[Creative] Helios Episode 3

I didn't want to go through such an embarrassing experience again and wanted to say goodbye as soon as possible, but since the head of the school suggested, 'Why don't you stop by our house and listen to my daughter play?', the god and his parents ended up coming along.

Ugh, this is a trial, a living hell.

However, the group that entered the practice room was, as expected of a family of musicians, truly impressive. I could tell they were observing the practice room and the koto set up there with respectful interest.

After preparing cushions for everyone and asking Nakazato-san, our helper, to serve tea so they could relax, I sat down facing the god's family just as I do when I'm teaching, and prepared the koto.

“Is there a piece you would like to hear?”

“Well, let's see. Something traditional would be good. How about 'Haru no Umi' (The Sea in Spring)? It's famous as a violin piece, too.”

The god, who was as imposing as the sun, said.

This incredibly famous traditional piece is my signature song. It changes my world no matter the circumstances. Yes, even if a bloodthirsty mafia member were sitting right in front of me, the moment I sit down to face the koto, Michio Miyagi's mysterious piece transports me to the sea in spring.

“That was wonderful. How luxurious. It was a serene and transparent sea in spring.”

“Indeed. For your age, Nagi, it was a captivating performance that only you could play.”

After the performance ended and the god's parents praised me, they were invited by my parents to look at some sheet music and moved to another room.

“Have you ever been to the Seto Inland Sea?”

The god, who had been silent the whole time, spoke up once we were alone.

“Of course I have. I think many people who make a living playing the koto go there.”

“'Haru no Umi' is a representative piece, after all.”

“It was terrifying to play this piece in front of people from the Seto Inland Sea. But surprisingly, everyone was happy about it, and it gave me confidence.”

I plucked the strings idly while talking, still feeling nervous.

“I see. In your performance, Nagi, I felt something like awe for the sea, even in the calm Seto Inland Sea. It was an expression that you couldn't play if you didn't know it.”

Suddenly being called just 'Nagi' made my fingers stop.

“...Thank you. 'Haru no Umi' might look like a peaceful, lazy day to tourists, but I don't think that's all there is to it for the people who live nearby.”
“Furthermore, since it was composed by the blind Michio Miyagi, I wanted to convey not just peace or serenity, but also the more profound aspects that are beyond human control, and weave them into the music.”

Why am I rambling on like this to someone I just met? I thought to myself, wondering if this story was even interesting, but when I looked at him, the god was listening with an expression of such intense focus that he wouldn't miss a single word, and finally, he smiled like this.

"Do you like the koto?"

"Yes, very much."

"I thought you were just doing it because your parents told you to."

"That's part of it, but that alone wouldn't make me the next head of the school."

The god drank his tea with beautiful movements and continued the conversation.

"What is it that you like about the koto?"

"The koto makes sounds that Western instruments can't, doesn't it? Not quite a C, not quite a C-sharp, but an ambiguous sound. It's closer to the sounds of nature, I suppose. Or perhaps, it's free."


The god listened to my clumsy explanation without ever taking his eyes off me, and then he smiled. He is a person who shows his smile more often than I expected.

"I want to support musicians."

"Shinonome-san, you play music too, don't you?"

"Well, yes. But I won't ever be top-tier."

"Don't say that."

"Well, don't make a face like that. Nagi, you know better than anyone how hard it is to make a living in this world, don't you? You grew up listening to your parents play, so you understand. I can never reach my parents' level. My YouTube channel is built on my looks and editing skills, but it won't last long based on performance ability alone, and I don't intend to make this my main profession."

The god stood up and spoke while walking around to observe the several types of koto leaning against the wall. When near the tall god, the koto, which are about 180cm long, look small.

"My father and mother were people who only focused on performing. When they left the financial side to others, they were swindled by someone they trusted. That's why I've gained experience in my work so that I can help with those aspects, and I want to make a living by supporting true musicians."

After looking down at the tail of the koto for a while, the god turned his gaze toward me and continued.

"In that regard, Nagi, you are a perfect match for my conditions. I have also honed my production skills so that more people can listen to musicians, allowing them to focus on their performances. I think I'm a good bargain for you, Nagi. What do you think?"

I replied, feeling intimidated by his gaze, which was intense despite his quiet tone.

"Is that how you decide on a marriage partner?"

"It's an arranged marriage, so isn't that natural? Or do you think we need some sweet, high-school-like pure love?"

"I didn't say anything like that. I believe I am living to take what I have inherited from this house, make it even greater, and pass it on to the next generation."

Even though he looked like he had been listening intently to what I said, the god dropped his eyes to my fists clenched on my knees, and his expression softened as he changed the atmosphere he had been wearing.

"Well, you are a sea otter, after all. Let's take this story slowly."

"A sea otter? What is a sea otter?"

"It means an endangered species. The vibe fits you perfectly, too."

God looked at me with a gaze like someone doting on a pet, and whispered something rude with such gentleness.

"Excuse me."

I looked toward the familiar, sweet voice to see Yusei-kun entering with tea, his movements careful not to disturb the atmosphere. His soft-looking blue hair swayed gently with every move he made.

"Yusei-kun, you were here?"

The next story is here.

The previous story is here.