Mika was completely fooled by the two Oscar-worthy actors, sobbing softly as she pleaded for Larry and begged Alicia for forgiveness.

Alicia never expected this. Was the saying "big breasts, no brains" actually true? This girl usually seemed sharp—why turn into a complete fool over love?

Alicia recalled the past and realized Larry’s harem members were indeed foolish. They’d followed him endlessly, collecting countless "nice guy" rejections, never grasping that forcing him to take responsibility was the best approach.

Most of Alicia’s anger faded, but Mika kept gushing about how wonderful Larry was.

Alicia took a deep breath. "I understand. I must have misunderstood Larry. But he’s truly a sinful man. Shouldn’t we confiscate his ‘tools’?"

She eyed Larry’s nether regions with ill intent.

Larry, smugly pleased nearby, saw his smile freeze instantly. He covered himself. "No way! I need it to make you happy, Alicia—to have chubby sons with you!"

Alicia blushed furiously. "I’m not having your kids!"

Mika watched the bickering yet deeply bonded pair. A sense of defeat washed over her. Larry had never shown his vulnerable side to them—but revealed it so easily to Alicia. This bond, built over time, was something they, mere months into knowing him, could never match. Only that bastard Aelis might compare… Wait, where was Aelis?

Mika looked up, puzzled. "Where did Aelis go? Why haven’t we seen him?"

Both Larry and Alicia froze. Larry quickly recovered, gritting his teeth. "Don’t mention that backstabbing bastard. After luring Alicia here, he exaggerated everything to deepen her mistrust, then skipped out. Said he was heading home early, leaving us to ‘catch up.’ Oh, and I’ve wanted to tell you about my fiancée for ages—that beast threatened me to stay silent, just to watch me suffer."

Larry couldn’t resist another indirect jab—and got punished instantly.

Alicia punched him to the ground. "Don’t insult my handsome brother! Without him, I’d never know some guys fool around behind their fiancée’s back!"

Fuming, Alicia raised another fist—but Mika caught her arm.

Mika spoke earnestly. "Don’t blame Larry, Alicia. We’ve witnessed his character firsthand—he’s upright, honest, a true gentleman. But your brother? He acts proper around you, yet masters drinking, gambling, whoring. He’s scum! Trash!"

Alicia: (fuming silently)

*Did I spend your money on vices?! I’m just a single guy—can’t I have fun?! And you interfere without knowing why!*

Mika missed Alicia’s rage entirely. Just recalling Aelis’s interference and his threats to Larry made her grit her teeth. She took a deep breath. "Sorry—I shouldn’t have tarnished your image of your brother. But believe me, I sincerely wish you both well!"

Mika grasped Alicia’s hands, eyes determined.

Alicia’s Yuan Staff pressed against Mika’s forehead. *If I were heartless… but fine. You’re sensible enough to back down, and you don’t know my true colors.*

Mika knew nothing of Mitchell. Back in the team, Aelis never used it—he lurked as a support healer, wielding another Yuan Staff to boost his Yuan Technique.

Alicia suppressed her anger, voice gentle. "I understand, Mika. Your pure, childlike eyes tell me most of it’s true. I’ll reevaluate my brother. As for this guy…"

She shot Larry a cold glance. "I’ll spare him—for now. He’s on probation."

"Phew, glad the misunderstanding’s cleared. Oh, Larry—I brought this."

Mika tossed him a backpack. It was Larry and Alicia’s storage pack, holding hard-earned treasures Alicia had planned to reclaim.

Thrilling!

Alicia teleported to the pack, rummaging frantically. Inside lay a lifetime’s adventure earnings.

But no matter how she searched, it was gone. She dumped everything out.

Alicia freaked. "It’s missing! Why?!"

Mika asked curiously, "What’s missing?"

"A black card. My… brother insisted I bring it back."

Alicia stared at Mika, hopeful.

Mika slapped her palm. "I remember! The one marked ‘Fantasy Realm,’ right?"

"Yes! Where is it?"

"Daisy took it."

Alicia blinked, confused. "Why would she take it?!"

"I don’t know. After you vanished, we searched your pack for clues—the card fell out. Daisy snatched it coldly. She ordered us: if anyone meets Aelis, tell him the card’s with her. To get it back, he must bring Larry to her."

Daisy—former teammate, one of Larry’s fake harem girls, First Princess of Danka Kingdom. As a Yuan Technique user with the ‘Blessing of the Fire Spirit’ trait, she specialized in fire arts. Her scheming nature ran deep as a still pond, making her tough for Alicia to handle back then. Without leverage, she’d have been impossible to control.

Alicia’s eyes sparked with fury. "That despicable woman!"

Mika flinched. "Is… is the card very valuable?"

"Of course! Worth 10 million Camo! It’s not bought with money—you need special status and requirements. Once lost, it’s never resold."

Mika gasped. "I didn’t know it was that precious! Sorry I didn’t bring it back. Daisy left right after taking it—I had no idea of its worth~"

Larry soothed her. "It’s fine, Mika. Rare, but not good. Lost things… well, best to recover it."

He’d been indifferent—until Alicia’s murderous glare forced a change. He still needed her help to deal with these women; he couldn’t afford to let her down.

Alicia panted heavily. "Where did she say to find her?"

"Headed straight home."

"Danka Kingdom?"

A fierce glint flashed in Alicia’s eyes. "Next stop: there."

Larry shuddered. "Her territory?! She’d order guards to arrest us without hesitation!"

"Hmph!"

Alicia grabbed his collar. "You’re an S Rank Adventurer! Continent-recognized power to wipe out nations! Afraid of a few guards?!"

"How many S Ranks actually run amok? It’s worthless anyway—just forget it!"

"Absolutely not! It’s my… brother’s life savings!"

"You haven’t lived half your life! Why rush over his stuff?!"

"My brother’s affairs are mine!"

Mika watched them argue. "Um… maybe I can help find the card too?"