Chapter 24
Chapter 24
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 24
Chapter Title: Royal Academy of Arts - [3]
"Hmm..."
"This is. Impossible."
"It's incredible...?"
I could empathize with lab rats. That was my current state.
Five imperial physicians in white robes had me surrounded.
They pressed all sorts of tools against my body. Listening to my heartbeat, shining lights in my pupils.
They even pricked my fingertip with a thin silver needle to draw blood!
Why are you doing this to me! But I was the lab rat. No resisting.
"Please stay still."
Unfair. I was already still, and yet...
The old man who seemed to be the head physician shot me a sharp look over his glasses.
I obediently shut my mouth. This health check was brutal. Health was important, sure, but still.
'But... why this atmosphere?'
The emotional hue in the air felt off.
The physicians' expressions as they looked at me weren't ordinary—seriousness mixed with fascination.
You could call them strange faces blending slight shock and pity.
Like gazing at a living fossil? Or a scientist spotting a talking dog?
That kind of vibe. Once more, I understood lab rats.
Back to the beginning.
-Mana reaction zero.
-No trace of circuits at all.
-What... is this?
They whispered among themselves, but naturally, I couldn't understand a word.
Learning really was important. All I could pick up was the nuance in their words.
The nuance that my body wasn't "normal." An uneasy, ominous feeling.
'... Did I catch some big disease?'
But I'd been fine until now. Come to think of it... in my past life, I'd read a psychology book.
It said humans always imagine the worst.
For example, if someone thinks they've caught a cold.
When they start coughing, they imagine it's a fatal illness.
Humans jump to the worst conclusions. Remembering that suddenly put my mind at ease.
Yeah. If it were something serious, I'd be hospitalized here already. Or not even allowed in the palace.
"The examination is complete."
The old physician spoke. I hurriedly buttoned my shirt. Honestly, it wasn't a pleasant experience.
Especially with Anna watching from afar the whole time! Agh! Where are you looking! Where!
Of course, I didn't say it out loud.
"Um, the results...?"
"Please wait a moment."
The physician cut me off and approached Anna by the door.
He whispered something in her ear. Hearing it, Anna looked at me with trembling eyes.
'What the heck is it really?'
The physicians filed out, leaving just me and Anna in the exam room. A heavy silence fell.
"Anna-nim."
I opened my mouth cautiously.
"How are the results...? Is something wrong with my body?"
"..."
Anna didn't answer easily. She avoided my gaze, staring at the floor.
"...For now."
It took a long while before she spoke.
"For now, it's fine. You're not on the verge of collapsing."
"???"
Why that nuance? For now? Meaning later it won't be?
Hmm... If I start exercising and eating healthy from now on, it'll get better. Probably just some nutritional imbalance or whatever.
"If I manage it... it'll improve, right?"
Anna looked up at me.
"...Yes. Probably."
At that point, I seriously wondered. Was she just cursing me?
How do you talk with that kind of nuance?
I guarantee you, that tone could make a perfectly healthy person feel like they were on death's door.
"Don't push yourself. Absolutely. Even playing the piano... if it strains your body, stop immediately."
"Ah, yes. Got it."
I nodded. Fainting while playing piano? How frail would I have to be?
Maybe she's just saying it diplomatically: lack of exercise. As we opened the door and stepped out, the waiting room came into view.
Haruna was standing there. But her condition was off.
She couldn't even sit on the sofa, biting her lip until it bled.
Her face was pale, her hands trembling.
"Haruna?"
At my call, she jumped in surprise and looked up.
"Ya..."
Her voice was hoarse.
"You okay? Not hurting anywhere?"
"Huh?"
I shrugged.
"I'm totally fine? Same as always."
"..."
At my response, Haruna's eyes wavered slightly. Guess I must've looked pale normally.
"Really? That's a relief..."
"Yeah. Messing up here would be... ugh."
I shook my head. Anna called to Haruna.
"Haruna-nim."
"Ah, yes. Right away."
Haruna entered the exam room. And came out exactly one minute later.
About ten times faster than mine. Must be because dwarves are sturdy. And so, the two of us left the clinic.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Anna led the way, with me and Haruna following behind.
The odd thing was Haruna gripping my sleeve tightly, not letting go.
'She's really scared of the palace.'
I patted her hand.
'Truth is, I'm freaking out too. Let's tough it out together.'
Anna guided us to the crystal annex. Sunlight poured through the glass ceiling. The greenhouse brimmed with floral scents.
A black piano sat in the center. And Ria was waiting for us.
She rose from her seat and approached as we entered.
"Did the examination go well?"
Ria's gaze scanned my complexion.
"Yes. Thank you. It energized me."
"I'm glad."
Ria gave a faint smile, then walked to the piano. Her fingers gently caressed the key cover.
"Um... Aiman-nim."
"Yes."
"Could you... teach me too?"
"The piano?"
Ria nodded. But seriously, was she not even trying to hide her identity?
Showing up so naturally in the palace. Should I call her Your Highness...?
No. Don't say it until she does herself. I thought it over, then spoke.
"Of course, it would be an honor... but it won't be as easy as you think."
"That's fine."
Ria looked at me.
"I want to feel even a glimpse of the world you see. The world that can create such beautiful music..."
This world wasn't simple fantasy. It was romance fantasy.
Her words made me want to drop a line like that. Such sensual lyricism. Very impressive.
"For your information, Aiman-nim and Haruna-nim have a meeting with others tomorrow. I mean the palace orchestra."
Anna explained, and I got it. So today, we're just hanging out like this.
Yeah. Let's teach her piano. Build some goodwill. With her.
"It's not hard. I'll show you. It's easier than you think."
"Really...?"
"Of course. Anyone with fingers can play it."
Ria sat carefully on the piano bench. Her shoulders were tense, like she was nervous.
"Now, relax. Keep your wrists soft..."
For a split second, I almost placed my hand over hers.
Oh shit...
My head nearly rolled for lèse-majesté. Ria followed my instructions and struck an awkward pose.
'She's beautiful all over again.'
Seeing her profile up close, she had captivating pupils that seemed to draw you in.
If she noticed me thinking that, my neck would fly for lèse-majesté again.
'What piece should I teach?'
Her posture was roughly set. I had no choice but to ponder it.
Anyone who's touched a piano even once knows: it's easy yet hard.
Precisely, sounds come out easily, but harmonizing them is tough.
'Easy and impressive.'
That's the key. Technically simple, but with a beautiful melody that makes player and listener alike feel like 'something amazing is happening.'
And above all, it had to suit this greenhouse atmosphere and Ria's melancholic gaze.
Then, one piece flashed in my mind.
Simple repetition of melody. But endless lyricism within.
Mystical like watching a dancing muse from ancient Greece, dreamy like floating in empty space.
The immortal masterpiece by French composer Erik Satie.
[Gymnopédie No. 1]
This piece even beginners could follow quickly. Left hand plucks low bass notes, plunk, plunk, while right hand sings slowly atop it.
Not difficult, yet it calms the listener's heart—a healing melody.
For now, I'll play it first.
"Then... may I play the piece I'm going to teach you first?"