Chapter 9: Princess Althea

Kaito, Amelia, and Lilia rode in a carriage alongside Princess Althea as they made their way toward the capital. The journey was tense, and while the princess remained hopeful, Kaito was cautious. His AI companion, Nova, had already deployed drones to monitor the palace and, more importantly, keep an eye on the queen.

As they neared the capital's grand entrance, the atmosphere changed. The streets bustled with activity, yet an eerie tension lingered in the air. Posters of Princess Althea were plastered on walls and notice boards—each one declaring her as a fugitive.

Althea gasped upon seeing the posters. "They've labeled me a traitor? But my father is still the king! He adores me! Surely, I can go straight to the palace."

Kaito shook his head. "You might still have the king's favor, but the queen holds more power right now. If we walk into the palace unprepared, we could be walking straight into a trap."

Althea hesitated. "But the guards—"

"Are under the queen's influence," Amelia interjected. "We need a plan."

Lilia nodded in agreement. "We should gather information first. Is there anyone still loyal to your father?"

Althea thought for a moment before her eyes brightened. "My father's royal advisor, Lord Reynard. He has served my family for years and is one of the most trusted people in the palace. He may be able to help us."

Kaito activated Nova's scanning function, searching for Lord Reynard's estate. "Got it. But judging by these posters, bringing you anywhere public is too risky." He smirked. "Time to go invisible."

With a simple command, Nova activated an advanced invisibility program, cloaking them entirely from sight. The four of them made their way through the capital undetected, slipping past guards and wary citizens alike. They arrived at Lord Reynard's mansion, an elegant yet modest structure nestled within the noble district. Kaito signaled Nova to keep watch for any intruders or spies before they entered the estate.

Inside the advisor's office, Kaito deactivated the invisibility cloak. Lord Reynard, an elderly yet sharp-eyed man, sat at his desk, poring over documents. As soon as he noticed them, he jerked back, his chair tipping over. He scrambled to his feet, eyes wide with disbelief.

"Your Highness? Y-You are alive?! I feared the worst!" he stammered, bowing deeply. "It brings me great relief to see you unharmed."

Kaito, always wary, activated a soundproof barrier around them. Nova immediately alerted him that someone outside had been eavesdropping. "We have a problem. Someone was listening. They can't hear us now, but we need to talk quickly."

Althea took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Lord Reynard, I was attacked. My retainers were slaughtered, and I barely escaped with my life. The assassins were sent by the queen herself! They took their own lives before we could interrogate them. We must stop her!"

The advisor's face darkened. "This is grave news indeed, but without solid proof, we cannot act against the queen. Many nobles are already aligned with her, and they will demand evidence before moving against her."

Kaito smirked. "That won't be a problem. I have my own ways of gathering proof." He tapped his temple, indicating Nova's surveillance. "Let's go to the palace. The queen has no idea she's already under surveillance. We'll get the evidence we need, and then we bring her down."

Lord Reynard hesitated but nodded. "Very well. If you have a way to prove her crimes, I will do everything in my power to support you. But be careful, Your Highness. The queen will not go down without a fight."

As they made preparations to leave, Kaito's eyes gleamed with determination. "She won't be the only one ready for a fight. Let's put an end to this."