After wrapping up the discussion with Anastasia, Hayashi Maki took Liliana to the guest room to continue what they hadn't finished earlier.
Ahem—don't get the wrong idea. He was just teaching her how to read the lyrics to the songs stored on the phone.
Liliana, the so-called "Songstress," was genuinely smart. With one willing to teach and one eager to learn, her progress was obvious.
By noon, Beatrice popped out and clung to Hayashi Maki's arm, whining that she wanted to go out and have fun—meaning she wanted him to take her with him.
It wasn't that she couldn't go alone; she just wanted to sightsee around the Watergate City together with him.
Liliana proudly patted her flat chest and volunteered to be their guide.
So, after telling Emilia and the others, Hayashi Maki took the two little girls—Liliana and Beatrice—out.
They'd barely stepped out of the Japanese-style inn when a man in a white knight's uniform with purple hair approached.
"Hayashi Maki-sama. It's been a while."
It was Anastasia's knight—Julius Juukulius.
"Yeah. It has been a while, Sir Julius."
Hayashi Maki accepted the respectful address without hesitation and replied casually.
Beatrice, however, shot Julius a disgusted look, then hugged Hayashi Maki's arm and rubbed her cheek against it.
Julius glanced at Beatrice with clear envy, then bowed.
"I'm off to report to Lady Anastasia. I won't interrupt your outing. Until next time."
"Mm. See you."
Hayashi Maki had no interest in chatting and led the two girls away.
As they walked, he asked Beatrice, "What's wrong? Why does my Beatrice look so grumpy? Who upset you?"
Beatrice pouted and said brightly, "It was that purple-haired guy just now—trying to seduce Betty! Betty belongs to you, Hayashi Maki. No matter how much charm he gives off, Betty won't be swayed!"
"Uh… Julius seducing you? That must be his 'Spirit-Alluring Blessing,'" Hayashi Maki said, half amused and half exasperated.
Julius's "Spirit-Alluring Blessing" made it easier for him to attract spirits and gain their favor. That was also why he could contract multiple lesser spirits and become a spirit user.
And since the blessing worked automatically while walking around, Beatrice—being a spirit—would naturally feel its effect.
"Alright, don't sweat the small stuff. My Beatrice isn't going to be tempted by anyone," Hayashi Maki soothed. "Even if you did waver, I'd hold you tight and never let you go."
Hearing him declare ownership so boldly, Beatrice's eyes curved into happy crescents, her mood instantly improving.
"Heehee. Betty's the same—I'll never leave you, either."
Liliana finally protested, "Um, Hayashi Maki-sama, Lady Beatrice… could you maybe consider your guide's feelings a little?"
Even though she didn't really understand romance, the two of them were being so mushy it made her cringe.
Hayashi Maki laughed. "Sorry, sorry. But I mean it for you too, Liliana. If you want to stay by my side, no matter who comes, I won't let them take you away."
He used the moment to show that he valued her as well.
Liliana froze for a second, then smiled. "Then… thank you for looking out for me, Hayashi Maki-sama."
In a brighter mood, Liliana's lively personality came out, and she led them through the bustling streets.
When she got excited, she even took the instrument off her back and started singing right there on the spot.
The moment the Songstress's voice rang out, pedestrians stopped to listen.
When the song ended, Liliana bowed deeply to the crowd, smiling.
"To hear a ballad like that… it feels like my heart has finally calmed down."
"Yeah. What an incredible minstrel."
People praised her talent, pulling out coins to tip her.
Liliana thanked them with a smile.
She didn't feel embarrassed at all.
Compared to the old days—awkwardly singing on the street and not earning a single coin—she'd grown into a famous traveling singer.
At the very least, with skill like this, she wouldn't starve.
Back when she was at her lowest and nearly gave up on her dream, Liliana had even gone home to her parents.
But her mother and father already had another child. They didn't seem heartbroken at all over her running away.
Liliana didn't disturb them. She quietly left again.
The next morning, she felt like she'd realized something. Using her own experience as the theme, she wrote a new song—one full of longing for tomorrow, powerful enough to give people strength.
That became her first true moment of glory as a minstrel.
As she was lost in thought, she felt warmth on top of her head.
Looking up, she saw it was Hayashi Maki-sama—his broad hand gently patting her hair, the warmth making her chest soften.
Liliana smiled sweetly, her mood lifting even higher.
…
But before she could savor that feeling—
A furious roar exploded nearby.
"AAAAAAH! My Liliana! You filthy bug—get your dirty hand off her!"
Under the crowd's eager, gossiping stares, a short-haired blond man with a little mustache—infamous as the "Songstress Fanatic"—came charging over like he'd lost his mind, swinging his fists at Hayashi Maki.
Hayashi Maki raised an eyebrow and kicked him away with one clean motion.
"Who are you calling a bug? Watch your mouth, old man."
Kiritaka staggered up, glaring at Hayashi Maki through gritted teeth.
"Who the hell are you?! Why is my Liliana with you?! And—you actually dared to touch her head!"
"Ah! Kiritaka-san, don't talk nonsense! I'm not yours!"
Liliana snapped, clearly rejecting the way he tried to claim her.
Right then, Hayashi Maki patted her head again, comforting her.
Kiritaka went completely rigid.
"Liliana…! Y-you… why would you—AAAAH, no! Don't tell me you fell for this pretty boy?!"
"That's not it! Hayashi Maki-sama is my benefactor!" Liliana said firmly. "I won't allow you to disrespect him!"
As she spoke, she spread her arms in front of Hayashi Maki, blocking Kiritaka's guards from making a move.
Crack.
Kiritaka felt like his heart had shattered into pieces.