Chapter 23: The Prince’s Predicament

“Exactly. I intend for you to disguise yourself as Daisy.”

Larry: “…”

‘The idea was sound, but the chosen person for the disguise seemed entirely wrong.’

“Isn’t this a stroke of genius?”

“Genius, my foot! Why me?!”

Larry’s voice inadvertently rose, drawing curious glances from those nearby.

Ellis immediately slapped the back of his head, then pointed a finger at Larry’s nose. “What’s wrong? All I asked was for you to learn how to make magic lamps yourself so we could save money on buying them. If you can’t even manage that, what right do you have to yell? Come here, I’ll deal with you properly inside!”

Ellis twisted Larry’s ear and dragged him towards their room.

The diners, realizing what was happening, suddenly understood. It was just a lovers’ quarrel. They hadn’t expected the woman to be so beautiful, yet so domineering and crude.

To the patrons, it was merely a small amusement, one they would soon forget.

Ellis tossed Larry into his room, then stood with her hands on her hips. “Are you trying to get us declared wanted criminals right now?”

Larry protested, “But considering the gender, the candidate, and the logic of the situation, shouldn’t *you* be the one to go?!”

Ellis wagged a finger. “Logic? I have no interest in being hunted. Given my personality, I’d impulsively wipe out everyone chasing me, and Daisy’s reputation would be utterly ruined.”

“But you’re currently without an identity. It’s inconvenient for you to go to the Adventurers’ Guild to gather information.”

“It’s *you* who’s inconvenienced, Comrade Larry, the S-rank adventurer. While it’s fine that only the Adventurers’ Guild saw you this time, what if someone exposes your presence in Danga? What would the so-called new king do if he knew about your relationship with Daisy?”

Ellis sneered. “He would undoubtedly try every method to obstruct us. This is their territory, after all. Even if our combined combat power is unmatched, if he makes small moves in the shadows, we’ll be caught off guard. Of course, we won’t have problems, but Daisy would suffer greatly.”

Seeing Ellis’s overly worried expression, Larry knew the woman was already concocting something wicked in her mind.

Larry never hesitated to assume the worst intentions from Ellis.

Ellis noticed the hesitation on Larry’s face and, grinning, pulled a disguise crystal from a nearby backpack, placing it on the table.

“You understand the reasoning, my dearest friend, so put on the dress!”

Larry’s face contorted in an internal struggle before he finally capitulated, seething inwardly. “You’re ruthless. When do we leave?”

“What are you talking about, you innocent thing?”

Ellis sneered. “You’ll be the only one hunted. You’ll attract attention, while Meixia and I constantly monitor the guild’s mission board. You must work hard, alright? Daisy’s life largely rests in your hands.”

Larry:

“You are absolutely seeking revenge, aren’t you?!”

“Hehe😈.”

Ellis let out an eerie smile, then said, “What are you saying? How could I possibly stoop to such petty behavior? I truly feel you’re the most suitable candidate. I’ll go to my room and get you some women’s clothing.”

“Wait.”

Larry, his face dark, pressed down on Ellis’s shoulder. “I recall disguise crystals can even transform clothes. What are your intentions in getting me women’s clothing?”

“Tsk.”

Seeing that Larry hadn’t been fooled, Ellis twisted her lips.

Larry fumed, “You were calculating against me all along!”

“Ahem, you’re overthinking it. I just remembered Meixia hasn’t woken up yet. I’ll go get her some breakfast.”

Sensing the situation turning sour, Ellis quickly slipped away.

Having fetched breakfast for Meixia in the dining hall, Ellis was about to return to their room when the hotel’s main door suddenly burst open. A group of heavily armored knights entered, escorting a young nobleman.

“Go tell the owner to open a room. I want the finest room available.”

“Yes, young master.”

The young nobleman, dusty from travel, strode into the dining hall and sat down at an empty table, instructing a warrior guarding him to order the best dishes.

Ellis had seen too many pampered scions like him and was about to leave without a second thought.

However, she hadn’t anticipated that her beauty would still cause her trouble.

This young nobleman was Bruno, the second son of Prince Kaga. He had been secretly dispatched by his father to the neighboring country of Jeep, the very nation that was now threatening Danga’s borders with its army.

Traveling day and night had exhausted the habitually pampered young master. Upon reaching this border town, he desired to rest before continuing his journey.

Bruno, harboring a belly full of frustration, had planned to grab a quick meal and then sleep it off. Then, Ellis entered his sight.

She was like a lotus emerging from clear water, naturally beautiful without embellishment.

That unadorned beauty instantly captivated Bruno. He hadn’t expected to encounter a woman of such allure here. His fingers twitched, and he ordered his guards to summon Ellis.

“But young master, the lord commanded that this mission should not alarm anyone.”

“Am I the young master, or are you? Who the hell have I alarmed? You’ve been chattering away this whole journey. Now you’re making a fuss about me finding a woman? Go now, or you can get lost!”

Bruno looked at his guard’s reminder with extreme impatience, the violence flashing in his eyes immediately silencing the guard who had spoken. The guard obediently went to ‘invite’ Ellis.

“Miss, please stop.”

Ellis, carrying breakfast and heading back, was unexpectedly called out. She frowned, looking at the guard. “Is there something you need?”

“Yes, my young master requests your presence.”

Ellis followed the guard’s hand to Bruno and saw him appraising her with a repulsive gaze. She coldly refused, “I’m busy.”

The guard blocked Ellis’s path, saying helplessly, “Lady, please don’t make this difficult for me.”

Ellis scoffed. “So, making it difficult for *me* is fine, is it? Is your young master some kind of imperial relative?”

Ellis clenched her fist, her magic already gathering within her, ready to send this obstructing dog flying.

“If I were indeed an imperial relative, would the young lady then be willing to share a drink with me?”

Bruno’s flamboyant voice drifted over from the side. He had found his guard too slow in fetching the girl and decided to personally charm her.

“Young Master.”

Hearing Bruno seemingly about to reveal his identity, the guard’s face subtly changed. Just as he was about to speak, Bruno glared him into silence.

Ellis, however, grew interested. After all, not many imperial relatives in the Danga Kingdom could still be so arrogant, especially after such a major royal upheaval.

So Ellis sneered, “First, reveal your identity. Don’t bother with minor officials or fallen royals; this lady’s standards are quite high.”

“Such remarkable spirit, young lady.”

Bruno gestured to where he had been sitting. “Please, take a seat, young lady. I assure you, you won’t be disappointed.”

Ellis let out a soft hum and then sat down. With her strength, she had no fear of being coerced. This fop, on the other hand, seemed quite easy to trick.

After sitting, Ellis asked coolly, “Speak. What is your identity?”

Bruno said mysteriously, “To be frank, I am the Second Prince of this kingdom.”

Ellis paused, momentarily stunned. She had expected this man’s status to be high, but she hadn’t anticipated him being a prince.

Seeing Ellis ‘shocked’ by his identity, Bruno swelled with pride, feeling that seducing Ellis would now be no problem.

Ellis asked suspiciously, “You’re speaking empty words. How can I believe you?”

Bruno’s face stiffened. He hadn’t expected women nowadays to be so wary.

To be honest, he really didn’t want to produce proof. Just as the guard had said, this was a secret mission, and it wasn’t convenient to reveal his true identity.

Bruno had merely entertained the thought of a casual dalliance and thus had no intention of verifying his identity.

Seeing Bruno suddenly become timid, Ellis rolled her eyes in annoyance. “So, you’re just a low-life swindler impersonating a prince. I almost felt a flicker of interest. But I’m a generous lady, so I won’t report you to the authorities. Just scram as far as you can. You’re like a dog, always craving meat, but only fit to eat shit.”

With that, Ellis stood up and walked towards her room.

Behind her, Bruno, thoroughly humiliated by Ellis, was enraged. In a fit of temper, he blurted, “Who says I’m a liar? Come back here!”

Ellis turned, looking down at Bruno with disdain. “If you have the capability, prove your identity. If not, shut up. Why cause so much trouble?”