Chapter 5 A Taste of the Past life

Alexander strode through the castle, his brow furrowed as he noticed a strange commotion in the kitchens. Servants were darting around, carrying trays piled high with food and desserts-far more than usual. He caught the head chef by the arm as she was rushing by.

"What is going on here?" he demanded, looking at the trays with raised eyebrows. "Why does it look like we're preparing a feast?"

The chef hesitated, looking slightly panicked. "It's... it's Lady Eleanor, Your Highness. She, ah... requested a more substantial meal today."

Alexander's eyes widened in shock. "*Lady Eleanor* asked for this? She who lives on vegetables and broth?"

"Yes, Your Highness. She specifically asked for... well, more indulgent foods," the chef said, almost whispering, as if afraid of the words herself. "She requested a... a variety of meats, breads, and sweets."

Alexander's face darkened. The Eleanor he knew was always prim, careful, and pretentious, constantly trying to imitate a delicate, fragile beauty, obsessed with diets and appearances. It was no secret that she had once idolized a certain other young woman-someone he'd thought to be kind and pure-Jessica. The diets, the mannerisms, everything Eleanor did seemed to mirror his first love. It all reeked of an attempt to impress him, to embody his former affections. So, what happened to all that now?

He clenched his jaw, unwilling to indulge whatever scheme Eleanor was planning this time. *Pretending to have changed, perhaps? Or is this some ploy for attention?* he thought with irritation. Shaking his head, he left the kitchen without another word, choosing to ignore whatever antics she was up to and refocus on his duties for the day.

Meanwhile, back in her room, Emily was pacing impatiently. Her stomach was practically screaming in protest at the delay. She glanced at Lila with a dramatic sigh. "Lila, if the food doesn't come soon, my body might just wither away from hunger. They'll find me in here as a pile of dust and bones!"

Lila giggled, wide-eyed and amused. "Oh no, my lady! I'll go check on the kitchen again."

After a few more agonizing minutes, Lila returned, carrying a grand platter, followed by another servant with even more dishes. Emily's eyes lit up as they set down tray after tray of food on the table: steaming meats, buttery bread, a variety of roasted vegetables, and even a small tower of pastries.

Without a second thought, Emily dove in, savoring every bite. It was the best meal she'd had in what felt like forever, and she didn't care if it was unbecoming of a noble lady. As she wolfed down a piece of bread, memories of her last meal back in the modern world flickered through her mind. She'd been getting ready for a party hosted by Alex's friend, excited about a night out-until... something happened. *But what?*

She shook her head, unable to remember the details. Whatever had happened, it somehow led her here, into the life of "Lady Eleanor." She took another bite of pastry, brushing off her confusion for the moment. Right now, all she wanted was to enjoy the food.

After finishing her meal, Emily felt a wave of satisfaction. Stretching, she decided she could use a little walk to burn off the food coma settling in. She turned to Lila and Bridget. "Alright, time to stretch my legs. Want to show me around?"

Lila's face brightened, but then she hesitated, a worried look crossing her face. "Oh, my lady, do you mean around the castle?"

Emily nodded, raising an eyebrow. "Yes, why wouldn't I? I mean, it's where I'm living, isn't it?"

"Well, yes, but..." Lila bit her lip. "You... didn't used to live here. You moved to the castle only recently, after you... became ill. The Empress insisted on bringing you here to be treated by the royal physicians."

Emily blinked, surprised. *Illness? So that's why I-er, Eleanor-was here?* "What kind of illness?"

Bridget leaned forward, her voice soft. "A... mysterious fever, my lady. One that lingered and wouldn't break. The Empress herself insisted you needed closer care, which is why you've been staying in the castle since then."

A mischievous smile crept onto Emily's face as she imagined Mr. Grumpy's reaction to her arrival. "So, let me get this straight. I moved here... and Alexander is... thrilled?"

Lila paled, her eyes widening as if Emily had said something shocking. "Oh, not exactly, my lady. Prince Alexander... he thought... well, he thought you *faked* the illness to be closer to him."

Emily burst out laughing. "Of course he did! What does Mr. Grumpy think he is, the center of the universe?" She shook her head, chuckling. "Honestly, he's like a bad knockoff of my Alex back home. That Alex was actually charming. This one... well, he seems like he permanently has a thorn stuck somewhere it shouldn't be."

Lila gasped, trying to stifle a giggle, while Bridget managed to keep a neutral face, though there was a glint of something unreadable in her eyes. "Prince Alexander is... a bit particular," Bridget murmured diplomatically.

Emily smirked. "Particular? That's one way of putting it." She mimicked Alexander's voice, crossing her arms and putting on a scowl. "How *dare* you eat food like a normal person? And in *my* room, of all places!"

Lila burst into laughter, clamping a hand over her mouth to stifle the sound. Even Bridget looked away, hiding what Emily suspected was a faint smile.

"Now, about that walk," Emily said, standing up and stretching. "Lead the way, ladies!"

The two maids guided her through the castle's winding corridors, and Emily took in every detail with fascination. She couldn't deny that, as old-fashioned as it was, the castle was magnificent. Tapestries lined the walls, the chandeliers sparkled, and the intricate stonework was mesmerizing.

As they passed a few passing guards, Emily felt a surge of curiosity. "Hey, Lila, so if I'm the daughter of a duke, why am I living in the castle in the first place?"

Lila looked slightly surprised. "Well, my lady, your family's estate is nearby, and... you preferred staying there. The Empress herself arranged for you to be treated in the castle after you fell ill. She said you would recover best under royal care."

"Ah," Emily nodded, rolling her eyes. "And Prince Alexander thinks I somehow faked my illness just to end up here? What a guy."

Bridget spoke up, her tone cautious. "Yes, the prince has his... suspicions, my lady. He thinks you may be... acting differently."

"Oh, you don't say," Emily muttered sarcastically. "Guess he'll just have to get used to it." She looked around the corridors, her eyes bright with mischief. "Let's keep him guessing, shall we?"

Lila giggled, whispering excitedly, "Yes, my lady! He won't know what hit him." She paused, hesitating. "But... do be careful, my lady. If the Empress hears of your, um... *unusual* behavior, she may not be pleased."

Emily waved a hand dismissively, her eyes twinkling. "Oh, what's the worst that could happen? I'm already stuck in this ancient soap opera of a world. Might as well make the most of it."

Bridget gave a small bow. "As you wish, my lady."

As they continued down the corridor, Emily made a mental note: if she was going to survive this bizarre world, she'd do it her way. And maybe, just maybe, she'd have a little fun shaking things up for everyone-including His Royal Grumpiness, Mr. Alexander.