Chapter 9

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Regarding the parts that have been published in book form, I have intentionally left the typos, omissions, and additions as they are, hoping that they might serve as reference material later on.

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On the morning when my parents were due to return the next day, I went out for my daily walk.

Mr. Rottmayr had nothing to say, and my time passed as usual.

Of course, it would be the staff in the mansion who would be busy with my parents' return, not me.

The preparations for the rooms, bedding, meals, and even the accommodations and meals for the people who would accompany my parents as guards would all fall on Mr. Rottmayr and the others.

Among the adults, only Mr. Romanov seemed unchanged, still offering to help Mr. Rottmayr as usual.

Today, as always, I practiced singing with Princess Momoka.

Surrounded by the audience of tanuki, foxes, rabbits, and small birds that had increased over the past two to three days, today's song was a classic.

"Um, it's said that today's swelling is good, so I'll sing 'Habanera.'"

"Hmm, good. I'll listen, so hurry up."

I took a deep breath, tightened my abdominal muscles, and focused on the magical nerves as I was always told to do.

"Habanera" is a love song from Bizet's opera "Carmen," where the heroine sings to seduce Don José. It was originally a song for a mature woman.

Sung with my immature voice, which could not be clearly identified as male or female, it lacked any charm, but "I" had liked this song, and it had stuck in my mind even after being reborn, despite the foreign language.

I took a breath and finished singing, then placed my hand on my chest and bowed.

Then, the princess came closer.

"What is this 'opera'?"

"'Opera'?"

"Yes. And the other day, thanks to your tutor, I missed hearing about 'The Song of the Violet Garden' and 'musical.' What exactly are they? Explain!"

"Ah, y-yes!"

Even I don't fully understand, but I'll try to dig up "my" memories.

"An 'opera' is a play that incorporates the music of a grand orchestra and the singing and dancing of performers. A 'musical' is a more accessible version of that."

"Hmm, a play with singing and dancing... I see."

"As for 'The Song of the Violet Garden,' 'musical' refers to a musical, and 'Violet Garden' refers to a theater company where only women perform. Even male roles are played by women, and it's a beautiful, unique, and elegant troupe."

It's hard to put into words.

Since it's only in my memory, I can't explain it well, but the stage, woven by the beautiful and elegant male roles with their dandy charm and the graceful and refined female roles with their strong core, is not only visually stunning but also filled with beautiful voices singing magnificent songs, intricate and exquisite costumes, and artistic stage sets and props.

Hmm, I wish I could show you the memories in my head!

"I see, then let me see it."

"Huh?"

As soon as she said that, the princess suddenly crouched right in front of my face, and even bumped her forehead against mine!

Her peony-colored, misty hair swayed, her small lips were a lustrous pink, her cheeks were as red as roses, and her eyelashes were so long that they seemed to make a sound every time they blinked.

Every time the princess moved, the soft rustle of her clothes and the sweet scent of flowers enveloped me, making me feel incredibly comfortable.

Ah, ah, ah! I'm in trouble, Princess! Your face is too close, and your eyes are making me dizzy! Ah, ah, ah! Princess, I'm in trouble!!

As I was dazzled by the princess's beauty, I was hit on the head with a fan.

"Be quiet! I'm looking into your memories now, focus!"

"Yes!"

So, I closed my eyes to avoid looking at the princess's face and tried my best to dig up my previous memories.

On the dazzling stage, a beautiful woman in men's clothing performs a story of love, youth, and a revolution for her country.

The poignant love of the childhood friend who watches over her, the forbidden love and sorrow of the young queen she serves, all of which are beautifully portrayed through song and dialogue, stirring up a storm of emotion.

"Amazing... There is such a dazzling world in another world...!?"

"Y-yes! I didn't know either!"

Actually, the princess's face is just as dazzling, and the white pig is hurting my eyes.

I swayed and moved away from the princess, and ended up sitting on the ground. The pain in my buttocks brought me back to my senses, and the princess laughed.

"You're quite a find. From now on, show me your memories from time to time. This is a reward."

She threw me a peach about the size of my face, which smelled so sweet that it could fill my stomach.

"Thank you, it looks delicious...!"

"Yes, I guarantee the taste."

With that, the princess faded away, dissolving into the wind, seemingly satisfied for the day.

I put the peach in the waist pouch that Mr. Romanov had modified for me and started walking towards the mansion.

The animals in the audience also slowly disappeared into the shrubs. They really seemed to come to listen to the songs and didn't destroy the garden when they left.

Running or walking to the mansion had become a common sight, and the staff who worked there would greet me when they saw me, but they no longer seemed surprised.

I opened the heavy white-painted door.

The mansion was two stories, and as soon as I opened the front door, there was a hall and a staircase leading to the second floor. My room was on the second floor, so as I was about to go up the stairs, I was stopped.

"Young master, I have something to talk about."

It was Mr. Romanov with a bitter expression and Mr. Rottmayr with his eyebrows furrowed.

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