Without Even Knowing the Songstress Had Died

After listening to a generous helping of “Piano Sonata Dedicated to a Heartbroken Friend,” performed by the musician Benjamin Moulding, the group climbed into a carriage and headed to the temple to pay their respects.

Elliot had ordered them in no uncertain terms, “Absolutely leave that maid behind,” so Lin was staying at the estate.

After finishing the piano sonata, Benjamin still didn't seem to be quite back to normal, but he had recovered a good deal of his energy.

He gazed out the carriage window at the town and cheerfully moved his fingers in time with the songs and instrumental music drifting from every direction.

Just as Elliot had said, even in the middle of a slump, Benjamin couldn't help but love music.

“What a lovely town, Elliot. You can tell just by listening to all the sounds filling the place. The people are truly looking forward to this festival.”

At Benjamin's words, Elliot wore a complicated smile, as if he couldn't decide whether to be pleased or not.

“You've been to this town a few times before, haven't you, Benjamin?”

“That's right! I saw the festival ten years ago, too. It was a truly wonderful time. The sights I saw and the music I heard then are still etched in my heart.”

The festival ten years ago—the ceremony at which Carla Maxwell, the Star-Spear Witch, performed the magical offering...