How a Realist Hero Rebuilt The Kingdom

Book 16: Chapter SS3

Maria Visits the Senior Queens (Juna Version)

Good evening, everyone. Im the Maria whos decided to live for the people and her beloved family. Now that I was going to get married to Souma, I wanted to chat with my senior wives more so that we could live together happily. Tonight, I was appearing as a guest on a music program with First Secondary Queen Juna.

It was Roroas idea to hold a music festival where Juna Doma, the Prima Loreleipride of the Kingdom of Friedoniaand I, the Empires Singing and Dancing Empress, would appear on stage together. Clever, isnt she? I was wearing my lorelei dresswhich Jeanne had kindly sent from Valois Castlefor the first time in a long while.

The broadcast jewel always projected images from the present, so we only got one chance to get things right.

Maria? Juna called out to me as I was waiting in the wings, feeling the pressure.

The blue-haired beauty was wearing an outfit with a thin veil that managed to balance both elegance and sexiness. It was graceful, yet at the same time sensual. Even though we were both women, I found myself a bit short of breath when I saw how beautiful she was.

Juna smiled at me.

Are you feeling tense?

Yes. Its been a while since Ive sung in front of people.

I understand. Ive heard your schedule was always incredibly packed.

Her eyes were sympathetic, her words compassionate. There was probably no one who rivaled her ability to read peoples hearts. Souma had told me that Juna had been there to comfort and support him when he was struggling more times than he could count.

Juna gave me a soft smile.

Do you like singing, Maria?

Huh? Uh...yes. I do like it. I used to sing for Father and Jeanne when I was little.

It was a distant memory, from before I had the weight of being an empress thrust on me. Back then, I just loved singing and wanted people to hear me.

I think...thats why I had so much fun with being a lorelei.

Hee hee, youll be fine, then. Juna pressed both hands down on her chest over where her heart was. Songs are one with the heart. First, they come from the heart of the singer, and then come to rest in the hearts of the listeners. And theyre passed down and spread.

With her left hand still over her heart, Juna reached out and touched my chest with her right hand.

Just have to do as your heart commands, singing the way you enjoy. Maybe it wont be a song that everyone will love, but a song you enjoy will move more hearts than a song you dont. Thats what I believe.

Youre right, I hesitantly agreed, putting my hand over Junas on my chest. Youre the Prima Lorelei, after all. Ill remember your advice and sing my hardest.

Hee hee! Its embarrassing when you make it sound like such a big deal.

What a mature smile. Its hard to believe shes a year younger than me. I was starting to feel a little competitive.

Sorry if I steal the spot of Prima Lorelei from you.

Ive already withdrawn that battle. Im not concerned with how people rank us.

Oh, and what if I stole your popularity with Sir Souma?

That, Id get upset about.

Juna puffed up her cheeks angrily. I was satisfied to have gotten an expression out of her that was more fitting for her age. Soon enough, her face morphed into an intense smile.

I understand. Ill take you on with everything I have.

Yes. Lets fight fair and square. As loreleis, and as queens.

We exchanged harmonious smiles.

Um, Im the one feeling the most worried here, you know? said a timid voice from behind us.

I turned to see a cute girl in a lorelei costume.

Juna? Who is this?

This is Miss Komari Corda. Shes currently the top lorelei in both popularity and ability.

When Juna said that, Komari looked at her with tears in her eyes.

Ohh... When you say that, Juna, being number one among the active loreleis really weighs me down. Youre still incredibly popular with the people after stepping back from the spotlight, and Im going to be standing next to this lady who used to be an empress too. Try to imagine what its like, standing next to you two and being introduced as the current number one lorelei.

Yeah. I could see where she was coming from.

Is that really true? I asked.

Maria?

Sure, Komari felt less like a finished product than Juna. But I felt as though that incompleteness might draw people in too.

Its not possible to empathize with someone you worship, because youve placed them in a different place from yourself. Juna and I can move peoples hearts, but the listeners cant insert themselves emotionally into our performances. If anyone here can let them do that, its you, whos on the same level as them.

Yes. I think thats part of your charm, Komari, Juna said with a nod, taking Komaris hand. Your incompleteness makes people excited to see what youll show them in the future. Thats something that we, having reached some level of completion, cant do.

Lady Juna, Lady Maria...

As Komari teared up again, Juna and I reached out to her.

Come on, lets go, Komari.

Everyone is waiting for us.

With a sniffle, she said, Okay!

Now, let the music festival begin.

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