Chapter 32- Choir song

“Ren, would you like to make time tomorrow morning? Sarah suggested that we all go for prayers since we have the opportunity.”

“Prayers? To win in the semifinals?”

Vane nodded, then Sarah continued.

“Both Vane and I are feeling more nervous than ever since our opponents are from the Heroic faction.”

“Especially for Sarah, since her opponent in the semifinals is Kaito-senpai.”

Vane’s opponent in the semifinals was also from the same house. A second-year student from the heroic faction who had a strong interest in Vane. As Kaito mentioned before, she was a skilled archer.

“Indeed… We were prepared for this possibility, but we’re still feeling nervous. The semifinals start in the afternoon. If it’s just the two of us, would you join us in going to Rosas Caitas?”

Ren and Licia thought they were going to the Imperial Grand Temple.

So hearing the name of an unexpected place left them confused.

“But isn’t Rosas Caitas sealed off?”

“That’s right. But there are several places designated for prayers. After Rosas Caitas became inaccessible, the Elven Church provided alternative locations.”

“Oh… I see. There are such places…”

Such an event was not part of the Seven Heroes’ Legend. However, Ren was accustomed to reality not always aligning with the events of the legend.

“Why Rosas Caitas though? The Imperial Grand Temple is closer for prayers, isn’t it?”

“Licia, didn’t you mention wanting to see the seal with your own eyes before? There’s a temporary service available, so it’s a good opportunity. Besides, the choir will be there tomorrow.”

“Come to think of it… I recall Father saying something like that…”

On the first night of the Lion King Festival, Lessard had mentioned something like that.

But Licia exchanged a wry smile with Ren.

She had already seen the seal at night through the window of the magic airship. However, she didn’t want to dismiss Sarah’s well-intentioned suggestion, especially since Sarah seemed so excited.

Apart from Sarah’s invitation, Licia was interested in the choir.

Both Licia and Ren wanted to hear their songs.

“Ren and I also wanted to hear the choir’s songs, so it’s perfect. Let’s meet at the hanging Gardens tomorrow!”

Nemu didn’t miss the exchange of winks between Ren and Licia next to the smiling Sera.

“You two are so kind.”

Upon hearing this, Sarah asked.

“Nemu? What’s going on all of a sudden?”

“No, it’s about something here. I’m surprisingly observant, unlike Sarah, so I made sure to confirm what the two of them were hiding.”

“What do you mean?”

“Since it’s Nemu, she’s probably just saying random things.”

“Ahh! Licia, you’re making it sound like I’m always saying random things! I only do that occasionally! Occasionally!”

Everyone laughed at Nemu, who expressed her dissatisfaction with a huffy breath.

By the way, why was Nemu here? It was because she had come to watch the martial arts tournament. She was simply accompanying Sarah and Vane as they shared their joyous news.

After the three of them had left, Ren and Licia returned to the headquarters.

Looking at the two of them, Radius asked,

“Did something happen?”

“Yeah, something happened at the martial arts tournament. Tomorrow, it’s going to be our students only in the semifinals.”

“That’s good news. In that case, the three of us should go and watch. Since there’s no need for us to be at the headquarters on the final day, enjoy yourselves without any reservations.”

Ren, Licia, and Fiona smiled at the proposal.

“What about you, Radius? Won’t you come with us?”

“Nya~ I’m sorry, but his highness has plans with me, so he can’t.”

“Oh, I see.”

Ren nodded slightly, feeling a bit disappointed.

◇ ◇ ◇ ◇

Early in the morning, despite the early hour, the area around Roses Caitas was bustling with many people.

The worn-out road was scattered with numerous crumbling bricks, and in some places, moss could be seen. The surroundings of the road were adorned with lush green grass, creating a beautiful landscape where many merchants had set up their shops.

Ren, who had just disembarked from the airship, looked around at the surroundings.

“So, this is what it looks like,”

He had only heard that the magic ship dock was a makeshift one, and when he looked down from above at night, he couldn’t see it clearly.

Now, what Ren was looking at was the makeshift magic ship dock lined with simple iron towers. Several iron towers were arranged in a row.

As they descended the movable staircase, Licia pointed and said,

“Ren, look over there.”

Licia was pointing towards the mountain where Roses Caitas was located.

Unlike the last time, they could see the mist surrounding the Time Cage clearly. After gazing at the Time Cage, they surveyed the surrounding terrain. As they had heard, most of Roses Caitas was covered by the seal. There was a gorge between the mountain and the plain, connected by a bridge. Beyond the bridge, there were stairs leading to the mountain path, and beyond the bridge, they were already inside the seal. Naturally, the bridge was usually closed off.

Today, the bridge was open because of the presence of the choir. Instead of being blocked, Elfen Knights stood guard.

“It looks much clearer compared to the other day,”

“Yes, it does.”

Already, the area was bustling with a large number of people, including Elfen worshipers from both inside and outside the country.

If they let their guard down, they would easily be swallowed up by the crowd.

“There are so many people… We have to be careful not to get separated, Sarah.”

“Let’s be cautious. But first, shall we have breakfast?”

“I agree! Nemu’s stomach is rumbling… because she didn’t have breakfast.”

Since they had come early in the morning, the three of them, other than Ren and Licia, had skipped breakfast. They had a busier morning than the two of them because they had to come from the capital to Elendil.

“According to Nemu’s research, the food stalls here are highly acclaimed!”

There were renowned shops that grilled delicious meat and stalls boasting sweets and tea.

Rather than stalls from the capital, it would be nice to visit stalls that can only be enjoyed here.

Sarah was still indecisive, but she knew that joining the queue would take a considerable amount of time. Not only for themselves but also for Ren and Licia, it could have implications for tomorrow as members of the organizing committee.

“Oh, Vane-kun, do you want Nemu to hold your hand? It’s going to be hard if we get separated.”

“I-I’m fine! I’m okay!”

“Oh, come on, no need to be embarrassed~ Or maybe it’s because you’re not satisfied with Nemu?”

“No, it’s not that… R-Ren! Stop laughing and help me!”

“Sorry. I guess it’s more important to find the popular food stalls.”

Trying to avoid Sarah, who was clearly jealous, they looked around at the surrounding food stalls.

There were various stalls. They could choose whatever they wanted to eat.

Teased by Nemu and receiving dissatisfied looks from Sarah, Vane was bewildered. Ren and Licia exchanged words while observing the scene.

“I’m already full, but the delicious aroma is making me want to eat too.”

“Me too. Shall we have a little something?”

“Yes. Hehe… What should we choose? It would be nice to try shops that we don’t usually see in Elendil or the capital.”

The group went around several stalls to satisfy their hunger.

They walked together, making sure not to get separated in the crowded streets.

The area became even livelier after several more tens of minutes passed. Members of the Elfen Church choir appeared wearing white robes, walking along the road surrounded by Elfen Knights.

Among the Elfen Church members, there were many who joined their hands when witnessing this scene.

Leading the audience, the choir headed towards the bridge that led to the gorge, with the intention of going to the mountains.

“Should we go too?”

“Yes.”

Following Ren and Licia’s lead, the other three started walking.

From the makeshift magic ship terminal near the bridge, it took them about thirty minutes on foot to reach the vicinity of the bridge. Elfen Knights stood guard on the bridge to prevent people from approaching the members of the choir who had arrived at the bridge first.

The members of the choir stopped their steps just before the seal, which was right after crossing the bridge.

Unlike other choir members, there was one person who had a large staff. Holding the staff in both hands, they extended it as if offering it to the heavens. As the huge gem at the tip of the staff sparkled, everyone around began to sing in unison.

Ren listened attentively to the song, captivated by the sight of the choir singing from a distance. He didn’t know why, but it gave him a sense of absent-mindedness.

(…………)

He couldn’t help but be entranced by the song that resounded endlessly.

Even though he didn’t understand the language used in the song and couldn’t comprehend the lyrics.

“Ren, should I translate it for you?”

Licia whispered to Ren.

She seemed to be careful not to disturb those around who were listening to the song.

“Huh? Can you understand it?”

“Yes. It’s a language used in sacred incantations, so I can understand a little.”

“Wow, as expected of Licia-sama. But please don’t mind me and enjoy the song too.”

“It’s fine. I want to enjoy it together with you, Ren.”

Their faces were closer than usual.

In such close proximity that their cheeks almost touched, Licia translated the lyrics into the common language.

“To the great Lord God, the child of the Creator God, let us offer our song… Now, to the presence of the Lord.”

Licia continued to translate fragments of the lyrics.

At some point, the first song came to an end. Around Ren, there were quite a few Elfen Church members in tears, and the three who had come here together seemed to be moved as well, as they remained silent.

Then, second and third songs for the repose of the souls echoed.

And then…

“Huh?”

“—-?”

Suddenly, Ren’s vision blurred slightly and there was ringing in his ears.

Instinctively, he reached out both hands and covered his ears. But something even more mysterious happened. Despite covering his ears, Ren distinctly heard a certain sound.

Ring, ring…

The sound of bells echoed endlessly. Ren’s field of vision swayed like a mirage. Although the phenomenon quickly subsided, he couldn’t comprehend what was happening.

As he looked around, he couldn’t see anyone else who seemed concerned like him, except for one person—Licia, who stood next to him, experiencing the same sensation.

“Ren… What just happened?”

“Licia, you felt it too?”

After the seventh song ended, Sarah, who had been quiet until then, called out to Licia.

“I’m so moved… Licia? Why are you silently staring at Ren? Were you moved by the song?”

“N-No, it’s not that. I was just surprised because I suddenly heard a loud bell sound.”

“A bell sound? I didn’t hear anything like that. What about Vane?”

“No, I don’t think I heard anything.”

Next, Ren asked,

“Then, Vane, did you see the mirage-like phenomenon just now?”

“I don’t think there was anything like that. What’s going on all of a sudden? Are you two feeling unwell or something?”

“It’s not that. Sorry, it might have been just our imagination.”

“Yeah, maybe we were just thinking too much about it.”

They deceived them with those words.

The choir members started descending the stone steps, leaving the same way they had come. Surrounded by the Elfen Knights just as before, they quietly walked along the road.

Ren and Lycia exchanged glances and contemplated the earlier phenomenon. They furrowed their brows, thinking that it had only happened to them.

“Shouldn’t we return to the magic ship before it gets crowded?”

“Oh, right! That might be a good idea!”

If they voiced an excuse about wanting to avoid the crowd on the way back, Sarah and Vane immediately nodded. Nemu also agreed.

In reality, it was driven by their instinctual desire to leave this place as soon as possible.

“Yeah, that’s right! If we’re late, it might be too crowded to get on!”

“That would be bad. Both Vane and I have semifinals in the afternoon, so we need to hurry.”

The five of them continued walking to return to the magic ship dock.

Against the backdrop of a bustling crowd, it felt like they were going against the flow.

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