Extra-Changing Fate

Chapter 10 ==Near Death==

"You can go back home first; I want to look around the capital a bit," I told Ellie as we stepped out of Moonlight's jewelry shop, the newly released Moon Tears accessory now safely in our possession.

"Are you sure I shouldn't come with you?" she asked, her voice laced with worry. "I'm fine. Just guard the jewelry from Sister's clutches; she must have heard by now that I've bought something new," I reassured her. After a moment of thought, she nodded.

"I understand if that is your wish, My Lady, but please be back before five for dinner," she said, patting my head gently before heading towards our carriage. We exchanged waves as they set off, leaving me alone on the bustling capital streets.

I slipped into a nearby clothing shop, wanting to change into something less conspicuous. I knew it was probably pointless, given the rarity of my golden eyes and hair, but I still wanted to try. My real intention was to buy some trousers. I figured I could wear them under my skirt – a trick I learned back on Earth for those unexpected adventures when wearing a skirt or gown.

My plan was to scale some buildings. Besides the Moon Tears, I needed something for defense. Something to protect myself from my sister and the princess's inevitable assassination attempts. The Marquis and the Prince's very public declarations of affection had only worsened things.

Sister Amelia had initially been fine with the Marquis showering me with gifts, seeing it as a chance to remove me from the marriage market. But her hopes were dashed when, just hours later, the Prince presented his own 'token of love.' These two male leads, whom I'd been trying to keep at arm's length, continued to orbit me. But this would all change when the heroine finally arrived, exactly six months later, at Prince Benjamin's eighteenth birthday party. And yes, my dear sister Amelia was older than him by a few months.

I paid for the trousers, slightly surprised that the clerk didn't bat an eye at my unusual request. Perhaps living in Moonlight made people less easily shocked.

I then made my way into a dark alley, searching for the auction house rumored to be hidden there. If the Moon Tears were so valuable, what could the item being auctioned now be worth? It was an amulet, described in the story as a powerful yet underrated defensive tool. I remembered reading that the 'De Amuleté' had been won by someone who didn't even realize its true purpose, which was why the highest bid was a mere 50,000 jewels.

Its appearance was plain, nothing beautiful or eye-catching, which explained why it had been overlooked. But I was willing to bid whatever it took to acquire it. I was that desperate.

Clutching the mask I intended to wear inside, even though I knew it wouldn't hide my golden eyes, I began to climb the ladder leading to the auction house entrance. Dress codes, after all. The high rungs proved difficult for my petite frame, and I found myself struggling.

Then, my foot slipped. I lost my grip and started to fall.

Was this the end? I wondered, looking up as my destination grew further away. A small smile touched my lips. If fate is kind... it will help me.

I closed my eyes, bracing for the impact. I almost wished for death, but then again, what if I was granted a new life instead? Who knew?

I waited what felt like a long time for my body to connect with the hard ground. Slowly, I opened my eyes and saw someone. I blinked, taking in the sight of a man with golden hair, a shade lighter than my own eyes, and eyes the color of the clear sky.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice gentle.

"Yes... thank you for saving me," I replied quickly, scrambling to get out of his arms.

My cheeks flushed as I realized the position we were in. I glanced at his attire – a cloak suggested he was on some sort of mission.

"Why would you climb such steep ladders, Young Lady?" he inquired, his tone still soft.

"For things... and thank you again for catching me. I'll be on my way," I said, giving him a nod and a small smile.

I needed to get away from this man. He seemed like trouble. No offense, he was incredibly handsome... but why did he feel strangely familiar?

I started climbing the ladder again, this time with much more caution, determined not to fall a second time. It seemed fate had indeed been kind, sending a miracle to save me. I was grateful... but I swore to myself, I wouldn't be so reckless again.