Thanks to Peter's arrangements, Alicia and Larry moved into his manor.

With the banquet still days away, they kept a low profile, rarely venturing out.

Bored, Alicia wandered the manor's garden.

Beside her, Larry whispered, "Do you trust that guy?"

Alicia frowned slightly. "Hard to say. He let Daisy go, so he might be trustworthy. But his words always carry a hint of hesitation. Like with our mission—he doesn't seem eager to cooperate."

"Could he be planning to submit to King Garp?" Larry mused. "If so, he wouldn't risk hosting us. He'd capture us instead. Maybe someone has leverage over him?"

"Leverage?"

Just as they pondered this—

"Oh? Are you the recent guests?" a gentle voice called.

Alicia turned to see a silver-haired, red-eyed girl leaning on a servant's arm, curiously observing them.

That silver hair and crimson eyes struck a chord with many. Her stunning beauty could enchant anyone, and her frail appearance stirred protective instincts.

Like the gentleman beside her—Larry murmured, "Truly beautiful."

Alicia agreed but keenly noticed the girl wasn't born this way. Her silver locks and ruby pupils likely stemmed from illness. Her unsteady steps and need for support confirmed it.

As guests, Alicia and Larry reluctantly approached to greet her.

"Hello, I'm Alicia. This is Larry. And you?"

The girl smiled warmly. "I'm Hannie."

"Hannie—a lovely name. How are you related to Count Peter?"

"He's my brother."

"So you're the count's sister!" Alicia feigned surprise. "We rarely see you around?"

The maid explained, "Miss has been frail since childhood. Only recently improved enough to leave her room."

"I see," Alicia said apologetically. "Sorry for bringing up sad things."

"It's fine. I heard you're from outside. Could you tell me about it? My brother's too busy to chat."

"Of course."

Alicia agreed, but Larry led the conversation. She was awkward sharing travel tales with strangers. Larry vividly described his adventures, captivating Hannie.

Hannie sighed enviously. "The outside world sounds amazing. I wish I could travel someday."

Larry asked, "Your illness has improved, right? That day will come."

Hannie's eyes dimmed. "It's only suppressed, not cured."

"Miss—" the maid started.

"It's fine. I'm used to it. I'm grateful my brother found this medicine—it lets me leave my room."

The considerate girl quickly brightened, comforting others.

Alicia sensed something. "Was this medicine obtained recently?"

Hannie nodded. "Yes—a special drug from another country. Can't be made here."

Alicia feigned admiration. "Your brother truly loves you, traveling abroad for it."

"No, he got it from someone. He never left the country."

Alicia and Larry exchanged deepening glances. They understood Peter's wavering. Likely, King Garp gave him the medicine.

After more chatting, Hannie grew tired. The maid said, "Miss, you've been out long enough. Time to rest."

Hannie sighed regretfully. "I wanted to chat more with you both."

Larry smiled kindly. "We'll be here awhile. Chat whenever you're up for it—even in your room. Rest now."

"Mm." Hannie beamed, then left with the maid's support.

As Alicia turned to Larry, a voice called from afar.

"Thank you for chatting with Hannie so long."

Peter stood in the distance, having watched them awhile.

"My sister longs for the outside world. I'm too busy to travel, and servants can't share real experiences. Books aren't the same."

Larry shook his head. "It's nothing—we're guests here."

Alicia suddenly asked, "Does your sister have Xuebai disease?"

Peter smiled bitterly. "Yes. A rare hereditary illness. She was six when confined to her room."

"Xuebai disease is tough, but not incurable."

"Only medicines slow it—none cure it..."

"There is a cure," Alicia said firmly.

"How? I've asked everyone—"

"It exists. Developed already, but hasn't reached here. It's precious."

Peter exclaimed, "Where can I get it? Tell me!"

"Even if I did, you couldn't obtain it. Sold only in the Ace Empire. Requires a year-long treatment. Residents buy it based on status—dukes pay one million kamo, ordinary citizens fifty million."

Hearing the cost, Peter gritted his teeth. "What about outsiders...?"

"No market—it's unavailable." Alicia's words crushed him.

"The last sale was two hundred million kamo. The empire strictly controls every dose."

Official prices fluctuated, but the medicine's value was clear. Peter couldn't sway it.

He sank into despair. Ignorance might have been kinder.

"This medicine isn't just for healing," Larry sighed. "High development cost. Treats multiple stubborn illnesses. Even dukes queue for it now."

Peter looked utterly broken.

Alicia said calmly, "Lord Peter, if you truthfully answer one thing, I might get you some. It may look different from Ace Empire's version, but the effect is similar—or stronger."

"I'll answer anything. Ask."

"Did King Garp give you Hannie's medicine? What did he demand?"

Peter froze, then nodded silently. "He did. In exchange, I must hand over the capital's defenses."

Alicia pulled a bottle from her bag. "Special medicine. Give Hannie three doses daily—this is a month's supply. I'll provide more if you fully cooperate."

Peter asked doubtfully, "Will it work?"

"Yes. Give it now—her condition is critical. You must trust us."

Peter gritted his teeth. "Understood. Thank you."

"Don't forget your promise."

"Absolutely!"