Soon after Rhea hung up the phone, someone summoned her to the laboratory. The abruptness of the call left her uneasy; something felt amiss.

She harbored her own plans. If her invisibility potion proved successful and her hypnotic drug worked consistently, she would no longer need Fred. These two creations would ensure her safety and freedom of movement.

The immortality experiment struck her as absurd—impossible to integrate two human beings, regardless of compatibility. Even organ transplants faced rejection; a procedure of such magnitude was unthinkable.

She would never voice this opinion to Fred. He was a staunch believer in the experiment and impervious to dissent. His obsession with the queen's immortality baffled her. Could he truly ensure a lifetime of wealth and glory through this? Why wouldn't he strive for his own immortality? The ambition of a man like Fred, so scheming yet so adamant about this experiment, was puzzling.

These thoughts occupied her as she reached the laboratory. Several people were present, their expressions serious, with Fred standing at their center.

"Well, it seems everyone's here," Fred remarked, glancing at Rhea. He gestured for them to be seated. "Tomorrow, we conduct a monumental experiment—the culmination of your tireless work." He looked around the room. "Those who've persevered have proven exceptionally talented and loyal. Rest assured, you'll all receive handsome rewards upon its success. Furthermore, you will leave your mark on history, remembered by the world!" He proclaimed this enthusiastically, arms outstretched.

Before, she might have been excited, envisioning a bright future. Now, however, after everything she'd endured, Fred resembled the leader of a pyramid scheme. He would reap the benefits of everyone else's labor. Remembering his abandonment of those at the research center, she wondered how many more he would discard after the experiment's success.

She watched him silently as others cheered.

"From now on, you all remain here, preparing," Fred announced after a pause. "You may return home only after the experiment succeeds."

"Huh?" A chorus of bewildered responses arose. "Why?"

"Your Grace, why can't we leave? The experiment is tomorrow, isn't it?"

"Yes, can't we at least return to our rooms to rest? We won't leave the embassy."