Lagos Castle had no such ‘luxury’ spaces.

After completing the general tour, Cecilia gave a warning to the servants from the grand duchy.

“You should all be familiar with the essential paths by now. Do not wander around the castle under the excuse of learning the layout, and above all, do not enter any restricted areas.”

“Yes, Miss.”

Cecilia looked at Helen and said, “You did well.”

Helen gave a small bow.

“You may go.”

Only then did Helen, who had been standing quietly, turn and leave.

Watching her retreating figure, Cecilia thought,

‘She’s doing a butler’s duties, but she’s never been trained as a proper butler.’

Helen wasn’t rude, but her manner was somewhat rigid.

A butler serving nobility should know how to be deferential yet presentable.

This skill of self-presentation was as important as efficient work.

In her past life, Cecilia had once met an incredibly capable butler.

She had learned much from him.

As soon as she returned to her bedroom, Benjamine voiced her complaints.

“Oh, Miss. There’s really nothing special here, is there? Not even a proper banquet hall. This place is far beneath your standards.”

Cecilia let out a small sigh.

Benjamine was always like this.

To flatter Cecilia, she would disparage everything around her.

Growing up listening only to Benjamine, Cecilia had come to believe the world should revolve around her.

“Nanny, mind your words unless we’re alone.”

“Of course. Don’t I have enough sense for that?”

To her credit, Benjamine was adept at navigating social situations.

She’d never caused trouble with her words.

Even if she spoke ill of others behind their backs, she never crossed a dangerous line.

In front of anyone important, she knew how to bow low.

If anything, that was her talent.

‘That habit of hers won’t change.’

Cecilia would let Benjamine’s comments go in one ear and out the other, with no intention of correcting her.

Trying to change a person requires a degree of affection.

Cecilia’s heart was already elsewhere.

While Cecilia rested in her room, Benjamine went off to share stories about the curse in the restricted area with the servants and knights from the grand duchy.

When she returned, her expression was slightly flushed.

It seemed she had enjoyed taking the lead and talking in front of the others.

“Nanny. Starting tonight, you won’t handle the meal preparations.”

Cecilia already knew that Benjamine had been involved in all the meals brought to her room over the past few days.

The dishes were all foods that Cecilia liked, with flavors she was familiar with.

There was no way Lagos Castle would know such specific details about her preferences.

“Pardon? Didn’t you like the food?”

“How long do you plan on handling the kitchen work? Besides, I need to get accustomed to the food here.”

“Our Miss has such refined tastes. Do you think they can match that?”

“How would we know without even trying?”

“Yes, then should I tell them to prepare and bring the meal—”

“No. Starting tonight, I’ll come down to the dining room for every meal except breakfast. Tell them to have it ready and let me know.”

“Yes, Miss.”

Benjamine went to find Helen.

In her opinion, Helen held the highest position among the servants in Lagos.

So instead of relaying the message through a maid, it felt more appropriate to deliver it directly.

‘Honestly, I could keep handling the meals myself. The Miss is just…’

Benjamine wasn’t pleased.

Preparing Cecilia’s meals was one of the few things she enjoyed.

When she led the maids down to the kitchen and ordered everyone out, they left without a word.

The feeling of taking control of someone else’s kitchen was quite amusing.

‘I’ll never tell them what the Miss likes, nor give them the spices we brought. They’ll never get it right. Our Miss has such a refined palate. She won’t last a few days before asking me to take over again.’

Benjamine grabbed a Lagos maid and asked where Helen was.

“She went out to the outer castle.”

“Where exactly in the outer castle?”

“Pardon me, but I’m not so sure.”

Benjamine frowned. She recalled what Helen had mentioned earlier about her daily routine—wandering around the outer castle.

The thought of having to go out on foot was bothersome.

However, she had told Cecilia, ’It’s an important matter, so I’ll deliver the message personally.’

Sending a servant now wasn’t an option.

“You, guide me.”

“Pardon? Oh… yes, Elder Missus.”