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The light streaming down from a break in the clouds onto the theater stage has turned into a rainbow-like spectrum, rippling gently.

*(Did a giant prism disperse the light? Or is it the aurora? — Wait, that’s impossible!)*

Is this really the time to be making jokes in my head?!
But the clouds aren’t moving much, yet the light is rippling! What’s going on? What kind of supernatural phenomenon is this⁉︎
I seem to recall a Buddhist story where, when a Buddha comes to welcome a saint, auspicious light or clouds like this appear…

Ekaterina was reminded of a Buddhist painting she had seen in a past life: a Buddha riding a five-colored auspicious cloud, with celestial maidens dancing around him.
It was as if that image had served as a catalyst.

Amid the light spilling through the clouds, a figure descended, spreading its wings.
The wings were the same color as the light, shining in five colors. With those wings spread behind it, its decorative feathers and tail feathers trailing long in the breeze, that beautiful human-like figure—

Without a sound, the Empress Dowager rose to her feet.
The Emperor’s mother, the Mother of the Nation. The most untouchable and noble woman in this empire. And she bowed her head to the one descending.
Furthermore, even the former Emperor rose from his seat and bowed his head.

TH-TH-THIS HAS TO BE HIM!!

THE GOD OF MUSIC
HAS DESCENDED!!!!!

In a fluster, Ekaterina also stood up and bowed. So did Mikhail.
Lydia, her cheeks flushed, did the same.

The God of Music, having reached the skies above the theater, circled the area gracefully.
And then, descended.

Toward the VIP box.

Without touching the ground, the God of Music floated in midair, looking down upon the humans. Their wings remained spread, yet they hovered motionless in the air without flapping. They seemed unaffected by the laws of physics. Perhaps, like the Demon Dragon King Vladforen, they were floating using magic—or rather, divine power.

Seen up close, the God of Music was utterly radiant.
His features, which defied classification as either male or female, were refined and exquisite. Large almond-shaped eyes—their color shifting moment by moment, seeming at times blue, red, or black—framed a full, crimson-tinged mouth that held an archaic smile.
The hair was a blend of five colors—blue, red, yellow, black, and white—shining as vividly as the feathers of a tropical bird. The attire was ancient in style, or perhaps Eastern. It reminded me of what celestial maidens or Benzaiten might have worn in a past life. The way the hair near the temples had transformed into decorative feathers, with long tail feathers trailing behind, also evoked the ceremonial robes of a celestial maiden.
It was not the overwhelming divine majesty of the God of Death or the mountain Gods, the kind that leaves one unable to move. Rather, I’m drawn to it with an intense, overwhelming pull. So much so that nothing else caught my eye, and my entire heart sucked in—I’m captivated.

The God of Music turned his gaze toward the Empress Dowager, narrowed his large eyes, and smiled.

*——Clementina, are you well?*

That voice.
Even though it was merely a spoken word, Ekaterina was entranced. It was the very essence of music, so beautiful.

“Yes, thanks to the divine grace of the God of Music.”

The Empress Dowager replied gently. Perhaps because she was under the God of Music’s protection, she was immune to his charm.

*——I found a beautiful song, a beautiful melody, resonating by your side. That is why I came.*

Saying that, the God of Music scanned the room. His gaze fell upon the two young girls in the VIP section.
Lydia let out a small cry of joy and covered her mouth with both hands. Her eyes sparkled as she gazed at the God of Music.
The God of Music glided smoothly down in front of the two of them—

And looked directly at Ekaterina.

*(Huh?)*

Ekaterina was so startled she couldn’t move, her eyes wide with shock. Why would the God of Music come to her, when she wasn’t even singing?
Mikhail seemed to gasp in surprise.

*——A rare melody. How fascinating.*

The God of Music tilted his head like a bird.

Those words suddenly reminded him of something the Maiden of Death, Selene, had once told him in Jurnova about Ekaterina’s soul.

*“But you are different. You stand out. It’s as though an unfamiliar melody is echoing, or a strangely colored light is shining from you. Something about you… is unlike anyone before.”*

It-it’s because I’m from another world, isn’t it?!

*——This is beautiful too. Yet… it is not mine.*

Leaving those words behind, the God of Music flapped his wings once and flew away from the VIP seats.

.

The God of Music heads toward the stage. There, Olga and Renat are waiting.
Both of them are simply staring at the God of Music in astonishment.

The God of Music smiled. His lustrous lips curved into a smile.

*——These are mine. A beautiful song, a beautiful tone. How wonderful, how wonderful.*

And he held out both hands to the two of them.

*——Fine singer, fine musician. Come to my garden. Let me hear you once more.*

Both Olga and Renat look as if they are dreaming. They must be completely captivated by the God of Music. They slowly reach out to take his hand. What else can humans do but accept God’s invitation?
But then, a voice rang out.

“No!”

Lydia cried out, her voice like a scream.

“Please wait! No, why?! I… I should be the one…”

It was undoubtedly a cry from the depths of her heart that had slipped out uncontrollably.
But the God of Music did not turn around. He did not even glance in her direction.

“God of Music!”

Screaming, Lydia finally broke into a run.

“Take me with you! Please take me with you!”

Running is considered unbecoming of a noble lady. Having been raised to become Empress, she must have always walked demurely beneath the parasols held by her maids.
And yet now, her dazzling dress fluttering behind her, Lydia was running with all her might.

“God of Music, please… please, listen to my…!”

Olga and Renat, who surely had eyes for nothing but the God of Music at that moment, took the God of Music’s hand.

“Please listen to my song!”

Lydia dashes onto the stage.
But at that very moment, the God of Music, along with Olga and Renat, vanished into thin air.

The multicolored lights faded as well, and the stage stood empty, as if it had all been a dream.
Lydia collapsed and burst into tears.