How Everyone's Doing

Azu and the others' first attempt at playing was pretty rough, but considering it was their very first time touching instruments, the fact that they produced any sound at all was impressive in its own right.

Alexia was playing the piano. Despite the gap since she last played, her fingers moved with practiced ease. With a bit more practice, she'd be ready to perform in front of people in no time.

"Fighting isn't my only talent, you know. I can do things like this too."

Elza had a few mistakes here and there, but her trumpet playing was far beyond what you'd call amateur.

"It's been quite a while since I've touched one, but the body remembers, doesn't it?"

I had no idea either of them had skills like this. Since it wasn't relevant to adventuring, they'd probably never had reason to bring it up.

If not for this opportunity, I never would have known.

Orleans was on the xylophone. Since it makes sound when struck, the challenge was rhythm and scales. Different spots produce different notes, so she had to memorize which spot produced which sound.

But that was nothing for Orleans. She had the administrative ability to handle paperwork perfectly and swiftly. She was good at memorization and quick-witted.

It didn't take her long to grasp the scales.

She was far too talented for our little group, honestly.

If she'd been born into a proper family, she surely would have become a government official and risen through the ranks.

That said, even she wasn't good at everything.

Her rhythm was off. Even though she understood it in her head, her hands couldn't keep up and she couldn't match the timing.

The only fix for that was repetitive practice.

"… Sir, my timing is completely off. By the time I think about hitting, I'm already behind."

"Don't make that face. It'll get better once you're used to it."

In the back, being taught by Anatia-sama while handling a harp, was Azu.

Azu had a wonderful sense for combat, but musical instruments were a different beast entirely.

Being somewhat clumsy didn't help, and she couldn't seem to play well.

"The sounds won't come out the way I want them to…"

"Here, relax your shoulders a bit more. You can't move your hands well if you're all stiff. A calm mind and fluid movement lead to beautiful playing."

"Even if you say that… I get nervous being taught by you, Anatia-sama. Slaying monsters is easier than this."

"… Yohane-san. I know it's not my place to comment on others' affairs, but don't you think there might be some issues with how you're educating a girl her age?"

"Master has been taking proper care of me!"

Since she was a slave, I hadn't really given her a formal education, but I had made sure she was properly fed, housed, and clothed.

Obviously, stating it that bluntly would be bad.

Alexia and Elza were young too, but Azu had become a slave during a particularly formative period, so her emotional development had ended up a bit skewed.

I had to phrase this carefully or I'd end up hurting Azu.

"For Azu, slaying monsters is both her livelihood and a means of protecting herself… She's simply accustomed to it. I've taught her to read and write, and she's made friends her own age, so I'm not too worried."

That was the truth.

Azu wasn't dependent on fighting or bloodthirsty.

It was simply woven into the fabric of her daily life.

She was gentle by nature and always eager to help out.

Sure, once she steeled herself she didn't hesitate one bit, but that wasn't a problem.

Slave or not, meddling in how Azu lived her life would be going too far.

"I'm sorry. Of course you've been taking proper care of things, Yohane-san. And it wasn't my place to say, after you all helped me so much."

"No, thank you for your concern. I'll make sure she grows into a proper young lady."

"U-um. So that really is the sort of thing you like? I'll do my best!"

What did she mean by "really"?

Azu would surely grow up to be a real beauty.

Same with Finn and Orleans.

I was looking forward to watching them grow.

I had to make sure they were prepared for whatever the future might hold.

Perhaps it was because the earlier conversation eased her nerves, but Azu was starting to play a little better.

She had a long way to go, but Azu had originally built her strength as an adventurer from nothing. She'd surely see this through too.

The real challenge might be Finn.

Finn had refused Anatia-sama's attempts at detailed instruction, asked the bare minimum, sent her off to help Azu, and then proceeded to wrestle with the flute on her own.

Seeing Finn struggle was unusual. Normally, she handled everything in the group more smoothly than anyone.

"What?"

"Just thinking you look like you're having a hard time."

"Don't you start! It's harder than I expected. The instrument itself is simpler to handle than hidden weapons, and I've figured out which fingerings produce which notes, but… I can't get the breath control right. Even the slightest variation in strength means the tone wavers, or no sound comes out at all."

She rested her cheek on her hand and idly spun the flute.

"But you look like you're kind of enjoying it."

She'd only been scowling at the very beginning. She hadn't thrown in the towel and was still at it.

Part of it was her strong sense of responsibility, but it seemed like more than just that.

"You need your eyes checked. Well, I will say it's impressively made. I thought it was just a stick with holes in it, but it's actually delicate and intricately crafted."

Finn peered into the flute.

"I have a thing for elegant design. There's something beautiful about zero waste, you know? Hidden weapons tend to be like that, and I think this is the same. Take anything away or add anything, and it's ruined."

So she'd actually taken a liking to it.

"Not being able to get the sound I want is annoying, though."

She blew into the flute, producing a deflated note.

She shrugged both shoulders.

"Well, I'll master it in no time. This is a piece of cake. Just watch me."

Seemed like my worrying was unnecessary.

Normally, as the scout, she was in situations where failure wasn't an option. I hoped she could relax and enjoy herself during times like these.