Chapter 27
Chapter 27
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 27
Chapter Title: Albeniz, Cadiz
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The atmosphere in the Border County recovered quickly.
The sight of trade ships, once gone, returning to the port one by one was truly spectacular.
Large sails fluttered in the wind as they docked in succession.
Before long, the city began to fill with sailors carrying cargo and merchants resuming their trade.
They exchanged greetings with waves of their hands and haggled over prices while checking the piles of stacked goods.
It was bustling.
You could feel its vitality.
It was finally worthy of being called the Empire's greatest maritime trade city.
“Young Master, your meal is ready.”
Edward said, knocking on the door.
It seemed lunchtime had already arrived while I was idly gazing outside.
I got dressed and went outside.
The air was still filled with the salty, briny scent of the sea.
But it was different.
Lively voices filled the streets.
Just hearing them lifted my spirits.
I couldn't help but smile as I headed for the Border Lord's mansion.
Everyone was gathered.
On the table were bread, roasted pork, and a warm stew.
They must have put in a great deal of effort, as the lord's domain had finally come back to life after so long.
I ate a few pieces of bread, then tore the roasted pork into small pieces and put them in my mouth.
It melted on the tongue.
I couldn't remember the last time I'd had such a feast.
The sharp spice and the rich juice of the meat combined in a strangely perfect harmony.
Then, I took a sip of the stew.
The warmth washed over me, and the fatigue throughout my body vanished.
A sigh of admiration escaped my lips.
The food was delicious, and the pie for dessert was excellent as well.
“I heard the concert is in the evening.”
The Border Lord said.
That was correct.
The trade city was extremely busy during the morning and day.
Furthermore, missing this period could result in enormous losses.
It was best not to disturb them during their working hours.
Instead...
When darkness fell over the port and only the faint light of the lighthouse remained.
That was the perfect time.
“What piece will you be performing today?”
This time, it was Erdi who asked.
I had something in mind.
Isaac Albéniz, Cadiz.
It wasn't as famous as the collection he published in his later years, Iberia, but it was a piece with its own recognition and significance.
Its passionate atmosphere, reminiscent of the Spanish port city of Cadiz, and its exotic rhythm were particularly charming.
If you listen closely to the gently flowing melody, it feels like standing on a beach, feeling the warm breeze of the Mediterranean.
It's a piece that requires a fairly high level of technique and expressive power, so I had been practicing diligently.
I've never actually been to Cadiz, but I imagine it has a similar feel to the Border County.
They say it's a favorite piece among the people there, so it should resonate with the people of this domain as well.
“Let's prepare!”
We set up a stage a short distance from the port.
Edward and I moved the piano.
The horizon could be seen in the distance.
Areas near the sea are generally high in humidity.
High humidity has a bad effect on the piano, but... well, there's nothing to be done about it.
I'll have to ask Edward to check it over after the concert.
I sat quietly, waiting for the sun to set.
People began to gather in increasing numbers.
Then.
“Young Master. The Border Lord wishes to see you for a moment.”
“Oh?”
I followed Erdi to the port.
The Border Lord was talking with the sailors under a trade ship.
“I was told you were looking for me.”
“So you've finally arrived!”
At his signal, the sailors standing nearby lowered a small wooden box in front of me.
What is this?
The lid opened, revealing the contents.
“A gift from the people of the domain and the merchants, for you, who has worked so hard for our domain.”
It was an outfit made of high-quality fabric.
Gold thread was embroidered over a blue silk tunic.
It came with a leather belt with metal ornaments and a soft, thick cloak as well.
It looked quite valuable.
“Don't refuse and take it.”
“I am so grateful, I don't know what to do.”
“Hahaha!”
My clothes had already started to wear out from the long journey.
I never imagined I would receive such a wonderful gift.
I'll wear it on stage today.
A short while later.
The sun slowly sank below the horizon.
The clouds were dyed in warm colors, creating golden waves.
A pleasant breeze.
My hair fluttered lightly.
“I am Anton Tilberg, the performer from the capital!”
The audience responded with applause and cheers to my words.
“Ooh!”
“Waaaah!”
“The hero of our domain!”
“Anton! Anton!”
There was no sign of them quieting down.
I should just begin.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
A melody that spreads gently, like a sea breeze carrying the scent of salt.
The 2/4 time habanera rhythm, characteristic of Albéniz's works, pops out and stimulates the ears with pleasure.
An elegant swing.
Like waves holding moonlight, slap.
In the middle section that follows, a more intense melody captures the emotions.
It recreates the lively port and the bustling market.
A faint smile rises to the lips of the audience.
The sea is their life.
So perhaps, they might find in Cadiz...
The scene of their own daily lives being revived through music.
A sea shimmering with silver light.
Trade ships swaying as if dancing.
Bustling footsteps crossing the pier.
Warm sunlight.
A summer that burns as if it will last forever.
As the noisy day comes to a close, the city will fall asleep, hoping for another day.
I pressed the final key.
The sound, melted by the humid wind, lingered for a long time.
A glance at the audience's faces showed they were indescribably moved.
I prayed inwardly.
That the daily lives they had fought so hard to reclaim would never again be destroyed by anyone's hand.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
“I pray for peace to be with you on your future path.”
“Thank you. I pray for your well-being as well, my Lord.”
It was time to depart.
The Ebellon incident had been resolved, and the concert had ended successfully.
I boarded the carriage.
It was, as expected, a sorrowful farewell.
“Let's depart!”
The coachman cracked the whip with vigor.
Leaving the Border Lord's mansion, we turned onto the main road.
“The only place left now is the North, right?”
I asked Edward.
We had conquered the Seneca County in the South and the trade city in the East.
Passing through the Kingdom of Ebellon in between was just a bonus.
“That's correct. Shall I explain what's there on the way?”
“That's alright.”
I already knew what was in the North without having to ask Edward.
The Academy.
As expected.
“We will be going to the Academy. I have already exchanged letters with its dean.”
Academies in this world are generally similar to universities.
Adult noble scions enroll, and they take classes on civilization, history, society, and politics rather than combat skills.
And one more thing.
It's also a place to nurture artists.
That goes without saying.
Music is the culture most loved by the nobles.
There must have been a 'music' class as a mandatory subject at the Academy.
Well, anyway.
To think I'd be holding a concert at the Academy even before enrolling.
Excellent.
With an excited heart, I headed for the North.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
At the same time.
Just as Anton's party was accelerating their journey to the North.
“Is anyone home?”
A visitor had arrived at Baron Julian Tilberg's mansion, near the capital.
Theo, the butler, greeted them.
“This is a letter from His Majesty the Emperor. Please deliver it to the Lord.”
Theo took the letter and headed straight for the Baron's office.
“My Lord.”
“...A letter from His Majesty the Emperor?”
Wondering what this could be about, he checked the contents.
“What in the world is this...?”
To the loyal vassal who guards the Empire, Baron Julian Tilberg. In the name of the Emperor, I highly commend the courage and wisdom shown by your family... [The rest is omitted.] Hereby, by this letter, I command that your title be promoted from Baron to Count.
Beneath that, the schedule for the official promotion ceremony was detailed.
“Theo.”
Baron Julian handed the letter to Theo.
“What on earth does this mean?”
A title promotion.
It was not something that could be achieved with just any amount of merit.
So it was only natural to be suspicious.
I haven't done anything...
Theo, who had been reading the letter, spoke up.
“...It must be thanks to Young Master Anton, wouldn't you say?”
“My son?”
“It seems he performed a great service in a certain incident involving the Imperial family.”
The Baron couldn't contain his curiosity.
Anton was currently away from the mansion for an extended period on his tour.
Since he couldn't ask him the reason, he was all the more impatient.
“What great achievement could he have possibly made...?”
And once again, at the same time.
“Excuse meee!”
A commoner woman was running through the streets of the capital.
Blonde hair, worn-out clothes.
A middle-aged man who couldn't stand to watch any longer asked her.
“What's so urgent?”
“Do you know where the newspaper office is? Please, tell me!”
“If you're looking for the newspaper office, it's this way.”
Running in the direction the man had pointed, she saw a small building.
She went inside.
“Hello! Is, is this where the performers are?”
The owner greeted her.
“Performers? Are you a friend of Erdi? He's not here right now.”
“Huh...?”
A look of bewilderment appeared on the woman's face.
He said he'd be back in a month or two, didn't he?
She had run all the way to the capital, a place where she had no connections, just to meet them.
It couldn't be more disappointing.
Then!
She had to change her plan.
“Mister Owneeeer!”
“Hm?”
“My name is Diana Pierce! I want a job!”
Survival first!
The clock of fate was moving slowly, but it was moving.
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