In the evening sunlight, Roland and the middle-aged man rode their wooden horses and sang together, looking just like two happy, overgrown children.
As they chatted afterward, Roland learned that the man was named Poietes. He was a Bard who had wandered through various regions for years, collecting and performing all kinds of poems and songs.
This other world had poetry too. It even had a profession called Bard, whose power came from poetry and music.
They collected legends from different places and turned them into magic through poetry, music, and stories.
"That song you sang sounded cheerful, but for some reason, I heard sadness in it."
After they had talked for a while, Poietes spoke with a serious expression.
"Sadness? Perhaps there really was a little."
Roland sensed the qualities of a wandering artist in Poietes. Drawn in by his extraordinary charisma, he genuinely began to feel that he had found a kindred spirit.
In this unfamiliar world, in this unfamiliar city, he had left his teacher behind and did not know a single soul.
Thinking about it, it really was a little sad.
Roland lost his playful mood and began to recite.
"When I went away, the willows swayed softly.
Now I return, and snow falls thick and fast.
Slowly I travel the road, thirsty and hungry.
My heart is wounded with sorrow, yet none know my grief!"
(Excerpt from Minor Odes: Plucking the Fern)
This was a passage from the Book of Songs, expressing the sorrow of longing for one's homeland.
According to tradition, the Zhou Dynasty had officials who ventured among the common people to collect songs. After arranging them, they passed them to the Grand Music Master to be set to music and sung for the Zhou king.
That was how the Book of Songs