Chapter 30
Chapter 30
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 30
Chapter Title: Request - [1]
"Huff... huff..."
The moment I slipped backstage, my legs gave out. I nearly collapsed against the wall.
Until just moments ago, I'd been enduring the gaze of hundreds and the blinding stage lights. My mental strength was completely drained.
"Waaaaaaaaah!!"
The second we returned to the waiting room, an explosion of cheers erupted.
Versha and the orchestra members set down their instruments and hugged each other, shouting wildly.
"His Majesty applauded! Did you see that? Did you?!"
"That was a performance worthy of a funeral—pure gold. For real."
"Gotta admit, we fucking killed it. Seriously."
Versha strode right up to me.
"Iman-nim!"
Unable to hide her excitement, she slapped me hard on the back!
I couldn't help but cough. Fuck, that hurt! Why does this woman have such insane grip strength?
I'd bet anything Versha could crush an apple barehanded!
"Great work. Really... you did amazing."
Versha grinned broadly as she spoke.
"Tonight will go down in imperial history. Maybe even music history forever... Thanks to you, our orchestra broke through our limits!"
The members nodded in agreement at her words, leaving me to clear my throat awkwardly.
"As I said, the ones who deserve respect are all of you, not me."
"No way. It's you, Iman-nim."
"Honestly, you all did more than—"
We went back and forth like that, hyping each other up like crazy—but we didn’t have much time to bask in the emotion,
Clap, clap!
Versha clapped her hands to refocus everyone.
"Everyone, calm down! No time to collapse now. We head straight to the banquet hall. You too, Iman-nim."
"Right now?"
"Yes. Right now. If we're late, we're all screwed. That's enough rest, right?"
No sooner had she spoken than the waiting room door flew open, and maids and servants rushed in.
They swarmed me, wiping away my sweat, combing my disheveled hair, and straightening my wrinkled clothes with precision.
-Arms out, please.
-Head up.
-A bit more gel.
I was spun around like a mannequin. My energy drained in an instant.
Ah... I just want to go home and crash.
Once we were spruced up, we headed down the long corridor to the banquet hall.
We moved tensely, and when the massive golden doors swung open, another world unfolded before us.
Murmur, murmur—.
Hundreds of nobles stood clad in splendid dresses and formal attire.
The clink of champagne glasses, the rustle of silk, the faint scent of perfume.
The moment we entered, all eyes turned to us.
They wore intrigued expressions, some even smiling in satisfaction.
-I must invite him sometime.
-Indeed.
-And he's more handsome than expected...
Whispers like that reached my ears, but I had no time to pay them mind.
Because soon, a grand trumpet fanfare filled the hall.
Bwaaaaaah—!
"The Empire's Sun, His Majesty the Emperor arrives!"
With the chamberlain's proclamation, every sound in the room cut off abruptly.
Nobles, knights, orchestra members—everyone dropped to one knee and bowed their heads in unison.
The sight of hundreds lowering themselves simultaneously was spectacular.
Of course, I did the same. I probably looked the most awkward kneeling there.
And then.
As I stealthily glanced around, my eyes caught an anomalous figure.
In the corner of the banquet hall. A woman with snow-white hair like eyes, leaning crookedly against a massive marble pillar.
It was the woman who'd waved lightly at me during the concert. She still exuded that elegant aura.
While everyone else bowed before the Emperor, she alone stood tall and proud.
She even sipped from her teacup, gazing leisurely at the approaching Emperor with a smile.
'...Probably the Saintess, right?'
Anna had mentioned it. The Saintess from the Holy Kingdom was attending the concert.
Truth be told, the reason I noticed her wasn't anything special. It was just... a sense of familiarity?
'Why does she feel so familiar...?'
Of course, I had no more time to think. The Emperor had ascended the dais.
"Rise, all of you."
The Emperor's voice was low and resonant. We stood.
From the dais, the Emperor looked down upon us and offered his praise.
He bestowed gold and rewards upon the orchestra members and pinned a medal on Versha.
And then.
"Tonight's star, Iman. Step forward."
My name was called. My heart dropped. I shuffled awkwardly toward the dais.
I felt countless eyes boring into my back. The Emperor gazed down at me.
What can I say? Up close, the Emperor's eyes didn't carry the iron-blooded vibe I'd expected.
Instead, they held a mature gravity fitting his age? Or perhaps a weary calm? Something like that.
"Your performance..."
The Emperor spoke.
"...brought heavenly sounds to Us and the ears of the Empire. Nay, more than that. It rained a single refreshing shower upon Our parched heart."
He paused, staring at me intently.
"Thus, We highly commend your merits..."
At the Emperor's gesture, the chamberlain brought forth a lavish necklace on a velvet cushion (I thought it was a medal).
"And bestow upon you the title of Baronet."
"...!"
Silence. Then pandemonium.
-A title?!
-Granting nobility to a commoner!
The banquet hall erupted.
Nobles murmured and glanced at each other; the orchestra members gaped at me.
And I, the man in question.
My mind went blank. Baronet? Me? Why? For playing piano once? Does this even make sense?
Of course it did. If the Emperor says so, it is so. But... this is too much?
In short, I was so shocked my brain short-circuited.
The silver lining? Apparently, I don't have to fulfill noble duties. I heard later it's just to live as I do now, without commoners looking down on me.
That's huge in itself, but anyway. After that, it was blackout city.
Like a film cut.
I think I robotically mumbled, "Yes... I am deeply grateful, Your Majesty... Yes..." like a parrot, and maybe the Emperor patted my shoulder.
I think I sipped some liquor, and Haruna teased me, calling me "real Master now?"
Lia and Anna congratulated me too, I think... Not sure.
"Ugh..."
When I opened my eyes, it was dark. The familiar ceiling. I was in the VIP room bed.
Sitting up, my head throbbed.
I remembered up to receiving the title, but nothing after—not how I got back to the lodging, or who changed my clothes (I was in pajamas).
It felt so unreal, like a dream. Fatigue crashed over me like waves. No strength to think.
...Whatever. Back to sleep. I drifted off again, sinking into deep oblivion.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ I opened my eyes, and there it was again. The quiet mountain lodge in the snow. The crackling fireplace sounded nice.
In other words, a lucid dream. Across from me sat a white-haired woman in a rocking chair.
"Awake now?"
Smiling, she offered a steaming cup of coffee.
"Have you... paid enough for the coffee?"
"...Ah."
"A commoner receiving a noble title. Quite the honor, isn't it?"
Memories from the dream I'd forgotten resurfaced.
"Ah... You're that Saintess, aren't you?"
"Hehe."
She nodded as if amused.
"You're slow on the uptake. Honestly, I was surprised you didn't recognize me at our first meeting."
"...It only comes back to me once I'm in the dream."
Stepping into the dream made last night's vision vivid again.
"This is a dream too... So I'll forget it again when I wake?"
"That's right."
She grinned playfully.
"Why go to the trouble? It's not like you're pranking me."
I grumbled without thinking (something I'd never do in reality—dreams make self-control impossible!), and the Saintess replied brightly.
"It's fun, isn't it? And... doesn't it feel nice to have a secret friend? A world just for us two, unknown to anyone."
"Huh..."
Shouldn't a Saintess be more refined and solemn? My thoughts must have shown on my face.
She quirked her lips faintly and continued.
"Do you know my name?"
"Irsha... right? The Saintess of the Holy Kingdom. I've heard of you."
"Correct. I'm Irsha. Let's be secret friends from now on, Iman-ssi. Or wait, considering our age difference, maybe I should call you old man."
I couldn't help but furrow my brow.
"So, what profound philosophical question do you have this time?"
"No, nothing like that."
She tapped the chair opposite her. Her expression turned a bit serious.
The playfulness vanished, replaced by mysterious, deep eyes gazing at me.
She set down her teacup.
"I have something to discuss. Hmm... Should I say it's a request from me as a Saintess?"
"A request?"
"Yes. From your story about God before... that interpretation of 'the transcendent realm humanity will reach in the future,' I gained enlightenment. And hearing your music, I saw potential...?"
She leaned forward.
"For the record, I came into your dream thinking of you, old man. This way, you won't forget the proposal I mentioned."
"...I don't know what you're asking, but I'm just an ordinary guy with no special abilities."
"That's why I came. It's something only you, with no abilities, can do."
I froze, and Irsha met my eyes as she spoke.
"I swear on my name as Saintess: even if you refuse, I won't harm you in any way. You won't even remember this meeting. That good enough for you, old man Iman?"
Fine, let's hear it. At this point, I'm curious.
The idea that there's something in this world only I can do is intriguing enough.
Though why keep calling me old man? I'm a fresh twenty-something. Still in my prime.
"Can I say just one thing?"
"Your face says it all already. But I'm still calling you old man. No conscience?"
"... "