The next morning, the group rose early. They boarded a dragon carriage Alicia had rented, heading for the Xiya Hills where Larry was stationed.

Alicia had arranged both the carriage and the route through underworld contacts. These people survived on smuggling. Sometimes, they also helped those who couldn’t move openly.

Of course, the price was steep. This trip cost all their bounty money.

Mika, Daisy, and Alicia shared one dragon carriage. Daisy then revealed the truth about her parents’ deaths.

“The one who killed Father King and Mother Queen… was indeed me.”

The news shocked Mika and Alicia. Daisy gasped for air. After a long pause, she added, “I did it, but it wasn’t really me.”

Her words were cryptic. Alicia guessed, “Were you controlled?”

“Yes. One morning, while paying my respects at the palace gates, I lost consciousness. When I came to, I held a bloodstained sword. My parents lay dead in a pool of blood. Before I could react, King Garp and his ministers burst in. I was imprisoned for their murder. Only with help from two mysterious figures and my trusted aides did I escape. I’ve been on the run ever since—until I met you.”

Daisy bit her lip until it bled. “Sometimes I wonder if it was all a dream. How could I kill my own parents?”

Alicia pondered. “You’re not that kind of person. The one controlling you—and likely behind it all—is probably King Garp.”

“But how could Uncle Garp do this? He was Father’s beloved brother. They were close. And he always doted on me…” Daisy lowered her head. “I still can’t believe it.”

“Maybe he was controlled too. No need to assume the worst.” Alicia avoided pressing further. She signaled Mika to change the subject, mindful of Daisy’s fragile state.

Perhaps because Alicia was now female, Daisy chatted easily with her. With Mika joining in, the three women made lively company.

Correction: two women and one man disguised as a woman.

The journey was dull. Conversation helped pass time.

But! They couldn’t connect at all! What were these women discussing? Why was she stuck listening?

Riding with the male aides in the other carriage—talking about manly interests—sounded far better.

Yet, ruining her image as Larry’s fiancée might spark unwanted thoughts in Daisy. Damn it all—Larry’s fault. Was this karma for teasing him?

As Alicia brooded, the carriage reached a rest stop.

It was an underground inn. Few regular guests knew of it. It catered mainly to underworld figures.

Such places had strict rules. After entering, guests stayed in assigned rooms until departure. Meals were served on request.

Alicia groaned inwardly. All three women shared one room. She’d endure a full day of “female bonding.”

If she were still male, sharing space with two beauties might lead to… pleasant distractions. Ah, blissful thought.

But now? Alicia felt zero interest. Not from virtue—just her body’s refusal to respond. Forced celibacy mocked her. The sight of ample bosom, usually a treat in anime, only made her want solitude.

Leaning against the wall on her bed, Alicia played silent listener. Daisy, burdened by long-suppressed grief, poured out her heart. Mika listened eagerly. Outvoted, Alicia stayed put.

Boredom struck—then a familiar voice cut through the wall.

“Damn it! Bring me beauties! I’ll die of boredom!”

“Your Highness, no women here. We follow the inn’s rules.”

“The entire Danka Kingdom is mine! No rule binds me. Fetch them now!”

The walls muffled sound, but Bruno’s roar and Alicia’s sharp ears caught every word.

Alicia’s eyes lit up. The Danka Kingdom’s second prince—her former “student.” What luck, kid.

To clear Daisy’s name, intel was vital. Bruno surely held juicy secrets.

Alicia stood. “I’ll bring you a surprise.” Ignoring their puzzled looks, she left and knocked on the next door.

“Who is it?” A guard’s cautious voice answered.

Alicia bowed politely. “I’m here to serve Prince Bruno.”

“Huh?” The guard hesitated, then peered through the crack. Recognizing her, he gasped. “You?!”

“Who is it?” Bruno pushed forward. Seeing Alicia, fear flashed—then longing. “You! Come in, quick!” He yanked her inside, ignoring his guard’s protests.

His fervor stunned Alicia. Was he now a masochist after her last “training”? Under Mitchell’s guidance, her actions had unexpected effects. Nice.

“Your Highness, this woman’s presence is suspicious!” the guard warned.

Bruno glared. “Nonsense! She’d never—hee hee.” He giggled like a fool. Yep, broken by discipline.

“You’re right,” Alicia admitted. “My identity is suspicious. My next move will be too. Care to nap first?”

The guard reached for his weapon. Alicia was faster. She raised Mitchell’s staff. A flick—and he collapsed, asleep for a day. Spiritual amplification reversed to suppression.

“Ah! Freedom at last!” Mitchell’s voice chirped from the staff. “Oh? The brat from before? Heh heh. Master’s enjoying this game now?”

“Not now.” Alicia stuffed Mitchell back. She turned sweetly to the trembling Bruno. “Need to move you discreetly.”

Spotting a large suitcase, she grinned. Bound and gagged, Bruno was stuffed inside. Alicia carried him off, whistling, straight to her room.