The Wind of New Orleans

<Largo>

Under a clear sky, the wind blowing in from the Gulf of Mexico ruffles my hair. That fluttering hair was proof that I was a woman. Even though I’m wearing a straw hat, the sunlight is dazzling. And there, a scruffy-bearded man strikes the so-called “sailor’s pose,” placing one foot on a mooring post. In Japan, it’s said that a star named Yūjirō Ishihara popularized that stance. He’s trying to look cool, but I can’t deny that he looks just a bit silly.

“Doesn’t suit you at all,” I say.

“Figured as much,” he replies.

Mr. Allegro responds with a playful, “Oh well,” expression.

According to Forte, despite appearances, this man is quite formidable. In some kind of “graduation race” at an elite vocal academy, he competed against Akira and Elise and still managed to take first place.

For someone so accomplished, he prefers to live freely and has chosen not to side with either Edge Guard Inc. or Edge Hope Inc., instead making a living as a treasure hunter.

“Once you grow up, having all those strings attached isn’t always a good thing. Well, it’s the times we live in. Our world has kept pretty much the same political system and ideology for many years. Sure, when they were first established, those ideas were cutting-edge. But like old buildings, they eventually fall into disrepair. Once upon a time, whether conservative or liberal, both factions blazed with the passion of wanting to bring happiness to ordinary people. Now, though, both camps are holed up in their little heaven at the top of some ‘Tower of Babel,’ playing card games. They’re so busy strategizing their silly games that they don’t see the real lives of the flesh-and-blood people beneath them. Even the smug folks who love to show off their knowledge by quoting bits of the Bible have completely forgotten the true lessons the ancients tried to teach through tragic fables. Our world is like that. And so is this alternate-world America. But that’s only because the speed of scientific and magical advancements in recent years has outpaced what humanities and social sciences can keep up with. Maybe, given a little more time, the new ideological divides that focus on how people will live in this new era will be reborn. Both in this country and back in our homeland. After every winter, a time comes when the younger generation can finally have hope for the future.”

Mr. Allegro gazes off into the distance.

“Is that why you brought me all the way to another world?”

“No way. Do you know what this place—New Orleans—is known for?”

“It’s the birthplace of jazz… right?”

“Exactly. And it’s also the birthplace of the blues. You want to finish your ‘Rebirth Blues,’ don’t you?”

“Yes!”

“This city is a place of rebirth. It’s a city where people brought in from other continents created their own music, and where folks recovered from the devastation of hurricanes.”

With that, he takes us to a jazz bar that looks like it’s been around forever.

Unlike our world, there’s no magic involved; the music here is purely an entertainment form performed by professional musicians. Mr. Allegro says,

“I picked a spot where they mostly play the standards. I figured you’d get some inspiration.”

Drums, sax, keyboard, guitar… the band members assemble, and the performance begins. They open with “As Time Goes By,” followed by a series of classic tunes. Their playing is breathtaking. So this is what music sounds like in a world where performance isn’t enhanced by magic but is purely entertainment.

During a break in the music, Mr. Allegro confesses:

“You know, I was actually a terrible student—barely graduated. I was nowhere near Akira and Elise. But when Earth got connected to our world, Akira invited me to visit a city called Vienna to commemorate the occasion. In that City of Music, I absorbed a ton of classical music and polished my sensibilities. And when I returned, my vocal skills just exploded. I couldn’t believe it myself. I never dreamed I’d surpass Akira at our graduation ceremony. Ha!”

It’s an unexpected revelation.

“You never know what might spark someone’s talent to grow. That’s why I brought you here today. If you’re stuck in a slump, maybe this will be the catalyst you need.”

“Mr. Allegro…”

As I start to get emotional, a voice calls out from the stage.

“Hey! Forte!”

For a second, it doesn’t register that they’re calling my name. Then I realize they want me to join in a jam session.

“But… I don’t even know what to play.”

Then I glance at the music stand and see the words “Rebirth Blues” written there.

“You’re kidding…”

“You really think I brought you here just for sightseeing? You’re gonna session with different bands all day. After this, we’ve got a night session at another place. The schedule is packed.”

In this world, no magical effect is triggered by performing music. But because of that, the feedback we get is based purely on the quality of the sound.

My hands tremble as I hold my trusty saxophone. The other members look at me kindly, and then the performance begins.

Amazing… I can’t believe I get to play with a backing band like this. They respond to every emotion I pour into my music with their own passion. This is more than just pressing keys—it’s an earnest, soulful performance.

I’ve heard that one of the roots of the blues is work songs, imbued with the deep spirit of those who endured hardships. That’s why, when playing the blues, you pour your heart out like a cry of the soul. I understood that concept on a rational level before, but maybe, through this jam session, I’ll finally grasp what it truly means.

In my mind, the theory and the practice are about to come together. Just a little more—just a little more, and I’ll get it.

Once I do, I’m going back to high school. I’ll save Sharp’s spirit, Ms. Elise, Mr. Akira—everyone.