Point of View: Kaori Tanaka
The morning sun touched my skin, and footsteps echoed in the room as I curled up under the blanket. The sound of blinds being opened made the light even more unbearable, forcing my eyes to squeeze shut. The fresh morning air filled my lungs, but all I could think was, “Mom, just five more minutes…” I groaned and buried my face in the pillow, which, for some reason, felt softer than usual.
“Miss, His Majesty is waiting,” an entirely unfamiliar voice said from beside the bed.
“His Majesty?” I murmured, still half-asleep. I opened my eyes abruptly and sat up, scanning the room around me. This wasn’t my bedroom.
I was in a large bed, inside an enormous room. The ceiling and walls were made of gray stone, while the floor gleamed with smooth, white marble. To the left of the bed was a polished red wooden desk, and in the center of the room stood a small table surrounded by two red velvet armchairs.
“Was I… kidnapped?” I gasped, leaping to my feet and using the bed as a barrier between myself and the unknown woman. She was dressed like a maid, wearing an outfit that reminded me of the themed cafés otakus love. However, she wasn’t young like the employees at those cafés. She looked about forty, with blonde hair neatly tied into a bun and eyes that exuded authority.
“Don’t worry, young lady. Everything will be explained shortly,” she said in a firm but respectful tone. “Please, follow me.”
I hesitated, my heart racing as my eyes darted around the room, searching for any clue about where I was or how I’d ended up here. With few options, I cautiously stepped forward, still keeping the bed between us.
“If this is some kind of prank or joke, it’s not funny…” I muttered, trying to stay calm even though my trembling voice betrayed me. The woman didn’t respond. She simply turned and walked toward the door, gesturing for me to follow.
The hallway was brightly lit, adorned with suits of armor and framed portraits of people I’d never seen before. After passing through the corridor, we descended a staircase that led to an exit. As we passed under a stone archway, I couldn’t help but notice the courtyard’s ornate decor, with fountains and flowers arranged in artistic patterns.
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Something felt off. I didn’t feel like myself. My hands were smaller, my height was different, even the way I moved seemed unfamiliar. I was wearing a white tunic the woman had given me. On top of that, this place looked nothing like Japan. Maybe it was some ancient Western castle?
We entered another building, walking down a similarly decorated corridor. The portraits here, however, only depicted men, all sharing similar features. I noticed the frames bore inscriptions in a language that wasn’t Japanese, but for some reason, I could understand it.
We stopped in front of an ornate door, which the woman pushed open firmly before motioning for me to enter.
Hesitant, I stepped inside and took in my surroundings. The room was filled with people dressed extravagantly, like they were attending an old-fashioned ball. The hall was vast, lined with six marble columns that stretched from floor to ceiling, flanking a red carpet leading to a throne at the far end.
Seated on the throne was a tall, robust man who looked about fifty. His stark white hair was spiked, and he wore a gray robe adorned with gold details, with a white plume draped around his neck.
“Welcome to Calyndor, great hero. I am King Eryndor of the Valier royal family,” he said, his intense gaze locking onto mine. What was I supposed to do in a situation like this? Bow? King? Hero?
“What kind of nonsense is this?” I blurted out, even more confused.
“Oh, great hero, you have been chosen to save this world from a dark threat. They call themselves the Lords. To face them, you have been blessed with a new body, one that possesses abilities beyond those of an ordinary human. We will provide you with all the support necessary to grow and become strong enough to confront our enemies.”
What was he talking about? None of this made sense. Where in the world was Calyndor? Why was he acting out some kind of fantasy role-playing game?
“I’m not playing this game. I want to go home,” I said, my voice trembling.
“I understand your confusion, but if you are here, it means you died in your world. There is no home to return to.” He gestured with his hand, and the maid stepped forward, holding a cushion with a small silver mirror on it.
“Take it,” she said, extending the mirror to me.
Reluctantly, I took it and looked at my reflection. A blonde-haired, green-eyed child stared back at me. None of the brown hair I’d known my entire life was there. This person… wasn’t me.