Extra-Changing Fate

Chapter 25 ==Misunderstandings==

"Lady Amelia's birthday will be the best of the century, won't it?"

I slowly sipped my tea, trying not to draw attention to myself in the crowded room.

"Of course it will be. She's our future Queen; she needs to prepare the best for herself and for the public," a lady whose name I didn't know and didn't plan on learning stated.

"That's true. And have you all received the invitations for her birthday?" As they mentioned the invitations, everyone's eyes turned to me.

Unfortunately, at the Queen's luncheon, I was the only one from our family attending because I was the only one free. People tended to ignore me, so yeah.

And rumors about the King arriving in the empire had started to spread like wildfire, but why weren't any of the ladies talking about it?

"Entering her Imperial Majesty, Empress Heralyn Charlington," the announcer declared as the Empress entered the room. Every young and old lady stood up to greet her.

"Please take a seat," she said, and everyone sat down, continuing their previous conversation.

"By the way, Lady Alyssa, do you have an engagement to announce?" the Queen suddenly asked, and I froze.

Wait... Engagement?!?! With whom?!

"Pardon me, Your Majesty, but... what engagement should I announce? And with whom?" I asked with a smile, not showing any nervousness.

"Are you sure you didn't know? Everyone in society already knows about it," a lady stated, and I laughed awkwardly.

"I don't know anything about that. I've been busy talking with the Marchioness, so I don't really know," I said, which wasn't entirely a lie because Lady Chloe and I had been having some nice conversations in the past few days. I glanced at the Marchioness, who gave everyone a smile, confirming that I was telling the truth.

"I see. Well... most people have seen you and the Marquis going out in town a few days ago, so we assumed you were already engaged to him," a lowly Countess stated, and I sighed loudly and was about to respond when—

"Who's engaged to whom?" a familiar voice asked, and I mentally cursed.

Ugh... Why did that damn princess enter the room at that exact moment...

"My darling! Welcome! We were just talking about the engagement between Lady Alyssa and the Marquis," the Queen enthusiastically told the Princess, whose gaze darkened as she looked at me.

If the Princess likes the Marquis, why can't she just tell him how she feels?! Is it because she's a princess and men just flock to her? Men showering her with love confessions? Or is it her pride? Why do ladies tend to act like brats? If this were the 22nd century, most girls would have already told their crush they liked them.

"I see. Then are you officially engaged, Lady Alyssa?" she asked me, glaring at me.

"Actually, no... everyone misunderstood. I've rejected the Marquis many times, and I plan to reject him even more in the future, so no need to be on guard, Princess," I said with a bright smile.

"Really? Well, what sad luck then. Well... I'm sure there are tons of men who would want you, Lady Alyssa," the Archduchess suddenly said, and everyone looked at her with confused expressions.

As she said those words, she looked at me with a wink...

What does she mean— Ack! Wait.... did she mean Kian?!?!

Sometimes—well, I always forgot that he was a subordinate of the Archduke... but did that include him telling his feelings to his boss?

"Such reassuring words, Archduchess," a Lady said with a clear hint of sarcasm.

Because everyone knew that only the Prince and the Marquis liked me, while the others treated me like a bug. Well, not that it mattered to me, but—

"By the way, Lady Alyssa, I've heard that you've met your cousin for the first time," Lady Chloe said with a smile.

"Ah yes, Prince Marcus from the West visited the Estate a few days ago, and would be attending sister's birthday, of course." As I confirmed that the Second Prince had arrived, everyone's eyes widened.

It was well-known that the Second Prince was handsome, which was why everyone was excited to meet him in person rather than just seeing his picture in newspapers.

A cousin whom I hadn't met since the first day he arrived. Well... we met when he arrived, but after that, he practically ran off, not showing his face to anyone.

But who cared what he did, as long as he didn't bother me... I'd be fine...

And I would prefer it if he didn't get in my way...