No - She can Handle it Herself

Three camps in total, each numbering about a hundred men. Brigands from various kingdoms, some being nothing more than farmers with pitchforks, while others were experienced veterans who had deserted the armies in favor of a more lucrative occupation. These were the bandits harassing the southern border, pillaging villages, and raiding merchant convoys, costing the kingdom thousands in revenue and more than a few lives. The garrison down south seemed helpless, completely unmatched and unable to handle the situation. Horses didn't do well in the desert, and there weren't enough soldiers to spread evenly across the entire border. By the time the bandits are noticed and the garrison assembled, it would already be too late.

Plus, Alice suspected there was more to the story. Kurtis knew their locations, and though these bandits were crafty and cunning, they'd never be able to withstand the full might of Gardius' armies, even if the armies were fractured and ill-disciplined. But for whatever reason, he's sitting on his hands, content to watch from afar. Was there actually some truth to her hypothesis? She'd need to investigate further, and that meant going down there. On a quick steed, without any slow escorts or luggage, she estimates that it would be a little over a full day's journey, which suited her just fine. The only people she needed were Kathy and Finley anyways.

Once she was there, she'd use her imperial powers to make some changes and handle the situation herself. Technically, she held no real authority, as the garrison obeys the generals, who obeys the king, but she figures she could change that easily. Men enjoy winning, and the southern garrison was doing anything but. When she comes to their salvation and shows them how it's done, they'll be on their needs begging her to stay.

After that, she'll ensure that news of her victory makes it back to the capital, boosting her popularity with the citizens and catapulting her ahead of her useless brothers. With that, she'll easily ascend-

"Alice, more tea?" Katherine says softly, knocking the princess out of her daydream. With a small smile, Alice nodded and offered her the cup. It was good to have someone to keep her grounded, lest her lofty ambitions carry her too close to the sun like Icarus.

"Kathy, make preparations," Alice declares, rising to her feet and folding up her deciphered map. "We're heading to the south at first light tomorrow."

"I won't even ask why," the maid replies with a wry smile of her own. "It will be done. Just us three?"

"Always."