A Difficult Decision
Making the original decision had been tough. But once it was done, my mind felt surprisingly at ease.
"Yeah. It's not like it's anything else—just performing."
In my previous life, I'd poured the most time into repairing and crafting instruments. But even so, music had always held an important place in my life. In my downtime, I'd listen to it or play, and I'd performed a few times in small cafes.
"Phew."
Of course, I'd never played on a stage this big before. There was some pressure about that.
But on the flip side, I felt anticipation too. Standing on a grand stage as a musician was something I'd always dreamed of.
"And now the opportunity has come."
In a way, this was one of my dreams coming true. It still nagged at me a bit that it wasn't "my" original composition being performed under my name... but I'd sorted that out in my mind to some extent.
I wouldn't chase money or fame with Earth's music. My goal was simply to spread the beautiful music I knew purely throughout this world.
"It'd be impossible if my situation weren't so comfortable."
I gave a wry smile. Honestly, it was a bit arrogant as a goal.
But fortunately, my current position had no issues with setting such aims. After all, I was a noble with more than enough money.
My brother was the family heir, but in exchange, they provided me with ample support. At least until I grew old and died, I wouldn't have to worry about funds.
Well, even if I modestly turned down money, fame was another matter I couldn't control... but that was unavoidable.
Still, I wouldn't get drunk on fame and pretend to be some genius.
Smoothly, I gathered my scattered thoughts once more. Then I lifted the violin I'd been holding.
The moment I took my stance,
"Hooo."
My mind cleared in an almost miraculous way. All the previous tangled thoughts vanished without a trace, and my heart settled calmly.
I slowly drew the bow.
Swoooosh—.
As the bow met the strings, a clear melody filled the room. Hearing it made my chest tingle sharply.
With each movement of the bow, the faint vibrations transmitted to my fingers on the fingerboard felt vividly clear. Then, lightly plucking the string produced a sound like morning dew dropping from grass blades.
I kept the bow moving without pause, forgetting all other complicated matters and focusing solely on the violin in my hands.
That alone made me happy.
The servants bustled busily down the corridors. Their work was never leisurely to begin with, but lately, it had been especially hectic.
Soon, the family heir Kyle's wedding would take place.
Yet even amid their hurried steps, there was one spot where the servants slowed: right in front of the second young master's room, Arden's.
It wasn't deliberate.
———.
It was simply that the beautiful melody drifting from within always caught their feet. No matter how busy they were, that melody held an irresistible magic.
The outside air was still chilly, but the tune from the room brimmed with the vibrant energy of spring.
Even those ignorant of music couldn't help smiling and closing their eyes upon hearing it.
"……!"
Only when the melody stopped did they realize they'd been standing there for ages, then hurry off.
Of course, they tried to make as little noise as possible. They couldn't disturb the one playing such beautiful music.
Thus, the servants made excuses to pass by Arden's room whenever they could.
Meanwhile, at that time, welcome news arrived at the Armonia Temple.
"A letter from the Clover Estate!"
It was from the Clover Count's family.
The Saintess and high priests gathered immediately to check it.
"They've accepted the performance!"
The Saintess said, her eyes sparkling.
"Ooh!"
"Finally!"
The high priests rejoiced like children.
Armonia was not just the goddess of music but of harmony as well. Not only musicians followed her.
But most priests in the temple loved music. It wasn't strange. For many, their first spark of interest in the Armonia Temple came from music—perhaps a tune heard in childhood at the temple, or from the priestly bands touring the empire, inspiring dreams of priesthood.
Moreover, Armonia's priests had to master at least one instrument. In effect, most were musicians themselves.
"I can't wait to hear how beautiful it will be."
"Indeed! It must be fantastical."
So the priests buzzed with excitement at the thought of hearing music blessed by the goddess.
The Saintess felt the same; she loved music too.
"Then, we should set the date first."
"Gratia Hall for the venue, right?"
Gratia Hall. Its full name was Gratia Armonia Hall, meaning "Grace of Armonia." It was a building constructed by direct divine revelation from the goddess herself—a dream stage for musicians.
"That seems best. We can't monopolize music recognized by the goddess."
"Then, for the number of invitees..."
"The holy day is soon, so let's aim for then..."
The priests quickly huddled to plan the performance details.
The Saintess joined in eagerly, filled with anticipation.
I informed Father and sent a letter to the Armonia Temple accepting their proposal.
"Hm. Since it's at the temple, there probably won't be too huge a crowd, right?"
Probably. It wasn't some massive hall concert.
I'd requested at least two months' time, anyway. Practice was essential.
But the real priority now was something else.
"What piece to play."
Deciding the music for my brother's wedding.
Yes, deciding—not composing. This was my brother's wedding, after all. I couldn't outshine the originally invited musicians in skill, so the music had to be exceptional.
"Hmm."
It wasn't a lack of fitting wedding pieces causing the dilemma. There were too many.
Wedding-related songs? At least ten came to mind immediately.
But I had to pick just one.
"First... eliminate anything needing lots of instruments."
Obvious, but pieces requiring multiple instruments were out. Not enough performers? Hardly—only one was tangled in that affair; the rest would come and play.
The issue was the instruments themselves.
Here, I'd only developed the violin so far. Similar ones existed, but nothing identical.
I could arrange them, sure. But with two weeks left, fine-tuning an arrangement felt tight.
I could do it, but I wanted perfection.
"Umm."
That cut the candidates by more than half. I pondered again.
The other pieces would proceed as planned; I knew roughly what they'd be. Harmony with them mattered too.
After much deliberation,
"Alright."
I settled on two in my mind.
"Not violin solo... let's use the carillon."
Carillon. Simply put, it was like a piano—slightly bulkier, with different hammer, key, and pedal mechanisms. Less refined and a bit crude compared to a piano, but since it wasn't a piano solo, it'd do.
Hm. Come to think of it, recreating a piano next might be good. It could substitute somewhat for carillon, so I'd prioritized lower, but its importance in classics was huge. With violin and piano, musical variety would explode.
No—while at it, why not tweak the carillon a bit? Make it more precise.
That seemed feasible.
"Yeah. Let's do it."
Alone, preparing would be rushed, but I had my excellent assistant, Dale.
Still, better secure a performer ahead. They'd need to get used to the modified carillon.
Luckily, no worry there—one invited musician was my friend.
"Good."
I stood immediately after deciding. Time to act.
I headed to the workshop, instructing a servant to invite my friend to the estate.
Upon arriving, I explained my plan to Dale.
He listened, then asked,
"So, you'll modify the carillon, practice a new piece on it, and perform at the wedding?"
"Yeah. Problem?"
I tensed at his reaction. Too reckless?
...Or so I thought, when Dale said,
"Brilliant! Let's start right away!"
As expected—that's Dale for you!
I grinned widely.