Extra-Changing Fate

Chapter 19 ==Successor Of Marchioness Viridian?==

The clinking of silver cutlery filled the grand dining room as serious discussions flowed between my sister, brother, and father. They spoke of business matters, things they likely assumed were beyond my understanding. Yet, I sensed a tension, a wrongness between my brother and the past Alyssa.

What had transpired between them?

A disturbing thought crept into my mind: had my brother fallen in love with the heroine simply because she resembled the original Alyssa? Was this the author's motive for Alyssa's demise – because the heroine was modeled after her?

It was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore my brother, especially after overhearing his blatant "siscon" tendencies. If the book's readers knew this, they would be utterly shocked. Their idol, the cold-hearted Grand Duke who never smiled, his aura supposedly shrouded in darkness, was weak, utterly defenseless, before his dear sister.

I had to admit, the original Alyssa must have possessed a remarkable charm to captivate so many hearts. However, not everyone succumbed to her allure. Her own sister harbored deep resentment, and it seemed the rest of the kingdom shared her sentiment.

Even if the Emperor didn't lift a finger against Alyssa, I was certain someone would eventually seek her end. Number one on that list, aside from my dear sister Amelia, was the psycho princess who wanted me gone because the Marquis favored me. Then there were the countless noble ladies who dreamt of becoming the Crown Princess, a Marchioness, or the future Grand Duchess.

Oh, how I wished someone could simply replace me in this life. Would anyone be willing to exchange souls?

But what was the point of such a wish?

I am trapped here forever.

Despite the looming dangers, a part of me was thrilled to have been reincarnated as an extra, especially one who held such a significant role in the story's unfolding.

"Alyssa, I've heard that you are acquainted with Sir Kian," Father's words cut through my thoughts, halting my movements.

"Pardon?" I asked, feigning ignorance.

"I advise you never to get close to him," Father continued sternly. "None of us know his true identity, and who knows if the Kian you've met is even real." His warning hung in the air, and I couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Couldn't they just let me live in peace? Why were they so intent on meddling in my affairs?

"Why should I?" I retorted, a lie forming on my lips. "Grandfather himself told me to get close to Kian, Father." It wasn't entirely true. Grandfather knew of my acquaintance with Kian, knew it was my own desire to find someone – someone who held the key to the zodiac of the Virgin. He hadn't explicitly ordered me to befriend him, but he was aware of our connection.

"Don't drag Father into this, Alyssa," Brother's voice held a chilling edge, as if trying to intimidate me.

"Yes, I will," I countered, meeting his gaze defiantly, "if you continue to go against my wishes." I was certain he sensed my growing rebelliousness. If pushed, I would become the Silverton everyone feared. But not yet. It was too soon.

"Are you going to rebel, dear sister? You'll go against Father's wishes?" Sister's voice dripped with false concern, but I saw the gleam of anticipation in her eyes. She was practically giddy at the thought of me being grounded for disobedience.

"Don't make me ground you, Alyssa," Father warned, his voice heavy.

"If you do ground me, Father," I countered, playing my trump card, "wouldn't that disappoint Grandfather? For grounding his precious granddaughter?"

Father didn't know the depth of Grandfather's affection for him. He desperately sought Grandfather's approval, and the thought of disappointing him would render all his years of preparation meaningless. I knew this because I had seen Grandfather's genuine smile whenever he spoke of Father during our tea times. It thrilled me that Father remained oblivious to Grandfather's quiet sacrifices, only perceiving a disappointed old man when that wasn't the truth at all. Grandfather had explained it all to me, after all. Wasn't I his favorite granddaughter?

I could feel Sister's envious gaze, wondering how I had managed to capture Grandfather's attention and become his favorite. She had no idea the lengths I went to please him, especially during my last visit. It had been a disaster, requiring me to retrieve a rare flower from the treacherous Forest of Death, a place teeming with poisonous snakes and other horrors. Had I not possessed the inherent strength of a Silverton, I surely would have perished that day.

Father remained speechless, my words effectively using Grandfather as a shield. I was prepared to play all my cards if he continued to be difficult, even if it meant running away and establishing my own power.

Finishing my meal, I rose from my seat, casting a final look at Father, who was now unable to scold me, fearing I would relay everything to Grandfather.

"I must go now, Father," I stated, my voice firm. "And remember, I will stay away from the family's succession. I will live my life in silence, and I hope you will never bother me again." With that, I turned and walked out of the dining room, my face deliberately set in a stern expression that made the maids, who once dared to mock me, shrink back in fear.

Returning to my room, I found Ellie sitting gracefully in one of the chairs. I couldn't shake the feeling that she wasn't entirely human.

Could she be one of the twelve Zodiacs? Her red hair and eyes were striking, but they didn't match Virgo's description of purple hair and eyes. If my hunch was correct, she belonged to one of the other female Zodiacs. But which one?

"My lady, has your luncheon finished?" Ellie's voice pulled me from my thoughts.

"I'm not having a great appetite because Father is being hard on me again," I replied, sinking onto my queen-sized bed.

"He wants you to avoid Mr. Kian, am I right?" she stated, and I nodded. It didn't surprise me that she could overhear our conversations. She possessed supernatural abilities akin to the Zodiacs, further fueling my suspicion about her true identity.

"My Lady, there's an invitation for you from the Marchioness of Viridian," Ellie announced, handing me a delicate letter.

"A private tea party?" I muttered, and she confirmed with a nod. "It seems she wants to meet you..."

Marchioness Viridian was known to be a sickly widow. The Marquis had passed away two years prior, leaving her childless. It was quite remarkable that she managed the vast estate despite her poor health.

"I see... it seems important," I mused, a silent smirk playing on my lips. She had no heir.

Could it be that she wished to see me as her successor?

_____

Question:

In Your Opinion, who do you think is the true ML?

A quick question for everyone because I'm curious on who do you all think the true ML is?

And just so you know, the 4th and the last one will be revealed next week!!!

Since her Mother will arrived the next day and the Invitation invites her in the weekend...

And also, for spoilers, they already meet in the past chapters..if you all had read carefully then you'll know that they've already meet

And I hope that I can hear each one of you all opinions about the ML of the story 😊