Project GB is an official initiative by Re:Library.

Saying so, Miss Leshy turns her gaze to the view outside.
I have no idea how much she actually enjoyed herself, but from the subtle loneliness seeping from her expression, it must have been a relatively satisfying day.

「Miss Leshy, you really love Ausente, don’t you?」
「Yes, it’s my beloved kingdom that I wish to protect. And if possible―」

Staring at Ciel, Miss Leshy was about to say something, but, 「Never mind,」 she retracted her words.
I can guess what she wanted to say, but since she decided not to continue, I won’t tell Ciel about it. I’d answer if she asked, though.

「Say, Miss Ail…」
「What is it?」
「May I invite you out again?」

Miss Leshy anxiously asked Ciel.

『Can I make the final decision?』
『Of course.』
『Just to be sure, could you make us inaudible to the surroundings?』

Since Ciel appears to have something in mind, I decided to keep to myself and leave everything to her. And as she requested, I then enveloped the two of them within a barrier.
Miss Leshy’s attendants might notice something out of place, but she’ll probably handle the aftermath well.
Even if they can’t hear anything, it’s not like Ciel is planning anything malicious.

In contrast to Miss Leshy’s nervous countenance, Ciel stared at her and spoke with a seemingly carefree expression.

「Miss Leshy, what is your opinion of songs?」
「Songs?」

◆◆◆

Miss Ailneige―No, Miss Ail, who was wearing an outfit similar to mine but differently colored, posed a question about songs.
This sudden question, seemingly unrelated to our conversation up until now, caught me dumbfounded, resulting in me only being able to parrot her last word.
However, by the time Miss Ail had replied, 「Yes,」 my mind had finally started to process it, so I quickly examined my surroundings―particularly my attendants. Regardless of what I say, I must tread on the topic of songs carefully.

Noticing the movement of my eyes, Miss Ail told me, 「No one else can hear us.」
Miss Ail’s favorite soundproofing spell. It’s highly convenient, but she can invoke it without others noticing. Considering how I’ve never seen her chanting, she must have it on a magic circle she keeps close.

If not, it could be the effect of a sorceric tool.

Regardless, the fact that it was of great help remains unchanged, so I gave my thanks. In hindsight, Miss Ailneige was simply resolving an issue that she herself caused, so perhaps my gratitude was unnecessary.

More importantly, I must answer Miss Ail’s question.
*What is my opinion of songs?* If I want to play safe, 「Other than the hymns and church songs, they don’t have a very good reputation,」 should be my answer.
While we haven’t had the same experience as the Estoque Kingdom, we know of its history, and, with the part that a Song Princess played in it, songs do not have a good image by any means.

There is a faction in the church that champions equality for all Jobs―salvation for the Misfortunate Jobs―but it’s said that there is a tacit agreement that the Song Princess is exempted from their vision.
In truth, I’ve heard various different whisperings, but if I have to answer as the Princess of Ausente, then the previous answer is the only one I can speak. I cannot risk making statements that may put us in opposition to the church and the other nations.

However, I don’t believe that it’s simply all bad. I cannot forget the song of the one that saved us on our way back to the Royal Capital.
The song had a melody different from those sung at the church; it was my first time hearing such a tune, and it stole my heart. And, while this is mere speculation, I believe that song actually saved us.

Certainly, a Song Princess once destroyed Estoque’s royal capital, but why exactly did she do such a deed? This information is not known to the public.
There has only been a vague implication that it was done out of malice and, previously, that answer was satisfactory enough.

Even if the truth was the opposite, I alone―perhaps even with my Father’s aid―cannot do anything about it. Rather, it is because we have the responsibility to govern a kingdom that we cannot do anything about it.
It would be ironic if only we kept on unraveling hidden truths, but anyway, I personally have a good impression of songs.

「I personally have positive feelings towards songs.」

I didn’t want to make Miss Ail wait nor, did I want to lie to her, so this was my response. I know that if I answer this wrong, I may risk my relationship with Miss Ail―with Lady Cielmer―but I still didn’t want to lie.

「I see. Then please continue calling me Ail from now on.」
「Are you sure?!」

If Father were to ever hear my emotive, shrill voice, I hope he could excuse my reaction.
I was just so overjoyed, you see.

「Yes. Also, if the opportunity allows it, please guide me around Royal Capital Ausente again.」
「Of course.」

As though to reaffirm Miss Ail’s acknowledgment, I relayed my words of acceptance.
I don’t know if we can be considered friends now, but at the very least, we should be closer than we were before… I hope.

*Still, I wonder why she brought up songs*, I thought, before realizing something very important. In fact, I can’t even believe that I couldn’t connect the dots up until the end. It is without a doubt that the one who rescued us is connected to Miss Ail, and she greatly treasures that individual. That is why she asked me for my opinion on songs, and had I given an unfavorable response, our relationship could have ended then and there.

And although the issue has been resolved for now, this means that my foolish brother has previously acted discourteously towards the Central Princess’ precious individual.
If that’s truly the case…―I might have to meet with Father again soon.