The System fell silent.

Truth was, that so-called hypnosis was merely a self-deceiving excuse the System offered Naya.

Elise hadn’t hypnotized her at all.

Naya truly was just a fragile pillow princess—shatterable with a single touch!

The scene drifted to the luminous full moon beyond the window. Stirred by the sight, the System recalled verses from an immortal poet:

*The bright moon rises over Tian Shan’s peaks,*

*Amidst the boundless sea of clouds.*

*The long wind travels ten thousand miles,*

*Blowing past the Jade Gate Pass.*

*O bright moon… when will you guide the Chosen Hero home?*

…

System: "Host, are you awake?"

"Mmm…"

Naya opened her eyes. Another new day.

"Sigh…"

The silken bedding clung to her skin with a faint chill, stirring memories of last night’s tender moments.

She felt slightly reluctant to rise.

*Elise… already off to work again?*

Naya brushed the pillow beside her.

Her waist ached a little, yet her heart felt full.

Wait—was the System no longer muted?

System: "System! What happened? You promised I wouldn’t be hypnotized as long as you were here! Then why last night… why was I still just lying there?!"

System: "Apologies, Host. Elise’s hypnosis is simply too potent. I couldn’t suppress it."

Naya clung to the belief that she’d been hypnotized—a faint trace of her dignity as the Chosen Hero still lingered. Deep down, she still yearned to take the initiative. That sliver of resolve was all the System needed to keep going.

System: "Then how?! I can’t outtalk her, can’t outfight her—how am I supposed to take the initiative?!"

Naya genuinely wanted to.

Even if last night felt blissful, waking renewed her confidence.

It wasn’t that she lacked will—it was Elise’s overwhelming presence that made surrender feel inevitable.

System: "Host, don’t panic. I have a secret weapon… you know, *that* kind of potion."

Naya scoffed.

System: "Oh? Think it’ll work on Elise?"

System: "How will we know unless we try?"

System: "How? She doesn’t drink milk before bed. If I spike dinner, Eliya gets caught too!"

System: "Make an excuse! Say you crafted a new drink just for her. Elise loves you—she’d never refuse your kindness. Remember? She even ate vinegar for you. This is nothing."

Hearing the System wield Elise’s devotion so deftly, Naya’s head spun with warmth.

System: "Brilliant! Hurry up and hand it over!"

*Sigh…* Praising Elise once moved the Host more than a thousand complaints ever could.

Crafting such a little love potion was well within the System’s power—no quest required. Just manifest it.

System: "Host, how long will you laze in bed? Sit up. Reach out."

Naya sat up, clutching the blanket to her chest with one hand, extending the other.

A soft glow flashed—and a perfume-sized vial of violet liquid materialized in her palm.

System: "Sure it works?"

System: "Host! Where’s your courage? The Chosen Hero’s bold spirit—gone? So timid?!"

Naya tightened her grip on the vial, head bowed in thought.

System: "Fine! I’ll try tonight when Elise returns!"

No hesitation.

Naya dressed, confirmed Eliya was studying with Nidia, and dove into crafting a new drink: milk tea.

She wasn’t skilled yet—just experimenting.

She scribbled a list: premium island pineapple, farm-fresh cheese and milk, coastal coconut jelly, rich black tea. Sugar and cream were already in the castle.

Bella returned with ingredients and assisted.

*After yesterday’s calm… Miss Naya’s tinkering again?*

No fridge here—but magic sufficed. Bella conjured ice.

After several tries, Naya perfected a balanced brew: black tea’s aroma, milk’s velvety smoothness.

She mashed pineapple, cheese, and cream, swirled in crushed ice, and poured it over the chilled tea.

"Phew… done!"

She gazed at the tall glass. A sweet, quiet pride bloomed in her chest.

Cooking for loved ones was pure joy.

Without Elise and Eliya, she’d never have traded Chosen Hero for home cook.

This time, she refused to let Elise force down disliked food.

She glanced at Bella.

*No… my first cup shouldn’t go to her. What if it’s perfect?*

Eliya!

A smile lit Naya’s face.

She carried the drink to the study. Eliya sat beside Nidia, focused.

"Eliya, time for a break."

Eliya turned, eyes brightening at the cup in Naya’s hands.

"Try Mom’s new drink."

"Okay!"

She took it, gulped it down in quick swallows, licked her lips, and handed back the empty glass.

"Delicious! More!"

"Really? What did you taste?"

"Sweet and tangy! Cream I love, cheese too—and the milk feels so smooth!"

Exactly the taste Naya aimed for. Relief washed over her. *How will Elise praise me?*

*I really am a capable wife!*

"Mommy! More! This isn’t enough!"

"Later. I’m making one for your mother. Keep studying."

Leaving the study, Naya floated on air.

System: "Host, don’t forget the potion for Elise."

System: "Ugh, System, be quiet! Let me enjoy this. I want Elise to remember *my* milk tea first—not the potion."

Back in the kitchen, Naya recreated the drink precisely, sealed it, and handed it to Bella. "Deliver this quickly."

*Will she taste my love in this cup?*

Naya waited, heart thrumming.

The daylight stretched, impossibly long.