New chapter of Nameless Hero is out! (1/3 chapters)
Young Warrior and Young Songstress
(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)
The eve of festival concert was a resounding success. When Alisa’s song concluded, the applause lingered for a long while. The four members of the orchestra bowed and basked in the ovation.
Suddenly, just as it had begun, the streetlights and the torches on the stage were extinguished, plunging the venue into darkness. By the time the torches were relit, the performers of the Light’s Droplet Orchestra were nowhere to be seen.
It is over… There’s always a tinge of melancholy when something you’ve been looking forward to ends.
Even after the concert ended, the eve of festival continued for a while. Unlike the opening performance, which had a formal atmosphere, the rest of the festival felt more celebratory. Spectators roamed freely, watching the street performances while most people wandered between the night stalls.
“Medna-san’s voice was amazing.” (Lizbeth)
“Yeah, she’s a sensation even in Soltaire.” (Lindsay)
“I hope she’ll come back again.” (Lizbeth)
Liz and Lindsay shared their impressions.
“Well, since Jack has accomplished his goal, shall we head back to the inn?” (Lizbeth)
“Tomorrow’s the real deal, after all.” (Lindsay)
For the next two days, Liz and Lindsay would be performing as dancers in the carnival parade. They had a rehearsal early in the morning for the event. But as a fan, I couldn’t resist the urge to greet Medna-san.
“Jack, are you coming?” (Lizbeth)
“Umm… I want to go meet Medna-san.” (Jack)
“What? Can you even meet her without an appointment?” (Lizbeth)
Liz teased me, but I’d already talked with her back in Sortaire and even here in this city.
“That’s right. I was looking after Jack, so if you go, I’ll accompany you.” (Lindsay)
Lindsay backed me up.
“Alright then. We’ll head back ahead of you two.” (Lizbeth)
Liz and Dwayne didn’t seem particularly interested.
—
The performers’ tent was set up near the entrance of the San Amolina Great Cathedral. Assuming she’d be there, Lindsay led me so I wouldn’t get lost. The large tent was divided into sections for each performance group. A rope surrounded the area with a sign that read, Authorized Personnel Only. Near the edge of the rope, a crowd of fans had gathered. Sure enough, the sign at the entrance read Light’s Droplet Orchestra Performers’ Tent. The fans were mostly children, accompanied by their parents.
I glanced up at Lindsay. She was too young to be mistaken for a mother, but from a distance, we might also look like a parent and child.
I can’t wait to grow up.
“This is quite the turnout… We might not get to see her.” (Lindsay)
Lindsay remarked, surprised by the crowd. As we moved closer to the rope, someone suddenly emerged from the tent.
“Hey there! I’m Grace, the leader of the orchestra! Thanks for coming today! Thank you, everyone!” (Grace)
The leader herself had come out to greet the crowd. Her flowing white dress gave her an elegant, mature air, but her cheerful demeanor was infectious as she waved to the fans. Her light blonde hair contrasted beautifully with Medna-san’s appearance during the concert.
“I’ll be holding lots of concerts from now on, so please look forward to it!” (Grace)
As she scanned the crowd, waving at each person, her eyes locked with mine.
“You’re…” (Grace)
“Huh?” (Jack)
Grace came closer to the rope, drawing even more excited cheers from the children.
“Jack-kun, right?” (Grace)
How did she know my name?
“Yes, that’s me.” (Jack)
“I thought so! You can’t come through here but go around to the left and take the back entrance.” (Grace)
She whispered into my ear and gave me a wink before returning to shake hands with the other children and heading back into the tent.
“You know the orchestra leader?” (Lindsay)
“No, this is the first time we’ve talked.” (Jack)
“Really…? Well, since it’s a special invitation, let’s go check it out.” (Lindsay)
Lindsay held my hand, and we circled around to the back entrance as Grace had instructed.
—
The back of the tent was quiet. As we approached, the flap of the tent suddenly lifted.
“This way, this way!” (Grace)
It was Grace. Despite being the leader, her mannerisms were playful, almost childlike. Lindsay and I ducked under the flap.
“Welcome! Medna told me about you. What a cute kid!” (Grace)
“What?!” (Jack)
She patted my head.
“Oh, pardon me. I’m Grace Grayson, the leader. Nice to meet you.” (Grace)
She brightly greeted Lindsay and shook her hand.
“…I-I’m Lindsay. Nice to meet you. I’m sort of Jack’s guardian.” (Lindsay)
“Are you Lindsay-san from the Chevaliers of Liberta?” (Grace)
“Yes, I am, but…” (Lindsay)
Lindsay seemed puzzled.
“I’ve heard the rumors! You’re a skilled mage, right?” (Grace)
“Well, I wouldn’t say that…” (Lindsay)
Despite being a prominent star, Grace’s demeanor was more akin to a manager.
“Grace-san, you’re stunning.” (Lindsay)
“Oh, this is just what they call ‘looking good because of the outfit!’ It’s all thanks to the costume.” (Grace)
She laughed heartily, wide-mouthed. Her bright stage persona was even more lively and slightly rough around the edges behind the scenes.
“Um, Grace-san…” (Jack)
“What’s up? Just call me Grace.” (Grace)
She bent slightly to meet my gaze and peered intently at my face.
“Uh, well…” (Jack)
“Hmmm… Looking at you closely, you’re remarkable. That voice, those looks—you could become a superstar one day. Even your fingers are lovely. Want to try playing the harpsichord? Hmm?” (Grace)
Her rapid observations and assessments overwhelmed me, making it difficult to articulate my actual purpose for coming. Her piercing gaze was a bit intimidating—almost like a stalker.
“And this silky hair… Oh no! Jack-kun, can I smell it?” (Grace)
“Eh?!” (Jack)
“Grace-san! Jack is an important member of our team. We came here to greet Medna-san, not for…this!” (Lindsay)
Lindsay finally raised her voice in anger.
I’d heard that many artists are eccentric, but this person was an outright oddball.
“Oh, is that so? Medna is in the back. This way, this way.” (Grace)
Perhaps because she was quick to change her mindset, her actions moved at a dizzying pace.
—
We navigated through several layers of curtains at the back of the tent and eventually arrived at the area where the members of the Light’s Droplet Orchestra were gathered. The performers were each tending to their instruments, chatting, or simply resting. In addition to the four who had been on stage earlier, there were a few other adults and children present. Our sudden appearance seemed to leave the group a little puzzled.
“Everyone, let me introduce you! This is Lindsay-san from the Chevaliers of Liberta and Jack-kun.” (Grace)
“G-Good evening.” (Jack)
“Nice to meet you.” (Lindsay)
The reactions from the members varied. Some greeted us warmly, while others gave us a quick, indifferent glance. Among them, Medna-san and Kreus-san, who had been sipping tea, stood up and approached us.
“Jack-kun, you came. Thank you, Lindsay-san, as well.” (Medna)
Medna-san spoke kindly, her eyes soft and warm, and not the eerie crimson glow she held during the concert.
“Surprised to see me here?” (Creus)
Creus-san followed up with a teasing remark aimed at me.
“Medna-san, you were absolutely beautiful. Your singing was incredible.” (Lindsay)
“Oh, it’s nothing that special.” (Medna)
While in Sortaire, Lindsay had accompanied me to the plaza a few times when I went there to see Medna-san. She must have also greeted her on her own whenever they crossed paths in town.
“I felt the same! I was deeply moved!” (Jack)
Not wanting to be left behind, I chimed in right after Lindsay.
“Thank you, Jack-kun. I hope you’ll stand on stage one day too.” (Medna)
“Oh no, that’s not for me.” (Jack)
“Jack is focusing on becoming a swordsman.” (Lindsay)
For some reason, Lindsay placed her hand on my shoulder as she said that.
Did she think they were going to recruit me into the orchestra?
“…Haha, I was only joking. Though, there are people like Kreus here who balance being soldiers and playing music as a hobby.” (Medna)
“Haha, but I’m retiring soon.” (Kreus)
I’d heard that Kreus-san was a soldier, but his skill with musical instruments was no less impressive. Though he claimed he was retiring, he looked youthful enough to still serve on the front lines.
Is he just good at maintaining a youthful appearance?
—
After a while, we exchanged introductions and casual conversation with the members of the orchestra. Seeing these stars, who were so admired by the public, in their natural, down-to-earth state backstage was amusing. Lindsay had also blended into the atmosphere, chatting with Kreus-san, Medna-san, and the leader Grace-san. I, on the other hand, couldn’t keep up with their discussions and listened quietly as they made small talk.
“U-Um…” (Alisa)
Suddenly, I heard a voice from behind. When I turned around, I saw a girl with curled horns standing there. Her wavy, white hair resembled fluffy wool, and her large, round eyes gave her a cute appearance. She was still wearing the dress from the concert performance. Meeting such a prominent figure up close made me nervous. Behind her stood a boy with black hair.
Are they younger members of the orchestra?
“I’m Alisa. Do you like music too…?” (Alisa)
“Yeah, I do. My name is Jack.” (Jack)
“Jack-kun! Nice to meet you. This boy here is—” (Alisa)
“Reingard…” (Reingard)
The black-haired boy introduced himself curtly with just his name. His blue eyes and the quiet aura surrounding him left an impression of mystery.
“By any chance, were you the one I saw fighting those bad people the other day on the main street?” (Alisa)
“Bad people?” (Jack)
“You know, I saw you fighting them…” (Alisa)
She must have been referring to the two con artists I apprehended with Alfred and Dwayne.
“That’s right. I took them down with my companions from Liberta!” (Jack)
“Amazing! Jack-kun, you’re like a hero!” (Alisa)
Alisa looked at me with sparkling eyes of admiration. Being called a hero felt strange, but hearing such praise from someone my age wasn’t unpleasant.
“But I think being a lead vocalist on such a big stage is just as amazing.” (Jack)
“…No, I still have a long way to go. I’m just practicing my instruments too.” (Alisa)
Even though she was being modest, her happiness was clear on her face.
“Alisa, why don’t you take Jack-kun and play together for a bit?” (Grace)
Noticing the interaction, Grace-san encouraged Alisa to spend time with me.
“Yes! Jack-kun, come with me.” (Alisa)
“Reingard too.” (Grace)
“Okay.” (Reingard)
Grace-san watched the three of us as we left.
From behind, I heard Lindsay call out, “Don’t wander too far, okay?”
—
Alisa led us outside the tent, and the three of us walked to the front entrance of the San Amolina Great Cathedral. While the area wasn’t crowded, the tent was nearby, and festival-goers were just around the corner, so I wasn’t too worried about any sudden dangers like being kidnapped.
Alisa turned out to be quite a curious girl, asking me all sorts of questions once we became familiar with each other. It was something about where I was from, what I liked, and how I became strong.
Eventually, we arrived at the grand, tightly shut doors of the San Amolina Great Cathedral.
The massive doors were adorned with sculptures depicting the gods of mythology.
Feeling that I was only being asked questions, I decided to ask Alisa about herself.
“I’ve been curious about something…” (Jack)
I directed my gaze toward her curled horns.
“Oh, these? Everyone always finds them so unusual. But in the village where I was born, everyone has them.” (Alisa)
“Are you from the Beastkin tribe?” (Jack)
“Yes, that’s right. I come from the northern country.” (Alisa)
Beastkin. It was said that in remote mountain valleys and isolated islands, there were people who had human forms but possessed animal traits. Some Beastkin actively interacted with humans, but most of them lived quietly in seclusion.
“Can I touch them?” (Jack)
“Sure.” (Alisa)
“No, you can’t!” (Reingard)
Reinhardt, who had been silent all this time, suddenly raised his voice, glaring at me with an intense expression.
Startled, I froze. Alisa, noticing Reingard’s behavior, looked down apologetically.
“I’m sorry, Jack-kun.” (Alisa)
“No, it’s my fault…” (Jack)
“So, um, Jack-kun, why do you want to become a swordsman?” (Alisa)
Sensing the awkwardness, Alisa quickly changed the subject.
“I…” (Jack)
Why did I want to become a swordsman? The answer lay in the environment I grew up in. I had grown up tormented by feelings of inferiority because I couldn’t use magic. But Tristan had taught me that a true warrior didn’t need to rely on magic. The heroes of myth saved people with nothing but their fighting skills, without using magic. I admire such figures.
“Maybe because it’s cool. If I’m strong, I can help a lot of people.” (Jack)
“You want to help people?” (Alisa)
“Yeah, I guess that’s part of it.” (Jack)
It might have sounded a bit pretentious. But if I could gain the skills to back it up, I believed I could one day realize those ideals and aspirations.
“Hmm…” (Alisa)
Alisa responded with an uninterested tone, which caught me off guard. It’s bewildering when someone who had been cheerfully chatting suddenly changes their demeanor.
“Jack-kun.” (Alisa)
Alisa hesitated before speaking again.
“Does having more people who fight really help others?” (Alisa)
Her words sounded almost pitying, as if to suggest I was on the wrong path.
Why would she say something like that? It feels like a rejection of my dreams, which doesn’t sit well with me.
“What do you mean?” (Jack)
“Helping people through fighting… doesn’t that seem really violent?” (Alisa)
“Well, yeah, but there are people who can’t be helped without strength.” (Jack)
As I countered her argument, Alisa gazed up at the carvings on the cathedral’s doors. The sculptures depicted gods in various poses, demonstrating their greatness. Despite her youthful appearance, Alisa’s words carried a strangely profound tone.
“When strength increases, so do battles.” (Alisa)
“Isn’t it necessary to have warriors? Because if no one stops it—” (Jack)
What was I trying to say? Even as I spoke, I suddenly questioned myself. Isn’t my reasoning fundamentally flawed?
Fighting to stop fighting? Wouldn’t it be better if no one fought in the first place? Where did conflict even begin? Why did I seek power? Why did I want to become a swordsman?
Her initial question resonated in my mind. It felt as though she had called my goals and aspirations childish, and I found myself lost in self-doubt. Alisa silently observed my turmoil. As usual, Reingard remained completely silent.
“The Goddess of this city…” (Alisa)
“The Goddess…?” (Jack)
The goddess of this city, Kea Tur de Dau.
Kea, the Goddess of Magic, appeared in the myths and legends passed down in this town.
“You mean Kea?” (Jack)
“Yes. The Goddess Kea also said this after witnessing the battles of ancient humans.” (Alisa)
Alisa no longer seemed like a girl my age. She appeared to transform into a storyteller of myths, or a prophet delivering truths, almost divine in presence.
“The desire for battle itself is evil.” (Alisa)
No way…
Even though it was just a myth with no definitive proof, her words felt like they shattered my ideals and dreams.
“And that’s why, Jack-kun—” (Alisa)
Unperturbed, Alisa continued.
“Why don’t you live for music with the Light’s Droplet Orchestra?” (Alisa)
She smiled at me. The sacred aura from earlier was gone and she was once again just a girl.
“Music is amazing. You don’t need to resort to scary things like fighting to save people. Music can heal and bring comfort.” (Alisa)
Is this a recruitment attempt? Yet her voice, shaped by her recent performance that had moved so many during the festival, carries undeniable persuasiveness.
“…” (Jack)
“I’m sure you’d be welcomed, Jack-kun.” (Alisa)
Her cheerful laugh seemed like an angel’s smile, yet it also felt like the tempting grin of a mischievous devil.
(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)
Please consider supporting Bayabusco Translation @
bayabuscotranslation 