What did she mean? Was Elise just playing along with Eliya’s words to humor her?

Where was the dragon blood? Naya hadn’t seen a single drop at the scene.

Then it dawned on her—maybe some things couldn’t be said outright with so many people around.

“Oh.”

After a moment’s thought, Naya decided to suppress her curiosity for now.

She’d ask Elise properly once they were back.

“But, Mother, I didn’t see you sprinkle any dragon blood on him.”

Eliya, however, voiced the very doubt Naya had been holding back.

“Hmm. To be precise, it wasn’t sprinkling—it was injecting dragon blood directly into his body. That’s why he transformed into a Dragonkin.”

“So our Dragonkin blood is *that* powerful? Does that mean any human can become one just by receiving our blood?”

“No. Only specially processed Dragonkin blood works. It also heavily depends on the human’s physical constitution. Weak bodies face much higher failure rates. The Chosen Hero succeeded because his physique far exceeded that of an ordinary human.”

“Mmm… I see. I was thinking—if I ever kidnap a human princess later, I could inject her with dragon blood to turn her into a Dragonkin… and have her bear me dragon babies.”

“Eliya!”

Naya hastily covered Eliya’s mouth.

If she kept talking, she might bring up how she originally wanted *her own mother* to bear her children—but Mom wouldn’t allow it.

And the whole “kidnap a human princess” idea was already shockingly bold.

This brat really had no filter.

“Mmph!”

Eliya grabbed Naya’s wrist, trying to pry her hand away.

“I told you not to speak nonsense, Eliya. If you keep this up, I won’t tell you bedtime stories anymore.”

Eliya froze. She stared up at Naya with wide, round eyes… then nodded slowly.

Yet Elise didn’t find it absurd at all. Instead, she asked with genuine curiosity:

“Oh? Eliya, you have such… *ambitious* aspirations?”

“What ambition is *that*!” Naya shot Elise a sharp glance. *Keep listening and you’ll regret it.*

But Elise just smiled warmly and added, “No problem at all. If Eliya truly wishes it—and manages to bring back a human princess—Mother will do everything possible to transform her into a Dragonkin… so she can bear you dragon babies.”

“Really?! Then, Mother—” Eliya nearly blurted out *“Can I borrow the throne for a bit to fulfill my other baby-dragon dream?”* but caught Naya’s murderous glare and quickly swallowed her words. “Hehe… Thank you, Mother!”

“Elise, don’t encourage unrealistic fantasies.”

“Why not? Eliya, when you grow up, marry any princess from any kingdom you desire.”

Elise was deliberately nurturing royal ambition in her daughter.

To become a ruler, one must first possess audacity and the will to command the world.

Naya refused to dwell on the topic—afraid Eliya might say something even more infuriating.

“What should we do with this dragon?”

“Veltia, I leave it to you.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Veltia nodded slightly.

She knew nearly all of Elise’s secrets.

This dragon-transformed Chosen Hero was merely an experiment. Her queen was researching a method to turn humans into Dragonkin.

Eventually, she would select a Dragonkin vassal state for full-scale transformation trials—gradually converting humanity.

Until every human became Dragonkin.

Then, the Dragonkin would face no further threats. They would become the world’s most populous race. Fox clans, Bloodline Clans, beastkin—all would bow before the Dragon Empire’s might. Their dream of unifying the world would be just around the corner.

Naya asked cautiously, “Elise… after transforming, did he become… even stronger?”

“Naturally.”

*System, does he have a system?*

*I don’t know.*

Naya was stunned. *What? Are you seriously giving up?*

*I genuinely don’t know. To preserve competitive balance between systems, the Supreme Deity erased our ability to detect each other. He had the Holy Sword—but you don’t need a system to wield it. Plus, he fell too fast. I hadn’t even assessed his strength before he kicked the bucket.*

*Oh… sorry, System. I misunderstood.*

Naya turned to Veltia.

“Veltia, be careful. If this black dragon awakens still clinging to his human mind—even hating his transformation—and attacks you… please stay alert. Your safety comes first.”

Veltia frowned slightly. *This woman underestimates me.* As a Dragonkin of princely bloodline, few outside the royal Dragon Sovereign candidates could best her.

Elise trusted Veltia’s skill—but Naya’s mysterious power was potent *and* unpredictable. If Veltia got hurt, it wouldn’t be worth the risk.

“Naya’s right. Flanna, accompany Veltia and watch over her.”

“Your Majesty, I don’t need help. I can handle it alone.”

Pride ran deep in every Dragonkin. Though Naya’s warning held reason, being doubted by a queen consort stung just a little.

Sensing Veltia’s stiffness, Elise relented.

“Since you insist… this black dragon is yours to handle alone.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Flanna, let’s go. We’re heading back.”

Flanna shifted into dragon form and carried Elise, Naya, and Eliya back to the palace.

Bella awaited them at the Heavenly Dragon Hall, lunch already laid out in the resting room.

Elise had many questions for Naya too—but feared touching old wounds. She hoped gentle questioning might help Naya open up.

To witness one’s own past replayed in another…

What must Naya be feeling?

Elise studied Naya’s face carefully. Thoughtful, yes—but no sadness, no shadow.

She glanced at Eliya.

*Better not mention Naya’s human past with the child here.*

Elise speared a pastry with her fork, took a small bite, chewed lightly, then met Naya’s gaze and sighed softly. “Truly… nothing beats lunch made by your hands, Naya. Palace meals never feel quite right.”

“Really? Then if Mother doesn’t want it—I’ll eat it all!”

Eliya, seated at the table, had been eyeing the feast with watering mouth for ages.

“Mmm. Eat your fill, Eliya.”

“Yay! Eat, eat, eat!”

With permission, Eliya snatched spare chopsticks and began shoveling food into her mouth.

Naya offered a helpless smile, ruffled Eliya’s hair, then stood and turned to Bella.

“Bella, take me to the palace kitchen.”

“I’ll take you. Bella, Flanna—keep an eye on Eliya.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Then Naya remembered the System’s promise.

*System! Where’s my encyclopedia of recipes? I completed the “winning over Elise once” task! Why no new task? The next reward MUST be the recipe encyclopedia!*

Rewards like the Holy Lance or Holy Sword meant nothing.

She only wanted this one.

She wanted to cook for Elise… for the rest of her life.