As the first morning rays were softened by the curtains, dim light seeped into the room, just enough to trace the outlines of objects.

Naya pressed her forehead, wincing slightly as she opened her eyes. She felt as if she’d surfaced from an impossibly long dream.

In it, she’d been defeated by the Dragon Queen, transformed into a dragon girl, captured by the Dragonkin… and the Dragon Queen—Elise—had performed strange, unsettling experiments on her.

Then… they’d had a daughter.

What an absurd dream.

No.

What was this soft warmth beside her?

Naya turned her head. Inches away loomed that breathtaking face—the Dragon Queen, Elise. A crimson-scaled dragon in true form; in humanoid guise, a red-haired dragon girl.

Those dreamlike days… weren’t a dream.

They were real.

She herself had become a silver-haired dragon girl.

Pulling back the blanket, she saw they were both bare. Her own generous curves pressed gently against Elise’s delicate frame.

Heat flooded Naya’s cheeks as last night rushed back.

She’d awakened the System mid-intimacy, cutting their moment short.

What even was this?

How could the Dragon Queen love *her*—an outsider who’d accidentally become Dragonkin?

*System… are you still there?*

She silently questioned the faint stirrings she’d sensed since last night. She *had* to know how she’d become Dragonkin.

Silence.

A trick of the mind?

Yes. The System was gone.

Last night’s voice was just an echo of resurfacing memories. The original System had exhausted all its ripple energy saving her—five years ago.

A pang of sorrow tightened her chest.

*System… you died so tragically.*

【This System is not dead.】

What?!

【The previous System depleted the ancient god’s energy to save its host and vanished five years ago. I am here to assume its duties.】

【Oh.】

Not the original.

Still… she felt deep gratitude. Without that System, she wouldn’t be alive.

【I’ve become like this… What now? Am I still the Chosen Hero?】

【Yes. A hero is defined by heart, not form. Resume your main quest: vanquish the evil Dragon Queen Elise. Analysis indicates a 90% success rate—you are her closest confidante. With luck, a stage-skipping elimination is possible.】

No way.

Even as Dragonkin, the quest won’t change?

【Do not forget your resolve. The previous System saved you—not to watch you settle as the Dragon Queen’s consort.】

"Mmm… Naya? Awake?"

*Gasp!*

At Elise’s voice, Naya’s body tensed instantly.

Silken skin brushed her arm as Elise’s hand rose to caress her cheek.

"Good morning, Elise."

"Why did you faint last night? Still unwell?"

"I’m… fine."

"Then let’s continue. One time wasn’t nearly enough."

Sensing Naya’s restored vitality, Elise rolled atop her, lips nearing Naya’s—until Naya hastily blocked her.

"I… might still feel a little off."

Elise gently moved her hand aside. "Hmm? Let me check."

Magic traced Naya’s forehead, scanning every detail.

Only a mysterious new energy lingered—no ailment at all.

"Truly unwell?"

"Mm. Another day?"

Naya dared not reveal her restored memories. She mimicked past mannerisms, striving for normalcy.

"If you’re unwell, I won’t insist. Let’s rise."

Elise activated the bedside crystal lamp.

Light revealed every exquisite curve between them.

Memories of her former male self surged—instinctive shyness flared.

But she remembered: captured, treated as a maid, looked down upon.

Even after marriage, habit remained.

Today was no exception.

Facing Elise’s bare snow-white skin, Naya averted her gaze.

"You’re acting strangely today."

"Am I?"

Elise’s faint smile tugged the blanket from Naya’s chest.

Today, Naya was unusually flustered.

But why hide beauty?

*A dragon’s life is incomplete without beholding those lovely mounds—just as humanity cannot do without Jerusalem.*

"Which outfit today, Naya?"

A cue.

Shaken from her daze, Naya scrambled naked from bed—attending to Elise came first.

But the moment her slender legs touched the floor, arms encircled her waist.

"Have you noticed, Naya?"

"Noticed what?"

"The dragon egg in your belly."

Elise’s palm rested on Naya’s flat, taut abdomen—flawless, unmarked.

*Gasp!*

"We have a new, healthy child. She’ll be born of you… then hatch from the egg."

What… how?

Naya frantically sifted memories.

No implantation.

Two women—how? *Why her womb?*

She was the Chosen Hero of humanity! She’d been a man! She still hoped to be human again!

"Angry I didn’t tell you?"

Elise’s hand drifted lower.

Naya swallowed hard, gently broke free, and hurried to the wardrobe.

*Why does one touch flood me with tidal affection? An involuntary reflex…*

Selecting a practical short skirt, she glanced down—her own curves blocked her view of her toes.

*No. Not like this.*

She yanked on a nightgown first.

Turning back with Elise’s clothes, she froze.

Elise sat cross-legged on the bed, arms folded, gaze deeply knowing.

Naya’s eyes darted away.

*Did she notice… my memories are back?*