It made sense. After all, though she—once the Chosen Hero—had become a dragonkin woman, the undeniable truth remained: not long ago, she’d truly intended to kill Elise.
How could Elise not be on guard?
Perhaps falling for Elise was one of her precautions.
And the changes to her body? Another.
【Too right, Host! Keep thinking exactly like that!】
Sensing Naya’s thoughts from the shadows, the System suddenly felt a flicker of hope—maybe she could still complete the mission.
Even the name “Naya” had been given by Elise.
When Naya lost her memories as the Chosen Hero, Elise bestowed this name upon her.
“Daydreaming again? Time to change.”
“Oh.”
Though her mind churned with turmoil, Naya’s expression softened like a lovesick maiden—making Elise believe she’d been savoring their kiss.
Their dynamic felt like an old married couple yet also two strangers hastily wed: familiar, yet awkward.
After quickly dressing in the room, Elise wrapped her arms around Naya from behind and asked gently,
“Now that your memories are back… how do you plan your future? Last night—you said you wanted to go out. Was that true?”
Naya opened her mouth to say yes—then hesitated.
Was this a test? Would “yes” mean she wanted to escape?
After a long pause, she shook her head cautiously.
“Truly not want to go out?”
“No.”
“I feared you’d grow weary of life here after remembering everything. Naya, I never meant to imprison you. You and Eliya are precious to me. This is my secret sanctuary—no one finds it easily. As long as you stay, you’re safe.”
Holding Naya tighter to earn her trust, Elise continued,
“Even in the palace, kin scheme for the throne. Staying there would be dangerous. Among Dragonkin, strength rules—the strongest claims the throne. If I must travel for duty someday, I couldn’t protect you both.”
“I understand.”
“I’m glad. We’ll stay as we’ve always been… right?”
What hidden meaning lay there?
“Mm.”
To avoid suspicion, Naya nodded at once.
“From now on, I’ll spend more time with you. I’ll stay until Eliya wakes, share breakfast, then leave. I’ve been a negligent mother—she wakes to an empty room daily. At the very least, I should say goodbye to my dearest family.”
“Elise…”
Naya’s heart swelled. She turned and embraced Elise face-to-face.
The resentment over Elise’s suspicion melted away.
Of course—Elise had her reasons. Her caution was for Eliya’s sake.
Naya, restored in memory and power, could likely protect herself.
But Eliya was still a child. Even with Elise’s bloodline, her powers hadn’t awakened.
A mother anticipates every danger for her child and strives to prevent it.
*Was I too petty before?*
Elise’s suspicion was justified.
*Fine. I won’t be angry anymore.*
Elise nuzzled her forehead gently against Naya’s.
“But it’s because you’ve done so well. I felt at ease trusting Eliya to you—so I neglected my role. I see now: just because you care for her doesn’t mean I should vanish. Soon, she might not even recognize me as her mother.”
“Mm. You really should spend more time with her.”
A faint smile touched Elise’s lips as she stroked Naya’s silvery-white hair.
“Thank you, Naya. You’ve always been a wonderful mother… and wife.”
Naya nestled into Elise’s shoulder, smiling uncontrollably.
*Praise me more.*
After five years of tireless care, Elise’s words felt like validation. Joy and fulfillment bloomed deep within.
*Isn’t this what family is?*
I understand your exhaustion from working day and night; you understand my quiet struggles raising our child.
They lingered until Eliya’s wake-up time. Naya went to fetch her.
When Eliya saw her mother waiting at the dining table, she gasped.
“Mother!”
*She hasn’t left for duties yet?*
“Good morning, Eliya.”
“No morning court today, Mother?!”
Eliya scampered over with light pitter-patter steps and hugged Elise’s waist.
“Mm. I wanted breakfast with my girl.”
“Yay!”
Eliya scrambled onto her chair. Naya tied a scarf around her neck.
A child’s joy truly is simple and pure.
Elise and Naya exchanged a warm smile.
A beautiful day began with the three of them sharing breakfast.
Only when Naya reluctantly saw Elise off did the dreamlike morning end.
Today, the maids would teach Eliya magical theory.
Naya, unfamiliar with Dragonkin magic, couldn’t instruct her.
After handing Eliya to the maids, she sat alone on her bed, lost in thought.
*Right.*
She’d silenced the System long enough. Time to let it speak.
*Please don’t spout nonsense again.*
【Hey… System? You there?】
【Do you even want me to be?】
The System was fuming.
It had watched hope twist into despair.
Naya had nearly built solid resentment toward Elise—only for Elise’s words to win her back. And the System? Raging helplessly in the void.
Though its tone was flat, Naya felt the anger. It had even dropped honorifics.
【I’m sorry, System. I won’t break this family. Elise, Eliya, and I—we’re family now. I’ve changed: a Dragonkin, a woman, carrying the Dragon Queen’s child. If I returned to Lina… she might not accept me. Seeing me would hurt her. Let me stay dead in her memories.】
【What if I can turn you human again?】
【But… the child inside me…】
Would the transformation harm it?
【If you won’t terminate the pregnancy, wait. Dragonkin egg-laying takes about three months. Lay the egg first—then transform. No worries.】
【Yes!】
Finally, the System gave a sensible answer.
As long as the child was safe… everything else was acceptable.
