Edelan's Ten Stars, Raena
A month had already passed since I started living with Estel alongside Raena. At first, honestly, I'd assumed she was some noble lady and approached her with the intention of living a bit more comfortably. But when I found out she was actually a commoner with no noble ties whatsoever, I hesitated for a moment. Still, I'd already made my promise, so there was no backing out. In the end, I had no choice but to take her on—and from then on, every single day, I helped with her practice without fail, coached her, and polished her skills. It was demanding work. But strangely, I didn't hate it.
We threw ourselves even deeper into practice, and under the pragmatic realization that we'd need to save every coin now if we wanted travel funds for the Akwi Festival six months from now, we rented a small room in Belldia Rackrowa's workshop and ended up cohabiting. Sure, a man and woman sharing a room could spell trouble, but I swear on my life, nothing happened. It was purely a training camp for the Akwi Festival. Estel trusted every word I said and followed along diligently. It made mentoring her incredibly rewarding, and every day felt genuinely fun.
Lately, I'd been collecting songs from all over, but mastering them all was impossible. The ones useful for party hunts I had to learn whether I liked it or not, but the popular tunes for building fame were the real issue—the kind you could sing in markets, squares, competitions, or in front of nobles. Most importantly, they had to suit Estel's voice and be songs she could truly love. I knew these pieces inside out since I'd brought them myself. But songs that fit my former disciples perfectly wouldn't necessarily work for Estel. Lilfrea, Maribel, and Clara had learned them too, but Estel's style was completely different. So, from the mountain of songs, I was carefully selecting only those that suited her best.
"Estel, the gestures. One hand motion makes all the difference. It adds power to the song."
"Got it!"
"That was good. Keep it up just like that. Nice gestures."
"Pfft! Okay!"
La la la, no more hesitation, I'll embrace this moment fully.
I stood with arms crossed, eyes closed, savoring Estel's song, then gave her the okay sign.
"Good job. Take a break."
"Whew, that was tough."
"This pain now will bring you riches later."
"Haha, you talk about money a lot, Seru. Got a grudge against it or something?"
"Money's everything in this world. Though sometimes it bites you in the ass."
Once practice ended, I'd let Estel rest while I busied myself again. After she sang for hours, the stuffy inn room air would heat up fast. I'd open the windows we'd kept shut during practice for ventilation and blow out the candles lit for ambiance during the day. While she sprawled on the bed reading or rolling around to relax, I'd quietly slice fruit into bite-sized pieces, add nuts and bread, and bring it to her. She handled the three meals, but post-practice snacks were my domain.
"Here."
"Thanks!"
Estel picked up a piece of fruit and marveled.
"Whoa, you carved it so pretty! First time seeing a guy slice fruit this nicely. Where'd you learn?"
I replied with a blank expression.
"You get better with practice."
"No way you're a former fruit vendor? Impressive..."
Estel munched away in awe, sprawled on the bed, kicking her legs alternately in high spirits. Meanwhile, I slipped on my coat from the rack.
"Rest up then. I'll grab some bread."
"Right! We're out, aren't we?"
"They're discounting today. I scouted it."
"Oh, the one in the market?"
Estel bolted upright.
"I'll come too! I wanna get some air!"
Estel was a natural chatterbox. After a full morning of singing practice, her mouth didn't stop on the way to the bakery. She stuck right to my side, chattering about how there were suddenly more stray dogs around the inn, how she was scared of them up close but loved watching from afar, how living with a guy for the first time meant she'd get misunderstood and never marry now, sighing dramatically. Then she'd pivot to last night's dream, only to suddenly poke my arm and say, "Oh, I really wanna eat a cream bun today!"
Her nonstop chatter carried us to the market entrance before I knew it. Bustling alleys overflowed with fruity scents, roasting food aromas, and merchants' shouts. Vendors hollered to draw crowds everywhere.
"Whoa... it's even noisier than usual!"
Estel grinned like a country girl fresh in the city, head swiveling everywhere. Then she spotted him in an alley corner: a male bard strumming a lute on a small round stage. Bright blond hair, sturdy build. Clear smile, friendly stage presence. His lively performance and song had everyone hooked, surrounding him, some even dancing in excitement. Estel tiptoed amid the crowd, staring blankly.
"Wow... he's so handsome..."
Her eyes sparkled, mouth agape. She even bobbed her shoulders to the rhythm. "Hooot, this is fun!"
As an entertainer herself, Estel looked surprisingly good dancing to upbeat tunes. Her moves were graceful. I couldn't tear my eyes away. Should note this for her stage later?
"...Your type?"
"Dunno. But he's hot, right?!"
I chuckled in disbelief.
"Wait here a sec. I'll grab the bread."
"Okay!"
Estel nodded eagerly, eyes back on the bard. That good, huh? I left her and headed to the bakery.
Exiting the market alley, a familiar large sign came into view: 'Camillo Bakery.' Normally the door would be wide open, bustling with customers, but today it was shut. Still, peering through the glass, I saw it packed inside—relief.
They're open.
I pushed the door open, and suddenly someone blocked my path. Shining silver armor, kingdom emblem on the chest. A earnest-looking young knight.
"Excuse me, but you can't buy bread right now. Come back in an hour."
I frowned instinctively. Disappointed at missing the cheap deal. "...Busy?"
Scanning the shop: no ordinary folk, just armored knights and flashy nobles. Uncommon sight around here.
What’s with the vibe...? Nobles buying bread?
"Hey, hey."
A gravelly voice from behind the young knight. A grizzled veteran.
"Lady Raena said not to block the locals."
"But... what if an accident—"
"Enough. She hates anything harming the commoners. Let him in."
The young knight glanced sideways at me and stepped aside quietly. I tilted my head, puzzled, and entered.
Lady Raena? Same name as Edelan's Ten Stars Raena... Nah, can't be.
That superstar bard slumming it here? Anyway, good. The shop was thick with sweet bread scents—mouthwatering.
Discount, discount... where's the discount corner?
I prowled like a starving predator through the crowd to the display. Finally, a humble rack in the corner with a satisfying 'Today's Discounts' sign, an array of crispy loaves below. I scooped various into my basket, eyes locking on the last cream bun. Glossy surface, mouthwatering.
You're mine.
I reached out—and at that exact moment, another hand stretched from the side toward the same bun. Our fingertips brushed. I whipped my head around.
Beside me stood a blindingly beautiful blonde woman. Ornate hat, elegant lace gloves. Delicate features no one could forget. An otherworldly, mystical grace enveloped her.
Who is she?
A beat of silence. As I stared blankly, she smiled warmly.
"Oh? Same taste? Will you yield, or shall we split it?"
I pondered briefly. "...Splitting feels skimpy."
She chuckled softly. Then my face itched oddly; I glanced around to find every eye in the shop on me. Knights, nobles—all glaring intensely, pressuring me.
Yield! Give it up, man! Hurry!
They looked ready to kill if I didn't.
What the hell?
"Then I'll yield. Guess I'll come back tomorrow."
She withdrew her hand regretfully. I blurted quickly,
"No, take it. You look like you're from out of town."
"Really? Okay?"
She picked up the cream bun, beaming.
"Thanks for the kindness. Smells divine—can't wait."
She seemed genuinely thrilled. Makes sense; this cream bun was a local legend, exclusive to the area.
"As thanks, humbly, let me repay you. I'll cover your bread. Pick freely."
"...Pardon?"
Music to my ears. And only then did her voice fully register.
Come to think of it... her voice is incredible. Like a work of art.
Far from ordinary—extraordinary. Pure, resonant timbre, masterful aftertone. Estel's voice was great, but this was another level.
No way...?
My eyes widened. The name the knights mentioned at the door flashed back.
Raena... Could it be Raena de Bert of Edelan's Ten Stars?
One of the kingdom's top bards. One of the Ten Stars—here? Insane.