Extra-Changing Fate ==Editing==

Chapter 5 == The Princess' Birthday Pt. 2 ==

"As expected, Lady Amelia Silverton is far more suited to be the prince's wife."

"She will make a magnificent Empress."

"From her beauty to her skills, there is nothing she cannot do."

The whispers, loud enough for me to clearly hear, followed the sight of the Prince twirling my sister Amelia across the dance floor.

This scene was entirely absent from the book. Not once did they dance together, because after my supposed death, our family had severed all ties with the Imperial family.

I remained quietly at the edge of the bustling ballroom, paying little mind to the opinions swirling around me regarding my sister's unexpected connection with my former fiancé.

In a way, I had foreseen this possibility. Given their personalities and prominent positions, some form of contact was almost inevitable.

While the other nobles might harbor disdain for me, they still offered perfunctory greetings during unavoidable encounters. Their bows and acknowledgments lacked genuine respect, a clear reflection of my perceived low status within my own family.

There was a pressing matter I needed to address, a question that had long lingered in Alyssa's thoughts: why did her eyes possess a different hue than the other Silvertons, and why did she lack the remarkable talents that defined her siblings, rendering her seemingly ordinary?

"It seems that you are not enjoying this party very much, Lady Alyssa."

A voice startled me. I looked up to see the elegant Archduchess, a distinguished guest at the birthday celebration.

A woman of remarkable beauty, she appeared far younger than her years, often mistaken for a young lady by foreign ambassadors. They found it hard to believe she had once given birth, a joy that was tragically short-lived with the loss of her child.

"A pleasant good evening to you, Archduchess," I replied, offering a respectful bow. "No need for such formality, Alyssa. You know how close I am to your mother, and I have always considered you like one of my own," she said warmly, her words eliciting a small smile from me.

"Perhaps the party is not entirely to your liking either, Archduchess?" I inquired, my tone subtly hinting at a shared understanding. Her right brow arched slightly, a flicker of surprise in her eyes, as if questioning whether she had heard correctly.

"You are not wrong about that... but it seems a little bird has whispered in my ear that the golden-eyed princess of Silverton knows how to play chess." I froze, the Archduchess's hushed words sending a jolt of realization through me.

So, the young man I had encountered was one of the Archduke's men?

"Chess? Are you certain there isn't some mistake?" I asked, feigning disbelief. A mysterious smile played on her lips, fueling my curiosity.

"You didn't seem particularly shocked when that small establishment readily provided you with five moonstones... and our family happens to be the largest supplier of such gems," she whispered again, a knowing glint in her eyes. A faint smile touched my lips.

"That wasn't me, Archduchess. Why would a lady like myself know how to play such a game?" I countered, maintaining my innocent facade. She simply offered a gentle smile in return.

"There are individuals far more enigmatic than our ancient myths, and somehow, Alyssa, you are among them. Even I often find myself wondering if I truly know you," she confessed, taking a delicate sip of her wine.

Her mention of "enigmatic individuals" immediately brought one person to mind: the handsome young man, clearly not a commoner, whom I had defeated in chess.

In this world, chess was more than just a game; it was a testament to one's intellect. The skill of your opponent directly reflected their intelligence. And that young man I had faced was no ordinary player.

"You are not wrong, Archduchess. I often question whether I truly know my own identity," I admitted, a soft chuckle escaping her lips.

"I would love to continue our conversation... but it appears you have company, Lady Alyssa," she said, her gaze shifting. I turned to see the Young Marquis of Letricia approaching us.

"A pleasant good evening to you, Archduchess, and Lady Alyssa Silverton," he greeted us with a charming smile.

Allan Jay Letricia. A nineteen-year-old who had been appointed Marquis at the young age of seventeen following his father's passing. A highly sought-after bachelor who rivaled the Prince in both looks and talent, especially in swordsmanship, where they had both trained under my father.

He was also the quintessential second male lead – sweet and devoted, a stark contrast to the often obsessive main lead, fitting perfectly into the typical love triangle trope.

"Would you care for a dance, Lady Alyssa?" he asked, extending a gloved hand towards me.
And also... Princess Arabella's first and only love.

Interacting with him would be unwise, especially given the princess's volatile nature. It could place me in a precarious position, particularly since he was the object of many ladies' affections.

Things were already complicated enough for me as the family's black sheep, the one perceived flaw.

"I am sorry, Young Marquis, but I must decline your kind offer."