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After Ignis and his group left, Marie’s butler, Joslan, respectfully opened the cargo bed of the steam vehicle once more.

“Wow… this is amazing…”

Alfe’s reaction was only natural. Inside the spacious cargo area spread a scene that looked as if an entire shop had been transported as-is.

“Now then, everyone—please choose whichever instruments you like!”

The cargo bed was packed to the brim with instruments, guitars and more lined up without a single gap. Not just guitars—there were even stand-type microphones like those used in live houses, and a full drum set as well.

“Amazing… There are so many guitars and basses…”
“Nyahaha! It really does feel like they brought the whole shop!”
“Indeed! Since we went to the trouble, I had the entire store transported here. And of course, whichever instruments you choose—you may keep them!”

It seemed Farah’s remark wasn’t far off the mark, as Marie nodded proudly. With the entire shop brought along, a man who appeared to be the store owner—half-buried among the instruments—stepped forward with a pleasant smile.

“Well then, let’s get started—”
“Ah! Wait a second!”

Just as Farah, clearly fond of instruments, started to climb onto the cargo bed with her cat tail swaying, Melua sharply called out to stop her.

“Really, what is it, Melua? We were just getting excited.”

Feeling as though cold water had been thrown on the moment, Marie protested. Melua, however, seemed completely unfazed—apparently used to this—and continued at her own pace.

“We said we’d form a band, but we haven’t decided who plays what yet, right!?”
“Now that you mention it, that’s true.”

Prompted by Melua, Estea nodded in agreement. Without deciding roles first, they couldn’t choose instruments—so her point was entirely valid. Marie pondered for a moment, then looked around at all of us before breaking into a smile again.

“Hmm! In that case, I shall decide everything myself!”

…Yeah, I had a feeling that was coming—and sure enough, I was right. We’d only known her for a short time, but I was starting to understand what kind of person Marie was.

“First, Estea! You’ll be the lead guitar—no objections! I’ve even prepared a custom-made guitar just for you!”
“I’m looking forward to it. Thank you, Marie.”

Already accustomed to Marie’s ways, Estea responded happily. Marie nodded with pride, then pointed at Alfe next.

“And Alfe! You’ll be the vocalist.”
“Huh, me!?”

Alfe let out a genuinely surprised voice at Marie’s declaration. I’d thought the vocalist role could only be hers, but it seemed Alfe herself didn’t think so.

“You’re late to be surprised, Alfe. We talked about your beautiful voice yesterday, remember? After that, we all agreed unanimously—you’re the only choice for vocalist.”
“But I don’t really sing—”
“Your chant for Jaadu Trishula was nothing less than a cry from the soul. If you can produce a voice like that, then any song you sing will surely resonate with people’s hearts and move them.”

Right… now that I thought about it, Marie had mentioned she’d watched the Zersteller—Canalford Cup.

“…Thank you very much. I’ll do my best!”

With that much said, Alfe finally seemed to accept Marie’s decision. I loved Alfe’s singing too—maybe I should make more of an effort to tell her that whenever I had the chance.

“Then I’ll take keyboard! I used to play the pipe organ at the Dragon Temple when I was a kid, so I’m pretty confident.”
“That sounds promising indeed. Now then, that leaves drums, sub guitar, and bass guitar… How much experience do the three of you have with instruments?”

Now that the band had more or less taken shape, Marie’s attention shifted to us.

“I can play most things, but since I dual-wield swords, drums suit me best.”
“That does sound like a good match. I see no reason to object.”

Nodding at Farah’s answer, Marie looked between Hom and me.

“We don’t really have any instrument we specialize in, but—”
“In that case, I’ll teach Hom guitar. Please take the backing guitar.”
“Understood.”

If Estea was the one teaching Hom, there was nothing to worry about. If the two of them could grow closer through this band, they’d be able to push each other further—as both companions and rivals.

“Then by process of elimination, Leafa, you’ll be on bass guitar.”
“Well, I understand the principles, so I’ll manage somehow.”
“See, that’s exactly what you’d say, Master!”

That was how Melua described me, but my father used to play guitar, and my mother had a beautiful singing voice. Thinking about it that way, maybe I could hope that some musical talent had been passed down into this body. Come to think of it, I’d always relied on memories from my previous life—I’d never really thought about what I could do as Leafa myself. This might be a good opportunity to try new things.

“I’ve also prepared various instructional materials. Please take whatever you need.”

With everyone’s roles decided, Marie declared this energetically. At her words, the man who seemed to be the instrument shop owner promptly brought over the custom-made guitar prepared for Estea, presenting it with great care.