The Warrior God's Sudden Revelation
Was it on purpose? Right before our first practice with the saintess, I'd been inwardly worried. And who could blame me? She was a saintess, after all. In any church, a saintess ranks among the top three high priests. That's because saintesses are chosen directly by the gods themselves, not by mortals.
Stella had never acted high-handed during our chats, but I still couldn't fully relax.
"She's way nicer than I expected, right?"
But after that first practice, my mind changed. Stella was far more cooperative than I'd imagined—no trace of arrogance or authority. During rehearsal, she wasn't a saintess; she was just another musician.
"Yeah. I was pretty worried."
Monica nodded vigorously in agreement.
"Still kinda tense, though. Never dreamed I'd share a stage with a saintess."
"Sorry I didn't tell you sooner."
"You should be sorry. My heart nearly stopped back there!"
Her sharp glare made me chuckle awkwardly. This was my fault for forgetting to mention it. Luckily, instead of nagging more, Monica leaned back against the carriage seat and continued.
"Next practice is in four days?"
"Yeah. Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—three days a week."
It'd be ideal to practice daily, but schedules made that impossible. Stella's, especially, was packed tight. These three days were her squeezing out every spare moment. Still, it wasn't too bad. We could do solo practice the other days.
"Gotta work hard if I don't wanna fall behind you."
When I said that, Monica shot me a ridiculous look.
"What're you talking about? I'm the one who'll need all-nighters to keep up!"
"Come on, since when do you talk like that?"
"It's not 'talk'! It's your piece, so of course you get it better!"
"Ah."
She had a point. Though it wasn't really mine... I couldn't say that.
Hmm. Now I really had to practice like crazy. What would people think if the supposed composer lagged behind? Sure, composing skill doesn't always match performance... but I'd love to earn recognition there too. That's pure skill, unlike composing.
Lost in those thoughts, the carriage pulled up to Monica's mansion.
"See you in four days."
It dropped her off, then headed home.
"Hmm."
Once back, I'd swing by the workshop to chat with Dale. First, test the endpin on my Silveri at home. Might not finish before next practice, but the one after? Definitely.
I ticked off my to-dos as we rolled home.
Time flies. Blink, and now the concert was less than a month away.
But I hadn't wasted it. Materials for Selenie's violin were nearly complete—we'd started full production. Stella's Silveri mods? Perfectly done.
Stage prep was solid too. Violin in hand daily, group practices on schedule.
Oh, and one more thing: an extra hand in the basement workshop.
"Young master. Should I refine this further?"
A calm voice asked me. There stood a woman with neatly pinned brown hair: Yurael.
She'd joined our basement workshop two weeks ago. She looked about my age, but that was just the elf in her. Elves age slow.
Recommended by Selenie herself. Young for an elf, but over 30 years crafting instruments. A recognized maker in Ramisel—hard to hire even with big money.
"Yes. Perfect."
"Thank you."
Why'd she come? Simple: fascination with my new instruments. Violin. Piano. Even the cello-like mods on Silveri. All unheard-of here. She'd been hooked.
Apparently, she was at Selenie's performance, mesmerized by the violin's melody. She approached Selenie first, who connected us.
"I'll return this afternoon."
"Sure."
"You've worked hard."
She'd already been there over two hours, so I bid farewell to Dale and Yurael and left.
Normally, I'd head straight upstairs. Today, the garden called.
"Hoo."
Fresh air cleared my head. The basement was decent, but nothing beat outdoors.
"Should build a proper workshop."
So far, it was more hobby space—no big issue. Dale and I didn't linger long. But work hours were growing. Silveri mods, now Selenie's violin. Plus Yurael made it cramped.
Hmm. New one outside? Dale stays at our mansion, but Yurael doesn't. And more hires coming? Better build big, nearby.
"Alright. Scout a site first."
Decision made, I strolled the garden.
As I wrapped up and headed inside—
"Young master!"
A servant found me.
"What?"
"A guest!"
"Guest?"
"Yes. A priest from the Akat Church."
Akat Church. Familiar name. Last time, Akat—the god who'd given me a revelation alongside Millen—had sent priests. I remembered their rivalry vividly. Got nice gifts too.
"Mm. Got it. On my way."
They'd agreed not to approach until after the Armonia concert. Both churches consented—commissions after.
Still, can't keep a guest waiting. I followed to the parlor.
A familiar face awaited.
"Greetings."
The priest who'd given me the Blessing Orb—just holding it boosted vitality.
"Yes. Nice to see you."
I bowed politely and sat opposite.
He smiled only after I settled.
"Sorry for the sudden visit. It's about the Blessing Orb we gave you last time."
"The Blessing Orb?"
Don't tell me he wants it back 'cause it's valuable? As I wondered, he continued.
"Its effects must be fading by now. May I check?"
"Ah, right. Here."
Whew, not that. Yeah, it wasn't as potent anymore. Normal—it's rechargeable. Impressive it'd lasted this long on one charge. Top-tier orb.
I handed it over. He took it carefully, cradling it in both hands.
"I'll pray briefly."
Eyes closed, he chanted. Soft light leaked from the orb.
I admired the mystical sight. I knew gods existed now, but it still amazed me. Normal folk feel awe at divine power.
Flash!
The light intensified. I bowed my head, waiting.
At its peak—
Do you hear me?
I jolted, head snapping up. A faint figure hovered above the orb.
The praying priest flattened himself, trembling.
But the figure ignored him, speaking to me.
I bestow a revelation upon you.
Dedicate a song for the great warriors.
Then shall you obtain glory.
"Ooo! Great One!"
The priest shouted fervently.
I bowed reflexively, then paused.
...Was this the real reason he came?