@Chiiyuu There is a perfectly logical explanation for this... depending on the kingdom obviously.
Based on the many stories I read, even when not that pronounced, there would always be gap between the "nobility and the commoners". Knights are basically soldiers... a risky occupation. So commoner knights would be sent far faaaar away to the borders where it is more dangerous and less likely for them to step on the toes of influential. On the other hand, children of nobility would be stationed in the capital where it is relatively safer and closer to home (with lots of dining areas in the capital). Since the MC is well... quite influential and from the capital, they most likely had to send nobles who are generally more pampered (as "respect" and also because calling back a unit from afar would be a hassle).
This doesn't happen if the Kingdom is run by "Hypercompetent rulers". But honestly speaking, since when are kingdoms that exile the MC ever run by hypercompetent rulers?
Though if you ask me, the author probably did not bother with logic and simply thought. "Lets have the MC cook".
@Kefrayba Yea. Felt like the art became weird.