The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) 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.