Sophia Is Most Definitely Not The Paledrake. That Would Be Wrong. And Very Silly
"Mother?"
Maria glanced up from her paperwork. "What is it you need, Shio?"
The dragon-kin girl looked nervous, her tail wrapped around her legs as if trying to look as small as possible. "Mother, I've been having strange dreams at night..."
"Ah," Maria nodded. "And have the object of your dreams been boys, girls or both?"
"Mostly girls, but— Mother! This isn't about sex!"
Maria nodded again. "As you say, Shio."
The dragon-kin girl sighed. "Mother, I've been dreaming about... strange things. Caves full of crystal. A sky full of lightning. Men with tridents doing a strange dance. Not being in Elden Ring. Mother, I think... I think I might be the paledrake reborn."
Maria considered that and nodded. "I see. Thank you for informing me, Shio."
"You don't believe me." The words were flat, almost a sigh of despair.
Maria frowned. "Of course I believe you. I simply see no reason to be concerned. You are a kind, wonderful girl who has shown no academic leanings, tendency towards violence or any particular obsession with immortality. And if you were the paledrake in a previous incarnation..." Maria shrugged. "The world is no longer trapped in a cycle of repetition unnaturally bound. If you are such an ancient serpent... may this be a life of peace and happiness for you."
"But... what if I become a monster?" Shio said quietly.
"Then I will correct you," Maria said gently. "You are, after all, under my protection. And if it is your own self you must be protected from... then I shall do so."
Shio closed her eyes and sighed.
"However, if you wish to bring anyone joy with this revelation, I advise you to go visit Lady Ascart," Maria said. "She will take great enjoyment at proclaiming to everyone who has asserted she is the paledrake reborn that they are wrong. And very silly."