“Miss, and… how is it that you’re speaking to me?”

I asked cautiously, my gaze fixed on the mirror. I didn’t know where else to look, since there was no one else in the room.

“Well, what happens is that the Shogun and her body… or rather, your body now, are closely linked to me.”
The voice, which had sounded somewhat distant before, was now calmer and more neutral.

“What do you mean? Does that mean you’re something like a spirit?”
I asked, trying to grasp the magnitude of the situation.

“Not exactly. It’s more complex than that. The bond I share with this body is unique. But to put it simply and directly, it’s as if I can see everything you do through your eyes without needing to be physically present.”
The voice replied with a strange mix of detachment and familiarity.

I swallowed, trying to process what I had just heard. So now I’m some kind of walking surveillance camera? Great—just what I needed.

“I-I see… honestly, that’s a little scary. Was it really necessary to add that feature to this, uh… puppet?”
I looked away from the mirror, uncomfortable with the idea of being constantly watched.

“Indeed. The Shogun is—or rather, was—responsible for governing my nation in my absence. I could not afford to take unnecessary risks.”
Her answer was cold and logical, as if there had been no other choice. And, in a way, it made sense. Even so, it was still unsettling.

Suddenly, my eyes widened as a new realization struck me like lightning.

“W-Wait, miss! Hold on! Are you saying that you rule a nation?”
My voice came out almost like a shout of disbelief.

“Hm? That is correct. Although I would appreciate it if you did not shout. Loud noises are not to my liking.”
She replied coolly. Her tone wasn’t aggressive, but there was an undeniable air of authority in her words.

I blushed and looked away again, embarrassed by my reaction.

“I’m sorry… but now I have another question. If I’m in this body, who will govern your nation?”
I asked with a mix of concern and curiosity. I didn’t want to be responsible for something so enormous.

The voice fell silent for a moment, as if considering the best way to respond. And then, completely naturally, she said:

“That is simple. You will.”

I sighed in relief, thinking that someone else would take on that responsibility… but then my brain finally processed what she had just said.

“Wait a second! Did you just say that I am going to rule an entire nation!?”