"The Royal Chef has already given this dish to me to taste," the Empress said, her voice smooth and unbothered.
I shot a sideways glance at the Royal Chef beside me. He was standing there with his chest puffed out, practically glowing with pride.
"And it indeed has a very unique taste and texture," the Empress continued slowly, letting every word hang in the massive hall. "Your personal handmaiden, Elin, shared the entire recipe with the Royal Chef."
The silence stretched on. The Empress just sat there, looking down at me with those sharp, calculating eyes.
Come on! Get to the point, lady! Why are you testing my patience and increasing my anxiety like this?! Just sentence me to the dungeons or let me go!
Finally, the Empress shifted slightly on her throne.
"Therefore," she declared, her voice echoing with absolute authority. "I do allow this new dish to be presented at the Grand Convergence."
