The work was almost done, and before Maria could say anything, the children had already packed up the tools they had brought and, after bidding Maria farewell, headed back. As they returned to help their parents with their tasks, a servant from the kitchen approached them with a package: "This is a thank-you gift from Miss Maria."

The rough burlap wrapping was opened to reveal warm, flatbreads topped with meat and vegetables. There were exactly seven portions, one for each of them. The children's eyes lit up at the sight of the bread. Earlier, when Maria had ordered extra rations for everyone in the castle, they had been lucky enough...