(Lina)
I stood in the middle of the room, trying to catch my breath after the showdown with Nicholas. My heart raced, the adrenaline still coursing through me. I glanced at the mess I'd made of Isabella's clothes, remnants of her life scattered everywhere. It was a clear reminder of who I wasn't anymore.
Pacing the floor, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. The face looking back was undeniably Isabella's—pale skin, delicate features, and dark hair cascading over my shoulders. But beneath that facade, I felt like a warrior ready for battle, ready to break free from the chains of this life. Yet, a whisper tugged at me from deep within.
"Isabella…" I murmured, feeling a heaviness settle on my chest. "What else did you leave behind?"
Suddenly, the familiar sound of the system filled the room, making me jump slightly.
-Hello, Lina!
It said cheerfully, its bright tone echoing in the now quiet space.
-You've made great progress today!
I crossed my arms, trying to stifle my irritation. "Progress? You mean tossing out her clothes and standing up to Nicholas?"
-Exactly!
The system replied with enthusiasm.
-Every action you take is a step toward embracing your new identity. Remember, the memories of Princess Isabella are also part of you now.
"Fantastic. So I'm stuck with her memories too? How's that supposed to help me?" I snapped, frustration bubbling up inside me.
-Think of it as an advantage.
The system said, unfazed by my annoyance.
-Isabella's experiences, her emotions, her knowledge—they're all yours to use. You can learn from her mistakes and build a better future for yourself.
I let out a sigh, raking my fingers through my hair. "Right, because I want to live out her life while figuring out my own. So tell me, what else do I need to know about Isabella?"
The system paused for a moment as if searching for the right words.
-Isabella had dreams and hopes that were often overshadowed by her royal duties and the expectations placed on her. She wanted to break free, just like you.
"Break free?" I asked, a bitter laugh escaping my lips. "So why didn't she ever do it?"
-Fear, perhaps,
The system suggested.
-Fear of disappointing her family, fear of the unknown. But you have the chance to change that story, Lina. You can be the warrior she always wished to be.
The impact of his words struck me hard, leaving me feeling burdened. "So, what do I do next? What's my first move?"
-Investigate the connections around you. Use the knowledge from Isabella's memories. Find allies, gather information, and learn who can help you in your quest for freedom.
"Right," I said, rolling my eyes. "Like I can trust anyone in this castle, especially after what just happened with Nicholas."
-Trust can be built, Lina. You are not alone in this journey. You have resources at your disposal. Use them wisely.
"Okay, okay. I'll figure it out," I replied, my mind filled with ideas. "But how do I access these memories? Is there a manual for this? A checklist?"
-Not exactly. But I can help you set tasks. Completing these tasks will earn you coins, which you can use to unlock new abilities and memories. The system explained, its tone upbeat.
"Tasks? Like what?" I asked, intrigued.
-Your third task is to gather information about Nicholas. Find out his connections within the castle. You can earn 50 coins for this task. Also, discover who might be an ally in your fight for freedom; that task will give you an additional 50 coins. You need to gather at least one piece of useful information about both tasks within the next two days.
"Okay, that sounds doable. What happens if I fail?" I asked, my heart racing a little at the thought.
-If you fail to complete your tasks, you will lose access to some of Isabella's memories. You might even miss out on valuable knowledge that could help you. It's important to take this seriously, Lina.
"Yikes," I muttered, feeling the pressure. "So I need to get this right."
-Precisely! But remember, you have the memories of Isabella to guide you. Use them wisely.
"Great. So what do I do now?" I asked, my mind racing with possibilities.
-Close your eyes and take a moment to reflect. Let the memories flow. They will reveal themselves when you're ready.
The system instructed.
I hesitated, then closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I felt a wave of warmth wash over me, like stepping into sunlight after a long winter. Suddenly, snippets of Isabella's life flashed in my mind—her laughter in the gardens, her late-night conversations with friends, and the weight of the crown pressing down on her like a heavy stone.
I gasped as the memories flooded me, a kaleidoscope of emotions blending. I could feel her pain, her isolation, and her yearning for something more. But intertwined with that was hope, the feeling of rebellion she held deep inside.
As the memories settled, I opened my eyes. "Okay, I think I get it now. It's time to take back what's mine."
-Very good, Lina. Remember, you are stronger than you think.
The system said, its tone warm and encouraging.
"Yeah, I'm starting to realize that," I replied, feeling a sense of clarity wash over me. "Now, about that investigation…"
-Yes. You will need to gather intel on Nicholas and find out about Lady Elara's connections. Knowledge is power.
"Got it," I said, moving toward the closet I had just cleared. "But first, let's make sure I look the part of a princess who doesn't take crap from anyone."
I reached for a leather jacket and a fitted pair of trousers, feeling the fabric beneath my fingers— A clear difference from the dresses I had tossed aside. As I pulled the clothes on, I couldn't help but smile at my reflection. I looked fierce, ready to take on whatever this new life threw at me.
I headed toward the door, ready to face the palace and all its secrets. I was no longer just a pawn in this game; I was a player, and I intended to rewrite the rules.