22. Today's Surprise? It's Me!
update icon Updated at 2026/5/11 14:00:02

The First Cup of Milk Tea

Of course, Naya hoped Elise would enjoy it.

Her plan was set for tonight.

As the crimson figure returned against the setting sun, Naya joyfully stepped forward and embraced Elise.

"Elise, you're back!"

"Mm."

Elise lifted a hand and gently wrapped it around Naya’s waist.

Looking down, she saw Naya’s silver dragon tail swaying happily.

Naya’s welcome was sincere—her joy radiated from the bottom of her heart.

"How did you like the milk tea I made?"

"If vinegar scores a 1, yours is a solid 100."

"Hehe… I’m glad you like it, Elise. I won’t make anything you dislike again. I only had Bella deliver it after confirming you’d enjoy it—I even had Eliya taste it first. It’s just a pity I missed your first reaction."

"It was pure awe and delight. Next time you make something fresh, shall I record it with a magic crystal beforehand?"

Naya pulled back slightly, eyes wide with surprise.

"Huh? There’s something like that?"

"Of course," Elise said, stroking Naya’s cheek. "I have many treasures—most looted from the Chosen Hero. Tinker a bit, and they’re easy to use."

"I see!"

*Wait… did you strip me completely of my gear back then?!*

Thankfully, the Holy Lance was soul-bound—and Elise had already shattered it physically.

Never mind.

Let it go.

Naya clasped Elise’s right hand, swaying it gently like a little girl.

"But it’s fine—I’ll see it soon! Chilled milk tea tastes best. I’ve kept the tea and toppings frozen all afternoon. Let’s eat first; after dinner, I’ll mix them fresh. It’ll feel completely different."

She led Elise to the dining table.

Eliya eagerly snatched up her chopsticks.

"Time to eat! Finally!"

Watching Mom and Mother be lovey-dovey daily was exhausting.

But remembering how clingy *she* usually was with Mom, she instantly felt six of one, half a dozen of the other.

During the meal, Elise twitched her nose.

Eliya’s scent seemed stronger than usual—had she just bathed?

Judging by the intensity, no more than thirty minutes ago.

Eliya always applied scented powder after bathing.

Her dewy, bouncy skin confirmed she’d just soaked in the milk-and-holy-water bath.

*Why did Naya bathe Eliya so early today?*

Dinner ended with that quiet question lingering.

Naya stood.

"Wait a moment—I’ll go prepare the milk tea."

In the kitchen sat a tub-like container packed with ice, cradling jars of milk tea and toppings.

At noon, rushed, she’d made it slushy.

Now, she’d try the chilled, no-ice version—purer, smoother, her personal favorite.

She opened the metal jars, set out cups, poured three servings, and scooped in pineapple, coconut jelly, mango, and more.

Then—

She pulled a tiny vial of purple potion from between her breasts.

Took a deep breath.

Unscrewed the cap. Poured it into one cup.

*The System said it’s tasteless, potent in tiny doses, and blends well with tea… Will it really work?*

Naya peeked out. Bella was clearing the table.

"Bella! Come here."

Bella glanced at Naya, then at Elise.

Only after Elise nodded did she set down the dishes and approach.

"Help me crush some ice."

"Yes, ma'am."

Bella dropped ice cubes into an empty jar, gripped the muddler—

*Tap-tap-tap!*

In a blink, fine slush filled the jar. To call it "blur-speed" would insult Bella’s skill.

Naya barely registered the motion before it was done.

"Thank you," she said with a smile, taking the jar.

*Battle maids are seriously convenient! Combat reflexes in the kitchen? Unbeatable.*

Since Eliya had already tried the no-ice version, Naya added a few scoops of slush to her cup.

"Take this to Eliya. Then, ask Elise to come in."

*Better keep this secret in the kitchen—no risks near our daughter.*

"Understood."

Bella left. Moments later, Elise entered.

Naya beamed up at her, eyes crinkled with sweetness. Elise’s lips curved in return.

"What’s with the secrecy?"

"Here. Try this."

She handed Elise the lighter-colored cup.

"Hmm?"

"You’d feel shy showing that ‘wow’ face in front of others, right? Just for me? I want to see you *super*~ happy."

Elise took the cup. Paused. Nodded.

Under Naya’s hopeful gaze—

She sipped. Then let her expression melt completely, unrestrained, blooming into a blissful, radiant smile.

*If this were a food anime, it’d be that iconic over-the-top reaction.*

Perfect.

*So this is Elise’s true reaction to my milk tea.*

Heart full, Naya grabbed the last cup and chugged it down.

"Ah~ So refreshing!"

【Host, what are you doing?!】

The System had assumed she’d feed Elise via kiss—not swallow it herself.

【System, I had to test it first. I couldn’t give it to Elise without checking.】

【Host… you don’t trust me?】

【You kept shouting “Kill Elise.” How could I trust your potion with her?】

【Host…】

The effect struck fast and fierce.

A brutally potent aphrodisiac.

Worried about Elise’s magic resistance, the System maxed the dosage. Even a trace should’ve secured victory.

But now—

*The Host, that fool, drank it herself!*

Naya’s mind shattered. The potion was real.

No poison—just searing heat, a desperate urge to strip bare.

Dizziness swarmed her.

Before reason vanished, she snatched Elise’s cup, gulped a mouthful, swished hard—*rinse away every trace. If I kiss her later with residue…*

【System… I still can’t betray Elise’s trust like this.】

She swallowed.

Her body turned to liquid, collapsing like a tower on the verge of ruin.

"Naya!"

Elise caught her instantly.

"Elise… I’m so hot…"

Naya buried her face in Elise’s chest, inhaling her scent like an addict, lost deep in hazy euphoria.

"Elise… I… hurry… I need you…"

Slurred words spilled out.

Instinct ruled her now.

Yet—knowing it was Elise beside her—she surrendered willingly, wrapped in quiet, trusting peace.