Chapter 10
Chapter 10
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 10
Chapter Title: Sponsorship - [1]
Anna and Elise's gazes met. They didn't exchange any words, but the thoughts reflected in their eyes were identical.
'Mana Deficiency'
That explained everything. Even the tiniest trace of mana would be enough to activate it... and read it.
They hadn't anticipated that common sense dictated he couldn't read it. Anna took a step closer to Aiman and spoke.
"I'll confirm one more time. You truly... have no idea what's written on that gold coin?"
"Uh... yeah. No clue."
Mana Deficiency was straightforward. A congenital rare disease where the mana circuits were completely severed from birth, rendering the sufferer utterly unable to absorb mana from the atmosphere.
Patients endured excruciating physical pain and rarely survived past the age of ten...
Elise regarded Aiman once more. He looked to be in his early twenties. She had no idea how he'd lasted this long... but probably not much longer.
'...'
Elise's eyelids quivered. The image of Aiman in Elise's eyes.
Skin so pale it was nearly transparent.
The desperate performance pouring from a mana-less body, as if gnawing away at his very life...
Elise understood now. How he could create music.
How his music brimmed with such vital force.
Did his sister know? Or was she in the dark?
That it was the final flicker, born from burning his fading life...
'...'
The chill in Anna's eyes melted away. In its place bloomed pure reverence.
It must have been unimaginably agonizing all this time. The reason he seemed so unfazed now was surely because he was inured to the pain.
And yet, in a situation where he couldn't predict when his life might snuff out, he'd created music like that...
"I was blind to your greatness."
Anna bowed deeply.
"Please forgive my rudeness."
"Huh? Ah, no. Why all of a sudden...?"
Aiman recoiled in shock. Then Elise approached him. Her violet eyes were already glistening with tears.
"It's chilly outside."
Elise's voice was as delicate as handling fragile glass on the verge of shattering.
"It's not good for your health. A cold draft could do real damage. How about we head inside first... and talk there?"
Elise spoke with a gentle smile, but chills ran down Aiman's spine at the look in her eyes.
Aiman suspected Elise and Anna were bipolar, but he kept it to himself.
"Ah, sure. It's humble, but please come in."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Clink.
The cheap teacup rattled. Of course, my hands were shaking.
My cramped, dingy home. Wallpaper peeling in spots, and the only furniture a desk, a chair, and the massive piano.
I wondered if it was proper to invite such finely dressed nobles into a place like this.
'What if they flip the table because the tea tastes awful?'
When I'd offered to brew tea, Ria and Anna had waved it off saying it wasn't necessary—but inviting nobles into my home without serving tea?
That'd be a death sentence! How did things end up like this? Nobles in a commoner's house!
I'd considered having Serika do it, but I figured I'd handle it myself since I'm better at this sort of thing.
I held my breath and offered the teacups. Tea brewed from the cheapest leaves at the market—practically hot water.
"P-Please have some. Sorry it's nothing fancy."
Ria's reaction was beyond anything I'd expected. She cradled the teacup in both hands like a treasure.
"It's so warm..."
She closed her eyes, savoring the heat.
"The aroma is wonderful. Thank you, Aiman."
"...Pardon?"
Finding fragrance in plain hot water... What incredible sensitivity. Creating something from nothing.
Anna didn't even bring her cup to her lips, silently scanning the room.
Her gaze settled on the messy pile of parchment scattered across the desk.
Music scores I'd scribbled through the night, piecing together memories. Smeared ink, tears from the pen nib.
Anna let out a short sigh as she looked at them.
"Truly... remarkable."
She picked up one sheet. Her hands trembled.
"Each of these scores... they're traces of life force burned away. I can feel your indomitable spirit, refusing to set down the pen even in torment."
'Not quite that dramatic.'
Just scribbled while rubbing sleepy eyes. Indomitable spirit? Sure, if you count battling drowsiness.
Unlike me, Serika was huddled in the corner, eyes darting about, and her reaction was beyond imagination.
'...Just how important are they?'
All I could tell was that Ria and Anna were extremely high-status. Naturally, that terrified me proportionally.
For a moment, only the sound of tentative sips from teacups filled the silence.
Then Ria carefully set down her cup and spoke.
"That 'Für Elise' you played last time..."
She bit her lip, struggling to continue.
“It was the greatest piece of my life. I want to offer proper recompense for that deep emotional impact.”
Her eyes turned earnest. I wanted to say it was fine, but refusing wasn't an option.
"Name anything you desire. Money? Fame? Or..."
She studied my face for a moment before adding,
"The Empire's finest medical team? Priests who can heal any illness? No, not any illness..."
'Treatment?'
Do I look sick? No idea why they'd say that, but one thing was clear.
'At the very least... they seem like good nobles.'
There was undoubtedly a chasm of status between us, like heaven and earth.
Yet their respectful demeanor alone made them trustworthy, didn't it?
This was an opportunity. Pushing for too much might sour their mood, but...
'I have no greed.'
For me, playing piano, eating well, and getting tips like this now and then was plenty.
But.
My gaze fell on Serika in the corner. My sister. A genius with no solid backing—a commoner mage.
The Academy was infamous for noble cliques. No matter how skilled you were, without connections, you'd get trampled or exploited.
'...Since it's come to this.'
Might as well pave the way for Serika.
"Serika. Come here."
I beckoned her over. Serika shuffled hesitantly to my side.
Felt like an infomercial. Buy now! Limited-edition talent on sale!
I calmly explained Serika's talents to Ria and Anna.
Runner-up admission to the Imperial Academy, youngest 4th Circle Mage, one of the candidates for Next Magic Tower Lord... that sort of thing.
They'd be thrilled too. Sponsoring a raw gem like this? A windfall.
'Just not recognizing Serika gives away their status, huh?'
So exalted that someone like Serika flies under the radar?
I gripped Serika's shoulder.
"For me... I'm already more than satisfied. That's why."
The small, fragile shoulder trembled in my grasp.
"I'm asking you to look after my sister, Serika."
"Brother?"
Serika looked up at me in shock.
"As I mentioned, her talent overflows to excess. She loves magic more than anyone and works harder than anyone. But... as a commoner, she'll face plenty of hardships ahead."
This was genuine. Absolutely.
"Please sponsor her so she can chase her dreams. That's the only reward I want."
As my words ended, a heavy silence settled over the room.
Anna bit her lip hard and turned away. Ria's hands clenched the teacup, trembling.
They bowed their heads, shoulders shaking.
'???'
I panicked. What was with the atmosphere? Had I overreached?
'Ah, did I say something unnecessary...'
I smacked my lips, about to smooth things over,
"...You fool."
Ria's voice was thick with tears.
"Huh?"
She raised her head. Tears brimmed in her eyes.
"You don't spare a thought for your own body. Worrying only about your sister right up to the end..."
"The end?"
I blurted it out reflexively, but Ria didn't hear. She rose from her seat with a resolute expression.
"Understood. I will honor your... noble will, no matter what."
Will? As in last will and testament? Was she cursing me to die right now?
Whether I panicked or not, Ria's face was beyond serious—grimly determined. She approached Serika and clasped both her hands tightly.
"Don't worry. Your brother's will won't go to waste. I swear it on the name of the Empire."
Serika nodded dazedly.
"Th-Thank you..."
Something felt off. I tilted my head but bowed deeply once more.
"Thank you. Truly, thank you."
Incredibly, even the steely Anna shed tears at my gratitude!
'Tsk... gotta do something.'
Couldn't leave nobles who'd promised sponsorship empty-handed.
'River Flows in You'
This. This song.
I raised my head and looked at the piano. Perfect timing—there was just the right piece for this mood.