Nina thought it over for a moment. "Mm... alright. But I need to return to Barbarian City first and deal with that sealed beastman. You’ll have to wait somewhere safe. If something goes wrong—if I can’t kill him quickly—you’ll need to head back on your own."

She was going to Sea Blue City sooner or later anyway. It might as well be her first stop.

Dian nodded obediently. "Okay."

Right now, he had little strength left—going with her would only hold her back. As long as she was willing to accompany him later, that was enough.

"Then let’s head back quickly," Nina said. "Otherwise, Odian and the others will start to worry."

They had already been inside for two or three days. If this went on, her mates might grow anxious enough to force their way in.

She summoned Goldy. Together with Yanai and Dian, she climbed onto its back, and they soared out of the central region.

***

Back in the temple, Eldros stood in silence, watching her departing figure.

Little female... may you succeed soon.

The mist veiling his face had already dissipated, revealing a breathtakingly flawless countenance—one that could eclipse heaven and earth.

***

Meanwhile, outside, Odian and the others waited anxiously.

"It’s already the third day," Finch said, worry and longing filling his eyes. "Why hasn’t Nina come out yet?"

"Our bond marks are intact. She should be safe," Odian replied, though his voice was steady only by force. "Let’s wait a little longer."

"If she doesn’t return today, we break in," Kith said decisively.

They couldn’t just keep waiting. What if she was trapped inside and needed rescuing?

"I agree," Sal added.

Mino and Aviel both nodded in agreement.

Odian gave a quiet nod.

Idir and the others kept glancing toward the central area, their eyes heavy with concern.

The little ones, meanwhile, had been staring in the same direction Nina had disappeared—eyes brimming with longing.

Why isn’t Mother back yet? We miss her so much...

Linny tilted his head up toward the sky.

If only Mother would suddenly descend from above...

Just as the thought crossed his mind, a flash of gold appeared in the distance.

His eyes lit up instantly.

Mother’s back!

With a whoosh, he vanished from Aviel’s arms and shot toward the sky.

Momo, hearing him, wriggled free and followed right after.

Aviel glanced down at his suddenly empty arms, his brows knitting together. "Those little brats..."

Then he looked up—and saw it too.

That streak of gold.

His eyes blazed with excitement. In the next instant, he transformed into a massive dragon and surged forward, overtaking Linny in a heartbeat.

Linny blinked—then teleported again, pushing himself faster.

Hmph! No way that bad dragon is beating me to Mother!

Momo flapped his tiny wings with all his strength, determined to get there as fast as possible.

Suddenly, a massive shadow swept past him.

Momo looked up—then puffed his cheeks, straining with all his might to go faster.

The other children all turned in unison, following the direction Linny and Momo had flown—

And there she was.

Nina, standing atop Goldy.

"Mother’s back!" Mimi cried excitedly, stretching toward her. "Father Odian, I want to go to Mother!"

Joy spread across Odian’s face. Holding Mimi, he sped into the sky toward Nina.

The other children longed to follow—but they couldn’t fly.

They turned, glaring at their fathers with utter disdain.

Why can’t our useless dads fly?!

Now we can’t even get to Mother faster! Completely useless at a critical moment!

Sal and the others, however, were already smiling in relief, their eyes fixed on Nina.

Setan immediately took to the air as well.

All around, the males looked up, their faces lighting with joy.

Nina... She’s back.

Aviel was the first to reach her. His voice trembled with emotion.

"Nina... you’re finally back."

He wanted to shift into human form and sit beside her—but there were already two very irritating males there.

Before he could act—

Whoosh!

Linny shot straight into Nina’s arms, his eyes curved into happy crescents.

Mother, I missed you so, so much!

Nina laughed, pinching his chubby cheek. "I missed you all so, so much too."

Aviel glanced at Linny—then suddenly had an idea.

In a flash, he shrank down to Linny’s size and darted into Nina’s arms as well.

"Nina... I missed you very, very much too."

Linny immediately started pushing at Aviel, trying to shove him out of Nina’s arms.

This shameless old dragon—so grown-up, and still demanding to be held by Mother!

Aviel shot him a glare. Move again and I’ll smack you.

Linny huffed and turned his face away, cheeks puffed in indignation. Shameless old dragon.

Nina couldn’t help but laugh. Even this was something they had to compete over?

Behind her, Yanai felt a quiet pang of jealousy. He had never been held by her like that...

Off to the side, Idir hovered silently, his gaze fixed on Nina. The unease that had gripped him for days finally eased.

She was safe.

He glanced at Aviel—then, unexpectedly, a thought crossed his mind.

...Why do I suddenly want to turn small too?

Odian flew up beside Nina, his eyes warm with relief. "Nina, you’re back."

Seeing her unharmed, the last of his tension melted away.

"Mother, hug!" Mimi leaned forward eagerly.

Nina scooped her up, and she nuzzled happily into her arms.

Odian cast Aviel a disdainful look. This dragon’s skin is really too thick.

Aviel simply rested his head comfortably against Nina, smug. If you’ve got the guts, shrink down too.

Odian rolled his eyes. Unbelievable.

...Though, admittedly, he was a little tempted.

Setan also arrived nearby, his expression settling into quiet relief. As long as she was back—that was enough.

Panting, Momo finally fluttered his way over, eyes misty as he burrowed into Nina’s arms.

Mother, I missed you so much.

Nina stroked his little head gently. "I missed you too."

Nestled against her, Momo’s expression softened into complete contentment.

There was no place safer than Mother’s embrace.

Idir frowned faintly.

Momo is... too dependent on her.

Soon, they descended to the ground, where Sal and the others hurried over.

The rest of the males gathered as well, joy lighting their faces at Nina’s safe return.

The little ones wriggled free from their fathers’ arms and rushed into Nina’s embrace all at once.

"Mother, you’re finally back! We missed you so much!"

Nina smiled, gently patting each of them. "I missed you all too."

The males glanced at Aviel—still mixed in among the children—and silently sneered.

Shameless dragon.

Pado and the others, however, looked on with satisfaction.

At last, the king is making progress. This is how you compete for favor.

Aviel’s old face flushed slightly—but he made no move to leave.

Hmph. They’re just jealous.

"Nina, how are you? Are you hurt anywhere?" Sal slipped an arm around her waist from one side, his voice full of concern.

"I’m fine," Nina replied with a smile.

Kith stepped in on her other side. "Nina, what about the curse? Has it been lifted?"

Nina nodded. "It’s already gone."

Finch and Mino had been a step slower than Sal and Kith, and both looked faintly annoyed at themselves as they approached.

"Nina, are you hungry? What do you want to eat? I’ll make it right away," Mino said.

She must not have eaten well these past few days.

"I’m alright—I’m not hungry yet," Nina said.

"Nina, are you tired? Sit down and rest—have some fruit."

Finch brought over a plate, already prepared the moment he saw her return.

Nina casually picked one up and took a bite. "It’s delicious."

Nearby, Lex stood quietly, fingers clutching the edge of his clothes. His lips parted slightly—but no words came out.

A flicker of frustration crossed his face.

Everything he wanted to say had already been said by the others.

He didn’t know what was left for him.

And yet... he was still happy.

As long as she had returned safely, that was enough.