Accompanied by several subordinates, Larry and Alicia arrived at Daisy’s temporary hideout.

The moment they neared the entrance, sounds of combat erupted from within.

Both Alicia and Larry’s expressions flickered with momentary shock.

Larry instinctively lunged forward, but Alicia blocked his path. “Stay here, Daisy. I’ll check inside.”

Larry froze. His guards swiftly encircled him, shielding him. He let out a wry chuckle and nodded. “Be careful. And—take this.”

Alicia caught the object he tossed—a disguise crystal. She instantly understood.

*Right. Two Daisys would cause chaos among Larry’s men.*

“Got it. I’m going in.”

Alicia slipped into the black-market den. Corpses littered the floor—guards, lodgers, and most alarmingly, soldiers in military uniforms.

Her pupils widened. *They tracked us here?*

She pressed deeper toward Daisy’s quarters. The highest concentration of bodies lay there, alongside soldiers still pressing their assault.

“Princess Daisy, surrender! We guarantee your safety!” enemy voices echoed. *Definitely here for her.*

Alicia cursed her own carelessness. She’d grown complacent, assuming their route was unseen.

Relief washed over her—Daisy hadn’t been captured yet. No more hiding.

Alicia stepped out, activating her true power. Soldiers fell before her like wheat before a scythe. None lasted a single exchange. With a flick of her wrist—*Mitchell’s technique*—a shadowy ray pierced through every soldier. They collapsed instantly.

The troops pinning down Daisy whirled around, now caught in a pincer attack.

Standard tactics dictated breaking through one flank. But charging Alicia? Suicide.

Attacking Daisy’s position proved equally futile. Her loyal guards fought desperately, while Daisy and Mika—backed by Alicia and Larry’s allies—were no pushovers.

In the cramped space, the soldiers couldn’t deploy their battle formations. Hamstrung and outnumbered, they were systematically eliminated.

“Daisy! Mika! Are you alright?”

After the last enemy fell, Alicia found them standing amid carnage. Blood stained their clothes. Every one of Daisy’s guards lay dead.

“I’m fine, Alicia,” Mika replied, her spirit holding despite visible exhaustion.

“We’re only lightly wounded,” Daisy said, her voice thick with grief as she gazed at her fallen retainers. “But they…”

Alicia cast healing and vigor spells on them anyway.

“Their sacrifice is tragic. But we can’t linger. We must honor it by moving forward.”

Daisy swallowed her sorrow, jaw clenched. Numbness had become her shield.

Near the exit, Alicia handed Daisy the disguise crystal, briefing her quickly.

Daisy transformed into Larry’s likeness and followed Alicia out.

Spotting Larry’s group, Daisy’s heart hammered. These were nobles exiled for defending her after her arrest. She nearly cried out.

“Thank the stars you’re safe,” Larry sighed, seeing the trio unharmed.

“Your Highness! More soldiers surround the area—we must leave *now*!” a subordinate urged.

“Understood. Let’s go.”

…

The escape was tense but clean. Whether that was luck for the soldiers or for Alicia’s group remained unclear.

Back at Larry’s underground base, they dismissed outsiders and convened privately.

Larry and Daisy finally swapped identities back.

“Heh heh. How was cross-dressing? Enjoyable?” Alicia teased after Larry changed.

Larry leaned close, voice low and mischievous: “I only wore women’s clothes *once*. Unlike someone who’s *permanently* female now. Bet she’s loving her new life.”

Alicia’s face flushed crimson. “Enjoy *your sister*! I’ll castrate you one day!”

“Alicia and Larry’s bond is as strong as ever,” Mika murmured, watching their bickering. He’d long abandoned his feelings for Larry—now he saw their dynamic with clear eyes.

Daisy, however, wore a conflicted expression.

Once dressed, Larry recounted his month in the Western Hills: how influential exiles had sought him out, helping him build this base.

“You returning now is perfect,” he told Daisy with a grin. “Another week, and people familiar with you would’ve spotted the impostor.”

Daisy stood and bowed deeply. “I’m endlessly grateful, Larry. For everything you’ve done.”

“We’re partners, aren’t we?” Larry clapped Alicia’s shoulder, then pulled her into a hug. “*She’s* the real hero. My betrothed gave me unwavering support—letting me act freely.”

Alicia shuddered at his saccharine tone.

Then Larry escalated—cupping her face, gazing into her eyes with theatrical devotion:

“To have such a wife… what more could a man desire?”

Alicia: *!!!*

*This guy is disgusting!*

*I’m going to vomit!*

Her face burned. Larry’s cheeks also reddened—why did confessing to feminized Alicia spark a strange thrill in him? He couldn’t name the feeling.

Across the table, Daisy’s carefully laid plans crumbled to dust.

*Fine. I’m drawn to him again—not the man, but his exceptional leadership.*

She’d tested his feelings, seeking a place beyond “partner.”

His actions answered: every inch of his heart belonged to Alicia.

Daisy let it go. Alicia had saved her twice. Stealing her fiancé would be unforgivable.

“So what now?” Daisy asked, voice steady despite her turmoil. “I’m a nationally condemned criminal. Uncle Gap has already taken the throne.”

“That’s where dear Prince Bruno comes in,” Alicia said, opening a suitcase. Bound and gagged, Bruno tumbled into view.

“How can *he* help?”

“Public opinion, of course.” Alicia’s smile turned sharp. “Gap’s own son testifying that his father surrendered our sovereignty? That’ll shatter his credibility. We’ll spread the truth—you were framed. With your father’s loyalists and remaining supporters, we’ll build momentum to force Gap down.”

“It’s not that simple,” Daisy sighed. “Uncle Gap commands the army.”

“No need to worry—we have ours too.” Larry slid documents across the table. “I’ve contacted generals still loyal to your father. They refuse to believe you killed your parents. Once we stir public sentiment, they’ll defect to our side.”

Daisy stared at him, stunned. “In just one month… you achieved all this?”