"Okay," Ross sighed, standing with raised hands. "I might not be able to help much. However, if you rescue the queen and stop Fred, I promise no one will hold you responsible for entering the embassy."

It was a significant commitment for Ross.

Alexander nodded. "We're counting on you, then."

"That must be it!" Austin exclaimed suddenly.

Puzzled, the others looked at him.

Austin cleared his throat. "I think I know what they're planning tomorrow! It has to be the R10 experiment!"

The others were shocked. Alexander asked, "You only just realized that?"

Although unsaid, Fred's plan to conduct the R10 experiment tomorrow was evident. Given Fred's singular focus on R10, he must have dedicated his entire workforce to it. Alexander found Austin's late realization surprising. He said sympathetically, "You should get more sleep. Lack of rest affects brain function, you know."

Austin was stunned. Upset, he retorted, "Are you saying my brain isn't functioning well?"

Mike, sitting closest, patted Austin's shoulder and sighed. "I never expected you to be slower than me."

Austin stared at Mike impassively.

Ross shook his head. "Aust, you've gotten… well, you know."

Austin's annoyance grew. "Come on, guys. How would I know what you were talking about? It could have been something other than R10, right?"

He attempted to explain, but the more he spoke, the less coherent he became.

The others rose and left one by one, intending to resume the discussion tomorrow. Austin watched them go, calling out, "Hey, I haven't finished talking yet! Mike? Your Highness? Alex!"

They ignored him. Soon, he was alone in the living room. Frustrated, Austin muttered inwardly, "What the hell, man?!"

Though Lily hadn't seen Fred, she sensed something was wrong. Over the past two days, the guards had seemed tense and somber, as if anticipating a significant event. Fred hadn't visited her, nor had Rhea. Dominic was also absent.