The Harmonic Symphony transformed the entire city into a stage. The streets were filled with performances, ranging from grand displays by the World King’s subordinates to more modest offerings by general participants.
Since the event showcased rare instruments that were seldom heard in public, it was a magnificent spectacle for any music lover. In a quiet corner of Yugfressia, a quartet played for an attentive crowd. Among the listeners was Eingana, who had used magic to take the form of a strikingly tall woman standing 240 centimeters. The faint smile on her lips made it clear she was savoring every note.
Beside her stood Nizbel, also in human form, though her experience was quite different. She stood with her arms crossed, wearing a deeply troubled expression.
"The resonance of those rare instruments is truly magnificent," Eingana remarked softly as the piece concluded. "The depth of the lower register achieves a richness that simply isn't possible on standard equipment. What did you think, Nizbel?"
"To be perfectly honest, I haven't a clue," Nizbel replied bluntly. "It sounded like a fine enough performance, I suppose, but I couldn't distinguish those 'low notes' you seem so enamored with."
"Well, appreciation comes with time. You'll begin to notice the nuances once you've heard a wider variety of performances."
"So, like anything else, it requires repetition and experience... Still, for you to go out of your way to stop and listen, they must have been exceptional instruments."
Nizbel had accompanied Eingana to the Harmonic Symphony at the latter’s invitation, but she possessed little of her companion's musical knowledge. Even though she had asked for pointers beforehand, the technicalities seemed to go over her head. However, being naturally ambitious, she viewed this as a challenge to be overcome. She intended to eventually master the art of listening.
"Indeed," Eingana said, nodding. "The violin, in particular, is a legendary masterpiece. Only twenty-seven of its kind exist in the world. Curiously, however, the creator’s identity remains a mystery."
"Hmm? If it is a world-class masterpiece, was it not crafted by a renowned master?"
"The legend says those violins were created by the Phantasm King-sama. Supposedly, while she was attempting to craft a violin for her own use, she released the prototypes into the market once she achieved a level of perfection she was satisfied with. Of course, no one knows if the story is true. I’ve never actually heard of her playing the violin, after all."
"I see. She is an individual of whom nothing would be surprising... though I suppose one cannot exactly ask her for a private recital."
Nizbel nodded, seemingly satisfied with the explanation. Her gaze drifted across the passing crowd until her eyes sharpened, as if she had sensed something significant.
"...Refined. I would say she is a Viscount-class, nearly at the level of a Count."
"Pardon? Ah... I see. Indeed, she possesses considerable magic power, but I don't recognize her."
"I don't recognize her either. She is likely a high-ranking demon who doesn't belong to any particular camp."
"Please don't try to pick a fight with her," Eingana sighed.
"I wouldn't do something so boorish as to demand a mock battle in a place like this," Nizbel replied with a small grunt.
The demon who had passed them was clearly a powerful individual, and while Nizbel had stopped to observe her with interest, she didn't pursue the matter. Offering a dry smile at Eingana's concern, she bit down on her pipe and began walking again.
"She appeared to be a beastman-type. What was her race?"
"A Hellhound. They are quite a powerful race, but I've never seen one of that caliber before."
"Ah, that’s right—a Hellhound. As expected, you are quite well-informed. It does seem like beastman-type demons have been making great strides lately, though. I recall my comrade has two beastman-types of Count-class in his service as well."
"Now that you mention it, that may be true."
"In any case, the emergence of new power is always a joyful thing."
Watching Nizbel look far more animated now than she had during the discussion about music, Eingana let out a soft sigh. It was Nizbel being her usual self, a realization that brought a wry smile to the dragon's face.
"So, Eingana. Where to next?"
"Do you have any requests?"
"No, I am out of my element here. I would prefer you to choose."
"In that case, shall we go see the Seven Princesses' performances? They are all wonderful and very well-conceived."
"Hmm, I have no objection. The closest one from here would be... Heavenly Flower Princess Erial's performance?"
"That will almost certainly be a dance. If it’s the kind where the audience can participate, it might be better for you, since you'll get to move around."
"I have wondered this for a while, Eingana... but do you think I am some kind of muscle-brained fool who only thinks about physical exertion?"
"Are you not?"
"...It is difficult to deny that completely."
Continuing their friendly banter, the two dragons made their way toward their next destination.
Serious-senpai: "Hmm? Hellhound? I feel like I've heard that somewhere before..."
???: "She's the one who used to be Caraway-san's rival."
Serious-senpai: "Oh, right."