The Voice That Shook the Preliminaries, Estel
Even though it was just the preliminaries, I had no intention of holding back. My plan was to go all out from the start.
"Next contestant, this way, please."
"Yes!"
Estel quickly stepped up before the judges. The work of art I'd sculpted over six months was finally making its debut before the world—dressed in the style I wanted, made up in the atmosphere I'd envisioned, armed with the song I'd handpicked for her.
I watched the scene quietly from behind. Every breath tightened my chest just a little. I was nervous. Me, not Estel.
"Your name is Estel Briano, correct?"
"Yes, that's me."
"What's the song you've prepared?"
"The Road We Walk, The Place We Reach."
"A song from the western regions."
"Yes, that's where I'm from."
Estel answered briskly. She was handling it surprisingly well. No sign of nerves... Something about the kid had changed. What was it? No, that wasn't important right now.
The judges, who had been slouched in boredom just moments ago—exuding disinterest, fatigue, and prejudice—now straightened up, their eyes fixed on Estel.
When she first stood before them, they must have all thought the same thing deep down. This kid's something special. Way better than expected.
In truth, her application probably hadn't raised their expectations much. An unknown from the provinces. Young, inexperienced, with virtually no track record. They likely figured she was some backwater Singing Novice who'd maybe performed a few times with beginner adventurer parties.
But now, face-to-face with the real Estel, they'd fallen silent.
Because the Estel standing before them shone too brightly.
With her worn lute in hand, she exuded an ethereal aura. The blend of classical elegance and girlish vitality created a captivating charm. Her dress wasn't flashy, but Belldia Rackrowa's meticulously crafted outfit and subtle makeup accentuated her beauty even more.
"Pretty" didn't begin to cover it. There was an indescribable quiet grace and a magnetic presence that seized the gaze.
I knew it. That ecstatic moment when I first met her, unadorned... They were feeling it now too.
But the difference was, I'd seen the potential in her raw state, while they were witnessing the "completed" Estel, fully polished and on stage.
...Just a quick brag about my eye for talent.
"You may begin."
"Yes!"
The judges' faces, which had lit up at her appearance, returned to neutral. Sure, she's beautiful, but her singing might suck. That was the vibe.
All four leaned back casually, legs crossed, gazes drifting as if to build emotional distance. But their ears stayed tuned to Estel. Not expectant, but ready to judge with razor sharpness.
"I'll begin."
Estel gently tuned her lute, took a light breath. At that calm exhale, their lax gazes sharpened again.
And then—soft accompaniment flowed from her fingertips, followed by her first note.
That melody no one knew
The warm wind spreading with you
Awakens the world within me
As the song progressed, the judges' eyes widened more and more. Her tone was captivating from the start, growing brighter—clear intro, gentle verses, building to an emotional crescendo in the finale that left them speechless in its intensity and beauty.
...Something's off.
I tilted my head unconsciously. The judges stared in awe, and even the other contestants around held their breath, unable to look away.
But something felt wrong to me.
"...What's up?"
"Why?"
Belldia Rackrowa, watching beside me, gave me a puzzled look.
"Something weird? She's killing it in my book. Amazing."
"No... she's too good. That's what's weird."
I muttered. She was singing far better than usual—much better. Only I could tell, from all our training time together.
And zero nerves. Just perfection. My discrepancy perception wasn't twitching at all.
"Is she a natural stage kid...?"
"That all?"
Belldia Rackrowa smirked mysteriously, like she knew something she wasn't saying.
"Probably wants to impress you."
"Me? Impress me?"
"Happens. Ask her later. Anyway, she's got resolve."
Resolve? What resolve had Estel made? I hadn't heard anything.
Please come closer, just one step
Right now, in this moment
I'm looking only at you
In the song's climax, emotions peaking, Estel slowly turned her head. Her eyes quietly sought me out.
Our gazes locked perfectly.
...No, Estel. Don't look at me now. Look at the judges.
I gestured subtly. Face forward, toward them.
But she didn't turn. She smiled instead. Brightly, singing radiantly with a beaming face.
In that instant, it felt like the world held only Estel and me.
My heart pounded unwittingly. Feeling this for Estel embarrassed me a bit.
But that was her power. The magic only a bard could wield.
The song ended.
Silence followed.
None of the judges reacted immediately. Pens hovered over score sheets, heads frozen. They just... stared at Estel.
The hall was so still, you could barely swallow.
I breathed deep—in, out. Certain. She'd passed.
If they failed her after this vocal prowess, it'd prove the Demon King's world-destroying plot was real. I'd stake my life on it.
The silence broke as the female judge quietly asked, "When did you start singing?"
"At six. I loved mimicking the nursery rhymes from the streets."
Estel's reply was as clear and spirited as ever, despite her huge accomplishment.
But no one focused on it. They were whispering among themselves now, faces alive with excitement after being spellbound.
"A heavenly voice, nothing less..."
"I was shocked from the first verse."
"I was hooked. Lost myself in it."
"She’s got it, right?"
Some whispers reached me, some didn't, but their murmurs delayed her results longer than others. Clearly, Estel had overwhelmed them all.
Amid the awe, one judge looked up abruptly. "At the end, you sang to that man. Know him?"
He pointed at me.
Estel didn't hesitate. "Yes! He's my master!"
All eyes snapped to me.
How'd he produce a kid like that? Awe and curiosity mixed in their stares.
"What's your name?"
"Han Seru."
The judges tilted their heads. "Heterorace? You look different."
"Han Seru... Never heard of you..."
They gazed at me like a newly risen mystery star.
***
"Pass. You've advanced to the finals."
Lilfrea bowed lightly. Calm on the surface, but her fingertips trembled faintly.
Maribel and Clara rushed over from outside the booth.
"How'd it go?"
"Passed."
"You nailed it, Lil! Kyaa! Now all three of us are in the finals!"
The three hugged in joy. Maribel and Clara had already passed. Relief and pride lit their faces.
"Now we stand on the real stage."
"Let's go all the way."
"But only one gets to be the Pure String queen, so watch out."
Lilfrea's bold taunt drew a smirk from Maribel and a familiar smile from Clara.
Then—cheers and applause erupted from a distant booth. People murmured, "No way!", "Insane!", "What the hell was that...?"
The three turned curiously.
"What's going on?"
"That's some noise."
Maribel asked the supervisor, Lukan.
He scanned around, returned panting. "Huff, huff... Just now, in one booth, an incredible bard sang. It's the talk of the crowd. Her name's everywhere."
"Who’s causing this fuss?"
Maribel crossed her arms. "What's the bard's name? Someone famous?"
Lukan caught his breath. "Es... Estel, I think?"
Their faces froze in unison. Joy faded; shock and unease filled their eyes.
"Estel...? That kid with Han Seru earlier."
"Teacher's bard did well...?"
"I don't buy it. Lukan! Estel for sure?"
Maribel snapped; Lukan scratched his head, nodding. "Yes, definitely. Estel."
Incredulous, the three stared at each other. No words, but the silence screamed louder than any.