Project Necro is an official initiative by Re:Library.

―It’s gone viral.

.

The day after the Evening of Music, during lunch break, as she was making lunch with Flora as usual and walking along with her lunch basket… Ekaterina could feel the weight of that reality.

I can hear it coming from all around.
That song!

Even in her own class, as soon as she arrived, her classmates asked her to teach them the lyrics to that song, and during break time, the whole class broke into a chorus.
Then it spread from her classmates to students in other classes, and then, and then…
By lunchtime, singing could be heard coming from classrooms all over the school.

And whenever Ekaterina and Flora walked by, all eyes turned to them at once. The boys and girls gazed at them with sparkling, admiring eyes. The two beautiful girls had always been the center of attention, but it seemed the level of attention had risen another notch.

Oh no.
I just sang it casually, thinking, it’s just for a class get-together…
I underestimated the power of a song that became a massive global hit—probably because the global entertainment company from my past life had carefully selected it based on thorough market research. I’m sorry.

I’m witnessing firsthand how trends spread by word of mouth in this world where video streaming and music downloads don’t exist.
Does a global hit become a hit in another world too? If so, what should I call it? A “world-transcending hit”?

And thus Ekaterina escaped reality with such trivial worries.

That said, this situation was also the result of Ekaterina’s own choices.

This morning, Olga found herself surrounded by classmates asking her to teach them song lyrics, just like Ekaterina.
Furthermore, Renat had transcribed two songs into sheet music and, pointing to the scores, spoke at length about the brilliance of each piece. As a result, many of his classmates asked Renat if they could copy the sheet music. In this world without photocopiers, unless something is printed and published, such materials spread by being copied by hand.

That’s when Ekaterina suddenly realized the problem and asked to be the first to copy Olga’s sheet music.
She taught everyone the lyrics to a hit song and took the lead in getting everyone to sing it together, making sure no one asked for the lyrics to Olga’s song.

Because Olga’s song might be a song mourning the young people who lost their lives in the rebellion. If word got out, the Seleznyov family might turn their eyes on Olga.
That is why she went out of her way to do so.

When she asked Olga about it later, it turned out that the song did indeed carry that meaning. Although she had sung it without giving it much thought—having completely forgotten the song she had intended to perform at the musical evening—she said she didn’t really want it to spread.

So Ekaterina quietly told Renat as well. Even though he’s a member of the Seleznyov family, his passion for music far outweighs his family ties. He said angrily, “How can such an excellent song not be sung for such a trivial reason?” but when Ekaterina explained it was to protect Olga’s talent, he agreed not to release the sheet music.

And so, all she could hear was “that song.”

To the composers, lyricists, translators, and everyone else involved in my past life—I’m really, truly sorry!

.

“It seems the whole academy is abuzz with talk of your Evening of Music.”

Mikhail, who was waiting as usual, said this with a smile, and a bell rang loudly above Ekaterina’s head.
By the way, it wasn’t a Western-style bell, but a Japanese-style bell struck by a monk.

Seeing Ekaterina like that, Flora was beaming.

“Both Lady Ekaterina’s singing and her thoughtfulness were wonderful.”

She, too, was in the spotlight as one of the singers who had received a standing ovation. Yet she remained oblivious to the attention and praise directed at her—was this typical of a heroine, or simply a testament to her close friendship with Ekaterina?

“D-did you enjoy yourself last night, Lord Mikhail?”

Shaking off the sound of the bell and the monk, Ekaterina smiled.

“I suppose so, to a certain extent.”
“Last night’s event was truly wonderful. It was all thanks to your thoughtfulness, Lord Mikhail. I offer my heartfelt thanks.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself more than anything.”

Mikhail smiled warmly.

You really are such a good guy!
Ekaterina felt a warm glow of happiness.

“Thanks to your consideration, we were able to have Lady Olga join us, and she possesses such wonderful talent. Everyone was completely captivated by her singing. I wish you could have heard her too, Lord Mikhail.”
“I see… Lady Flurse, yes? A vassal of the Seleznyov family.”

His voice sounded pensive, and Ekaterina tilted her head slightly.

“The Seleznyov family truly lives up to its reputation as a family with a rich musical tradition. Another young man—the son of a branch of the Seleznyov family—treated us to a wonderful performance as well. Does that mean anything to you…?”
“Hmm. Lydia is an outstanding noblewoman, but when it comes to singing, she seems to have a strong sense of rivalry. Though I get the feeling it’s less about the singing itself and more about being invited to the Garden of the God of Music. She might be annoyed that you’ve received so much praise for your music.”

Eeh…

I think there’s a huge difference between being praised at a class social gathering and being invited to the Garden of the God of Music.
But Olga-chan’s singing really was amazing… Even the gods might want to hear it! Renat is a child prodigy and a genius, too—he might get invited as well!
No, this isn’t the time to be getting excited.

“Is there a possibility that something might happen to Lady Olga and Lord Selezar?”
“I can’t say it’s impossible. But if it’s just a matter of becoming famous at the academy, it might be seen as bringing honor to the Seleznyov name. As you said earlier, that family seems to want to be praised as a true musical dynasty. As things stand now, it’s hard to say.”

Ekaterina nodded silently.
Even as a prince, Mikhail couldn’t act while Lydia hadn’t made a move yet. In particular, how high-ranking nobles treated their own subjects fell within the scope of local autonomy in their respective territories, and the royal family’s official stance was not to interfere.
That was the policy established by the founding father, Piotr the Great. Although it had gradually eroded over time, leading to periods when the imperial family exercised strong authority, it was the role of the imperial family that was strictly redefined by Viktor the Thunder Emperor—so called because, like Piotr the Great, he possessed lightning-attribute magic—who restored the chaotic empire and became its founder of the revival.

“So from now on, if anything happens, please tell me. I’ll definitely be there for you. I have to be able to do that.”

Though Mikhail’s tone was casual.
Ekaterina felt a pang in her chest.

*(I have to be able to do that.)*

Was it because he was, after all, someone destined from birth to ascend to the throne?

Even though you’re only sixteen.
Even though you’re a boy with a hearty appetite who loves sweets and hearty meat dishes.
You just say things like that so casually, don’t you?

I suppose it’s only natural for you.
For some reason, that sense of it being natural makes me sad.

“……Those are reassuring words. Thank you very much.”

Pushing her inexplicable sadness aside, Ekaterina smiles.

“I truly wished that you could have heard last night’s performance, Lord Mikhail. I wished you could have been there.”

It would have been nice if, as one of the students, we could have sat side by side in our chairs, listened to the singing and music, and eaten the potluck snacks while chatting and laughing.

For the day when you look back on that memory from your solitary heights and let it warm your heart.

“……Did you want me to be there?”
“Yes, very much.”
“……”

Slowly, Mikhail’s face lit up with a radiant smile.
Seeing that, Ekaterina made up her mind.

All right! I’ll make it up to him for preventing him from attending the event because of my wish.
I promised to perform a song together with Flora for him next time.

I’ll see if I can consult everyone about recreating something like the Evening of Music!

If Mikhail knew about that resolution, even the Royal Prince that he is might have been taken aback.