Noah reported that her composition writing had gone smoothly. While she couldn't guarantee first place, advancing to the top eight with her unconventional "parental love" theme was not a problem.
The couple was happy for their daughter. However, based on past experience, they didn't rush to celebrate this time.
They wouldn't dare to pop the champagne cork until the first-place trophy was physically in their hands.
It was worth mentioning that Noah completed the composition entirely on her own. During the creative process, the couple didn't offer any suggestions or even "check in" on her.
They both understood that if a writer's process is scrutinized by others, it loses its original spark.
So, to respect their daughter, Leon and Rossweise made a silent, mutual choice to wait quietly.
Even after the composition was finished, Noah didn't offer to show it to them, and they didn't ask.
If she ranked well, there would be a small award ceremony in class, and the excellent compositions would be shared for everyone to read. They could admire their daughter's work then.
When it came to respecting their children, the couple always acted in unison without needing to discuss it. After all, the primary rule of educating children is to respect them.
The day after finishing her composition, Noah returned to the academy on the Leviathan.
The rankings would be out in a few days, so all they had to do now was wait quietly.
Leon held Muen in his arms, standing side by side with Rossweise in the front yard, watching as the Leviathan gradually disappeared into the distance.
Only when the colossal creature was completely out of sight did Leon turn around. With one arm holding Muen and his free hand gently pinching her cheek, he carried her towards the Silver Dragon Temple.
"What does Muen want to play today?" he asked.
Rossweise also turned and followed behind them.
Muen's tuft of hair wobbled as she pondered—though she rarely did. After a brief moment, she said very seriously, "Dad."
"Hmm?"
"What exactly did you and Mom do at the beach that day?"
Leon's steps faltered. Even Rossweise, walking behind him, stopped. He looked back at her, and she just shrugged, as if to say, "You handle this one."
Darn it.
Dragon Queen, you were the one who started it!
During their date two days ago, they had gone for a walk on the beach. At some point, the mischievous couple had started teasing each other.
It began with them trying to step on each other's bare feet. Rossweise had no advantage there, because as soon as Leon realized he couldn't step on hers, he went for her tail—
So they ended up running into the shallow water and started splashing each other. Then, Rossweise slipped and fell backward.
Leon, quick to react, rushed forward and grabbed her wrist, his other arm supporting her slender waist to pull her up. But with the momentum, Rossweise couldn't control her balance in time and unintentionally fell against Leon's chest.
They locked eyes. The waves lapped at their calves, the sunset reflected in their pupils, and the atmosphere slowly turned ambiguous.
Then she just… inexplicably kissed his lips.
Well, that was it. Nothing else happened.
Really~~~ nothing else happened.
After all, they both realized the kids were probably peeking from somewhere, so they didn't do anything more outrageous.
They thought that fleeting kiss had gone unnoticed.
But it seemed they were wrong.
Wait.
If Muen had actually seen Mom and Dad kissing, she wouldn't ask "What were you doing?" She'd say something like, "You guys were kissing, right~?"
In other words… she and Noah were probably watching, but at that critical moment, maybe Anna had covered their eyes?
So now her curiosity was burning?
Seeing her parents remain silent, Muen pressed on, "Anna said that part wasn't for children to see. But Muen is really curious! What did you guys do?"
Oh, Anna intervened just in time.
The head maid's intentions were good, but she had underestimated a young dragon's curiosity. At this age, they were at their most inquisitive.
If Leon and Rossweise didn't give a perfect explanation now, they'd probably be pestered about this for a week.
Leon thought for a moment and chose a more tactful approach.
"We didn't do anything special. Mom just wanted to thank Dad."
"Thank him?" Muen scratched her head.
"Exactly. Mom fell, and Dad helped her up. Mom used an adult way to thank him," Leon explained.
"Adults and children have different ways of showing thanks. You shouldn't copy the adult way, understand, Muen?"
Muen's eyes widened with sudden understanding. "Oh! I see!"
"Yeah, that's all it was."
"So when will Daddy thank Mommy in the adult way?"
Leon: …
Rossweise: Biting her lip to stop from laughing.
She wanted to laugh so badly, but she had to hold it in.
Good daughter, unless the sun rises in the west, your dad will never be thanking me.
"Alright, Muen, that's enough of those questions. You'll understand when you're older," Rossweise said, stepping in. "Go play with Dad in the backyard. Be safe. Mom has to go to work now."
Muen nodded obediently. "Okay, Mom! Work hard~"
Rossweise stepped forward, gently pinched Muen's cheek with her hand, and then walked into the Silver Dragon Temple.
Leon carried his daughter off to the backyard.
.
.
.
After dinner, Leon sat at his desk, looking at the last set of bunny girl photos in his hand, wondering where he could hide them.
The other four sets were already tucked away in places Rossweise would never find. But he still hadn't found the perfect spot for this final set.
As he was thinking, he heard the lock on his door click.
Leon immediately opened the drawer and slipped the photos inside.
The crisp sound of high heels clicked against the floor.
Rossweise walked into his room, wearing an elegant long dress.
Leon glanced at her. "What's up? Planning to sleep here again tonight?"
Rossweise sat down on his bed, crossed her legs, and smiled. "What's wrong with that?"
"Hmph. Suit yourself."
Leon now held two aces: a body well-rested after a half-month break, and his collection of bunny girl photos. His strategy was simple: if the enemy didn't move, he wouldn't move; but if the enemy attacked, he would strike back fiercely.
Of course, that was the ideal. If a real opportunity presented itself, he wouldn't hesitate to take the initiative.
Rossweise adjusted the hair at her temple and glanced out the window, speaking casually.
"Weren't you asking me about the things you said in your sleep that night?"
Leon raised an eyebrow, turning his chair to face her. "What did I say?"
Rossweise smiled knowingly, looking back at her nails. "You said you liked mature women… and had a thing for black stockings…"
Gulp— Leon swallowed.
Had he really revealed his secret preferences in his sleep?
Did Rossweise slip him some truth serum before bed?
"Well, I can understand that," she continued nonchalantly. "Even the mightiest dragon slayer is still a man with his own little quirks. It's normal."
Leon smirked, keeping his composure.
Given Rossweise's style, a "but" was surely coming.
"But—"
As expected.
"I can understand the mature women and the black stockings, but… the bunny girl thing… that's a bit harder to comprehend, isn't it?"
"Bunny girls?!" Leon's heart skipped a beat. Had she found out he secretly took photos of her in the bunny girl outfit?! No, no, no.
He had just checked the four hiding spots. They were all secure. Rossweise couldn't have discovered them. Could he really have talked about bunny girls in his sleep? Leon found that hard to believe.
"Leon, do you like bunny girls?" Rossweise asked with a playful smile.
Leon felt like he was sitting on pins and needles. He adjusted his posture but didn't deny it. "So what if I do? Hobbies are personal freedom!"
Yes, hobbies were free, and so were… personal preferences.
Rossweise shrugged. "I didn't say anything. Why are you so worked up?"
She scratched her head as if trying to remember. "Oh, right. You also said that night…"
She deliberately drew out her words, enjoying Leon's nervous and curious expression. "You said…?"
"You said you wanted to see your female classmates dress up as bunny girls for you."
Slap— Leon slammed the table. "You audacious dragon! That's pure nonsense! I would never say such things in my dreams!"
"And… even if I did," he continued, his voice rising, "I'd definitely say it was about you dressing up as a bunny girl for me!"
Rossweise was taken aback. "You little rascal, did you just blurt out your true feelings?"
After a moment of surprise, Rossweise decided to counter. "Make me dress up? Dream on. I would never dress up as a bunny girl for you in this lifetime."
Leon's mind raced as he glanced at the drawer. Seizing the moment, he asked, "But what if you did? What then?"
"What if? It's simply impossible."
Leon waved his hand. "Never mind if it's possible or not. Just answer me: if you did dress up, what would you do?"
The Queen snorted, crossing her arms confidently. "No matter what tricks you're planning, trying to use charm or force to make me wear a bunny girl outfit is useless. Your little schemes can't escape my notice. And if I did put on a bunny girl outfit for you… well, you could deal with me however you want."
Leon raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"
"It is. But you should think carefully, dragon slayer. If your plans fail, you know the consequences better than anyone, don't you?"
Leon stood up, a confident declaration. "My dear Queen, I don't need any plans… because I've already accomplished everything that needs to be done."
With that, he slowly, deliberately, opened the drawer beside him.