Ryo was back in the hot spring chamber.

  He leaned back against the smooth rock, submerged in the comfortably steamy water, his head tilted upward, a towel draped over his face. Despite it being morning and having just woken up, he already felt exhausted.

  “Urrrgghhh…” Ryo groaned. “To think I once again slept with women… but instead of one fully clothed woman, it had to be five completely naked ones.”

  He pulled the towel down from his face and turned his head.

  Not too far away, White Rabbit was soaking peacefully in the bath, eyes closed, looking completely relaxed.

  “Earlier, you looked fully clothed and ready. So why are you bathing now, Sir Hops-a-lot?” Ryo asked.

  “I simply thought of accompanying you, sir,” White Rabbit replied calmly. “You wouldn’t want to feel lonely in the bath.”

  Ryo squinted at him suspiciously. “Yeah… you’re totally not lying. Totally not just wanting to relax in the hot spring.”

  Fifteen minutes earlier…

  When the servant and White Rabbit entered White Queen Frigg’s chamber and discovered Ryo sleeping with all the ladies—including the Queen herself—despite it never being his intention and him never knowing they had sneaked into his bed last night, the servant bowed frantically and apologized for interrupting their “impregnation ceremony” before fleeing in embarrassment while screaming.

  White Rabbit, unsure how to react because he was still unaware of the borderline unsafe genre playing out before him, calmly turned and followed after her.

  Ryo stretched out an arm helplessly toward them, shouting that the whole thing was a huge misunderstanding—like some classic protagonist being falsely accused. But before he could properly defend himself, the ladies pushed him back down, ready to resume the “impregnation ceremony” they had failed to carry out the previous night.

  Ryo quickly slipped upward, rolled off the bed, stood up, apologized to the ladies, dashed to the table, grabbed his belongings, and ran out of the room.

  The ladies were left disappointed that they could not claim his seed.

  And that was how Ryo ended up back here in the hot spring chamber.

  He washed his face after noticing lipstick marks across it in his reflection in the water.

  “I can’t believe they all kissed my face last night…” he whispered, slightly flustered.

  Just then, a male servant entered the hot spring chamber carrying a wooden tray with food. He stepped carefully toward the water and informed them that the chef was offering a floating breakfast, then gently placed the tray onto the surface of the water.

  Ryo and White Rabbit stared in amazement.

  To Ryo, it reminded him of those floating breakfasts tourists enjoyed at luxury resorts in Bali, Indonesia—something he had only ever seen online.

  The meal was simple: porridge, bread, and milk.

  But beside each dish were small stones carved with rune writing.

  ?????? — porridge.

  ????? — bread.

  ????? — milk.

  “So the universal translation spell in my head could even interpret Old Norse runic writing,” Ryo thought.

  He had seen other rune inscriptions throughout the Mydrovith realm but had never had the chance to read them closely. Now that he understood them, it felt strangely fascinating.

  And with that, they ate their breakfast peacefully as the servant left the chamber.

  After bathing for a while and finishing their meal, the two stepped out of the hot spring and headed to the changing room, wiping themselves with towels.

  White Rabbit wore his waistcoat and adjusted it neatly. Ryo put on his clothes, then his parka, followed by his trench coat, and finally put on his backpack.

  They were ready.

  Ready to leave the citadel.

  Ready to leave Mydrovith.

  Ready to head toward the Xianglura realm.

  As they left the changing room and walked toward the main entrance, Ryo recalled something Alice had once said, but it didn’t quite make sense to him.

  Alice had claimed she traveled from Olyndora first, then to Ekhropolis, then to Mydrovith, then to Ashvanyara, and finally to Xianglura—the last realm in Wonderland before she was captured there.

  But White Rabbit had previously explained that the correct circular order was:

  Olyndora (if starting here) — which Ryo couldn’t investigate due to the bridge explosion, and would be left for last.

  Then Ekhropolis.

  Then Mydrovith.

  Then Xianglura.

  And finally, Ashvanyara.

  They were about to head to Xianglura now.

  So why had Alice left Xianglura for last?

  Ryo asked White Rabbit about it.

  White Rabbit explained that while guiding Alice, they once spotted Nezha lounging near the bridge leading to Xianglura, drinking himself drunk. Believing it was too dangerous to approach, White Rabbit suggested going to Ashvanyara first and returning later in hopes that the coast would be clear.

  Thankfully, it was.

  It made sense. No one would dare cross a bridge with a blighted deity lounging around—even if the person was drunk. But still… Nezha looked like a teenager.

  And drunk?

  Isn’t he still a minor?

  Totally illegal.

  After several minutes of walking, they finally stepped out of the citadel.

  Waiting outside were the same ladies from earlier—White Queen Frigg, Sif, Gureiha, Hou Yian, and Sekhora.

  Fortunately, they were fully clothed.

  Ryo froze cautiously and asked if they were planning to lewdly ambush him again for another ‘impregnation ceremony.’

  The ladies chuckled and assured him they would not do anything to him anymore.

  Maybe.

  That last word made him uneasy.

  Then Ryo noticed something else.

  A rickshaw pulled by a Chinese man pulled up and stopped beside Hou Yian.

  Ryo blinked. “Is this… your ride, Hou Yian?”

  “Exactly, Darling Surface Man,” Hou Yian replied smoothly. “I am about to return to my homeland in the Xianglura realm. I received a call from my little sister earlier. She was worried sick after the Caucus Race incident yesterday and demanded that I return home immediately.”

  She exhaled softly. “She is such a worrywart.”

  Little sister?

  Ryo frowned slightly. The male version of her—Hou Yi—didn’t have a little sister. Not even a sibling at all.

  He couldn’t help but ask, “What’s your little sister’s name?”

  Hou Yian dropped the bombshell casually. “Her name is Chang’e.”

  Ryo froze.

  Before he could process it, Hou Yian raised her palm calmly, though there was a faint bitterness in her eyes.

  “I know what you’re thinking… ‘How can I, the REAL and female version of that fake Hou Yi from the Upper Worlds, be Chang’e’s elder sister instead of her husband?’”

  She folded her arms. “You should already know by now that every pantheon in Wonderland has its own diverging history from the original myths. Like me, for example. A woman instead of that counterfeit male version—thanks to those disgraceful historians.”

  Ryo muttered under his breath, “I know you’re disappointed, but you didn’t have to bash your incorrect male version and the historians like that…”

  “Where are you both heading to now?” Frigg asked gracefully.

  “We are also heading to the Xianglura realm,” White Rabbit replied, gesturing toward Ryo. “For him to continue his investigation. We have completed our matters in Ekhropolis and here in Mydrovith.”

  “Ooooh,” Hou Yian muttered, amused. Then she stepped closer to Ryo, wrapped her arm around his, and whispered boldly, “Then… shall we continue the impregnation ceremony at my home in my realm? You’re more than welcome to stay there… I’ll introduce you to my father and mother, even though I’m merely your concubine.”

  The other women protested in jealousy.

  Ryo gently freed his arm, uneasy. “I don’t think that’s going to happen. Let’s put the pre-wedding introduction aside, shall we?”

  Hou Yian only smiled wider, even more boldly.

  “Since we’re both heading to Xianglura, why don’t you ride with me on my rickshaw? It’s faster, fits two people comfortably, and we can make out as much as we like along the way. I’ll even take my clothes off for you to enjoy me—don’t worry, my rickshaw puller won’t mind and will give us privacy.”

  The rickshaw puller smirked and winked at Ryo knowingly.

  Ryo stared at him in disbelief.

  He waved his hand calmly. “We’re skipping the R-18 romance subplot.”

  Beside him, White Rabbit internally groaned, “Fitting for two? Is she leaving me out of the ride?!”

  Ryo cleared his throat. “Unfortunately, I can’t join you on the rickshaw ride, since Sir Hops-a-Lot and I need to make a brief pit stop to meet someone else first.”

  They still had to accompany Alice’s sisters—Lorina and Edith—to the central hub to reunite with Alice in her prison.

  “I see… what a shame,” Hou Yian sighed, slightly disappointed. “I was hoping to do it with you on the way… while I’m nake—”

  But before she could finish her obsession with R18 action, Ryo raised a hand to stop her.

  “You can go now. I’ll meet you in Xianglura sometime later today.”

  That satisfied her.

  She climbed onto the rickshaw. The puller took hold of the handles, and soon they departed.

  Ryo then asked the others about their plans.

  Sekhora and Gureiha said they’d be returning to their own realm, while Sif would stay in Mydrovith.

  With that, Sekhora and Gureiha left. Gureiha looked back, smiled, and told Ryo that if he ever stopped by Ashvanyara, he could find her there. Ryo thanked her.

  Sif returned quietly into the citadel.

  Now only Frigg remained.

  Ryo turned toward her. “Your Majesty, before we leave, there is something I need to ask you.”

  “Go on. Ask away,” Frigg replied.

  “Do you recognize the black smoke exuding from Petyr Pann and the woman with him? And those black smoky creatures that came out of his ring during the Caucus Race when you watched the feed on your phone?” Ryo asked.

  He wants to know if Frigg is aware that Petyr Pann is connected to the Vrakuls—or if she even knows about the black miasma, which seems tied to them, or about the Vrakuls at all.

  Ryo still assumes Petyr is a Vrakul in human form, but what’s with this “agent” part?

  He doesn’t care much about the topic itself, but the fact that something Vrakul-related has been following him in three separate cases ever since that talking cat, Dusty, granted his wish feels far too unusual. He wants to forget it, to stop thinking about it—but he can’t shake it from his mind.

  “I am not certain about the smoke surrounding them,” Frigg admitted. “However, I have heard rumors from my envoys. They once saw black mist exuding briefly from the Queen of Hearts’ body. Before she noticed them, they fled in fear. This occurred at the palace in the central hub many months ago.”

  The only people that reminded him of something similar were Malakar, Edmund, and Prince Valeric. Then Ryo remembered what Ra had said about rumors that the Queen of Hearts had obtained dark, malevolent power from someone.

  Ryo felt like he was about to get a headache from all these similar patterns, but he shoved the thoughts aside while rubbing his face with both hands.

  “Are you alright, darling?” Frigg asked, looking worried.

  Ryo pulled his hands away. “Y-yeah… I’m alright.”

  Frigg gently suggested that he stay in the citadel one more day, but Ryo politely refused. Alice’s trial was in three days. There was no time to rest.

  He thanked Frigg for her answers.

  Then he and White Rabbit departed the citadel.

  As they walked, White Rabbit reassured him not to worry about the invaders.

  Ryo responded calmly that everything was fine—and that he was committed to finishing his job and defending Alice.

  After walking for some time…

  They finally arrived at the Duchess’s home.

  Outside the house, Lorina rode a Dutch bike, while Edith was on a children’s bicycle with training wheels. Rán taught Edith, and Dodo helped Lorina, since it was their first time riding.

  Dodo noticed Ryo and waved his wing. “AUUUUUUR! Good morning, my chieftain!”

  Ryo stepped forward. “Are these the bicycles they’ll be using to visit the Central Hub?”

  “That’s right! I also offer bike rentals in Mydrovith for visitors who need a bike to leave the realm, as well as for residents who want to ride around locally or venture outside,” Dodo said.

  He gestured to Lorina’s bike. “This… is a Dutch bike. I call it ‘His Most Exalted and Pedal-Powered Majesty, Lord Pedalworthy, Conqueror of Slightly Uphill Terrain, Harbinger of Knee Soreness, Collector of Fallen Leaves, Official Ding-Ding of Sidewalks, Supreme Wobbler of Small Gravel, Keeper of Snacks, Whisperer to Unamused Squirrels, and Temporary Ruler of the Neighborhood That Smells Like Freshly Mowed Grass, Otherwise Known as The Two-Wheeled Tyrant of Mild Existential Crisis.’”

  Ryo’s eye twitched. “That’s even longer than before…”

  Dodo gestured grandly at Edith’s bike. “And this… is a kids’ bike: ‘The Astonishingly Nimble, Pedal-Powered Mini-Monster of Slightly Shaky Balance, Conqueror of Tiny Slopes and Mailbox Mountains, Collector of Fallen Pebbles, Summoner of Surprised Squeals, Distributor of Unintentional Bell Alarms, Envoy to Feisty Pups, Bringer of Achy Legs and Regretful Spins, Supreme Twirler of Zigzags and Loops, Keeper of Missing Mittens, and Officially Recognized as The Two-Wheeled Tyrant of Minor Misadventures.’”

  “At this point… your bike naming sense qualifies as one of those ridiculously long light novel titles,” Ryo said, completely baffled.

  Then Viking Fish, Viking Frog, and the Duchess—holding the cat, Dinah—walked out of the house, followed by the pig, who ran out from behind them. Dinah hopped off the Duchess’s arms and played outside with the pig. They all greeted Ryo and White Rabbit, who returned the greetings.

  Ryo asked how Lorina and Edith had been the night before and if they were comfortable staying in the house. The Duchess replied that they had a great time. Edith was still a bit sad after the Caucus Race incident yesterday, but fortunately Dodo and his men had visited and stayed for a sleepover, which cheered her up. Dodo remained in the house, while his other men had left earlier this morning for other matters.

  Ryo and White Rabbit were glad to hear that. Then Ryo asked where the sisters would stay after meeting Alice at the prison in the Central Hub, or if they would return to their own timeline in the Upper Worlds by entering the rabbit hole behind the house.

  Viking Fish explained that they had told the sisters everything about Alice and that this was a time-warped kingdom, where people from different eras came together. This shocked the sisters at first, but they accepted it, and they said they wouldn’t leave until Alice was released. White Rabbit added that there was no guarantee, but he still hoped Ryo could bail Alice out during the final trial.

  Ryo then asked where the sisters would stay until that final trial. Viking Frog replied that they would remain at the Duchess’s house in Mydrovith for the time being. They had grown comfortable there, and Rán had become too attached to Edith, worrying that letting the child roam around Wonderland alone would be too risky.

  Then suddenly, Bob arrived at the Duchess’s house as well—on a bike. When Ryo asked what he was doing here, Dodo explained that Bob would be guiding Ryo and White Rabbit to the Xianglura realm, since Bob didn’t trust White Rabbit’s sense of direction—he always took the long way. White Rabbit wasn’t pleased to hear this and shouted at Dodo to take it back, but Dodo ignored him.

  Bob spoke up next. While it was true that he wanted to voluntarily guide them to the Xianglura realm, he added that his mother had also ordered him to bring home some Janssons Frestelse. She couldn’t get enough of it the last time she tried it here—it had become her favorite meal from the Mydrovith realm. Bob pulled the food from the leather bag hanging around him and showed it, and Ryo thought it looked delicious.

  Bob continued, explaining that the Xianglura realm’s food was also amazing, known for its Chinese cuisine. He was more than happy to treat Ryo and White Rabbit as soon as they arrived.

  Ryo told him it was okay—he’d have some after completing his murder investigation there. Bob said no problem and asked him to contact him once he was done. Ryo replied that he didn’t have a Wonderland SIM card and wasn’t sure if his phone would even work here.

  White Rabbit said he could use his phone instead, and he also had Bob’s number, along with the contacts of all of Dodo’s men and many other important people throughout Wonderland.

  Then White Rabbit remembered something. He asked Ryo if Tyr and Sobek knew they would also be defending Ra in Alice’s final trial alongside her. Ryo admitted he had forgotten to tell them. White Rabbit said he would notify them immediately through his phone, since he still had their numbers from when they had once been his attorneys.

  White Rabbit pulled out his smartphone and sent the message regarding Ra. Almost immediately, notifications from Tyr and Sobek exploded on his phone. They messaged that Ryo was extremely bold and crazy, and they were shocked that Ra was imprisoned and about to be executed. Still, they accepted the challenge. White Rabbit put his phone away and told Ryo that Tyr and Sobek were okay with it. Ryo, who hadn’t seen the messages, simply nodded.

  Ryo then asked Lorina and Edith if they were ready to head to the Central Hub to meet Alice. The sisters stopped their bikes and nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, we’re ready to meet our precious sister Alice,” they said in unison.

  Viking Fish and Viking Frog said they would be coming along. When Ryo asked why, they explained that they didn’t want to burden him with returning the sisters to Mydrovith. They preferred that he and White Rabbit go straight to the Xianglura realm with Bob, while they accompanied the sisters back here. Since time was ticking before the final trial, it would be more efficient for him to head to the murder site immediately. Ryo thought that was very helpful and gratefully accepted their generosity.

  White Rabbit asked about the bikes they had left outside the house yesterday. Viking Frog and Viking Fish went inside, retrieved Ryo and White Rabbit’s bikes, and brought them outside, explaining that they had been kept indoors to prevent theft. White Rabbit thanked them as the bikes were handed over.

  Ryo asked the sisters again if they were ready. Lorina and Edith said yes. Just then, Dinah jumped into the basket of Lorina’s bike and meowed. Lorina chuckled, patted Dinah’s head, and said that their cat must have missed Alice too and wanted to see her. Ryo didn’t mind.

  Ryo noticed the Duchess’s regretful expression. He guessed she was recalling the horrible mistake she had unintentionally caused, which had led the Queen of Hearts to become ruthless and obsessed with executions. He said nothing, deciding it was better to give her space to reflect, even though the sin she caused had happened long ago.

  Rán approached Ryo and whispered that she was ready to have children with him as a reward if he managed to win the impossible final trial. Ryo could only roll his eyes, exhausted by how many women seemed ready to mate with him.

  With that, Ryo, White Rabbit, Lorina, Edith, Viking Fish, and Viking Frog mounted their bikes, while the pig looked sad that Dinah would be gone and they wouldn’t be able to play together. Rán reassured the pig that it wouldn’t take long and that Dinah would return soon.

  They pedaled away, with Bob leading the group. They reached the gate, greeted the guards with a good morning, and passed through, continuing their journey. After crossing the bridge, they finally left the Mydrovith Realm and entered the Central Hub. Ryo noticed the arctic-level cold gradually fading—well, of course, they were leaving the realm. Viking Fish explained that once they reached Alice’s prison, Ryo could return the parka coat and gloves.

  Ryo asked why they had been handing out parka coats to spectators of the Caucus Race at the bridge yesterday. Viking Frog explained that they were temporary attendants of the White Queen Frigg, and they voluntarily gave coats to visitors of the Mydrovith realm whenever the race took place.

  After about two hours of biking, with a few rest stops along the way for the sisters’ sake, they arrived at the prison building. Ryo removed his backpack, trench coat, parka coat, and gloves, returning the parka and gloves to Viking Fish and Viking Frog. He then put his trench coat and backpack back on.

  Turning to the sisters, Ryo asked, “Are you both ready to meet Alice? Though she might not be in a good state—she’s been held here for a while.”

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  Lorina and Edith looked worried but nodded in unison. “Yes.”

  They all got off their bikes, facing the prison and ready to enter. Bob, Viking Fish, and Viking Frog would remain outside, waiting for them.

  Then they all noticed two Valkyrie guards silently sobbing in front of the prison door while staring down at their phones.

  Edith looked curious and stepped forward.

  “Why are you big sisters crying?” she asked innocently.

  The Valkyries noticed the child and quickly wiped away their tears, forcing smiles.

  “It’s nothing, child,” Valkyrie A said gently.

  “Are you here in Wonderland as a guest?” Valkyrie B asked sweetly.

  Ryo stepped forward as well and caught a glimpse of what was on their phone screens.

  It was a photograph.

  The two Valkyries stood beside their former commander, Brynhildr. The three of them looked happy together.

  Ryo immediately understood.

  They must have missed Brynhildr deeply ever since she passed away… and perhaps still carried guilt for leaving their precious commander behind, even though they had no other choice.

  Edith continued asking adorably. “If you two are sad, you can tell Edith anything!”

  She nodded firmly, her tiny fists clenched. “HM!”

  Valkyrie B chuckled and gently patted Edith’s head. “Thank you, child. You are too sweet. Thank you for worrying about us, but we’re fine.”

  Valkyrie A then turned to Ryo. “So you have returned, Alice’s new attorney. What brings you here?”

  Lorina stepped forward and stopped behind Edith, placing both her hands on the child’s shoulders.

  Ryo gestured toward the sisters. “These are Alice’s sisters from the Upper Worlds. They would like to see Alice.”

  Both Valkyries gasped softly.

  They had never imagined the poor child locked in this prison would have sisters.

  But it made sense. Of course they would come searching for her.

  “Very well,” Valkyrie A said.

  She opened the prison building’s door.

  Ryo, White Rabbit, Lorina, and Edith stepped inside.

  The Valkyries then closed the prison door behind them.

  Inside the dim prison chamber, Alice was sitting behind the bars.

  She noticed Ryo first. “Ah! My attorney, you’re here again!”

  Lorina and Edith froze when they saw Alice behind the bars.

  Her eyes were red.

  Tired.

  She looked like she had barely slept.

  Alice also froze.

  Her eyes widened when she saw her sisters — sisters she had not seen for months.

  Yet for Lorina and Edith…

  It had only been a single day.

  Ra, leaning against the wall in the same cell, slowly turned his head, wondering why the attorney had returned.

  Lorina’s voice cracked. “Alice…”

  Edith trembled. “Big sister… Alice…”

  Alice whispered back, “Big sister… Lorina…” Her eyes then shifted to the smaller girl. “Edith…”

  Suddenly—

  “ALICE!!!!” Lorina and Edith shouted, lunging forward to grab the bars.

  “MY SISTERS!” Alice rushed forward as well, grabbing their hands through the bars. Their fingers gripped each other tightly, trembling.

  Lorina’s voice exploded with emotion.

  “ALICE! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?! WE’VE BEEN LOOKING EVERYWHERE FOR YOU SINCE YESTERDAY! CHARLES IS STILL SEARCHING FOR YOU, AND NOW HE’S PROBABLY SEARCHING FOR BOTH OF US TOO! WHY DID YOU HAVE TO END UP IN PRISON IN SOME STRANGE, UNKNOWN KINGDOM?!”

  “Big sister Alice! Uwaaaaa!!” Edith cried.

  “So these are Alice’s siblings?” Ra thought as he silently observed.

  Outside, Dinah suddenly jumped off the basket, galloped forward into the prison building, and leapt into Alice’s arms, meowing loudly, full of emotion.

  Lorina continued, tears streaming down her face.

  “YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE WANDERED OFF SO FAR! I KNOW YOU ARE BRAVE, BUT THERE IS A LIMIT! YOU SHOULD HAVE STAYED CLOSE TO US DURING OUR PICNIC! HOW DARE YOU SCARE US LIKE THIS!”

  Alice trembled, lowering her head.

  “I’m… sorry…” she whispered. “I shouldn’t have wandered off by myself… and chased White Rabbit…”

  White Rabbit lowered his ears guiltily.

  It wasn’t truly his fault that Alice followed him into the rabbit hole in Oxford.

  But the thing he regretted most was something else.

  He should have guided Alice back home.

  Back to a rabbit hole leading to Oxford, England — to her rightful year of 1862 in the Upper Worlds.

  Instead, he had obeyed Zeuras’ orders and guided her throughout Wonderland.

  Looking back now…

  He felt he should have refused that order.

  Lorina suddenly turned toward Ryo. “PLEASE! RELEASE ALICE AT ONCE! I AM TAKING HER HOME TO OXFORD!”

  “It’s pointless, young lady,” Ra said firmly. “In three days, she will have to undergo the final trial, and if that new attorney,” he gestured at Ryo, “loses, then Alice, alongside me, shall be executed.”

  Lorina snapped her head toward him. “WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, YOU FALCON-HEADED WHITE KNIGHT? YOU CAN GO AHEAD AND DIE ALONE! I’M BRINGING MY LITTLE SISTER BACK HOME IMMEDIATELY!”

  Ra scoffed, lacking the energy to argue. He knew Alice’s sisters were overly emotional, so he decided to stay silent—it was no use to argue with them.

  Suddenly—

  Lorina pulled a kitchen knife from inside her clothing.

  CLANG!

  She slammed it against the iron bars.

  Again.

  CLANG!

  Again.

  CLANG!

  Determined to cut the bars open.

  Ryo immediately stepped forward and grabbed her wrist. “Hey, hey! You’ll get into serious trouble for doing that!”

  He recognized the knife.

  It was the kitchen knife from the Duchess’s house.

  Lorina must have taken it without anyone noticing.

  Ra frowned. “Indeed. You should understand where you are. Attempting a prison break for someone is not something that ends well in Wonderland.”

  Lorina struggled violently. “LET GO OF ME! I WILL FREE MY LITTLE SISTER NO MATTER WHAT IT TAKES!”

  Outside the prison building, the Valkyries heard the loud racket.

  They burst through the door.

  The moment they saw the scene, their eyes widened in shock.

  They immediately unsheathed their swords.

  Ryo gritted his teeth and thought, “Shit! This is getting out of hand!”

  White Rabbit scrambled and flailed in front of the Valkyries, desperately urging them not to attack.

  The Valkyries shoved him aside and advanced quickly.

  Ryo’s hand moved toward his gun in his coat pocket.

  He didn’t want to do this.

  These Valkyries were not evil.

  They were simply forced to serve the Queen of Hearts.

  But it no longer mattered.

  The Valkyries raised their blades.

  And swung them directly toward Lorina.

  Ryo quickly drew his gun and aimed it at them.

  Ready to fire.

  Everything felt like it was in slow motion.

  Edith screamed and covered her ears.

  Alice’s eyes widened in terror, and her scream echoed. “STOOOOOOOP!!”

  Ra was about to lunge forward to stop the execution, but what could he do?

  The Godshackle weakened him.

  Ryo’s finger tightened on the trigger—

  But before he could fire—

  Far outside the prison building, a rider was approaching like a storm.

  A man with a short beard wore a bronze mail shirt, a conical nasal helmet, and a black cape.

  He rode atop a magnificent beast of black and white stripes.

  The creature galloped like the wind.

  The beast screeched to a stop at the prison entrance, startling everyone who waited outside.

  The man dismounted instantly and rushed inside.

  He drew his sword, and it gleamed as it left its sheath.

  CRASH!

  His blade slammed against the Valkyries’ weapons before it could reach Lorina, shattering them on impact.

  Ryo froze.

  His breath caught.

  He recognized that man.

  “You’re… the God of Watchful Protection…” he whispered.

  The Valkyries’ hands trembled as they looked down at their broken blades in disbelief.

  Then they slowly turned.

  The moment they saw him, recognition struck them like lightning.

  Tears filled their eyes. “Master… Heimdall…”

  The chaos fell completely silent.

  Ryo slowly lowered his gun.

  He glanced toward the prison entrance, where the striped beast stood calmly outside. It padded inside and stood next to the man.

  “The White Tiger… from Chinese mythology…” Ryo murmured.

  The White Tiger looked around like a silent guardian, its piercing eyes taking in everything.

  Ryo’s eyes widened as he recognized the sword in Heimdall’s hands.

  “The Hofund…” he whispered.

  Heimdall’s voice rang through the prison like a command from the heavens. “Stop this madness at once, my former students!”

  The two Valkyries immediately dropped to their knees, their heads lowered in panic.

  “We apologize for our recklessness, master!” they said in unison.

  Heimdall placed a hand on each of their shoulders, calm and gentle.

  “It is alright. You acted for the sake of upholding order,” he said. “Now stand. Allow me to deal with the aftermath. But remember my teachings. Do not let yourselves make the wrong judgment just because someone appears weak, even if their actions are somewhat wrong. Think carefully before you attack.”

  The two Valkyries stood up at once. After bowing respectfully, they left the prison building and took their positions outside. Those waiting outside wondered what was going on in there.

  Inside the cell, Lorina and Edith fell silent as they stared at the man before them.

  Ryo pocketed his gun and looked at Heimdall.

  “You’re the person who took Brynhildr’s place as commander in the Mydrovith Realm,” he said. “What brings you here?”

  Heimdall turned toward him.

  “I have heard of you. Alice’s new attorney,” he replied politely. “My apologies for my students’ recklessness. I happened to be strolling nearby in this Central Hub when I heard a scream. I rushed here with my partner there.”

  He pointed toward the White Tiger. “Fortunately, we arrived just in time to stop an unnecessary execution.”

  Then Heimdall turned to Ra with a warm smile. “Long time no see, my friend. How does prison life treat you?”

  Ra scoffed loudly. “Ha! It has only been two weeks since the last time we met.”

  Heimdall then turned toward Lorina. Raising his hand with a simple give-me gesture, he spoke calmly.

  “Please hand over that knife. It’s not something you should use to help Alice escape. There will be serious consequences if you do.”

  Lorina’s grip tightened around the knife as her voice trembled.

  “B-but I… at this rate… my little sister will be executed… I can’t just leave her here.”

  “Sister… is it?” Heimdall muttered.

  He hadn’t expected Alice to have siblings, and aside from that, he knew the final trial was pointless. It would likely be rigged again.

  But he still needed a way to reassure these sisters, even if only temporarily.

  Before Lorina could say anything more, Ryo suddenly stepped forward.

  In one swift motion, he snatched the knife from her hand and placed it directly into Heimdall’s palm.

  Everyone in the room froze in shock.

  Ryo turned toward Lorina, his gaze suddenly sharp.

  “Listen up, Lorina,” he said firmly. “I know you’re worried about Alice. I know you think it’s final—that she’s going to be executed. That’s why you took that kitchen knife from the Duchess’s house—from Rán’s kitchen when they weren’t looking, last night or this morning.”

  “And you probably think a strange guy like me—someone who looks weak—is incapable of defending your precious siste-.”

  Before he could finish

  Lorina exploded.

  “THAT’S RIGHT! I HEARD EVERYTHING!” she shouted. “I demanded answers from the Duchess and Rán about Alice’s condition! The court system here is unfair! Everything is rigged in the Queen’s favor!”

  Her voice shook with anger and desperation.

  “Do you really think acting as her defense attorney is enough?! Do you honestly believe this nonsensical court procedure can save my sister from the death that awaits her in three days?!”

  Her voice rose even louder. “STOP MAKING JOKES THAT DON’T MAKE SENSE!”

  She pointed sharply at him. “The only logical way is to break her out of this cursed prison and escape Wonderland!”

  Ra suddenly slammed against his chains and exploded with rage.

  “YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE QUEEN OF HEARTS IS CAPABLE OF!”

  His teeth clenched tightly.

  “Listen here, foolish girl. You may know my name from ancient Egyptian scriptures or books. It doesn’t matter. I was once considered strong in my era in the Upper Worlds—strong enough to defeat the darkness that threatened the weak!”

  He jerked his head toward the door where the Valkyries stood outside.

  “But those Valkyries still defeated me despite my strength because they attacked me in a large group!”

  “And why do you think everyone in Wonderland fears the Queen of Hearts?!” His voice sharpened. “SHE’S A DAMN MONSTER! Even gods like me—EVEN SOMEONE AS POWERFUL AS ZEUS—DARE NOT GO AGAINST HER!”

  His voice cracked with frustration.

  “I even tried to secretly help people escape Wonderland so they could avoid her ‘playful’ executions. I tried to send them to a non-extinction era in the Upper Worlds!”

  His fists tightened. “AND GUESS WHAT?! I FAILED! I FAILED MISERABLY!”

  He shook his chains violently. “I GOT CAUGHT THANKS TO AN IMBECILE WHO EXPOSED MY PLAN! NOW I’M CHAINED UP LIKE THIS, THROWN INTO PRISON WITH YOUR SISTER! AND I’LL DIE ALONG WITH HER IF THIS NEW ATTORNEY LOSES!”

  Then his voice erupted even louder.

  “AND WHAT CAN YOU DO AS A REGULAR HUMAN WITH NO POWER, EXCEPT THAT PATHETIC KNIFE—A KNIFE THE ATTORNEY JUST TOOK FROM YOU WITHOUT EFFORT?!”

  His eyes burned with fury. “YOU’RE WEAK! YOU’RE WEAK!”

  He leaned forward, shouting. “GO AHEAD! TRY TO SAVE ALICE RIGHT NOW! I GUARANTEE THOSE VALKYRIES OUTSIDE WILL CUT YOU DOWN!”

  His voice thundered through the prison. “THEY’LL MAKE YOU BLEED! THEY’LL THROW YOU INTO THIS SAME CELL! AND YOU’LL FACE EXECUTION TOO!”

  His final roar echoed. “YOU’RE A FOOLISH GIRL! KNOW YOUR PLACE! KNOW YOUR LIMITS! STAY OUT OF THINGS THAT WILL DESTROY YOU! THAT WILL END YOU! DO YOU HEAR ME?!”

  Ra collapsed back and leaned against the wall, panting heavily after letting out all his rage.

  Outside the door, the two Valkyries had heard everything.

  They lowered their heads in shame.

  Because Ra was right.

  Even with their former master Heimdall present, they knew they would still stop Lorina. They would injure her if necessary—perhaps even nearly kill her—and throw her into the same cell with Ra and Alice.

  But Lorina didn’t move.

  She remained standing firmly.

  Her mind was made up.

  She would save her sister no matter what.

  Behind the bars, Alice suddenly began to sob.

  She had endured five failed trials.

  She had watched five attorneys lose—and each one had been critically injured by the Queen of Hearts.

  But hearing all this now, outside the courtroom…

  It hurt even more.

  Her tears streamed down as her thoughts spiraled.

  Maybe… maybe it would be better if she simply disappeared.

  Her eyes slowly turned blank.

  Dead.

  Maybe if she died now… her sisters would stop worrying because of her.

  Slowly, with trembling hands, Alice raised them toward her neck.

  Ready to choke herself to death.

  But before she could do it—

  A gentle hand rested on her head.

  Alice froze.

  She slowly gazed up as her hands lowered.

  “My… attorney?” she whispered.

  Ryo gave her a soft smile.

  Then he turned toward Lorina.

  “Lorina… do you know that your sister is famous on the Earth’s surface?”

  “From Oxford in your time period. All across England. Even throughout the present timeline.”

  Lorina blinked in confusion. “What are you talking ab—”

  Ryo continued calmly. Alice had a storybook adaptation… and she even starred in her own Broadway musicals.

  He continued. “She even had spin-off stories based on this kingdom—this underground world—and her adventures.”

  He smiled slightly.

  “And do you know what they called it?”

  “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.”

  “Not surprising, since you all brainstormed the story with Charles.”

  Lorina snapped angrily. “I DON’T WANT TO HEAR YOUR NONSENSE! MY SISTER IS ABOUT TO GET KILLE—”

  But Ryo cut her off. “Even if she isn’t exactly the same Alice from that fictional story—which, let’s be honest, turned out to be the real spin-off Charles wrote—her character still plays a huge part and has created a massively positive impact across the entire world.”

  He spoke calmly. “Children, teenagers, adults. From the Victorian age of your era… all the way to my present timeline.”

  “Her story brought happiness to people everywhere.”

  “And yes, I know you doubt me. I know you think I’m weak. I know the court system here is unfair.”

  “It sucks. It sucks so much that other attorneys are too scared to defend this innocent girl.”

  Then his gaze hardened. “But I’m not going to let Alice suffer the consequences of a crime she never committed.”

  He continued, “And yes, you probably heard about the murders across the realms of Wonderland from the Duchess and Rán.”

  Ryo then gently removed his hand from Alice’s head. “Alice, give me those books about your story.”

  Alice quickly nodded. “Hm!”

  She hurried to a small bookshelf at the back of the cell and pulled out several books.

  Alice and the Pocketful of Wonders

  Alice and the Whispering Labyrinth

  Alice and the Lantern-Wish Carnival

  Alice and the Pocket of Singing Stars

  Alice in the Sunny-Spot Forest

  And many more.

  She returned to the bars and handed them to Ryo.

  Ryo then passed the books to Lorina and Edith.

  Both of them stared in shock.

  These children’s books looked new—far more modern than anything from their own timeline.

  Ryo looked at them. “Why do you think these books exist?”

  Lorina’s breath caught as she slowly looked up at him.

  “Could it be…?” she whispered.

  Ryo nodded slightly.

  “Let me give you a spoiler.”

  “Your sister grew older.”

  He shrugged lightly.

  “As for how she died? Sorry, I can’t spoil that. The universe might give me karma for messing with the timeline.”

  Alice blinked in confusion. “Eh…?”

  Ryo continued. “And yes, you guessed it.”

  He gestured toward the books.

  “These books look modern. The fact that her stories reached all the way to my present timeline—2025, where I’m from—means only one thing.”

  His voice became firm. “Alice Pleasance Liddell’s life continued, and her fictional tale echoed through generations.”

  “And that wouldn’t be possible if she died young.”

  “Which means… she survived.”

  A quiet silence filled the prison. Alice knew she was popular in the present timeline of the Upper World because of the books White Rabbit had given her, but she hadn’t expected to survive and grow older.

  As for her sisters, Lorina and Edith, they realized that Alice had actually become popular in the future thanks to the story they brainstormed with Charles—which hadn’t been written by him yet. It seemed impossible to believe, but the proof was right there in the design of the modern-looking books based on Alice.

  “As for how… I don’t know yet,” Ryo continued.

  “However, there’s one thing you need to know… Alice is Wonderland’s hero.”

  “She stopped the Queen of Hearts’ playful executions with her wits. She’s the bravest ten-year-old girl Wonderland has ever seen.”

  He gestured slightly toward himself. “Including me. Even I find it impressive.”

  “Many people praised her for that feat, since the executions were halted—even if it was only temporary.”

  “Now look, I’m not sure if I can overcome the final trial and defeat the Queen’s Crown Prosecutor, her blighted deities, and even the judges.”

  His eyes sharpened. “But I do have a slight advantage.”

  “I won’t be dealing with this unfair trial finale alone.”

  Alice tilted her head slightly in confusion.

  “What do you mean by that, my attorney?” she asked.

  Ryo slowly raised his fist and clenched it. “I have two people on my side who care about you more than you realize, Alice.”

  He gave a faint smile. “But I’ll leave that as a surprise for later, on our trial day.”

  Ra narrowed his eyes. “I have heard rumors that all five blighted deities will also join the final trial. I heard the Valkyries gossiping about it outside the prison. But that only adds to your disadvantage.”

  He shook his head. “But still… a surprise?”

  Ra looked at Ryo skeptically. “I highly doubt you and these allies of yours—especially if they’re attorneys from Wonderland—will be much help.”

  His voice grew harsher. “Don’t think you can win inside this rigged system so easily!”

  Ryo shrugged slightly. “No worries, Mr. Pessimist.”

  “I don’t care whether you think I’ll win or lose.”

  He gestured toward the books in Lorina’s hands.

  “The fact that Alice was able to grow older in the Upper Worlds already tells me something important.”

  Ryo placed a hand over his chest and turned toward Lorina. “I don’t need to be a hero to make that happen.”

  His voice grew firm. “As a detective—and as an acting defense attorney hired by the White Rabbit—it is my duty to investigate, serve, and defend her when she cannot defend herself.”

  He slowly swept his hand outward. “And I will reveal the truth!”

  His gaze hardened. “No matter how many times my evidence and logic are brushed aside.”

  His voice grew stronger. “I won’t give up—no matter how many times they try to overrule my arguments or step all over my logic.”

  He clenched his fist again. “Justice will win.”

  Then he looked directly at Alice. “And I will make sure Alice returns home and lives long enough to spread joy throughout the world with her stories.”

  Silence filled the prison room.

  Everyone stared at him, utterly speechless.

  The unwavering determination and unshakable resolve in his eyes echoed in every word he spoke, as if the very air itself had hardened around him.

  Alice’s eyes trembled.

  She covered her mouth as tears welled up again, but this time they were different.

  She closed her eyes as relief slowly washed over her.

  The heavy weight crushing her chest began to lift, even though her execution still loomed only three days away.

  Lorina stared at Ryo for several seconds.

  Finally, she let out a long breath.

  She gave up. “Very well…”

  She turned toward Alice, kneeled down, and gently grabbed her hands.

  Her voice trembled as she whispered. “Alice… I shall leave the task of saving you to this man.”

  She squeezed her hands softly. “Stay strong… and you better write me a five-thousand-word apology letter once you’re free and we return to our timeline in Oxford.”

  Alice blinked in surprise. “You’re… trusting him, big sister Lorina?”

  Lorina chuckled quietly, a faint smile appearing on her face.

  “I simply don’t want to make this situation worse than it already is.”

  She glanced briefly at Ryo. “And besides… that man is far too stubborn to give up.”

  Ryo internally groaned, “Wonderful, I’m being called stubborn by the person who’s the most stubborn here.”

  Alice lowered her head slightly. “I’m sorry for causing trouble, big sister.”

  Then she turned to the youngest sister. “You too, Edith.”

  Edith gave a bright smile.

  “I don’t understand what’s going on,” she said honestly, “but big sister Alice, you will be just fine!”

  Alice smiled gently at her. “Thank you, Edith, I will remain strong alongside my attorney.”

  Lorina and Edith leaned forward at the same time.

  Their foreheads gently touched Alice’s forehead.

  Together, they whispered in unison. “May God protect you, Alice… our precious sister.”

  Alice nodded silently.

  Soon after, Lorina and Edith turned and left the prison building.

  Heimdall watched them go before turning toward Ryo with a pleased smile. “Fine words, young man.”

  Ryo looked again at the White Tiger standing beside Heimdall.

  He then asked why a creature from forgotten Chinese folklore was with him, especially since Heimdall himself came from an ancient legend of Norse mythology.

  Heimdall explained that he had once crossed the bridge leading to the Xianglura Realm to handle certain matters there. While traveling along the path before reaching the city, he encountered the White Tiger. The creature was bleeding badly and clearly injured. Heimdall immediately recognized that it belonged to the Xianglura Realm.

  When he attempted to bring it back to the realm, the tiger suddenly roared and refused to return, almost as if it was afraid of something waiting there.

  That was when Heimdall realized something was wrong.

  He recalled that there had once been poachers who hunted along the path leading to that realm, and he assumed the White Tiger had likely been one of their targets.

  Because of that, Heimdall decided to take the creature in and treat its wounds. Eventually, he made the White Tiger his partner.

  From that moment on, the two of them became protectors of the Mydrovith Realm.

  Ryo then asked if Heimdall truly acted as a teacher or mentor to the Valkyries, since they had addressed him as “master” earlier.

  Heimdall confirmed that it was true.

  Before Brynhildr’s murder, when she was still commanding her division, she had personally recruited him to train the Valkyries. She had done so because of his achievements in the Upper Worlds—particularly when he defeated a Hr?svelgr that had been destroying lands across the Upper Worlds.

  Ryo was stunned when he heard that.

  He had heard of such a monster before. Hr?svelgr was a giant bird from Norse mythology, said to be responsible for the winds of the world.

  But the idea that it had once destroyed lands on the Earth’s surface was shocking.

  Ryo assumed that this must be one of those truths that had never been recorded in mythological stories.

  Curious, Ryo then asked Heimdall what life was like now that he had taken Brynhildr’s place.

  Heimdall admitted that the position was a great opportunity, but he disliked how it happened. He would have preferred for Brynhildr to still be alive and personally pass the position on to him.

  Instead, the Valkyrie unit had been forcefully recruited by the Queen of Hearts. Brynhildr stepped down in frustration—and soon after, she was murdered. Then Thor, the former ruler of Mydrovith, appointed him as the new commander.

  Ryo briefly considered telling Heimdall the truth.

  He wanted to reveal that Eos is the culprit—or at least an accomplice—behind Brynhildr’s murder.

  But he decided against it.

  If Heimdall heard that, he would likely react in blind rage, searching for Eos to kill her. And there was a good chance that Ryo himself would get dragged into that conflict.

  He didn’t have time for that.

  Ryo needed to reach the Xianglura Realm today to investigate the murder that had occurred there.

  However, something Heimdall mentioned caught his attention.

  Poachers along the path to the Xianglura Realm.

  That sounded suspicious.

  Especially the part about them hunting the White Tiger.

  So Ryo asked for more details regarding these poachers.

  Heimdall said he suspected that the poachers might actually be accomplices involved in the murders occurring in the Xianglura Realm—or possibly across other realms in Wonderland.

  Ryo was shocked to hear that.

  It was strange hearing Heimdall mention accomplices after Ryo himself had just chosen to hide the truth about Eos.

  Still, Ryo kept quiet about her involvement.

  Instead, he asked Heimdall why he suspected the poachers were accomplices.

  Heimdall explained that when he found the injured White Tiger on the path to Xianglura a month ago, an envoy had approached him. The envoy claimed to have witnessed the attack on the tiger.

  And according to the envoy, it had not been a simple hunt.

  Ryo asked how.

  Heimdall said the envoy explained that the tiger had been attacked with spears. Fortunately, the blows struck non-vital areas, which is why the tiger survived.

  However, the worst part was what came next.

  The attackers had filmed the entire thing using a camera.

  While recording the attack, they had happily shouted that The Queen of Hearts would be pleased with this footage.

  Even stranger, their clothing appeared to belong to all five realms.

  That detail immediately reminded Ryo of something Tyr and Sobek had told him earlier.

  Nezha and Agnar had once beaten Sobek while recording the entire assault on camera.

  The similarity was unsettling.

  Ryo asked if the envoy had mentioned anything else—perhaps if someone among the blighted deities or members of the Queen of Hearts’ court might be responsible for the murders in Xianglura and the other realms.

  Unfortunately, Heimdall said there were no additional clues.

  Still, he told Ryo that he hoped the young attorney would uncover the truth himself.

  Ryo replied that it was fine.

  Investigating was his job, after all.

  With that, their conversation came to an end.

  Heimdall announced that he would return to the Mydrovith Realm with the White Tiger. Stepping outside the prison building, he mounted the tiger’s back and told the Valkyries to cheer up, offering them a few encouraging words. The Valkyries saluted back, feeling better. Moments later, the massive beast galloped away.

  Soon the two of them disappeared from the area.

  Ryo turned toward Alice. “Alright, Alice. Me and White Rabbit will be leaving now to continue our investigation. We’re about to head to the Xianglura Realm.”

  He began to turn away.

  But suddenly—

  Alice grabbed the sleeve of his coat through the prison bars. “Wait!”

  Ryo turned back. “What is it?”

  Alice hesitated slightly before speaking. “Ummm… please give my regards to big sister Chang’e.”

  Ryo smiled gently. “Yeah. I will.”

  Alice then picked up a book titled Alice and Chang’e in the Moonlit Wonderland and handed it to him.

  Ryo looked at the book curiously. “Isn’t this your secret project that you and Chang’e made? Why give it to me?”

  Alice smiled softly. “I want you to pass it to her so she knows I’m still thinking about her… and how thankful I am.”

  She held the bars gently. “Because she’s the person in Wonderland I’m closest to. I see her as my big sister too… aside from my real big sister, Lorina.”

  Ryo nodded. “You got it.”

  He slipped the book into his backpack.

  Then he turned to Ra. “As for you, Mr. Pessimistic Spin-off White Knight… don’t worry. I still don’t plan on losing the final trial.”

  Ra rolled his eyes. “Just get going, strange foreign man.”

  Ryo, baffled, thought. “I haven’t been called by that famous nickname since my previous case. Shouldn’t it be ‘Surface Man’ here in Wonderland instead?”

  Ryo and White Rabbit waved goodbye to Alice and Ra.

  Alice waved back warmly.

  Ra didn’t bother.

  Soon after, Ryo, White Rabbit, and Dinah stepped out of the prison building.

  Behind them, the Valkyries shut the door and locked them.

  Outside, Lorina immediately approached Ryo, her expression fierce as she warned him that she was counting on him to save Alice. If he failed, she would personally punish him.

  Ryo raised a brow, looking slightly fearful, but he assured her it would not be a problem.

  Beside her, Edith innocently said she would wait patiently for her sister Alice.

  Ryo smiled and promised that Alice would return to her safe and sound.

  Bob said he and everyone outside had heard all the drama inside. He asked if everything was settled and if they were ready to go to the Xianglura Realm with him.

  Ryo and White Rabbit both said yes.

  Nearby, Viking Fish and Viking Frog announced that they would guide Lorina, Edith, and Dinah back to the Mydrovith Realm—to the Duchess’s house.

  White Rabbit told them to be careful on their way back.

  Afterwards, Lorina, Edith, Viking Fish, and Viking Frog mounted their bikes. Dinah jumped into the basket of Lorina’s bicycle, and together they pedaled toward Mydrovith.

  Meanwhile, Ryo, White Rabbit, and Bob climbed onto their own bikes.

  With Bob leading the way, the three of them began pedaling toward the Xianglura Realm.

  The path stretched ahead through the strange lands of Wonderland.

  But as they rode, Ryo couldn’t get Heimdall’s words out of his head.

  Poachers.

  Spears.

  Cameras.

  And the phrase they shouted while filming.

  The Queen of Hearts would be pleased with this footage.

  The wind rushed past Ryo’s ears as they pedaled toward the distant bridge leading to Xianglura.

  Something about that story didn’t sit right with him.

  And the closer they rode toward that realm…

  The more Ryo began to feel that someone—perhaps those very same poachers…

  … might already be waiting for them along the path.