Chapter 36

Knight Leopold approached and whispered something to Lord Joshua. Lord Joshua straightened his posture and looked into the distance. In front of his gaze were the people who had just received the blessing. The number of people had increased, filling the square.

"Sorry to trouble you when you're tired, Arietty. Could you return to giving blessings?"

Of course, I would be happy to. It's much more enjoyable than formal greetings.

With a light step, I was on my way back to the choir when Leopold whispered to me.

"They really want to receive the blessing from the priest. The number keeps increasing, and it's getting out of hand. I'm sorry."

No, it's an honor for me! That's what a songstress, no, a priest should do.

The first family in line when I returned had a little girl with them.

"I'm sorry to keep you waiting. What's your name?"

I sang the blessing song and asked for her name, and she replied, "Arietty."

"Oh! You have the same name as me!"

The little girl's eyes sparkled.

"Arietty, may the goddess's blessing be upon you. And may your family be healthy and well."

"Excuse me, Priest, um..."

The little girl spoke up with determination. Ah, she had been waiting to ask something.

"What is it, little Arietty?"

"How can I become a priest like you? How can I sing so well?"

Oh, how delightful. A little songstress in the making.

"If you sing from the heart and enjoy it, you're already doing a great job. Your parents must think so too, don't they?"

I smiled at her parents, who nodded happily. This child must love singing very much. She probably sings all the time at home and wants to get even better.

"But if you want to get even better, I can teach you. The adults here also practice in the temple."

But little Arietty said her home was far from here.

"In that case, I'll come to you sometimes. Even without me there every day, I'm sure you can practice on your own."

I said this and patted Arietty's head.

"If you like, you can sing with everyone here. Once you learn the blessing song, you can bless people in your village. You can bless them on my behalf, on behalf of the goddess."

"Really? Even though I'm not a priest?"

"Anyone can pray for happiness. Your parents always pray for your happiness. You grow up every day with the goddess's and your parents' blessings. But when you sing, it becomes clear. Sometimes, you can pray for someone else's happiness too."

When I asked if she wanted to sing, Arietty turned to her parents. They nodded vigorously, so I invited them all up on stage. I had her sing with the choir behind me.

As we sang, more people joined in, one by one. Those who got tired of singing would step down, and those who wanted to sing would step up, so the choir never got exhausted. It was a great cycle. I would take breaks to rest my voice, but the line for blessings always formed in front of me.

After a few rotations, a baby was in line. This baby, who had been waiting patiently in the long line, was handed to me.

"Bless this cute Richard. May the goddess's blessing be upon him."

When I said the blessing, a cute "ah-ah" response came back.

How adorable. The softness and unique gentle scent of the child made my fatigue disappear. I couldn't help but kiss his forehead. At that moment, a murmur rippled through the crowd, and the people swayed.

"I will also bless this child."

Lord Joshua was standing next to me. What a lucky child.

I offered to hand the baby to Lord Joshua, but he pulled me closer.

"Please hold him. I've never held a child before."

He then kissed the child in my arms.

Wow!

The loudest cheer of the day erupted.

I returned the baby to the tearful parents and looked at Lord Joshua, who was watching the cheering crowd with satisfaction.

Ah, he is the light of this land.

Even though he is young and was raised in the capital, the people here have been waiting for him. They believe he will lead them. And in such a short time, he has gained so much respect.

I felt this deeply as I traveled through the territory to spread the hymns. I saw how the people here could live stably and what they could do to create a more prosperous and peaceful life. He is looking toward that future.

Unlike the lords of neighboring countries, who are often self-centered and unreliable, the lords of Carving have been absent for too long. Even when Lord Joshua came to inspect, their arrogant attitudes couldn't be hidden.

Initially, the attitude of looking down on priests, which I experienced, wouldn't have changed unless the lords were present.

Among them, there was a stubborn belief in venerating the maiden priestess, and they couldn't see anything else connected to the temple. The existence of a songstress was almost nonexistent. The idea that a songstress who didn't become a maiden priestess was no better than a wandering minstrel was widespread, which was frustrating.

At first, I tried to travel with minimal security to avoid making the people nervous, but I was sternly advised that it would make the temple itself look insignificant. Although I was unhappy, I understood as I met the lords.

A land without the goddess's blessing.

Despite having the ancient Etua Temple in the territory, the goddess's faith had declined due to the lord's absence for just 20 years and the incompetence of the acting lord. Yet, they believed that if they welcomed the maiden priestess, the earthquakes that plagued them would be suppressed.

That's impossible.

Not only did they forbid the people from singing, but they also imposed indoor orchestras that the people couldn't access or practice. There was no way to receive the goddess's blessing.

Lord Joshua, who was raised in the palace, understood the significance of this and supported my journey through the territory.

In truth, he was probably wary of the priestess sent to Carving without understanding the situation on either side.

It seemed like a test to see if he was suitable as a border lord. Despite being raised in the palace, he had no support from the king or other border lords.

The harsh treatment he received initially couldn't be erased, but I felt sympathy when I saw him sternly turn away the self-centered lords.

And.

To give the people some hope.

Especially to prevent the children, who were affected by the devastation, from wandering any further, he kept a watchful eye.

Lord Joshua's attitude has spread to his officials.

The expectation of change.

Lord Joshua goes among the people to avoid making them feel the pressure.

A young, beautiful, and strong lord.

The striking impression of Lord Joshua, cutting through the oppressive atmosphere of Carving.

Alone, it lifts the people's spirits.

He is well aware of this.

This person will surely become a great lord.

I felt proud, but also a heavy weight in my heart.

If I could live with such a person, I would be happy.

I don't want to be his wife. Just being a citizen of his territory and living close to him would make me happy.

But even such a simple wish is unattainable for me now.

That was sad.