After breakfast, while the sun streamed into the gardens of the Nicolai estate, Alice walked among the flowers, her small hands clasped behind her back.
Her thoughts returned to Felix, the boy she had met in the east wing, mischievous and bold, yet already familiar to her.
"Felix… he may seem reckless and careless, but he is actually smart and talented. He was one of the contributing characters in the story, and also one of the few who were always by Alice's side… hmm."
[I need to find a way to build a strong bond with him from an early age. The sooner I act, the better my chances of changing events. But at some point, a timeline and events unknown to me will unfold… well, hesitation won't help.]
Her eight-year-old mind processed this memory carefully. I must remember everything… every smile, every joke, every secret he might reveal…
The breeze rustled through the trees as she approached the fountain once more, her reflection catching the sunlight. She tilted her head, imagining Felix's grin and the way he leaned curiously. That mischievous glint—already revealing something important.
She knew she could use it.
As lunchtime approached, the household stirred with the sound of bells and soft footsteps. Her mother reminded her of the day's lessons, but Alice's mind focused on the meeting with Felix's family and on how to build an early bond with him.
"The story described it as just a small, routine gathering between nobles… but I must observe closely. Every word, every gesture, every glance could change the course."
Alice entered the grand hall with Nina, where both families were already seated at the table. Felix ran toward her enthusiastically.
"Ah, Alice! You're here!"
Alice responded with a smile "Hello Felix."
He took her hand, leading her to her seat, and her observations began as usual:
"First, there is the father, Count Kane Standar, with short brown hair and amber eyes, a man of high intelligence and discipline. Though still in his thirties, he has played a major role in bringing his family to its current power."
"Second, the mother, Countess Rina, with flowing blonde hair and azure eyes, wise and calm, yet at the same time kind and cheerful."
[I guess conversations about trade, power, and influence are simple, ordinary matters among the bourgeoisie nobles. Well, the story didn't focus much on their discussions, so I'll have to handle that myself… damn! was the author too lazy to write a few lines of dialogue or what?]
The lunch was formal. The clinking of silverware on dishes and polite conversation was filled with subtle tests of wit and attention. Alice listened intently, her emerald eyes analyzing every exchange.
Felix leaned close, whispering just for her to hear:
"Are you always this quiet?"
A faint smile appeared on Alice's lips, not full, but a shadow of one.
"Sometimes there may be a detail between our eyes, but we do not reveal it."
His raised eyebrows indicated recognition, perhaps respect.
Alice noticed small details: the way Felix's father rested his hand on the arm of his chair, his mother's precise pauses when responding to questions, and the subtle glances exchanged between them. Every observation added a piece to the puzzle she remembered from the story.
[I understand… alliances, loyalties… weaknesses. I will remember them all.]
The rest of the lunch passed with Alice participating minimally in conversation but fully aware of every detail. Every smile, every courteous bow, even the pauses held meaning.
What Alice noticed most was the mutual respect between the two families despite the difference in rank. And if this indicates anything it is that each side recognized the abilities of the other and the importance of maintaining a balanced and healthy relationship.
By the end of lunch, Alice knew more about the Standar family than the story had ever told. Through this knowledge, she discovered the first threads of power she could weave—an advantage that might protect her from the tragedies she remembered so well.
As she stepped into the courtyard once more, she allowed herself a quiet thought:
"Step by step… every detail matters. If I know the pieces, I can change the game entirely."
The sunlight glinted off her red hair, and her small green eyes, deliberate steps echoed across the courtyard—a child to the world, yet a strategist in thought, ready to rewrite a fate long written in sorrow.