"Alright."

Elise released Naya.

After all, she was still cooking—the meat would burn if they kept embracing.

Naya continued stir-frying the pan’s contents while answering Elise’s question.

"First… the only thing I worried about seeing someone else go through something like me was… that I might not feel special to you anymore. I *am* a rare case—a human who became a Dragonkin, right?"

"Hmm… very rare."

Elise nodded. In over a millennium, a human transforming into a Dragonkin had been exceedingly uncommon.

"But after thinking it through, my reason tells me that worry is pointless. Because I know you’re not shallow, Elise. You’d never like me less just because I’m not unique."

"Of course not."

Elise blinked inwardly. *Since when did this become Naya confessing affection and seeking reassurance?* This wasn’t the reply she’d expected. Gently steering the topic back:

"Naya… don’t you remember that scene? When I pinned you under my foot? I want to know—do those painful memories still weigh on you?"

*Plated!*

She set the pan-fried meat on the magical warming oven, added oil to the pan, and heated it.

As the oil warmed, Naya turned, eyes clouded with confusion.

"Humiliate me?"

"Mm."

Meeting Naya’s puzzled gaze, Elise felt her own confusion deepen. *Could she truly not see it as humiliation?*

"Well… not really. I lost. Being pinned under your foot was only natural."

And honestly—just imagining it was Elise’s delicate foot sent a tiny thrill through her. She even felt a flicker of longing to feel it again.

Naya’s candidness eased Elise’s tension.

She could guess what amnesiac Naya might’ve felt, but the Naya who’d regained her memories was now delightfully enigmatic.

One thing remained clear: the love Naya held for her over five years hadn’t faded a bit.

"Elise… do you think I’d ask you to apologize for that?"

"Even if you wouldn’t, I still want to."

"Apologize? Seriously? You’re the Dragon Queen—the sovereign of all Dragonkin! I’m just an ordinary Dragonkin who transformed from a human, barely Bronze-tier."

Naya thought Elise was making a mountain out of a molehill.

*Let alone how… pleasant it felt under her foot. Isn’t it natural for the victor to humble the defeated?*

Elise stepped closer, taking Naya’s hand.

It still carried the savory scent of fried meat.

"Why be proud before you, Naya? I want us to stand as equals. To respect each other."

"Elise… sometimes you act…"

*Like someone from Earth.*

Naya suppressed a smile.

Elise tilted her head. "Hmm?"

Only Earthlings valued mutual respect between partners. In this world, strength ruled—dominance was law.

"Not very queen-like," Naya finished.

Elise’s lips curved. She lifted Naya’s hand to her nose, inhaling the mingled aroma of seared meat and Naya’s natural fragrance.

She pressed a soft kiss to the back of Naya’s hand—then gently bit down. A warm, moist brush traced Naya’s fingertips; rich meatiness bloomed on Elise’s tongue.

She looked up. Sure enough, her dear wife’s eyes widened in flustered shock.

Releasing the slender fingers, now dewy and gleaming.

"Yes, Naya," Elise murmured. "I’ve already become your love slave."

*Heavens.*

*What is the Dragon Queen even saying?!*

At this rate, Naya couldn’t focus on cooking. Just moments ago—watching Elise nibble her fingers, feeling that strange stickiness—her knees had gone weak.

Thankfully, Elise reined in her teasing. Naya hastily wiped her hand with a cloth.

"So… may I ask the next question, my dear wife?"

"The next question… what was it again…"

"What *is* that similar energy within you… and the Chosen Hero?"

"It’s… a mysterious power, originating from—"

【Host! Stay calm!】

The System’s cry jolted Naya back. Her lips twitched. "I—I don’t have any energy! What are you talking about, Elise?"

*System was done.*

*How is this not a full confession?!*

*You literally said "originating from" then denied it—could it be more obvious?!*

"Alright. No energy," Elise replied warmly, arm circling Naya’s waist, a firm yet gentle pressure against her chest.

The stove’s warmth deepened the intimate air between them.

She’d never force Naya to reveal what she wished to keep hidden.

"But right now… I desperately need a Naya-energy recharge. How about we change lunch… to *you*?"

"N-no! This is the kitchen!"

Naya pressed Elise’s shoulders—this time, she didn’t melt into the pink haze.

"True."

Elise let go, picked up the freshly plated meat patty, and began eating with knife and fork. "Still… your cooking is the best."

Naya knew that blissful expression was exaggerated—purely to please her. Yet her heart still fluttered.

"It’s the same meat. Really that amazing?"

"Absolutely. Once you taste Naya’s flavor… unforgettable. Tender, juicy, smooth as silk."

Elise poked the meat, then deliberately licked her lips. Naya’s imagination instantly spiraled.

Blushing, she turned away from this shameless dragon and resumed cooking. One patty wouldn’t satisfy Elise.

Next: deep-fried potatoes.

The oil had boiled over during their flirtation. Carefully, Naya lowered potato strips into the sizzling pan with tongs.

*Wait—I still have a question.*

*Does Elise recognize Leo?*

*Did she bring me here on purpose… knowing he’d return with clueless teammates to relive history?*

She’d never forget the teammate who abandoned her. Not even if he turned to ash.

She was happier now than as the Chosen Hero—but betrayal left a bitter scar.

And she blamed Leo, indirectly, for her previous System’s demise. If he hadn’t suggested challenging the Dragon Sovereign… she wouldn’t have died so soon.

*"Good brother, I’ve got your back!"*

Before facing Elise, Leo had clapped her shoulder with such conviction.

She’d trusted his spatial magic completely.

But in the end… what did he protect?

Head lowered, she fished out the golden fries.

"Elise… do you recognize the blond-haired Chosen Hero who came with the black-haired one to challenge you?"