The Dance of Deception: When Fate Strays

"Did you plan to return to the mansion without me? How cruel," Lorita’s voice carried a mocking tone.

The coachman gave her a stern look, but she continued. “The cleric's daughter would never leave her beloved maid behind… or would she?"

"Let's go," I said, ignoring her taunts. Mai had always been the type to apologize, giving servants and nobles an opening to see her as a target for bullying. But with me, things would be different. Lorita’s expression was one of pure anger until we reached home.

Preparations for the grand ball were in full swing that afternoon. Numerous boxes containing gifts for the royal family and precious jewels were being assembled, but the primary focus of the maids was to ready me for the big event. During this ball, Augustus would propose to Mai. It was a pivotal moment for everyone, especially for me.

“Miss, please join me for afternoon tea—I prepared it just for you,” Lorita announced, rolling in a cart carrying a deliciously fragrant hibiscus tea.

I smiled. This scene marked the start of the first bad ending: death by poisoning. Holding the teacup delicately, I raised it to my lips, only to hand it to Lorita instead.

"Drink," I commanded in a firm voice. The other maids looked at each other in confusion.

"Miss… I don’t think I…," she murmured, her face flushing.

Exactly as I expected. She wouldn’t willingly drink her own poison. Three knocks echoed at the door, and a middle-aged man with blond hair entered, accompanied by a young man with short red hair.

"Dear, you look magnificent tonight," my father said, smiling as he admired me in a stunning blue dress, the color of the sky. "George, I trust you’ll accompany your sister this evening. It would be improper for such a precious jewel to go without family representation."

George turned away. He disliked Mai, for reasons unknown to her.

“I have training with the guards. I’m sure her young maid can accompany her.”

Lorita forced a strained smile, still staring fixedly at the teacup.

"Father, perhaps you'd like to taste the tea Lorita prepared?" I suggested, flashing a smile in her direction. She tensed up.

“Your Majesty, I doubt it’s to your taste, and…” Before she could finish, the cleric took the cup from her hand and brought it close to his lips, only to pause in disgust.

“This tea reeks,” he murmured, handing it over to George, my brother.

"Indeed… it smells like… poison," George concluded, scrutinizing it for a moment.

"Maids, maids!" my father shouted, clapping his hands. “Escort your friend to the dungeons. She’ll be questioned when I have time.”

"No, your Majesty, not the dungeons!" Lorita pleaded as her fellow maids led her away.

On the way to the palace, the coachmen wore pale expressions, and my remaining maids directed lethal looks my way. Lorita’s best friend, Mary, wept beside me.

When I reached the main entrance, I noticed I was late. The hall was fully lit, and as I approached, a guard blocked my way.

“Only those with companions may enter,” he said without so much as a glance at me.

"I am the cleric’s daughter," I declared, projecting authority. He did not move.

“May I have the honor of accompanying you?” a strong, imposing voice asked, extending his hand. I looked to my side, where a tall young man with long black hair and dark eyes gazed at me with curiosity. His arm, throat, and right ear were entirely robotic. Rafar.

I stared at the young man beside me, even more handsome than he was in the game, though a troubling thought crept in. Rafar hadn’t been at this ball in the game. Something was amiss, and I had a bad feeling.

“Of course, I’d be happy to accompany you,” I replied, extending my hand. He accepted it with surprising gentleness, despite his arm of solid steel.

We entered the grand hall, illuminated by magical torches and exquisite crystal chandeliers. The synchronized sounds of footsteps and creaking armor matched the background music perfectly. I kept my eyes sharp, scanning for important characters to avoid triggering any bad endings, but Rafar’s presence distracted me.

“You really shouldn’t let your gaze stray from me,” he remarked, his tone serious. I recognized his usual sarcasm, typically meant to hurt or humiliate others. I couldn’t help but laugh, catching him by surprise as he raised an eyebrow.

“Impressive… you knew I wasn’t serious?” he asked, studying me closely.

"Of course—the emperor of the southern monsters wouldn’t be upset over something so trivial,” I replied, realizing too late that I had accidentally spoiled a future event.

"How do you know who I am?” he demanded, his gaze piercing. I released his hand before responding.

"Thank you for helping me get inside. I hope you remember me when it’s time to dance," I said, moving toward the opposite end of the hall, where I had spotted my first target for the evening.

My target was a tall woman with red hair and dark eyes, seated at a table among palace nobles. Few knew it, but she would soon be the chief financier of the largest commoner rebellion in weeks.

“Penelope, how are you?” I asked sweetly, adopting a humble tone as I took a seat beside her. She looked me over and laughed.

“Well, well, the cleric’s daughter… Mei, isn’t it?”

“Mai Arten,” I corrected, meeting her gaze with confidence. “No need for introductions—I know more about you than you may think.”

The nobles at the table leaned in to listen.

“Oh, really? I don’t recall meeting a young lady like you,” she said mockingly, fanning herself.

"I believe we crossed paths on your last visit to the outskirts," I whispered, ensuring only she could hear. Her eyes flashed with anger, and she clenched her fists.

"I think you’re mistaken, Mai,” she replied, folding her fan and slipping it into her bag.

“Oh, I’m quite certain I’m not," I murmured, leaning close. "Isn’t that right, Poliana?"

Her eyes blazed with fury, her face flushing red. Before she could reply, the lights dimmed, and a spotlight illuminated the hall’s center as the royal family made their entrance. Machinery whirred as the floor transformed into a red carpet.

The lights returned as Prince Augustus began his announcement. I caught Rafar watching me from across the hall while other guests whispered, glancing my way. Everyone in the kingdom knew that Mai, the cleric’s daughter, had been groomed to become the future queen beside the prince. I sighed, steeling myself for the delicate situation that lay ahead.

“Today marks an important day in my life,” Augustus began, pulling a small box from his pocket. A ring box—the moment I had long avoided in the game was here at last! “I am thrilled to announce my engagement, something I have long awaited. Come to me, my future bride!” He gestured toward me, and every light turned in my direction. Forcing a smile, I debated whether to stand or respond, only to hear a distinct tapping behind me. Tap-tap-tap—a pair of heels echoed across the floor.

“Alice, my love, will you marry me?” the prince asked, as the lights followed a young woman with black hair who now stood beside me. Her eyes were pink, and she wore a sleek black dress.

“Yes,” she replied, joining him and taking his hand.

Wait—this wasn’t supposed to happen. Something was wrong... the prince just proposed marriage… to the game’s villain? I knew i told him to do it, but... he really did. 

Alice’s eyes met mine briefly, and I realized she, too, was entirely human. She laughed softly and then turned her back to me.