Published: August 15, 2025
In a half-dreaming state, far, far away, I heard a singing voice.
A low, sweet male voice, endlessly sweet and gentle.
To the weary, it brought peaceful sleep. To the healed, a soft awakening.
――Distant land across the waves
Set sail, you scoundrels
A star-colored wake, a dream-painted horizon
Turn the rudder in search of gold coins
I opened my eyes.
In the darkness of night, a faint figure emerged dimly lit by a small candle.
...He was a large man. I know no one taller than him. But it wasn’t just his height—he was big. Thick, strong arms, long fingers, and fleshy palms. Holding a small baby against his broad chest, he sang. Swaying his upper body slowly to the rhythm of the song.
Heave ho, the sun has risen
The signal for departure, raise the anchor
See there, the bitter and salty sea
Sweat and tears of the sailors
A star-colored wake, a dream-painted horizon
Turn the rudder in search of gold coins
Heave ho, the rhythm of the raging surf
This is the heartbeat of the sailor's soul
See there, the new route of jagged rocks
Charge forward with courage――
“…That’s quite a bold lullaby,” I said.
He turned toward me.
His reply was quieter than his singing voice.
“It’s a sailor’s song. A sea labor hymn.”
“I’ve never heard it before. Did you learn it at school?”
“No way. Well, we did learn hymns at school, some are used as lullabies. But I’ve always been bad at singing, so this is one of the few sailor songs I actually remember.”
It was the first time I heard that Lord Cyrus was not good at singing, and I found it surprising. Because the song I heard in that half-dream state was really good. If that’s bad singing, then I’d never sing in front of people again.
When I said this, he gave a wry smile.
“Pitch and voice control are things nobles are required to learn. Being able to do it and liking it are separate matters.”
“That’s true,” I nodded as I sat up. When I was at home, I worked on managing my family’s estate under my parents’ orders. I excelled at arithmetic and never made mistakes in mental calculations, no matter how large the numbers. But it was not enjoyable work.
I loved reading stories, but couldn’t create my own. They say “If you love something, you’ll get good at it,” but preference and talent are really different things.
“I also tend to move only my lips quietly during the national anthem at ceremonies. I rarely have solo chances, and performing in public is very rare. A lullaby is even less likely to be revealed to others.”
“...So right now, only Lisa and I know your singing voice.”
When I confirmed that, he narrowed his eyes and nodded.
“Past and future, only you two.”
Holding Lisa, he came close to my bed and patted my pillow. He urged me to lie down again. I shook my head and insisted on taking turns putting Lisa to sleep.
Lord Cyrus is busy with Duke Alfred’s state funeral. He’s been running all over the country and just returned today. He should rest properly—so why is he in my room even though he entered the bedroom right after his bath!?
“Was my crying loud through the door? I’m sorry, I didn’t notice…”
“It’s fine. I just woke up briefly. I came to look at your sleeping face, but I accidentally woke Lisa, so I was busy putting her back to sleep.”
“Then please go back to your room.”
“No, it’s a good chance to switch babysitting shifts. Marie, you finally got some deep sleep now, right?”
He smiled kindly without end, then put his arm around my shoulders and gently laid me back on the bed.
“Thanks for your hard work until this hour. Always thank you.”
Still holding Lisa in one arm, he covered me with a blanket.
And again, he began to sing.
Heave ho, the roar of battle shaking the ship
Smelly, smelly black gunpowder
See there, the pirates’ jagged teeth
Adventurers, take up your swords
A star-colored wake, a dream-painted horizon
Turn the rudder in search of gold coins
Buried up to my nose in the blanket, I couldn’t help but chuckle. Isn’t this song a bit too violent? The melody is upbeat like an ode to labor, and instead of making me sleepy, it actually lifts my spirits. The song choice is definitely strange.