A searing headache dragged Rika Hayashi from the void of unconsciousness. She blinked, her vision clouded by a golden haze as unfamiliar sounds—metal clashing, frantic shouting—filled her ears. Slowly, she sat up, feeling an unnatural weight on her shoulders. Her hands brushed against silk and armor, and she realized she was wearing an elaborate dress embroidered with red and gold.
"What… where am I?" she whispered, her voice trembling.
The sight of a grand mirror in the corner of the ornate room caught her eye. Staggering to her feet, she crossed the room, her heels clicking on the marble floor. Her reflection stunned her—a beautiful woman with long, flowing black hair, piercing crimson eyes, and a sharp, commanding aura stared back.
"This… isn't me," Rika said, her voice echoing in the empty chamber. Then, the memories hit her like a thunderclap. Kingdom of Ashes. The otome game she'd obsessed over during her high school years. The intricate world of political intrigue, romance, and war, where the protagonist, Princess Seraphina, navigated alliances and fought against the cunning villainess, Elias Drayven.
But this wasn't just any character. She was Elias Drayven.
Her heart raced as she pieced together the implications. In the game, Elias was the villainess, orchestrating the downfall of Seraphina's kingdom. But her schemes always unraveled, leading to her eventual public execution—a tragic end that highlighted Seraphina's triumph.
"No, no, no. This can't be real," Rika muttered, pacing the room. "I'm supposed to be dead. I collapsed… didn't I?" She grasped at memories of her previous life: late nights at the office, endless spreadsheets, the crushing pressure of corporate deadlines. Then, the blackout.
Before she could process her situation, the door burst open. A man in gleaming armor strode in, his expression a mix of concern and reverence.
"Lady Elias," he said, bowing deeply. "The council awaits your command. The siege plans for the Southern Border require your approval."
Rika stared at him, her mind spinning. This man—Kael Ashford, Elias's loyal lieutenant. She remembered him vividly from the game, a steadfast knight who believed in Elias until the bitter end.
"I… I need a moment," Rika stammered, her voice betraying none of the fear clawing at her chest.
Kael's brow furrowed. "The council is growing impatient, my lady. Shall I inform them you'll attend shortly?"
Rika forced herself to nod. "Yes, do that."
As Kael exited the room, Rika collapsed onto the chaise lounge. Her heart pounded as she weighed her options.
"Okay, think, Rika," she whispered to herself. "You know how this story ends. Elias gets executed. I can't let that happen."
The key to survival was clear: she had to rewrite her role in this story. But how? If she openly opposed the war, she'd draw suspicion and risk being labeled a traitor. If she played her part too well, she'd meet the same bloody fate.
Her gaze drifted to a map spread across the table, detailing the kingdom's war strategies. For a moment, her corporate instincts kicked in. Strategy was her specialty. Maybe she couldn't stop the war outright, but she could manipulate its course, saving lives and avoiding the heroine's wrath.
"Fine," she muttered, her resolve hardening. "If I have to be Elias, I'll be the smartest, most unpredictable version of her. They think I'm the villain? I'll use that to my advantage."
A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. Kael reappeared, his piercing blue eyes scanning her face. "My lady, the council grows restless."
Rika straightened, forcing a calm expression. "Let them wait. I'll attend when I'm ready."
Kael hesitated, then nodded. As he left, Rika allowed herself a small smile. She might be a villainess now, but in her hands, this story wouldn't end the way anyone expected.