Just as the atmosphere was turning warm and touching, a muffled thud suddenly echoed from outside the door.
Ziya immediately sat up straight.
“Who is it?”
Rongrong stepped forward and gently pulled the door open.
A small maid rushed in frantically, nearly tripping over her own feet.
“Your Majesty! I-it’s bad!”
The little maid’s voice was trembling.
“The pudding… the pudding the kitchen prepared for the new Master… someone ate it!”
Ziya bristled instantly.
“What?! I prepared that specifically for Father!”
Her small face tightened, looking extremely serious.
“Who is so bold? Bring them to me!”
“It… it was me…”
Another even smaller maid, with her head bowed, shuffled in timidly.
It was clear she was a newcomer who hadn’t fully learned the rules yet.
There was a faint trace of cream still on the corner of her mouth; one didn’t need to think twice to know she was the culprit.
“I-I’m sorry… It smelled so delicious that… I couldn’t help myself for a moment…”
Ziya’s cheeks puffed out in anger.
“How could you steal? Didn’t I say that if you wanted to eat something, you could go get it or make it yourself? Why would you secretly eat someone else’s food!”
The little maid’s eyes turned red with fear, and her body shook incessantly.
She looked like she was on the verge of tears.
Bai Li quickly took hold of Ziya.
“Forget it. It’s just a piece of pudding. Don’t be angry.”
“But, Father…”
“I don’t mind at all,” Bai Li said with a gentle smile.
“She only gave in to temptation because it was too delicious.”
She picked up a piece of cake from the table and handed it over, gracefully giving the maid a way out.
“I’ll forgive you this time, but you must never steal again, do you understand? If you want to eat something, you can ask for it openly.”
The little maid froze for a moment before tears instantly began to fall.
“T-thank you, Master! I won’t ever do it again!”
She took the cake, gave a deep bow, and quickly ran out.
Ziya looked at Bai Li and murmured in a low voice, “Father, you’re really too gentle…”
“You are the same,” Bai Li said, gently patting her head.
“You just care about me too much.”
Ziya hugged Bai Li’s arm tightly, rubbing her small face against it.
“I just want to be the best to Father! During these three months, I want Father to be happy and carefree every single day!”
“Mmhmm, I’m really looking forward to it, my Xiao Ziya—”
Rongrong spoke up at the appropriate moment.
“Your Majesty, afternoon tea has been prepared, and the flowers in the garden are in full bloom. Would you like to take Master for a stroll?”
Ziya’s eyes lit up.
“Oh, right! I still have so many, many places I haven’t shown Father yet!”
As she spoke, she started pulling Bai Li toward the door.
Rongrong quickly gave a soft reminder.
“Your Majesty, slow down. Be careful not to fall.”
Ziya stuck out her tongue.
“I know, Rongrong!”
Bai Li leaned against the sofa, watching the clouds slowly drift past the window while the room was filled with a lingering fragrance.
Beside her was a daughter who relied on her with all her heart, along with a group of gentle and lovely maids.
There was no strife, no danger, only peace of mind and warmth.
She couldn’t help but smile.
The Dream Demon Kingdom of the past had been a cold and ruthless place where the strong preyed on the weak.
Those who entered were drained of everything and never had a chance to leave.
But now, this place had long since been transformed into a dream kingdom filled with happiness and tenderness.
Ziya gently shook her hand.
“Father, get up! I’m taking you to the garden!”
“Alright, alright—”
“There’s also a huge Petal Bath!”
“Wow, that sounds wonderful—”
“And there’s the Starry Night Party tonight! All the maids will perform for you!”
“Such a grand occasion?”
“Of course!”
Ziya puffed out her chest.
“Now that Father is here, you must receive the highest level of treatment!”
Rongrong picked up a small shawl from the side and gently draped it over Bai Li’s shoulders.
“Master Bai, the wind is a bit chilly outside. You’ll be more comfortable wearing this.”
Bai Li felt a wave of warmth in her heart.
With a meticulous maid like Rongrong around, Ziya must be very well cared for.
Xiaomiao, who was quietly clearing the plates nearby, peeked over and touched her cat ears while whispering to herself, ‘The new Master is so kind… I must take even better care of her from now on, meow.’
In the garden, Ziya and Bai Li sat on a bench.
The scents of sweets, flowers, and tea blended together, creating a refreshing atmosphere.
Bai Li picked up a heart-shaped cookie and held it to Ziya’s lips.
Ziya took a bite, her eyes curving into crescent moons as she smiled.
“The cookies Father feeds me are the best—”
The two looked at each other and smiled.
Standing behind them, the corners of Rongrong’s mouth also curled into a gentle arc as she thought to herself, ‘I hope Master Bai… can stay by Her Majesty’s side forever.’
Just then, Ziya suddenly spoke in a soft voice.
“Um… Father?”
“Mmhmm? What is it, Xiao Ziya?”
“That… well… actually… actually…”
Ziya’s voice grew quieter and quieter, and her ears turned slightly red.
She looked like she wanted to say something but didn’t dare to.
Bai Li looked at her with a face full of confusion.
‘Why is this child suddenly acting so bashful?’
“Just say it, Ziya. I’ve seen everything you’ve done for me, and I’m really happy and satisfied.”
Bai Li gave a gentle smile and lightly kissed Ziya on the forehead.
“Uuu—!”
The moment she was kissed, Ziya’s whole body went limp.
Her cheeks burned as she murmured softly, “I love… Father so much…”
Bai Li couldn’t help but chuckle secretly.
‘Honestly, she turns into mush the moment I kiss her. She’s way too easy to coax. Compared to her other two sisters, this child is much more adorable.’
Just as she was thinking this, she heard Ziya take a deep breath.
With a flushed face, the girl said seriously, “Father… actually, in the future… can I call you Mother?”
The smile on Bai Li’s face froze instantly.
“…”
‘On second thought, maybe she isn’t that adorable.’