At the entrance of a small town near the border, Alicia and Mika dismounted from their magic brooms. Larry was already waiting there.

Alicia looked up with a smile. "Hey, you're quick. Evening runs are good for you, but don't rush so much. You missed all the scenery, huh?"

"So-so," Larry replied, sweat beading on his neck but forcing a relaxed tone. "Better than sitting on that broom with a sore butt. No decent cushion up there. Ground running warms the whole body."

"Just like you," Alicia said, patting his shoulder. "Skip the broom from now on. Run more."

"No way," Larry grinned. "Staying close to my lovely fiancée matters most. Everything else is secondary."

He switched instantly to sweet talk. The sugary vibe made Mika shrink back a step.

Alicia's calm words carried a warning. "Fine. But keep a proper distance, okay?"

"Absolutely." Larry turned to leave. Alicia suddenly glanced around. "Mika? Mika, where are you?"

"I'm right behind you," Mika's soft voice came. They spun to find her watching them with jealous eyes.

"You forgot me~" Her plaintive tone made Alicia and Larry exchange awkward looks.

"Sorry!" Alicia hurried over. "We argue and forget everything. Not intentional."

"I know. It's fine. Let's go." Mika's spirits didn't lift. She ignored them and walked ahead, gloomy.

The trio felt the town's tense silence. Night had fallen, yet no lights or people showed—eerily quiet. Houses and shops were shuttered tight. Only the inn glowed warmly, door open.

Inside, Alicia slapped a card on the counter. "One single room. One double. Keep them close."

As the clerk processed it, Larry asked, "What's wrong here? Why's the border so tense?"

The clerk eyed them. "Foreigners, huh? Danka Kingdom's unstable—inside and out. Neighbors amass armies, watching like hawks. Domestically... I shouldn't say more."

Larry leaned in. "Is there an Adventurers' Guild here?"

"Yes." Larry nodded silently.

"Done. Your card, please. This way." Mika sighed in relief. No more lovey-dovey displays. She could finally chat with Alicia—learn femininity, how to handle men.

But she'd overthought it. Alicia and Larry smoothly headed to the double room, tossing her the single key.

Mika: "..."

Too much. She'd endured their romance all trip. Now dumping her alone?

Wait—they'd share a room? What were they planning? Mika's naive imagination flared. Her face burned crimson.

"A-Alicia~" Her faint whisper reached Alicia, who turned puzzled. Mika's cheeks were unnaturally flushed.

"Feeling sick?" Alicia touched her forehead. "Yikes, burning up! Larry, the medicine!"

"N-no! I'm fine!" Mika shook her head wildly, darted into her room. Before slamming the door, she called, "Won't disturb you! I'm next door but won't listen to anything!"

*Slam.*

Alicia: "..." Larry: "..."

"What happened?" Alicia asked.

"No clue," Larry shrugged.

Only after entering the double room did it click.

Settling luggage, Larry murmured, "Daisy's kingdom's in trouble."

"Yeah. Foreign issues aside—what's domestic?" Alicia guessed. "Did she auction my black card?"

Larry glared. "Are you insane? Daisy'd never lose face like that."

"You understand a man's romance?!" Alicia shot back.

"Of course. Unlike some people."

Alicia's anger surged. She pointed. "I've had enough. If I stay like this, you'll never marry or feel like a real man!"

"Don't be harsh." Larry softened, seeing her hurt pride. "First, I'll fix your body. Everything else waits. Okay?"

Alicia muttered, "Better."

"I'll scout the Adventurers' Guild. Shower later—save hot water. Your turn first today. Don't waste the steam..."

Larry recalled that steamy night. Alicia froze too. They stared, then said together: "We know why Mika looked like that."

"I'm an idiot," Alicia groaned, hand on forehead. "Habit booked our room. You tell her, Larry."

Larry tilted his head up, innocent. "No need. To Mika, we're engaged. Let her think it."

Alicia glared. "Scheming something?"

"Me?" He smiled. "Honest. I'll shower first—you get the steamy bathroom."

Alicia's beautiful, knowing smile spread. "Die!"

...

Next door, Mika savored the quiet. Alone again—no romantic displays. Months since she'd last been solo. After joining Larry and Aelis's team, she'd roomed with Princess Daisy. No arrogance, just aloof silence. But at least someone was there.

*Sigh.*

*Knock knock knock.*

Puzzled, Mika opened the door. Larry stood there, eyes red and swollen, suitcase in hand. He forced a smile. "Sorry. You and Alicia should share. We had a disagreement. Didn't want to neglect you."

"A fight?"

"No. Just... go pack. I'm not going back there."

Dazed, Mika entered the double room. Alicia waited in pajamas... beside a wardrobe with a gaping hole.