Published: February 1, 2026
Outside the window, the soft patter of rain could be heard.
Rizel sat in the inn’s dining hall, absentmindedly listening to the sound while holding a cup of coffee after her meal. Occasionally, she perked up to catch the splash of footsteps running outside.
“Is the viscount staying in today too?”
“Yes, that's right.”
Though she wasn’t seeing anyone off, Rizel smiled gently.
Across the table sat a young girl who, fussing over a stray lock of hair, was glaring determinedly at a damp, crumpled piece of paper.
Given that she attended a school in the Capital City, it seemed her teachers were quite dedicated. In the common schools of the town, there was no uniform education standard—basic reading, writing, and arithmetic sufficed. But depending on who the mentor was, it could be different.
“Hmm…”
“Is it difficult?”
“Yeah.”
The girl let out a faint, dissatisfied groan, and Rizel silently cheered her on.
Judging by the homework the children brought back, the school’s attitude appeared to be one of “giving to those who seek.” All children receive essential knowledge for life, but those who desire more are given more.
Feeling a connection, Rizel gently sipped her still-steaming coffee.
“Hmm…”
The rain drowned out other noises, emphasizing the quiet.
Typically, no one ventured outside on rainy days. Some shops were open, others not. Jill was probably snoozing in his room right now.
“Hey, viscount.”
“Hm?”
When called, Rizel slowly turned to look.
“About the music from before… that was amazing.”
“You mean the concert?”
“Yes, the concert.”
It must have been when Rizel and Eleven were assigned a task together recently.
Though Rizel and Eleven simply made a clanging noise by striking ores haphazardly, thanks to the fine performance by the orchestra members, the girl seemed to have genuinely enjoyed it.
She stopped moving her pen and lowered her eyes shyly. Her small hands clenched tightly, and her gaze shifted nervously.
“Um, I want to try it too.”
“Alright.”
“But maybe I shouldn’t.”
“Why?”
When asked gently, the young face frowned and slowly looked up.
“There are so many things I want to do.”
“Mm.”
“When I can do something, it’s really fun.”
“Mm.”
“But… I wonder if it’s strange.”
“Is that so?”
Rizel smiled awkwardly.
The girl before her was full of vitality for learning. As she said, she probably couldn’t help but be happy when she managed to do something.
While teaching her as requested, the girl was also rapidly picking up manners and etiquette.
“Because someone told me, ‘Why bother if it’s useless?’”
Her parents were thankful for this point.
Perhaps a friend or someone else had asked out of pure curiosity or envy. Or maybe it was a crush that caused anxiety, making them try to hold her back.
The truth was unknown, and Rizel had no intention of prying into personal matters, but one thing was certain.
“I don’t know either.”
No one can foresee what will be useful to someone, just as no one knows the future.
In any case, it wasn’t any concern of the person who made that remark. So the words were like a stranger telling another stranger. It was easy to comfort her by saying there was nothing to worry about, but—
“If you want, I can teach you how to read music.”
“!”
She should be proud that she chose this herself.
Enjoy it, be joyful, and work hard. Then, surely, trivial words from outside won’t bother her.
That she would give up on something because of those words? No, that would be utterly inappropriate.
“It’s fine, viscount!”
“As long as it’s just the basics.”
“Yay!”
The girl threw down her pen and raised her hands in delight, making Rizel’s eyes soften.
“What should I do first!?”
Leaning forward eagerly, the girl looked at the abandoned homework on the desk. Reluctantly settling down, she began moving the pen earnestly again, and Rizel took a slow sip of her coffee, realizing this would take a while.
Outside, the rain continued its gentle rhythm.