Chapter 12: The Real Script
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After a long silence, Furina still couldn't suppress her curiosity. She carefully opened the script.
The title was exactly as written on the cover: 'The Damsel and the Ghost.'
The story began with an ordinary damsel named Namiya, who dreamed of a peaceful future in her quiet home.
But as the protagonist, her life was destined to change. She was the only surviving bloodline of the royal family. The aging king, who had committed sins against the gods above, was nearing his end. In his dying breath, he named this last descendant as the next ruler — a Queen.
Namiya, who only wished for a simple and happy life, was suddenly taken back to the palace by armored knights at her door.
The loyal minister silenced all objections and, following the king's final command, placed the bewildered damsel upon the throne.
That morning she had still been wearing coarse cloth, helping with daily chores. By afternoon, she was dressed in an elegant gown, with a heavy crown upon her head. In a haze, she had become Queen.
The damsel was utterly bewildered, with no understanding of how her life had changed so suddenly.
Namiya had been an orphan, raised in a mountain village by a kindhearted aunt. She grew up plain and unremarkable, her only talent being a pleasant singing voice. She was just another ordinary girl.
And yet, for some inexplicable reason, she now found herself in the royal capital, sitting on the throne in the palace.
That night, she sat on a large, unfamiliar bed, overwhelmed with unease.
She had often imagined — like many ordinary people — that she might one day live like a noble lady, or even as a princess. But in truth, she was content with her simple life.
Her aunt's affection, her modest but stable work, the occasional tasty meal, her small private room… These simple comforts had made her deeply happy.
But now all of that was gone.
The palace was a dangerous place. She had read in storybooks of palace conspiracies, of sudden assassinations, of ruthless ministers turning on their queens. Would that be her fate as well?
The thoughts piled one upon another, until her head ached.
She switched off the lamp, buried herself under a quilt softer than anything she'd ever known. Yet this comfort gave her no peace.
Darkness pressed in, and fear gnawed at her heart. She squeezed her eyes shut, hoping sleep would shield her from the shadows. But sleep never came.
The luxurious bed, the down quilt, the pillows — yes, they were wonderful. And yet, Namiya could not rest.
Her thoughts ran wild, her body trembled, and fear only grew stronger. She was not a queen. She was just an ordinary girl, trapped in a role too large for her.
It wasn't until midnight that her exhaustion finally pulled her into a restless sleep.
And then — she opened her eyes.
She was standing before a tall mirror, wearing the elegant gown the maids had dressed her in earlier.
The room was dim, but the reflection was clear. The girl in the mirror looked exactly like her — same gown, same crown — but unlike Namiya, the reflection wore them naturally, with a grace that seemed destined.
Before she could wonder why she was here, the reflection moved.
"Hello."
Namiya's reflection smiled at her.
"You… hello?" Namiya stammered, uncertain. Strangely, she wasn't afraid. Instead, the sight filled her with an odd familiarity, and the fear that had gripped her earlier began to fade.
"Are you… me? The me in the mirror?"
The reflection tilted her head, covering her lips with a graceful hand as she chuckled softly.
"That name isn't wrong. If you like, you may call me that."
"Then… why are you here?"
"That's a difficult question," the reflection said gently. "But Namiya, could you promise me one thing?"
"What is it?"
For reasons she couldn't explain, Namiya felt a strange closeness and trust toward her mirrored self.
"You must play the role of Queen."
The words made Namiya's heart stop.
"Play… the Queen?! Me?! No! I'm just an ordinary girl, how could I possibly be Queen?! I can't do it — absolutely not!"
She wanted to shout that she was nothing but a fraud, but the thought of being executed for her admission made her chest tighten.
And yet here was her reflection, calmly telling her she had to play the role.
No, no, no… she couldn't! She wasn't fit for this!
"Calm yourself, Namiya. Listen."
The reflection's voice was soft, soothing.
"You don't need to truly be Queen. You only need to play the role. Don't be afraid — no one will harm you. Because you are the Queen.
"The Queen is not a leader, but a symbol. The symbol of a nation. If that symbol vanishes, the gods above will destroy the country.
"Namiya, only you can bear this. Even if you don't wish to… just act the part. Please, play the Queen. For the sake of the nation, I beg you."
With that, the reflection fell silent, waiting.
Namiya stood frozen, her thoughts in turmoil.
Her instincts screamed that she wasn't meant for this, that she wasn't strong enough. Yet her reflection's words left her no escape.
Her country's survival, the wrath of the gods… all resting on her shoulders?
But she was just… ordinary. She wanted a quiet life. Why — why had something like this been forced upon her?
Her heart trembled, her lips bit red from indecision. And in the silence, the weight of the crown pressed heavier than ever.