Chapter 22
Chapter 22
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 22
Chapter Title: Regional Tour, Seneca County (4)
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Iolyn's fingertips trembled.
A massive flame flickered within her chest.
‘How can she be so passionate?’
An intense arpeggio and a dazzling melody intertwined, instantly making the concert hall's air vibrate heavily.
But soon.
A lyrical melody sprang forth.
A moment of silence.
The flame died down.
Like the sun shining on a battlefield, soothing the weary hearts of the warriors.
A very brief peace settled.
But only for a moment.
A typhoon that began to rage in an instant swept through the garden once more.
The melody advanced towards its end, light and heavy, and dazzling, like the footsteps of a warrior charging toward victory.
‘This is like...’
Within that vortex of emotion, Iolyn recalled.
A hero who fought against fate and ultimately claimed victory.
The rhythm resonating from the performer's fingertips pierced deep into her heart.
It transported her into a scene from history.
There was pain and sorrow there.
But.
At the same time, the banner of glory fluttered splendidly.
It felt as if her body was floating into the air.
A sense of liberation led her to a world of freedom and light.
Click, the shackles were released.
She couldn't hear anything.
Neither the voices of the cheering audience nor the sound of applause.
Only the calm melody of the piano remained in her ear, comforting her heart for a long time.
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The performance ended.
"Waaaaah!"
"This is it!"
The audience sprang from their seats and rushed onto the stage.
‘Huh!’
An invasion.
A spontaneous act that burst out because they couldn't contain their excitement.
But it's okay.
I was also infected by that emotion.
With a joyful smile, I exchanged handshakes and hugs.
"You're truly different from someone who came from the capital!"
"Thank you!"
Perhaps at this moment, it wasn't just Iolyn who gained hope.
The concert was already in a complete mess.
Since there was no time for closing remarks or anything, I just tidied up roughly and came down from the stage.
"It was a truly wonderful stage. It's a shame it ended so quickly."
Iolyn approached and said.
"I'm glad you're satisfied."
She said she would stay in the garden a little longer.
She seemed to want to spend time with the territory's people.
Edward was having the workers move the piano.
‘Already?’
That's fast.
I returned to the mansion with Erdi.
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"It's a relief that performer came to our territory."
It was still early evening.
Merchants gathered in a corner of the market were having a conversation.
"People with that kind of character are rare. To think she even comforted Sir Colin's soul..."
"That's exactly what I was thinking."
"Then, in that case...."
One of them spoke with a serious expression.
"What do you think about erecting a statue of the performer in the garden?"
"Hmm, that's a good idea."
"The Count would surely approve of it willingly. The only problem is..."
He trailed off.
Because a certain someone's face came to mind.
Viscount Paube.
Perhaps the Viscount would obstruct the merchants' plans.
"Hahaha!"
Just then, the man next to him burst into laughter.
The others, confused, turned their heads.
"Aren't you worried?"
"You haven't heard the news yet, have you?"
"What news?"
"Actually, just a moment ago, the Count..."
Whisper, whisper.
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A banquet was held after the concert.
The location was Iolyn's castle.
Nearby territory's nobles, all dressed up, had gathered.
"Is it really okay for me to be here?"
Erdi asked with an anxious expression.
"If you're uncomfortable, you can go to your room and rest."
"No, I'm not uncomfortable."
"Then just enjoy it. No one here will ask about your status."
At those words, his expression relaxed, looking relieved.
Erdi was the hidden hero who led today's concert to success.
He deserved to receive this level of treatment.
Anyway.
Maybe because it was a banquet held in a southern county, the atmosphere was definitely passionate.
Iolyn was wearing a deep red dress, looking extremely sophisticated and elegant.
She seemed busy greeting the visiting guests.
Then, she approached this way.
"Please enjoy yourselves. This is a small token of my gratitude for the performer's hard work."
Her smiling face was beautiful.
Just as a servant brought drinks and we were about to make a toast.
"Oh! So you were here!"
A familiar voice was heard.
Turning my head, the Viscount was standing there.
Not you again?
"Is the banquet not boring?"
"I'm enjoying it."
Asking if the banquet is boring right in front of the Count's face.
I don't think he's just thick-skinned; he must be out of his mind.
"Don't say that and come with me. It's better than filling your stomach with a shabby meal, isn't it?"
The gazes of the nobles standing nearby focused on one spot.
The Viscount Paube was openly insulting Iolyn.
And that wasn't all.
He was even belittling the guests who had come to enjoy the banquet.
Most had bewildered expressions, but a few lords who knew her situation couldn't suppress their laughter.
They must have thought she wouldn't be able to put up a fight this time either.
But.
"Viscount Paube."
Iolyn's cold voice froze the atmosphere.
"As my vassal, you have a duty to observe loyalty and courtesy."
A straight posture.
Her eyes held a stronger conviction and confidence than ever.
"And yet, you dare to insult me and show such an arrogant attitude. Have you forgotten your place?"
A public warning.
In the noble society that values honor, a critique of one's character is a huge blow.
Especially since this was a banquet hall where many surrounding lords had gathered.
She had reprimanded the Viscount for his wrongdoing in front of everyone, which was practically a death sentence for his influence.
On top of that, she had established her own authority as a bonus.
Iolyn, who had overwhelmed her opponent in a few words, glared at him with fierce eyes.
An act the usual her would never have imagined.
The Viscount, flustered, took a step back.
"Do you have anything left to say?"
"...No."
End of situation.
The expressions of a few nobles who had been smirking just moments ago soured.
‘Well done, Iolyn.’
She was no longer a naive girl.
The master of her own house and the owner of this territory.
Count Iolyn Seneca.
And the concert had also ended successfully.
With today’s incident as a turning point, she would likely be able to gradually recover her standing and win back the people’s hearts.
Victory can only be claimed by those who choose to fight.
I watched the noble back of Iolyn walking into the battlefield on her own for a long time.
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The next day.
"May good fortune fill every path the performer walks."
"Thank you."
After saying goodbye to Iolyn, I boarded the carriage again.
If fate allows it, we'll meet again someday.
Just as we were about to leave the garden, a strange voice was heard nearby.
"A solid, smooth stone!"
"Is it okay to carve it like this?"
"Someone, bring a blacksmith or a sculptor right now!"
Several men were hugging a large rock and hammering at something.
‘What on earth are they making?’
Anyway.
"Where are we going now?"
In response to my question, Edward took out a map and showed it to me.
"To the east."
"What's there?"
He pointed to a spot with his finger.
A wide land bordering the sea.
"It's a maritime trade city ruled by Margrave Rosly."
"It looks quite far from this perspective. The maps these days are so exaggerated."
"It will probably take about a month."
"...Excuse me?"
Can't we just not go?
I thought the map was wrong, but it turned out to have the accuracy of a satellite photo.
Regardless of whether I was shocked or not, Edward continued speaking.
"We may need to stop by a village to rest in between, so you should think of it as a month and a half, just to be safe..."
"Edward."
"Yes?"
"Never mind. Yes, that's fine."
A month and a half.
Since we'd be traveling continuously during that time, it's safe to say there would be no time for practice.
"This is a real vacation."
If I had known, I would have brought a book.
As a very boring week passed.
We arrived at a village.
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"It's a small village."
In response to my words, Edward answered.
"It seems to be a place where they farm and live self-sufficiently."
It means a place not influenced by a lord.
Since the land is so vast, it's not strange for one or two such places to exist.
"Let's see if there's a place to stay."
As we entered the entrance, an old man who looked like the village chief came out to greet us.
"Welcome."
"We are travelers. Is there a place where five people can stay?"
Me, Edward, Erdi, and two coachmen.
"There is an inn built for those who come and go."
Luckily.
We headed to the inn, following the chief.
After greeting the owner, we were each assigned a room.
For now, I planned to stay here for about two days.
I had been in the carriage all day, so I felt a bit carsick and went for a walk.
"The air is nice."
Just then.
"Heeeey!"
A cheerful voice was heard.
"J-Just a moment!"
She ran this way in a hurry, then bent over, gasping for breath.
Her sparkling blonde hair fluttered.
She looked to be in her mid-twenties.
"T-That's gotta be..."
She pointed to a cart that had been temporarily parked in front of the inn.
A piano was loaded on top of the cart.
‘Is she this surprised just by seeing a piano?’
As I was watching, wondering what was going on, she thrust her face right in front of me.
"I'm Diana Pierce!"
"Ah, I'm Anton Tilberg."
Then, she neatly put her hands together and bowed her waist.
"Pardon my intrusion upon our first meeting! I never thought I'd see a piano in a village like this, so I..."
"It's fine. It's not like it'll get worn out just by looking at it."
"May I take a closer look?"
The moment I gave my permission, Diana strode toward the cart.
Then, with her hands on her hips, she carefully examined it here and there.
"Does it make a sound too?"
"Yes. It makes a sound when you press the keys."
"How fascinating... I've only seen things like this in books..."
By her reaction, it seemed this was her first time seeing a piano in person.
She must have never heard a performance either.
By the way, she's quite a lively woman.
"Anyway, it was an honor!"
Diana bowed once more and greeted me.
She quickly turned around and disappeared into the distance.
‘I'm drained.’
I watched the path Diana ran down.
Narrow and bumpy.
‘...Never heard a piano performance before, huh.’
I just had a good idea.
I returned to the inn and found Erdi.
"Erdi!"
"Yes."
"Let's make our debut."