"This is Danka Kingdom's capital. Looks pretty big."

After more than half a month of travel, Alicia and Larry finally arrived at the royal city.

The capital’s bustle dwarfed anywhere else in Danka. Just the flow of people through its gates was ten times busier than ordinary towns.

They’d abandoned their dragon cart and released the swift dragon. Every cart bore a unique number—getting traced would mean trouble.

Thanks to their disguise crystal, they strolled through the gates unchallenged. Security was looser than expected.

*No surprise*, Alicia thought. *Most guards are probably busy suppressing protests.*

While they traveled, Daisy had executed their plan: leaking the humiliating treaty and stoking public outrage.

The revelation exploded nationwide.

Some dismissed it as slander. King Garp, after all, had built his reputation as a stern duke. Now hailed as a wise ruler, his credibility seemed unshakable.

Yet no official denial ever came.

Panic spread. People realized the treaty might be real.

Protests erupted everywhere, demanding King Garp’s explanation.

True enough, Alicia spotted demonstrators marching down the main avenue, banners held high, voices roaring.

"Seems our plan worked well," she remarked.

"I *did* control several newspaper editors," Larry said smugly. "This nation still underestimates the press. Thanks to the late king’s legacy, we’ve seized the people’s voice. With one call, I could—"

"*Dragon King spits water*," Alicia deadpanned, watching him strike a dramatic pose. "Addicted to playing Daisy? Maybe get a sex change."

"Tch. You should be praising me right now."

"*Yes, yes*. Blessed by the Goddess of Wisdom. Trained by the Golden-Haired Goddess herself. Now—can we handle real business? I’m sticky with travel grime. I need lodging and a bath."

Alicia checked the address Daisy provided—the only person in the capital she trusted.

After tipping a beggar to guide them, they reached an elegant manor. Its owner, Count Peter of Danka Kingdom, was a powerful minister.

King Garp hadn’t dared move against him despite suspecting Peter helped Daisy escape. Not without proof.

Daisy’s letter granted them swift entry.

Alicia had pictured a stern middle-aged man. Instead, a handsome young noble with golden hair and blue eyes greeted them.

His first words: "How is Princess Daisy?"

Alicia glanced at Larry—he knew the details. She avoided unnecessary chatter with strangers.

While Larry exchanged information with Peter, Alicia studied the manor.

Every courtyard stone, every furnishing, was meticulously arranged. Simple yet impeccable. The air hummed with rigid discipline.

*This man is loyal and precise*, she judged. *He risked his family’s ruin to free Daisy. But appearances lie.*

Larry finished his briefing. They’d have time later.

Alicia cut in: "We’re here to uncover who murdered Daisy’s parents. Any advice?"

Peter turned, startled.

"I investigated once. The crime scene was scrubbed clean. All witnesses died. Only King Garp and his ministers saw Daisy holding the murder weapon."

"So it’s a dead end?"

"For now."

"May I ask something blunt?"

"Go ahead."

Alicia narrowed her eyes. "Why trust Daisy when everyone believes she killed her parents? Why gamble your family’s fate?"

"My family was ruined by royal strife. Only our title remained. The late king revived us. My father and I swore to repay his kindness." Peter’s voice softened. "I grew up with Daisy. Played in the palace gardens. She loved her father. She’d never commit such treason. Before the murders... tensions ran deep between the kings. Garp favored military expansion. The late king sought peace through negotiation."

"Daisy never mentioned this."

"She returned too late. Her father shielded her from politics."

"*Negotiation?*" Larry and Alicia exchanged uneasy glances. In this blood-soaked continent—where nations devoured each other like insects in a jar—peace talks were a fairy tale. Only strength deterred invaders.

Peter sighed. "The late king was... merciful."

Alicia stiffened. "Wait. If Garp’s a war hawk, why sign that humiliating treaty?"

"I heard about it. Is the document real?"

Alicia nodded. "We took it from Garp’s son."

Peter fell silent. His knuckles whitened on the armrest.

"Could he have faked his entire persona?" Alicia pressed.

"Faked it for *decades*?" Peter shook his head. "My father knew him. Garp’s always been this way."

"Ambitious men can wait," Larry said. "We need to meet him." He turned to Peter. "Get us into the palace. We’ll handle the rest."

"Garp hosts a royal banquet soon. Many guests will attend—it’s your best chance." Peter stood, hands clasped behind his back. "I’ll smuggle you in as servants. After that, I cannot help. And if you cause trouble inside? Don’t expect rescue. Don’t be reckless."

Alicia met his gaze. Then she smiled.

"Don’t worry."