Does a Doll Deserve to Live a Happy Life? (Patreon)

Chapter 1: New Faces

Making my way out of the bedroom, I stopped mid-step as something caught my eye.

I turned… and blinked.

A tall teenager stood in the hallway mirror, staring back at me. Brown hair, red eyes. A striking, almost noble-looking face dressed in a sharp black and white outfit. Clean lines, fitted sleeves. It was subtle, stylish—and definitely not a hospital gown.

Not that I knew what a hospital gown looked like of course, just the feel of it.

I stared at the reflection silently, taking a slow step closer.

‘Is this… how I’ve always looked?’ I wondered, reaching up to touch my cheek. My reflection mirrored the motion exactly.

Or was this the result of Body Tune-Up and whatever higher power had pulled the strings to bring me here? Had someone sculpted this version of me intentionally?

I traced the line of my jaw, the unfamiliar smoothness of my skin, the steadiness of my hand.

“…I guess it doesn’t really matter in the end,” I murmured.

It was still me—whoever I was becoming.

Then, a soft voice cut through the quiet, pulling me from my thoughts.

“Hello? Are you alright?”

I turned, eyes widening slightly.

That wasn’t my inner voice. That was someone else.

Standing in the doorway was a woman—just a bit shorter than me, with long, flowing black hair that shimmered faintly beneath the room’s ambient lighting. She wore a white dress under a crisp lab coat, the edge of what looked like black pants just visible beneath the hem.

Later, I’d learn they weren’t pants at all, but something called pantyhose. At the time, though, I had no way of knowing that.

What stood out most wasn’t her clothing, though—it was the three distinct dots adorning the center of her forehead, like a soft brand marking her identity.

Recognition struck almost instantly.

“…Kiara,” I said, voice low, a small smile tugging at my lips. “You’re Kiara Sessyoin, right?”

Her expression lit up with a gentle, almost playful calm. “Indeed. I’m glad to see your memory is functioning well.”

One of the two companions I’d used my remaining credits to bring along. The choice had come easily. A doctor. A psychiatrist. Someone who understood what it meant to be broken—mind and body—and to still care. I had a soft spot for people like that. Maybe it was nostalgia. Maybe it was comfort.

Of course, I didn’t know much about her, only the basics—and this was the Saint version of Kiara, the kinder one, so I hoped my gamble would pay off.

Given what lay ahead, I needed a healer. And so, I’d spent extra credits to give her a Template of Orihime Inoue.

A girl who could reject reality and rewrite phenomena. Wounds, damage, even concepts.

Templates, as I’d learned, granted the abilities of another character—though slightly weaker by default. They had to be trained, developed, refined. The original Orihime had been rated Tier 8 by the Catalog’s standards, while the Template granted Kiara Tier 4-level power.

Not bad at all.

Tiers, by the way, were the Catalog’s way of categorizing individuals—based on ability, potential, and influence. A universal power scale. One I’d be relying on a lot in the future.

I drew my focus back to the present, offering Kiara a nod.

“Thank you for your concern.” I cast one last glance at my reflection before turning to her completely. “I was just… surprised. At finally being able to look at myself.”

Kiara blinked at my words, her expression shifting to one of concern. “What do you mean by that?”

I shook my head gently, brushing the question aside for now. “Let’s shelve that topic for later. It’s not really important right now.” My eyes flicked to the side, catching a glint of hair peeking out from around the corner.

“Besides, I think our other companion might appreciate it if we moved to the living room and did proper introductions. It’s a bit rude to leave someone eavesdropping in silence.”

A tiny gasp escaped from around the corner as a pair of bright green eyes widened in surprise—busted. A moment later, the rest of her followed.

A woman stepped into view, her posture poised yet clearly nervous. She was graceful, with shoulder-length green hair that gently framed her soft features. Her eyes, the same brilliant hue, flicked between us with hesitant curiosity. Her modest blouse and skirt gave her the look of someone familiar, comforting… maternal.

‘Strange…’ I thought, blinking. ‘Just a few minutes ago, color still felt like a distant memory, dull and muted. But now… my brain is registering it perfectly. That’s green. No hesitation, no doubt. Just green. The same thing happened with my own eyes earlier actually.’

The woman lowered her head politely, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

“S-sorry for intruding,” she said softly, her voice light and apologetic.

There was no mistaking her identity. The second person I’d brought with me. A different version of Tohsaka Aoi—Rin and Sakura’s mother. A kinder one, untouched by the tragedies of her original world. Someone who, like Kiara, carried warmth in her soul.

And now, our strange little team was all in the same room.

“That’s alright, Aoi-san,” I said with a soft smile. “We were the ones standing around in the hallway like it was a meeting room. That said, we should talk—I'm sure you both have plenty of questions.”

Both women nodded in quiet agreement, and together we made our way to the modest living room. It was small but cozy, the kind of space that invited conversation. Once we were all seated and comfortably settled, I took a steady breath and began—figuring it was only right since I was the reason they were here.

“First of all, allow me to properly introduce myself,” I said. “My name is Sieg. I… don’t have a last name yet. Maybe I’ll come up with one eventually.”

At that, both women exchanged curious glances, clearly surprised by the admission, though neither pressed the matter. I appreciated their silence.

“I’ll go next,” Kiara said gracefully, folding her hands in her lap. “My name is Kiara Sessyoin, formerly a therapist with the Seraphix branch of the Chaldea Security Organization. I look forward to working with you. Please take care of me.”

Her voice was gentle, tinged with warmth, and the slight bow of her head added a note of elegance to her introduction.

Then Aoi straightened slightly, a faint blush of nervousness still lingering on her face. “My name is Aoi Tohsaka—though I suppose it’s Zenjou now,” she said with a touch of wistfulness. “I’m but a clone of the original, and I exist only to serve you, Sieg-sama.”

She bowed deeper than Kiara had, her movements graceful but far too formal—almost ritualistic. The word serve hung in the air, lingering longer than it should have, leaving a strange taste in my mouth. I frowned slightly, but said nothing. This, too, was a matter best saved for later.

Thanks to the original Sieg’s memories, I wasn’t surprised by how calmly Aoi said that—or that Kiara hadn’t reacted at all. Magi were… different. Their values, their ethics, their entire worldview was shaped by a logic that didn’t always align with ordinary people.

“I suppose the first thing we should discuss is our purpose in this world,” I said, bringing their attention back to me. “In one month, the Fourth Holy Grail War will begin.”

A pause. Then a nod to Aoi.

Her eyes widened, recognition flashing in them. Of course it would—this was the time the original Aoi had lived through, the war that had shattered her life and left her disabled.

“I intend to put a stop to that farce of a war,” I declared, voice firm with conviction. “And to ensure that humanity never again places its hopes in a corrupted Grail.”

The memories of the original Sieg surged within me again—especially those of the Holy Grail in the Apocrypha timeline. I let them shape my next words.

“The current Grail is tainted by the spirit of Angra Mainyu. Any wish made upon it would be twisted, its effects rippling outward to harm humanity. That’s not a risk I’m willing to take.”

Kiara tilted her head slightly, her expression thoughtful. “The Holy Grail…” she echoed, almost to herself. “I’ve read about it in books—legends, religious texts, and fairy tales. I always thought it was metaphorical. A symbol of faith or divine grace.”

Her yellow eyes returned to me—calm, yet sharp with curiosity. “But you speak of it as something real—corrupted, even dangerous. That’s… a sobering thought.”

“It’s not the original,” I corrected gently, earning a small nod from her. “But it still has the power to grant wishes.”

“It was originally created by the three founding families: the Einzbern, Makiri—now known as Matou—and Tohsaka. During the Third Grail War, the Einzberns cheated and summoned Angra Mainyu as an Avenger-class Servant. When he was finally defeated, he corrupted the Grail from within, turning it into the embodiment of all the world’s evils.”

Kiara took a moment to absorb this, then placed a hand over her chest with quiet dignity. “I may not be a Magus, but I understand corruption—and I understand what happens when those in power seek miracles without regard for the cost.” Her eyes gleamed—serene, yet firm. “So if the Grail must be destroyed, then I will help you do it, Sieg-sama.”

“Thank you,” I murmured, a small smile tugging at my lips, grateful for her support.

Then, I turned to Aoi, who looked unexpectedly somber.

“While I also wish to help, Sieg-sama,” she said softly, “I’m afraid there’s nothing I can offer. I’m no Magus, and what little I know of Magecraft comes from memories of my original—watching Tokiomi, Rin, and Sakura.”

Offering her a reassuring smile, I shook my head. “Don’t worry, Aoi-san. I didn’t choose you for your ability to fight, or to heal like Kiara.”

My expression turned serious.

“I chose you because I want you to raise Sakura once I rescue her from the hell that awaits her. Rin too, if something happens to your original self.”

“…Sakura?” Aoi’s voice trembled, her eyes wide with worry. “W-what happens to Sakura?”

She looked like she didn’t truly want to hear the answer—but needed to know all the same.

Grimacing at having to share this with her mother—even if it was only a clone—I nonetheless let out a sigh and met Aoi’s eyes. With my intervention, we could hopefully prevent any of this from happening anyway.

“She was… Hah.” I exhaled sharply, steeling myself. “Sakura was thrown into a worm pit—where they entered every part of her body. She endured that for almost a decade. And in the timelines I know of… she frequently meets a terrible end.”

I shook my head slowly, my voice barely more than a whisper, and glanced up to see the horrified expressions on both Aoi and Kiara’s faces.

“But we can change that,” I continued quickly, trying to pull Aoi back before her thoughts spiraled into despair. “If everything’s still happening according to what I know… then Sakura only had to endure that hell for about three days. Kariya put a stop to it—he made a deal with Zouken.”

“So please,” I added gently, “don’t fall into despair. Sakura will need you in the coming days.”

“…Kariya,” Aoi murmured softly, blinking as old memories stirred. “I see… so he was telling the truth, then—that time.”

She was likely remembering the day Kariya promised her original self that he would reunite her with Sakura… before everything fell apart thanks to the machinations of Kirei Kotomine.

“If I’m being honest, I want to rescue Sakura before we fully focus on the war,” I muttered, my eyes narrowing as a quiet rage stirred within me at the thought of Zouken Matou. “No child should ever have to endure such a thing—especially from someone who dares to call himself her grandfather.”

Even I—born blind and with a frail body—had parents who loved and cared for me during the short time I had them. I wanted that for Sakura as well.

“Thank you,” Aoi whispered, her voice trembling as a few tears slipped down her cheeks. She bowed again—this time even deeper than before.

“Fufufu~ It seems I have nothing to worry about,” came Kiara’s soft, amused giggle. She watched me with gentle eyes and a warm smile. “Sieg-sama turned out to be someone with a gentle, yet fiercely protective heart—just as I first suspected.”

Blushing at her words, I turned my head away. “It’s the least I can do… after being saved and supported by so many people myself.”

My thoughts drifted—first to Siegfried, who had given up his heart so I could live. His heart still beat within my chest. Then to Astolfo, who had become not only my closest companion but my savior more times than I could count. Chiron, my mentor. Fran, who granted me her Galvanism so I could better wield my power.

And then… there was Jeanne.

Even now, her presence lingered in my heart like a steady flame—warm, unwavering. She was the first person to truly see me, not as a Homunculus or a vessel, but as a person capable of choice. Her strength wasn’t just in battle—it was in her convictions, her compassion, and the quiet way she gave me the courage to seek my own path.

I didn’t know when admiration turned into something deeper. Perhaps it was when she smiled at me like I mattered. Or when she stood beside me, unflinching, even when I doubted myself. All I knew was that I wanted to protect her—finding her ideals and manner in which she lived very sad yet incredibly beautiful.

In that time we shared… I think I fell in love with her.

It was still strange—having all these memories and emotions tied to people I’d never personally met, yet feeling like I’d known them all my life. But that was the effect of the Memoria perk. Whoever orchestrated all of this had chosen to give me Sieg’s memories… and with them came every emotional bond he ever formed.

“Ahem.” I coughed into my hand, gently steering the conversation away as I shoved down the intense longing in my heart to see Jeanne again. Now wasn’t the time to dwell on it.

“Moving on,” I said, refocusing. “Let me explain the current participants in this war and their Servants.”

For the next thirty minutes, I laid out everything I remembered from the Fate/Zero timeline. Most of it came from the stories I’d heard back when I was still blind—fragments pieced together into a clear picture now enhanced by Sieg’s memories.

“So in total, we have Gilgamesh as Archer, partnered with Tokiomi Tohsaka; Hassan of the Hundred Faces as Assassin, under Kirei Kotomine; Gilles de Rais as Caster, with Ryuunosuke Uryuu; Diarmuid as Lancer, under Kayneth El-Melloi; Alexander the Great as Rider, summoned by Waver Velvet; King Arthur as Saber, under Kiritsugu Emiya; and finally, Lancelot as Berserker, serving Kariya Matou.”

I paused, letting the information settle in.

“Out of all of them, the most dangerous to us are Archer, Lancer, Rider, and Saber—though with Saber, the real threat is her Master.” I added, offering my assessment. The nods I received told me they were following closely.

“Sieg-kun,” Kiara said, drawing my attention. I couldn’t help but smile a little—I'd finally gotten them to drop the overly formal -sama. It felt more natural now, like we were equals. I had never really felt comfortable with praise or reverence anyway. At first, I’d only gone along with it because I didn’t know them.

“How are you planning to go about this?” Kiara asked gently, concern lacing her voice. “Even with the abilities you granted me from Orihime… I have no physical combat ability to speak of. And you’re talking about fighting legends.”

Aoi nodded in agreement, clearly sharing her concern.

“You’re absolutely right,” I said, nodding in earnest. Their confusion only deepened at my ready admission.

“Even with my ability to transform and use Siegfried’s powers, victory isn’t guaranteed—especially since I’m the only combatant in our group.”

“Then—” Kiara began, but I raised a hand to gently stop her, offering a grateful look when she let me continue.

“That’s why I plan to summon a Servant of my own.”

The surprise on their faces was palpable as I raised my right hand, displaying the Command Spells that shimmered faintly against my skin—different from any they might have seen before.

“These are unique to me,” I explained, a small grin tugging at my lips. “They let me tap into the powers of Siegfried… and Frankenstein.”

Thanks to that, I’d been eligible to purchase the Command Seals perk from the Catalogue. Since Sieg was considered a Servant… so was I.

There was also a particular Mission from the Catalogue that had caught my interest—one that allowed me to summon a Servant of my own. The bonus? I’d earn even more points if I summoned them here, in the Nasuverse.

As fate—or perhaps careful planning—would have it, I even shared a certain connection with her original Master.

‘Heh… I wonder if these are truly my own decisions, or if I’m just being nudged in a specific direction by whoever made all this possible,’ I thought, a wry smile tugging at my lips.