Having secured Isha’s cooperation, I devoted myself once more to the task of songwriting.
If I was going to do this, I intended to produce a piece that would bring out the absolute best in both of them. I had no intention of compromising.
Unfortunately, the process proved difficult. I tried playing the ideas I had composed on the mini-piano in my room, but I couldn't seem to produce anything that truly satisfied me.
"No, no, this is more than enough, Master Lloyd! I can hear a beautiful melody even in the fragments of the tune! The level of perfection is palpable! If I close my eyes, it feels as if a solemn performance is already flowing through the air."
"Indeed, the effect seems sufficient as well. However, I was surprised to find that Master Lloyd possessed a talent for songwriting. I assumed your interests were strictly limited to magic."
"Well, for my part, I don’t really feel like I’m 'composing' a song."
"Spinning a spell formula" would be the closest expression for it.
I was simply weaving magic language together to achieve a restorative effect on a demon; it just happened to result in something that sounded like music.
—The beauty of things is universal.
Whether it is a spell formula, spoken words, or magic language, anything truly wonderful shares a common thread.
"I’d like to say that’s a bit of an extreme take... but since you’ve actually done it, I can’t exactly argue..."
"There is a story that songs made by different ethnic groups separated by the sea, who knew nothing of each other, were remarkably similar. A mere difference in language is likely no obstacle for Master Lloyd."
They were impressed, but it was just a coincidence. To begin with, from my perspective, it didn't even have to be a song.
It just happened to turn into one.
"Hmm, but this is difficult..."
The more I played, the more I realized it. This song still had a "further step" to go.
The inability to fill that gap was incredibly frustrating.
Perhaps this was the limit for someone like me, who had no real interest in music.
"Lloyd."
The door to the room opened and Saria appeared.
"S-Saria-neesan... What brings you here?"
"It looks like you're writing a song."
"Uh... yes."
"I see."
Saria walked briskly over, sat on the bed, and crossed her legs.
"Play it."
"But it's still unfinished..."
"Just do it."
"Y-Yes..."
Pressed by her forceful tone, which brooked no argument, I reluctantly began to play.
"—♪ ♪ ♪"
I spun the melody haltingly.
Usually, I used control system magic to copy Saria's movements, but since this song was my own original work, I had to do it myself.
My body remembered the motions well enough for me to manage, but from Saria's perspective, it must have been an unbearable performance.
Saria glanced at me after I finished and let out a sigh.
"...It's poor."
She cut me down bluntly, but I couldn't really blame her.
I knew the quality was low myself.
"I'm sorry."
However, Saria gave a soft smile in response to my apology.
"But it was good. I feel like I could finally sense some 'Lloyd-ness' in it."
"Lloyd-ness...?"
"Yes. I've always told you, haven't I? Your playing is high-level but lacks originality. But in that song just now, I could feel your will. That’s why it was wonderful. —Don’t you all think so too?"
At Saria's signal, the door opened further.
There stood Albert, Dian, Zerof, and Alieze, all with tears in their eyes as they clapped.
Even Sylpha and the others were there. I wondered if Saria had gathered them all.
"Splendid... It was a truly splendid song, Lloyd. You've been shut in your room lately, so I thought you were researching magic again, but to think you were writing a song... I was moved by a performance that rivaled even Saria's."
"Y-You're exaggerating, Albert-niisan..."
He was praising me far too much.
There was no way a song I’d made on a whim could rival Saria’s.
When I hurriedly tried to deny it, Saria interjected.
"No, it's not an exaggeration at all. Composing with such originality, a fresh melody line, and a powerful impact, all while leaving an aftertaste that lingers... technique aside, in terms of overall score, it might even beat my own playing."
"Beating Saria-neesan... No matter how you look at it, that’s going a bit far, isn't it?"
Seeking a dissenting opinion, I glanced toward Dian and the others, but they all nodded in agreement.
"Ah, absolutely! Saria's playing is amazing, of course, but Little Roddy's wasn't losing at all!"
"Indeed. It is frustrating that I cannot say exactly how or why... but it seems there is a beauty that cannot be explained by science. Wagahai was moved, Lloyd!"
"Yes, yes, I was truly surprised. It’s very good music... the animals are saying so too!"
...This was hopeless.
Far from finding a dissenting opinion, everyone was moved by my song.
Of course, I couldn't expect anything objective from Sylpha and Ren. Both were speechless, simply shedding tears.
"Alright! I’ve heard enough!"
Yet another door opened.
Again? Moreover, I recognized this distinctive, high-tension voice.
The newcomer was the Second Princess, Birgitte.
She was a Saloomian who flew all over the world... no, she was one of the wealthiest people on the continent.
She had gone to the academy with us before, but as soon as she returned, she’d departed for somewhere else... Why was she back?
"Big Sister Birgitte, you've returned?"
"What’s with that look, Albert? I’m not gonna eat ya. I just finished a job and came by to see your faces for a bit. ...More importantly, Lloyd."
Turning sharply toward me, Birgitte picked me up with great vigor.
"I heard ya made that song just now? That’s amazin'! I was surprised! Just like everyone said, it’s not losin' to Saria at all!"
"Ahaha... is that so...?"
"Yeah, yeah, it’s truly magnificent. So, I’ve got a proposal—how 'bout you lot hold a concert?"
While everyone's eyes widened, Birgitte continued without a care.
"We’ve got the songstress Isha, the child of music Saria, and now the genius composer Lloyd is born... We’ve got no choice but to hold a grand concert for the whole country!"
Birgitte nodded to herself, but everyone else exchanged skeptical looks.
Pushed forward by the others, Albert spoke up apologetically.
"U-Um, sister? Actually, we just finished an event like that the other day..."
Yes, the festival to welcome the Holy King had only just concluded.
The timing was far too close. However, Birgitte puffed out her chest regardless.
"That don't matter! ...In fact, this is a chance! Thanks to the concert the other day, Saloom is in the middle of an unprecedented music boom! If more folks get interested, it'll just get even livelier. We should take this opportunity to drop a massive concert right on 'em! Hehehe, I can smell the profit...!"
Now that she mentioned it, it was true that I’d been hearing music coming from the town often lately.
I see; if the base expands, the peak gets higher. It was the same for music as it was for magic.
...Hmm, this might be convenient for me as well.
"I don't mind."
And so, I agreed with Birgitte.
A Magical Song functioned as a ritual. If the number of participants increased, the effect would likely be amplified.
Beal's mana was limitless, so the more recovery power we had, the better.
"I don't mind either. Isha will likely participate as well."
At Saria's words, Albert let out a resigned sigh.
"...Sigh, I understand. If the people themselves are up for it, it can't be helped. Shall we do it? The grand concert."
"Alright! You get it, Albert!"
As Birgitte made a triumphant pose, Albert offered a warning.
"However, Big Sister Birgitte, if we hold a similar event so soon and it fails, it will affect our dignity as organizers. Furthermore, it could lead to a loss of trust in the royal family. We need to handle this extremely well."
"I know that. Who d'ya think you're talkin' to? Just stay calm and leave it to me!"
"Hmm... It's not that I doubt you, sister, but..."
She thumped her chest confidently, but Albert looked worried.
A large-scale event like the Holy King Welcome Festival cost a lot of money, and if it failed, it would result in a massive deficit. It would be a major blow to the country. Not that it really concerned me.
"Good grief, you're a real worrywart. Well, I guess that might be fine for someone steerin' the country. ...Fine, wait a sec."
So saying, Birgitte sat at the desk and started writing something briskly.
She handed the finished paper to Albert.
"It's a business proposal. Why don't ya read it?"
"Fine, I'll—M-Mmm-mmmh! This is...!"
Suddenly, Albert's eyes bugged out.
"A festival of music inviting not just Lloyd and the others, but orchestras from other countries too?! By placing various orchestras in different parts of the city to encourage movement, the city itself will be revitalized. Furthermore, by bringing in fans of foreign orchestras, we can expect even more spectators. The economic effect is projected to be several times greater than the last one...!"
"Mmm, so it will be a festival open to the general public, like the Great Alchemy Festival. Music requires a large space, but that means many shops can enjoy the benefits..."
"Ooooh... this is great! The song Lloyd made isn't some quiet tune you'd play in court anyway. Performing outdoors would look amazing! Gosh, just imagining it is getting me pumped up!"
"If it's outside, the animals can listen together. It sounds so fun!"
Dian and the others, who were peeking from the side, had also become enthusiastic all at once.
"It’s named the Holy King Welcome After-Festival, the Saloom Outdoor Live Fest! I'm gonna liven things up!"
Performing outdoors, huh? I had done that before to rouse the soldiers during the Stampede, and the reaction had been surprisingly good.
The previous welcome festival was held in the reserved Symphony Hall, which limited the audience, but if it was outdoors, it would be standing room only, meaning no limits on seating.
The venue would be large and tickets wouldn't sell out, so we might be able to attract even more people than last time.
"...As expected of Big Sister Birgitte. I am impressed that you conceived such an idea."
"Well, I've traveled the world and seen all sorts of ways of doin' things. This kind of thing is my specialty. ...Anyway, just learn from your sister's lead."
"It's very educational."
"Hey, Bir-nee! Since it’s 'free,' does that mean we can participate too?"
"Of course I don't mind."
"Awesome! Zero-nii, Alieze, why don't we do it together!?"
"Mmm... I have never performed music before... but if you insist... then fine."
"It sounds like fun. Let's do it, let's do it!"
Things were getting quite lively, though as far as I was concerned, as long as Saria and the others performed, any format was fine.
"..."
Suddenly, I noticed Saria's expression was clouded.
"Saria-neesan?"
"What is it?"
"Ah, no, it's nothing..."
I called out to her, but she immediately returned to her usual self.
...Was it just my imagination? Despite thinking that, I couldn't take my eyes off Saria's back as she left the room.