3 Chapter 3

It had been a few days, and Melissa had started adjusting to her second life. It was a bit difficult, but she began to get used to it after a day or two. However, she was still used to her past life, having a few habits that stayed with her.

Such as acting cold and indifferent towards the maids and her parents sometimes. However, when she realized how she was acting, she immediately snapped out of it and became friendly.

Melissa had decided on who she needed on her side so that they could help her take down the Crown Prince. She had three people in mind. Gaston Bernice Mieth he was the Leader of the knights for the Imperial Army. She needed him no matter what. If she didn't have him on her side, she wouldn't be able to start a rebellion against the Crown Prince.

Of course, the other two people were almost as important as Gaston Bernice Mieth, but well, Gaston was practically her key to success. Melissa saw Gaston before, in her past life. He was quite an attractive man. He had hair as dark as night, eyes as blue as the sky, and a well-built body from his hard work and rigorous training exercises as a knight. He was very popular with the ladies, and many women had tried to seduce him before, but alas, it was of no use. His interest just hasn't been piqued by them.

He was one of the people the Crown Prince hated the most due to his good looks. He was the second most popular bachelor, the first being the Crown Prince, of course. He also had an impressive talent for swordsmanship, although he wasn't naturally talented at it, unlike many others. He worked hard at swordsmanship, and the skills and talents that he has today are all because of his amazing dedication and hard work.

Another reason why he was so popular with the ladies, he was handsome, polite, kind, and his dedication to swordsmanship drew so many women. He was the type of guy to think of others. He was also very talented in academics. He had graduated at the age of 17! Many Dukes and Duchesses wanted him to be their son-in-law. Even the Empress liked him!

Melissa was also drawn into him like many other women, but the Crown Prince started to see her interest in Gaston. Afraid that Melissa would stop loving him. He banned her from going anywhere near him. And, of course, Melissa listened to him.

Like she always did.

This time however it'd be different, she had invited him to the ball, and she would make sure that he would come no matter what.

Now, she had to think of the other two people as crucial as Gaston, as they also played significant roles in taking down the Crown Prince. Alphonso Vincent Peagler and Mason Thaddeus Trafford. Alphonso Vincent Peagler was one of the Crown Prince's closest aides, and he had humiliated Melissa multiple times in public.

He would insult her and pretend to act "innocent" in public, gaining many people's empathy. However, how he truly acted was way more sinister than this. Whenever Melissa and Alphonso were alone together, he would insult her directly.

Right in front of her face.

Of course, Melissa told the Crown Prince, but he didn't believe her. He never did.

Alphonso was a man with hair as blonde as the sun, eyes as yellow as gold. He was a manipulative, intelligent, and calculating man. But he didn't act like that to the public. Alphonso acted "dumb," stupid," and vulnerable; he also acted kind and honest. Melissa was scared of him in the past, but she wouldn't let herself be afraid of him again this time.

He was the devil, and she had to make a deal with him.

The Crown Prince completely trusted Alphonso, even more than he ever did in Melissa. Who am I kidding? He never trusted Melissa. Not even a single bit. He only acted as he did.

It would be hard to propose a deal with Alphonso. He was a careful man, and whenever someone tried to expose him. Their whole family would be executed immediately. Alphonso indeed was a dangerous man, and Melissa wasn't sure at all how to approach him. She decided that she would just wing it. Alphonso was an unexpected man, so whether he truly would accept her offer, she was unsure.

Last but not least, the Duke of Wyland, Marshall Peter Wyland.One of the most influential men in the kingdom. He had full access to all documents of the Imperial Kingdom and had many connections with all kinds of different people. There's a saying that goes, "If you ever need information go to Marshall Peter Wyland, for he will provide you all you need, as long as you give him something as significant as the information you are asking for."

Marshall Peter Wyland is a man with charisma, and he is one of the best sweet-talkers in the Empire. He also has a talent for deceiving people, and because of it, many corrupt nobles have been sent to jail for many of their wrong-doings. One cannot escape someone like Marshall Peter Wyland. The Wyland family is one of the founding families, along with the Shayla family. There are, in total, around five founding families. The first being the Royal family, also known as the Willis family. The second founding family is the Wyland family. Due to this, they have tons of power. They are also the second most powerful family, right after the Royal family.

Marshall Peter Wyland is a man with dark blue hair, eyes matching his hair. He is also one of the most talented people in the Empire. Thus, how he has access to all of the Imperial Kingdom's documents. Every child of the Wyland family has the option to choose whether they want to serve the Royal family or not. Marshall wanted to, thus leading to where he is today.One of the most influential men in the capital, with the second-highest status after the royal family.

The Wyland family is a family with children talented in subjects such as swordsmanship, history, mathematics, etc.

Marshall Peter Wyland was also very famous with many noblewomen due to his natural charisma, swordsmanship talent, and amazing sweet-talking skills. It was enough to make hundreds of girls' hearts flutter. Marshall Peter Wyland is a force to be recognized with, whether you like him or not.

Melissa was prepared if one or two or maybe even three of the men she asked for help rejected her offer. That's why she had a backup plan, just in case, of course. It would be a little harder for her if all the three men she asked rejected her offer, but it would still be manageable for the great Melissa Mendy Shayla, of course.

After all, she made an oath to herself, no matter what, she wouldn't give up until she's taken her revenge on the Crown Prince, even if it's the last thing she'll do.

Melissa had started preparing for the ball, choosing many different dresses. She had planned to find the "perfect" dress to match her appearance, something that would fit her hair and eyes that were as red as blood and her skin that was as white as snow. She had called one of the most popular boutiques into the Shayla Residence.

She had called the Hermione boutique to come into the Shayla Residence. She was currently waiting for the Duchess of the Lendora estate. A young woman who, at the age of 23, had set up her own boutique and with the help of her friends and families. The Hermione boutique had become one of the most successful boutiques in the whole empire! She was known as the Duchess of Lendora. Her full name, however, was Kandis Laura Lendora.

Her visit was kind of unexpected to Melissa, as before in her past life, Kandis Laura Lendora had never once contacted or talked to her before. So for Kandis to ask Melissa if it would be alright for her to come instead of one of the employees, Melissa was pretty surprised.

She had seen Kandis Laura Lendora before in multiple balls and parties. She was quite the sociable young woman, with hair as brown as wood, lips as red as blood, and a beautiful appearance, add her exceptional business skills and was even naturally talented at academics. It was no wonder many men were so infatuated with her. She was a unique and spectacular woman. After all, many young children, girls, and even boys had considered her an inspiration to them. She had also often helped the poor, donating money and giving them food every now and then; unlike many others nobles, she was even favored by many of the citizens due to her kind and honest attitude. Many noblewomen had envied her.