No wonder the protagonist’s cooking is this amazing!

Rayelle patted her round belly after the feast, tears of gratitude welling up.

Meanwhile, Aerin fell into deep thought.

What’s wrong with this silly kid? Why cry while eating?

Could Dragon Kind’s food really be that bad?

Aerin stroked her chin.

This girl looked adorably clueless—easy to kidnap. And as a Dragon King, her strength was guaranteed.

Maybe I should consider adopting her?

To end last life’s tragedies, I need power.

Boosting my own strength now is too late.

Aerin tightened her grip on the Holy Sword, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes.

Soon, I’ll face the Chaos Sect again.

As a top cult with deep roots, they’re no easy foe for me now.

Her gaze drifted to the licked-clean plates and Rayelle slumped in the chair, letting out satisfied whimpers.

She ate all those poison herbs without flinching. She’s likely not Rigmore.

No symptoms yet.

Aerin knew this poison was crafted by Rigmore’s twin brother—the Abyssal Dragon King.

Made to keep him close forever.

Its effects target only Rigmore, not other Dragon Kings.

Aerin felt a pang of regret.

Rayelle was so cute—stirring both protective and mischievous urges.

If she were Rigmore, I could bully her guilt-free.

Too bad she’s not.

Those special tools for Rigmore would keep gathering dust.

“Mmm?”

Rayelle blinked up at Aerin, who’d silently appeared behind her.

Aerin didn’t answer. She gently lifted Rayelle into her lap, ruffling her hair and pinching her cheeks.

“Mmm…”

Rayelle stayed put, letting herself be played with.

After mooching such a lavish meal, a little play was fine.

Truth was, she was too full to move.

“Rayelle…”

Hearing the soft call above, Rayelle tilted her head, curious.

“Mmm? What?” she murmured, already planning her escape.

Full and satisfied—time to bolt.

As the villain, staying away from Aerin might avoid her tragic fate.

“Are you all alone?”

“Mm.” Rayelle replied absently, still scheming.

Unseen, Aerin’s eyes sparkled with a pinch of sympathy—and anticipation.

“Then, let me adopt you.”

“Okay, Sister Aerin, I’ll go first—huh!?”

Rayelle froze mid-escape.

Adopt!?

What’s happening? Why this sudden twist?

She recalled Aerin never adopted orphans personally.

As the Hero, she bore a heavy destiny.

“I’m alone too… Will you stay with me, Rayelle?”

Rayelle met Aerin’s pitiful gaze. Refusal felt impossible.

She’d been a socially anxious shut-in not long ago.

Rejecting a kind, beautiful girl like Aerin? Too hard.

But staying near her might trigger her Bad Ending.

Aerin mistook her hesitation for fear.

This Dragon King seemed unaware of her own power.

Years of wandering made such kids distrust kindness—was it sincere or deceit?

Before Rayelle could speak, Aerin hugged her tight, pressing her face into her soft chest and rubbing vigorously.

“Mmmph…”

Face-washed again, Rayelle could only whimper.

The Holy Sword’s light left her limp as noodles.

Utterly subdued.

“Rayelle, you’re alone in Bonn City with no kin. You’re wounded and followed me here—I must take responsibility. Let me care for you awhile.”

Aerin’s tone was gentle but firm.

“Mmm…”

Rayelle, terrible at refusing, slowly gave in.

She couldn’t fight or flee anyway.

Aerin was kind—a good person.

Worst case, she’d slowly win her over to erase the BE.

Rayelle mentally convinced herself.

“Good. Thank you, Rayelle.”

Gurgle…

In the steam-filled room, pale silver water filled the tub.

Naked Rayelle dipped her pink-tinged foot, testing the temperature.

“…A bit cold?”

Watching the swirling vapor, she wondered if her heat sense was off.

Dragon Kind aren’t scared of heat, right?

I heard they drink lava when sick.

Rayelle sank into the water.

The soothing flow made her squint, letting out an embarrassingly soft whimper.

“Ugh!”

Such a shameful sound… wah!

Her face flushed; she clamped a hand over her mouth.

As a young dragon maiden, her body felt overly sensitive.

Water alone sparked strange tingles.

She remembered transmigrating as a mighty ten-meter dragon.

But somehow, she’d become a petite, catgirl-like dragon maiden.

Gone were her cool horns, tough scales, huge size.

Left was a delicate, white-haired loli—easily toppled, prone to whimpers.

This was truly awful.