Chapter 576

Dance Practice
“Okay, here, like this, then over this way… Ugh, it’s exhausting when I try it again after so long.”

Since I’d decided not to follow the customs of the nobles here, I planned to perform a dance at my presentation party instead.
Not that I can do Japanese traditional dance or anything, but I could manage kagura—the ritual dance I’d performed several times back when this was still a game.

It was required to open a certain gate, so I’d practiced it again and again.
They said there was a breathtaking scenic spot beyond that gate, so I went to see it—and the view from the other side truly was magnificent.
Normal players apparently headed straight for the dungeon beyond, but I liked to just sit there and sip tea while gazing at the scenery.

Each time I passed through the gate, I had to dance the kagura.
Thanks to that, it seems the movements had sunk deep into my memory.
Besides, it was even written in the Goddess’s book, so somehow, it’ll work out.

“Hmm. So that’s the dance of your homeland, eh?”

“Yes. Plum, I suppose there’s nothing like this in Darshe?”

“I do not know. Modalphas, have you ever heard of such a thing?”

“No, I have not. But if I’m not mistaken, this dance seems less for display to others and more for venerating a higher being.”

“You’ve got a good eye, Modalphas. This is called kagura—it was a dance in my homeland to offer to the gods. Normally, it would be performed along with a variety of instruments, but I can’t manage that here.”

“Hmm… If you cannot manage it, then why not simply make them?”

“Eh? You can make instruments?”

“If we know the construction and materials, we can find a way. Then, what should we prepare?”

Times like this, I need the Goddess’s book. Let’s see, let’s see…

“… Sorry. The book has it, but it’s hard to explain clearly.”

“Then at least tell us the materials. Once we know those, if you can draw us a diagram of the finished form, we will handle the rest.”

“Alright, I’ll just list the materials then.”

Hmm… shō? I’ve never even heard of that one before.
I’ve seen some of the others, but it seems they’re used differently here. I wonder if they can really replicate them.
Well, I’ll just leave it all to Modalphas, the ever-reliable butler.

“… I understand the materials. I’ll arrange them at once. My lady, please focus on drawing the finished diagrams and practicing your dance.”

“Got it. Thanks, Modalphas.”

“Then, if you’ll excuse me.”

Modalphas left the dance room.
As always, his movements were crisp and refined—such a capable butler.

“Say, Lily. Can instruments really be made from such materials?”

“Hmm, I’ve never seen the real things myself. I only danced to the music.”

“A dance offered to the gods, yet not even the chosen could witness the live performance, eh. Truly a sacred ritual. But… is it alright for you to perform it so freely?”

“Well, Talat’s practically like a god, right?”

“… That is true enough.”

To me, he’s a reliable partner, but to others he must look like a walking natural disaster.
I suppose I should honor him properly, to avoid any misfortune.
… Or maybe that’s just my Japanese way of thinking?
Honestly, I don’t know.

What do you think about this chapter?