Extra-Changing Fate

Chapter 3 == A game of Chess==

"Are you also going to Princess Arabella's 18th birthday, Sister?"

I heard Sister Amelia's voice, a gentle smile gracing her lips as we ate breakfast. Just the three of us, along with Father.

One of our family's unbreakable rules: no matter how demanding life gets, we must share a meal together if we're within the mansion's walls. It was a comforting tradition. Even with Father's relentless schedule, he always made time for dinner, even if only Amelia, Father, and I were present.

Mother was currently in the Western Kingdom, attending to her various businesses. Brother was at the academy, his return eagerly anticipated a month before their shared 18th birthday – a milestone still five months away. Before I could even form a response to Amelia's question, Father's firm voice cut through the quiet morning.

"The two of you must attend. Cancel all your previous engagements," Father stated with an air of authority as he continued his meal.

"We understand, Father," Amelia and I replied in unison.

"And make sure to choose your presents wisely. You both know how fond she is of material things," he added, his gaze sweeping between us. We simply nodded in acknowledgment.
Princess Arabella Charlington... the infamous psycho princess.

In the original story, she became one of the main villainess's loyal followers, her obsession fueled by an unrequited love for the young Marquis of Letricia. When she discovered his interest lay with the heroine, a fierce jealousy consumed her, driving her to aid the villainess in her cruel schemes.

Surprisingly, she escaped severe punishment due to the male lead's pity. Instead, she was banished from the kingdom, never to set foot in the Eastern Kingdom again.

But I had a different plan. I was going to buy her a present.

A present for the Princess.

Once breakfast was finished, I rose from my chair and offered a respectful bow to my father and sister, who were now engrossed in their own conversation. "May I excuse myself?" I asked Father, waiting for his nod of approval.

"Yes, you may, Alyssa."

Hearing his permission, I bid them farewell and returned to the quiet sanctuary of my room, ready to prepare for my journey.

I stepped out of the same grand doors I had used just last week. My previous trip had been fruitful, as the investigators, following my discreet hints, had successfully captured the illegal slave traders.

The news had spread three days ago, and the Emperor's displeasure was palpable. Who wouldn't be furious when their illicit operations were exposed?

That's right... the mastermind behind that vile trade was none other than the Emperor himself, his twisted desires leading him to enslave orphaned children.

"Come one, come all! If you can defeat this young man in a game of chess, you will be rewarded handsomely!"

My steps faltered as I turned towards the commotion. A crowd of townspeople had gathered, their attention fixed on a particular spot.

Curiosity piqued, I slowly made my way through the throng. I watched as another challenger was swiftly defeated by a cloaked figure seated at a simple wooden table.

A slight smile touched my lips, hidden beneath the wide brim of my hat, which also concealed my hair.

"Who will challenge him next?" the host called out again. With a gentle smile, I stepped forward. "Ooh... a young lady has stepped forward!" the host exclaimed as I took the empty seat opposite the cloaked man.

"Do you know the rules, young lady?" the host inquired. "Just the basics, but who knows what might happen," I replied casually, earning a nod from the host.

"Let the game begin."

"You may make the first move, miss." The deep voice of my opponent surprised me; judging by its tone, he couldn't be much older than myself.
I began by moving the pawn in front of my king, and he mirrored my move.

I could sense the subtle shock rippling through the onlookers. In this world, women rarely engaged in intellectual pursuits like chess. Not even my brilliant sister, nor my politically astute mother, not even the Empress or the esteemed Archduchess, had ever shown any interest in the game. They believed they lacked the opportunity, so they never bothered to learn.

But my past life had gifted me with the knowledge of chess long before my reincarnation into this world.

The game was intense. This man possessed a skill that would rival some of my friends back on Earth, but it wasn't enough to overcome my strategic mind.

"Checkmate," I declared softly, moving my queen to a position where it threatened his king, supported by my bishop.

"Well... we have a winner!" The crowd erupted in astonished murmurs. I quickly descended from the makeshift stage and approached the host at a more secluded spot.

"Here is your reward—"

"Instead of money... do you happen to have any moonstones?" I interrupted the host.

"Moonstones? Of course, how many would you like?" he asked.

"Five stones, if possible... with varying sizes," I requested. The host nodded and disappeared into a nearby storage area.

"I thought you only knew the basics."

A voice startled me. I turned to see my opponent from the chess game standing behind me. "It was merely luck, young sir," I replied with a polite smile.

"You are the first person, aside from my father, to ever defeat me in chess," he confessed, a hint of admiration in his tone.

"What an honor, I suppose," I responded lightly.

He fell silent for a moment before slowly removing his cloak. I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the handsome features now revealed.

"I'm Killian, and please, let's dispense with the formalities," he said, a charming smile gracing his lips. I chuckled softly.

"I see... even without me removing my hat, you must already know who I am, am I right, Killian?" I stated, meeting his gaze.

"You are nothing like the—"

"Here are your stones, miss... if you're interested—"

"I must take my leave. I have an event to attend tomorrow," I interjected, cutting off the host as I quickly bid them both farewell and hurried off to complete my errands.

Killian?

A name that didn't exist within the pages of the book. In essence, he was a nameless extra. Yet, his presence and demeanor were undeniably significant.

He wasn't just anyone.

He must be someone important.