It was Austin's first meeting with Cameron, and he wondered how Cameron seemed to recognize him. Cameron noticed his puzzled expression and said, "Dr. Blanc told me you're a rare talent. Keep up the good work, and don't let him down."

Austin was surprised Dr. Blanc would speak so highly of him, especially to someone like Cameron. He saluted solemnly, exclaiming, "Yes, sir!" Alexander's lips twitched. "This way, Cameron."

Alexander allowed Cameron's aide to serve the tea in the spacious home office. Cameron rarely consumed anything outside for safety reasons.

Alexander suspected something was amiss when Cameron had been kidnapped. He'd wondered how Rhea had managed to drug and abduct him despite his careful security. His suspicions were correct; it was part of a larger plan, grander than Alexander had imagined.

"So, is the mastermind behind the organization an individual, a group, or a government?" Cameron asked directly. He valued his time and avoided idle chatter. "Based on our investigation, we believe it's the Queen of Yudonia."

Cameron's expression was grim, not surprised. 'If it is the queen, things will get tricky.'

Alexander rubbed his eyebrows, pondering in silence before continuing, "From our observations and the clues I've gathered, I think the queen is merely a puppet; the real mastermind is the duke."

"You mean Fred?" Cameron's deduction was swift.

Alexander enjoyed conversing with intelligent individuals like Cameron. He nodded. "We visited the embassy twice and met him there. He always smiled, but he seemed to be the decision-maker. The queen trusts Fred immensely in Yudonia. He's served her for many years, and her reliance on him has increased over the past five, especially since her health deteriorated. Fred has relayed most of the queen's decisions in recent years. Rumors have long suggested the queen has become Fred's puppet. The person responsible for the lab received his orders from Fred."

"So the queen has been under his control?" Cameron raised an eyebrow. 'If that's the case, it'll be advantageous for us.'

If the Queen of Yudonia were the mastermind, the situation could escalate into war unless Hyderland secured international support. However, if the queen was merely a puppet, and Duke Frederick the true culprit, the situation was more manageable. Bringing him down and liberating the queen would be morally justifiable.

"Well, that's just our speculation; we lack direct evidence," Alexander stated objectively. Acting without proof would be unwise.

Cameron acknowledged this but shifted the subject. "Where's Rhea?"