Chapter 34: A Reckless Rescue and a Friend’s Gambit

Accompanied by several subordinates, Larry and Ellis arrived at Daisy and Meixia’s temporary hiding spot.

As they drew near, sounds of a struggle emanated from within.

Both Ellis and Larry’s expressions shifted in surprise.

Larry instinctively moved to rush inside, but Ellis reached out, stopping him. “Daisy, stay here for now,” she instructed. “I’ll go in and assess the situation.”

Larry paused, startled. His subordinates quickly surrounded him, shielding him in their midst. He forced a wry smile and nodded. “Be careful, then. Oh, and take this.”

Ellis caught the item Larry tossed to her. It was a camouflage crystal, and she instantly grasped his meaning.

Indeed, if two Daisys appeared, the people around Larry would surely be thrown into chaos.

“Understood. I’m going in.”

Ellis slipped into the shady establishment, where she immediately found numerous corpses.

There were guards from the black market inn, as well as several guests. However, what truly caught Ellis’s attention were the soldiers clad in military uniforms.

Ellis’s pupils constricted. She hadn’t expected these individuals to have tracked them here.

She continued to sneak deeper inside. The area leading to Daisy and Meixia’s room was littered with the most bodies, and Ellis could already see the soldiers relentlessly attacking.

“Princess Daisy, surrender! We guarantee your safety!”

Enemy shouts echoed from within, confirming they were indeed targeting Daisy.

Ellis silently chided herself for her carelessness, having let her guard down simply because they hadn’t been spotted on the way.

Fortunately, it seemed Daisy and her companions hadn’t been captured yet.

Ellis breathed a sigh of relief. No longer holding back, she stepped forward and unleashed her full power, clearing the path.

This time, she made no attempt to conceal her strength. Not a single soldier could withstand her for even a single exchange. With a simple flick of Mitchell, a dim ray of light pierced through everyone’s bodies, causing them to collapse instantly.

Meanwhile, the soldiers attempting to apprehend Daisy were caught off guard by the sudden appearance of an enemy behind them.

They found themselves caught in a pincer attack.

Typically, in such a situation, one would simply need to break through either point as quickly as possible.

However, attacking Ellis would undoubtedly be like striking a rock with an egg.

Yet, their assault on Daisy’s position had also fallen into a difficult predicament.

Daisy’s loyal retainers fought desperately, sacrificing their lives. Furthermore, Daisy and Meixia, being allies of Ellis and Larry, possessed strength that could not be underestimated.

Especially within the confines of the narrow terrain, these soldiers were completely unable to utilize their battle formations. Despite their fierce resistance under such restrictive conditions, they were ultimately eliminated one by one.

“Daisy, Meixia, are you alright?”

After dispatching all the enemies, Ellis finally reached the two. Their bodies were covered in blood. Aside from them, no one else remained standing. All of Daisy’s loyal retainers had perished.

“I’m fine, Ellis.”

Meixia seemed to be in decent spirits, though the exhaustion on her face was unmistakable.

“We’re fine, just a few minor injuries. But they…”

Daisy gazed at the loyal retainers who had followed her faithfully, never abandoning her. Her face was etched with profound sorrow.

Even though Daisy and Meixia claimed they were fine, Ellis still cast a healing spell and a mental invigoration spell on them.

“While their deaths are indeed a great tragedy, we don’t have time to linger here,” Ellis urged. “Let’s not let their sacrifice be in vain.”

“Yes, let’s go.”

Daisy gritted her teeth, swallowing the grief in her heart. Over this period, she had grown somewhat numb.

As they neared the exit, Ellis handed the camouflage crystal to Daisy and briefly explained the situation.

Daisy then disguised herself as Larry and walked out with Ellis.

Upon seeing the person accompanying Larry, Daisy was overcome with emotion. These were the generals and ministers who had been dismissed for speaking out on her behalf after she was declared a fugitive. She nearly cried out.

“It’s good that you all made it out safely.”

Larry watched the three emerge unscathed, breathing a sigh of relief.

“Your Highness, more soldiers are surrounding the outside,” one of Larry’s men reported nervously. “We need to leave quickly.”

“Understood. Let’s move.”

The events that followed were surprisingly uneventful. Ellis and her companions were not discovered, leaving one to wonder if it was the soldiers’ luck or their own.

Upon returning to the underground stronghold Larry had established, the group dismissed their subordinates and gathered for a private discussion in a secluded room.

During this time, Larry and Daisy finally swapped identities back.

“Hehehe, how was cross-dressing? Quite enjoyable, wasn’t it?”

After Larry reverted to his true self, Ellis couldn’t resist teasing her dear friend.

Seeing Ellis momentarily forget her own predicament, Larry gave a wicked grin and, in a voice only they could hear, replied, “It’s fine. I only cross-dressed this once. Unlike some people, who’ve completely transformed into a woman. I’m sure she’s living a very pleasant female life right now.”

Ellis’s face instantly flushed crimson, and she gritted her teeth. “Pleasant, my foot! One day, I’ll castrate you too!”

“Ellis and Larry’s relationship is as good as ever.”

Meixia watched the two whispering and bantering playfully. She couldn’t help but sigh with emotion.

Having long abandoned any romantic notions about Larry, she now viewed the situation with clear eyes.

Daisy, however, wore a complex expression.

Once they had finished changing, Larry began recounting his experiences in the West Asian Hills. He explained that the people in the base had suddenly approached him, and seeing their influence, he had used them to establish the stronghold.

Larry smiled at Daisy. “It’s truly fortunate you returned when you did. If we had dragged it out any longer, those who know you well would have discovered my impersonation.”

Daisy stood up and bowed deeply to Larry. “I’m so incredibly grateful, Larry. Thank you for doing so much for me.”

“It’s nothing. Aren’t we partners?”

Larry clapped Ellis on the shoulder beside him, then pulled her into a hug. “The one who’s truly worked the hardest is my fiancée. She’s given me the greatest support, allowing me to pursue what I want without reservation.”

Ellis felt goosebumps rise at Larry’s heartfelt words.

Then, to Ellis’s surprise, Larry pressed his advantage. He cupped her face in his hands, looked directly into her eyes, and, with the demeanor of a lovesick fool, declared,

“With a wife like this, what more could a man ask for?”

Ellis: “!!!”

‘This man is utterly disgusting!’

‘I’m actually going to vomit!’

Ellis’s small face was beet red and swollen. On the other side, Larry’s face was also flushed.

Speaking such affectionate words to the now feminized Ellis, an inexplicable sense of… satisfaction? arose within him. He couldn’t quite articulate the feeling.

Meanwhile, Daisy, observing this scene from across the table, felt all her carefully laid plans shatter into dust.

‘Alright, I’ve fallen for Larry again.’ This time, it wasn’t for Larry himself, but for his exceptional management skills.

So she had conducted a small test, attempting to find a place in Larry’s heart that was distinct from that of a partner.

But Larry’s actions explicitly told her that he had reserved every space for Ellis.

Daisy decided not to pursue the matter further. Ellis had saved her twice; it would be too much to try and seduce her fiancée.

“So, what should our next move be? Although we’ve successfully regrouped, I’m now a nationally recognized criminal, and Uncle Gapp has already ascended to the throne.”

“This is where our dear Prince Bruno comes in handy.”

Ellis had already largely anticipated Larry’s plan. She opened the briefcase, revealing Bruno, bound and locked inside, to everyone’s view.

“How will he help us?”

“Through public opinion, of course. I imagine Prince Gapp’s own son testifying that his father betrayed the nation will severely undermine his authority.”

Ellis said sinisterly, “We can then publicize that your crimes were all fabricated by Prince Gapp, that he orchestrated your downfall. Combined with your father’s lingering influence and the loyal retainers still willing to follow you, we can build momentum and force him off the throne.”

“It won’t be that simple.”

Daisy offered a bitter smile. “Royal Uncle Gapp controls the army.”

“Don’t worry about that. Because we do too.”

Larry casually pulled several documents from the table. “These past few days, I’ve contacted the generals who remained loyal to your father and didn’t believe you would kill your parents. Once we build up the momentum, they will naturally side with us.”

Daisy stared at Larry, astonished. “In just a single month, you’ve managed to accomplish so much!”