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After everyone picked out the instruments they liked, we moved to the music room as planned to start practicing. The drum set and keyboard were carried by the shop owner and Joslan, while the rest of us transported the microphones, guitars, and bass ourselves as we headed through the school building.

Estea’s guitar was a custom piece ordered by Marie—its slightly distinctive shape featured a red base with soft pink hues reminiscent of Dragon Tree blossoms, adorned with a beautifully crafted dragon motif said to bring good fortune in the Empire. As for me, I had one chosen that fit my body well and was relatively light.

And then there was Hom—

“Honestly, with so many brand-new instruments available, why would you deliberately choose such a worn-out piece of junk?”

Marie’s confusion was understandable. The guitar Hom had selected could barely produce sound and would normally be considered defective.

“I’m sorry for rushing you, but if you just grabbed something on impulse because you couldn’t decide, you’re free to pick several and take them all, you know.”
“No, this is the one I want.”

Despite Marie’s exasperated sigh, Hom answered with a faintly delighted expression.

“What made you choose that one?”
“When I held it and tried playing it… I could feel it. Even in this condition, it still tries to produce sound. That’s why… it suits me perfectly.”

Ah… so that was why she had looked like she might cry, yet seemed happy when she tested it earlier. Perhaps she saw her own reflection in it—just like during the Canalford Cup.

“Hm… I still don’t quite understand. There’s no need to pick something so worn-out when there are perfectly good new ones—”
“This is the one I want. Is that not allowed?”

Tilting her head as if she truly couldn’t grasp it, Marie was met with Hom’s earnest question.

“It won’t be a problem if it’s repaired. Instruments have compatibility too—perhaps that guitar wants to be played by Hom.”
“Yes. And if Master repairs it, I’m sure it will shine even more than before.”

Estea stepped in to smooth things over, and Hom replied with confidence. Restoring so-called junk items was something I personally enjoyed. Thinking that, I couldn’t help but recall the time I first encountered Arkecius.

　　　＊＊＊

After moving to the music room and finishing the setup for the drums and keyboard, Estea on guitar, Alfe on vocals, Melua on keyboard, and Farah on drums began to play their own sounds in an impromptu session.

It wasn’t any particular song—each of them was simply playing whatever came to mind—but perhaps because of their natural sense, it already felt very much like a real band. And Alfe’s singing voice was gentle yet powerful, just as I’d expected—it resonated deeply within me. The way it made me want to keep listening wasn’t just because I’d grown used to her voice over time.

“Mm—! Perfect! Just as I thought—there’s not a single flaw in my eyes or ears!”

Clapping with satisfaction, Marie praised everyone. Watching them, I started to wonder whether it was really okay for amateurs like Hom and me to be part of this.

“…Hey, Estea. Wouldn’t things work just fine even without me and Hom?”
“That’s not true. It’s because it’s this group that I want to form a band.”

She said it without hesitation—but then her expression suddenly clouded with unease.

“…Or is there something you don’t like about it?”
“That’s not it. I just meant your performance was that amazing. I need to catch up as soon as I can.”
“I feel the same.”

I hadn’t meant to sound self-deprecating, but considering I’d offered to help and was needed, that attitude hadn’t been great. As I corrected myself, Estea’s face softened into a relieved smile.

“I’ll teach Hom using my guitar while hers is being repaired.”
“It would be an honor.”
“With that, we’ve finally reached the starting line. I can’t help but look forward to how much you’ll grow from here.”

Marie’s gaze carried a certain pressure, but… well, we’d manage somehow. In fact, I was starting to look forward to seeing how Hom and I would develop within this band.

“By the time of the general election, I bet everyone’s going to have their eyes on us.”
“We’ve got to captivate everyone with our live performance!”
“With your voice, Alfe, you definitely can.”

When I smiled at her encouragement, Alfe’s cheeks flushed rose-red, and she nodded firmly.

“…Speaking of live performances, what’s the band name?”
“Come to think of it, we haven’t decided that yet.”

At Marie’s sudden question, everyone looked at each other.

“So, what do you think, Estea?”
“Actually… I’ve already decided. That is, if everyone’s okay with it…”
“Like we’d ever say no! Right, Master!?”

Melua answered instantly, turning to me for agreement. I had no intention of objecting, so I nodded and asked Estea:

“Knowing you, you picked a name with meaning behind it, didn’t you?”
“Yes…”

Just as I thought—Estea had clearly put a great deal of thought into it. If possible, I wanted to hear the meaning behind it as well.

“…What do you think of Re:berty? It combines Liberty, meaning to seize freedom, with Re, meaning once more. It means ‘to reclaim freedom.’”
“That’s beautiful…”

Alfe murmured, clearly captivated by the explanation. Beautiful really was the perfect word for it. The name carried both a prayer-like wish and a firm, unyielding resolve. Anyone who understood the reality of this academy—and wanted to change it—would surely grasp the meaning behind it.

“It reflects the ideal of the kind of free and joyful school you want to create. It’s a great name.”
“Thank you.”

When I nodded, Estea’s eyes grew moist as she straightened and bowed her head.

“Please… lend me your strength, everyone!”
“Of course we will!”

Marie exclaimed enthusiastically, applauding. We all joined in, clapping as if to praise Estea—renewing our resolve for the student council general election, and for the first step toward reforming this academy.