New chapter of Nameless Hero is out! (1/3 chapters)
Sound of Fife
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I wake up in a study filled with dust. Lindsay’s room has almost turned into a study, and the windows were narrow to prevent sunlight from damaging the books. This resulted in poor ventilation and dust easily accumulates. From downstairs, I could hear Lindsay preparing breakfast as usual.
It had been 2 weeks since I had become a freeloader in Lindsay’s house. By the time I woke up in the morning, Lindsay was already up, making breakfast or cleaning the house. I woke up every morning to the sound of her moving around. Though I feel guilty about this pampered situation in my heart, I had been taking advantage of it.
I groggily headed downstairs and greet Lindsay, who was briskly preparing breakfast.
“Good morning.” (Jack)
“Oh, Jack. You’re still the same sleepyhead.” (Lindsay)
“……… Sorry.” (Jack)
“Well, it’s fine. Come on, breakfast is almost ready, so sit down.” (Lindsay)
“Yes.” (Jack)
I called out to Lindsay’s back as she was about to bring over the food.
“I want to help with something too.” (Jack)
“Huh? Sure.” (Lindsay)
“Otherwise, I’ll just be a freeloader!” (Jack)
“That’s okay. Kids should just be kids.” (Lindsay)
A kid, huh… Now that she mentions it, I’m only 10 years old. I think that my childhood environment has made me this way, but it seems that it’s not just that. In the eyes of society, I’m still at an age where I should be attending magic school and playing innocently with peers.
“Furrowing your brow and starting to think too seriously isn’t very childlike either.” (Lindsay)
“… Ah.” (Jack)
I realized my own demeanor upon her words. Lindsay finished bringing the food and served salad, sausages, and fried silver beech from the large plate onto my dish.
“You should just spend your time without thinking too much. If you keep furrowing your brow like that, you’ll end up looking like an old man.” (Lindsay)
“……… I don’t want to live like this, not being of any use to anyone.” (Jack)
“You’re in a hurry to live, huh? It’s admirable to want to be useful to someone, but for now, you should look for things that make you happy for yourself.” (Lindsay)
Things that are fun, huh. The instrument that Medna taught me was enjoyable. Even now, when I go to the square during the day, Medna always sings and tells stories. At first, there were few spectators, but gradually her popularity spread, mainly among the children, and now it has become a local attraction.
I had been filled with so much remorse about Alan and Peter, but I quickly changed my mindset to think more positively. I don’t intend to forget about Alan and Peter, but once I’ve mourned their deaths as much as I can, the survivors should just live their lives to the fullest. Medna’s songs convinced me of that and allowed me to accept it without hesitation.
That might be the magic of songs. Medna is surely a song magician. But what attracted me more than Medna’s singing was the stories of the warriors told there.
“Jack, don’t you have something you want to do?” (Lindsay)
“I want to be a warrior.” (Jack)
“A warrior? So, you mean you want to fight?” (Lindsay)
Lindsay shows a slightly perplexed expression.
I understand what she wants to say. It was Lindsay who took care of all the aftermath of that incident. I know that saying something that might seem dismissive in front of the person who saved my life twice would be inconsiderate. However, I want to live that way.
“I might be weak now, but I want to become strong, fight, and help various people.” (Jack)
“Hmm…” (Lindsay)
Lindsay responds somewhat melancholy.
“Jack, you can’t use magic, can you?” (Lindsay)
“…” (Jack)
I’m confronted with reality. It’s not just about words. It’s the same with the incident the other day. I saw the incredible power of Lindsay’s fire magic firsthand. The fireball that incinerated its target without any means to resist. Moreover, instead of exploding the fireball around, Lindsay condensed it into a sphere to minimize damage.
That is a feat only possible after honing one’s magical control to perfection. While showing the power to defeat a monster called a gargoyle, she even had the spare energy to consider my safety. I was not only shown the gap in our strengths but also learned again how amazing magic is. I can hardly believe that I could match something like that with just my physical body.
“Magic is essential in battle. Even the most skilled swordsman combines magic in real battles.” (Lindsay)
“I know!” (Jack)
“Even so, do you still want to fight?” (Lindsay)
“… Yeah.” (Jack)
“I see.” (Lindsay)
I might be considered a child with a reckless dream. No matter what woman hears it, she would think it’s just stubbornness. How would they feel if they were in the opposite position? They would likely think it’s impossible.
“I understand. Actually, I have something important to tell you today.” (Lindsay)
Without changing the topic, Lindsay began to open up.
“You probably noticed, but there are other residents in this house.” (Lindsay)
“… Yeah.” (Jack)
That makes sense. I didn’t think Lindsay was living alone in this large house for no reason.
“They are my adventure party members.” (Lindsay)
“Eh!?” (Jack)
“… What? Is there something wrong?” (Lindsay)
“No, I just didn’t know Lindsay was an adventurer…” (Jack)
“Of course! Did you think I was just a magic research nerd?” (Lindsay)
It’s true that even though it’s for beginners, she rushed through the Melana Dungeon alone and took down the gargoyle in one blow without hesitation, so she must be well-versed in fighting.
“… That makes sense.” (Jack)
“Right now, my companions are on an expedition, and I’m just keeping watch.” (Lindsay)
“So that’s what it was.” (Jack)
“They’re scheduled to return the day after tomorrow.” (Lindsay)
“Eh!?” (Jack)
What a sudden turn of events. Thinking back, I had spent 2 weeks here as if it were my own home, but this is someone else’s house. In other words, the stay as a freeloader is over. The original residents are coming back, so I should leave, right?
That’s how it is. Rather, I should be grateful that they took care of me for these 2 weeks.
“…I got it. I’ll leave.” (Jack)
“No, no, don’t misunderstand. You’re just jumping to conclusions, Jack.” (Lindsay)
“Then, what do you mean?” (Jack)
“If I wanted you to leave, I would have said so from the start. What I mean is, if you want to become a warrior, why not officially join our members and try some special training?” (Lindsay)
“Eh!?” (Jack)
A sudden turn of events on top of a sudden turn of events.
Is Lindsay really willing to take care of me that much? What a nice person she is. I’m so happy that I don’t even know how to react. But can someone as weak as me really be recognized as a member?
“If you don’t want to, that’s fine.” (Lindsay)
“No, no! I’m happy about that proposal. I want to become stronger.” (Jack)
That’s right. This proposal is an unexpected opportunity. For my skill improvement as well.
“Lindsay’s party members must be quite strong, right?” (Jack)
“Well, the party rank is B for now.” (Lindsay)
“Rank B…!” (Jack)
I know from reading books what level of skill that means. Party ranks, like skill ranks, go from G to S. A and B ranks are well-known, and most newly discovered dungeons are cleared by A or B ranks.
“Is it okay for me to join a party like that?” (Jack)
“Well, I don’t know what the members will say, but I have a feeling the leader will recognize you.” (Lindsay)
“…” (Jack)
Me, who would probably be treated as a burden even in a G rank party, joining a B rank party. It’s a chance, but isn’t it completely overestimating myself? Will I end up repeating the same mistakes, causing trouble for those around me by reaching for something beyond my grasp?
“Well, in the end, if you want to stay in this house, you have to be recognized by the party.” (Lindsay)
“Yeah…” (Jack)
“And I don’t think of you as a nuisance, Jack. The party should have enough spare time to teach a newcomer.” (Lindsay)
That’s true. The very thought of being a nuisance because of me is presumptuous. To them, I would probably just be treated like a mere servant.
“Got it! Thank you, Lindsay!” (Jack)
Lindsay nodded as if to say “That’s good” and responded with a smile.
—
I visited the square in the afternoon. Medona was sitting in her usual spot on the stone steps, legs together at an angle. As usual, even though the spring weather was just around the corner, Medona was dressed all in black, exuding a seductive aura as she was exposed to the sunlight.
In the evening, several children would rush in after school, but it was still daytime. It was the time I could have Medna-san all to myself.
“Medna-san!” (Jack)
“…Hmm? Ah, Jack-kun. You seem more energetic than usual today.” (Medna)
“Yes, I had something good happen.” (Jack)
“I see. I’m happy to hear your cheerful voice.” (Medna)
I sat next to Medna-san as usual.
“Today, I brought a fife instead of a lute.” (Jack)
“A fife?” (Medna)
“This one.” (Jack)
She took out a small wooden fife.
“You can play the fife too?” (Jack)
“I’m not as good as with string instruments, though. I usually sing, so I rarely play.” (Medna)
“I see. But I’d love to hear you play!” (Jack)
“Sure. Just wait a moment.” (Medna)
Saying that, Medna-san adjusted the length of the fife and started tuning it.
“Good to go. I’ll play now.” (Medna)
In no time, she finished tuning and began to play the fife. Her skilled movements made it hard for an amateur to believe she was anything but proficient.
From there, a clear and cute sound began to resonate. The melody was different from “Highlander’s Inferno,” smooth and warm, matching the tone. It was less about the striking sound that resonated in my heart the other day, and more about a warm sound that felt enveloping.
“Hmm… I really am bad at this.” (Medna)
“I can’t tell at all! If anything, you’re good!” (Jack)
“Really? I know someone amazing, so do you want to try playing, Jack-kun?” (Medna)
Ehhh! Does that mean I’d get permission for an indirect kiss with Medna-san? No, no, this is just an instrument. It’s an appreciation of art. I shouldn’t let such strange fantasies run wild.
While I was flustered, Medna-san’s usual lecture began, and she guided me through the stance and how to blow. That hand-holding feeling with an adult woman leading me made my heart race wildly. However, Medna-san remained calm. I also steadied myself to respond. And now—
With courage, I brought my lips to the part the seductive beauty had touched and tried to blow into it. But no sound came out at all.
“Eh?” (Jack)
“This takes quite a bit of skill.” (Medna)
“I see…” (Jack)
“…Hehe, by the way, would this count as an indirect kiss?” (Medna)
“Eugh!?” (Jack)
Medna looked at me mischievously and wore a little devilish smile. I couldn’t hide my agitation.
“I’ve stolen the lips of an innocent boy.” (Medna)
“…Ah, ahaha…” (Jack)
“Well, jokes aside. Anything can be done with practice.” (Medna)
Saying this, Medna took the fife from me, held it, and began to play again.
So, anything can be done with practice, huh? Come to think of it, despite saying I want to become stronger, I realize I hadn’t been doing any training or serious practice at all. I notice that I had achieved nothing with just my feelings.
“Actually, the day after tomorrow, the owners of the house will return to Lindsay’s place.” (Jack)
“Owners? Uh, aren’t you living together with that person named Lindsay?” (Medna)
“The members of Lindsay’s adventurer party.” (Jack)
“…I see. She’s an adventurer, huh?” (Medna)
Now that I think about it, Medna doesn’t pry into my background or why I’m living with Lindsay. Maybe that’s what attracts me to her. It makes me want to share my circumstances with her out of a childlike impulse.
“But they say that house will be used as a base for the party, so if I don’t join the party, I can’t stay there.” (Jack)
“So, does that mean you, Jack, will become an adventurer?” (Medna)
“Yes.” (Jack)
“I see. That’s a shame.” (Medna)
“…Why?” (Jack)
“You have beautiful hands.” (Medna)
Medna often praises my hands and voice. While I appreciate it, my aspirations are already set.
“…I was abandoned by my family.” (Jack)
“Mm.” (Medna)
“So, I have nothing to lose and no one to support me. I think the only way to survive is to fight. In the end, I hope to become a soldier or a mercenary in some country.” (Jack)
Upon hearing my story, Medna gazed off into the distance, not showing sympathy or surprise, just staring blankly into space. I couldn’t tell if she was pondering something or not thinking at all.
“Without a family, I think I can take risks.” (Jack)
“…”(Medna)
Medna continued to ponder. A breeze swept through the square, stirring the trees and breaking the silence. Then Medna began to murmur softly.
“They say that people can’t live alone. That’s why we should cherish our family and friends.” (Medna)
“…?” (Jack)
“But I think love from family and friends is hollow and can disappear suddenly or reappear out of nowhere.” (Medna)
Her words sounded less like advice directed at me and more like she was slowly sorting her thoughts.
“In other words, whether alone or with someone, I think we can only live by cherishing our current feelings.” (Medna)
“…?” (Jack)
I couldn’t understand what Medna ultimately wanted to convey to me. Ignoring my questioning gaze, she began to play the fife slowly once more.
—
“I should be going home soon.” (Medna)
Suddenly, Medna stood up gracefully. I was a little startled since she was surprisingly tall when she stood.
“…It’s not evening yet?” (Jack)
“I have some errands to run. An important session.” (Medna)
“Are you going to play together?!” (Jack)
Now that I think about it, I didn’t know what Medna usually did. As someone who had just begun to awaken to the world of music, I couldn’t help but be intrigued by the word ‘session’.
“I’m part of an orchestra.” (Medna)
“Is that so…?” (Jack)
Then, Medna met my gaze and seemed to contemplate something.
“Would you like to come to my room tonight? Other performers will be there too, and it’ll be fun.” (Medna)
Come to her room?!
That was a very tempting invitation. Musicians with various instruments having fun playing together. A joyful night of music-filled festivities.
“Umm… but Lindsay…” (Jack)
“Also, I think you have some hesitation, don’t you?” (Medna)
“Hesitation?” (Jack)
“Wondering if it’s okay to continue living in a house where your family suddenly increases.” (Medna)
Upon hearing that, I realized it myself. I’m not good with the concept of ‘family’. I don’t know how to interact. Even without blood relations, can I call it a family if we continue living together? Had Medna seen through my situation with just that little information and analyzed it calmly?
“Being in an adventurer party is tough. If you drag someone down, it can put your companions in danger. That’s why power balance is crucial.” (Medna)
Medna continued speaking as if she was unveiling a truth.
“If you want, you can join our orchestra. There’s more to life than just being a warrior.” (Medna)
“…”(Jack)
You can make a living without becoming a warrior. Even this seasoned performer once told me I had ‘talent’. Then, that could also be a life choice, right? Isn’t that kind of lifestyle acceptable?
—No.
Thoughts of Lindsay crossed my mind.
I caused her trouble. She saved my life. I admire her. I want to be of help to someone. I want to save someone. And then, I want to be acknowledged.
“I’m sorry. I…” (Jack)
“Well, you can come anytime.” (Medna)
Cutting me off with those words, she quietly turned away and walked off. Her black long robe flowed gently in the air. Medna began to walk slowly toward the inn. The robe that enveloped her feet swayed, resembling a ghost moving along.
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