Under Rayelle’s comforting words, Aerin’s expression softened considerably.

“Thank you, Rayelle.”

Gazing down at the sweet-smelling, fluffy white-haired loli beneath her, Aerin’s face warmed with tenderness.

Rayelle was such a well-behaved child—truly rare to find someone so soothing.

Aerin sighed inwardly.

When would Rigmore ever be this obedient?

Just recalling the cherry-haired girl’s antics and that evil dragon’s deeds from her past life, Aerin’s anger flared anew.

Compared to Rayelle’s gentle comfort, that dragon seemed restless unless causing trouble.

Rayelle, unaware of Aerin’s thoughts, cooed softly.

“Don’t be mad, Aerin-nee… Anger’s bad for you. Come, hug me.”

Rayelle wrapped her arms gently around Aerin, patting her back, slowly melting away her fury.

Aerin’s mood brightened.

*Forget that scummy dragon.*

*Rayelle’s soft, sweet presence is far more comforting.*

“Mm.”

Aerin reached out to embrace Rayelle, ruffling her fluffy hair.

But the moment Aerin’s hands moved, Rayelle snapped alert.

*Whoosh!* She darted out of Aerin’s arms, leaping aside.

*No hugging! If she touches my horns or wings, it’s over!*

“Huh?” Aerin blinked, puzzled by Rayelle’s sudden reaction.

Rayelle cleared her throat lightly, making an excuse.

“Aerin-nee… I just played outside. I’m dusty. Let me wash up first, okay?”

“Mm… alright.”

Trusting Rayelle’s earnest eyes, Aerin nodded reluctantly, rubbing her fingers together.

*After her bath, she’ll be even softer and sweeter.*

Relieved, Rayelle fled to her room like a gust of wind.

*I only wanted to boost affection… nearly exposed myself.*

Locking the door, she scrubbed clean in the attached bathroom.

Then, she activated her ability to temporarily hide her draconic traits.

Full concealment drained too much mana—she couldn’t sustain it.

Besides, keeping her features made her stronger.

Clothes could cover them anyway.

After checking her reflection, Rayelle wrapped a towel and opened the door.

Aerin stood waiting outside.

Before Rayelle could react, Aerin—now in casual wear—darted forward and swept her into a tight hug.

“Mm, bathed Rayelle smells even sweeter and feels softer.”

“Mmph…”

“My mood’s still a bit low, Rayelle…” Aerin murmured, nuzzling her, a hint of hopeful expectation in her voice.

“Mm… hug…”

Clad only in a towel, Rayelle weakly hugged back, nuzzling comfortingly.

“So, sleep with me tonight!”

“Eh?! Wait—I’m not dressed… yikes!”

“Clothes don’t matter.”

Ignoring Rayelle’s protests, Aerin scooped up the steaming, towel-clad girl and carried her to her room.

*Damn. You’re rushing things like a speedrunner!*

Rayelle silently cursed but dared not resist, shrinking meekly as Aerin tossed her onto the plush bed.

The soft sheets carried a faint, soothing floral scent.

But Rayelle stayed rigid, tense.

*She didn’t even let me wear underwear!*

Worse, Aerin seemed to be examining her bare, jade-like feet and slender arms with an appraising gaze.

*Is Aerin a loli-con?*

*I’m in danger! Someone save me!*

No one came.

Only Lulu, the hidden sword spirit, watched from the shadows, munching popcorn.

This powerful young dragoness looked so pitifully timid, trembling on the bed.

The contrast made Lulu smile faintly.

*This kid’s amusing. I chose the right master.*

“Don’t worry—I won’t eat you.”

Aerin shed her clothes at the bedside, slipping into pajamas.

She’d bathed while Rayelle did.

The thought of cuddling with Rayelle lifted her spirits.

*Soft, sweet little things are perfect for soothing anger.*

Rayelle couldn’t resist as Aerin pulled her under the covers, turning her into a humble body pillow.

“Goodnight.”

Aerin tucked them in and blew out the candle.

Clutched like an octopus, Rayelle knew sleep would be impossible tonight.

---

The next morning.

Rayelle rubbed her sleepy eyes, slumped over a table on the first floor of the Adventurers Guild, mumbling incoherently.

“Ah… good morning… Miss Vera…”

“Hmm, Rayelle, you look exhausted. Insomnia?” Vera smiled, joining Aerin and Rayelle at the table.

“Ugh, don’t ask…”

Rayelle shot a weak glance at Aerin, who radiated energy and cheer.

Aerin had slept soundly—with a fluffy white-haired loli as her pillow.

But as the pillow herself, Rayelle hadn’t rested at all.

“Oh, Rayelle.”

Aerin suddenly turned, pinching Rayelle’s cheeks playfully.

“Chloe sent me a letter last night. There’s an attachment for you.”

“Eh?”

Hearing Chloe’s name, Rayelle jolted awake.

*Chloe’s a key character in this plot!*

*But what could she want with me?*