The System pondered long and hard. Considering the host’s current state of submissiveness, it adjusted its plan.

First: morale.

Having been kept by Elise like a caged songbird for five years, Naya’s former spirit as the Chosen Hero had vanished completely.

Even when Elise praised her as a devoted wife and loving mother, Naya would happily wag her tail.

Restoring that fighting spirit was non-negotiable.

Courage was part of it. Right now, Naya lacked even the courage to defy Elise. Deep down, she believed resistance was futile—challenging Elise outright would only mean death.

So, to reignite courage within her…

The System devised a method.

One that would subtly reshape Naya without triggering her resistance.

[System] "But for these three months, don’t let fear paralyze you. Start preparing to leave Elise’s side."

"Leaving Elise…" Naya lowered her gaze. Did that also mean leaving Eliya?

Just to see an old friend once?

Was it worth it?

[System] "Side quest activated: 'Regain Humanity, Seek Old Friends.' Reward: Anti-Magic Silver Armor—significantly boosts defense."

"Can it withstand the Dragon Sovereign’s attack?"

"No. But it can handle most Dragonkin assaults."

*Ugh. If this System could’ve countered the Dragon Sovereign directly, the last System wouldn’t have died by her claws.* Still, the System bit back the discouraging thought.

It had to gently rebuild Naya’s spirit—rekindle the Chosen Hero’s heart. Maybe while scavenging this world, she’d stumble upon a relic capable of slaying the Dragon Sovereign.

[System] "What’s the point of this reward? Swap it."

"Cannot be changed."

"Then I’m not doing it."

*Time to throw in the towel.* Besides, were her old friends even alive? Hunting two souls in a sea of strangers felt impossible. And the reward? Useless. Why bother?

[System] "Host, patience. This side quest has sub-quests. Sub-side Quest 1 activated: 'Counterattack Dragon Queen Elise—pin her down and deliver ten firm spanks to her bottom.' Reward: Holy Lance Repair Blueprint (lists all required materials)."

"..."

[System] "Refusing? Do you plan to stay submissive forever? Five years ago, you were a legendary, mighty male Chosen Hero! Think—who reduced you to this?"

[System] "Ahem… System, I accept! Who’s scared? I *will* counterattack!"

[System] "Exactly. For five years, you never once took control. Isn’t that shameful for a Chosen Hero? Shouldn’t *she* be the one losing control—not you, subdued beneath her for half a decade?"

"I know, System, stop!"

Flushing deeply at the memory of willingly playing pillow princess all these years, Naya rolled onto her side and buried her face in her hands.

Why had she never taken the lead? Not once.

She knew it was the System’s provocation—but stirred by the ember of her Chosen Hero’s heart, a flicker of resolve returned.

No more pillow princess!

She’d show Elise who truly ran this household.

Ten spanks… tricky. But the reward? Tempting. With the Holy Lance restored, she’d gain the strength to protect Eliya.

[System] "Host, this isn’t your fault. Remember when Elise first brought you home? She hypnotized you—'Never rise again'—to neutralize your threat. But as long as I’m connected to your mind, I can weaken the suggestion."

"So Elise did this… Then counterattack is unavoidable."

Naya wasn’t sure if the System spoke truth. Yet since regaining her memories, she *had* changed. A fierce fire of defiance now burned within her. And honestly? Believing she’d been hypnotized felt far better than accepting she was just… soft.

*Fine. I’ll reluctantly believe you.*

Today, the System hadn’t stirred trouble between their little trio—and Naya felt unusually light-hearted.

After lying in bed a while, realization struck: she’d confessed her recovered memories to Elise. Which meant… she could finally showcase her past-life culinary skills!

Yes!

Action time.

Naya headed downstairs, scanned the kitchen pantry—but recognized many ingredients only by sight, not use.

[System] "Next side quest reward—can it be a cooking guide? I’ll run out of dishes soon, and Elise will get bored."

"..."

A silent string of ellipses drifted through her mind.

*Where’s your fighting spirit?*

*What happened to counterattacking?*

*Planning meals instead of missions?*

[System] "Answer me!"

[System] "Request noted. Complete Sub-side Quest 1 first."

*Ugh. Zero combat value.* The System sighed inwardly—but to build trust, it had to play along.

[System] "They say: win her stomach, win her heart. If I pour enough care into Elise’s meals, she’ll grant my requests—visit the human kingdom, help find old friends, gather Holy Lance materials. Quest completion? Easy."

[System] "Whatever makes you happy."

*Slaying the Dragon Sovereign won’t be simple,* the System mused. *Rebuilding a hero… a long road ahead.*

"Hmm…" Naya sifted through flour, meats—seasonings felt lacking.

Back in her room, she scribbled a shopping list and found Bella, today’s assisting maid.

"Bella, please fetch these."

Bella, a white dragon with faintly bluish scales, bowed. "Yes, Miss Naya."

Glancing at the list, she hesitated. "I’m sorry… some items are unfamiliar."

"Which ones?"

Naya racked her brain, explaining Earth equivalents. Bella jotted notes beside unknown terms and departed.

Time for the ultimate Eastern comfort food: jiaozi.

Shrimp, lean pork, leek, fish—even fillings from this world’s unique creatures. She’d make them all.

Rolling up her sleeves, Naya seized the flour.

*Slap. Slap. Slap.* Kneading the dough with rhythmic force.

Each strike conjured Elise’s silhouette—her bottom replacing the dough in Naya’s fantasy. *Spank. Spank. Spank.*

So. Satisfying.

Her silvery tail swayed gleefully behind her.

Sensing the spark of resolve, the System swelled with quiet pride.

Good. Full of spirit!

Keep this fire. When the moment comes—spank with *this* conviction.

And once she dares to spank Elise’s bottom… how far is raising a blade?