The Kissing Battle 2.0 was successfully completed. Next, what they should do was to patiently wait for Mom’s belly to grow.
It was going to be a long process, so the little dragon girls weren’t in any rush.
Over the next few days, Noa and Muen didn’t stir up any trouble either.
With no antics to enjoy, Aurora had nothing amusing to watch.
This was a bit dull for Aurora, whose very nature seemed to thrive on fun.
She had planned to approach to Dad and deliver a classic uppercut to spice up the daily, life with some twists.
But her eldest sister was against it, saying Dad was currently in a vulnerable state and it would be better to wait awhile.
With no other choice, Aurora gave up on the idea.
That morning, Aurora wandered aimlessly through the sanctuary with nothing better to do.
When she arrived at the grand hall, she saw her mother was discussing something with several maids by the throne.
Aurora blinked her eyes and walked over.
“Enlarge it a bit more. Right now, the throne can barely fit two people sitting side by side. You can't even stretch out properly to rest,” Roswitha said.
Anna nodded, “Understood, Your Majesty. I’ll go and find a craftsman to redesign the throne shortly.”
“Mm.”
Roswitha paused and then added, “Do it quickly.”
Anna was slightly taken aback. “Quickly? Your Majesty... is it urgent?”
The queen’s delicate face flushed as she hurriedly turned away.
“No, not urgent! I was just thinking that our clan members will all be returning soon, so we should hurry and complete the reconstruction—not only to surprise everyone but also to welcome them back properly.”
Anna had a look of realization. “I see. Understood, Your Majesty.”
“Mm, go on then.”
Anna bowed and stepped back to leave.
Roswitha let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Suddenly, she felt someone lightly tugging at the hem of her dress.
Roswitha looked down. Upon seeing the little figure, she smiled. She bent over and scooped up her precious child into her arms.
“What is it, Aurora? Did you need something from Mommy?” Roswitha asked.
“Mommy, are you going to remodel the throne?” Aurora asked in return.
“Yes... This throne has been here for ages. It’s time for a refresh.”
As she spoke, Roswitha carried Aurora up and sat with her on the throne.
Looking down at the vast but empty hall of the sanctuary, Aurora pondered for a moment before saying, “Mom, compared to other clans, don’t we Silver Dragon Clan members seem a bit few in number?”
Roswitha froze slightly, her silver eyes quivering.
Even Aurora had started to notice it...
Indeed, the constant wars had drastically reduced the population of the Silver Dragon Clan.
Dragon Clan had always followed the method of “quality over quantity” in nurturing their members. While this method certainly ensured the production of powerful individual warriors, if the frequency of wars exceeded the clan’s recovery capabilities, the Dragon Clan couldn’t bounce back as quickly as humans or other large species.
If a tribe faced extinction, most Dragon Kings would choose to disband their clans, which was a strategy to preserve the essence of the clan for possible revival in the future.
If Leon hadn’t returned in time, Roswitha’s disbanding order would have remained in effect for too long, making it nearly impossible to recall many tribe members.
Aurora’s casual remark made Roswitha sharply aware of this critical issue.
As the queen of the Silver Dragons, she had to address the problem of population scarcity soon.
“Well, yes, we’re somewhat fewer in number. But don’t worry. Mommy will find a solution.”
“How does Mommy plan to solve it?”
“Uh...”
It was easier said than done.
For Dragon Clan, the most common mode of reproduction was cocoon births, which didn’t require a mate or a ten-month pregnancy.
But the downside was that creating a dragon cocoon would consume a Dragon Clan member’s own energy, plunging them into extreme vulnerability afterward.
This period was the perfect opportunity for ambitious outsiders to exploit their land.
The Silver Dragon Clan was already in a post-war recovery phase. Coupled with Leon being practically tapped out, if someone with ill intentions took advantage of the timing...
It would spell trouble.
“This isn’t something I can explain in just a few words. If Aurora is interested in learning how a tribe develops, I can teach you when you’re older. How does that sound?”
Aurora's eyes lit up. “Okay! Thank you, Mommy!”
Roswitha smiled as she playfully rubbed Aurora’s nose, then she set her back down. “Go and play with your sisters. Mommy still has work to do.”
“Okay, Mommy.”
After Aurora left, Roswitha leaned on the throne, gazing at the vast and cold sanctuary hall. Her exquisite face was clouded with worry.
Lightly biting her lower lip, Roswitha sighed inwardly.
“How can I increase the population numbers...”
As she murmured quietly to herself, her hand unconsciously brushed over her abdomen.
In the very next moment, the queen abruptly sat upright, a sly smile spreading across her lips.
“I’ve got it!”
...
A few evenings later, Roswitha sought Leon out seriously, claiming that there was an important matter to discuss.
Leon was in her study, flipping through various ancient books. “What’s the matter? What’s with all the mystery?”
“My Silver Dragon Clan needs to grow in numbers,” Roswitha stated bluntly.
Leon froze, setting down the book in his hands. He looked up at her. “So? I can help you slay some Dragon Kings, sure. But helping you grow the population— that’s a job where I’ll be no help.”
“Who says that? You can help,” Roswitha said confidently.
“How could I possibly help? I’ve never learned tribal management. What's more—wait... Hold on... Expand the population…”
The invisible gears in Leon’s mind turned rapidly as he analyzed the implication behind the dragoness’s words.
Hssss~~~
“Wait a second... You don’t mean to suggest... a third child?” Leon asked cautiously.
Roswitha paused at the question but fired back with her own, “Why would you say that? Is it because you secretly *want* another child with me?”
“Are you kidding me, dragoness? I, the mighty Dragon Slayer, have already risked defying the heavens by having three kids with you. How could I possibly go for a third?”
Leon was resolute and firm.
“Even if I die, perish outside, I will never have another child with you!”
Roswitha let out a soft laugh, crossing her arms as she tilted her head leisurely. “Whether we have another child or not isn’t up to you—it’s up to me.”
Leon blinked in confusion. “What? What do you mean?”
“Because the control of barrier magic over the post-intimate time lies within me.”
Roswitha raised her delicate fingers, lazily admiring them under the light of the study. “In other words, the decision of whether or not pregnancy happens depends on whether I choose to use the barrier magic.”
Leon’s mind stirred.
He remembered now. The reason Roswitha ended up carrying Aurora in the first place was because she had passed out due to Blood Enchantment magic revenge after casting it on him, failing to use any barrier magic in time to prevent pregnancy.
So Roswitha was right—the choice of be pregnant or not was indeed in her control.
“Still, even if that’s true, do you think you can lord it over me with that? Don’t be naive!” Leon countered.
The queen raised a brow, flashing a wicked smile. “Oh? So you’re saying that, you would never touch me again, is that right?”
“...”
“You don’t want me to light up your Dragon Mark anymore?”
“...”
“You don’t want to kiss my ankles and my knees?”
“Enough...”
“You don’t want me to wear Bunny Girl cloth for you ever again?”
Smack!—
Leon slammed his hand on the desk. “Alright, Melkevi, that’s enough! Don’t use the idea to threaten me. Do you really think that, I, Leon Cosmode, would trade my soul or let myself be manipulated just for fleeting physical pleasure?”
Roswitha smiled faintly, taking slow steps toward Leon.
As she walked, she slipped off the slippers that encased her feet, revealing her fair and smooth toes.
Her skin glided silently against the wooden floor. Her steps were light and soundless.
When she reached Leon, she leaned forward. Her gaze dripped with allure. “Are you... not that kind of person?”
“I... am that kind.”
While Leon could endure almost anything, a future without Bunny Girl Roswitha? Unbearable.
In the general’s mind, Bunny Girl Roswitha held the same status as legendary treasures.
Roswitha chuckled, lightly pinching Leon's cheek.
“Alright, I was just teasing you.”
Leon got the shift in her demeanor, dropping his playful attitude as well. “Alright then. Expanding the Silver Dragon Clan population—how can I help with that?”
“Publicity.”
“Publicity?”
Roswitha clapped Leon on the shoulder. “That’s right, Kassmord. The bond between you and I —that’s the best publicity!”