Chapter 14: Brave
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The speech concluded amidst cheers, and Namiya remained elegant and poised like a true queen from beginning to end, without a single flaw.
Everyone looked at Namiya with a hint of awe, seeing in her the demeanor a monarch should possess.
She returned to her room, guided by a maid.
The door was carefully closed by the maid, and silence returned to the room. In an instant, the damsel, who had been so imposing just moments ago, sank down weakly.
Her palms were soaked with sweat. Namiya had never been so afraid, her body involuntarily began to tremble, making her instinctively want to hug herself. However, she did not.
She slowly raised her head, looking at the figure now before her, her voice filled with both fear and gratitude.
"You... who are you?"
A young girl, her figure shimmering with a soft blue light, ethereal as moonlit water, sat cross-legged on the carpet, resting her chin on one hand. A small, playful smile lingered on her lips as she simply watched Namiya.
"Hmm? Finally thought to ask that question? But before that, shouldn't you thank me?"
Her voice was light and sweet, like a breeze brushing past one's ear, and the curve of her smile unconsciously drew Namiya's gaze.
"Ah! Right, thank you... thank you. If it weren't for you, I would have definitely messed up just now!"
"Mm-hmm, that's right. But it's nothing, just a couple of reminders. And since you're the only one who's been able to see me in so many years... consider that little help a meeting gift."
Her smile brightened, radiant and sunlike, making Namiya's restless heart ease just a little.
The damsel stared blankly at the girl before her, who was glowing like starlight, unsure what to say.
Just moments ago, standing on that podium, it had been this girl — this strange, luminous ghost — who suddenly appeared before her.
The girl tilted her head, then leaned forward slightly, as if to observe Namiya more closely. But the sudden closeness startled Namiya, and she instinctively took a step back.
And it was precisely because of that small retreat that the girl's expression froze — then bloomed with incredulous excitement.
"You can see me?!"
That had been the girl's very first sentence, the beginning of their encounter.
The damsel had only managed a nervous nod, still shaken. The girl had glanced at the restless crowd below the podium, then at Namiya, and simply said:
"Listen to me, follow my lead."
And so, the damsel and the ghostly girl began their very first act together.
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Now, in the room.
"Who exactly are you?" Namiya asked after calming down a little.
"Who am I? Ah... I don't know either. When I woke up, I was already like this — no memories of the past, only able to linger in this palace."
"Then... how long have you existed?"
"I don't know. Maybe ten years, maybe a hundred... maybe five hundred? I can't tell. Time doesn't mean anything to me anymore, so I stopped counting long ago."
Her tone was light, almost careless, though her smile remained.
"Then... what should I call you?"
"A name?" The girl blinked, tilting her head thoughtfully.
"Yes," Namiya urged gently, curious.
The girl shook her head, hair swaying faintly like strands of glowing silk.
"I've forgotten mine. I don't have one."
"Then..."
"Call me Ghost. I once overheard soldiers telling stories of ghosts, and I feel like I'm no different from those. Just call me that."
"Ghost... I understand. Ghost!"
The girl chuckled softly, her lips curling.
"Ghost? What a strange title. But... not bad."
From that day on, the ghost and the damsel became inseparable.
Namiya began her days of acting — listening to ministers, wearing the queen's face, pretending to be unshakable.
And always, Ghost floated beside her. Whenever Namiya's heart stuttered and her tongue faltered, Ghost would whisper calmly, telling her what to say, what gesture to make, how to carry herself.
Thanks to her, Namiya never once made a mistake in front of others.
State affairs were handled perfectly by the ministers; the damsel was little more than a symbol. But that was enough for her. Enough for her... and for Ghost.
And every night, after a day of playing Queen, Namiya would retreat to her room, where she could finally shed her mask — and talk.
Talk about her childhood, her aunt, the mountain village, even the taste of homemade bread.
To Ghost, who had never left the palace walls, every small story was a treasure. She listened intently, eyes bright, as if storing away every word.
Time slipped by in these quiet moments. Namiya slowly grew used to Ghost's presence, and to the warmth of her guidance.
At first, Namiya had only wanted to hide in her room, where she didn't need to pretend. But little by little, she began stepping out without fear. Because no matter what happened, no matter how badly she stumbled... Ghost would be there.
Courage born of reliance was still courage.
And without Namiya realizing it, something warmer than gratitude — softer, more dangerous — began quietly blooming in her heart for the ghostly girl...