line of maids take their place behind us. Milford made his appearance

and announced the arrival of the duke and duchess. We both stood up to await our employer.

The duke was dressed in his court clothes of black brocade and pantaloons, a fur-lined cape was

fastened on his left shoulder. He had a stern yet good looking face that has always been the envy of

the male nobles; black hair was also an uncommon trait in the Kingdom and his red eyes were a

symbol of his ancestor's scales, The Wyvern Lord Flamberge.

Since the duke was taller than the average male and had broad shoulders, the duchess who was

supposed to stand to his right had been partially covered as they walked towards the table.

But when he turned, the duchess came into view and somehow as immune as I am to a woman's

charms. Something inside me react when I beheld Lady Alaina's presence beside the duke.

I have seen a few women partner up with the duke during social gatherings and royal balls but even the

current belle of the ton Lady Lorax does not seem to fit into the strange bubble the duke has placed

himself in. Any woman seems lacking when they stand beside him even if they are known to be the

prettiest flowers of the Kingdom.

But the serene and kind aura that the Lady Alaina projects seem to melt away the duke's usual scary

presence that unnerves the weak-minded. As if it was something inherent within her soul that she could

touch the duke's hand without crying or fainting like a scared child. As a result, she and the duke make

the most striking couple.

As for the claims of her beauty...

They were wrong. She is more than beautiful. She was....exquisite and otherworldly.