Chloe paused by the door, leaned in, and gently tugged the little bell hanging from it. Her voice was soft as she murmured,

"Chriss, your friend’s here to see you."

A hollow *ting-ting* echoed, followed by rustling sounds from behind the door.

Then came Chriss’s voice, warm as a spring breeze:

"Mm, come in."

"Then we’ll come in, okay?"

Chloe shot Rayelle a subtle glance before easing the door open—so gently it made barely a sound.

Warm air flowed out, brushing Rayelle’s face. It carried the scent of coffee, a hint of wood polish, and the gentle warmth of sunlight and candlelight.

In the center of the room, seated on a large bed, was the delicate brown-haired girl.

"Rayelle?"

Chriss’s eyes lit up with delight at the sight of her.

"Mm! Morning, Chriss—how’s your health?"

Rayelle hurried to the bedside, dropped her cloth bag by the foot of the bed, and leaned in with worry, cradling Chriss’s small face in her hands.

Though Chriss tried to hide it, Rayelle caught a trace of lingering weakness in her features.

*Her illness isn’t trivial.*

A flicker of sorrow crossed Rayelle’s eyes.

She’d tried forcing a cure with her Extraordinary Power before, only to find the mana cost far exceeded expectations. Through trial and error, she’d confirmed: the mana drain scaled with how drastically she altered reality.

*Chriss’s condition must be special. My power can’t rewrite reality enough to heal her yet.*

*Another path... or stronger power. That’s all I can do for now.*

"I’m fine..."

Chriss still wore that sunbeam smile, reaching out to stroke Rayelle’s head—unwilling to let her friend worry.

Her touch was tender and practiced, gliding smoothly along Rayelle’s hair like petting a cat.

A wave of comfort spread from Rayelle’s scalp, making her want to close her eyes and purr.

*Why is she so good at this?!*

Seeing Rayelle’s kitten-like obedience and blissful expression, Chriss’s smile deepened.

The girl who’d stood so powerfully in that alley now melted into softness before her—a fluffy cloud of pure white cotton.

A faint contentment flickered in Chriss’s eyes at the contrast.

"You’re so soft and cuddly, Rayelle."

Chriss leaned closer, wrapping her arms gently around Rayelle’s body while stroking her hair, whispering near her ear.

"Eh... cuddly?"

Rayelle’s cheeks flushed, but she didn’t pull away.

Chriss’s embrace was too tender—and too fragile. Like holding a delicate porcelain vase; any sudden move might shatter it.

Chloe watched silently from the corner for a moment before slipping out, closing the door softly behind her.

Their tender moment was too precious to interrupt.

Besides, she’d hoped someone could keep Chriss company. Rayelle was perfect: adorably airheaded, gentle, kind—easy to understand, easy to trust.

A relieved smile touched Chloe’s lips as she vanished into the dim hallway.

Meanwhile, Rayelle remained cradled in Chriss’s arms, being stroked.

"Mm, you’re small, soft, sweet-smelling... perfect for hugging."

Chriss’s voice was light, but a shadow of longing flickered in her eyes.

"My sister and I used to hug like this all the time. But lately... she’s always busy. Won’t let me hold her anymore..."

"Eh..."

Hearing the quiet sadness, Rayelle froze mid-struggle, settling obediently against Chriss’s chest.

*Ugh. Turned into a pillow again.*

Both Chriss and Aerin loved hugging and kneading her like dough.

Rayelle sighed inwardly.

*Well... hugging’s fine. Chriss is soft too. Comfortable.*

"Oh, Rayelle."

Chriss released her, leaning toward the nightstand to open a drawer.

Under Rayelle’s curious gaze, she pulled out a small, glittering glass bottle and an ornate box.

"What’s this?"

Rayelle blinked at Chriss’s mysterious expression.

"A gift for you."

Chriss set the bottle aside and opened the box.

Inside lay an exquisite pastry.

Fresh fruit jewels, intricately carved cream blossoms, and delicate chocolate ribbons whispered of its luxury. Its sweet aroma made Rayelle’s nose twitch—and her mouth water.

She quickly clasped her hands together.

"Eh? But... I didn’t do anything. Why give me a gift?"

Chriss chuckled softly, wriggling out from under the covers in her gray Lolita dress and white thigh-highs. She shuffled closer on her knees.

"I know everything, Rayelle..."

"Eh? Know what?"

Rayelle blinked.

"At the Adventurers Guild... when my symptoms flared up. You used magic to ease it. Stopped things from getting worse."

Chriss’s whisper was thick with gratitude.

"Eh?"

Rayelle’s eyes widened. *She noticed? I was so careful...*

"So... thank you."

"It’s nothing! Just a little help."

Rayelle accepted the pastry with a smile, no longer refusing.

One bite—and her eyes sparkled.

Sweet but not cloying, fragrant and light. Better than any dessert from her past life.

Watching Rayelle enjoy it, Chriss picked up the glass bottle and pressed it into her hands.

"This is for you too."

"What is it?"

Rayelle tilted her head, but Chriss pressed a finger to her lips—*shh*.

"I made this behind my sister’s back."

A mischievous grin played on her lips as she tucked the bottle into Rayelle’s arms.

"I sensed your mana pathways are strained... and your reserves are low. This holds my condensed power. It’ll restore your mana and optimize your pathways."

Rayelle’s eyes lit up.

*This is amazing!*

As a first-tier mage, her mana pool was shallow. With this, she could alter reality far more drastically.

"My sister says I must avoid using my power... or my illness worsens. So this is all I have."

Chriss’s face fell slightly, as if ashamed the gift wasn’t enough.

"It’s perfect! Your heart’s what matters."

Rayelle hugged Chriss’s back, grinning to show she truly accepted her thanks.

"Mm."

Chriss patted the space beside her on the bed.

Rayelle climbed up happily, savoring the pastry.

Chriss watched her back silently, lost in thought. A flicker of hesitation crossed her face.

"Chriss? What’s wrong?"

"Um..."

At Rayelle’s curious look, Chriss leaned in close. Her expression turned serious, brimming with courage, as she whispered directly into Rayelle’s ear.

Rayelle chewed slowly, wondering what secret this was—

Then froze. The pastry nearly slipped from her fingers.

"Rayelle... you’re Dragon Kind, aren’t you?"