Fred said confidently, "Of course, Your Majesty. The experiment will—"

Before he could finish, the queen smiled. "Good. Since you've said as much, I can stop worrying now."

"You absolutely should!" Surprised by the queen's easy acquiescence, Fred thought she still trusted him as she once had.

However, several guards entered. Fred frowned. "Who told you to come in? Get out!"

His words were ignored, and the guards surrounded him. "Did you not hear me? Who do you work for?" Fred demanded. "Get out of here, or I'll kill you!"

"Do you think they'll listen to you?" the queen asked.

Fred's puzzlement quickly turned to understanding. "You arranged this?"

The queen merely smiled, her answer implicit.

Fred laughed heartily. "No wonder you're so calm. I underestimated you, my dear queen."

The queen sneered in reply.

"Do you really think they can stop me, though?" Fred pointed at the guards. "Your Majesty, you may be prepared, but so am I. Do I seem naive enough to begin the experiment without full preparations?"

Laughing maniacally, he clapped his hands. Another group of men rushed in, weapons drawn, confronting the guards and the queen.

Rhea and others were stunned. Rhea eyed the guards warily. She didn't understand the political maneuvering, but she saw Fred held the advantage. He had prepared not only for the experiment but also for this confrontation.

She dared not antagonize him.

"What are you going to do with such a few men, Your Majesty?" Fred approached the queen, his expression smug and triumphant.

"Looks like you've brought quite a few people with you, Fred," the queen replied, unfazed by the numerous weapons pointed at her.

Fred smiled. "I wouldn't dare to restrict your freedom, or even speak so freely, if I weren't fully prepared, Your Majesty."