Opening her eyes—another fresh, beautiful day began.

Elise always woke before Naya did. Turning her head, Naya saw Elise gazing at her with a gentle smile.

"Elise… good morning…"

"Morning."

Elise reached out and softly stroked Naya’s silver hair.

It was a habit she’d formed.

Every day, she’d wake a little earlier just to watch Naya’s peaceful, lovely sleeping face.

Each time she felt the dear one in her arms sleeping so soundly, Elise’s heart swelled with quiet joy and deep contentment.

Last night… she’d *supposedly* let Naya take the lead. But not really.

Honestly? It felt no different from pleasuring oneself with an object.

Except—

That "object" was Naya’s hand: fingers softer and more precious than any treasure in the world.

"Elise… hehe…"

Recalling last night—the only time in five years she’d been the *top*—Naya couldn’t help but chuckle foolishly.

But soon.

She remembered: her task wasn’t truly done.

Her smile froze instantly.

"Elise… I have a request. Will you grant it?"

"Hmm. Even if you asked for the stars, I’d pluck them for you."

"You’re so cheesy," Naya murmured, biting her lip and lightly tapping Elise’s shoulder. "Not *that* dramatic. I just… can I see your true form?"

"Why suddenly?"

"I just *want* to! Is that not allowed? I want to understand you better."

*Could she be… seeking a weakness in my true form?*

No.

Naya wouldn’t do that.

After only a flicker of hesitation, Elise nodded.

Still, the real reason needed asking.

Why had Naya wanted to be *on top* last night? It couldn’t be mere whim.

She didn’t believe Naya had genuinely wanted to take the lead.

How could a *top* need guiding the entire time?

Naya smiled softly, her index finger slowly twirling a strand of Elise’s hair.

"Elise… you’re so kind. How did I never notice before?"

"Because you were too shy to ask. And I hadn’t sorted my own heart yet. Your memory returning and my decision to love you truly… happened almost at once."

"Mm. Before, I wasn’t brave. Even though you promised to make me your queen… deep down, I still saw you as my ruler."

"And now?"

"Now… you’re my wife."

Naya leaned against Elise’s shoulder.

After days merging old memories, she’d grown used to their long-married rhythm.

Even seeing each other naked no longer flustered her much.

(Though they still changed clothes separately.)

Back then, Elise had been such a tsundere—agreeing to marry her, yet barking orders like a noble to a maid:

"Get dressed."

"Put on socks."

"Wear shoes."

"Comb your hair."

And timid Naya never dared protest.

Elise slipped from bed first, tossing the blanket aside.

Naya lingered under the covers.

She held her palm before her eyes, replaying last night.

*Even the revered Queen of the Dragonkin… shows such a cute expression at the peak. So amusing.*

She pressed her hand to her nose.

Yes.

A faint, delicate scent—much lighter than last night.

*Maybe… taste it?*

"Naya."

"Yikes!!!"

Startled, Naya shoved her hand under the blanket. Glancing up, Elise hadn’t moved closer—only asked, voice warm with concern:

"Something wrong?"

"N-nothing! What did you need?"

"I’ve never really asked… What clothes do you like seeing me in?"

"J-just… a red-and-black Gothic dress."

"The one from our first meeting? Acceptable?"

"Mm…"

Elise’s lips curved slightly.

That exact dress couldn’t survive five years—but she owned several identical ones.

From her four-dimensional closet, she pulled the very style that once nearly killed Naya… and slipped it on.

She wanted to gently trace Naya’s past. To truly know who she was.

Including how Naya felt *that* day—too many changes then; she still hadn’t unraveled it all.

Naya sat up, eyes fixed on Elise.

Five years ago.

No—nearly six.

Elise’s style had been younger, colder.

The red-black Gothic dress, its folds bleeding despairing beauty. Black stockings hugging long legs, tracing perfect curves.

Naya remembered: black silk gloves, lips stained deathly crimson.

Eyes like bloodstones, gazing down with regal arrogance.

A bit cringey, yes.

But that attire? The pressure it radiated during their first meeting was utterly overwhelming.

Now, wearing the same dress—Elise’s expression was softer, her lips a natural rose.

"Beautiful."

Seeing no sorrow or discomfort in Naya’s gaze—only sincere admiration—Elise quietly exhaled in relief.

"Then, Miss Naya… may I ask something?"

"Hmm?"

"I’ve always wondered… How did you become Dragonkin? What power changed you? That energy… it wasn’t yours, was it?"

"Uh… this…"

Naya lowered her head.

*It was the System.*

A web-novel trope—a higher-dimensional entity.

A warm touch settled on her head. Elise bent close, kissing her hair gently.

"No need to speak if it pains you. I’ll listen whenever you’re ready. Don’t force yourself. I only wish to know you deeper. If I’ve overstepped… I apologize."

"No—it’s not that, Elise… I…"

[System] "Host. Forgotten your promise again?"

[System] "System…"

[System] "She isn’t pressing you. Just keep the secret."

[System] "But… she’s been so honest with me. How can I hide it?"

[System] "Think beyond yourself. Was the previous System’s sacrifice meant for you to spill every secret?"

*Previous System…*

Words caught in Naya’s throat.

"Naya," Elise said softly, "didn’t you want to see my true form? Shall we go now?"

Seeing Naya silent, Elise extended her hand.

"Hurry. Let’s dress before Eliya wakes. I’ll show you."

Naya looked up—into Elise’s eyes, crinkled with a tender smile.

"Mm."

She placed her hand in Elise’s.

*She feels less like a queen… more like my knight.*

—Wait. *Clothes!*

Naya yanked her hand back, clutching the blanket over her chest.

A little shy, yes.

Because today… she liked Elise even more than yesterday.