Chapter 85

"…I’m surprised. I thought you were talented, but I didn’t expect this much."

Four days after the training started, Saria, who had just heard my piano performance, was wide-eyed.

"It’s as if I’m listening to my own performance. You’re really something."

"Hehe… thank you."

I couldn’t help but give a polite smile.

After all, I was copying Saria’s performance.

The control magic ‘Transcription’ allows for the precise copying and reproduction of the target’s movements.

I had been using this magic to mimic Silfa’s sword techniques, but it can naturally be applied to other things as well.

"But you’re still just a lesser version of me. If you practice more and develop your own originality, you can aim even higher. Well, we don’t have much time, so I’ll give you a passing grade. Clap, clap."

Of course, since I’m just copying the movements, it’s impossible to add any originality.

"Congratulations, Lloyd. You’ve got Saria’s seal of approval."

Eisha clapped.

Incidentally, she had already passed the singing test two days ago.

Eisha’s standards were much more lenient than Saria’s, and she had passed at about a level 4 out of 10 in ‘Transcription.’

By contrast, Saria had only passed at level 8 out of 10, which was quite strict.

On the day of the concert, we headed to the main church.

Incidentally, we didn’t bring any luggage because there’s a huge piano at the main church.

Silfa and the others were investigating the other suspects, so only Eisha, Saria, and I came.

The large grounds were surrounded by iron fences, with several buildings inside.

There were even guards standing at the grand entrance.

"Wow, it’s huge no matter when I come. It might even be bigger than our castle, you know?"

"I don’t think it’s that big… but the main church is definitely different. It’s like comparing apples to oranges compared to our church."

Eisha’s church is quite large, but this place seems to be at least ten times bigger.

In any case, we spoke to the guards and were allowed to enter.

There were many believers gathered in the grounds.

"Wow… there are so many people."

"When the main church hosts an event, they announce it widely. They allow the general public to attend, so many people gather."

"They’re probably also trying to gather more believers. They’re really business-savvy."

Saria sighed.

To avoid the crowded main street filled with believers, we followed the guard around to the back entrance and headed to the main hall where the concert would be held.

"Still, it’s a magnificent building. They say the monks are making a killing. I wonder how much money it took to build such a place."

"That’s because they are so widely believed in. Hmph, it’s a feat that incompetent demons can’t achieve."

"What did you say!?" "What is it?"

Grimo and Jilian were arguing about something.

These two get along well, surprisingly.

"Finally, we’re here."

After walking for a while, we finally reached the main hall.

It was a huge dome-shaped building that could probably hold thousands of people.

We were led to the green room through the back entrance.

"You’ll be called when you’re ready, so just relax."

"Are you nervous? But I’m sure you’ll be fine, Lloyd. If you make a mistake, we’ll cover for you."

Incidentally, I’m supposed to be the opening act, performing a light piano and vocal performance.

I don’t know why, but Saria forced it on me.

She really goes overboard.

I’m just copying, so there shouldn’t be any problems.

And thinking about it, it’s easier to move around on stage alone.

"Sorry to keep you waiting! The concert is about to start, so please get ready, opening act!"

With that, I stood up.

"Ah, I’m being called. I’ll be right back."

"Good luck!"

"Enjoy yourself."

With their encouragement, I headed to the stage.

The believers sitting in the audience were puzzled by my appearance.

They probably expected Saria and Eisha to come out, not me.

Well, my target is the Pope, so where is he?

"…There he is."

Glancing at the audience, I saw an elderly man in ceremonial robes with a gentle smile in a corner of the open space.

He was surrounded by other elderly men in high-ranking attire, so he must be the Pope.

…Oops, I can’t space out here.

I bowed and sat at the piano, starting to play.

*♪*

I played quietly, *plonk, plonk,* and began to sing.

It was a simple children’s song, but I was copying Saria’s piano and Eisha’s singing.

The audience, who were initially puzzled, seemed to be completely drawn in.

*Okay, now.*

I activated the sacred magic ‘Flicker.’

I manipulated the spell to avoid emitting any light.

…But there wasn’t a single groan from the audience.

The Pope, of course, remained unperturbed.

"Hmm, I checked, but none of them changed their expressions at all."

"There can’t be any evil-doers among those who serve the sacred church. Perhaps it’s someone else?"

Hmm, just to be sure, I’ll try one more time.

This time, a bit longer.

But again, only a few people blinked, and no one showed any signs of physical changes.

By the time the performance was over, I was sent off with applause and descended the stage.

Saria and Eisha were waiting for me in the wings.

"That was a great performance. You didn’t seem nervous at all."

"Yes, yes! I was surprised! To remain so calm in front of so many people is really impressive!"

"Thank you, both of you."

But, I didn’t achieve my goal.

No one showed any suspicious behavior.

It seems the culprit isn’t among the people here.

Unfortunately, I’ll have to search for more clues.

"…For your first performance to be like that, and you’re still not satisfied… Hmph, I was right to see potential in you. Lloyd, you might become a better performer than me."

"Excellent, Lloyd. The most important thing in growth is ‘not being satisfied.’ To still look so unsatisfied after such a performance… You might become a better singer than me."

The two of them were muttering, but do they really need to go on stage?

For now, we’ll wait for everyone’s reports.