Extra-Changing Fate

Chapter 13 ==Assignment==

"My Lady, I heard that Madam has successfully signed a contract with the fabric business in the West," Ellie said, gently brushing my long, wavy white hair as I listened intently.

This clothing business was destined for great success, one that would elevate the Silverton family's power and wealth to new heights, likely stirring jealousy within the imperial family.

Especially since, around this time, a hidden character would emerge, becoming another rival for the heroine's affections alongside the Prince. This was the Second Prince of the Western Kingdom, who was visiting our kingdom under the guise of fostering peace. He would notice the heroine's indifference to the Crown Prince and, like so many others, gradually fall for her.

The Second Prince was also my second cousin, as his father, the Emperor of the West, was Grandfather's nephew. However, with Alyssa seemingly out of the romantic picture, this would be the first time the Prince met his relatives in the Eastern Empire.

When Sister Amelia discovered her cousin's feelings for her romantic rival, she would try to push him to court or even steal the heroine away from the Crown Prince. But thanks to the Prince's unwavering love – or rather, obsession – for the heroine, the hidden character would eventually back down, much to Sister's fury.

In short, after next year, once the fabric business flourished, I would likely meet this royal cousin of mine. A hidden figure in the book, a handsome rogue who held the surprising title of King of the Underworld.

That's right, despite his royal blood, he also reigned over the criminal underworld. It wasn't that he gave up on the heroine because he was intimidated by the Prince's obsession; rather, he realized she wasn't worth fighting for. She wasn't worth jeopardizing the peace between two empires and two kingdoms.

I mean, Catherine was just a Viscount's daughter who had lived her entire life in the countryside. She was naive and oblivious to many things, traits my cousin apparently disliked. So, he let them be, allowing their love to blossom without his interference, unlike my brother, the Young Grand Duke, and the Young Marquis, who both desired to marry me.

It felt strange sometimes, talking as if I were older than them when I was actually the youngest.

"My Lady, it seems the rumors surrounding you have quieted down since your last public appearance days ago. How about a walk in the park, My Lady, to clear your mind?" Ellie suggested as I rose from the chair by the mirror and went to the window.

I peered out, checking for any unfamiliar or familiar carriages coming and going.

"Do you happen to know Sister's schedule?" I asked her, my gaze drifting towards the displays of our family's business goods.

"I overheard the maids saying that Lady Amelia will be visiting Moonlight again today. It seems that's her assignment for the month," Ellie replied, causing me to sigh.

"I wonder if she can figure out who the freaking damn owner of that place is," I muttered, recalling Father's words from the previous night.

"Won't you be doing your part of the assignment, My Lady?" Ellie asked as she tidied my bed. "Nah... it's such a drag to do something I know is impossible. Besides, if I somehow did succeed, others might start giving me unwanted attention," I responded, taking a sip of the tea she had prepared earlier.

The monthly assignment, a tradition every year, always involved Father trying to uncover the owner of Moonlight, just like countless other merchants and nobles before him. It never ended well for them. Sister knew it was likely futile, but she craved recognition. She wanted people to see her as more than just a young lady.

She consistently ranked second in our monthly evaluations, while Brother always secured first place as the heir to the Duchy, no matter how hard Sister tried. I, on the other hand, never bothered with the assignments and invariably remained last in the family rankings.

Both Father and Mother were excluded from this ranking system, leaving us children to complete these tasks to be recognized as true and pure-blooded Silvertons. It was a flawed system, relying solely on rankings without considering the possibility of underhanded tactics.

However, I should at least make an appearance at Moonlight, as if I were participating in the assignment, to appease Grandfather. I needed him to acknowledge me and finally reveal the identity of the person with golden eyes. I should at least fulfill Alyssa's deep-seated desire to know the origin of her unique eyes.

"Ellie, prepare my attire. I'll be visiting Moonlight..." I announced, standing up. Ellie gave me her usual impassive look.

"Will you be doing the assignment, My Lady?" she inquired. I snorted softly. "Ah, no? It's such a drag to do something I know I can't. I'll just at least show Grandfather that I am a Silverton," I stated, earning a slight smile from Ellie.

"You are a Silverton, My Lady. You know those rankings are meaningless," she reassured me, patting my head gently. "You are one of the purest Silvertons, even purer than your father and any ancestor before you," she added, bringing a small smile to my lips.

"Then, I should at least act like I'm enthusiastic about this assignment. Do your magic on me, Ellie," I instructed, rising from my seat.
"Then allow me to doll you up, My Lady..." she replied, and began her work.

Instead of trying to uncover the elusive owner of Moonlight, I would much rather search for Virgo. A Celestial Being who was one of Grandmother's most trusted allies.

In the story, Virgo was only mentioned as living in the capital, disguised as a noble lady...

So, one of the many noble ladies in the kingdom was Virgo...

And that was the first step in finding her.