Chapter 10

The vibrant trumpets sounded, and the band marched into the hall. With steady drums and footsteps, they lined up in three rows in front of the stage.

In the center of the stage, which overlooked the square, stood Lord Joshua, who had returned home after half a year. On either side, in a semicircle, sat the distinguished guests.

I stood in line with the singing group below the stage and signaled the band conductor with a nod.

The trumpets sounded again, and a powerful and vibrant march began.

The band had grown to 50 members.

Due to a lack of instruments, I couldn't turn away those who had come, so I prepared the singing group.

More people wanted to join, and the group grew even larger.

Instruments require practice at home, but singing needs no equipment and can be practiced anytime.

Winter had ended, and spring had come to the foothills of the mountains.

Today was a day to celebrate the arrival of spring.

For the people, it was a more important festival than the New Year.

The first part of the vibrant march ended, and the rows moved with the drumbeat.

From a box formation, they spread out into a straight line.

The second part of the march began, and while playing, the ends moved back slightly, forming a formation with the center as the peak of a mountain.

Moving while playing was difficult.

It took a year to gather the people and finally reach this point.

However, compared to the performances I had seen abroad, it still seemed like child's play.

But the excitement of the first-time viewers among the audience warmed my heart.

The band ended the powerful drumming with a sharp cut and shouted:

"May the spring day be blessed! Glory to Carving!"

Though it was in an ancient language.

Because it sounds cool, right?

The audience erupted with cheers. Yes!

Looking at the stage, I saw Lord Joshua watching with sparkling eyes. I could tell he was excited. Well done, at least it was a success.

With the excitement still high, I picked up my violin.

I signaled the singing group and played a section of the flower song, widely known in Carving.

At first, only the singing group, then the band joined in at the climax. I put down my violin and joined the singing.

After repeating it twice, the audience began to hum along.

A huge success!

I ended it subtly and bowed to the people on the stage.

Lord Joshua stood up, raised a goblet, and shouted:

"Happy spring day! May this year be filled with blessings! I will strive for the peace and prosperity of all! Thank the goddess!"

He gave a short toast.

How wonderful. A short speech is the best!

Lord Joshua, you have quite a sense of style.

Still, I couldn't let important instruments be damaged in the commotion, so I hurriedly joined the band to collect the instruments and load them onto the cart.

The trumpets were sent by Mr. Lettymon as a special payment.

These can only be obtained in the capital, so if they were broken, I would cry.

"That was amazing, Arie!"

Oh! Lady Romelia!

Here?!

Without a hat, what if Lord Joshua sees you?!

Lady Romelia, the former High Priestess, appeared at my place a month ago.

She was the fiancée of Viscount Gandolf Du Quenne, a minister's son who was part of Lady Alicia's entourage.

Due to her jealousy of Lady Alicia, she had caused trouble for the High Priestess and had her engagement dissolved. She retired and disappeared quietly.

It turns out she was in the neighboring country of Carving.

From here, it's about a five-day carriage ride to a trading port where she had become close to a wealthy merchant. They were to be married next month.

Hearing the rumor that a songstress had come to the Etua Temple, she came to see what was happening.

"Arie! I was so worried about you!" she said happily to me while I was practicing with the band.

But, somehow...

"I was so thrilled! Next time, let's add more brass! If we wear Carving's military uniforms, it will be so cool that girls will faint! With 100 people, the grand turns will be spectacular! That ancient blessing was your idea, right? That's so typical of Arie!"

Lady Romelia, you weren't like this before, were you?

As the High Priestess, you were known as the 'Ice High Priestess' for being so strict and unapproachable.

She explained that she had been tense all the time, trying to pull off the role of the songstress.

This is her true self. Oh dear.

I used to admire you so much!

No, I don't dislike the fangirl version of Lady Romelia. I'm just taken aback by the difference.

I had the instruments loaded onto the cart and was cleaning up when I heard a familiar three-beat rhythm.

"Sir Priest! Hurry! Hurry!"

The children came to call me.

Oh. I'm tired from the early morning rehearsal.

Well, I can't help it.

The pre-exercise song had become a regular part of the routine.

Anyone could sing it, so I wish someone else would do it.

I was talking with Lady Romelia.

But she joined in, pulling me along.

So this is her true self. The role of the High Priestess must have been stifling. When I said that,

"Yes! The songstresses during your time were all geniuses. It was so painful. I had to put on a scary face to show authority, and it became a habit. Well, in the end, it naturally became that way because of a strange, silly person."

Ah, you mean that person.

They really messed up my life.

I said, "I'm sorry to hear that," and she gushed, "But I found the most wonderful person at the end!" I was speechless.

By the time I arrived, the crowd had formed two concentric circles.

When I was thrown into the center, the gruff soldiers were eagerly waiting for me to start singing.

Scary. I feel like I'll be eaten, so I'll finish quickly.

The footsteps in the city of Carving, nestled in the rugged mountains, were the loudest I had ever heard.

The sound of people's footsteps shook the earth. The strength of life. The excitement.

Since becoming a priestess, I've experienced many injustices, but when I feel this, I think, "It's all worth it." I'm so simple.

But that's fine.

It's fun!

I ended the song with a shout, and not only the band and singing group but also the audience clapped each other on the back and thanked the goddess.

As the stomping for the next song began, someone called out:

"Sir Priest, the lord is calling you."

Ah, yes. I understand. I'll go.

"Sir Priest! Can you play the violin later? Sing a song!"

The children tried to hold me back, but I said, "Sorry, maybe later. Adults have to work."

I gave the candy in my small bag to a nearby child and told them to share it as an apology, then followed the castle attendant who had come to call me.

Oh, that peddler is here.

There's an ajo shop! I want to try it! There's wine too!

Ah! That hat is Lady Romelia!

Sharp eyes. As expected.

How nice. Now I have to go up on stage and greet her. It's a hassle. I just want to enjoy the festival.

I handed the candy to the nearby child and told them to share it as an apology, then followed the castle attendant who had come to call me.