Everything in sight was a blend of pink and gold, accompanied by a sweet fragrance that made one relax with every breath.
The exterior of the palace remained the same as it had ten years ago, but the interior had long since been rejuvenated.
It felt more vibrant and lacked the heavy, oppressive atmosphere of the past.
There was no longer any bone-chilling cold or endless gloom.
In its place was a gentle, warm light and a sweet, pleasant scent.
“Father! How is it? Is it pretty?”
Ziya tugged tightly on her hand, hopping around like a joyful little fox.
Bai Li nodded blankly, her voice softening.
“It is pretty… much more beautiful than before.”
“Of course!”
Ziya lifted her head high, her small face filled with pride.
“Because this is the Dream Demon Kingdom that I rule now!”
Rongrong and another maid-guard followed half a step behind them.
They maintained perfect posture and a respectful attitude, remaining silent while observing everything.
The two walked along a corridor.
The hallway seemed to stretch on forever, lined on both sides with glowing scrolls.
The paintings within were not of landscapes or scenery, but vivid, beautiful dreamscapes.
Like flowing animations, they told stories of the world’s tenderness and beauty.
In one, someone laughed heartily; in another, someone ran freely; and in yet another, someone slept peacefully.
The images moved rhythmically, as if the figures might step out of the frames at any moment.
Unable to suppress her curiosity, Bai Li reached out and touched a scroll.
It did not budge, offering only a warm, smooth sensation to her fingertips.
“These are all Good Dreams collected by everyone,” Ziya explained with a smile.
“As long as these dreams are around, the maids working here will stay full of energy every day!”
Bai Li’s eyes sparkled as she listened, her heart filled with emotion.
“Who would have thought that the Demon Realm, long regarded as a dangerous place, could nurture such a gentle and healing environment?”
After walking for a while, a spiraling staircase appeared.
Ziya led her up at a light jog, her small leather shoes clicking against the floor with vibrant energy.
Rongrong followed steadily behind, keeping a close eye on the two to ensure no accidents occurred.
Before long, an exquisite door stood before them.
The purple-pink frame was inlaid with shimmering crystals, looking both cute and magnificent.
“Father, close your eyes first!”
Ziya suddenly said, acting mysterious.
Bai Li obeyed, her heart full of anticipation.
“Three, two, one — open them!”
The door swung open.
In that moment, Bai Li was completely stunned, unable to utter a word for a long time.
A spacious and luxurious room came into view.
A massive, soft bed sat in the center, its light gauze curtains swaying gently in the breeze.
A thick, fluffy carpet covered the floor; when she stepped on it, her foot nearly sank into the pile.
A soft sofa was placed by the window, and a coffee table was laden with fresh fruit, warm flower tea, and various exquisite desserts.
The mouth-watering aroma wafted through the air.
Outside the window was the open sky, where clouds drifted slowly.
Just looking up was enough to brighten one’s mood.
Bai Li stood at the entrance, unable to snap out of her daze for a long while.
“Fa… Father… do you like it?”
Ziya gripped the hem of her clothes with her small hands, her voice carrying a hint of anxiety.
Bai Li finally returned to her senses, her eyes brimming with tenderness.
“I like it. I like it very much.”
Ziya’s face immediately blossomed into a smile.
She lunged into Bai Li’s arms, rubbing her small face against her.
“That’s great! I’ve been preparing for this day for a long, long time!”
Rongrong stood by the door and bowed slightly.
“It is good that Master Bai likes it. The Queen personally ordered and arranged all of this.”
Bai Li gently held her small daughter, a surge of warmth filling her heart.
‘This child… she has truly grown up. She is so thoughtful and sensible.’
Just then, there was a light knock on the door.
A cat-eared maid, Xiaomiao, walked in carrying warm water, followed by two other maids.
“Master, miao, I am here to help you wash up, miao.”
Xiaomiao’s ears were tucked back obediently.
Having been lectured by the Queen earlier, she was now on her best behavior and did not dare to speak out of turn.
The other two maids held sets of clothing and bowed respectfully.
“Master, these are the loungewear garments prepared for you. The texture is soft and very comfortable to wear.”
Bai Li gave a gentle smile.
“Thank you for the trouble.”
Upon hearing this, Xiaomiao’s ears perked up instantly.
“It’s no trouble at all, miao! I’m willing to do anything as long as Master is comfortable, miao!”
Ziya immediately glared at her.
“Maomao! Don’t say strange things!”
“I… I understand, miao!”
Xiaomiao nodded quickly, her tail wagging cautiously.
Rongrong stepped forward and quietly instructed the other two maids, “You may put the things down and leave. I will attend to things here.”
“Yes, Sister Rongrong.”
The two maids set the items down and quietly retreated.
Rongrong picked up the soft loungewear and walked over to Bai Li’s side.
“Master, please allow me to help you change.”
Bai Li felt a bit embarrassed.
“Ah, no, it’s fine. I can do it myself…”
“It is quite alright, Master.”
Rongrong’s movements were gentle and her attitude respectful.
“This is part of my duty.”
As soon as the clothes were on, Bai Li couldn’t help but let out a soft sigh.
“So comfortable… it’s like being wrapped in a cloud.”
“That’s because they are made of Dream Silk, which can only be found in our kingdom!”
Ziya raised her face proudly.
After changing, the two sat down on the sofa.
Ziya personally poured a cup of flower tea and handed it to Bai Li.
“Father, try some!”
Bai Li took a small sip.
The sweet floral fragrance dissolved on the tip of her tongue, and a sense of warmth flowed through her entire body, relaxing her completely.
She then picked up a small piece of cake and took a light bite.
It was soft and sweet without being cloying, the texture just right.
“It’s delicious… it feels even better than what I make myself.”
“As long as Father likes it! But in my heart, Father’s cooking is still the best!”
Ziya put her hands on her hips, looking serious.
“However, as long as you like it, the maids in the kitchen will rotate the menu every day to make sure you never get tired of it!”
Rongrong stood quietly to the side, ready to refill the tea or pass snacks at any moment.
She didn’t speak or interrupt, yet she took care of everything meticulously.
Looking at her daughter’s proud, “little adult” expression, Bai Li couldn’t help but reach out and pinch her cheek.
“Ziya is already an incredible Queen who can hold her own. You kept that a secret from me.”
Ziya’s cheeks flushed red, and she leaned her head gently against Bai Li’s shoulder.
“No matter how incredible I am, I will always be Father’s daughter.”
Those words made Bai Li’s heart melt.
She looked down at her own petite body.
‘Perhaps… becoming like this isn’t a bad thing. At least I can stay by my daughter’s side like this in peace.’