The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella and Romeo) novel Chapter 1498

The once mocking crowd was now showing an expression of incredulity.

As young was she, she showcased her incredible prowess, which was utterly impressive. The guests erupted into applause, but there was still someone who felt unconvinced, questioning, "How would you fare with the black pieces?"

Surely, victory wouldn't come as easily with the disadvantage of the black pieces.

Arabella reset the board to the scenario depicted in her painting, this time assuming command of the black pieces. Her explanation was crisp, insightful, and within ten minutes, she had navigated the black pieces to victory.

The crowd clapped, their earlier doubts washed away by the revelation of her skill.

"This painting - it's her own creation. Perhaps some chess master prepped her in secret. I’m not saying that I don’t believe her competence. There are a lot of masters here who haven’t thought of a solution, while as a young lady, she’s able to resolve it in two different ways. How could it be?"

He could accept it if she had come up with one, yet she was capable of winning a victory no matter which piece she employed. Was it obvious that she had already known the answer in advance?

It was Bluno voicing, the man who had arrived at the birthday bash with the sole purpose of persuading Mr. Albright to take his daughter Lindsay as a protege.

But Arabella's unexpected interference had rattled him. In his eyes, Lindsay was a chess talent with a string of accolades to her name. For a man like him, wealth was secondary to the prestige his daughter could gain as Mr. Albright's chosen protege - an honor that would set her apart in high society.

"Let's be frank, many of us came with the hope of securing that coveted spot as Mr. Albright's protege. Yet, here stands a young girl, outplaying us and becoming a chosen one with a pre-painted board. It's hard to accept." spoke Vivian, Roxanne's mother, "I think my daughter is good as well. I’d like to let my daughter to play another round with her.”

"I believe my granddaughter also has great potential." Mabel's grandmother chimed in, "If this Bella agrees, I'd like her to face my granddaughter in a match."

“Since she wants to become Mr. Albright’s protege, she needs to beat all of us. But there are many people here, and if each of all starts a match with her, we won’t see the end maybe even until tomorrow.” Mr. Gardner, brimming with confidence in his granddaughter, boasted, "My granddaughter has won more chess awards than anyone here, especially the Solterra Youth Championship this year - she's the champion. Surely, she's the most qualified to challenge this girl."

Phyllis herself added, "Please give me the chance. If I win, it doesn't mean I'll automatically become Mr. Albright's protege, but I'm willing to compete fairly with everyone."

Arabella found the whole ordeal amusing. Her chess setup, which they were scrutinizing so seriously, was a spur-of-the-moment creation - no master needed for such a straightforward game. She herself was able to make a few or even dozens of different chess problems at any time.

Eugene, seeing Bella challenged, declared with a smile, "Alright, I'll make the call. Phyllis will represent everyone in a match against Bella."

Phyllis beamed, thinking Mr. Albright had set his sights on her, while Mr. Gardner felt a swell of pride. As Eugene's old friend, his words still carried weight.

Arabella glanced at the clock, it wasn't even eight. Alright, let's play along.

Phyllis, brimming with eagerness, made the first move. Arabella responded casually, her moves effortless.

Eugene could tell Bella was holding back, not even showing a tenth of her true skill against Phyllis.