In the present times, the king is mostly in his office signing documents authored by his senate and council at the same time categorizing them based on what is prioritized and needed by the public. His day is composed of council meetings, private meetings and paper signing, a bit of time for meals, and tons of personal hygiene. Who wants to meet with guests and other officials smelling like old cheese and rotting onions?  

 When he is not out there meeting officials and civilians or writing and signing papers, he’s mostly hanging out in the kitchen and chatting with the kitchen staff. The kitchen staff is composed of mostly women who came from different provinces in the kingdom, they are responsible for preparing the king’s meal every day if it is the most delicate and highly dangerous occupation of all the staff attending the royal brothers, the members of the staffs are Chef Lhynn Modi; a short, red-haired older lady who is treated as the king’s godmother and the eldest of all the staff in the castle, she knows most of the king’s favorite meals from soups to even ice cream combination, she basically raised the king and the prince from the moment their parents perished. She is the head chef of the castle and she now stays in the castle as she has no more family to go to. Chef Janni Geeda, a
blonde, tall middle-aged lady who is the scariest of the kitchen staff, always has a knife hidden under her skirt, belt, or even sleeves, she was a retired assassin who attempted to assassinate the king herself yet failed, her agency fired her for her shameful and failed attempt, the king gave her a job in the castle with a signed contract of never attempting to assassinate him again. She is currently the Sue Chef. Imma Lazion, a black-haired, tall, bulky, and tanned-skinned young lady is one similar to Chef Janni, she was feared by some of the staff for her monstrous level of strength, and she was bullied when younger by her peers for her skin and body type, the king found her during his military service badly injured after being attacked by the parents of her peers, she was taken care of Chef Lhynn and when she turned eighteen, she applied herself as the Butcher for the kitchen staff, and she’s having a great time being part of the kitchen staff. Karl Ditz is an average-height, black haired fully bearded man with a man bun, he is a homeless man who the king decided to help by giving him employment, the man loves to clean and puts things in order, at first the king just wants him to just wash the dishes, but then he insisted to clean the rest of the kitchen. He’s great at cooking barbeque, steaks, and curing meats, he’s originally the kitchen janitor but he’s promoted as the all-around guy.  

 Five years ago, the kitchen staff is not complete in the eyes of the king if there is no baker; the king is obsessed with eating pastries and bread with his tea or coffee, most of the staff and even the council loves bread, it’s a filling substitute from rice and corn. Originally the kitchen staff make bread usually Chef Janni is the one who bakes, yet her load is too much that even her apprentice and the other kitchen apprentices cannot help her, so as a solution, Karl runs out of the castle to buy bread in bulk, due to inconsistent supply of bread from different bakers near the castle, the king is eating salty, sour, or even stale bread from yesterday’s batch, he’s mostly not complaining since it’s still bread, however,
he feels like it’s unfair with the other in-house staff’s breakfast that they will eat the same stale bread he is eating. So, he decided to choose to employ one of many bakers from all around Legacy central city, after different taste tests, the king decided to hire another male staff for the kitchen staff, he was mostly recommended by the House of Nixle, the family of King Ehiptia’s mother; Queen Hepsut.  

 Bobson Marcu, the baker he employed, started very well in the kitchen, he was friendly with his co-workers and very courteous with the king and prince, the bread tastes great and the king always compliments his preparation but not so long…  

 The King’s aunt; Lady Alexandria is angry at the king ever since he refused to give her son employment in her nephew’s council and ministry, through Bobson, she gains intel about the whereabouts of the king and even the private life of the prince, she wants to get as much information to threaten the king to put her son into position or else he will be “exposed” to the public for his “True Colors”.  

 Unfortunately, Lady Alexandria, never collected slanderous information about the king for months and even a year of Bobson working for the king, out of frustration, in the middle of the night she called Bobson to come to her dwelling to commit a crime; She handed him a small pouch with small white pills inside and ordered her to add it to the king and prince’s bread so the one who will claim the throne is her or her sons, because of greed, she is willing to poison and kill the kind king who did nothing wrong to them. Bobson agreed after being paid 5 times the amount of his salary working for the king annually.  

 By morning, the king greets his staff to have a great morning as he walks to the dining hall ready for his breakfast, as usual, Prince Memphis is late running to his seat beside the king, they both eyed the delicious-looking bread in front, the king without a thought grabbed one and proceeded to tear it into a smaller piece. At the moment the king is about to put the bread in his mouth, he paused… sniffs the piece of bread, and looks at it suspiciously.  

 He faced Chef Janni who was clueless about what was going on, “Did you remembered our contract right? Miss Janni?” he asked jokingly. “Of course, your highness, I always keep it in my mind.” She replied calmly. “I thought you would say that… Because someone had tainted our bread with poison.” King Ehiptia explained throwing the poisoned bread on his plate. “I am about to bite into it!” Prince Memphis exclaimed  

 “You know what to do, Miss Janni…” The king smiled. Chef Janni took out a large chef’s knife from her boots and stomped to the kitchen, minutes later, she frantically returned to the dining hall to say the bad news to the king; “Your Highness! That asshole Bobson has escaped! I saw him around the kitchen!” “Language Miss Janni.” The king warned, “Memphis, call all the guards to close the gates immediately, he’s not yet far.” He added with a serious tone. 

 The prince took out his radio and called for security immediately, “Security! Close all gates and passageways immediately! I repeat! Close all gates and passageways immediately! The king’s baker tried to poison him! Make sure he didn’t escape” The guards swiftly closed all doors, gates, and passageways so the man to not escape. Fortunately, Bobson was caught by one of the guards patrolling around the castle’s parking area who immediately dragged him to the obviously unimpressed king and seething prince.  

 Bobson was dragged to the throne hall with two guards holding each of his arms, the king was standing beside the throne on his shirt and pajamas with crossed arms showing an unimpressed frown on his face, menacingly looking down to his attempted poisoner. Prince Memphis, however, stomps near his brother seething with his sword, he pulled out the sword from its scabbard and pointed the end of the blade to Bobson’s neck, and screams; “Didn’t you know, I CAN EXECUTE YOU RIGHT NOW FOR ATTEMPTING TO POISON AND KILL THE KING?!”  

 The king held the prince’s hand and took away his sword; “I think death is not the proper punishment here, Memphis, we still need to know this man’s reasons why he gained our trust and then attempted to poison us. And second, it would be unfair to the beautification staff if we made a mess here since the carpet we’re standing on is hard to wash.” He said calmly to the prince who is now starting to calm down.  

 “It’s been a while since I sent someone to the dungeon, but for now you will be sent there and try to re-evaluate your choices, Sir Bobson… I will file a legal case against your misdemeanor. So, for now, you will stay there… Do not worry, the kitchen staff will not feed you poisoned food while you stay down there.” The king spoke in a serious tone that even the guards holding Bobson down got shivers. “Security, take him.” He ordered.  

 The security took him to the dungeon as the king ordered the prince to take the poisoned bread as evidence of the upcoming lawsuit against Bobson. The moment the prince ran back to the dining hall, the disappointed king sat on the stairs to elevate the throne, slouched his back, lowering his head, leaning his wrists on his thighs as he clasps his hands thinking; “What if he poisoned more people before me?” “What if some of the castle staff ate the poisoned bread?” “If that happened, I will be liable to the risk of their health!” The king in his mind is starting to panic and overthink the dangers this man he brought inside his castle.  

 Moments later, Prince Memphis returned to him to report that the poisoned bread is packed tightly by the castle security and already called for the Royal Police, he also asked around if someone had already eaten the bread he baked, and if there is, immediately go to the in-house doctor, fortunately, no one ate the poisoned bread.  

 The king sighed in relief as there is no threat of poisoning in his staff however, he is very bummed that his and the staff’s breakfast is ruined, he no longer got a baker and there is a lawsuit about to be filed for his favor. “It’s still morning.” He spoke. “What about it, brother?” the curious prince asked. “I’ll go out and buy us some bread.” The king stood up and proceeded to return to his room to grab his wallet. “Hey! Do you need someone to escort you or something? You almost got poisoned like 10 minutes ago!” The prince ran after the king screaming. Yet the prince knows his brother, he will do everything to get bread. So, he let the king take his wallet and leave the castle to buy some.  

 The king, like a commoner, just casually walks down the castle entrance to the streets, it is market day and business establishments are buzzing with customers, large amounts of cars on the streets, and people walking on foot to buy their necessities from the loud merchants who peddle their products. People noticed him walking casually and greeted him with respect, he smiled and greeted back, some merchants offered their products to the king, even offering them for free, but the king politely refused as what he just need is bread.  

 A young woman with a light complexion and black hair in a chamise white dress topped with a brown leather apron and a cloth turban lightly tied on her head walks near the king, the king smelled the sweet aroma of freshly baked bread from a large abaca basket the young woman is carrying. He suddenly turned his head and approached the young woman.  

 “Ma’am? That is that bread you’re selling there?” The king politely asked. “Yes sir--- Oh! Your highness!” the woman realized and bowed to the king as a sign of respect. The king paused and looked at her face, awkwardly smiled sweetly, and continues; “Uh…How much for all of that bread in your basket?” “Well… this is worth 300 Hulmanus…” she replied with a bit of a shock on her face. Without a word, the king whipped out his wallet and took a crisp 500 Hulmanus, and handed it to the woman. “Keep the change” he added. “But this is too much your highness!” she exclaimed. “You need it.” The king said with a smile. The woman blushes as she places all the bread in a large paper bag and handed it to the king. “Thank you for your business… Your Highness.” She bowed and skipped away happy that her bread is sold out very early in the morning. The king smiled and noticed the woman dropped a cheesecloth from her basket and when he picked it up to attempt to return it to
her, she was already gone and the king cannot see her due to the crowd of people walking past him. Without thought, the king took the cheesecloth with him along with the bread he bought, and returned to the castle. 

 Later, the king is excited to taste the bread he bought along with Prince Memphis and his kitchen staff. The moment they bit into the bread, they are all amazed by its texture, flavor, and aroma. It is as if a Goddess has blessed them with bread so heavenly, it's quite filling and addictive. “Brother! Where the heck did you buy this bread?!” the prince
exclaimed as he finished two loaves of bread. The king explains what happened yet a frown forms on his face. “Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to get her contact details or even her first name. All I have from her is this cheesecloth she accidentally dropped and left.” The prince paused and grinned.  

 “Brother… I’m like a dog ‘ya know?” The prince whispered. The king looked at him bewildered. “…a dog…?” “Yeah, for the first time, I can finally use this superpower!” the prince confidently spoke. “I can smell that cheesecloth and find her for you!” he added. A glimmer of hope is seen in the king’s eyes as he looks at the prince. “What are we waiting for? Smell that and let’s get her to work for the castle!” The king stood up in excitement as he hands the cheesecloth to his brother to smell.  

 Here’s one thing that the brothers love to do, they ride their motorcycles around the kingdom when they got free time and that is one way the brothers bond. But this time they ride their motorcycles to find the woman who sold the king the best bread they ever tasted.  

 They ride as the prince follows the scent of linking to the cheesecloth and the king follows behind him. The scent ended on a small brick hut on the outskirts of the city. Even though they are still meters away, the king can smell the fragrance of cooking bread in a brick oven. Excited, they parked their motorcycles and took off their helmet, and proceeded to knock on the door.  

 A woman’s voice inside says; “In a minute!” and the two calmly wait outside. The door finally opens and behind the door is the woman the king met earlier in the morning.
“Y-Your highness!” she’s shocked that the king and prince in their motor gear are on his doorstep. “Please come in and have a seat!” she invites them in.  

 “Welcome to my humble home, your highness, it isn’t much here. Hold on though I’ll be taking the bread from the oven!” as she walks next to a large brick oven near the living room. “So, like… you’re baking bread alone…?” the prince curiously asked. “Yes. Your majesty. I live alone and I bake to make a living.” She replies as she takes out trays of fresh
bread from the oven. She took two and placed them on a plate and serves it to the king and prince as she sat in front of them. 

 “Oh, I haven’t introduced myself yet! My name is Cleo Breen, I’ve been a baker for… seven years now. And I’ve been living here in my hut for four years… I’m twenty-five years old by the way.” She introduced herself awkwardly. The twenty-seven-year-old king is silent as he is struck with her beauty more than he first met her just this morning. This young, skillful, and beautiful woman gave the king shivers down his spine.  

 “Woah! Good to know you’re of legal age! Brother, you tell her!” The prince spoke with enthusiasm. The king is silent yet his cheeks are blushing, meekly eating his bread slowly as if he never heard the prince’s voice. “Brother…? Hey… did ‘ya hear me?” the prince asked confused.  

 “Ah—yes! My apologies, I’m just… Enjoying the flavor of the bread… Anyway, Miss Cleo, I’ve been looking for a new baker to work in the castle to provide the daily bread and pastries for us and the staff. After we tasted the bread you made, I am convinced to offer you employment in the Kitchen department. You do not need to worry about your accommodation since there are private rooms within the castle provided for in-house staff like the position, I’m offering you.” The king offers.  

 “It’s a huge honor not to pass on the such opportunity! But I have to be honest. I have certain limitations on baking, especially those high-end ones… I only bake bread for the common people…” she spoke. “That won’t be a problem, Miss Cleo… the members of the Kitchen staff will help you out on it. Besides, I’m not a picky eater, so, I don’t discriminate on food… yet… I have cravings…” The king explained. “Huge… cravings… hehe” The prince retorted.  

 “If that’s the case, then I would be honored and happy to work for you, your highness. And I will do my best!” she happily says. “I need you to move into the castle as soon as possible, the bread supply in the castle is scarce. If you don’t mind, I’ll buy all the fresh bread right now. I believe it’s enough as you pack your things up and move into the
castle.” The king asks. 

 She nodded. “And by the way, here’s my calling card. Call me if you’re ready to be picked up.” The king added. “I have to ask one thing though your highness…” she asked as she took the calling card. “Sure… anything.” He replied. “How… did you find me? Like I live in the outskirts of the city…” she asked worriedly. “Using this.” The king whips out a neatly folded cheesecloth from his pocket and handed it to her.  

 “Oh! You found it! your highness! I’ve been looking for this since I got home!” She exclaimed as the took the cheesecloth. “Using Prince Memphis’ ability to track scents, we are able to find you.” The king explained further. She looked amazed that she was found through her scent.  

 “We will not be taking long; we will be heading with all those bread. How much is it all?” the king asked as he took out his wallet again. She said the price and the king paid with an extra one again. They bid their farewells and hope that Miss Cleo will contact them immediately for the position they offered.  

 Three days have passed and the king’s mobile phone rings, the king answered and it is Miss Cleo, and she is ready to be picked up. The king’s face turn pink as he heard the good news, and told her that a royal car will be picking her up in a little bit.  

 Hours later, Miss Cleo along with her luggage of belongings is already in the castle. The king, with his cheeks blushing, welcomed and greeted his new employee. Introduced her to the kitchen staff and they welcomed her with open arms. One of the waiting staff toured her around the castle to her own room and she was amazed at the level of simplicity the king implemented in the castle, even the daily menu for the king’s meals shocked her because almost all of the meals are the same meals the commoner eats. The staff even jokingly told Miss Cleo that King Ehiptia is a commoner stuck in a king’s body which gave her the insight she needs for her personal recipes on bread.  

 Later that evening, she decided to have a small walk around the hallways before she sleeps, she saw the king walking in his sweater, pajama pants and bunny house slippers carrying a mug of hot coffee. She decided to approach him. “Good evening, your highness!” the king turned and smiled. “Oh, Miss Cleo, why are you still up?” “I’m just walking a bit before I sleep. How about you?” She explained. “I see, well, I’m doing an all-nighter signing important and confidential documents that are needed in the morning, that’s why I have a mug of coffee to aid me.” He explains. “You’re very hardworking your highness! We’re lucky to have you as our king!” she compliments. The king’s face turns very pink hearing the compliment from his crush, he said; “If you need to ask me anything regarding your job, do not hesitate to ask. You can come to me in my office at the end of this hallway anytime, okay?” the king offers with a sweet smile. “Yes, I would be happy to do so! I’ll be resting now.” She bowed at the king and returns to her room.  

 The king skips off as if nothing happened, he’s thankful that he kept his cool around his crush, yet he didn’t know how to deal with women romantically in the first place since he’s never been in love before.