Chapter 35

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Suddenly, wide eyes met the wide-eyed gaze of Lord Igor.

No, did I make such a promise?

The shock to her heart was expressed in a simple, unadorned "Eh?"

"Eh... Eh?"

"Eh, well, I don't remember saying anything like that...?"

"Huh? Really?"

"Yes..."

What the heck.

Completely confused, she recounted the conversation with the princess to Lord Igor.

Lord Igor pressed his forehead and looked up at the sky.

"Um, probably, when you were talking about how, if education improves, people will be able to read sheet music and scripts, and if the economy grows, people will spend money on theater, you got the idea that if you enrich your territory, you would focus on 'musicals,' right? Hekka tends to jump to conclusions."

A dry laugh echoed through the temple.

In other words, if I made a promise, does that mean I have to do it?

Lord Igor shook his head at her question.

"There is an obligation to make an effort because it's a promise, but there's no obligation to fulfill it, I guess?"

"Eh...?"

"Well, if you work to enrich your territory and raise the literacy rate, it should be fine... yeah... probably..."

"Why are you looking away?"

"Because it's Hekka?"

If I slack off, will lightning strike?

She looked up at the sky, almost rolling her eyes.

But if the economy grows and entertainment is sought, I would indeed want to see a musical. More specifically, I want to see the play and revue of "The Garden of Violets."

What is needed for that is, of course, a school, which means education.

"Music school..."

"Hmm?"

"If a music school is established and the territory becomes wealthy enough to attract students and education spreads, I might be able to show you what you want to see, Princess."

"Right, then, don't stress yourself, just do your best."

"Yes!"

Nodding, she was patted on the head again.

Even if I don't live long, it's good to have a purpose in life besides Regulus.

Her lips naturally curved upward.

Then, Lord Igor poked her forehead.

"About the weak connection between your soul and body, leave it to Hekka. There are experts on souls, and she's talking to them. My domain is physical illness, but your illness—dissociation—is a soul disease. It's better to consult with them."

"Soul experts, huh?"

"Yes. If it's a physical illness, it's my domain, but your illness—dissociation—is a soul disease. It's better to consult with them."

His gentle hand combed through her hair.

Lord Igor's body floated gently into the air, and as it did, light shone from the ceiling, just as it did when he arrived.

He was about to leave, and as his body was enveloped in a soft phosphorescence, his gaze suddenly stopped at her waist pouch.

"Peacock. What is that bracelet-like thing you're wearing?"

"Bracelet, you say?"

What could it be? Did I put something in it?

Touching her waist pouch, her status board appeared, and among the handkerchiefs and tissues, there was a "bracelet."

Is this the bracelet?

Taking it out and showing it to him, Lord Igor took it and examined it closely.

"This... is it made by weaving embroidery thread or something?"

"Yes. By changing the thickness and order of the threads, you can create various patterns."

"Right. Then, I'll take it as an offering."

"Eh? Ah, if that's okay..."

"Yes, it's stylish."

His plump, rosy cheeks turned even rosier as he examined the bracelet.

Come to think of it, the new skill I gained—Superb Craftsmanship—was probably due to his blessing.

When I was about to ask, he quietly shook his head in denial.

"No. Actually, you made something in front of Hekka, right? Knowing Hekka, she probably praised you in a way that you couldn't tell if she was really praising you. If you show a skill that a god recognizes in front of a god, of course it will grow."

"Ah... well... origami and such..."

"Well, it's fine. It's not a problem to have it."

Is that how skills work?

Shrugging at my unsatisfied look, Lord Igor was gradually enveloped in light and began to fade away.

"Then, see you again. Also, you don't have to do everything alone. There are people all over the world who feel the same way. Besides, the two elves behind you seem willing to help, so don't hesitate to ask for their assistance."

"Huh?"

"See you," he said, and Lord Igor disappeared with the light.

Turning around with a creaking sound, I saw Professor Romanov and Viktor on their knees on the stone pavement.

"Um... did you... see everything?"

"Yes."

"...I, I met a god for the first time."

Professor Romanov helped the dazed Viktor to his feet.

When I tried to support the wobbly Viktor, he firmly grabbed my shoulder.

"Hey, what's a music school? What's a 'musical'? Tell me more!"

"Kyaa!?"

His beautiful face was so close to mine that I let out a strange sound in surprise.

Viktor seemed very excited, his rosy cheeks turning even redder. He was incredibly intense.

"A musical is a musical play that incorporates music and dance into a theatrical performance! A music school is a specialized school that gathers talented young people and teaches them singing, dancing, music, and acting for musicals!"

"I'm in! I'll help! I'll help, okay!"

His slender fingers dug into my shoulder as he shook me.

I realized the terrifying power of the elf's deceptive appearance.

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