Naya followed Elise out of the palace, listening to the System’s reply in her mind.

[System] "Can I just hand you whatever you want? What do you take me for—a wish-granting system?"

[Naya] "Aren’t you? Your System *does* issue tasks based on the host’s situation to lure them into working for you."

[System] "So you *know* it’s meant to lure the host?"

[Naya] "But you promised me."

Was she actually cooing at the System? Never thought I’d see the day.

The System fell silent for a moment, then finally revealed the truth.

[System] "Task rewards are created by allocating energy granted by the Supreme Deity. To prevent misuse, a review system restricts us—tasks and rewards must align with the main quest."

[Naya] "How is this *not* aligned? They say, 'Win a woman’s heart through her stomach.' I can’t beat Elise in combat. I don’t even know if she’s poison-resistant. Randomly poisoning her? She’d suspect me and kill me. But the recipe—I need it to study which foods she’s vulnerable to. Then… food poisoning. Complete the main quest. How is that *not* aligned?"

[System] "Are you *sure* that’s your real intention?"

[Naya] "Aww, System~ Just trick the review system! My reasoning’s totally valid, right?"

The System went utterly speechless.

It felt like a procurement director on a skyscraper project. Killing Elise was the build; gear like the Holy Sword, blueprints, armor—essential upgrades for Naya. The review system? Finance. Rigid AI auditing every energy allocation. And now, Naya—the production manager—was requesting funds for "questionable" equipment… for personal reasons.

Naya mentally huffed at the silence.

[Naya] "System! You’re breaking your promise!"

[System] "Fine, fine! I’ll apply for the reward *now*."

It actually agreed! The System was finally listening—even just a little.

A soft smile bloomed on Naya’s face. She quietly reached out and gently caught Elise’s swinging hand.

Elise glanced back, puzzled—then softened as Naya’s radiant grin met her eyes. A faint curve touched her lips. She laced her fingers tightly with Naya’s.

"What’s got you smiling so brightly?"

"I was thinking… I can cook for you forever now."

"Forever? Didn’t I always?"

"I’ve recovered lost memories. Forgotten recipes came back. Knowing I can keep making meals *you* love… that you *need* my cooking… makes me happy. Is that so wrong?"

"Fine."

Elise turned forward, heart sweet as honey. Even the hard stone floor felt like cotton-candy clouds beneath her feet.

Naya’s smile shone with moonlit serenity.

They reached the kitchen near the Heavenly Dragon Hall. Maids and chefs froze mid-task.

"Your Majesty!" They bowed deeply, setting tools aside.

Naya tried to pull her hand free—unrecognized—but Elise held firm.

"Go cook elsewhere. This kitchen is ours."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

No hesitation. They shut grills, gathered flour and half-prepped meats, and hurried out. (Palace staff fed royals, generals, officials—many mouths to feed.)

"Now we’re alone. Cook." Elise released her hand.

Naya chuckled. "Feels like we’re local bandits. They were working peacefully… we show up, they scatter."

"Bandits? I *am* the Queen. Every inch of this land is mine. Can’t I claim one kitchen?"

"There’s that domineering queen vibe."

*What a CEO-style line*, Naya mused. Still—queens rarely visited kitchens. And Elise seldom ate palace-cooked meals. Their panic? Understandable.

Naya scanned leftover ingredients. Past noon—quick dishes only: pan-fried meat, crispy potatoes.

Elise sat watching… until sizzling oil spat from the pan. Naya flinched back—straight into Elise’s arms wrapping her waist.

"Naya… about that battle. No questions for me?"

"Hmm… I’d rather *you* explain first. Why show me you fighting the Chosen Hero?"

*(Did you know Leo would be there? Set up a reunion to test me?)*

The spatula stilled mid-flip.

Elise hesitated. "I wanted you to see my strength. To know how you’d feel… watching your past replay on another. And on that Chosen Hero—I sensed energy… like what *you* once emitted. Tell me… what is that secret?"

[System] "I’m here. Don’t speak to me yet. Don’t reveal my truth. Probe how much she knows."

Naya swallowed hard. Beneath the soft swell of her chest, her heart hammered—a rhythm Elise’s arms keenly felt.

"I want answers, Naya. Will you give them?"

Naya searched for words.

Impatient, Elise leaned in and gently bit Naya’s snow-white, pointed ear.

"Eep!" Naya shrank back, pulse racing.

Dragonkin ears—longer, sharper—made teasing effortless.

Since regaining her memories, Naya had never spoken of it: how she became Dragonkin… what it felt like crushed beneath Elise’s feet.

Elise carried guilt for that humiliation—even as enemies, it haunted her. How much more for Naya?

"Decided?" Elise softened her tone, fearing she’d crossed a line.

Three seconds passed.

"Then… I’ll answer your questions. One by one."