Bruno slammed a lavish medal onto the table. "This is the White Dove insignia," he declared. "Only royal family members are worthy of it. This alone proves my identity."
The White Dove was Danka Kingdom's national treasure. Pure white all over, its cry was crisp and high-pitched. When flocks soared across the sky, they resembled a celestial river cascading heavenward—a breathtaking sight.
To an ignorant eye, Bruno's proof might seem like a joke. But Alicia recognized it instantly. Years ago, Daisy had lost this very insignia. She'd forced the whole team to search desperately, calling it proof of her identity—a precious token. Larry had finally found it, thanks to his incredible luck. Alicia had even held it and examined it back then.
Crafted with intricate engravings, the insignia was nearly impossible for outsiders to replicate. Made of pure platinum, it was extremely valuable. Alicia knew it was genuine at a glance. This playboy was telling the truth. Things just got interesting.
Alicia feigned utter shock. She hurriedly sat down, bowing with feigned humility. "Your Highness, I apologize. I was blind to your true identity."
Alicia, who had been so arrogant moments ago, was now groveling. The satisfaction of seeing her humbled thrilled Bruno immensely.
"No problem," Bruno said. "As long as you please me..." His lecherous hand reached for Alicia. But she suddenly stood up, interrupting him, her face flustered. "No! How can I meet you looking so plain? Forgive me. I'll go freshen up. May I ask your room number? I'll visit you later for a proper chat."
Suppressing her nausea, Alicia gave Bruno a seductive glance. It left him utterly enchanted. She already looked beautiful to him. How stunning would she be after dressing up?
"Oh, my room number? What is it? Tell this lady quickly!" Bruno urged his guard captain. Hesitating, the captain finally gave in under pressure.
Alicia didn't linger. She stood to leave, throwing another flirtatious look over her shoulder. "Wait for me just a moment, Your Highness." That glance completely bewitched Bruno. He nodded eagerly. "Go quickly, go quickly!"
What Bruno didn't see was Alicia leaning against the wall in the dark corner, pretending to vomit. "My god," she muttered in disgust. "For Daisy's sake, I've thrown away my dignity as a man. My stomach was churning like crazy."
Grumbling, Alicia headed straight to Larry's room. As she opened the door, she heard 'Daisy's voice'. "How utterly foolish! To believe I'd harm Father and Mother!"
Puzzled, Alicia peeked in. 'Daisy' was pointing at a mirror, shouting furiously. Alicia quickly shut the door. The noise caught 'Daisy's' attention. She turned, grinning proudly. "How was my performance?"
That tone made Alicia realize instantly. It was Larry mimicking Daisy's personality and speech. Alicia clicked her tongue. "Your voice, looks, and expressions are spot-on. But..." She reached for 'Daisy's' clothes. Her hand passed right through. "The Disguise Crystal only creates an illusion. It doesn't give physical substance."
Larry frowned. "True enough."
Alicia grinned wickedly. "So, stop resisting. Dress as a girl, boy."
Larry: "..."
"You planned this all along! You could have done it yourself. Since you're already a girl, wearing a dress is only natural."
"Like hell it is!" Alicia snapped. "Even as a girl, my heart is still a man's! Do you think I enjoy wearing this dress? Do you know the humiliation I bear? You have no idea! That's why you mock me so freely. Today, I'll make you understand! Also, this is Mika's breakfast. Deliver it to her. Come back in half an hour."
Larry was speechless. Finally, he sighed. "Fine, I'll deliver breakfast. But why half an hour?"
"I need to change and seduce that fool. Do you want to watch?"
Larry thought for 0.1 seconds. "Yes! Before seducing others, you should practice on me. My taste is top-notch. If you can enchant me..."
He couldn't finish. Alicia summoned Mitchell. The staff glowed dangerously. Larry broke into a cold sweat. He grabbed the room key and breakfast, fleeing instantly.
Alicia casually tossed Mitchell aside. "I want to make a deep impression on a man. Any recommendations?"
Mitchell's voice turned excited. "Oh yes! My dear lady, I have a bold idea. It'll give that lecher a truly unforgettable experience..."
Mitchell began explaining its plan. Alicia listened intently, a sly smile spreading. "I see. You have quite the collection."
...
Knock knock knock.
The crisp, rhythmic knocking roused Mika from sleep. She sat up, glancing at the empty bed beside her. Mika jumped up with a yelp, hearing the persistent knocks. She rushed to the door, hands clasped apologetically. "Daisy—no, Alicia! Sorry, I overslept again!"
Instead of Daisy's familiar head tap, a familiar male voice replied. "Sorry, I'm neither Daisy nor Alicia. It's me, Larry. And your breakfast."
Mika looked up to see Larry standing there, head tilted back in exasperation. "Wow! It's you!"
Mika realized she was only in loose underwear, hair messy, face unwashed. She slammed the door shut. Larry rubbed his nose, hearing frantic rustling inside. The door reopened. Mika, now dressed, had a flushed face from rushing. She stepped aside. "Come in."
She seemed oblivious to being alone with a man. Larry shook his head, handing over the breakfast. "I won't come in. Take it. It's still warm."
Mika peeked out. "Do you have plans with Alicia?"
"Uh, not really. She's busy with something."
"Then come in. I need to talk to you." Mika left the door open, heading to wash up.
Larry felt uneasy. The room suddenly felt like a den of danger. His mind raced with TV drama tropes. He slapped his cheeks. First, he trusted his self-control. His earlier teasing of Alicia was just friendly banter. His past life's comforts had cured him of lust. Second, Mika wasn't the type to meddle in relationships. Though his engagement to Alicia was fake, they'd acted convincingly sweet. Mika's straightforward nature meant she wouldn't scheme.
So Larry strode in, sitting calmly on a stool. He averted his eyes from Mika's scattered clothes on the bed. With others, he was careful with his manners. Unlike with Alicia, where they knew each other's flaws inside out. To the women in the team, he was the perfect gentleman, earning their varying degrees of affection. As for Alicia, she was shameless—acting the same in public unless scheming. To women, she seemed like a frivolous playboy, not trustworthy.
Click.
The bathroom door opened. Mika emerged, elegantly groomed.