Chapter 40

The music ended, and we bowed to each other in return.

It was my first evening party, my first dance.

I never thought I could dance so joyfully.

This will surely become a beautiful memory.

"Thank you."

For giving me such a memory.

I sincerely thanked Joshua, who escorted me to my room.

"Thank you, too. It was a wonderful night."

The sound of footsteps echoed on the stone path in the garden.

In the end, my room remained in the annex.

Lord Joshua has repeatedly suggested that I move into a room in the castle.

I, who play the piano and sing all the time, am mindful of the castle, which has been without music until now.

I decided to stay in the annex because I can sing without reservation.

There is something that has been bothering me since the lord and the butler first told me.

This castle was built to welcome the Priestess Princess. The music of the Priestess Princess is needed.

Not the music of the goddess, but the music of the Priestess Princess.

I felt anew the immense influence and respect the Priestess Princess commands.

While I find this idea strange, if the people of this land desire it so much, I will not reject it outright.

Because it is their support.

The inflexibility of this idea has been proven to distort at some point, but still, the desire to reach the pinnacle of light that is the Priestess Princess is a human endeavor.

This land had lost all hope, and it was so sad that I couldn't outright deny their blind faith in the Priestess Princess.

My not playing the piano in the castle is a symbol of this.

I have never played the grand piano in the great hall.

The light of sound that must be welcomed here must be that of the Priestess Princess.

The lord and the butler, who were guarding the castle in place of Lord Joshua, told me this.

They have apologized many times for their rudeness at that time, but I have no intention of forgiving them.

While it might be forgivable for the ignorant people, they, who are in a position to lead, should have accepted the consequences of acting on their assumptions without proper study.

However, I cannot tolerate the rough treatment of my precious singing sisters.

The High Priest has repeatedly told me to return to the capital as it is enough, but if I abandon the tour here, the singing sisters who have traveled for days to perform for the people of Carving will be treated unfairly.

No matter how understanding Lord Joshua is, there are limits. Fortunately, I have been given the order to follow my lead in all preparations for the tour.

In this castle without a mistress, I can wield as much authority as possible.

The moon is out tonight.

Last year, I shed tears of nostalgia when I saw this moon. Now, a different emotion stirs in my heart, and I feel tears welling up again.

Lord Joshua stopped in front of the annex.

I gently slipped my arm from his. The escort ends here.

The next Spring Day festival will be the last time I receive his escort. The next Spring Day will be the fourth one.

By the beginning of the fifth spring, Priestess Princess Alicia should have descended.

Can I remain myself until next Spring Day?

Can I keep smiling until the day Priestess Princess Alicia arrives?

As I was about to head up the stairs of the annex,

"Arietti."

I don't want to see.

Lord Joshua called me. He stands in the moonlight, undoubtedly beautiful.

"Can you bless me?"

I nodded and sang a blessing.

My voice, cutting through the silence of the quiet night garden.

I don't like my deep, resonant voice.

I longed for a soft, sweet, high-pitched voice like a pure, innocent child, like Priestess Princess Alicia.

A purity I could never attain.

Surely, Priestess Princess Alicia was chosen because her pure soul was recognized.

"Joshua Van Carving."

I straightened my posture and called his name. The ceremony in the central temple came to mind.

"Your..."

May you bring peace and light to the land entrusted to you by the goddess. If you bring happiness to the people of the goddess, you will be blessed with glory.

A special blessing given by the High Priest and the Priestess Princess to the king and the lord.

Does Lord Joshua know this?

May he be the light that guides the people of Carving. I truly wished to bless him with this.

But I changed my words.

"May the goddess's blessing be upon you. May you have healthy days."

A general blessing phrase.

I cannot say it. I, who was not chosen as the Priestess Princess, do not have the right.

Lord Joshua approached me and grabbed my shoulder. His large palm was warm.

"Here is my blessing. May the goddess's blessing be upon you. May your happiness always be here."

Then, he kissed my forehead.

"Good night," he said softly and returned to the castle where music is played.