During this month in the Sego Highlands, Alicia wasn't just idly waiting for news from Daisy every day.

Instead, she used this free time to meticulously plan their escape route after finding Daisy.

The plan was thorough and detailed. So far, no one had discovered them.

This left Daisy's loyal followers unsure what to do next.

That night, they washed away a month's worth of dust at the inn Alicia arranged. They ate a meal that felt luxurious to Daisy's group. Then, urged by Alicia, they went to bed early. Tomorrow required an early start.

But Daisy suddenly called out to Alicia, who was heading to rest. She seemed to have something important to say.

*Could it be about Larry?*

*Like asking me to break off the engagement with him?*

*Impossible. Not that I cherish this fake engagement—it never existed in the first place.*

It was Larry's dumb idea to dodge Mika's advances. He'd definitely used the same trick on Daisy.

Alicia didn't care about being his "fiancée," but she'd promised Larry. She couldn't just abandon it carelessly.

Daisy led her to a private room. Clearly, she wanted to discuss something sensitive.

"First, I need to confirm—is Alicia really Larry's fiancée?"

*So it is about Larry!*

Alicia sat up straight and nodded firmly. "Yes, absolutely. Our parents arranged it when we were kids. I hated it back then, but after my rebellious phase... hehe."

She clasped her cheeks, grinning like a love-struck girl. Her acting was flawless.

*O my friend, do you see the sacrifices I'm making for you? I've set aside my dignity as a man. I'm moved by my own performance—you owe me a feast at Delicious Paradise (Kekaja City's top restaurant and a famous food sanctuary on Mazersley Continent... though the prices there).*

Daisy smiled sincerely. "I see. Congratulations to you both. Treasure him well. He's the kind of man we've always wanted but could never win over."

*Wow, this is going suspiciously smoothly.*

*Smart women know when to let go. Saves me from more embarrassing acts.*

"Um..."

Alicia thought the conversation was over and stood to leave. But Daisy stayed seated, nervously twisting her cup.

"Is there something else?" Alicia asked, puzzled.

Finally, Daisy gathered her courage. "Alicia... does your brother have a girlfriend?"

Alicia: "..."

Her ears must be malfunctioning. Hallucinations?

Scientifically speaking, she double-checked. "Sorry, I didn't catch that. What did you ask?"

"Alicia, I want to know if there's any chance between your brother and me." Daisy's expression turned serious. "I've developed feelings for him. I want to pursue him. I might not be perfect for him now, but I can change."

Alicia's brain froze. Her blunt reply slipped out.

"Are you out of your mind?"

"Huh?"

"Ah—I just meant I'm shocked."

She sipped tea to calm herself. "Look, I admit my brother is amazing. He's a good person. But based on his usual behavior... I doubt he left a great impression on you. You know what I mean, right?"

Daisy pressed on. "I get that. At first, I found him annoying. But later, I felt his unique kindness. So..."

Alicia's mind cleared. She smiled sweetly. "Be real, Daisy. You're not into my brother—you want his strength and S Rank Adventurer status."

"No, I truly—"

"I've heard plenty about you," Alicia cut in. "From my brother, Larry, and Mika. As the woman close to my fiancé, I had to investigate—even if I trust Larry. My brother's testimony plus my own judgment? Daisy, you're highly goal-driven. You'd sacrifice personal feelings for what you think is right. Given your current crisis, I understand why you'd do this."

Daisy's voice trembled. "Then... Alicia, please. Help me."

"I can't, Daisy." Alicia set down her cup. "Just like you couldn't win over Larry, you won't win my brother. It's not about your personality or changes you might make. He simply won't accept it. I know him. Give up this idea."

"But how? I'm desperate! Without their power—"

Alicia stared sternly. "What makes you think you must sacrifice your entire future for their help? Do you see my brother and Larry as so worthless? Or were you only in Larry's team for S Rank Adventurer protection?"

"Of course not! Absolutely not! Aelis might be questionable, but Larry would never—"

*That middle part was totally unnecessary!*

*Do I really have such a bad rep with you guys?!*

"Maybe I joined for Larry and Aelis at first," Daisy admitted. "But later, I truly saw them as partners. Yet... yet!"

Her head dropped. Fists clenched until sharp nails dug into her palms, drawing thin trails of blood.

"I'm the princess of Danga. I must protect my people. Foreign enemies watch us hungrily. Danga alone can't resist them. Now, with my parents dead under suspicious circumstances... and me in this mess. I need power, Alicia. Power to overturn everything."

"Honestly? I don't emotionally understand you," Alicia sighed. "But objectively, your actions make perfect sense. Still, reality doesn't offer perfect choices. Otherwise, that guy wouldn't still be single." (She muttered the last part under her breath.) "The truth is, neither Larry nor my brother will stand behind you forever."

"How...?" Daisy sank into despair.

"But temporarily? They can stand behind you this once."

"Huh?" Tears glistened in Daisy's eyes as she looked up, confused.

"Leave this crisis to Larry and me. We won't abandon you this time. But from now on, walk your own path. Relying on others breeds greed. No matter how hard it gets, push forward. This might sound like bitter advice—but drink it anyway. Because that's where you are, Daisy."

Alicia exhaled softly. "Of course, you have another choice: give up everything. So—after our help, walk alone through pain? Or surrender completely? I'll respect your decision." She held out both hands. "Right hand for the first choice. Left for the second. Choose, Daisy."

Daisy didn't answer immediately. She stayed silent for over ten minutes.

Alicia held her hands steady, watching quietly without a word.

Finally, a heavy weight settled on Alicia's right palm. She smiled gently.

"Get some rest, Daisy."

Alicia stood and walked out.

Daisy's voice followed her.

"Thank you, Alicia. Now I understand why Larry chose you."

*Relax—he didn't choose me.*

"Just like Mika said, you're nothing like Aelis. You're so kind."

*Ugh, more unnecessary compliments. I'd love to show you my unkind side right now!*

*But you're upset... I'll let it slide.*

"I'm going to bed."

That was Alicia's final line. Being insulted to your face—and biting your tongue? Exhausting.