The Living Doll’s Dilemma

“See, this is how it is,” Mrs. Sanders explained.

“This is precisely how you were packed into the box before.”

Iordera gazed at her twisted, folded limbs, her pupils rolling back before she succumbed to unconsciousness.

Her first encounter with this unfamiliar world was far from pleasant—indeed, it was exceptionally unpleasant.

****

“Nina, Yuna, stop slacking off and go move that box.”

When Iordera next awoke, she heard Mrs. Sanders’ voice from outside, realizing she had once again been placed inside the box.

Yet, it seemed Mrs. Sanders was not the only person in the warehouse.

“Which box? We can’t find it.”

“We can’t find it, we can’t find it.”

Two pleasant, youthful voices spoke, though their tone carried a distinct laziness.

“You haven’t even looked, have you? It’s that box, the one Iordera is in.”

The two maids, Nina and Yuna, as Mrs. Sanders had called them, reluctantly approached and embraced the box.

Feigning effort for but a moment, they immediately let go, causing Iordera inside to be jolted quite severely.

“Mrs. Sanders, this box is so heavy; we can’t carry it.”

“It’s impossible.”

Unaware of the situation outside, Iordera dared not move.

Mrs. Sanders then spoke up, “Don’t give me that.

She only weighs about thirty catties (TL Note: A traditional Chinese unit of weight, roughly 15 kg or 33 lbs.); both of you together can lift her.”

She paused, then added, “The Mistress intends to showcase Iordera to a client today, so don’t you dare delay this important matter.”

“You already told us that once; we remember.”

“No need to repeat yourself.”

Iordera knew this last remark was directed at her; Mrs. Sanders was subtly reminding her of her current predicament.

Right, she recalled Mrs. Sanders mentioning earlier that this body was some ultimate alchemical creation, an incredibly valuable doll the merchant caravan intended to sell for a high price.

But a question arose: what purpose was she meant to serve as merchandise, given that previous dolls were inanimate?

‘Wait, could it be…’

“Speaking of which, how wonderful would it be if this doll could walk on its own? Then we wouldn’t have to carry it.”

“It’s hard not to agree.”

“You two are truly beyond lazy,” Mrs. Sanders said, a wry smile playing on her lips.

“Just do what you’re supposed to and stop daydreaming.”

Maid Nina lifted the box, continuing the previous train of thought.

‘If the doll could truly move, as if alive, would it still be sold as a tool of that kind?’

Mrs. Sanders’ expression turned serious.

“Of course.

If it were discovered to move, she would simply transform from a mere prop into a prop that one could sit upon and that could move on its own.

Other than commanding a higher price, there would be no other difference whatsoever.”

Such was reality; capitalists in this other world were still, at their core, capitalists.

A chill permeated Iordera’s very being, and she dared not stir.

‘It’s over; she truly is meant to be used.’

After an unknown duration spent waiting in the dark, cramped box, she could only feel herself being transported to another location, with people coming and going outside, until a woman in high heels entered.

****

“Esteemed Count, Countess, allow me to present to you our most precious collection piece.”

Iordera was grasped by the neck and lifted.

She maintained an inanimate pose, utterly still, able to perceive only what lay directly before her through her limited vision.

Before her lay a large, clean, brightly lit room, and standing there were two splendidly dressed individuals: the woman’s face was impassive, while the man’s eyes gleamed with interest.

“Behold these joints, utterly devoid of stiffness, this skin like congealed mutton-fat jade, this hair like moonlight tassels—no craft in the world could possibly replicate such artistry,” the woman holding her declared.

“Beyond a doubt, this is the legendary lost alchemical doll.”

The Count opposite could not help but exclaim in admiration, “She is so beautiful, so adorable.”

The Countess frowned in displeasure, though she refrained from voicing her thoughts aloud.

“This is a treasure hidden away by the Esse family, and due to unfortunate circumstances, they have entrusted me with finding her a new owner,” Mrs. Sanders explained.

“She is the only one of her kind in the entire world.

For this price, she can be yours.”

She held up three fingers.

“Thirty thousand gold coins?”

Mrs. Sanders chuckled softly.

“Three hundred thousand gold coins.”

The Count’s expression instantly changed.

“That’s exorbitant! You might as well just rob me.”

Iordera had no concept of how expensive three hundred thousand gold coins truly were, yet she felt a profound bitterness welling within her.

“This is a lost alchemical doll, a singular masterpiece.

Even setting aside its collector’s value, its practicality is immense,” Mrs. Sanders asserted, twisting Iordera’s legs from side to side.

“Observe her flexibility; she can assume any position.

And when idle, you can even enjoy dressing her up.”

“In two words: perfection itself!”

The Count’s interest was piqued, and he began to ponder whether he should indeed grit his teeth and purchase her.

Noticing the turn of events, the Countess, who stood beside him, quickly cleared her throat and interjected:

“Are there truly no flaws?

Just look at her face; what kind of expression is that?”

The Count fixed his gaze upon her, and indeed, her delicate features were contorted into a crumpled mess, forming a complete mask of agony.

Though even in this state she possessed a certain charm, he had to admit that this expression reminded him of the profound pain and helplessness he felt when his mother passed away, as if life held no further appeal.

“Oh, that’s nothing, it just needs a little adjustment,” Mrs. Sanders said, pressing her finger against Iordera’s mouth and pulling the corners upwards.

“See how happily she smiles now?”

However, the moment her hand released, the small mouth immediately drooped, reverting to a lifeless, drawn expression.

By this point, the Count had regained his composure.

“I truly cannot accept this price, and furthermore, you still have some unresolved technical issues… Do you have any other items in your collection?”

Initially captivated by the beauty of the white-haired loli doll, he had almost made an impulsive purchase, nearly emptying half his fortune to acquire her.

Fortunately, at the critical moment, the ‘mask of agony’ had deterred him.

Mrs. Sanders looked somewhat disappointed.

“Very well, I shall take you to see something else.”

Iordera was placed back into the box.

****

The exhibition day concluded, and the “Doll’s Box” was returned to the warehouse.

In the middle of the night, Mrs. Sanders came to perform her final tidying before sleep.

With a sudden *pop*, Iordera sprang out of the box.

“Auntie Sanders, save me!” she cried, tears welling in her eyes.

“I can’t be sold as *that* kind of tool!”

That afternoon, when the warehouse was empty, Iordera had secretly crawled out and tried to escape—but the warehouse door was tightly shut and locked.

Only Mrs. Sanders, the warehouse manager, held the key.

“Don’t fret, sit down first,” Mrs. Sanders advised, spreading a clean sheet of paper on the floor.

“Keep your voice down; the caravan members are all asleep.”

The white-haired loli obediently sat down, signaling that she would follow all instructions.

“Iordera—no, Iordera,” Mrs. Sanders murmured, looking intently at her face.

“Are you truly alive?”

“Alive, and with a soul, genuinely so,” Iordera affirmed, patting her small chest.

“I even feel like I should be a person.”

“Then you *are* a living girl,” Mrs. Sanders sighed.

“What a tragedy; how could a good girl be sold to be used by others?”

Rising, she returned to the warehouse door and carefully secured the lock, making not a sound.

Then, sitting back down, she whispered to Iordera, “I will help you escape, but now is not the time.”

“Thank you so much, Auntie Sanders! I will surely repay your kindness if I ever get the chance,” Iordera declared, her eyes red-rimmed with emotion.

Though, her eyes were already red to begin with.