You look so cute when you talk so hard

Karina bid farewell to Grandma Monet and left the secluded residence with Lethia and Lily.

Along the way, Karina kept thinking about countermeasures — the dangers Lethia and Lily might face in the future, and especially the warning that someone could target Amy during the wedding.

As the Dragon Empress, Karina could never allow such a thing to happen.

“Lethia, Lily…”

Karina stopped and turned back thoughtfully.

Lily blushed bright red and quickly stepped away from Lethia, nervously straightening her clothes.

Lethia, too, looked embarrassed but forced a cheerful smile toward Karina.

Just moments ago, Lethia had tried to tease Lily — a bit too boldly — and Lily had been flustered by it.

Now, caught off guard by Karina’s sudden glance, Lily pushed Lethia away in a panic.

“Wh-what is it, Lady Karina?”

“Still calling me ‘Lady’? Aren’t you two getting married soon?”

“Ah! I forgot… Mother!”

“That’s better,” Karina nodded approvingly. “Just now…”

“Just now we weren’t doing anything!” Lily protested, her face burning. “Lethia was only trying to mess with me — but she didn’t succeed!”

“How could I possibly do anything inappropriate in front of Mother?” Lethia said with a forced laugh.

“Oh really?” Lily shot her a sharp look. “Then what were you just doing?”

“I was just… joking with you?”

“Is that what you call a joke?”

“You two truly are a pair of quarrelsome lovers,” Karina said, resting her chin on her hand. “No wonder Grandma Monet said your relationship was good.”

“Our relationship is good?” Lethia asked in surprise.

Sensing danger, Lily stomped on Lethia’s foot.

Lethia didn’t feel pain, but it was certainly uncomfortable — and embarrassing to be stepped on.

“Lily, you’re getting a little too full of yourse—”

Before she could finish, Lily stood on tiptoe and covered Lethia’s mouth.

“Our relationship is great!” Lily said with a forced smile. “Sure, we argue sometimes, but that’s what makes us close!”

“All right, all right,” Karina said. “Monet told me not to interfere too much with you two. I just wanted to ask — do you still remember what she said?”

“Eh?” Lily froze, her face turning even redder. “Oh, you meant that! Mother, why didn’t you say so earlier? You scared me…”

She had thought Karina was about to scold them for acting too affectionate in public.

Karina didn’t pursue it. Her expression turned serious.

“Monet said there may be a disaster ahead.”

“Ah, yes… we heard that too.”

“When dragons give birth, their strength becomes very weak for about a year. Lethia, you understand that, don’t you?”

“Yes, Mother. I do.” Lethia nodded solemnly.

“Then tell me — are you truly capable of protecting Lily and your daughter?”

Karina’s words struck Lethia silent. Even against three S-class adventurers, she needed preparation to guarantee victory.

If something even more dangerous appeared, could she really keep Lily and Amy safe?

“Lethia,” Karina continued firmly, “at least during the wedding, you are not to cause any trouble. Stay in Dragon God’s Homeland and rest. The sacred springs there will help you recover faster.”

“Yes, Mother. I understand.”

Knowing her daughter’s personality, Karina could tell Lethia was serious this time.

She wouldn’t wander off during the wedding — she’d focus on recovery.

As for the danger to Amy, Karina decided not to tell them.

The Dragon God’s Homeland was the dragons’ stronghold — no outsider could possibly attack there.

Monet hadn’t said it directly, but Karina suspected the threat might come from within the dragon clans themselves — perhaps even from the Dark Dragon Empress.

It could also be another faction, so Karina would prepare for both possibilities.

In her current weakened state, Lethia couldn’t stand against the Dark Dragon Empress anyway.

Telling her would only add unnecessary fear and ruin any plans for defense.

It was time for Karina, as a mother, to take responsibility and protect their happiness.

Karina led them back to where the griffins were resting.

When the two griffins saw her, they flapped their wings and stood up from the grass.

Karina gently patted one on the head, and it lowered its neck obediently.

If only it looked a little cuter, Lily thought, she’d love to have one as a pet — it seemed so gentle and loyal.

“Lethia, Lily, you two will ride this griffin.”

“Eh?” Lily fidgeted nervously. “Do we have to sit together?”

“You’re a couple now — surely you don’t mind that?”

“Of course not,” Lethia said cheerfully, slipping an arm around Lily’s shoulders.

Lily trembled slightly but didn’t resist.

Karina smiled knowingly and turned toward her own mount.

“Mother, we’ll meet you at Dragon God’s Homeland,” Lethia said.

Lily held onto the reins tightly, her face still red, but she stayed quiet this time.

The griffin spread its wings, the wind swirling beneath its talons.

Karina flicked her reins, and her griffin lifted gracefully into the air.

Lethia followed suit, and soon both griffins soared high above the clouds, heading toward the distant homeland of dragons — and the future that awaited them there.