The two mothers are close to me!

Night fell, and the maid lit a magical lantern for Lily.

Though it was also made of paper, inside it contained a light-element magic stone.

The lantern emitted a soft yellow glow, illuminating every corner of the study.

Lily stood silently nearby, seemingly waiting for Lily’s next command.

Lily instinctively glanced at the maid.

Their attire resembled that of Tang Dynasty palace maids — simple and modest, as if they didn’t wish to outshine their mistress.

In the stories about the Dragon God, humans were never employed.

These maids were probably dragon attendants too, right?

They looked weak and delicate, but if it really came to a fight, they were likely stronger than even an S-rank adventurer — though Lily had no idea how strong S-rank adventurers actually were.

Once, when the cave was invaded, Lily had faced three villains — probably about the same level, she guessed.

Lily felt a little uneasy.

She hadn’t yet developed the mindset of a princess consort — if something could be done by herself, she would never let the maids do it.

If she had known how to activate the magic stone, she wouldn’t have even asked for their help.

“You… you may leave now.”

“As you command, Princess Consort.”

“D-Don’t call me Princess Consort!”

“Yes, Lady Lily.”

“Ugh… forget it, call me whatever you like…”

Lily gave up.

It seemed that in the Dragon God’s world, people were destined to treat her like some exalted figure.

Rather than being praised by others, Lily would much prefer to be lifted up by Letia — that way, she could rightfully take her revenge and make Letia realize how powerful she truly was!

The maid bowed respectfully and left the study.

Just as Lily sighed in relief, the door was knocked again.

She thought it was the maid returning, and her face instantly showed mild annoyance.

“Mommy Lily!” came Amy’s voice from outside. “Can I come in?”

“Oh, it’s Amy? Come in, sweetheart.”

Always so active — and even in front of others, she couldn’t stay still!

Amy pushed the door open and obediently came over to Lily, holding a children’s storybook.

It was the one Lily had found earlier — a fairy tale about a princess and a commoner girl.

“Mommy Lily, there’s something I don’t understand!”

“What part? Mommy will teach you.”

“Mm!” Amy cheerfully skipped around the desk and climbed into Lily’s lap.

She flipped quickly through the pages and stopped at page twelve.

“Here, here — I don’t understand this part!”

“Let me see… oh—”

Lily froze.

Because Amy was pointing at the phrase ‘spending a beautiful night together.’

“Mommy Lily, what does ‘spending a beautiful night together’ mean?”

“‘S-Spending a beautiful night together’ means…”

What should she do? Should she tell the truth?

No, Amy would never understand adult matters — and besides, it wouldn’t be appropriate for her upbringing.

But lying wouldn’t help either — if Amy misunderstood, she might say something embarrassing later.

If possible, Lily wanted to explain it gently and indirectly.

“Amy, do you think Mommy Letia and Mommy Lily get along well?”

“Very well!” Amy said happily. “Both mommies are always lovey-dovey!”

“Ugh… where did you even learn that word… Anyway, ‘spending a beautiful night together’ means two people who are close to each other share the same bed, okay?”

“Sleeping in the same bed means spending a beautiful night together?”

“Only for people who are close, okay?” Lily said seriously, pointing to the word ‘beautiful’. “See this word ‘beautiful’? It means ‘good’ or ‘pleasant.’ So it means a beautiful night.”

“And ‘night’ means evening, right?”

“That’s right. So ‘spending together’ means ‘being together.’ When you put it all together, it means?”

“Spending a beautiful night together!”

“Exactly. Only people who are really close can share a beautiful night together, right?”

“I see! Mommy Letia and Mommy Lily…”

Uh oh — let’s not continue that line of thought.

Amy didn’t know that Lily and Letia’s relationship was actually terrible — to the point where they argued every time they met.

Even if they did get along, you can’t just go around saying “lovey-dovey” all the time!

So embarrassing! Lily didn’t even know where to hide her face.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Letia was staring gloomily at the beef and potatoes on the cutting board.

Dragons could absorb magical energy directly from the air to sustain themselves — they didn’t need to eat like humans.

If Letia ever wanted food, she would just roast an entire cow with her flames and swallow it whole.

And if you asked whether it tasted good — of course it didn’t.

Letia’s fire usually burned the meat to charcoal.

Besides, she never used seasonings — not even salt — she simply swallowed the food as it was.

Since there was no need to chew or savor, it was faster and easier that way — plus, she could sleep longer.

But after Lily arrived, Letia’s life became completely disordered.

Blame Lily — her cooking was just too good.

She’d spoiled Letia’s taste buds completely.

When Mira had come over causing trouble, Lily had served pudding — and it was absolutely divine.

Letia hadn’t said anything out loud, but deep down she had already admitted defeat.

When it came to cooking, she couldn’t beat Lily at all.

Lily was truly the ideal example of a gentle, capable wife and mother.

Wait — why was she complimenting Lily?!

She was supposed to hate her!

Still, Letia wanted to show off a little.

Leaving Lily aside, she wanted to cook something herself for her daughter.

Amy could now eat regular food little by little, and Letia wanted to earn her daughter’s praise.

She wanted to hear her say, “Mommy Letia, your cooking is so yummy!”

So, while Lily and Amy were busy elsewhere, Letia quietly sneaked into the kitchen.

But now, staring at the beef and potatoes, she sighed again.

“Beef and potato stew is supposed to be the simplest dish… Why can’t I do it right?”

Truth be told, Letia didn’t even know where to begin.

Should she peel the potatoes? Cut the beef into chunks? How much water should go in the pot? How long should it be boiled?

She only knew that beef stew with potatoes was considered an easy dish — but not how to cook it.

Letia grew frustrated with herself, even wanting to laugh at her own helplessness.

If she ended up making some kind of demonic dish, Lily would laugh her head off for sure.

Lily would definitely mock her smugly — and where would she put her pride then?

Rather than pretending, it would be better to learn properly.

Know yourself and know your opponent — only then can you win every battle.

Not knowing isn’t shameful — pretending to know and failing miserably is!

“Someone come here!” Letia shouted, imitating authority.

“Your servant is here—” came the maid’s voice from outside.

“Do you know how to make beef stew with potatoes?” Letia called through the door.

“Of course, it’s one of the simplest dishes.”

Hearing the words “simplest dish” stabbed Letia right in the heart.

Luckily, she managed to keep her composure and didn’t show her embarrassment.

“For dinner, we’ll have beef and potato stew. Come help me prepare it.”

“As you command, Princess.”

The maid entered the kitchen respectfully.

Under Letia’s watchful gaze, she skillfully peeled the potatoes, cut the beef, heated the oil, added seasoning, and simmered it all together.

Letia’s intense gaze made the maid feel slightly self-conscious, but not displeased.

She was used to serving her mistress, after all.

Instead, she found Letia rather adorable —

Was she… learning how to cook?

How lucky Lady Lily was to have found such a devoted partner!