Chapter 567 – Music Exchange Meeting

And so—the special performance and banquet came to a close amidst a lively atmosphere.

As for what the Water Guardians and Sirens would do, for today they would stay at my house, and tomorrow they would go sightseeing in Termwills with Queen Eldorene.

Since they had already seen the Labyrinth entrance, Moon Temple, and Boundary Theater, it seemed the plan was to tour the Royal Castle, shipyard, and botanical garden, then finally relax in the Fire Spirit Hot Spring before returning to Grantios.

Michelle would also accompany them, sightsee in Termwills, and then likely return to the Barony of Silun.

We would see Michelle off to the Barony of Silun, then head to Gartner County to visit Mother’s grave on her memorial day, before finally setting out with the Demon-Slaying Knight Order to investigate Beriondora.

“Perhaps it would be nice to hold performances in Termwills as well.”

“That sounds wonderful. If word spreads, I feel they might even come to Moonlight Island.”

I guided them through the house while talking with the Siren chieftains. From the other Sirens… there didn’t seem to be any particular objections. Well, I suspected they were all enthusiastic about it even without asking.

“For performances, having them regularly might be good. For example… the day before the new moon.”

“The day before the new moon, not the day itself? I believe I heard the Labyrinth changes during new and full moons.”

“That’s correct. The full moon day is dangerous, but on new moon days only the routes change and treasure chest contents refresh, so adventurers actually gear up to conquer the Labyrinth then.”

“Meaning the day before the new moon sees less exploration.”

“Exactly. Well, it’s not that there’s no exploration, but it’s a day when Labyrinth exploration priority drops.”

By the day before the new moon, treasure chests inside the Labyrinth have already been thoroughly searched. For adventurers, it’s the least profitable time for Labyrinth exploration.

In short, after the full moon, the day before the new moon is the most convenient time for Termwills’ adventurers.

Of course, this is assuming we’re targeting adventurers as our audience, but if we can aim for busy periods we should, and adventurers are well-connected types with links to many places. We could expect word-of-mouth effects too.

“Please feel free to use the guest rooms from here to the end. I’ve prepared enough for your numbers, but if there are allocation issues, other rooms are available, so just let me know and I’ll guide you there.”

“Thank you.”

Marion smiled. They said separate rooms weren’t necessary, so multiple people would share one room. The Mermaids from Grantios all had a harmonious atmosphere.

Maybe it was because land houses were novel, or perhaps there was enjoyment from traveling together.

“Once room assignments are done, I’ll guide you to the Game Room.”

“Yes. Thank you in advance.”

Saying this, they bowed their heads.

“There are Siren children too.”

“H-hello.”

“Yes, hello.”

The child from Labyrinth Village looked slightly nervous. While somewhat embarrassed, they were being doted on, surrounded by Siren chieftains who stroked their hair.

After room assignments were decided, I guided them to the Game Room as planned.

Today wasn’t specifically about playing games with everyone—rather, it had stronger meaning in introducing the Grantios group to Labyrinth Village people and creating exchange time.

Justia and Dominique were also staying over, and instruments received during our southern travels were prepared. We would have a music exchange including Labyrinth Village residents. So… calling it a Music Exchange Gathering seemed fitting.

Labyrinth Village residents, regardless of race, generally have music directly connected to entertainment, and everyone seems skilled at singing, playing instruments, and dancing, so they should match well with the Sirens.

“First, I’d like to hear about various things. Because… if we actually sing, in our case, it might become just that.”

When the chieftain said this somewhat embarrassedly, the Water Guardians chuckled softly.

“Land has various instruments—I’m jealous.”

The Sirens squinted while touching southern instruments, Irmhild’s lute, Sheila’s drum set, and Cyrille’s bagpipes.

In Grantios, harps and other string instruments, plus relatively simple percussion instruments seem predominant. Being underwater probably limits usable instruments. Even string instruments apparently need threads from water spider silk.

Not just instruments, but they seemed excited about various topics including Labyrinth Village songs and dances.

Naturally, interest gathered around pieces known by Claudia, who protects Labyrinth Village residents.

“I’m certainly interested in pieces taught by Claudia-sama.”

When one Siren said this, everyone nodded. When it’s Claudia’s pieces rather than those known by Labyrinth Village races, it means they were brought from the Moon Capital.

Claudia blushed slightly with embarrassment, but since that was the case, she picked up a lute.

“Will you help me?”

“Of course, Princess.”

Then Labyrinth Village residents also picked up instruments and began playing music to match Claudia.

Different from the lullaby I heard before… the one Claudia reportedly sang for Labyrinth Village children. This had mystical resonance, a somewhat distinctive tone.

Claudia and Labyrinth Village residents played several pieces from the same lineage… and when they finished, the Game Room filled with applause.

“Is this… Moon Capital music?”

“Yes. Pieces enjoyed in the palace.”

Claudia smiled at my question.

Culturally valuable. Probably only passed down by Claudia and Labyrinth Village residents at present.

“Then there are pieces passed down by various tribes protected in Labyrinth Village.”

“Then, we’ll do that.”

Labyrinth Village residents happily performed songs and dances. This time the Grantios Sirens were in the audience position. I’m… usually on the production side, so I’ll relax and enjoy the music.

“There were several… pieces we know.”

The Sirens widened their eyes upon hearing Labyrinth Village residents’… particularly the Sirens’ pieces.

“Ah. Could that be…”

Ashley’s eyes widened.

“Yes. Some left Labyrinth Village due to circumstances… They might have passed them on, or perhaps they were originally the same tribe.”

Circumstances for leaving… probably similar to what Ashley imagined—those like Irmhild with magical aptitude making Labyrinth deception difficult.

“Interesting. Though folklore isn’t my specialty.”

Rosemary nodded quietly upon hearing this. Her intellectual curiosity seemed stimulated.

In any case, the Sirens have continued singing without losing their songs since ancient times. That in itself is impressive.

“For me… either way makes me happy.”

Saying this, Claudia and Marlene exchanged glances and smiled at each other.

For Claudia, it meant either that descendants of Monsters she couldn’t fully protect were living outside Labyrinth Village, or that those who left Labyrinth Village safely joined outside Sirens.

Seeing Irmhild’s example, Claudia probably made various arrangements, but there were limits to how much assistance and monitoring she could provide… so evidence bridging that gap must make her happy.

Hearing those words, Irmhild broke into a smile and picked up an instrument.

“Then next, we’ll play.”

Saying this, Irmhild exchanged nods with her parents… Lamias and Nagas from Labyrinth Village, then began playing music.

This would be music passed down in Lamia and Naga tribes.

Labyrinth Village music culture developed through various races gathering together, but pieces passed down by individual tribes strongly show their respective characteristics. Lamia and Naga folk music could be described as having quite an exotic atmosphere.

“Hehe, somehow today seems all about music.”

When one piece ended, Grace said this while refilling my teacup.

“Yeah. But well, this isn’t bad either.”

When I answered Grace, she nodded with a small smile.

And so… that day deepened with music.