Extra-Changing Fate

Chapter 20 ==The King==

"Ellie, you can see my memories, right?"

I asked, watching Ellie's hands deftly fasten the buttons of my dress. Mother was due to arrive today, and a burning curiosity gnawed at me – I needed to know what had happened between my brother and the past Alyssa.

"Yes, I can, my lady," she replied, her gaze steady, "but if it concerns Young Master Francis... I'm afraid I cannot share anything regarding that matter." Her explanation brought a pout to my lips.

"Is it so terrible that you're forbidden to tell me?" I pressed, and she offered a small, regretful nod.

"The former Grand Duke ensured that you wouldn't be privy to what transpired between you and your brother," she explained, and I let out a frustrated sigh.

"I understand. If Grandfather wished for the past to remain sealed, then I won't press the issue... But you know how curious I am about why Brother is creating such a distance between us," I confessed, my voice laced with a hint of sadness. Ellie gently patted my head.

"My lady, knowing would only bring you pain. Let the past remain in the past, and let's head to the entrance to greet your mother," Ellie said softly, taking both my hands in hers and guiding me to stand, facing her. Her smile was radiant, and I couldn't help but return it.

"I understand. I can endure Mother's coldness, right?" I declared, seeking her reassurance. She nodded, pressing a light kiss to my forehead. A sudden surge of strength and confidence coursed through me.

As expected, Ellie was a zodiac. But which one? Aries? Libra? Aquarius? I ran through the names of the female zodiacs in my mind. Had Grandmother allowed them to roam freely? And had Grandfather entrusted a zodiac to care for me?

"My lady, it seems that Lady Amelia has already gone outside to wait for your mother," Ellie informed me, likely having sensed my sister's approaching footsteps.

I silently vowed to live a normal and quiet life in this reincarnation. No one might know this, but I had decided this the moment I realized I was merely an extra in this story. I needed to remind myself to avoid hasty actions and decisions, to not interfere with the plot. Just an extra...

But would I truly be content to live as one until the end? Until the story concluded?

As I walked through the mansion's hallways, I glanced at my family members. One was the story's villainess, the other a male lead. Each had a defined role. But why had the author relegated Alyssa to being an extra? She was already an outcast, and yet the author had made her fate even more miserable by decreeing her death. Would everything have changed if Alyssa had been the female lead, not Catherine, who had simply waltzed into the narrative, bearing a resemblance to Alyssa, and captured everyone's attention?

"Should I just run away?" I mumbled to myself as I continued towards the outside, where we were to meet Mother.

"Your last today as well, sister," Amelia's voice, laced with her usual condescension, reached my ears. She likely believed the secret letter I had received the other day was from the Prince.

Tomorrow, I would meet the Marchioness. I would finally see her and understand her intentions.

As we waited for Mother, a carriage arrived. Mother must have arrived, I thought. But then, another carriage followed closely behind. I turned slightly to observe that no one seemed particularly surprised by this second arrival.

The first carriage, the one we assumed held Mother, stopped before us. Maids immediately bowed deeply, a full ninety degrees, as the carriage door opened, revealing my mother. She was as beautiful as ever, seemingly untouched by time.

"Welcome back, Grand Duchess," the maids greeted in unison. Mother offered a slight nod before they straightened and returned inside, leaving the family to converse outside.

"Edward... how is the house?" Mother asked Father, who maintained his usual impassive expression. It was well-known that Mother was his sole weakness. No matter how formidable he appeared to the world, Mother held a greater power over him. "Welcome back, darling. I hope you had a safe trip," Father said, a rare hint of warmth in his voice as Mother offered him a small smile.

"It was wonderful, dear. And you, my dear son? Did you still rank first in the academy?" M Mother asked Brother, momentarily forgetting that he had completed his final exams and was preparing for graduation, having only returned home for his birthday.

"Yes, Mother. It's a pity my reign had to end as I'm graduating," Brother replied with a touch of playful drama. Mother smiled and patted his head before turning to Sister.

"Amelia, did you eat well? Not dieting?" M Mother inquired, her sharp gaze assessing Sister's complexion. Amelia could only bite her lip, knowing Mother was aware of her efforts to achieve a waist as small as mine.

"Umm... Welcome back, Mother," she stammered, attempting to deflect the question with a smile. But Mother's knowledge of the household was extensive; she had eyes and ears everywhere, observing each of us.

She then turned towards me, and I offered a respectful bow. "Welcome back, Mother," I greeted. Mother's expression remained neutral as she scanned me from head to toe.

"How is Father?" she asked, her gaze piercing. I met her intensity. "He has been healthy since I have taken it upon myself to care for him," I stated firmly. She nodded slowly.

"Good. There must always be a Silverton close to Father. I trust you will continue in this role until his last breath," she instructed, and I gave a curt nod.

"Understood," I replied. Inwardly, I thought, I'll likely die before Grandfather does.

"Mother, whose carriage is that?" Sister Amelia inquired, her gaze fixed on the silent carriage that had followed Mother's.

"Oh! That's our guest," Mother replied, turning towards it and engaging in a brief conversation with someone inside the window. Then, the door began to open.

"It seems that the King has visited earlier than expected," Father remarked, his eyes fixed on the approaching figure.

The King? His Highness Frederick Stirlingshire wasn't due to arrive until next week. Why was he here, earlier than anticipated?

"Everyone, give His Highness a warm welcome to our home," Mother announced as I stepped forward for a clearer view. My gaze darkened as I recognized the person emerging from the carriage.

"Good day to you all. I hope my earlier-than-expected visit is not a bother," he said with a charming smile, his eyes briefly flicking in my direction.

Earlier than expected, my ass. He's been here for months!

"Not at all, Your Highness. We are simply delighted by your arrival," Father replied smoothly, and I bit my lip.

Had I just dug my own grave? The man who had repeatedly saved me in those dark, secluded alleys... was the King!

Shit. What had I just gotten myself into?