Chapter 85

The luncheon began with an address by the host of the event, Marquis Olheus.

He was a middle-aged man who gave off a distinct impression of hidden ambition.

His tone of voice, his gestures, his manner of speaking—none of them conveyed the sense of a leader guiding people. Rather, they felt more like someone exerting control or dominance.

Perhaps that’s just the nature of being the head of a faction—such behaviours become second nature.

“Hash-kun, it’s about time for your performance.”

It appeared that Count Hacartney wasn’t the only one planning a performance at the luncheon.

There were brass duets resembling flutes and even string quartets featuring violins and cellos. The luncheon was beginning to resemble a full-blown musical concert.

“Still, it was unexpected. I didn’t take Count Hacartney to be someone who’d engage in political warfare.”

“Heh, it’s not quite that crude. You see, this is more of a protest about what kind of nation we want to be. As you know, the Divine Principality is a country that relies only on strength—be it academic, military, or ideological. These are all necessary powers for a nation. And I, too, have pledged loyalty to the Queen.”

Before the musical portion began, Marquis Olheus, as the faction leader, had delivered a powerful speech to the gathered nobles—expressing dissatisfaction with the Queen and the need for national reform.

“We lack the wealth and resources to stand toe-to-toe with other nations. For now, we enjoy some prosperity around Lindblum thanks to artificial dungeons and their dungeon cores. But our farming villages are already being called impoverished, and yet more and more artificial cores are being exported to other nations. As a result, the fertility of Lindblum’s surroundings is starting to decline too. That’s why our faction believes it’s necessary to reform this country’s dungeon-dependent administration.”

“I see. So I suppose Count Hacartney’s position is that we should compete with other nations through artistic and cultural assets—such as music?”

“Oh! As expected of you, Hash-kun. Yes, that’s exactly what I’ve been advocating in this faction, though support has been scarce. But in your music, I sensed true potential!”

I did feel a bit guilty.

After all, I was completely using him for my own purposes.

Still, I wondered—what did Marquis Olheus, leader of this faction, believe would truly enable the nation to compete internationally and escape its precarious state?

“But for now, this doesn’t concern me directly, does it? All I must do is deliver the best performance I can.”

“Indeed. I wouldn’t want your music to be clouded by unnecessary distractions. My apologies.”

And with that, it was finally my turn to perform on the piano.

“I have the pleasure of introducing this performer—brought here by none other than Count Hacartney himself. Hah, but I imagine many of you already guessed it. You’re probably thinking, ‘There goes that music-obsessed noble bringing in another eccentric performer.’”

At that, some of the nobles chuckled.

The atmosphere was warm and lighthearted.

“But today’s guest is no ordinary musician. He’s a wandering performer—one who isn’t confined by formality, whose music brings smiles to everyone who hears it. A madman, like myself, in a certain sense. In fact, I’d even consider welcoming him as one of my own comrades.”

Then let’s play.

In a way that breaks down the highbrow music of this nation—like I did in that alley-side music shop—and delivers its fragments to more people in a form they can enjoy.

“Huh? This piece sounds kind of jazzy this time. I mean, doesn’t the style sound really cool?”

“Yeah, I thought so too. I’ve heard the song before, but this is clearly a rearrangement.”

“I like it—it’s different. Really helps you unwind.”

In a room adjacent to the hall, my classmates were enjoying the music.

High school students today rarely get the chance to hear live performances of classical music in a setting like a concert hall.

But this time, the piece had been rearranged into a tempo that felt familiar to them.

Even though a wall separated them from the performance, they found themselves entranced by the sound.

Eventually, the next piece began.

And as soon as it did, the students all stood and rushed toward the door.

“Excuse me! Please let us out! We want to see this performance in person!”

But they were blocked—by strict guards composed of maids and soldiers.

Despite their pleading, the students were not allowed to leave.

And yet, as melodies from Earth—so deeply familiar—continued to play, their emotions stirred.

“This is the Turkish March, isn’t it?”

“No doubt about it… This is Mozart.”

“Why are Earth’s songs being played here…?”

“Even I know this one! I’ve definitely heard it before!”

“…Wait, does Shizuma-kun know how to play piano?”

“If he did, he would’ve been roped into accompanying the school choir at the cultural festival.”

They didn’t know who was playing or why.

But the music had completely pulled them in—this was far beyond simple relaxation or distraction now.

It was over.

To be honest, if my only goal had been to gain favor with the upper class, I could’ve just played popular tunes with precise technique and called it a day.

But I think I, or rather Hash, found ourselves moved by Count Hacartney’s words.

Different though our motives might be, he genuinely wants to uplift the country through entertainment.

So I decided to take a small risk.

I didn’t just insert Earth music—I gave it a familiar, friendly twist with a light-hearted arrangement. A small act of rebellion.

“It was… unorthodox, but clearly skilled.”

“I normally don’t go to concerts or recitals, but this kind of music might actually get me to attend one.”

“Personally, I would have preferred a more refined, calm performance.”

“Given what Count Hacartney is aiming for, this may actually represent an ideal form of expression. I liked it.”

The feedback I overheard was mixed.

There were still parts that the nobility couldn’t accept.

But at the very least, they were interested.

When I stepped down from the stage, Count Hacartney was there waiting for me, ready to speak.

“The result was excellent. Quite a few people are now interested in you personally. Of course, I didn’t expect thunderous applause today—but it’s more important that people took interest. If you felt uncomfortable, I sincerely apologize.”

Despite being a noble, this person bows his head to me with an apologetic air—he must truly be someone who takes music seriously.

As for me, I have no complaints at all. On the contrary, I’m grateful for the opportunity.

“Please raise your head, Count Hacartney. In any era, the first step in standing against the masses is always steeped in difficulty. However, I am fortunate enough to have steadfast allies willing to face those difficulties with me. And… today, I’ve become confident that those challenges are ones we can easily overcome.”

“Oh… oh! You say such kind things, Hash-kun! I’m so glad… I’m truly glad I brought you here today! Right now, I believe there are still many in this country who are too burdened to enjoy entertainment. But I will not give up. One day, this country will possess cultural treasures it can boast to other nations, and we’ll break free from our dependency on unstable dungeon-based politics.”

“Yes, surely… if the country can gain just a little more breathing room, music and the arts will advance tremendously.”

And I truly meant that. In my free time, I’ve visited adventurers’ dens.

Some taverns have instruments lying around. But I’ve heard that people who actually play them—or bards, for that matter—are incredibly rare these days.

I’ve also heard that due to the worsening relationship with Golda, there are fewer travelers on this continent, and musicians affiliated with the artist guild mostly perform for the nobility as comfort, rather than for the general public.

But when I—when Hash—played an instrument at the tavern, the customers smiled and rejoiced.

That sort of scene is likely the kind of country Hacartney envisions.

With the right opportunity, music and entertainment can spread to the people. I could feel that promise.

…Yes, the dungeon cores should be used to enrich the country.

So that everyone can have the luxury to enjoy entertainment and music.

Thus, the luncheon ended before dusk. There was no major announcement or decision made, nor was it like a send-off party.

It must’ve truly been a gathering for relaxation.

To my delight, although no concrete dates were given, I was approached by a few people who expressed interest in inviting me again. Even if it was just polite small talk, I consider it a big step forward.

Just as I was about to take my leave—

I declined Count Hacartney’s offer to ride in his carriage and was preparing to walk home when a servant of Marquis Olheus—the host of today’s luncheon—approached me.

“You mean me?”

“Yes. One of the Marquis’s personal guests, who heard your performance, wishes to speak with you. We already have the Marquis’s permission. Would you kindly come with me?”

Hmm, if they didn’t approach me during the luncheon, perhaps they’re someone who doesn’t want to draw public attention?

No, no way… There’s no way I’d hit the jackpot this early…

Still, a Marquis having one or two secretive guests isn’t unusual.

“Let me get straight to the point. Are you from Earth?”

I hit the jackpot on the first try!!!!! I’ve never played mahjong, but this must be what they mean by a winning hand, right!?

Isn’t it a huge issue that someone hiding former classmates—summoned heroes from Golda—is a noble with significant influence in this country!?

The person suddenly confronting me with that question is one of my former classmates—Isaka.

Judging by their demeanor, they don’t seem like they arrived here just yesterday or today. They seem well accustomed to this place.

…Seriously, my main objective has already been achieved…?

“Earth… you say? I assume that’s the name of some country, but I’m afraid I’m not from any such place.”

“Then, would you be willing to explain the song you were playing earlier?”

“Which song are you referring to?”

They’re probably trying to get me to slip up. Isaka keeps asking vague questions.

Too bad—I’ve dealt with hundreds of quirky personalities in online games. I can read you like a book.

You probably wanted to say something like, ‘Why did you assume we were asking about that specific song?’

“Kh… The second piece you played. It had a slightly different tone from the others.”

“Ah, that song! Excellent ear—no, in this case, I should say you have excellent hearing? That song is one I acquired as part of a personal hobby. You see, there are strange places in this wide world known as dungeons. You may be aware, but occasionally, objects of uncertain origin—unclear in era, purpose, or even whether they belong to this world—end up inside them. The song I played may very well be one of those artifacts, a tune passed down through a different current. In fact, I belong to a traveling party seeking out such music and explore the world for that purpose.”

This is a consistent cover story I’ve maintained from the beginning, so there’s no issue.

“I see…”

“Hm… From what I gather, you all must be from a distant land called ‘Earth.’ If the piece I played earlier originates from your country… then as a small gesture of comfort, I’d be honored to play it once more. What do you say?”

…This isn’t sympathy. Even if their expressions are now clouded and heavy, and even if something they were hoping for didn’t come to pass, I don’t for a second think they’re pitiful.

However, if they are seeking something—then it seems that, for Hash, not playing for them isn’t even a consideration.

…That’s fine. It’s not a big deal. Besides… if I can get them to open up a little, I might be able to learn more.

“…Please. If possible… I’d like to hear more of those mysterious songs.”

“I’d like to hear them too! I only got to listen from behind the wall earlier, so I’d love to hear it up close.”

Kazunuma agrees too. Then, let’s play.

The former classmates had been hiding just next to the hall where the luncheon had taken place.

The guests were all gone now, so although it felt a bit strange, I led my former classmates back into the hall.

“Then, I shall perform a collection of songs with unknown origins—at least, those I know of.”

From there, I didn’t just play famous classical pieces—I also performed slightly older J-POP songs and anime theme songs. Music that, if they had somehow drifted into this other world, it wouldn’t be surprising.

…And it seemed the performance had an effect.

For Hash, seeing people’s faces cloud over while listening to music is probably not something to be happy about. Even so, all of the former classmates showed subtle expressions of melancholy—perhaps from homesickness, or a deep sense of longing for home.

“…That concludes the performance. Perhaps… I may have done something cruel. If so, I should probably apologize. But please… let any blame fall on me alone. These songs, I believe, were born to bring joy to people.”

“…No, thank you so much for the beautiful performance. Though we can’t return to our homeland for various reasons, it was nostalgic… and to have it performed so skillfully, right in front of us, we’re truly grateful.”

“Yes, it was deeply moving. Incredible… I didn’t know a human could play something so beautifully.”

“Right!? I was seriously blown away—I never thought I’d hear something like that played live on a piano!”

I don’t know what kind of mission brought these former classmates to this country.

But at the very least, I can imagine this wasn’t of their own choosing.

There’s also the situation with Muraki… They’re probably getting caught up in something troublesome.

“Well then, I’ll take my leave now. I hope I was able to offer at least a moment of comfort. Please do give my regards to Marquis Olheus.”

I relayed my message to the man who had come as the marquis’s messenger—probably a butler or something similar—and left the vast mansion built in a place overlooking all of Lindblum.

“…Once I get back, I’ll need to return to Same for the report.”

Well, unfortunately for them… I won’t be showing any mercy.

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