“My lady, please have some honey cake! I’ve also prepared some for the officials,” Buttercup chirped, poking her head through the study door, her face lit with a bright smile.
The cake she held was a decadent masterpiece—layers of moist sponge and crisp biscuits, generously sprinkled with crushed nuts and drizzled with golden honey that glistened in the light. Ever since Liliette had praised the head cook’s baking, the desserts had grown more extravagant with each passing day. The kitchen staff seemed to take her compliments as a challenge, pushing their skills to new heights. Even the maids, who almost never dared to approach the study, were now peeking curiously from the hallway.
“The third-floor study…” Ayla murmured, gazing around in awe. “It feels like we’re in the imperial palace.”
