Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter
Gratia Hall was packed to the brim for spring, summer, autumn, and winter. That in itself wasn't anything special. Only a handful of renowned musicians could grace its stage, and their performances naturally drew massive crowds. But a closer look at today's audience revealed something different from the usual shows. From the front rows onward, high-ranking clergy from various churches and famous nobles filled the seats densely. And right up front sat members of the imperial family alongside guests from the Allied Kingdoms.
Though called "kingdoms" in name, the Allied Kingdoms' prestige and scale rivaled the empire's. Unlike the empire, which was almost entirely for humans, the Allied Kingdoms were a union of countless races. Especially after the elves' former empire, Almerium, joined six hundred years ago, no one could ignore them anymore.
"Man, what brings folks from the Allied Kingdoms all the way here?"
"Yeah. Even those haughty elves over there."
High-ranking figures from the Allied Kingdoms rarely visited the empire. Especially for something like a "performance"—they were even harder to spot in the audience. When it came to art, they saw themselves as a cut above. But today was different. Not only were there numerous high nobles, but even famous artists from the Allied Kingdoms sat among the crowd.
Meanwhile, the elves in the front row chatted among themselves.
"A musician endorsed by Lady Selenie."
"Hmm. I'm curious just how good they are. Lady Selenie's judgment is never wrong."
Elle and Yure, the sisters—not quite on Selenie's level, but renowned performers in the Allied Kingdoms. They'd crossed the continent upon hearing that the humans Selenie had praised so highly were performing here.
And then—they spotted someone and their eyes widened.
"L-Lady Selenie!"
"Lady Selenie...!"
The legendary figure revered among musicians, Selenie, was descending the stairs. She wasn't the only one shocked. Despite their high status and fame, everyone showed the same surprise at seeing her. Selenie rarely left the Allied Kingdoms. And coming to the capital to watch someone else's performance? This was a first.
Selenie offered faint smiles and nods to a few people before taking her seat at the very front. Given her fame and noble standing, it was only natural.
Once the audience was fully seated, the artifacts lighting the seats winked out one by one—phbt, pt—plunging the hall into darkness. Phaat! In contrast, the lights illuminating the stage blazed brighter.
Those quietly chatting fell silent, turning their eyes to the stage. Soon, a heavy door on one side of the stage creaked open. Naturally, all gazes shifted there. And from it emerged the first performer.
"Ooh."
"How beautiful..."
The first to appear was Stella, the saintess of the Armonia Church. Instead of her usual solemn clerical robes, she wore a flowing blue performance gown embroidered like a galaxy of stars. Her figure was breathtakingly beautiful, noble even.
Next came another figure. Following the saintess was Monica, widely acclaimed for her exceptional talent. She stepped out calmly in a refined black dress, her expression composed. The crowd watched her with admiration or eager anticipation once more.
And then.
"There he is!"
"Is that the famous Arden?"
Last came today's star, Arden Clover. Unlike the two before him, the name Arden hadn't been all that famous originally. He'd been recognized as talented enough, but unlike Monica, he hadn't been active publicly. Narrow it to the past few months, though, and his name buzzed more than theirs. He'd received divine revelations back-to-back from the gods themselves, and recently, rumors swirled of a brilliant stage shared with the renowned Selenie from the Allied Kingdoms.
Soon, the three took center stage. Stella and Monica bowed to the audience before returning to their positions. But Arden stayed at the center, holding an artifact as he spoke.
"The piece we'll perform today is 'Four Seasons.' As the title suggests, it captures the cycle of the four seasons flowing across the land in melody."
Arden's straightforward voice, amplified by the magic artifact, rang clearly to every corner of the hall. The audience nodded, eyes brimming with expectation.
He added a few more explanations before heading to his spot. As they all took out their instruments and settled in, the crowd's gazes sharpened with intrigue once more. Their instruments weren't ordinary by any means. Monica's and Stella's resembled standard carillons and Silveris at a glance, but subtle differences stood out. And Arden's? Utterly unfamiliar.
Those who'd seen the previous performance smiled to themselves. A smug little grin that said, I know something you don't.
Swish. Arden at center stage. Monica to his left rear. And finally, Stella to the right. The moment Arden raised his bow, the air in the hall grew taut.
Under everyone's watchful eyes—dit-da-dan, dan, dan! The bright, lively melody of spring began.
As the bouncy notes spread, the audience naturally immersed themselves. A vibrant tune awakening winter's long slumber. Birdsong and rustling winds wove through it. Like soaking in spring rain, they lost themselves gazing at the stage.
Shwaaaa.
The mood shifted after spring's four movements passed. Summer arrived, and the melody shed its gentle warmth for something entirely new. The peak came in summer's third movement. Presto. It had premiered in Ramisel, but most here heard it for the first time.
———.
Enraptured by the passionate strains, the audience forgot to breathe, faces entranced. The sharp notes depicting pouring rain and lightning pierced every ear vividly. When Arden's bow danced wildly on the strings, some looked ready to faint. One clutched their chest unconsciously.
But as spring yields to summer, summer's melody didn't last forever. After the stormy passion came a bountiful, warm tune. Autumn.
The violin's strains grew leisurely, rhythms rich like songs of harvest joy. Eyes closed, the audience savored it. Village folk gathered, toasting and dancing in merry festival—sounds painting the scene in their minds. Elle and Yure nodded along unconsciously, surrendering to the rhythm. They rarely showed such abandon, but etiquette was the last thing on their minds. Just the beautiful music filling their ears.
Dara-dan, daan. The music flowed on. Spring to summer. Summer to autumn. And finally, winter.
———.
The land's warmth faded, replaced by biting winds. Sharp, chilling strains clawed at the audience like icy gusts. They felt as if trudging across frozen earth.
But winter's highlight was next. The second movement. Largo. Suddenly, they weren't in the blizzard outside but by a warm hearth. The prior chill made the warmth hit harder.
Arden's violin drew elegant, gentle melodies; Monica's piano glided over with clear tones. Stella enveloped it all in her strains. Then came winter's passionate finale. Outside, the cold wind howled fiercely. Yet it wasn't despairing. They knew spring would follow winter. Enduring the harsh, aching gale, humanity pressed on—vividly depicted. Toward the spring to come.
As the final note struck the hall's far wall and faded, a profound silence descended on Gratia Hall. No one could speak. No one thought to clap. Overwhelmed by the human-crafted cycle of seasons, the countless listeners stood transfixed.
And then.
Clap, clap, clap. Applause rang out.
Just like that one audience member at a wedding long ago. One person rose alone, clapping. It was Selenie, seated at the front. Tears streamed from her shining eyes as she applauded.
That sparked it. The entire hall erupted in thunderous standing ovation and cheers, as if it might collapse.