Dilemma of the Divine Stage
Fine, let's give it a shot! I mulled it over. If this had just been some ordinary performance at a party hall, I wouldn't have hesitated. But a temple? Armonia's temple, no less? In this world, the Temple of Armonia holds near-absolute authority in all things music. Think about it—the goddess of music herself? Who could have more clout than a god?
It was terrifyingly intimidating! This was like being asked to do a solo show at Carnegie Hall out of nowhere. No, even more pressure.
"Couldn't you?"
But flat-out refusing felt wrong. Really wrong. This was a direct request from the Saintess herself. It probably wasn't just her whim; it was essentially an official invitation from the church. Sure, I could turn it down. But performing elsewhere after rejecting Armonia's offer? I'd be under a microscope.
Plus, there was the issue that my violin and Four Seasons weren't purely my creations. On the other hand, I also wanted to share this wonder with the world.
After agonizing, I finally said, "Could I have a little time to think it over?"
"Ah! Of course!"
Thankfully, the Saintess smiled warmly. "Take your time with your answer. It's not urgent."
"Thank you."
That bought me some breathing room, and the conversation flowed smoothly from there before wrapping up politely.
"Well then, we'll be off."
"Yes. Safe travels."
I saw off the Saintess and her priests alongside Father and Kyle.
"Whew."
Only after they left could we all exhale. Father and Kyle looked as drained as I felt—we'd all been on edge. A whole delegation from a major church showing up unannounced would do that to anyone.
"Son, I'm so proud of you."
"Yeah, get some rest—you must be exhausted."
Thanks to my parents' consideration, I soon had my freedom back, violin in hand as I headed to my room.
"Man, what a day."
I flopped onto my bed after shutting the door. Totally unexpected. One violin performance, and bam—a divine revelation from the goddess herself. Never saw that coming.
I'd originally planned to try out other pieces, but now I felt too self-conscious. What if I played another famous one and the goddess clapped again, dropping another revelation? I'd die of stress.
"No, wait."
Lying there sparked a better idea. Famous pieces were risky? But what about my compositions? I knew my limits—I wasn't deluded about my skills. I couldn't even touch the heels of this world's musical giants.
"Alright."
Just to be safe, I double-checked the door and closed the window. Then I picked up the violin. Despite the fatigue, holding it again lifted my spirits. This world's instruments weren't bad, but familiarity mattered. Especially the violin—it had been my longest companion back on Earth. Even while learning instrument repair, I'd sneak in practice sessions.
I was just settling into position when—
Knock knock knock.
A knock at the door.
"Arden? You in there?"
It was Kyle's voice.
"Yeah, big bro."
I set down the violin and opened the door. Kyle grinned as he approached.
"Hope I'm not interrupting your rest."
"Nah, it's barely afternoon."
"Good. Mind if I come in for a sec?"
"Sure, of course."
I stepped aside, and he entered.
Kyle Clover. My one and only brother, and heir to the Clover family. Sure, being the firstborn played a big role in that, but I had no complaints. I'd never wanted the lord's seat anyway. I'd gotten the noble upbringing as a kid, but running a house seemed nothing but complicated hassle to me.
Kyle, though? He was born for it—in the best way. Smart as a whip, exemplary knight, great with people. To the point where finding anyone in the family who disliked him was impossible. Brothers usually scrap as kids, but we'd never had a real fight. I mean, I'm reincarnated, so that tracks, but Kyle was mature beyond his years even then. Honestly, he seemed superhuman to me.
"I was genuinely blown away today. I knew you had talent in music, but a revelation from the goddess herself?"
I gave an awkward smile at his praise. "Just got lucky."
"Luck? Nah, that was your talent and hard work shining."
He looked ready to keep gushing, so I quickly changed the subject. "So, uh, what brings you here?"
"Ah, right. I actually have a favor to ask."
"A favor?"
He nodded cautiously. "Think you could compose a piece for me?"
"A piece...?"
"For my wedding."
"Ah...!"
Right—Kyle's wedding was coming up. Prep had been underway for months, and it was now less than two weeks away. I frowned. "What about the piece you already planned?"
With the wedding so close, everything should've been set—including the music.
He looked sheepish. "Well, there's a bit of a problem."
"What kind?"
"You know Veil Cretnen?"
"Oh! The composer in that huge affair scandal recently? The one with the family that sponsored him for years...?"
I trailed off as it clicked. Veil was one of the empire's top musicians. House Clover had the pull and cash to invite someone like him. And his pieces were wedding staples—perfect sentiment.
Put it together...?
"...We'd originally invited him to perform."
Yikes. Having a scandal-plagued adulterer play at your wedding? Nightmare fuel. But how had I missed this entirely?
"We were quietly looking for a replacement, but it's tough finding someone good on such short notice."
"I see."
Made sense. For prominent families here, inviting a famous musician to a wedding was practically mandatory. Skipping it for a count's heir? Would look bad.
I didn't hesitate. "If that's the case, it'd be an honor. But you sure? I'm not exactly famous."
"What are you talking about?" Kyle shot back, incredulous. "The goddess herself acknowledged you."
"Right."
Forgot about that amid the shock. I rolled my eyes playfully and nodded. "Got it. I'll do my best, even if it falls short."
"If it's too much pressure, just say so. Only two weeks left, after all."
"Haha, no worries. Just one piece, right? Even hired performers usually do one anyway."
"True. We'll keep the others as planned."
He grinned, grabbing my hand. "Thanks, really. Looking forward to it."
"No prob."
"Great!"
With that, Kyle left.
"Hmm."
Alone again, I pondered. "What piece to play...?"
I'd just sworn off famous ones, but... for my only brother's wedding? Exception, maybe? It was just my conscience nagging anyway! Those composers weren't even alive here!
Suuuck.
Spreading great music to this world could only be good, right? Maybe that's why I reincarnated—to elevate their culture!
Sure, I knew it was rationalizing. But hoarding it all in my head until I died? That'd be the real crime.
"Alright."
Decision made. First, contact the church. If I'm performing for a crowd at the wedding anyway, no reason they couldn't have me too.
Let's do this!