SH_C35_CHAPTER.35. What I Can Do, What I Want to Do

35. What I Can Do, What I Want to Do

My eyes widened in disbelief—and reflected in them was Igor-sama’s equally surprised expression.

Wait… did I really promise that?

The words tumbled from my mouth in a completely flat and uncreative, “Huh?”

“Huh? Wait… what?”

“I don’t remember saying anything like that…”

“Really? Huh. I could’ve sworn…”

“Nope. Definitely not.”

Why though?

Totally lost, I recounted my conversation with the Princess to Igor-sama.

He pressed his hand to his forehead and let out a long sigh toward the heavens.

“Ahhh… Okay, I get it now. So you probably said something like, ‘If education spreads, people will learn to read music and scripts,’ and ‘If the land prospers, people will spend money on theater.’ From that, Hyakka must’ve jumped to, ‘She’s going to start musicals in her territory!’ She’s kind of... prone to assumptions.”

His dry laugh echoed through the shrine.

So… if she thinks I promised that, does that mean I have to make it happen?

Igor-sama shook his head.

“Since it’s a promise, let’s say it’s more like a moral obligation, not a contractual one.”

“Eh…?”

“Basically, if you focus on making your land prosperous and improving literacy, you’ll be fine… probably.”

“Why did you look away just now?”

“I mean… it’s Hyakka.”

So if I slack off, I might get struck by lightning? I looked to the heavens, eyes rolling.

But honestly, if my territory does thrive and people start craving entertainment… yeah, I’d love to see a musical too. Even more than that—I want to see a full play of The Violet Garden or maybe a revue.

Which means we’d need schools, and that means we need education.

“A music school…”

“Hmm?”

“If we could build a music school, and attract enough students thanks to widespread education and prosperity, we might just be able to show the Princess the performances she dreams of.”

“Then go for it—just don’t overdo it.”

“Yes, sir!”

I nodded firmly, and he patted my head again.

Even if I don’t live long, it’s okay to have a purpose beyond Regulus-kun. Something just for me.

I couldn’t help but smile—until Igor-sama poked my forehead gently.

“As for the loose soul-body connection, leave that to Hyakka. There’s someone else more qualified to deal with souls than me, and she’s consulting them now.”

“A soul specialist…?”

“Yup. I handle physical illnesses. But your condition—Soul Drift—is a spiritual one. It’s best left to someone with the right expertise.”

He gently ran his fingers through my hair.

As Igor-sama rose into the air again, light streamed down from the ceiling just like when he arrived.

He must’ve been ready to leave, because soft divine light began to wrap around him… when his eyes suddenly stopped on my waist pouch.

“Agaha, that bracelet-looking thing—what is it?”

“Bracelet?”

What was in there again?

I opened the pouch and activated my status board. Among handkerchiefs and tissues was… a misanga—a woven bracelet.

That must be what he meant.

I pulled it out and handed it over. Igor-sama took it and inspected it closely.

“Is this made of embroidery thread or something?”

“Yes. By changing thread thickness and weaving patterns, you can create all kinds of designs.”

“Nice. I’ll take this as my offering then.”

“Eh? If that’s okay with you, sure…”

“Yeah, it’s stylish!”

He looked at the bracelet with a rosy flush in his chubby cheeks.

Come to think of it, that “Supreme Craft” skill I picked up—was that his doing too?

I was about to ask when he quietly shook his head.

“Nope. I’m guessing you made something in front of Hyakka, right? And she probably praised it in that roundabout way she does. If you demonstrate god-worthy craftsmanship in front of a god, a skill like that will naturally be bestowed.”

“Ah… yeah… it was just origami, though…”

“Well, still. It’s not hurting anyone, right?”

So that’s how skills work? I didn’t feel entirely convinced, but Igor-sama just shrugged.

Then, finally wrapped in radiant light, his presence began to fade.

“Well then, until next time. And hey—don’t feel like you have to do this alone. There are people all over the world who share your dreams. Not to mention those two elves behind you seem eager to help. Don’t be shy about asking, okay?”

“Huh…?”

With a gentle “See you,” Igor-sama vanished with the light.

Creaaak—like an old hinge, I turned around.

Kneeling on the stone floor behind me were Romanov-sensei and Viktor-san.

“Um… were you two watching that whole thing…?”

“Yes.”

“That was… my first time meeting a god.”

Romanov-sensei helped the dazed Viktor-san to his feet. I reached out to support him, too, but instead he grabbed my shoulders tightly.

“A-tan! What’s a music school?! What’s a musical?! Tell me everything!!”

“Wahh!?”

His beautiful face was suddenly inches from mine, and I let out a squeaky yelp in surprise.

He was flushed with excitement, his rosy cheeks practically glowing.

“A m-musical is a theatrical performance that includes singing and dancing! A music school gathers talented young people to train in acting, singing, and dancing—like a musical conservatory!”

“I’m in! I’ll help! I’m definitely helping!”

His thin fingers dug into my shoulders as he shook me wildly.

This was the moment I realized just how overwhelming an elf’s energy could be.

 

Eun: I DID NOT NOTICED TODAY IS FRIDAY THE 13TH! DANG. I've done 5/5 chapters and 8 extra chapters....so should I just go for another 5 chapters so we'd get 13 extra chapter? hmmmm....

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