An Unexpected Reaction
As Lott and Morgan enjoyed their meal, Lott noticed Morgan's face turning slightly red and her expression turning blank.
[Why is she looking so sympathetic? Is she pitying me? Shouldn't she wait until she's had a chance to taste the food before showing any emotions? What's going on?]
Lott was puzzled, feeling as though he might have done something wrong. However, his confusion was soon eclipsed as the maids brought out the supper.
"Morgan, come and taste these," Lott said, trying to redirect the focus.
The table was now filled with classic Chinese dishes: roast duck, Sixi meatballs, and sweet and sour pork ribs. Despite being an otaku in his past life, Lott had taken up cooking because he wasn't used to takeaway food. After a series of British meals that failed to satisfy him, he decided to teach himself how to cook Chinese food. With the help of an extensive recipe book, his cooking skills had improved significantly, and his castle's kitchen could now prepare a decent set of Chinese dishes.
Morgan examined the unfamiliar dishes with curiosity.
[These dishes and the chopsticks—are these customs from Lott's side? I haven't heard of any famous food from Orkney before.]
She hesitated momentarily but then decided to try the food. She picked up a piece of sweet and sour pork ribs and took a bite. The taste exploded in her mouth—a perfect blend of sweetness and tanginess.
Morgan was impressed but tried to maintain a composed demeanour.
[This food is excellent, but I won't let Lott see how much I'm enjoying it. I need to show restraint.]
However, as she tried other dishes, including the stir-fried vegetables, she found them to be incredibly delicious. The crispness and flavour were unmatched, even compared to the Chinese cuisine of her time.
[This level of cooking skill is exceptional, even by my standards. How could Lott achieve this?] Morgan thought, struggling to maintain her composure.
Seeing her struggle, Lott grew concerned.
"What's wrong? Is the food not to your taste?" he asked, noticing her conflicted expression.
"No, it's delicious," Morgan replied, trying to sound indifferent.
"Then why the expression?" Lott persisted.
"It's nothing," Morgan said, trying to keep her calm.
She continued to eat, taking small bites of each dish to ensure a balanced assessment. After finishing, she stood up and said, "I'm done. Lott, I'm quite tired, so I'd like to take a break now."
"Alright," Lott agreed, though he found her reaction puzzling. He instructed a maid to escort her to the resting quarters.
As Morgan was led away, she felt a pang of regret.
[I didn't eat enough of those amazing dishes. But I can't let Lott know how much I enjoyed it. I'll just have to wait until another time. For now, I need to endure.]
Preparations for the Wedding
The following morning, Lott was informed by his butler that King Uther, Morgan's father, had arrived at the castle.
"Your Majesty, King of Camelot, Princess Morgan's father, King Uther, has arrived at the gate of the castle," the butler reported.
Lott felt a mix of anticipation and anxiety. This was his first meeting with his future father-in-law, and he wanted to make a good impression.
[What should I say to him? How do I greet him? I need to make a good impression! What if I mess up?]
Lott, usually someone who dressed himself, found this situation particularly nerve-wracking. He preferred to dress himself rather than rely on maids, feeling that their assistance was more suited to dressing a young child rather than a nobleman.
He eventually donned a white shirt with embroidered patterns, fitted trousers, and an aristocratic dress with family insignia. His blonde hair was neatly groomed, and he wore white gloves. He smiled slightly, trying to project a charming demeanour.
As he walked through the castle, he encountered Morgan, who was also dressed elegantly in a noble evening gown, crystal high heels, and her silver hair neatly braided with a black bow.
"Lott, let's go meet my father together," she suggested.
"Alright," Lott agreed, though he seemed distracted.
Morgan noticed his nervousness.
[He's usually so confident. Why is he so nervous now?]
She couldn't help but laugh softly.
[Lott's nervousness is kind of endearing. It's clear he's putting a lot of thought into this meeting.]