The conversation between Flare and Eingana, and Kaito and Cornelia, naturally shifted toward the Allegra Symphony and their upcoming performance at the concert hall.
Given that the cafe was located practically adjacent to the hall, it was easy for both parties to guess their mutual destination, making such a progression in the conversation inevitable.
“So, as I thought, Flare-san and Eingana-san, you both came to hear the Allegra Symphony perform as well.”
“Indeed. Well, in my case, my knowledge of music is still quite shallow, so I am only here because Eingana invited me.”
“It has been a delight that Needsbelt has recently taken an interest in music, allowing me to invite her to events like this. It is a far cry from the rock music she usually prefers, but the Allegra Symphony is an excellent orchestra that possesses both raw skill and great potential.”
Watching Kaito and the others exchange words so peacefully, Cornelia began to think, her mind finally starting to clear.
(Fundamentally, I am grateful that Kaito-sama is handling the conversation with Flare-san and Eingana-san. If it were Elis-san, she could probably navigate the discussion skillfully with her broad knowledge of the Six Kings' Executives... but I lack such range, and I was worried about being unable to keep up. Fortunately, the current topic of music is a blessing.)
While Cornelia did not possess a range of knowledge as broad as Elis’s, she was deeply well-versed in the arts and music—the field of performing arts.
Furthermore, although her standing with the powerful dragons had improved simply by virtue of being Kaito’s friend, she was rarely addressed directly at the moment. She breathed a silent sigh of relief.
Of course, Kaito was exactly the type of person who would choose that exact moment to shatter any hopes of a peaceful afternoon.
“However, for Miyama Kaito-san and his companion to come listen to the Allegra Symphony... they are an up-and-coming orchestra that is hardly famous yet. Your discernment is quite impressive.”
“Oh, no, in my case, since it’s my first time in this city, I’ve mostly been learning from Cornelia-san. She told me that while the Allegra Symphony is a new group with modest popularity for now, they have the potential to grow significantly in the future. Cornelia-san seems very knowledgeable about music, and I imagine she knows a lot about even the more niche orchestras, doesn't she?”
“...Ho? So from your perspective, Miyama Kaito-san, she is a person of superior intelligence?”
“I certainly think she’s intelligent, but I have the impression she’s particularly well-versed in music and that field. Her explanations were very easy to understand, after all.”
“...I see.”
Upon hearing Kaito’s words, Eingana turned her gaze toward Cornelia with clear interest.
(Kaito-sama? Kaito-sama!! I think your integrity in giving credit where it's due is truly admirable, and your insight that sees through to my field of expertise even though we aren’t that close yet is incredible! Truly incredible!! However!! There are times when a white lie... or even just speaking modestly or withholding the truth, can save someone! Mainly my stomach, and my mental health...!)
Unlike before, when she was viewed merely as “Kaito’s friend,” Cornelia felt Eingana’s gaze settle on her as an individual of interest. She let out a silent scream in her heart even as she straightened her posture to maintain appearances.
“Cornelia-san, was it?”
“H-Yes!”
“Do you often enjoy listening to music?”
“Yes. I personally favor that field. As for the Allegra Symphony, I first learned of them at the Art Festival held during the Month of Wind.”
“Ah, the festival held in the trade city in the Western Region. I have visited there a few times myself. Speaking of art festivals, they are held not only in the Arclesia Empire but also in the Hydra Kingdom...”
Eingana’s tone remained peaceful, and she seemed to be genuinely enjoying the expansion of a topic related to her hobby. However, from Cornelia’s perspective, Eingana was an overwhelmingly superior existence. In a situation where they had only just met, Cornelia had to focus intensely on her responses to ensure no careless remark caused offense.
This was especially true since she had introduced herself by her family name; the consequences might not end with her alone. Consequently, she was quite desperate despite the polite smile she maintained.
(...Kaito-sama, i-if possible, please provide some support... I don't know enough about Eingana-san to know what might offend her, and it’s terrifying. Th-That looks hopeless, though. He’s conversing quite cheerfully with Flare-san...)
She had hoped Kaito would join the conversation to support her, but Kaito was not particularly knowledgeable about the musical affairs of this world. Seeing Eingana and Cornelia apparently getting excited over a shared hobby, it was only natural for him to choose not to interfere.
Of course, through Sympathy Magic, he could likely sense her tension and would help if she became truly overwhelmed, but until that point, he was unlikely to step in. It seemed Cornelia’s ordeal was destined to continue for a while longer.
Serious-senpai: “Ah, when it comes to knowledge, Elis is definitely ahead, and the difference shows in situations like this. Come to think of it, when Elis ran into Rasal, she was able to talk about necromancy-related topics with at least a bit of superficial knowledge. Her range is seriously wide.”
???: “Elis-san is also mentally tough; she has the strength to recover quickly and respond calmly. Looking at it comprehensively, Elis-san is higher.”