A Dragon Idol's Reincarnation Tale - Chapter 437: Let My Songs Speak for Me!

“Neill got so exhausted from all the talks that she fell asleep in the hot springs! Thankfully Ellaine was in there with her, otherwise she probably would have had a heatstroke … Which, now that I think about it, wouldn’t make sense since she is part fire dragon, anyways.” I stroked my chin, remembering how I never had any problems staying inside the water for a prolonged time.

She’s not as heat resistant, but we still share the same fire-spitting father.

I shrugged before looking back at my hibernating dragon mother. I couldn’t help but smile wryly as I stared at her neutral sleeping face. Honestly, it should feel weird to me; this was my room, and she was sleeping in my bed. We’ve been sleeping in the same one for weeks now … but I never really found the need to complain. The bed was large enough, and I couldn’t just kick Mom off … Nor did it feel right to just sleep in another bed … even if she loved hugging me in her sleep, making it hard to wake up.

Worst part is that we both sleep on our stomachs, so I feel squished every morning.

“Well … I wish you would just wake up, Mom.” I frowned. “You missed two concerts of mine, and you’re about to miss another one today. And even more later on. It feels … slightly less fulfilling. I mean, I still love the cheers and cries, but it feels less impressive if I can’t share it with people I love. Saori isn’t around, either.”

I looked down, inspecting the idol clothes Saori made for me just before she had to leave to rejoin the formerly enslaved beastmen. They were certainly bright and colorful, but lacked any frills or strings. The amount of white and red felt more reserved, keeping the purity aspect of an idol, but it made me feel more mature with some traces of blue and black.

It was less cute, but it still made me feel more confident. That this was the right outfit for tonight. To brighten the night and to bring in a crescendo upon the rambunctious nature of the dwarves. I wanted to show it off so much.

I sighed. “Even with all her complaints, Neill still went into the summit without me once again. She really is the best … At this point, the alliance members will know what I am trying to do. Everybody had been promoting the concert, and I even got help from Renee and Maelexus with their respective countries, so there will be a ton of attendees today. Thank goodness that I listened to Lord Helvas and built those extra seats on the ceiling.”

I massaged my fists, noticing them trembling a bit.

“The members should be able to guess what I am doing right now. Will I be able to convince them? Probably not, but I need to show them that there is another way. A full-on war isn’t the only answer here … It’s just like you’ve shown me, right? Father wouldn’t have had to kill all his siblings if they just decided to talk about it, if people hadn’t escalated everything just because Kramps ascended. I won’t make that mistake. I will try to solve this with the gifts I’ve been given.” I breathed in deeply. “Our targets are the Prince of Sins. Our targets are those who aren’t willing to embrace peace. A conflict that has lasted for nearly 700 years that can only end with the extinction of one side or the other is just idiotic. Mom … do you think my thinking is too simple?”

I stared at her, but she didn’t answer.

“Master thinks I am not considering things properly. The others, too. I think I am, but I don’t have the entire picture yet. I got the opinions of those on this side of the continent, I got Vifi’s opinion on things, and I got Fleindia’s view. I still need the view of the Empire and the people there, and maybe even more information on Bole’Taria. Hehe, I am taking the long road. King Elutis’s hatred is strong, but he is right. Everybody is right.”

But I am an idol. My job is to be the brightness in the darkness and to bring people a smile! I am [The Light]!

“… Well,” I shrugged. “Haruna will film everything, so it isn’t like you or Saori are missing anything later! You’ll just miss it live, but you can watch the VOD later on!”

I stood up and made a pose, grinning widely with my left hand over my eye, exposing it through my fingers while holding two fingers up in a V. I stared at Mom’s silver-white hair and her diamond-glittering scales, psyching myself up as I remembered my Mama. Their faces … I still couldn’t remember Mama’s face, but it felt easier to differentiate Mom from Mama.

“Ako Schartner” was her name, courtesy of Franz for telling me. Ako and Leon Schartner; they were my human parents, and while I couldn’t remember their faces, saying their names in my head warmed my heart. Watching Mom’s face did the same.

It was the correct choice to visit her before my concert.

“All right, I’m going, Mom!” I exited the room, teleporting myself into my changing room instead of the living room. I greeted Tasianna, Svena, Haati, and Lorena—my maids—and took in a deep breath.

They corrected any faults in my make-up or clothing, before they informed me Manuella was waiting to see me. Tasianna let her in after my confirmation.

“Lady Hestia.” She bowed.

Manuella was the head maid of House Helvas’s mansion in Firwood and one of the people who taught me the etiquette of Artorian nobility, as well as Ellaine’s former magic tutor and now one of the coordinators for my concerts, and she was here to talk about it, I believed.

“It’s a bit late for a meeting. Is there something wrong?” My body shivered for a moment, and I bit my lips.

“Nothing problematic at all, my lady. You are good to perform!” Hearing her say that calmed my pumping heart. “I just wanted to warn you that it’s a full house. Even after you added those additional seats and bleachers. Lord Duke Greenveil and Lord Arcanuess Helvas added whatever seats we still had in storage for the commoner attendees, but we’ve gotten to the point we have too much demand but not enough space.”

Uuuuh, i-it was just a two day promotion. What happened?

“We’ll manage. I do not wish you to slow your performance down, but please remember to not rile them up too much. The majority are from Artorias who know who you are even before the newspaper report, so they are here after a prolonged time. Worried, and here to support you. Allow me to state that you must consider your situation here.”

“Got it!” I nodded firmly, before taking another deep breath. I closed my eyes before looking forward. “The stage awaits!”

“WE WANT HER! WE WANT HER! WE WANT HER!”

The Obsidian Orchestra.

Hestia’s dragon nest—her domain created with [Corrosive Fire], coating the outer layers of the subspace’s room with hardened obsidian that could bedazzle most anyone with its raven-black shimmer. However, instead of being enraptured by the volcanic glass, the masses inside this giant, dragon-sized chamber were more enamored by the brilliant manatech lamps installed inside, illuminating every part of the room and elevating the beauty of the obsidian’s gem-like appearance.

In the middle of the room was a single stage, surrounded by rows of bleachers for the clamorous viewers. Humans, beastmen, elves, dwarves, and everyone in between were all in attendance, sitting mostly together with those they knew, creating somewhat of an invisible wall between the races.

The elves sat with everybody but the humans, while the latter felt more at ease with their kind or their beastmen friends. The dragonewts preferred their own group as they roared out in support of the person of the night, scaring off most but a couple of humans.

“Princess Hestia! Hestia! Hestia!”

“Champion Hestia, we’re here for you tonight! Hey, more ale over here!”

“WOOOO! Perform more of these! Get more of the good grub!”

The Loatryxians cheered for their youngest Princess, whose existence they had thought was forever ended due to the loss of her egg. With the revelation that she was alive and well, in addition that she was one of the major defenders of the recent attack on Inkoran-Tazul, their patriotic nature surged. Hearing this from one of the kinkyuro—Maelexus and his son Midirn—the dragonewts would not miss this chance to witness this young princess’s “debut.”

“I will pay double for your seat!” Even in the foyer of the orchestra, dragonewts were begging those who had acquired a seat for their tickets.

While the seats for the commoner section were free, it was still a first come first served situation, and once every seat was occupied, the subspace would not allow anybody inside the concert without Hestia’s permission. The most stressful part of the ticket receptionists’ night wouldn’t end soon.

Regardless, back inside, the dragonewts weren’t the only ones anticipating the performance. Hestia’s fans from Artorias, Estralia, and Yeos were all here for her. The “followers” she had gained through her travels and wherever she performed knew of her voice and showmanship, and to them, her angelic singing was what drove them back here. For it had been a while since she had a concert inside this orchestra.

“WE WANT HER! WE WANT HER! WE WANT HER!”

Stans—excessively enthusiastic and devoted fans.

The “evolution” of a normal fan, you could call them. Although Hestia had never fostered, or even wished, for this level of devotion, people were naturally attracted to the bright light she exuded through her songs and work as a Champion. Fighting against odds to protect others or healing the injured with her white flames had built up her reputation as the “crimson dragon Champion.”

In addition, the slander and suspicion written in the Empire’s newspaper riled up those who supported Hestia and those who knew Hestia was Saintess Eshe’s friend and pupil. Artorias’s relationship with the Folschreck Empire has been uneasy due to the constant conscription of their young soldiers, while Yeos had abandoned their loyalty in responce to the Empire’s inaction during the Elyonda siege and the grimgarian invasion.

It was a powder keg ready to blow up, and instead of releasing the steam through aggression, these fans turned it all into cheers and adoration for the person who had helped them. Who didn’t force them into doing something they didn’t want to do. Those fond memories were seared in their minds. Their emotions took over their rationality; this was how stans were created for celebrities and public figures.

These thoughts weren’t reserved for those sitting on the free seats, as even merchants, nobles, and important personages were victims to Hestia’s voice and performance. Enjoyers of the fine, the nobles of Artorias and the merchant of Estralia were especially enraptured, for this show was accompanied by wonderful pastries, wine, and the merchandise made from mana threads ready to be bought.

Those who could spend were even allowed to sit upon the “black star citadel” built above the stage on the ceiling of this chamber. Made from Hestia’s obsidian, this construction was designed in the form of a star with a small hole in the middle, allowing spectators to watch the show from above, away from the noise coming from below.

Supported by multiple pillars, both on the ground and on the ceiling, the citadel’s purpose was similar to the opera boxes inside an opera—they were made for those who wished for the prestige of sitting inside a separate area from the masses. By climbing the spiral stairs or flying with alchemical gargoyles, one would end up on the star platform with multiple seats in the very front and a couple of private boxes in the back, reserved for royalty, leaders, and other VIPs.

Prepared in advance, human, elven, dragonewt, and dwarven guards were stationed here, loaned by their individual countries to ensure the safety of all the people on the citadel. In addition, there was a separate floor right below the citadel where people could mingle and talk away from their seats, which allowed personnel to prepare the food services for their guests.

Although an idea Arcanuess Helvas had suddenly suggested to Hestia, she ensured it was not a rush job. Through the help of an architect and her [Trap Creation], she was able to finish the rough construction early, allowing the earth mages and architects the time to polish the edges and suggest improvements. Still, like most quick additions to her numerous concerts, the “black star citadel” had room for refinement.

Still …

“Haha, this feels like looking down from a castle wall, right? The peasants are down there, enjoying their lives while we are up here, enjoying the finer things in life before the show begins,” an Artorian noble spoke with a Yeosian peer, raising his glass, toasting with the latter.

“I agree. The food, the company, and the view were fully worth the money.” The noble then turned around, staring at his wife and children, who were mingling amongst their peers and those from Artorias and Estralia. “At first I thought I couldn’t afford it since we have much to do to rebuild our nation, but a moment of peace like this is something else. Nobles and personages from other nations, here just to mingle and to enjoy the show. It feels … less like politicking.”

“I understand, I understand, good sir!” The other noble laughed and placed a hand on his conversation partner’s shoulder. “However, don’t let your guard down too much all right? I think you can feel them, right? Eyes everywhere. In addition, with all the rumors, all of us have to start being friendly, so keep your cards to yourself.”

Their eyes trailed to the group of dwarves. One of them was wearing a dwarven kimono filled with precious gems and a black fur coat on his shoulders, showing off his wealth like most nobles. He was talking with two familiar dwarves—Jadhund and Metosei, Hestia’s contacts from the railroad guild.

“This obsidian is even harder than most steel! Looks so brittle, though,” Metosei commented. “Guess this is what you have to expect from a dragon. Hah, Grimnir got lucky with a lass who is willing to share her materials for him to work on … He better not mess with his mistress.”

Jadhund, on the other hand, sighed at the older dwarf’s behavior. “Master, Grimnir ain’t that type of fellow. He won’t break his oath to her, especially when his two apprentices work for Princess Hestia. Come on, look at this. You see? There is some mechanism on the edges.”

“Manatech?” the robed dwarf commented, but Jadhund shook his head.

“No, Lord Vagunyga,” he addressed one of the major lords of the Ankor-Nazta and the father of Ankoran Queen Tragaya. “[Trap Creation], I believe. It’s entirely magic-based. No signs of mantech at all. Not too sure what it is, but I think it’ll move or expand.”

“Hmm!” The lord stroked his long beard, looking interested in everything his two acquaintances told him. “I can see some things that can be improved on this. Hah, I should ask my daughter for an audience with the young dragon princess. Get to know Grimnir’s new mistress better. Maybe we can get to know each other by getting my workers to clean things up here.”

“Nonsense, Vagunyga!” Metosei shouted. “We don’t need hold kings pressing their noses down on everything new. Stay in your home and just enjoy the damn show! Hrah, get to your daughter already!”

With a hearty laugh the hold king was shoved up the stairs by Metosei, through a group of well-dressed dragonewts. Influenced by the Revolution Queen during her lifetime, Japanese culture had not only influenced the dwarves but also their northern neighbors in Loatryx.

As such, these dragonewt wore kimonos as their garment of choice for such events. Unlike the dwarves, theirs was devoid of gems and fur, replaced by scale ornaments and accessories made from their own scales. Similar to their relatives, the true dragonkin, dragonewts loved showing off their scales as a sign of beauty and pride.

“Make sure to watch intently, do you understand?” One of these dragonewts was Midirn, a distant relative of Hestia through their Kagryxmor lineage. His black scales shimmered as he spoke with a dragonewt dragoon. “She will be performing soon so we cannot allow any disturbance. If you find anything wrong, you deal with it silently. Don’t make a fuss.”

“Yes, sir!” The dragoon saluted his commander before spreading the information to the other guards, leaving Midirn to sigh before he glanced down the citadel, witnessing the raucous dragonewts below cheering for their once-missing princess.

Such fervor. He smiled, before it waned. The Emperor deserves to see his daughter. His heart must have been broken just as much as Empress Melloxtressa. Even with the faith war, I must ensure she survives … Hmm! Saint Kushlek’zar is right. I must join the fight. I will kill the Prince of Envy, for I am Midirn—future general of the Loatryxian army! I am the [Black Bomber]!

Midirn, son of Maelexus, held his unique Job up with pride. The [Black Bomber] adorned his Profile, causing the dragonew to smile whenever he looked at it. An urge grew inside his chest as he remembered his fight against Galg, prompting him to stroke the scar on his right arm. This deep gash caused by the dragonslayer’s blade piercing his arm, turning it numb even during the final fight against Manethala.

Like most who lost a limb, it was healed through surgery by Hestia, meaning he owed his princess his arm. This shame of being wounded lit a fire in Midirn’s chest.

I will reach rank S! Rank A is worth nothing with how the future is looking!

As he grasped the rails one last time, he joined the others at his seat as the light of the orchestra dimmed. With the staff and floor lights to guide them, all guests reached their seats and were instructed to put on the seat belts attached to the seats.

So this is another otherworld creation? ‘Seat belts?’ What are they used for? Oh, I see, to hold us onto our seats like a riding strap.

The elves among the group found the strange, but familiar, invention intriguing purely due to the fact it had a different name compared to what they were used to. In fact, everything inside this subspace was a surprise to this magically-gifted race.

[Space-Time Magic] wasn’t an unknown element, but everybody knew the existence of void-touched was rare, almost to the point becoming an archmage with level eight advanced elemental magics was more common. Even then, it was even rarer for a void-touched to be adept enough at casting spells in the higher level due to how unbelievably hard it was to level the magic beyond even level four. Not only did every spell consume large amounts of mana, but the proficiency needed to reach every next level was like climbing over an ever-growing mountain.

Naturally, there were people who had reached [Space-Time Magic Lv. 10], otherwise the spells wouldn’t be documented. Still, to witness the [Space-Time Magic Lv. 6] [Room] be used in such a manner, where an entire network of rooms existed within it or how people could teleport from one location to the next with the nexus, was unfathomable to most.

To the elves, the creator of all of this was—

“An arcane genius.”

— Even if the subspace and nexus were originally just ideas Hestia got from her time playing video games, watching movies, and just browsing the internet. However, credit had to be given where it was due.

We need to plead with King Elutis to have Her Grace install these portals back at home. We cannot let the humans and dwarves beat us in this!

With age came wisdom, but with experience also came pride. Graceful and studious, yet filled with hubris, elves were a race who valued the fact they could outlive the majority of races in the world. The fact their race was born with the gift of arcane, the fact they were one of the first sentient races of Peolynca’s history, and the fact they were the oldest allies of the true dragons, the only other race older than the elves, made them prone to overconfidence.

Regardless, it did make them appreciate the gifts of others, as they could identify talent and give them the respect they deserved for one born for greatness. It gave most elves the chance to act as teachers and be responsible to have “guided the next generation,” while also quenching their curiosity. Elves, as such, made good allies as most preferred to do what was in their best interest and to maintain peace to pursue their goals.

Sadly, it also made them terrible enemies as they remember events longer than most, although they weren’t as vindictive as the dwarves. Unless provoked enough, most Saelari elves preferred to stay on the defensive within their fortified forests, all while letting their anger boil within. If this anger overflowed, the War for the Faefolk would happen, where they would burn down cities and kill any humans they saw.

Although the wounds inflicted within Artorias healed over time, they hadn’t for the elves, nor for King Drangleic who lost his father on a diplomatic mission to Saelariel. The alliance was known to most of the attendees on the citadel, and while the elves only accepted the alliance begrudgingly due to King Elutis the Trailblazer, it did not mean they trusted the humans of Artorias, nor their arvisian king.

“Duke Greenveil explained to me that the mechanism will ensure that our experience would be memorable. As you can see, currently, our view is mostly blocked, correct? It’s also too small for a proper view,” King Drangleic spoke to one of the other attendees within one of the orchestra boxes.

Although the seats of the citadel were designed similar to bleachers, it was true that from inside the bow, it would be hard to see Hestia perform below. For being advertised to grant a better viewing experience, it currently was hard to see how that was the case.

King Elutis, who sat next to him, nodded. “I am curious, yes. This entire citadel experience has been a delight, from the food to the company. I must admit, aside from maybe Duke Lecartiglio, the others have been quite courteous. Duchess Morgiana and Duke Myrddin, especially, were great for my mood. It is great to see their houses still doing well, even outside of reports.”

If you hadn’t essentially exiled them, they probably would be doing better! Sealing the Morgiana’s ancestry away because they couldn’t choose is the height of … Don’t, Drangleic. You are king. You are the ruler of many. Just like father, the crown is my responsibility and I must make the best decision for my people and our nation.

Drangleic kept his animosity for the elves in the back of his mind; however, the thought of “what have the elves done for us?” still came up now and then. Personally, he was fond of King Elutis, not only because of having fought side-by-side with him for Inkoran-Tazul’s defense, but also due to how King Elutis viewed the alliance—as a bridge to mend the rift between their races.

Mistakes were made in the past, not only by the humans but also the elves. His human ancestor participated in the War for the Faefolk and was responsible for the enslaving of beastmen back when Artorias was still the Leosfalt Kingdom. On the other hand, Elutis personally ordered for the destruction of human villages, towns, and cities, even if the majority weren’t responsible for the fae hunts. Through his decision, Artorias’s predecessor was scarred to the point the proceeding civil war split the country apart.

Furthermore, Drangleic also had his own trepidation for the elves themselves, for they were responsible for his father’s death when the latter visited Saelariel for a diplomatic mission. He was killed by dissidents, the Saelari who opposed Elutis’s decision for the premature peace talks during the War for the Faefolk. Even if they were arvisians, Drangleic and his father were viewed as humans, as they were rulers of a human kingdom.

This wasn’t even mentioning the aftermath of all of it. Imposing a seal on the Morgiana’s bloodline to prevent their elven racial skills from blooming and years of persuading the dwarves only to have them reject any official alliance or trade deals with Artorias, to the point it required the assistance of a third party for the Summit of Ankor-Nazta to be held.

Am I doing the correct thing? This choice of mine; will it keep my people safe? … The rot has to be removed. The Empire must be broken up and educated, to remind them of the folly of greed and pride.

Elutis, similarly, shared hesitation with the alliance’s founding, nevertheless, he was one of the few elves who genuinely wished to re-establish their relationship with Artorias. Ever since Drangleic’s father, Elutis had been striving to push his people forward, to accept the present instead of constantly living in the past, for he understood this mindset would only hinder the younger elves.

Still, even with this goal, a part of Elutis could never forget the Folschreck Empire and those who supported them in the Faefolk hunts. A friend of the fairies and their royal family, the Iggdrasils, Elutis’s hatred was recently re-ignited when he had heard the youngest princess, Schuri, had died at the hands of human fae hunters. Although a coincidence, it was a fact that the humans caught Schuri and her maid, Tasianna, and killed the fairy child who was still unable to control her mana properly while the humans drained her.

He personally executed the fae hunters, keeping this information from Tasianna once they met, intending to not open any wounds. So, when he had heard there was a fae hunting incident in Artorias from Drangleic and how Reajaen was the mastermind behind Schuri’s death, the rage and hatred he felt during the war consumed his heart. He was still thinking clearly, but now entirely opposed Hestia’s wish to stop the all-out war on the Empire.

He wanted to correct his mistake. He finally shared the wrath his people had been holding back ever since he agreed with the Revolution Queen to call for peace on the Folschreck Empire, only imposing a couple of demands.

Dravlia, I accepted your proposal because I understood your values and because you were an integral part in our victory through your technology; however, accepting their petition for peace was a mistake. The rot corrupting them has continued. Their war between Carmaniate and Bole’Taria still stands with no sight to the end. If I had cut off the Holy Emperor’s head back then, maybe things could have changed. Maybe you and I could have resolved the demonkin’s and beastmen’s hatred for Folschreck.

Hestia’s resemblance to the Goddess of Change’s mortal life touched Elutis, while Drnagleic’s loyalty to Hestia for all she did to his nation both affected these leaders. Sadly, they both believed the decision to fight the Empire was the correct move. Things had to change in order to change the world’s status quo, and as such, Elutis and Drangleic were willing to cooperate despite their grievances for each other’s nation.

Meanwhile …

“I will have my smiths etch some runes into the room to make it easier to talk in. I have a feeling we will have more talks inside this room in the near future,” King Fugnarus responded to the two talkative kings.

Meanwhile, the King of Dwarves did not share the trepidation of his fellow alliance members. He did not hate Folschreck or Bole’Taria, all he wished for was that blood be repaid back in blood or gold. The grudge he and his wife held was towards the people who caused all the disturbances and death in his city, and if an all-out war would help him reach the perpetrators, then so be it.

It wasn’t just a matter of keeping “face” in front of his vassals and people, but it was also his own mindset as a former adventurer and fighter pushing him into this decision. Although he wasn’t against Hestia’s suggestion for a faith war, he still rejected the idea, for it was the harder path to their goals. If it was even a possible path to victory was open for debate.

Still, he would give the young dragoness a chance to prove him wrong. Her speech during the summit did move him, as he understood her stance on this matter. He personally feared that a weak-willed leader would lead him into battle when he first learned of Hestia’s dislike for war, but he understood after meeting and journeying with her that she was strong-willed.

Her values as an entertainer and Champion influenced her, and unlike him, she could sympathize with the people on the other side of this incoming war. War would come, as she admitted. What Fugnarus knew now was that Hestia required him to be harsh. He couldn’t coddle her in this summit, as it was politics. If she wanted to prove her point, she had to show him a plan, evidence, and that it would fulfill the goals of the three main alliance members.

“I agree,” Elutis responded. “Next time, we should persuade Prince Markval to join us. With his sister or with Champion Rhea, of course. It would do him good for his growth as a ruler. Also … that Maelexus is having too much fun with his scale-kin. Come! You can spend time with your fellows later. For now, our alliance must bond!”

Drangleic nodded. “Although, you did not mention Estralia. Have you already thought of how you will handle Reajaen and that republic?”

“I still do not know what would be best. She must be judged, and execution is without a doubt the only proper punishment for her defying international laws and the indirect murder of royalty, but what about Estralia? Would we be able to keep it under control? Would it even be possible even without Princess Hestia’s support? Precarious, especially after you did your best to control the nation.”

“Shaturein will be able to maintain it, I believe,” Drangleic answered. “We can—”

“Enough!” Fugnarus interrupted them. “The show is beginning. Cheers! To our alliance!”

“To our alliance!”

The kings tapped each others’ wine glasses, taking a sip from it before they suddenly felt something moving beneath them. In fact, every person on the black star citadel was feeling it.

Mana was streaming into the construction, filling the places where Hestia constructed a “trap” and causing the star to split apart on its edges. Slowly but surely, the seats of the star were separated into individual parts, until the small hole in the middle grew large enough for everybody to see the stage.

The floor below the seats was still connected, allowing the employees to serve their guests, although with some difficulty as they must climb up a set of ladders to reach them. This was one of the “rush jobs” that required improvements for the future.

However, at this very moment, people were too stunned by the spectacle to notice it. In fact, it was not even over, as the seats moved once again, bending forward slightly to create a decline, allowing every member to have a direct view of the stage below with no heads blocking anyone’s line of sight.

Music began to play as the light reappeared, shining down on the stage as a single girl stood there, holding her left hand up.

“Oh, falling star, please listen, grant me now this one wish ♫

For all the sadness that fills my mind, let your shine burn it away from me! ♫”

“HESTIA!” The silence immediately died as countless humans and beastmen raised their arms up, releasing plant-like items that flew up into the sky before bursting like a confetti rain to release bulbs of colorful lights. All of this in conjunction with Hestia finally gracing everybody with her voice and music.

“This is life’s story—of the sadness and trials that we must face every day ♫

But I feel paralyzed, as every steps leads me closer to the nothingness ♫”

Although Peolyncian idol culture did not have the glow sticks like on Earth, they replaced this tradition with the alchemical light plants Tasianna had created for her mistress after her second alchemy master taught her the recipe for it. Cheap to make the light bulks in bulk and easy to remove the leaves, as Hestia only needed to burn them, these “glow bulbs” were inexpensive and an instant favorite to buy for those wishing to support Hestia even with pennies.

Those unaccustomed to this were dazzled with the lights in the dark room, helping them to fully immerse in the idol experience as Hestia’s song continued. Her slow singing in this part of the song perfectly accompanied this moment as people had a break to watch the effects happening.

“I shout into the night ♫

Without my tears it feels like my chest is holding everything back (I feel tired) ♫

Until it blows upon the e-e-edge. (Darkness is here) ♫

As I fall into my sleep, the cold water pulls me down with it ♫

But the warmth returns as my soul glows hot as my dream re-ignites! ♫”

But with a single snap, everything was overturned. More light erupted from the stage area, drawing people’s attention away from the glow bulbs and back to the stage. Her singing built up to a climax and this was fulfilled with dancing flames, icy mist, and even blue seams glowing on the obsidian stage to mesmerize people in an overabundance of visual stimuli!

“I thank the star for this chance to show this world my song ♫

I’d punch the sun to keep on singing just to see all the cheers and smiles (Cheer and smile!) ♫

Laugh at me all you want, but I will cry all this hate away ♫

Just to champion this light until my soul burns out! ♫”

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!

With the music finally switching tempo, her small portions of her scale-dust exploded along the popping glow bulbs as Hestia transitioned from her slow singing straight to vivace—lively and fast! Her body moved with the song, no longer holding herself back as her legs, arms, and hips moved synchronized with the rhythm. Nothing would remain inactive, as she would enrapture men, women, and children into the energy, causing them to cheer, clap, or even sing with her!

“Butler! I want one of those glow bulbs, now!” One of the new attendees—a merchant—demanded from the staff by waving his coin pouch.

Some even spilled their drinks in their fervor. “Ah, crap! Oi, I need a refill! And bring some more skewers and sausages over here!”

Even those accustomed to her idol songs couldn’t help but be impressed through her performance alone.

“What a song. Bard-like, no? She’s telling a story … but that voice,” a noblewoman gasped, feeling the chills as Hestia continued into the second verse. “Oooh, I feel like my ears are being tickled by the voice of an opera singer. It’s pure emotion.”

“This music sounds so impatient. Where is the lull to enjoy the instruments? The calm?” An elven man commented, but bit his lips as he continued listening to the slow verse, causing him to remember what he had heard in the first verse. The story behind her song. “… Uurgh. But, you must listen. Dun, dun, dun. Pitch-perfect. In tune … and the words she is telling me. Makes you want to think.”

“Wrhoooo! Not Beats’N’Rocks kinda crazy, but you gotta love that power! Makes this piece taste even better, mrampf!” A dwarven hold king enjoyed his meal with the show. “Rocks on! Hahaha!”

Hate it or love it, everybody agreed Hestia had talent to perform and sing. This alone kept people engaged until the music finally died, replaced by the loud clapping and whistling of the crowd.

“Thank you everybody!” Hestia shouted through [Aerokinesis] to assure everybody heard her. “My name is Hestia Atsuko Kargryxmor! Your idol of the night is here to give you a grand show in honor of Goddess Chihiro! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!”

“Woooooo!” The dwarves cheered, raising their mugs in the air to honor their Revolution Queen.

For today was a holiday held to celebrate the birth of Dravlia Kongun’s reincarnation and entry into Peolynca. As such, Hestia had to make sure to celebrate it properly.

“Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! ♫ Come on, everybody sing with me!” Hestia raised her arms, gesturing while running around the stage. “Happy biiiiiirthday, dear Goddess Chihirooooooo … Happy birthday to you! ♫ Woooooooooo!”

“Ayeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!”

“That’s what I wanted to hear! That energy! Let’s go, this isn’t the end of the concert yet, everybody! I’m making my comeback after such a long time, so you better not forget a single moment in that song, all right?”

“YES!”

To note, “comeback” is a general term in the idol industry to mention every new song release. “To release a new album or song,” was essentially the meaning.

“Great, awesome! No breaks on this train, right? So let’s begin with the next song!” Hestia turned silent, taking a deep breath before she releasing a calming tune. “Haaahaaaa haaaaaa ha haaaaaaaaa!”

It was “Promise.”

“As I stare into the sky, I wonder what happened that day ♫

It was bright, so bright, my dazzling dreams; It pains me, to think of them ♫

I sealed my tears, sadness into a mask, how could I be so blind to theirs ♫

Oh, by chance, I wish a second try, but now, that chance is gone. ♫

Instead, everything was changed ♫

I could have cast my past into flames ♫

But my memories remained, I couldn’t fail; their hopes for me, I will hold to my heart! ♫

Like a soaring star, I will fly ♫

Through this darkness, my light will never fade ♫

Even in the darkest hours, this smile will always stay ♫

This promise etched to my eternal soul! ♫

As if reality can break my wings ♫

Defy all, keep your eyes on the prize ♫

For this single chance in life, I will stand tall and proud ♫

Let the world hear my voice! ♫”

From an idol song to a ballad. It didn’t matter if you hated or loved her songs, Hestia knew well how to cater to everybody’s interest. Tonight, people would become entranced.