Chapter 523 – Concert in the Cove

The area around the mansion was filled with the delicious aroma of cooking. Since it was for a banquet, it seemed they had prepared large quantities in big pots.

The kitchen inside the Sirius alone couldn’t handle everything, so Princess Elham had built stoves and was using ingredients and seasonings brought from Grantios to cook in large quantities.

We loaded these onto the Sirius and moved to the eastern cove.

“This is—”

Seeing the cove dyed red by the sunset, the members of Grantios—especially the Sirens—showed a reaction.

“We’ve modified the bottom of the cove into an outdoor theater. You can listen to songs from the surrounding area and the buildings in the cliff walls.”

“C-can we… really use this?”

Marion asked while looking at the modified cove.

“Yes. The magic tools aren’t fully set up yet, but basically we’d like you to feel free to use it—”

“Theodore-sama!”

Just as I was about to continue speaking, Marion turned around, took my hands in hers, and showed a bright smile.

“It’s wonderful…! Thank you so much!”

Thus, I received thanks from Marion.

“Truly! I can’t believe you made such a wonderful place for us.”

“I’m so happy! Thank you!”

The other Sirens also thanked me one after another, some even asking to shake hands.

Well… I’m glad they’re happy, that’s what matters most. Though this is more of a reaction than I had imagined.

While it’s a place for the Sirens to sing freely, we’ve discussed how holding regular concerts and charging fees could lead to exchanges between Verdgar and Grantios, as well as economic revitalization for Grantios.

Even so, it seemed the facilities were beyond what the Sirens had expected.

“Um. And then, the building we constructed next to the mansion is also intended for singing and theatrical performances, but while sound resonates inside there, it’s structured to hardly leak outside.”

“Meaning… we can use it for regular practice too?”

“That’s right. We plan to install magic tools there as well… and also make it suitable for practicing Cursed Songs and Cursed Melodies.”

When I said that, the Sirens cheered.

“Some Cursed Songs can only be practiced in remote areas… Being able to practice them here would be really convenient.”

“I see…”

I nodded at Marion’s words. They had gained both a place near a major base where they could perform songs and a place to practice. There must be reasons why they lived in caves too.

At any rate, the banquet was beginning. Everyone headed to their preferred locations—the cove’s audience seats, the buildings in the rock walls, and so on.

We sat in the cove’s audience seats. For some reason, children from Grantios had gathered around us. Perhaps because we interacted when moving on the Sirius, they seemed relatively comfortable with us.

Grace, Rosemary, and Claudia gave the impression of being well-liked, while Ashley and Marlene seemed to have become friends with some children. Sheila, Irmhild, and Seraphina appeared to be the same. The atmosphere was cheerful, with children sitting on laps or between us.

As people’s movements settled down, Queen Eldorene, holding a wine cup, went to the center of the sea surface in the plaza and raised her voice.

“Now—though it’s somewhat late, let us begin the victory celebration banquet.”

She looked around as she spoke. The surrounding noise quieted, and everyone focused on the queen’s every move.

“With the assistance of Theodore-dono and his fiancées and comrades, the Temple of the Moon Goddess, the Water Spirit King, and our friends from the surface, we were able to achieve victory against our sworn enemy. We had prepared for a life-or-death struggle, yet here we stand. No matter how many words of gratitude we heap upon your bravery and wisdom, it would never be enough, which is precisely why we must convey our feelings of thanks as much as possible.”

Queen Eldorene closed her eyes and paused for a moment.

“And… let us also raise a toast to our comrades who fell in battle. We shall not forget their sacrifice. To the warriors who fell for the peace of the sea, and to our allies who believed in our cause and fought alongside us!”

Saying this, she raised her wine cup and drank it all in one go. Cheers praising Queen Eldorene, Verdgar, and Grantios resounded. I could hear my name and those of the others mentioned too.

As the cheers subsided, the Sirens came to the plaza in the cove and bowed quietly. Further applause erupted.

Waiting for the applause to fade—the Sirens’ voices rang out in song, accompanied by the playing of a harp.

A celebratory song echoed through the cove, carried by a melody with a heroic image. It was—a fitting piece for a victory celebration banquet. Underwater, the way sound spreads is different from on land. The Sirens would swim to change positions, creating a stereo effect on their own, making it quite engaging to listen to.

Eventually that song ended, followed by a shift to a mystical melody. It was—a song expressing gratitude to those who fought and prayers for peace. Likely a requiem for the warriors.

I closed my eyes and concentrated on the music. As I listened to the beautiful singing and tones… the song quietly came to an end. In the solemn atmosphere, the Siren clan leaders bowed their heads.

“Our clan considers it an honor to be entrusted with the role of musicians at such a grand occasion. However, tonight is a banquet. We would be happy if you could relax—eating, drinking, chatting, and sometimes even singing along—enjoying yourselves at ease.”

Saying this, they smiled warmly at us in the audience seats, then began playing a lively, cheerful tune.

The Sirens seemed to take turns resting and eating as well. Well then… we should also enjoy Grantios’ cuisine and spend our time leisurely.

The sun had set, but the Water Guardians had floated numerous magical lights, making the cove quite bright.

Grantios’ cuisine naturally featured seafood as the main component. Perhaps because there was a period of exchange with the surface and culinary research had advanced, the clam-based broth was rich and flavorful—soups with deep taste were exquisite.

Grilled fish, simmered fish, squid, octopus. There were grilled sea urchins and turban shells too. Not just animal-based dishes, but also seaweed salads, offering rich variety. The seaweed with its popping texture was probably what’s called sea grapes.

“Dishes that can’t be made or eaten underwater were originally brought by surface dwellers… but for Grantios, they’re relatively troublesome to prepare. They’re considered luxurious fare for special occasions.”

“Precisely because of that, various innovations were made and research flourished.”

Queen Eldorene and Rovisa smiled. I see… No wonder it’s delicious. Sheila was going for another helping—her umpteenth bowl. At least for today, it seemed we wouldn’t need to go night fishing.

“It appears there have been some unique developments too.”

“Perhaps it would be good to have some exchange regarding cuisine and such as well.”

At the words of the Duke’s daughter Vanessa, Queen Eldorene smiled. Then, as if remembering something, she looked at me and said.

“Ah, that’s right. Regarding the paint, I’ll arrange for it soon. It can prevent damage from sea breeze, but should we use it for the mansion and lighthouse too?”

“That would be helpful.”

“Then, let’s match the colors so as not to change the impression.”

If it can prevent deterioration from sea breeze, there would likely be demand for it in coastal towns too. Currently, water spider textiles are trade goods, but alcohol, paint, and such might also be traded in the future.

“Is it alright if we sing along too?”

“Of course.”

Irmhild and the Sirens exchanged smiles. Taking that as permission, they brought out the Lute, and Justia, Dominique, and Cyrille joined in too, performing joint concerts between the sea and land—they seemed to be having fun over there. It felt like both a musician’s role and a musical exchange.

“After eating this, I’ll go get the instruments from the Sirius.”

Sheila said. The drum set, probably. That wasn’t designed for underwater use either, but precisely for that reason, it might provide good stimulation.

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