「――――」

I glide my fingers over the strings of the lyre, plucking it with a completely familiar motion. I’ve been practicing this finger technique for years, thousands of times, ever since I could remember.

For me, everything related to singing is as natural as breathing, so natural that recalling its origin makes me chuckle.

I open my throat, gather strength in my abdomen, and layer my voice onto the music I’ve begun playing.

The words, the emotions that arise in my mind at this very moment flow into the song.

All of that lands softly atop the music drawn forth from this instant.

「――――」

When a new song is born, I might express it as having “sparked,” but truthfully, calling it a spark is pretty presumptuous.

To put it simply, it’s more accurate to say that I discovered it rather than it sparking. The melody and lyrics that appear in my head at that moment were already buried somewhere in this world.

Some catalyst allows the music buried in that world to be unearthed.

There’s a prompt to find it, and the lucky one who picks it up just happens to be me—this gift of inspiration, that’s how I like to think of it.

So, I told Lady Priscilla that you can create music without formal education. Even if you throw out wisdom, knowledge, and all the complicated stuff, it’s still possible.

Because singing isn’t just reserved for humans.

Haven’t you heard the songs of little birds? Have you listened to the chorus of insects? Have you found peace in the whistling wind or the babbling brook?

Do they have wisdom in human terms? They might, but should we consider that they do? I think not! Rather, they don’t have any! And that’s perfectly fine!

Have you ever felt music in the sunshine, the phases of the moon, the scent of the earth, or the crackling wood in a campfire? I have! That’s proof that music suffuses this world.

This world is made of music, filled with music, and connected by music; that’s its proof!

「――――」

We bards are merely borrowing the sounds from this music-filled world. We’re meddlesome souls who notice what’s always been around and make it a little easier for others to touch it.

We shamelessly and self-righteously proclaim good things as good.

I don’t mind if people think of us that way. I don’t care what anyone thinks about us.

But surely, this music is good, right?

There’s joy in sharing something interesting as interesting and something fun as fun with complete strangers.

There’s joy in expressing “that’s funny” during funny moments and “that’s fun” during fun moments.

Music allows for that. With music, such things are forgiven.

After all, the entire world is singing, so who could blame anyone for singing?

Now, lose yourself, lose yourself, lose yourself.

Now, immerse yourself, immerse yourself, immerse yourself.

Dive into enjoyment, let joy fill your heart, become a slave to the fun!

Use not just your ears but your eyes, nose, skin, heart, and soul—enjoy the “sound” as “joy!”

Enthusiasm engulfs the audience, sweeping away the rising “Wrath” in one fell swoop.

Use your body to hype up the crowd, raise your voice, and become part of the performance. When your eyes meet those of the people beside you, you’ll realize you’re feeling the same thing in your hearts.

Of course. Music is right beside you, a friend that won’t leave your side from birth to death.

You can see it, hear it, feel it.

We’re always here, answering the call of music’s presence――!

“Damn it! It was anything but quiet, but thank you for your attentiveness――Ah!!”

I’ve sung to the end, there you go!!

※※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

Uh, well, how should I put it? Sorry, I may have gotten a bit carried away.

After pulling off a showy performance, I recall just how high my spirits had been earlier, causing me to feel a hint of embarrassment.

“That was, um, amazing, miss! I was really moved!”

Guh! Schult-kun’s painfully genuine eyes are hitting me right in the feels! Painful yet ticklish! Such innocent red eyes, untouched by corruption, pierce my heart deeply!

N-no, I totally get that there’s no ill intent, and it’s not sarcastic at all—he’s just expressing a genuine childlike wonder. I understand that, but I can’t quite accept it comfortably; that’s my selfishness!

I’m sorry, Schult-kun… growing up is about getting a bit jaded.

“――? I don’t really understand. I’m sorry for my lack of knowledge.”

Ueeh! His adorably dejected expression is just unfairly cute!

There’s a mischievous aura about this kid that makes you want to tease him. Just a little bit, I want to touch him… heh heh…

“Liliana. Your performance just now wasn’t bad. I commend you.”

“Y-gah!”

“What was that ugly sound just now? That’s not a sound that should come from a girl… and especially not from your throat.”

Just when I was about to fall prey to Schult’s bad adult poison, Lady Priscilla popped in like an intruder. No, I wasn’t planning anything malicious at all. I swear, I had no moment of temptation.

By the way, as soon as Lady Priscilla showed her face, Schult-kun brightened up and clung to her waist. Not in an embracing way, but just clinging lightly to a part of her red dress… that humility is, paradoxically, angelic.

Now, while I was causing a scene, Lady Priscilla seemed to have firmly decided on her approach for dealing with this whole mess.

“I didn’t expect such effectiveness… I might have unknowingly reached the pinnacle of music. Yes, atop the goddess of music!”

“Foolishness. Understanding the difference between the mundane and one’s own capabilities is crucial, but overestimating isn’t elegant. Your song has promise, but it’s too early to claim the utmost. In this case, it was mere luck that they happened to be in an easily influenced state.”

“Easily influenced, you say?”

What does that even mean?

Lady Priscilla lazily fans herself, surveying the assembly hall. Following her gaze, I spot a large crowd of people.

Well, they’ve liberated themselves from exchanging insults, trading punches, grabbing each other, or fighting over possessions, and I can now see they’ve calmed down somewhat.

They’re still short on words, but those who had gotten hurt in the pushing have been treated, and some are apologizing—yes, yes, that’s important.

Wow, my song really is something! Those people who were feuding not long ago have, remarkably, settled down. Talk about skilled hands!

“Don’t get ahead of yourself. The impact on their unstable, puppet-like hearts continues. Just a moment ago, they were bound by suspicion and fear; your song merely dulled their sharpened edges. However, unless you eliminate the root cause, they’ll inevitably revert to their prior state.”

“Wha—?! But, if that’s the case, every time their hearts get riled up again, I can just wash it away with my intense ‘upapa’ song…”

“While that may sound good in theory, as a solution, it’s terribly basic. Not to mention this chaos isn’t only occurring in this assembly hall.”

“N-no way?”

That’s news to me! However, during our travel, there were indications of some kind of conflict that Lady Priscilla managed to avoid, so it’s been mentioned that a declaration hangs over the entire city; isn’t that really bad for us?

“We… we need to do something about Pristella…?”

“Well, that seems to be the case. To be frank, I have no obligation to care about saving this city…”

“Lady Priscilla…”

Once again, she’s spitting out a cold-hearted, calculating remark! Schult-kun gazes up at Lady Priscilla with eyes wide in trepidation. It’s obvious to see that this kid, despite being beside her, is so very ordinary—just a flawless spirit.

Ah, geez, he’s completely fulfilling the criteria that would make anyone want to cave in and fawn over him!

I can’t help but feel weak in the knees looking at Schult-kun’s pleading expression; I don’t know if I’ve lost to him or not, but Lady Priscilla dedicately shrugs her shoulders, seemingly with no choice left. My heart jumps. I stare intently at her hands.

“Lady Priscilla, how old are you?”

“Nineteen.”

“Ah, is that so? I’m twenty-two, by the way!”

“I didn’t ask.”

I just wanted to share that. What’s up with the difference in our diets? Is it the travel life of a wandering bard taking its toll here? Grr.

“Although it’s not said that I’ve been swayed by Schult, I lack the leniency to overlook any disrespectful act during my stay. I’ll be sure to sever the heads of all witches involved.”

As I’m making fists and trembling, it appears Lady Priscilla’s resolve has become firm.

Still, while making those excuses with her words, I can see she genuinely wants to heed Schult’s plea; I can read her true heart, you see!

“Honestly, Lady Priscilla, you’re surprisingly considerate♪”

「――――」

“Gyaah?! It’s burning, it’s scorched?!”

It’s burning?! It’s on fire?!

The moment I poked at Lady Priscilla’s side with my elbow, flames erupted from my head! The tips of my hair were singed and rounded? There wasn’t even a ‘ho!’ this time!!

Suddenly a malicious act! This is a genuine crisis! This unforgettable dreadful news!

“Are you okay, miss…?!”

Schult-kun came running at me with a pale face. In a panic, I think he was trying to put out the flame—he fumbled with a bottle from the packet he was holding, trying to pour it on me. Meanwhile, my head was engulfed in raging flames――

“Stop, Schult.”

“But, Lady Priscilla…”

“That’s my drinking wine. It belongs to me, and pouring it on her would only turn the singer into a fireball. It might be funny, but that’s all there is to it.”

“Gyaah――”

Before I could be turned into a fireball, I rolled around on the cold floor. Schult-kun tilted his little head and absentmindedly asked, “Does wine catch fire?”

You little brat, both you and your mistress seem intent on turning me into a burning corpse… but if I were to die here, my spirit as a bard wouldn’t perish; my songs would reverberate beside your pillow every night… because songs exist all over the world!

“If you’re fine with that, then I’m fine. After all, making a fuss over a singed hair is ridiculous. Get up quickly.”

“Huh? Huh?! The vengeance of the divine flames? Wasn’t I supposed to be burnt to ashes?!”

Ah, wait, it’s not burning at all. What the… what a waste of panic!

I smiled bashfully while brushing off my clothes, feeling like everyone was staring at me—then I approached Lady Priscilla directly.

“So, Lady Priscilla! Let’s go all out and give the Archbishop of Sin a flashy counterattack to save Pristella! I’m here to support you, though!”

“Don’t act like this doesn’t concern you. Of course I’ll be taking you with me.”

“Whaaaaaat――?!”

Talk about shocking! An unbelievable twist！ Why am I being singled out here?!

“I’m just a humble bard with capabilities of looking cute and singing well; bringing me along won’t do much besides entertain your eyes and ears, you know?!”

“I don’t dislike your frankness. I told you, didn’t I? I have my eyes on you. Your singing voice is a valuable asset. Besides, staying here with the common folk would be a risk. You better stay within range of my ‘Sun Wheel.’”

“Meaning… you want to protect me because I’m cute?”

“――Oh?”

“Ueeh! Lady Priscilla, you’re so kind, giving me a warning before you get mad!”

After having my hair scorched with no warning, just getting a little warning makes Lady Priscilla feel so kind to me. Wait, is my heart racing? What is this feeling… my heartbeat is quickening, my palms are sweaty, I’m feeling breathless, and the blood is rushing from my face…

“I have more reasons to bring you along. That magic artifact that caused the troublesome declaration is said to be in the City Hall, correct?”

“Eh? Ah, yes, it’s in the City Hall. Every morning I wake up early and rub my sleepy eyes to fulfill my duties… ah! But just because I’m sleepy doesn’t mean I take shortcuts in my singing! I may have been half-asleep until right before, but when it’s time to sing, I’m wide awake! I’m definitely wide awake!”

“If you know the location, that’s good enough. What I need is that magic artifact and you.”

“Me?”

“Your throat.”

I was caught off guard. Whoopsie.

But thanks to that, I finally understand what Lady Priscilla is trying to say. In other words, she means this:

“What’s been happening in this assembly hall should happen all over the city using that magic artifact!”

“――――”

“Hey, Lady Priscilla? What’s wrong?”

“You’re acting against me right in front of my eyes. You, where did the real Liliana go? The real one shouldn’t be so agreeable.”

“I’m too cute and intelligent to be an illusion!!”

What terrible impressions have I allowed to shape my existence; I’m feeling a bit deflated.

But I understand Lady Priscilla’s reasoning. If there are riots erupting across the city just like in this assembly hall, then it’s time for my song to step in.

While holding concerts all over would be a nice touch, that approach would be too late in this case! Then, a decisive strike is what we need!

“No, I understand! That makes total sense! In that case, it’ll be appropriate to take me with you, Lady Priscilla! Furthermore, the City Hall is a gathering place for the brains of the city! I’m sure Kiritaka-san would be there as well, and he’s a reliable fellow in times of crisis!”

“However, it’s certain that the Archbishop of Sin would definitely be in the City Hall. We can’t avoid pest control. Just do your best to avoid collateral damage.”

“I totally forgot!”

Right, at this moment, the embodiment of “Lust” should be in the City Hall. If the hall has become their base, this plan might just stumble at the get-go.

“No, no, no! But! The Archbishop could have already taken off from the City Hall by now! It’s incredibly secretive, with rooms that you can’t enter and whatnot, so it’s likely not worth killing time there. I bet they’ve grown tired of waiting and gone off somewhere!”

Hmph, a burst of brilliant deduction from yours truly. It’s a perspective that only I, who makes daily trips there for work, could have.

Indeed, because it’s a place where everyone is too busy to even give you a moment!

So it must be that the City Hall is empty by now――.

“Hey, hey! Hoo hoo hoo.”

Just around that time, I heard the second broadcast.

※※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

After hearing the second broadcast, we left the assembly hall, though our spirits were low (Lady Priscilla and Schult-kun looked unchanged).

It took a while to leave the assembly hall because the crowd’s instability returned with the broadcast, and I needed to use my song to offset it.

Honestly, I can only describe it as an unwelcome performance.

Of course, regardless of the situation, I never slack off or call it a day with a performance, but ordinarily, a song should never be mixed with unnecessary impurities.

I want to showcase my song, to involve others with it—at least, that’s how I see it. I don’t want to consider my song as a psychological weapon to counteract fears. Even if it turns out that way, if I think of it like that, I would no longer be sincere with my song, and I wouldn’t see how anyone could be captivated by it.

“Control Tower occupation and the Great Watergate. And the demands in the next broadcast…”

As I stepped out of the assembly hall, I followed Lady Priscilla’s resolute pace, feeling dejected rather than lost.

I have no doubt that I am a being that sings, but in this situation, is it truly me that is sought after, or is it the song, or the results?

All three originate from me, but they don’t align.

That’s the feeling I have.

“It seems we’ll only be able to reach the magic artifact in the City Hall after the third demand.”

“Why is that?”

“The Witch Cult requires the magic artifact once to announce the demands. After that, they merely need to defend the four control towers they’ve occupied. They’ll distance themselves from the hall, where military strength is unnecessary. Of course, they may reserve the magic artifact for some malicious amusement…”

“Are they not going to do that?”

“If it’s the artifact wielded by the ‘Lust,’ then they likely won’t. Although it wears the mask of malice, it’s shrewd and cunning underneath. A crafty fool can quickly become wise when the time is right.”

Schult-kun asked Lady Priscilla that question, echoing a doubt I had. Quite conveniently, he’s mastered the skill of timing so as not to anger Lady Priscilla, who has a soft spot for him, so she responds kindly to his queries.

It’s an explanation even a child can get, so it’s easy for me to understand as well.

So, it seems the situation is progressing exactly as the Witch Cult planned.

“So, the third broadcast will be after the demands are announced. Once the magic artifact is free, your song may prove helpful. While the city is filled with unease, we can’t gather any forces peacefully. We have no way to know where the rats in the lion’s den will emerge.”

“Before it gets that complicated, would it be possible for Lady Priscilla to just go in with that shining sword and reclaim the control towers from the Witch Cult?”

“If just one of those control towers is compromised, the Great Watergate will open, and the city will be submerged in water. Even I am but one being. It would be inadequate to counterattack. I understand there are several who could lend a hand, and yet… to gather them, we need the magic artifact.”

The ‘arms’ that Lady Priscilla spoke of are the forces capable of countering the Witch Cult.

And as far as I know, one such person of great merit is currently in the city. Yes, the “Young Girl User,” Natsuki Subaru, and the “Silver-Haired Witch,” Emilia!

“Understood! After the third broadcast, we’ll be heading to the hall!”

Clenching my fists, my breath quickens.

Deep down, I can’t deny that I feel a bit apprehensive. However, I need to go to the City Hall to confirm Kiritaka-san’s safety, and even if knowing his safety wouldn’t contribute much to our efforts…

Having him there would reassure me, allowing me to sing without a heavy heart.

“So, until then…!”

“I’ll take Liliana with me to check on the evacuation sites!”

“Eh? W-What?!”

Schult-kun replies buoyantly, but what do you mean?!

Lady Priscilla nods in satisfaction, while Schult-kun blushes happily—how come I’m the only one getting left behind?

Even though I’m this close, here I am, all alone.

“Now that it’s clear that your song has an effect against that nasty wave, we need you to perform, leaving your self-doubts aside for now. You’ve been showing signs of hesitation, but now isn’t the time for such trivialities.”

“W-What does this have to do with going around the evacuation sites?!”

“It’s also your responsibility to lift the curses with the magic artifact, but there’s time before you execute that. During that time, the hearts of the insecure commoners will remain unattended.”

“Ah…”

“If you’re standing before the magic artifact, there’s no guarantee all the audience won’t have perished by then. To prevent that, it’s vital to act preemptively, echoing your intentions.”

I finally comprehend the proposal behind Lady Priscilla’s words.

Before my song reaches them, those who start fighting like in the assembly hall might emerge. Should that happen, even the important song of salvation may come too late.

I won’t be able to save everyone. But it’s not in vain to reach out to places I can help.

“From what I can tell, your stage fright isn’t bad. However, right now, the way things are going is rather precarious. You might stumble at the vital moment. Hence, you need practice.”

“Practice…?”

I’ve had an uncountable number of singing experiences. I may not recall the term ‘stage fright,’ but I’ve never once felt ashamed of standing on stage.

What exactly is Lady Priscilla getting at――.

“I know nothing of your troubles. However, what is needed isn’t a song sung for yourself, but one sung for others. Come to terms with the self that sings a song for others. Get that experience.”

「――――」

“Treat the insolence of making me walk as something that will be redeemed through the results.”

With those words, once again, Lady Priscilla crossed her arms, her chest bouncing. She pats her own chest, gazing intently at her hands, forming a tight fist.

A song for the existence of others. That way of singing――.

“Lady Priscilla is so kind, I know what she means!”

“Be quiet, Schult.”

Their casual exchange feels both warm and heartwarming, while I, on the other hand, brimming with new resolve, charge off to visit the evacuation sites.

I’ll carry the meaning behind Lady Priscilla’s words, melding the right side with the frustrating aspects, aiming to become a bard who can sing, weave, and dance for the future of little Liliana!

――.

――――.

――――――。

Well, while I diligently made my way around the evacuation sites, comforting the troubled and troubled, the third broadcast arrived――.

“――Hmph. They’ve gotten ahead of me. Damn it.”

Lady Priscilla muttered as she looked up at the darkened sky.

I know well what sentiment she speaks of.

There was a broadcast from Natsuki Subaru using the magic artifact.

His words were clumsy and never particularly strong, but undoubtedly, he was able to carve something into the hearts of the people across the city that wasn’t merely anxiety and fear.

It resembled our own aims to achieve the same thing with song.

If that’s the case, anyone could have done it.

“Even if we’ve been surpassed, it seems the City Hall is empty, just as predicted. Let’s join up with everyone momentarily here, and then let’s commence the battle to reclaim the city! I’ll be singing for sure!”

“Don’t wear that obvious relieved expression.”

“No, no, no, I’m not relieved at all.”

A hint of relief nudged at me, and most of all, I felt disappointed.

It’s kind of a moment where I just lost my chance to shine as a “Songstress”!

Though there’s a satisfaction in witnessing the birth of a “Hero,” it didn’t linger in my mind after the reckless demands were made of Lady Priscilla.

Here we go! There’s still room for a song! Damn it!