Extra-Changing Fate

Chapter 6 ==Argument and the Letter==

"Did you reject the young Marquis, Alyssa?"

The clink of my fork against the porcelain plate was the only sound that broke the brief silence.

I slowly set it down, daintily dabbed my lips with a linen napkin, and then met my father's stern gaze. His attention remained fixed on the steak he was meticulously slicing.

"What is wrong with my rejection of the Marquis, Father? It's not as if he was proposing marriage or anything of that sort," I stated calmly, though a hint of defiance laced my tone. He sighed, the sound heavy with unspoken expectations.

"That would have been a good opportunity for you to secure a suitable match, Alyssa," he countered, his words laced with what he likely perceived as concern. A faint, almost mocking smile touched my lips.

"Why? Because someone like me would find it difficult to marry someone of high standing? Am I correct, Father?" I challenged, watching disbelief flicker across his face.

Did they truly believe I was still the same, oblivious Alyssa?

Marriage?

Did they simply wish to marry me off to absolve themselves of any further responsibility?

To rid themselves of the daughter who had, in their eyes, brought dishonor upon the Silverton Duchy?

"Alyssa! This is for your own good!"

My own good?

How utterly absurd.

"Really? My good, or yours? Let me make this unequivocally clear, Father... I will not marry. That is my final decision," I declared, my voice firm, leaving no room for argument. He exhaled loudly, a sound of frustration and resignation.

I knew they likely wouldn't truly accept my declaration, but I felt compelled to voice it nonetheless. If I didn't establish my stance now, they would undoubtedly attempt to arrange a marriage for me, perhaps with a family from a neighboring kingdom or, even worse, a family of significantly lower status.
Not that I particularly cared about status.

But still... they should have shown at least a modicum of concern for their daughter, the one who was subjected to public disrespect, the one scorned by even the lowest maids and slaves within our household. The daughter they consistently looked down upon.

"You have become quite bold lately, Alyssa." Hearing his words, a small, knowing smile touched my lips. Before I could formulate a response, my sister interjected.

"Alyssa, it is a long-standing tradition that every lady must eventually be wed. You cannot simply declare that you will not marry," she stated, her tone laced with an impatience that betrayed her eagerness to see me married off.
So that she could secure her hold on the Prince, now that I was no longer a potential rival.

"That tradition applies to ladies like you, Sister Amelia. But for someone like me? I would much rather retreat and live in solitude than endure constant mockery," I retorted, finishing the last piece of my meal.

"Father, Alyssa is simply young. She will understand these traditions when she matures. Please, do not distress yourself," Amelia said, casting me a look of feigned concern that I met with incredulity.

They had no idea the perilous path I would tread if I became entangled with the Young Marquis.

"I suppose you are right, Amelia. Alyssa is still young... she will grasp these matters when she is older," Father conceded, shaking his head slightly.

Marry?

I would not marry. That was a principle I had adhered to since my life on Earth. Marriage and love were nothing but distractions, a hindrance to my goals. They were pursuits for the weak-minded.

"I have had enough. I shall take my leave now, Father," I announced, rising from my chair. Father nodded his assent.

"Very well. But do ensure you rest and contemplate this matter, Alyssa. You are no longer a child; it is time to consider your future seriously," he said, his tone grave. I chose to ignore the implied warning.

Future?

Perhaps they should concern themselves with their own futures. If the future they envisioned came to pass, I knew the likely fate that awaited them, and indeed, everyone in this kingdom, with the exception of those insignificant extras.

Extras like me...

"They should worry about themselves if they have time to worry about me," I muttered under my breath as I made my way back to my room.

Because out of everyone in this world, I was the only one who knew what the future held.

The heroine would arrive sooner than in the original story, ready to place the Prince firmly under her sway. That was their predetermined fate, and nothing would alter its course.

As for my own situation, the original Alyssa had perished when I took over her body. Even though her death occurred earlier than anticipated, Fate had already introduced an unforeseen twist with my very existence here.
Because my death was the catalyst for the protagonists' love story.

Why should I sacrifice myself for their happiness?

Wasn't that inherently unfair?

"Young Lady Alyssa, a letter has arrived for you." I turned to see one of the family's maids, a face unfamiliar to the main household. She must be from one of the family's branch residences.

"Who is it from?" I asked, accepting the offered letter. The family's crest was clearly visible on the seal.

"Your Grandfather wishes to meet with you. This is an invitation to dine with him in the West Wing," she informed me, causing my brows to furrow in surprise.

"I will consider it," I replied, offering a curt nod. She bowed respectfully before I retreated into the solitude of my room.

Grandfather?

The previous head of the Silverton family?

Why would he possibly want to meet with me?