Because they have too much pride and they never do their own chores at home?
not enough nutrients?
That meal looked pretty measly
All these people are aristocrats. They've never done a chore in their life and have been raised to believe they are above chores or any sort of labor. During a time in England, it was even considered demeaning if an aristocrat had a job of any kind. I don't know what culture this story is mirroring but that seems to be the explanation behind the children's behaviors.
I mean I can't call this a real meal, not even in a million years and they get up early only to eat so little. they might has well put them in labor camp.
Those are some pretty basic chores right there. What the flip is so hard that they'd quit? ಠ益ಠ