“I didn’t interrupt earlier as you were talking to Princess Ronowe.”

What’s the secret agenda now?

From our first meeting, Sasha called me ‘sister’ and I was suspicious of him. He was polite and courteous but subtly annoying.

“May I take a closer look at the gift?”

“Sure, here.”

For a moment, I almost said ‘I’d rather not,’ but if Ronowe didn’t know and Sasha did, then it wasn’t a loss. I was contemplating asking a maid to hide it elsewhere so that Poppy wouldn’t touch it, so it worked out.

“Your Highness, this is not a snail but a musical instrument called a nagak.”

“That’s the first I’ve heard of such an instrument.”

In my mind, musical instruments were limited to the flutes, lutes, lyres, pianos, and violins that were played in paradise or seen during my noble youth.

I can’t remember the other instruments, since I never paid attention to them.

“In coastal regions, there are many crafts made from shells like this. Perhaps you didn’t know because you’ve always lived inland.”

“Interesting.”

Finally, my curiosity was satisfied, and I felt a sense of relief.

‘Should I try blowing it?’

It seemed like a wind instrument, not one you struck or plucked. Aside from its weight, it didn’t look hard to handle.

“Give it back for now.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

So, I quickly took back the nagak from Sasha, found where to place my lips at the end of the shell, and blew with all my might.

Pwooo~

‘Did I do something wrong?’

Sasha looked at me as though he were watching a fool, and I quickly took the nagak away from my lips.

“Your Highness, the nagak makes sound through lip vibration. If you blow too hard, you’ll tire quickly.”
“So, so… I see…”

Ah, I should’ve said something when I had the chance to refuse!

Late shame flooded me as I clenched my teeth. I didn’t want to be swayed easily by emotions, especially not as a royal heir. I had my pride, and this wasn’t when I was three years old.

“How did you know that?”

I had to catch my breath after overexerting myself playing the nagak earlier, and only then managed to ask.

“Have you ever played this instrument? I never heard that you played any instruments.”

Isn’t it a problem if someone from a family of scribes shows musical talent? Would they need to change their career?

“Ah, it’s because my mother is from a coastal region. She knew about it. Also, my sister frequently played the nagak.”

That’s right!

I remembered Hecate mentioning this when we were returning from visiting the Vladimir mansion.

The Duchess is from a coastal area.

“Are you talking about the girl I saw at the mansion last time?”

It’s odd. She looked like a living corpse, only emitting an aura of death, always lying in bed. And she played a heavy instrument like the nagak well?

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Seeing Sasha’s softened expression at the mention of his sister felt slightly off to me.

“You’ll have a chance to listen to my sister’s nagak performance someday, if her health improves, that is.”

So she did have times when she wasn’t sick. I felt a little bad for suspecting, but I’d gotten a strange vibe from Sasha more than once. I decided to tactfully steer the conversation to gather more information.

“So she’s still quite sick. You must’ve tried all kinds of good medicines, yet there’s no improvement?”

“No, it’s not always like that.”

But then,

“I think I will be able to find a cure for my sister’s illness soon.”

Sasha’s atmosphere abruptly changed, and he wore a meaningful smile.