I took a little break and took some habicus tea , like I promised hubby and after that I continued. After giving some instructions to the embroidery team. I came out to check the walk way decoration, then I saw a suspicious figure.
Although they wore a cloak, the had a tall feminine build. Curious I started following the figure cautiously. It seemed like the figure noticed she was being followed and increased her steps.
I didn't know when I was a bit far from the grand hall. I was almost at another turn, when a kitchen staff came out of no where. She starts talking about how some jars of wine tipped over accidentally when being offloaded from a wagon.
The kitchen staff member, , wrung her hands nervously as she spoke to Bella. "Oh, Your Highness, I am so sorry! The delivery cart hit a loose cobblestone and half the wines just spilled everywhere. Farmented rice wine- wine- it's a disaster!"
Her voice carried genuine panic mixed with something else - perhaps urgency? She gestured wildly toward the direction Bella had been following the cloaked figure.
"I was just rushing to get cleaning supplies and looking for you to inform you ."
The servant led Bella through winding service corridors toward the kitchens, her steps hurried but occasionally glancing back as if checking whether they were being followed. As they approached the main kitchen entrance, the distinct smell of fermented rice wine grew stronger, mingling with the usual aromas of spices and simmering broths.
Inside the vast kitchen area, chaos reigned. Several cooks were frantically scrubbing red wine stains from marble countertops and stone floors, their aprons soaked through. Broken pottery shards littered the ground near a toppled delivery cart.
"My lady!" The head cook rushed forward upon seeing Bella, wiping sweat from his brow. "This is worse than we feared. Half our reserves for tonight's celebration were in those barrels."
He pointed to several large wooden casks lying on their sides amidst shattered ceramic jugs. "We can salvage some smaller bottles that weren't directly affected by the spill, but we'll be short on quantity."
Why don't we use the farmented rice and cinnamon wine, I heard that it is what you servants drink on your free time and little gatherings. I suggested .
They froze for a moment not expecting for me to know of their secret stash , let alone speak of it. It's fine. I won't tell. Although u are servants you are human first. You are entitled to enjoy your self as far it doesn't interfere with your work . I added to calm them. I will also throw in a mini feast for all of you next Friday night. I smiled , sort of bribing them.
The head cook's jaw dropped open, his eyes wide with shock at Bella's casual mention of their forbidden vice. Around him, other servants exchanged nervous glances, their faces flushing with guilt.
"We... we appreciate your generosity, Your Highness," the head cook stammered, bowing deeply. "But using our personal stock would be inappropriate. Those wines are meant for our recreation, not for the emperor's birthday celebration."
Despite his words, his gaze kept darting toward a hidden storage closet tucked away in the corner of the pantry. The temptation was obvious in his expression.
Another servant chimed in timidly, "Your Highness is too kind. A feast on Friday night... that sounds like heaven after working so hard this week."
The kitchen staff began murmuring amongst themselves, their initial panic giving way to excitement at Bella's offer.
I promise I won't tell the royals about it. And you will have your feast but within the servants garden of course, so as not to disturb anyone, I smiled slyly. And the gave in.
The head cook's shoulders visibly relaxed as Bella outlined her terms, a relieved smile spreading across his weathered face. "Deal, Your Highness," he agreed quickly. "We'll fetch the cinnamon and plum wines from our private cellar."
Several servants scattered to retrieve the hidden bottles while others resumed cleaning with renewed energy now that their secret was safe. The kitchen gradually regained order under Bella's unexpected leniency.
As they worked together moving undamaged supplies to safety, one of the younger maids approached hesitantly. "Your Highness... if you don't mind me asking... how did you know about our gatherings?"
She blushed pink beneath her white headscarf. "Most nobles wouldn't care what servants do in their free time."
That's a secret . I place a finger in front of my lips, smiling. Anyways I think the event will start soon. I hope you all will be done soon and change to the clothes that were custom made for each of you and given to you yesterday.
The head cook straightened up from sweeping wine-soaked straw off the floor, a grateful smile on his face. "We'll have everything cleaned and ourselves dressed in the new uniforms within the hour, Your Highness. Thank you for your understanding."
The young maid who had spoken earlier grinned broadly at Bella's mysterious answer. "A secret, huh? I like that. Makes you seem more like one of us than royalty sometimes."
Other servants chattered excitedly as they finished their tasks, their mood significantly improved by the promise of a private feast and Bella's surprising kindness. One of them called out cheerfully, "We'll make sure every dish is perfect tonight! Even better than what we serve the emperor!"
As Bella prepared to leave the busy kitchen, the head cook bowed low again. "Go enjoy your evening, Empress. Leave the rest to us."