Chapter 3

Everyone in Capitavia was talking about it.

Countless scholars tried every trick to take the credit for it, but Edward saw right through them. He'd throw out tougher questions about the plan, and those wannabes couldn't keep up.

Meanwhile, at Rainford Manor, Evelyn was trying on the lavish robes she'd wear for her entry into the Royal Court.

Hearing the commotion outside, she curled her lip in disdain. "What a bunch of fools. They've got a shortcut to success right in front of them, but insist on squeezing through that narrow, risky path.

"Once I'm in the Royal Court and win the King's favor, there's no wealth or glory I can't have."

Our dad and the ladies chimed in, showering her with praise for her sharp insight.

Meanwhile, in my own room, I rolled out a piece of parchment and picked up my pen to write a second letter.

This time, I mimicked the Prime Minister's handwriting again and had the letter sent directly to the Royal Court gate.

The letter contained one line: [If you wish to find the author, bring the Puzzle Chess Set to Cedar Monastery in three days.]

This letter once again caused an uproar in the court.

This mysterious figure wasn't only insanely talented but also handled everything flawlessly, like someone from a whole different league.

Edward's curiosity was piqued even more. He declared that in three days, he'd go to Cedar Monastery himself to meet this enigmatic person face-to-face.

When the news got back to Rainford Manor, Evelyn snorted, "Seriously, acting all mysterious."

She was busy with her etiquette mentor, learning every trick to make sure she'd wow the King with her looks when the time finally came.

Meanwhile, under my mom's worried gaze, I changed into a simple blue robe and put on a veil hat that covered most of my face.

"Charlotte, where are you going?" my mom asked.

"I won't be gone long, Mom," I replied.

*****

At Cedar Monastery, in the boxwood grove on the back hill, I sat at a stone table, a chessboard set before me.

I hadn't waited for Edward, but instead, a young man dressed in a dark robe appeared, his demeanor aloof and almost icy.

He was tall, with striking features and deep-set eyes. Although he was in simple attire, the authority of someone long accustomed to power was unmistakable.

I realized right away. That was the King, Edward himself. As I thought, he showed up quietly, without making a scene.

[Zen-like Calm] was kicking in full force. I wasn't nervous at all. I lifted my head and met his eyes through the veil.

"So, you're the one behind the proposal?" Edward's voice was low, with a probing tone.

I didn't reply. Instead, I quietly set a piece on the chessboard. "I'm an ordinary girl. Chess is all I know."

Edward's gaze landed on the chessboard. It was the Puzzle Chess Set, a deadlock with no solution in sight for generations.

He arched an eyebrow, took a seat across from me, and twirled a chess piece thoughtfully between his fingers. "Very well. I'll play a round with you."

The grove was almost silent, only the soft rustle of leaves and the sharp clack of chess pieces on stone. Neither of us spoke a single word.

The game dragged on for two whole hours.

The Puzzle Chess Set was meant to be a deadlock, but thanks to my skill [Master Chess Skills], I could see through every twist and turn. I didn't solve it outright because that would've been way too jaw-dropping.

Instead, I steered Edward's moves and helped him keep finding ways out of what looked like a dead end, over and over.

Tiny beads of sweat started to appear on his forehead. His eyes went from amused curiosity to serious focus, then shock, and finally, pure disbelief.

When the final piece was placed, the whole board opened up, possibilities blooming where there had been none. The dead game came to life.

Edward let out a long breath, leaning back in his stone chair, his eyes fixed on me, a storm of emotions swirling in his gaze. "Who are you?"

I stood and gave a respectful bow. "I am Charlotte Rainford."

"Charlotte Rainford..." Edward echoed, his eyes flickering with recognition. "You're Lord Rainford's daughter?"

"Yes."

"I've heard that one of Lord Rainford's daughters is renowned for her beauty and extraordinary talent, and she'll soon be entering the Royal Court," Edward said, clearly referring to Evelyn.

"Your Majesty, you're referring to my elder sister," I replied calmly.

A flicker of understanding crossed Edward's eyes. Someone as sharp as him pieced it all together in a heartbeat.

I was a gifted illegitimate daughter, overshadowed by my legitimate sister, and had to carve out my own path to survive.

"So, were you the one who wrote those papers?"

"Yes."

"Why did you use the Prime Minister's handwriting?"

"Because I knew that if a strategy paper with no clear source was written by a mere girl, it would never make it to your desk."

Edward let out a genuine laugh at my candor.

He stood up and walked over, his gaze intense and unwavering as he fixed his eyes on me. "So, what is it you want? A position? Wealth? Or... are you after my favor?"

I met his gaze head-on, steady and confident. "I'm not here for any of that."

I paused, then spoke each word with quiet determination, "All I want is a place where I can play chess and a chance to let my skills truly shine."