Thunderous Applause
After the performance ended, applause erupted. It wasn't my first time standing on stage and receiving cheers, but this felt on another level entirely. It was like a massive wave crashing over the stage. Not a single person in the audience remained seated, and everyone was clapping fervently. Even the imperial family member right in the front center was applauding with enthusiasm.
"Sigh... whoo."
I took a deep breath in and let it out slowly. Everyone was staring, but I couldn't help it. It was the only way to calm my pounding heart and the overwhelming swell in my chest.
Look at the audience now. Every famous face in the industry was there. You'd only see a crowd like this at a monumental performance by a legendary musician—and this one was deeply meaningful. There were even plenty from outside the empire. Wait, aren't those elves over there familiar? Who are they? Judging by their seats, they're no ordinary folk.
And then, rolling my eyes just a bit further, I spotted an even more renowned elf: Selenie. I'd actually noticed her long before; she was the first to stand and give a standing ovation. Her tearful applause... that image is truly unforgettable.
"Young Master Arden."
As I stood there dazed for a moment, Stella called out to me.
"We need to bow!"
Her words snapped me back to reality. I stepped forward, trying not to show my fluster. Stella naturally fell in beside me, and a beat later, Monica joined on the other side. Unfortunately, I couldn't check their expressions. First things first: the bow.
I drew in a deep breath, then slowly bent at the waist in a formal bow.
Whiiiiistle! Clap clap clap clap clap!
Whistles and applause rang out again. I held the bow for a long while before finally lifting my head. The audience was still on their feet, clapping away. Thankfully, I didn't forget what came next. I walked slowly to the side door—no rush in my steps—opened it, traversed the short hallway, and reached the waiting room.
"Ughhhh."
I collapsed onto the waiting room sofa like a ragdoll. Wow. I seriously thought I was going to die. The tension that had kept me strung tight released all at once, and my muscles screamed in protest. My right arm that held the bow and the fingertips of my left hand that pressed the strings burned fiercely.
You might call it whining over just playing an instrument a bit, but this was no exaggeration. On a stage like today's, you'd get sore muscles from just standing still. I'd tuned out the stares once I got lost in the performance, but before and after... my memory's a blur from the nerves.
"Aaaah."
Not far away, Monica was sprawled in the exact same pose. Now that I looked, she seemed just as wrecked as me—face pale, soul half-gone.
"You two did amazing. Great work."
Stella, who entered last, seemed the most composed. She looked tired, sure, but not on the verge of collapse like us, and she even had a smile. What really caught my eye, though, were her eyes. They sparkled with an intensity that felt almost overwhelming.
"And that was truly, truly incredible."
She stepped forward as she spoke.
"I thought practice was amazing, but today's stage... I can't find words beyond 'incredible.' I'll never forget this day."
I couldn't just sit there silently under her praise barrage. Forcing my back straight, I replied to Stella.
"You worked so hard too, Miss Stella. We made it even better because of you."
"No, no! I was just walking on the red carpet you laid out. Every piece we played today was so beautiful. It's like the landscapes of all four seasons are still unfolding before my eyes."
I gave her an awkward smile. Then Monica chimed in from the side.
"The pieces were good, yeah. Honestly, I had to fight off chills multiple times while playing."
Her cheeks were still a bit flushed. The post-performance high hadn't worn off yet. But why was she avoiding my gaze? Puzzled, I responded anyway.
"Even the best pieces are meaningless without great performers. Monica. And Lady Stella."
The pieces? Of course I think they're fantastic—worthy of history books! But hogging all the credit would be shameless. So I cut it short and shared the praise.
"Your playing was wonderful too, Arden."
"Yeah, especially today—you were more passionate than usual."
"Oh, really?"
Hm. Thinking back, maybe I was. More immersed than normal?
"Yeah, I guess so."
Practice and the real stage feel different, for sure. Rehearsals involve so many thoughts and considerations—hard to fully dive in. Varies by person, I suppose.
"Anyway..."
Knock knock.
Just as I was about to say more, a knock sounded.
"Lady Selenie has arrived."
The servant outside announced. I immediately told them to open the door, and Selenie entered with a smile.
"Hello."
She greeted us warmly, making eye contact with each one before speaking.
"Today's performance was truly unforgettable. The one we did together was intense, but this... it'll stick with me forever."
Everyone's faces lit up a bit. How could they not? The undisputed legend of our field had come to the waiting room in person to praise us! Hearing it multiple times didn't dull the thrill.
Selenie chatted brightly a bit more before leaving. She seemed like she wanted to talk longer, but it couldn't be helped. Waiting rooms get flooded with visitors after big shows.
Knock knock.
"His Highness the Third Prince has arrived."
Sure enough, right after she left, another VIP showed up. The prince entered, raving about how moving and impressive the performance was, then departed. After that, guests kept coming nonstop. We spent over two hours greeting dignitaries before we were finally free.
"Ugh. I'm beat."
"Tell me about it. Feels like death."
Monica's eyes were hollow with exhaustion—understandable. She's as much a practice maniac as I am. She'd probably poured every spare moment into prep lately. At least she could still whisper it to me. Good thing Stella was right there, and high priests behind us.
"You all did wonderfully. Great work."
The priests were buzzing with excitement, even though the show had ended over two hours ago.
"It far exceeded our expectations. I'm embarrassed I even tried to predict how it'd go."
"Today's performance opened my eyes."
The fervent praise from these elder priests was a lot to take. I kept a straight face, smiling and thanking them politely.
Once they finished...
"I hope we get another chance to perform together."
Stella said, looking at Monica and me in turn. I smiled back.
"Me too."
"Same here."
The conversation wrapped on that warm note. Only then could Monica and I head to our carriages—separate ones this time. We figured we'd be wiped out, so we came prepared.
"See ya."
"Yeah. Catch you later."
I bid Monica farewell and boarded. "Whew." Man, I just want to do nothing for days and crash.
My rest lasted one day. No choice—too much to do!
Selenie's violin crafting. Cello production. Designing my new violin. Composition commissions. Those were the ongoing tasks.
"More guests today."
"Here's today's visitor list."
And now, visitor greetings piled up. I'd turned people away for the Armonia Church concert, but no more excuses.
"Sigh."
I let out another breath. Looks like real rest is a long way off.