Extra-Changing Fate ==Editing==

Chapter 12 ==The Power of her Past life==

Bang Bang

I watched Grandfather as he expertly shot birds out of the sky, a clear sign of the formidable Silverton he was known to be. He wasn't feared for nothing.

Here I was again, visiting him, but this time we were having tea together while he indulged in his rather violent hobby. As always, we were far from the main house, in a part of the Duchy where only Grandfather, Ellie, and I were allowed.

He had requested my presence twice a week, promising to tell me about the other person who shared my rare golden eyes. My curiosity was beyond measure.

"Do you know how to shoot, Alyssa?"

Grandfather's question interrupted my thoughts, drawing my attention back to him as he returned and settled into the seat opposite me. The table between us, set by Ellie, held steaming tea and an assortment of snacks.

"Will shooting prove something to you?" I countered, raising an eyebrow.

I wasn't just some ordinary girl from Earth, though that was the persona I had presented. My true past was a story for another day, a revelation I hesitated to make, fearing judgment. But one truth remained: I knew how to shoot, and I knew it well.

"If that's what you think, then yes... it would be much better if you can shoot more than I did," he stated, glancing at the basket filled with the lifeless birds he had felled.

"Then allow me to humor you, Grandfather," I declared, rising from my seat and effortlessly lifting the heavy gun.

"Do you think she can shoot a gun, Ellie?" Grandfather asked, his gaze fixed on me.

"Perhaps, My Lord, but there's nothing in her demeanor to suggest such a skill," Ellie replied cautiously.

"But the way she holds the gun, with such confidence... she's more than just the family's black sheep," Grandfather mused.

"We will soon find out, My Lord, but in my opinion... she's someone not to be underestimated," Ellie concluded as I took aim at the birds soaring in the sky.

Bang Bang

Two birds fell with my first two shots. Ellie went to retrieve my kills as I continued to target the flock above. I kept shooting, quickly surpassing Grandfather's count. Neither he nor Ellie showed the shock I might have expected. Grandfather must have suspected I had inherited Father's genes – the genes of a war hero.

I smoothed down my long, white hair and returned to my seat as Ellie applauded my performance.

"A majestic performance you've shown, My Lady," she said. I offered a small smile and took a sip of my cooling tea.

"So, what do you think of my performance, Grandfather? Does it meet your standards? Will you now tell me about the other golden-eyed person?" I asked, meeting his lighthearted smile.

"A very magnificent performance, Alyssa. It makes me wonder how you hid such talent from everyone in the family all these years," he replied, his smile widening slightly.

"I know I have the skills, but you shouldn't try to change the topic, Grandfather. That's against our rules," I reminded him, preventing him from avoiding my question.

"I see that I couldn't fool you, my granddaughter. But even if your performance is already beyond amazing, it's not enough for my approval... you must simply prove yourself more. Who knows what else you've kept hidden all these years?" he challenged, his smile unwavering despite my slight frown.

"I know you can do it, My Lady. After all... you are Lady Alyssa Glaze Silverton, my master," Ellie added, her words filled with unwavering faith. I offered her a grateful smile.

"But even so, I'm not cruel enough to leave your display unrewarded, Alyssa," Grandfather suddenly said, drawing my attention back to him. "...I will give you anything you want, whether it be information, jewels, money... anything at all," he offered, subtly boasting of his vast resources.

"I want information, Grandfather... if you don't mind," I requested. His eyebrow arched, but his smile remained.

"Go on..."

"I want to know where Grandmother hid the Key of the Celestial Safe." My words seemed to take him aback.

"Even Edward didn't know about the safe's existence. It seems you've found one of her journals," he said, a hint of surprise in his voice. I smiled faintly.

I had indeed discovered a piece of Grandmother's journal tucked away in a forgotten corner of the library. It baffled me that no one had found it until now. And I knew the immense importance and power of the Celestial Keys – rare magical artifacts that had survived the fading of magic in this world, passed down through generations.

"I was quite fortunate to find a piece of Grandmother's journal, and it contained information about the Celestial Keys," I confirmed.

Grandmother had possessed all twelve zodiac keys. After her death, she had placed them in an unbreakable safe, protected by Taurus's magic. The journal indicated that Grandfather knew who held the key to that safe.

"If you want the Key, then find Virgo... she has the key to that safe. And if you want to know her location, prove yourself to me first," he stated firmly. I nodded in understanding.

"Then I must prepare my future performance... in the hope that Grandfather will be pleased," I replied, and he nodded in acknowledgment.

It wasn't as if I expected to get the key immediately. I knew Grandfather wouldn't allow that. All I wanted for now was information, and that was enough.

Virgo?

So she was here, outside of the Celestial World. It would be incredibly lucky if I ever found her first, which seemed impossible since I didn't even know what she looked like.

That left only one option: to prove myself to Grandfather. That was the most straightforward path.

I wondered what aspect of myself I should reveal to him next time.