Kays Translations

Chapter 83

In the end, those two thugs were taken to the guild headquarters by Letty, and we all dispersed for the day.

Ugh… Melt looks so happy I can’t bring myself to say anything!

“That was so cool! That’s what they call smart, right?”

“Indeed. But may I ask, why did you call me back then? Wouldn’t Letty have handled it?”

“…Well, I thought Letty-chan might actually half-kill them. That would’ve been a bit pitiful, don’t you think?”

“…I see. Although Lindblum is relatively safe, there are still people like that lurking around. It’s nice if things can be resolved peacefully, but sometimes you get people who won’t learn unless they’re taught with a bit of force. Harsh measures are necessary from time to time.”

This isn’t Japan, after all. People here will casually try borderline criminal acts.

It’s a world where anyone could possess the power to kill just like that.

Melt is strong—but still lacking in resistance to human malice.

“Hmm… okay. Yeah, you’re right… The fact that there are people like Letty-chan who take action must mean it’s necessary, huh?”

“Exactly. Weren’t you looking to buy armor today, Melt?”

“Oh, right! But I realized… if I don’t get something custom-made to fit my body properly, it’s really hard to find something I like. I wanted this one though!”

Saying that, Melt pointed to a rather lavish piece of light armor—for someone with a generous chest size.

Ah, that’s the one she was talking about earlier… yeah, that won’t fit.

“Do you think I could just pad the chest area?”

“That might hinder your movement in a pinch. Even light armor has a bit of weight. It would be better to find a smith who can take custom orders.”

“I see… By the way, do you think… breasts really get bigger if they’re rubbed?”

“They do not.”

…Those thugs really should’ve been punished more harshly after all.

Back home, I immediately started looking through the popular sheet music here in Lindblum.

As expected, the pieces were quite formal—emotionally expressive like opera, similar to Baroque music, often performed at noble gatherings.

Still, if that’s the trend, then that’s what’s being demanded. I accepted that and practiced those kinds of songs properly.

“This one’s for violin?”

“Yes, it seems so. I’ll bring the violin on the day and perform it alongside the piano pieces.”

“Hmm, hmm… Hey hey, Hash—er, Shizuma, can you play music from your world too?”

To answer Melt’s request, I started thinking of Earth songs that would fit in a victory celebration.

I doubt any classmates would attend the event, but I should at least prepare one song.

Violin solos lack accompaniment, but as background music, it might be just right.

A rich, elegant piece… maybe Air on the G String would be perfect—popular for violin and beautiful even solo.

As I played it—

“Mmm~ this is what you call elegant, right? There’s all sorts of music, huh~”

“Yes. I believe that as you slowly come into contact with music and deepen your understanding, it will also help you grow, Melt. At this rate, I may be able to fulfill my purpose sooner than expected. I won’t be standing here with you forever… but I’ll do all I can to leave as many memories with you as possible.”

That wasn’t me speaking. Those were Hash’s words.

…Were you holding back your own will for my sake, Hash?

Thank you. For sticking with me and my selfish goals—

As the days passed, I gradually increased the number of songs I could play and the instruments I could use, spending my time transcribing sheet music.

And now, finally—if I perform today at the victory celebration, I should reach the point where I can acquire the skill Rhythm Step.

I had tried playing the violin on the streets as well, though that was less for the support effect and more to try to draw out any classmates with familiar Earth music.

That plan failed, though. Likely because the classmates can’t freely move about.

Well, they are fugitives after all. But even if it didn’t work, trying was better than nothing.

“We truly appreciate your help with setting up the venue yesterday, Lord Hash.”

“Not at all. As a devotee of music, it’s my duty to ensure everyone can enjoy it to the fullest. Please don’t trouble yourself over it. Haha, but still—it seems far more people have gathered than I expected, hasn’t it?”

The Pigeon Trading Company’s victory celebration.

The venue—a large warehouse—had instruments spread out with containers arranged to serve as makeshift echo boards.

Of course, the effect is minimal—but better than nothing.

They also covered the windows with thick boards to improve sound quality.

The number of attendees exceeded expectations.

Employees, their families, representatives from other businesses, and even members of the famous clan Glory Knights were present.

A rough headcount put it at nearly 300 people.

…And it seems the food was prepared by the Culinary Guild. Shout-out to them for their hard work.

“Well then, it’s time to greet everyone. Lord Hash, do you need an introduction?”

“No need. I’m simply here to add colour to the event. Please, relax and enjoy your conversations. I’ll be the one supporting things from behind the curtain today.”

“To be so humble with that level of skill… Very well, I understand.”

As the head of the trading company took the stage, the lively chatter died down and all eyes turned to him.

“Thank you for coming today! The Pigeon Trading Company has established a new base of operations, and, by fortune’s grace, we’ve received work orders from several noble houses. We have even been entrusted with managing the supplies for the famed clan, Glory Knights! This is all thanks to the adventurer Same-san, who bestowed upon us the treasure known as ‘Eye of the Deep Sea,’ and the continued support of all associated businesses, our dedicated employees, and their families. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!”

With that speech concluded, the standing party truly began.

Tons of food—presumably ordered from the Culinary Guild—were brought out.

Apparently, a makeshift kitchen had been set up in the adjacent warehouse, and some staff were on standby to warm dishes and serve drinks.

The company president must’ve poured serious money into this. I hear hiring the Culinary Guild isn’t cheap…

“Speaking in front of so many people really makes one nervous.”

“I understand. I don’t mind standing as a slave to music, but if someone told me to speak with my own mouth… I’d sound like a beginner stumbling through their first instrument.”

Lies! I meant to say “I’m bad at public speaking too,” and you go full Shakespeare on me!

“Well then, I believe it’s time for me to begin my performance.”

“Yes, please do, Hash-sama.”

As expected, Hash shows not a hint of nervousness.

He steps onto the platform where the president stood moments ago and takes a seat at the piano.

It’s already been tuned and tested yesterday.

The crowd’s attention starts to gather, but he deliberately begins with a gentle, low-key piece—one that adds colour to the room without stealing the spotlight.

It’s a piece from this world, familiar even to local ears.

He’s practiced enough to perform it reliably. Though a high-class song, he plays it in a relaxed tone to match the party atmosphere.

The support effect hasn’t kicked in yet—Earth’s famous tunes would stand out too much unless the mood is warmer.

But the next piece is already decided—Rhapsody in Blue, which even existed in the game era and had already successfully activated a support effect when Melt heard it once before.

“…Phew.”

After finishing the first piece—a song from this world—a smattering of applause came from the audience, who had likely been listening intently.

…Hmm? Lady Shuris was here too. I always picture her in armor, but today she was in casual wear—a long, flowing dress.

Well, yeah, no one’s going to show up in a full formal gown for an event like this.

“Now then, the next piece…”

Just as I was about to begin the next song, a figure stepped onto the stage.

“So, you’re a musician. This violin here—does it belong to you?”

“Yes, Lady. It is my personal instrument.”

To my surprise—it was Letty.

She wore a casual but elegant dress—not extravagant, but stylish. For some reason, she stepped up on stage and picked up the violin I had placed nearby.

“…It’s a fine instrument. But there’s no maker’s mark. Who made it?”

“The maker is unknown. I stumbled upon it while traveling. Like you now, I was captivated by it and decided to buy it.”

“I see. Say, would it be alright to assume you can play all the sheet music here?”

As she asked this, Letty flipped through the scores placed on the music stand—some I’d received just the other day.

“Of course, Lady. If you have a request, I’d be happy to accommodate.”

“Very well… Then would you play this piece on the piano? I’ll accompany you. I’d love to try this violin. This isn’t a stiff, formal event, right? So it should be fine.”

I briefly wondered if this was really okay—but then I was suddenly hit by a wave of excited emotion: “Yes! Yes!”

Yeah, well, it’s not like I could say no to that.

“By all means. If you’ll allow me to serve as your partner for a time, it would be my utmost pleasure. I’d accompany you for as many pieces as you like.”

“I-I see… Then let’s play ‘Snowy Makeup of North Ribble’. I’ll follow your lead.”

She named a song from this world, and I accepted.

Letty… can play the violin? As expected of a noblewoman.

Oh, Melt’s come closer too. She looks like she’s having fun—good to see.

Thus, the performance began.

The moment another instrument joined in, the music deepened dramatically and became richer in expression.

We hadn’t planned out parts or anything, yet Letty’s violin smoothly blended with the melody of the piano, and the performance went off without a hitch.

As expected of someone bold enough to jump in mid-event—she handled it flawlessly. Just like this, she looked every bit the refined noble lady.

…Yeah, about punching you in the face before—sorry about that.

Eventually, the performance drew to a close. The final piano notes came first, and the lingering sound of the violin slowly overlapped and faded away.

Then, a much stronger round of applause erupted from the crowd—far greater than the one before.

“A splendid performance, Lady. I’m sure the violin is overjoyed to be in the hands of such a beautiful player.”

“You flatter me. Your performance was wonderful as well. You look young, but your skill is the real thing.”

“You honor me.”

“And you seem capable in other ways too. I haven’t forgotten what happened the other day.”

“I apologize for leaving things to you midway. But I’d already heard you were a member of the Glory Knights.”

“You know Melt?”

“Yes. Or rather, I’m a friend of Same. I’m currently looking after his house in his absence.”

“I see… Same is quite the mysterious man, isn’t he?”

That’s for sure.

His background is a mystery, and from an outsider’s perspective, his social circle makes no sense.

“I’ll get out of your way. I look forward to hearing more of your music.”

“Thank you. Please enjoy the rest of the evening.”

As Letty stepped down from the stage, Melt walked up to her and started chatting cheerfully.

Shuris joined them, watching me with curious interest.

…I gave her a small bow in return.

Now then—finally, it’s time for “Rhapsody in Blue.”

This one will activate the support effect for everyone in this room—and even anyone within earshot!

“You were amazing, Letty. Back home, I skipped all my lady etiquette lessons, so I could never do that.”

“Not at all. You’re a knight commander—you have your sword.”

“Letty-chan, you were so good! I tried playing that instrument once with Hash, and even with his help, I couldn’t get a single note out!”

“Melt, are you living with him right now?”

“Yeah! He’s staying until Same comes back!”

“…Either you don’t feel any danger, or you really trust him…”

“Hmm. Since he’s Same’s friend, maybe word’s gotten around about what happens to people who lay a finger on Same’s loved ones?”

Melt, Letty, and Shuris gathered and chatted about Hash.

Originally, Shuris came to this event thinking she might get to talk to Same—but that hope had already faded.

Still, hearing the musician—Same’s friend—perform, she began to feel that coming had been worth it after all.

“Melt-kun, do you happen to know when Same will be coming back?”

“Eh? Hmm… I wonder… I don’t know! Maybe Hash knows?”

“I see.”

“Captain, do you have some business with Same?”

“Well, I had something I wanted to ask him. I never got the chance, you see.”

It seemed there was a reason she was waiting for Same.

However, the conversation was momentarily interrupted by the flow of new music filling the venue, shifting everyone’s attention from talk to the performance.

Apparently, it was a refreshing experience. Music that was fun, comforting, and not uptight.

Surrounded by applause that rivaled the earlier performance, music from Earth was warmly received by the guests.

Of course, from my perspective, I could clearly see everyone’s body wrapped in a blue aura—proof that the support effect was active. In other words, no less than 300 people had received the effect.

Still, the total number required to fulfill the skill’s condition was far from reached. However, if I overwrite the effect with a different support type, each one still counts. So next, I’ll perform another piano piece—”Dance of the Sabres.”

It’s not usually played as a piano solo, and it’s a bit intense for this setting, but with the room already warmed up, I should be able to pull it off.

With that, I finished a fast-paced, surprising piece that energized the audience—and then took a short break.

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