“What do you mean?”

Naya felt both familiar and strange about this intimate touch.

With male memories now tangled in her mind, she didn’t know how to face her past as the submissive partner.

She grabbed Elise’s hand—reaching for her clothes—eyes clouded with conflict.

Her body craved Elise’s touch, yet her heart quietly resisted.

“We’re married already, and you’re still shy? Do you really not get it… or have you stopped loving me?”

Naya met Elise’s gaze—deep crimson eyes gleaming with playful suspicion.

*Oh no.*

Elise had definitely noticed something was off.

She was testing her.

But to experience this intimacy again—just one day after regaining her memories, and in the submissive role? Utterly embarrassing.

“Elise… can we just bathe tonight? I… look, I’m pregnant. Isn’t it a bit inappropriate?”

“It’s fine. You’re not even two weeks along.”

Elise slipped free, fingers already lifting Naya’s robe hem.

Naya swallowed hard.

*Forget resisting.*

One more struggle, and Elise would know she’d regained her memories.

Splash!

As they sank into the bathwater, the System watched in panic.

[Chosen Hero! Don’t just give up! Think of an excuse—say you’re on your period, or you promised Eliya a bedtime story and don’t want her upset with Elise! Anything! Don’t surrender!]

Regret twisted the System’s core.

If it had known Naya had fallen so deeply into submission, it never would’ve bound itself to her—letting her live and die as Elise’s queen consort.

She might even be slain by a future Chosen Hero.

After all, multiple Systems and Chosen Heroes existed in this world.

But all shared one ultimate mission: slay the final BOSS—the Dragon Sovereign. Whether it was Elise now, or Eliya someday.

Kill whoever held the title. Mission complete.

[HOST!!!]

Tears streamed.

The System hammered against Naya’s silence barrier.

Useless. Naya heard nothing.

To the System, the scene was a pixelated blur—but the sounds told the whole story.

“Tell me. Why have you been upset lately?”

“I’m not upset…”

“Rerorero~ I smell a lie.”

“W-What are you doing?!”

“So. The real reason.”

“I… I…”

Naya’s mind short-circuited, scrambling for excuses.

“Hmm? Speak up… or I stop.”

[Host! Lift the barrier! Even if you’re too flustered to think, I can help! Hurry!]

But Naya had already forgotten the System existed.

“It’s… we haven’t gone out in three months. I wanted to take Eliya somewhere.”

“If you wanted to go out, just say so. That’s not why you’re upset. Truth.”

“Ah!”

She gritted her teeth against the wall. Pain beat exposure.

But the formidable Dragon Queen wouldn’t relent until she had the truth—especially when it threatened her life.

No stopping. No surrender.

…

Eliya sat on the bed, hair dry, clothes changed, scented oils applied.

Bed tidy. Ready for Mommy’s story.

But after nearly dozing off waiting, the little pink dragon girl rubbed her eyes and yawned at her maid.

“Flanna… why aren’t Mommy and Mama out yet?”

Two hours had passed. Past Eliya’s bedtime. Yet Her Majesty and Lady Naya remained in the bath.

Anyone could guess what was happening.

Flanna’s lips twitched. She offered an awkward smile.

“Well… regarding this matter, we must enhance awareness, take initiative, align with the times, recognize complexity, and persist without slackening, weariness, or hesitation—examining from multiple angles to locate the starting point, entry point, focal point, landing point, and critical point for resolution.”

Eliya blinked blankly.

“That… didn’t actually say anything.”

“So where’s the answer?”

“The answer lies within the question.”

Puffing her cheeks, Eliya glared.

“Fine. I’ll check myself.”

She slid off the bed. Flanna caught her gently, settling her back.

“They’ll be back soon. Want me to tell a story?”

“No. Only Mommy’s.”

“I have great stories too!”

“I don’t want your bragging stories.”

Flanna’s tales were all “I did this heroic thing…”—less storytelling, more boasting.

“No bragging this time! Just a real story?”

“No. Your voice isn’t as nice as Mommy’s.”

“Uh…”

To Eliya, Mommy was perfect in every way—except fighting.

Seeing Flanna speechless, Eliya slipped on tiny slippers and hurried toward the door.

“Eliya!”

Flanna didn’t stop her—not from inability, but fear. Block her too often, and this mommy-obsessed little dragon girl might resent her.

She simply couldn’t handle Eliya’s devotion.

At the stairs, Flanna scooped her up. Eliya pounded her arms.

“No! Let me go! I need Mommy!”

Two hours of waiting had drained all patience.

She knew Empress Mother and Mommy had only this evening together—but Mommy was *hers*, merely “borrowed” temporarily.

Flanna’s mind raced. *Can’t let her walk in. Can’t force sleep.*

“Eliya… remember this afternoon? Didn’t Mommy seem… sad?”

Eliya stilled.

After her nap… yes. Mommy had been quiet.

“Mm.”

“Mommy’s been tired. Her Majesty is helping her release stress. If we interrupt now, her heart might hurt more.”

Flanna’s words protected Elise’s image *and* used Eliya’s love for Naya.

*Brilliant!*

“Why is Mommy sad?”

“Mommy always cares for you gently, never showing sadness. But everyone feels it—like water filling a cup. She hides it so *you* never see her struggle. She wants to stay your kindest, gentlest Mommy.”

Eliya’s eyes softened. She stared at the bathroom door.

“I understand… Mommy works so hard.”

“So let’s honor that. When she comes out, she’ll be the most beautiful Mommy again.”

“Okay~”

“Back to the room to wait?”

“Okay~”

Eliya nodded obediently.

Flanna glanced at the door. *Of course Her Majesty silenced the room. Otherwise…*

She turned away, cradling Eliya.

Meanwhile, inside the bath—

Naya slumped against Elise’s shoulder, a limp puddle. Every brush sent phantom pain through her. Elise leaned in again.

Naya weakly caught her wrist.

“Elise… I’ll… I’ll tell you… I… I’ve regained my memories…”

Just moments more, and Eliya might have stopped the confession.

But now, placated and trusting, she walked quietly away with Flanna.