The Doll of the Archaum Empire.
It was a short novel Silver once read in her previous life. Despite it being cancelled halfway, it was still one of her favorite novel.
She can still remember the amount of food money she spent just to buy the next episode because it was that good. She can never forget it. How could she?
It's still fresh to her when she flung her phone at the wall because she was so frustrated when Hiraya died. It was so broken she had it repaired the next day.
It was a story of a young princess who lost her mother at childbirth. Growing up she was forced to mature early, her father neglected her but despite that she never once hated him. All she felt was longing, longing for the warmth of a fatherly love.
For Silver, it hits too close to home. She carried the same longing. For warmth, for a family. But Hiraya, the protagonist didn't let it define her. She fought, she didn't let anyone abuse her. She lived surrounded in luxury, all her needs are met and she made sure everyone respected her.
She would watch everyone scrambled to get even a drop of her favor. After all, whoever was lucky enough to marry her would rise to become the next Emperor.
She wasn't the usual sunshine of a protagonist. She could be cruel and cunning especially if it was for the kingdom. Even remembering the scene, Silver couldn't help but admire Hiraya.
It was a breath of fresh air. The perfect protagonist in Silver's definition. She could be biased but that's what she genuinely feel. Her tenacity despite being weak was indeed admirable.
"If only she didn't die." Silver palmed her face in disbelief. She was admirable but Silver didn't want to be on her feet. It sounded like it would be too difficult living her life. It all just sounded fun in the novel. It should've stayed that way. But now here she is, Hiraya in flesh.
"Who died, Your Majesty?" Natasha perked up, still brushing her hair as it glistened into the sunlight.
Silver leaned her head back against the chair to look up at her.
"Tell me, Natasha. Am I gonna die soon?" she asked innocently.
Natasha's hand paused. It was for a brief moment. But Silver could feel how the air shift across the room.
"I guess that's a yes."
The sunlight streamed through the tall, arched windows, warming the plush velvet of the chaise lounge everytime the brush stroke her hair, the air hung thick with the cloying sweetness of lavender burning in a silver censer. The scent mingled with the faint, lingering fragrance of roses from a vase overflowing on a nearby table, their velvety petals a stark contrast to the cool, smooth marble beneath her bare feet.
Hiraya's stared back at her reflection on the mirror, the face complete stranger staring back at her—skin so pale it's almost translucent, reflecting her declining health, contrasting her dark hair that shone like the night.
The Night Goddess of the Empire. That's what they called her in the Kingdom.
And with this face? She deserved every bit of praise.
Looking at her face and her visibly tired eyes Silver's thoughts drifted once again. Hiraya's tenacity despite her situation is the reason she admired he so much. But looking back, she never got to live a happy life. It wasn't even close to that.
She lived a life where every compassion and admiration is questionable. She lived life questioning her worth as something that was only there because of the blood running in her veins.
One wrong move from her and everyone would never bat an eye before turning their backs on her. If it's for their own selfish gain, they would make her a sacrificial lamb.
Silver can't help but feel her sorrows, some memories of her was vague but it still live within her. Her favorite character who inspired her was living such a painful life no one deserved.
A doll. A curse doll.
"Don't worry too much, Your Majesty! I'm positive they'll find a cure soon!" Natasha encouraged, her voice so bright. It dragged Silver out of her daze.
She flashed her a weak smile.
Silver's eyes lingered on her face. The mole beneath her right eye…
Wait.
The mole beneath her eye? That's exactly where hers was as Silver. Same placement. Same everything.
She ran her hand over her face tracing the black dot sitting in her face. She tilted her head, examining the entirety of her face. Is it because she had Hiraya's memory inside her? Did she have a mole? Is her own memory deceiving her!?
What kind of coincidence was that?
"It's done." Natasha cheered. Her hair was now fixed on a simple braid, it brought some life to her face.
Silver chuckled under her breath.
"It's pretty."
Natasha smiled proudly.
Hiraya was a calm character, her demeanor deserving for a woman of her stature. She was strong.
Silver paused. A sudden thought came into her. Hiraya, in order to protect her father created a small army for herself using the strength the Emperor created for her in the court. It was full of impressive people with skills she can use but somehow she can't remember their names, face or anything useful about them. It's not in Hiraya's memories either.
Hiraya was nineteen at the moment and if she was correct they supposed to already have been formed. She kept recalling it until her head hurts but to no avail.
She let out an exasperated laugh. She can't believe what was happening. All the important details needed for her survival was filtered out. Now she has an even smaller chance of survival.
But there is one thing she vividly remembered.
The Duke of the North.
When the kingdom was plunge into chaos days after Hiraya's death. The Emperor went berserk it was said that he got possessed by a demon on the south. The Emperor, Vanhaussen Archaumbault, the world's greatest warrior. Despite that there is a man who was able to stop him.
The second protagonist of the novel and his confidant whose healing powers rivaled those of the Gods. The plot didn't make sense but since it was her life now it doesn't have to make sense.
"Natasha, Do you know anything about the Duke of the North?"
Natasha paused to think for a second.
"Ah! The Duke Dasheill Felicé."
Silver snapped her finger as if Natasha just hit the jackpot.
"Yes! Do you know when will he come to the capital?" her faced was full of anticipation.
"Uhmm? It's been a few years since he came to the capital. So, I doubt he would be here anytime soon. Why do you ask, Your Majesty?"
No. It would be two late then. 2 years from now she was destined to die. Hiraya's body couldn't wait that long.
Silver knew she couldn't stay like this. If she even hope of surviving or in this case living she need to play her cards right. The waiting card is a losing card. She can't have that.
Dying for a second time wasn't in her bingo card, either. And she refused the plot to take it's course, she will never make the same decision as Hiraya in the novel. To begin with, The plot was ruined as soon as she possessed her body.
Not now that she had all the luxury she could never dream of as Silver. She won't have to work again. With everything, she could make her wish come true. But not everything.
She need to make sacrifices to pass her first hurdle.
To live.
She refused to live that same pathetic life again.
"Natasha, fetch me a dress. I'm gonna meet my father."