Chapter 5

I walked out of the grand hall where the dance was already in progress and headed towards the waiting room for the songstresses. Since I'm in a priestess's robe, no one would reprimand me. Are the guards okay? I'm not from the central region, you know? You should be a bit more cautious.

The songstresses, having finished their performances, were enjoying the banquet. I know the routine here very well, after all, I've been a songstress for a long time.

Not everyone can attend, so some songstresses who leave early can't participate in this New Year's ball. However, I have attended every year since I was 15.

High-ranking noble ladies are invited to the ball as both songstresses and young ladies. Therefore, after their performance, they enjoy the banquet and then participate in the ball. After that, those of us who are older and have free hands are valued for taking care of the younger songstresses.

I lightly knocked on the door of the banquet room and entered. The first person I met was one of the songstresses, who was a candidate to become the next shrine maiden.

"Arietti-sama!"

You shouldn't stand up so hastily. Haven't you received ladylike education? You made everyone stand up by shouting so loudly.

"Good evening, everyone. You all did a wonderful job. Thank you for your hard work."

I gave a ladylike bow as an example, and the fifty or so songstresses, who had been buzzing, responded in unison.

Oh, how elegant.

Young and cute ladies can be so soothing to the heart. I didn't know that.

Everyone is so lovely, it makes me feel excited. I bet the men would be completely charmed. I've been seeing nothing but rough border guards lately, so this is especially refreshing. No wonder songstresses don't have trouble finding good husbands. Of course, there are exceptions.

"Arietti-sama, welcome back. I've been looking forward to seeing you."

The beautiful girl I had identified as the next shrine maiden candidate approached with teary eyes.

Eh? That kind of feeling? No, we weren't that close.

"I feel the same, Arietti-sama."

"Me too! It's great to meet you here! I'm glad I declined the grand hall!"

Eh, you're from a viscount's family, right? You should be socializing properly.

Are you not good at social events?

Hmm, that's not true. This girl is very bright and loves lively situations.

"I was invited as a priestess of the Etua Temple. Your singing was wonderful. So, next time, please sing more confidently. If you look anxious, the goddess won't be pleased."

That's right.

With the recent change in leadership, many new shrine maiden candidates have been chosen, so the singing lacked volume. The expressions were also not great.

Ah, I might have been too harsh after not seeing them for a while. Everyone looks a bit uncomfortable.

I'm sorry. As a senior, I'm worried.

After all, the girls here are all very talented.

"If you think so, please give us guidance occasionally, Priestess of Etua."

"Deva! Long time no see!"

"Come on, everyone, Arietti said so too. Hurry up and finish your meal. The castle will be worried."

Deva, as always.

She's reliable and good at giving guidance. She's a valuable presence in the central temple, trusted by the younger girls.

"What's with that outfit?"

Here we go again.

Che, was it a bad choice?