Extra-Changing Fate

Chapter 56 ==Plan to kill?!==

"This is where you'll be staying,"
the head maid announced, her voice flat and her expression colder than the stone walls of the castle.

I stepped into the room, trying not to roll my eyes. She didn't even try to hide the fact that she disliked me. Her tone, her walk, even the way she looked at me screamed "you don't belong here." She led me deep into the heart of Cordelia Castle, where, apparently, all the royal consorts stayed before the wedding.

I had heard of the Northern Kingdom's traditions. The bride and groom weren't allowed to see each other until the wedding day. Weird, isn't it? Back in the Eastern Empire, it was the complete opposite. Engaged couples would walk around town together, showing off their love. We treated engagement like a huge win—it's hard to find love in our world. The more time you spent with your future spouse, the more you grew to love them.

But here? It's like they want to keep us strangers.

After my arrival in the capital—and right after seeing the king—I was basically dragged out of the city and dumped into this so-called "home." Honestly, it wasn't to my taste. Too... princessy. Everything was pink and overly decorated. It didn't match me at all. I preferred something elegant, simple, and unique. Not over-the-top royalty. Just like me—quiet, thoughtful, but strong.

"You may choose your own maids," the head maid said stiffly. "We have a list available, and you can select as many as you'd like. Any other questions?"

Her voice was emotionless, her eyes locked on mine. I gave her a polite smile and returned her gaze without blinking.

"Thank you, Head Maid. But I already have my own attendants—ten maids and two children."
I watched her reaction with amusement.

Scorpio couldn't come just yet since she was busy managing Moonlight's affairs, but she promised to visit during the day. I missed her already.

"Children?" the head maid asked, clearly confused.

"Yes. They're the children of one of my maids. I sponsored them. I'm very close to my people—I couldn't just leave them behind. You understand, don't you? Considering you're the same."
I said the last part with a knowing smirk, enjoying the flicker of shock in her eyes. She probably wondered how I knew. That little detail about her was a well-guarded secret. One that only the royal family was supposed to know.

She looked like she wanted to deny it, but after seeing how serious I was, she gave up.

"As you wish, my lady. When will they arrive? I can offer temporary maids until—"

"No need," I cut her off smoothly, "they've just arrived."

"Pardon?"
She looked genuinely surprised, obviously unaware of any such arrival. But I simply smiled.

Right on cue, the doors swung open.

Ten maids entered, perfectly dressed and in sync.

"Good day, my lady," they greeted me in unison.

"Forgive the delay," Virgo stepped forward. "We ran into some issues along the way, but they've been handled."
Then she turned to face the stunned head maid.

"You must be the head maid. Hello, I'm Vina, her ladyship's nanny and also the head maid of her residence in the Western Empire."

The other woman struggled to keep her composure. "Ah, yes... I'm Emma, head maid of Cordelia Palace. A pleasure, Miss Vina."

She turned to me, flustered. "Then I'll take my leave. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call."
Emma bowed and quickly left, clearly overwhelmed.

Once she was gone, I gave Aries a nod, signaling her to activate the magical barrier that would keep non-magical ears from overhearing us.

"They've made their move earlier than expected," Cancer muttered, flopping onto a nearby sofa.

"Just as you predicted, Master," Virgo added. The others nodded in agreement.

I allowed myself a small smile. "It was obvious. The moment I heard about that ridiculous tradition of keeping the bride and groom apart, I knew something was off."

I remembered the way the king had explained the tradition before disappearing into the capital.

"Wait... are you saying they planned to assassinate you as soon as you got here?!" Pisces shouted.

That set off a wave of panic.

"We have to get out of here!"
"This was a mistake!"
"We can't risk your life, Master!"

I took a deep breath, watching them argue like kids. "Everyone calm down."

They quieted immediately.

"We all knew the risks before coming here. But trust me—they won't kill me."

"How can you be so sure?" Virgo asked.

I looked around at their worried faces, then took another deep breath and explained:

"Because they want something from me. If they didn't, I'd already be dead. They know their beloved king is obsessed with me. In love, even. If I lost my sight, they'd still keep me alive. That's how far gone he is."

Their eyes widened at my words. I couldn't meet their stares.

He's crazy enough to kill me... just because he loves me.

I clenched my fists.

"Enough," I said, trying to push the thoughts away. "We need to focus. The mission comes first. We need to find the seal—and the subordinate—before the wedding."

I walked toward a table near the window. Something on it caught my attention.

It was a book. Old. Dusty. And oddly familiar.

"After all," I whispered, opening the pages carefully, "I agreed to be the bait... even if it means risking everything."