"That's right. I plan to have you disguise yourself as Daisy."

Larry: "..."

The idea made sense, but the choice of who to impersonate felt all wrong.

"Isn't this a stroke of genius?"

"Genius my ass! Why me?!"

Larry’s voice involuntarily rose, drawing sidelong glances from the crowd.

Alicia immediately slapped the back of his head and jabbed a finger at his nose. "What’s your problem? I just want you to learn magic lamp crafting yourself. Saves us coin later. Can’t even handle that, yet you’re shouting like an idiot? Get in the room—I’ll deal with you properly!"

She twisted Larry’s ear, dragging him toward their room.

The diners realized it was just a lovers’ quarrel. They’d soon forget the pretty but vulgar girl.

Alicia shoved Larry into his room and planted her hands on her hips. "Do you want us wanted by the authorities already?"

Larry protested, "But logically—gender, suitability, reason—it should be you!"

Alicia wagged a finger. "Reason? I’ve no interest in being hunted. With my temper, I’d wipe out every pursuer on impulse. Daisy’s reputation would be ruined."

"But you’re stateless now. You can’t safely check Adventurer Guild intel."

"The unsafe one is you, S-Rank Adventurer Larry. Sure, only Guild members saw you this time. But if word leaks that you’re in Danka Kingdom? That so-called new king knows your ties to Daisy. What then?"

Alicia sneered. "He’d sabotage us relentlessly. This is his turf. Even if we’re unstoppable, his underhanded tricks would be endless. We’d survive—but poor Daisy wouldn’t."

Seeing Alicia’s overly concerned expression, Larry knew she was plotting something evil. He never underestimated her malice.

Spotting Larry’s hesitation, Alicia grinned and pulled a disguise crystal from her pack, setting it on the table.

"You get it. So, my dear friend—time for a dress-up!"

Larry’s face twisted in struggle before he relented. *Damn you. When do we leave?*

"Naive much?"

Alicia’s smirk turned icy. "Only you’ll be hunted. You draw attention. Mika and I will monitor Guild quests. Try hard now—Daisy’s life depends on you."

Larry: (ﾉ｀⊿´)ﾉ

"You’re totally settling old scores!"

"Heh heh 😈."

Alicia’s eerie grin widened. "Nonsense. I’d never stoop that low. You’re simply the best fit. I’ll fetch some dresses from my room."

"Hold it."

Larry gripped Alicia’s shoulder, his face dark. "Disguise crystals alter clothes too. Why fetch dresses? What’s your real game?"

"Tch."

Alicia’s mouth twisted when her bluff failed.

"You were scheming all along!" Larry seethed.

"Ahem. Overthinking it. Mika’s still asleep—I’ll grab her breakfast."

Sensing trouble, Alicia bolted.

As she returned with Mika’s meal, the inn’s doors crashed open. Armored knights ushered in a noble youth.

"Get the owner. I want the finest room," the youth barked.

"Yes, Young Master."

Dusty and exhausted, Bruno—Prince Kaga’s second son—slumped at an empty table. He’d been secretly dispatched to Jeep, the nation threatening Danka’s borders. After a grueling ride, he craved rest.

Irritable and hungry, Bruno planned a quick meal. Then he spotted Alicia.

Her beauty was pure and unrefined, like a lotus in clear water. Instantly smitten, he gestured to a guard. "Bring her here."

"But, Young Master—the mission requires discretion."

"Who’s the master here? I’m not causing trouble. You’ve nagged all trip. Fetch her now, or get lost!"

Bruno’s glare silenced the guard, who approached Alicia.

"Miss, a moment."

Alicia frowned at the guard. "What is it?"

"My lord requests your company."

She followed his gesture to Bruno, who leered at her. "Busy."

The guard blocked her path. "Please, don’t make this difficult."

Alicia’s laugh was sharp. "So my discomfort means nothing? Is he royalty or something?"

Her fists clenched; magic surged within, ready to blast this dog sky-high.

"If I am royalty, would you share a drink?" Bruno drawled, striding over. Annoyed by the delay, he’d taken matters into his own hands.

"Young Master—" The guard paled, but Bruno’s glare cut him off.

Alicia’s interest piqued. Few Danka royals dared such arrogance after the recent upheaval.

She sneered. "Prove your status first. Petty officials or fallen nobles need not apply. My standards are high."

"Bold words." Bruno gestured to his table. "Sit. You won’t regret it."

Alicia sat, unbothered. With her strength, coercion was impossible—and this fool seemed easy to manipulate.

"Well?" she asked coolly. "Your identity?"

Bruno leaned in. "Truth is—I’m this kingdom’s second prince."

Alicia blinked. She’d expected high rank, not royalty.

Bruno preened at her stunned silence. *She’s mine.*

"Empty claims," Alicia challenged. "Proof?"

Bruno stiffened. Revealing himself risked the mission. He’d only wanted a quick fling.

Alicia rolled her eyes. "A fake prince, then. Pathetic. I almost fell for it. Consider yourself lucky I won’t report you. Scram, you mangy mutt—dreaming of meat but fit only for scraps."

She stood to leave.

Bruno flushed with rage. "I’m no liar! Come back!"

Alicia turned, looking down at him. "Prove it or shut up. So much fuss over nothing."