Pushing the door open.

Elise leaned against the headboard, watching Naya. Guilt-stricken like a thief caught mid-step, Naya crept toward her, heart pounding.

As Naya drew near, Elise swept back the blanket and opened her arms.

"Come here, Naya."

She wore only a soft gray nightgown. Beneath the dim lamplight, her slender silhouette shimmered faintly through the semi-sheer fabric.

Not as voluptuous as Naya’s, yet undeniably the graceful curve of a mature woman.

The hazy intimacy made the moment feel dreamlike.

Naya gazed at Elise’s face—half-lit, half-shadowed. Crimson hair spilled over her shoulders; the delicate line of her collarbone sharp and elegant. Her deep crimson eyes held tender warmth, softening the Dragon Sovereign’s regal aura, weaving in a fox-spirit’s bewitching charm.

"Really? Elise… you’re truly letting *me* take the lead?"

"Yes."

"I’ve heard Dragonkin are born with unbreakable pride, honoring strength above all. And you—*the* Dragon Sovereign—can you truly set that aside?"

"Why cling to pride before you? I’ve been proud for five years. Wasn’t that enough? My pride nearly cost me your love. Isn’t that lesson enough?"

"Elise…"

Naya bit her lip.

*She loves me more than I ever imagined.*

No—don’t melt before the mission’s done. Don’t let emotion turn your limbs to jelly.

"T-then… I’m coming."

"Mm."

Naya sat beside her, lifting slender hands delicate as willow branches. Her body trembled as if treading thin ice. Fingertips brushed the cool hem of Elise’s nightgown.

The weight on her fingers felt heavier than Mount Tai.

Her breath hitched—like she wasn’t touching fabric, but gripping a live bomb wire.

"Be brave."

"Mm!"

*Why so nervous? Just like helping her change before… Stay calm.*

No! Stop!

Can’t move.

The moment desire colored her thoughts, her mind scrambled, body shuddering.

*This is the Dragon Sovereign!*

*Dare I? Can I?*

She swallowed hard.

The Sovereign’s presence clamped her heart shut.

Even before—knowing Elise’s title alone made disobedience unthinkable. A deep-rooted reverence, an instinct to submit.

Suddenly, gentle hands seized her wrists.

Effortlessly parting the gauzy fabric.

"Like this. Raise your hand slowly… and you’ll see something even more beautiful."

"Mm…"

Naya nodded.

*Wait—I’m not Dragonkin. I’m the Chosen Hero. I’m here to conquer the dragon.*

*Hero’s heart. I have it.*

Guided by Elise, she slipped off the outer layer.

Ugh… body burning hot.

Hypnotic effect kicking in again? Body modifications flaring?

Guess it can’t be helped, Elise. Tonight—

[Host. Snap out of it!]

[Huh?]

Naya blinked back to clarity.

Right.

Even if her body’s a mess… she must cross this first threshold.

Elise, bare and patient, smiled at her hesitation.

"Lost? Don’t know what comes next?"

"O-of course I do!"

*Recall… how she used to… first this, then that—*

No!

Hands flew to cover flushed cheeks.

Too embarrassing!

With every memory, her resolve crumbled. Nerves and cells screamed: *You were a pillow princess.*

A whisper curled in her ear:

*"Just lie down. Being a pillow princess isn’t so bad. Remember how blissfully you were cared for? Now, with this ‘hero’s heart,’ you struggle. Is this truly what you want?"*

"Silence, demon! Don’t taint my hero’s heart!"

"Naya?"

*Stop hesitating. She’s waited long enough.*

Naya lowered her hands, meeting Elise’s gaze—warm, indulgent, unwavering.

"Haa… Here I come. Get ready, Elise."

"Mm."

Don’t dwell on the past. Don’t let old chains bind you. Start fresh. *You can lead.*

"Elise… you… teach me?"

"You don’t know how?"

Arms crossed, voice laced with tsundere pride:

"It’s not that! I’m just scared of hurting you. First time doing this to you—I need your guidance to get it *just right* for you."

*(Truth: mind blank. If she remembered details, her body would betray her—begging to lie back down.)*

"Such gentleness… I’m the one who should feel ashamed."

"Then teach me already!"

Elise smiled softly, leaning in to take Naya’s hand.

*This tsundere queen… utterly hopeless.*

…

[System! Does it count?!]

[…]

[Answer! I cleared Stage One! You said entering the dragon’s lair once counts!]

[Host… are you *sure* you were the one topping?]

[Why wouldn’t I be?! I did it! It counts!]

*(It was all Elise guiding your hands! You didn’t lift a finger! How is that topping?!)*

Still—the mission log flashed: *“Successfully topped once. Condition fulfilled.”* System had no choice.

[But you haven’t spanked Elise’s bottom ten times.]

[System, I *topped*. Skip the spanks. Too hard.]

[Mission incomplete. Persist, Host.]

[Ugh… fine. Tomorrow. Anyway—I topped once. Elise was so beautiful then… no regrets. Hehe…]

[Host! Don’t quit halfway!]

Before System could rally her—

Naya muted it.

[System… I’m exhausted. Arms feel broken. Let me rest. Don’t disturb me.]

By dawn, Elise remained the victor.

Sigh… did the host even top?

She totally topped!