Chapter 8

The traveling merchant uncle seemed to really like it and watched our practice until the end. A march played only with percussion instruments is rare in this country, so he was very pleased. I felt good.

After practice, he unpacked his goods and opened his shop. It's rare for someone to open a shop like this outside of a festival, so everyone looked happy. I also bought a lot of sweets and candy from a foreign country. When the soldiers asked if I really needed to buy so much, the merchant teased me, saying, "The priestess likes sweet things, huh?" But the candy is really good. It soothes a sore throat and can be given to children.

"Here, priestess, take this. It's a thank you for showing me such a wonderful performance." The uncle gave me a hairpin. It had several sparkling beads attached to it.

They were very clear. Since crystal is too expensive to give away easily, this must be something else.

"Is this Kelbino glass? You can't give me something like this. It doesn't match the performance."

Kelbino glass is used as a substitute for crystal but is not as expensive. However, it is still valuable.

"You have a good eye, priestess. I'm surprised. You're right, it's Kelbino glass. But how did you know that at your age?" The uncle peered at my face. Ah, I'm short and don't wear much makeup, so I look much younger. It happens often.

"I'm older than you think." "Oh, so you were a songstress for a long time? Were you a candidate for the shrine maiden?"

As expected, traveling merchants know a lot. I can't lie, so I smiled wryly and nodded.

"Then, did you sing with the current shrine maiden? I saw her briefly in the capital the other day, and she was beautiful! I couldn't hear her voice from so far away, but they say she's the reincarnation of a goddess?"

"Yes, her voice is very delicate and beautiful. And she is very beautiful."

The uncle nodded in satisfaction. The carving people listened to our conversation with great interest. To them, she is the one who will eventually become the lord's wife. They must be very curious.

"Then, do you know that story? The one about the four suitors vying for the shrine maiden's affection. It's a very popular play in the capital now. It's also a novel."

Ah, this might be a bit dangerous. Don't delve too deeply into that story.

The uncle doesn't know that the Earl of Carving is one of the parties involved.

While the play is just a play, it serves to convey the tragedies and comedies that occur in the palace and among the nobility to the masses.

The love drama at the ball happened over a year ago. If it's being performed now, it will take about half a year for the real names to be known.

Ah, some of the soldiers' faces are tense. I shouldn't say anything more.

"Unfortunately, I don't know much about it. After all, it's something that happens in the palace. I can't attend the balls."

When I said that, the uncle nodded.

I'm relieved he understands. Palace balls are for high-ranking nobles only. Noble balls are for those of a certain status or by invitation.

Songstresses can be of any rank, so many of them can't attend the balls.

That's how low my status is. I can't interact with so-called nobles. ...Actually, I'm from an earl's family, but it's just in name.

"Because of that, I'll return this. If you can give me, I'd prefer the mint candy."

When I asked for more candy, everyone laughed.

"I'll give you the mint candy too. But keep this. You need a bit more charm. You'll be left behind otherwise." "Haha!"

I let out a strange laugh! Stop it, uncle!

"You! That's rude!"

No, it's just a social nicety! Uncle, don't be angry. Kevin.

First of all, the one being rude is your master! Who are you to say that!?

"Ahaha! Then, I'll take it. Thank you! But it still doesn't match. Would you like me to sing something as a thank you?"

Because Kevin got angry, the atmosphere became awkward. Stop it! Everyone, don't look at me like I'm a pitiful child!

"Ah, that's great! Actually, there's a song I want to hear, but the priestess probably doesn't know popular songs."

"Cut it out! What are you saying to the priestess!"

"It's fine, Kevin. I want to thank him. Go ahead and say it. I might know it."

"It's the new song from the play by Lettymon! I love it. It's so popular that it's being sung in every back alley. The bar ladies, oh."

Kevin! Really, stop it! Don't draw your sword! I'm well past my twenties, so I'm not embarrassed by such talk!

When I got the guitar and played the melody, the uncle clapped happily.

I caught the surprised look of the temple caretaker and winked at him.

I had just received this job from Lettymon before coming here. I thought about it in the carriage all the way from the capital and finished it after arriving, so the melody must have left a strong impression.

I arrived here a year ago, but I couldn't play the piano properly.

However, I had this job, so I tuned the long-unused piano in the temple and worked on it with all my heart.

Now that I think about it, maybe I was able to stay so calm because I clung to this job.

Thanks to that, it was the fastest and required the least corrections.

Ah, maybe it's because it's far from the capital.

I realized it wasn't due to my skill. I'm disappointed.