Kays Translations

Chapter 82

The next morning, as always, I played music early at dawn, and Melt woke up to the sound.

Today’s instrument was the trumpet. Since it’s quite loud, I didn’t play in the sunroom—I performed outside, in the gazebo.

“I know that one! A bugle! That’s a bugle, right?”

“Yes, it’s one type of bugle. More precisely, it’s called a trumpet.”

“Oooh! Your hands go swoosh-swoosh—looks fun!”

“Indeed, it can be a bit hectic.”

So, what I played today was that iconic tune you associate with a trumpet + early morning combo.

…You know the one. “Boss! A girl fell from the sky!” That one.

“Such a lively song! Should we eat breakfast outside today?”

“Yes, that’s the plan. I already have it prepared.”

Today’s breakfast: hot sandwiches with a crispy sear from the outdoor grill.

Let’s enjoy them with a simple milk soup.

“Munch munch… That crispy edge is so tasty!”

“Agreed. It makes such a pleasant sound. One mustn’t underestimate bread.”

Hmm, is that poetic? Kind of borderline.

Still, you can really tell how much he (Hash) loves music.

I thought I said, “Good crunch, for just being bread. So crispy!” But… it came out like that instead?

“Ah! The soup’s delicious! It’s milk soup, right?”

“I sautéed chicken in butter, then simmered it with onion paste and milk. I’m glad it pleases you.”

I’ve recently figured out that Melt shows about 20% more smiles whenever soup is on the table.

Apparently, she loves the way soup warms her stomach after just waking up.

“Still… I was wondering how to invite you, Hash, but then the company president beat me to it with his invitation—so frustrating… fru… frus-tra-tion!”

“Your thoughtfulness means a lot, Melt. It was just a coincidence, but yes—I’ve been invited, or rather, hired.”

“You’re going to play in front of a big crowd, right? Will you be okay?”

“Of course. I look forward to it. And I hope you will too.”

“Absolutely! So, what are you doing today, Hash?”

“Me? Hmm… I think I’ll go look for an instrument shop in Lindblum. I might need a few things. If possible, I’d also like to get some sheet music.”

“Oh, an instrument store! Hmmm… What should I do? I was planning to visit an armor shop with Rikka and Letty today. I wonder if the instrument shop is nearby?”

“Oh? That’s an unusual group. But it’s fine, Melt. I won’t intrude on a girls’ day out. Please, enjoy shopping with the three of you.”

Yeah, I can only imagine what would happen if I, as Hash, tagged along in that situation.

That would be dangerous. Best to avoid it.

“Now then… I suppose the instrument shop is probably near the Craftsmen’s Street.”

After seeing Melt off, I completed my daily routine of “composition” (really just writing down known songs), and then I headed out.

Surely, there are instrument makers out there. In any case, even just gathering intel is useful, so I aimed for Craftsmen’s Street.

When I approached the south gate, the guards predictably stopped me.

But this time, since they were aware of the “troubled traveling troupe” situation in advance—and I mentioned the cook who helped out here recently—they let me through easily.

Good ol’ Seira! Seems like I made a lasting impression! Probably thanks to my… build.

From there, I passed through the noble district, made my way through the market street in the middle layer, and headed for Craftsmen’s Street.

As expected, the morning atmosphere there was filled with the sounds of hammers and saws.

I walked along the street lined with studios and shops—likely run by weapon smiths or craftsmen who also repair household metal goods—scanning my surroundings as I went.

Eventually, as I moved deeper into the alley, I began to hear a faint musical tone mixed in with the sound of hammering.

Heading toward the source, I discovered that the area was filled with small workshops and ateliers focused on woodworking and crafted goods.

Perhaps large furnaces are considered hazardous in such a confined area, which is why this section is devoted to less dangerous crafts.

“This must be it.”

Amidst it all, I found my target.

A small shop with a wooden sign shaped like a violin and trumpet.

What a picturesque little place. I reached for the doorknob, and even the chime that rang as I entered sounded beautiful—fitting for a music shop.

The scent of wood, animal hide, oil, and ink filled the room—a comforting aroma that only aged, well-cared-for instruments can give.

The air inside was noticeably drier than outside, a clear sign they were mindful of instrument preservation.

Not too dry, not too humid. That delicate balance made me shut the door quickly and call out:

“Hello, is anyone here?”

I thought I heard a faint harmonica being played from the back of the shop.

It suddenly got louder, then stopped—maybe I startled them?

“Ah, coming!”

Out stepped a young beastkin girl—probably Melt’s age or younger—with cute little triangle cat ears poking out from her head.

Her tail was… slim. Most likely a cat-type.

“Hello, little kitten. This is a music shop, correct?”

“Eh! Ah, yes! It’s a music shop…”

“Wonderful. I wasn’t sure if it might just be the home of someone who loves instruments. Now then, I’d like to ask: do you sell sheet music here? Not blank paper to write on—but music already composed and ready to play.”

“Sheet music? Hmm… We don’t have much, but… You could get copies for a fee at the Artist Guild, you know.”

“I see. But since I’ve already come all this way, I’d rather purchase something here. I’ll take whatever you have—every type, please.”

“Eh!? But sheet music is kind of pricey because of the Guild’s copyright stuff!”

She seemed genuinely shocked, maybe thinking the prices were too high for someone to buy multiple sheets.

Then suddenly—

“Hey! We’ve got a paying customer here, what are you fussing about?!”

A loud, booming voice rang out as a large-built man with cat ears appeared.

What!? A buff cat-ear dude!? Guess those exist too…

“Hello, sorry to intrude.”

“Hoh, you sure look the part. Sheet music, was it?”

“Yes. If you have anything current or popular, that would be a big help.”

“Hmm… You a real musician? Pros don’t usually buy recent sheet music from small stores like this, you know.”

“Heh, sharp eye. I’m a musician from a traveling troupe. I’ve been asked to perform in this city, and I figured I’d like to play something that would please the locals.”

“Gotcha. Good mindset. I’ll pick some out for you.”

With that, the man—presumably the shop owner—went behind the counter and brought out a stack of papers.

Not parchment, but clean plant-based paper. Just touching it wasn’t even necessary to know it was high quality.

“Twelve songs in total. That’ll be one large gold coin and three regular gold coins. Pricey, right? Could get you a small instrument.”

“I see. That’s fair.”

“Tell you what—play me one of these songs. Whichever you want. If I’m satisfied, I’ll give you half off. Use this one—I just finished repairing it.”

With that, the shopkeeper handed over a violin.

“Testing how well it’s tuned is best done through real play. But I hurt my finger recently, so I want you to give it a try. If I like what I hear, you get your discount. Deal?”

That’s quite generous. I have nothing to lose here.

Accepting his offer, I took the freshly repaired violin in hand.

“Hmm… This is quite a heavy and grand piece. It feels heavier than it looks… and the way the sound resonates focuses more on the lower register… the sound contours are probably more defined… seems like a very temperamental instrument.”

“Heh, you can tell? That one’s a wild one—doesn’t tolerate any sloppy playing. It takes real skill to master it.”

“I see… this one’s something else. It’s like a noble young lady—spoiled and high-maintenance.”

There it is! The auto-poem mode! What even is that metaphor!?

Hash composed himself and raised the violin.

…It really is heavy. As he gently slid the bow across the strings, the sound that emerged was deeper and fuller than high-pitched tones. It favored the low end.

He didn’t carefully select from the sheet music he was given—just grabbed one at random and set it on the stand.

Hmm… a classical piece, perhaps? Though, it feels somewhat baroque in style.

In other words… is music here still mostly considered a luxury for nobles?

Fascinating. Elegant, dazzling, a bit formal—this piece has that kind of vibe. So how shall I play it?

Wait… what’s with this sudden burst of inspiration from Hash? His passion is on fire! What is this guy thinking!?

“Then, allow me to breathe life into this piece for a brief moment.”

With that, he began to play the solemn melody—like a grand temple, each note pounded like a hammer on its pillars.

He didn’t deny the cultural significance of court music or its role as a noble pastime.

But now that music is managed by guilds, and instrument shops exist in cities like this…

Why not take a step closer to the people?

Why not loosen up a bit, laugh and sing together with the people walking the streets?

Hash’s thoughts and emotions poured out through the performance like a direct message.

…Right. Hash was once a court musician.

And he stepped down from that life, discovering the joy of music meant to be shared with anyone and everyone.

He kept playing—a complex violin, one that wouldn’t respond properly to a half-hearted performance.

And the piece itself—heavy and dignified—shined most when played on that very violin.

As if trying to break down old barriers. As if admonishing the stiff formality of nobility. Yet with the deepest respect for the music.

“…Whew. Quite the unruly lady… but she still responds beautifully.”

“…Have you played that one before?”

“No, this was my first time. I’ve never handled a violin made from such dense, heavy wood before. I thought it was a spoiled noble girl, but she’s more like a mature lady of many years—full of charm.”

“Geez… can’t you give a review without comparing it to a woman? Still, that was a brilliant performance. Never seen anyone play that song with such joy before. A deal’s a deal—you get the sheet music at half price.”

“Oh my, but then I’d be the only one gaining from this. Judging from this violin… it must’ve belonged to a court musician, or someone close, yes? It’s a rare instrument. Consider this payment not just for the sheet music, but for the honor of playing it.”

I made sure to pay the full amount as initially quoted.

Not for the sheet music, but as compensation for letting me touch such a valuable instrument.

“Don’t come back later asking for a refund, alright?”

“Of course not. You’ve given me a precious experience.”

“Same here. You gave me something great to listen to.”

Thus, I successfully obtained the sheet music.

…Though I noticed the young girl from earlier had gone completely silent.

She seemed to be spacing out, lost in a daze.

“Miss? Are you alright?”

“Huh!? Ah, thank you for your purchase!”

“Likewise. I was only able to find this wonderful shop thanks to your harmonica. Please continue to love music.”

“Yes! I’ll work hard so I can play like you one day!”

She was absolutely right. Without her harmonica, I might never have found this place.

…What a nice encounter. Yeah, I think so too.

With the stack of sheet music in hand, I cheerfully made my way back home, heading for the main street.

“Eeeeh! I want this one!”

“But… that one is more… for… um… bigger people…”

“Ah, but Melt-chan still might grow more, you know!”

“I will grow! Someday I’ll be all bouncy-bouncy like Seira!”

“Who even is Seira…? Anyway, just go with this one. Sure, that one’s fancier, but…”

“Ugh, fine…”

For some reason, I found three girls gathered there.

It seemed Melt, Letty, and Rikka were together at a combined armor workshop and atelier.

Melt was trying to choose some kind of chestplate-style armor for herself, but…

…Can I just pretend I didn’t hear that conversation? It’s hard to jump into that one.

I’ll just act like I don’t know them. Like I’m a stranger.

They say “three women together make a noisy affair,” and it’s certainly unwise to barge into a girls’ heart-to-heart like this.

But then—

“Hey hey! Don’t give up, girly! We can help make ’em bigger if you want!”

“You know what they say! A little rubbin’ makes ’em grow!”

…Whoa whoa whoa. That guy’s dead. He’s already dead.

What the hell kind of obnoxiously blatant pickup line was that!?

Melt, I get. If you didn’t know her, she’d come off as a clueless airhead.

Rikka too—she’s got that innocent look that probably makes people want to talk to her.

But Letty’s the problem! She’s off-duty today, so she’s not wearing her usual clan-issued gear!

“…They say never mess with what you don’t understand. Very wise indeed.”

If Letty’s here, this will be over in seconds. I heard she has something like police authority too.

“Ah! Hash—! Help meeee!”

---

!? Why’d you call me!? Melt, why did you call me!?

And why’d you sound so excited about it!? Now my auto-poet mode is going to trigger again…!

“Oh my? What’s going on, Melt? And these must be your friends? Two more lovely princesses—am I dreaming, or have I wandered into a garden of roses? And… is that gentleman over there an acquaintance of yours as well?”

“Nope—he just started talking to us out of nowhere!”

Auto-Poem Activated!
All eyes ignite upon my heart in synchronized ignition!

…Well, I saw the whole situation already, so I knew what was going on.

“Hmm… I see now. If I may guess, you were dazzled by these three beautiful maidens. But to disturb their time together—no, to foul it with the filth of your presence—is beyond inexcusable. I suggest you leave quietly, for your own sake.”

Mostly before Letty decides to “resolve” this herself.

“What’s this, pretty boy? Wandering around unarmed? Don’t you know what kind of place this is?”

“Yes, likely a place where warriors, preparing for their next battle, gather—a hall of brave souls. Certainly not a place for second-rate thugs pretending to be soldiers to harass women.”

Auto-Poem Mode is in full swing! So this really is what happens when women are involved!

…No, it’s because Melt is here. She probably called me over for the fun of it. But when your family calls for help, of course you’re going to help.

“So what, you’re saying you’re even lower than a worthless thug, huh!?”

They’re probably not proper adventurers—more like rogue mercenaries or unaffiliated lowlifes.

Without even drawing a weapon, the two men charge in, fists raised.

One tries to circle behind me.

…Can a musician with laughably low stats handle this?

“Now now, that’s dangerous.”

A quick step—grabbing the man who tried to flank me, I spin us around, switching places.

Success! Friendly fire! The man staggers as he accidentally hits his own partner, and I use the momentum to knock both of them to the ground.

“Would you be so kind as to restrain them now, Princess? No, you seem more like a valiant knight of royalty—a true knight-princess.”

“Wh-what!? Y-yes, I shall carry out justice and place them under arrest!”

Letty, who had oddly done nothing so far, finally moves to restrain them.

Meanwhile, Melt is grinning brightly, clearly enjoying all this. Seriously, do you have nothing to say for yourself?

“Melt, are you alright?”

“Yup, I’m fine! I just wanted to see how Hash would help!”

“…I see.”

When she says it with such pure innocence… I can’t even be mad!

“Um, thank you. Melt-chan told us earlier that ‘there’s this guy at my house who talks in the funniest way ever’…”

“Funny way of talking… yes, I suppose that’s not inaccurate.”

“Right? It’s like listening to lines straight out of a play script! And he’s really good at piano too!”

“Indeed. Music is a culture worth dedicating one’s life to. It’s something everyone can enjoy—and if one so desires, it can transcend status and bring people together. That’s what I believe.”

Before I realized it, the two thugs had been securely tied up by Letty’s rope.

I turned to them and spoke:

“Even you two. Had you remained calm, you’d have known that force wouldn’t work here. You likely lost your senses upon seeing these three beauties. You should listen to more music. It teaches you to sense the subtle shifts in a woman’s heart.”

“S-shut up…”

“What the hell is with you…?”

Yeah. Seriously, what is with me?

Someone, please stop me.

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter