Chapter 29
Chapter 29
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 29
Chapter Title: Balcares Academy 2
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“There are more research labs than I thought.”
At my words, Oscar laughed.
“The Academy is the Empire’s largest educational institution and research facility, after all.”
He then gave a simple introduction about himself.
He was the second son of a baron family with a fief in the north, and had been at the Academy for three years. He said he was the student representative. It seemed he was something like a student council president.
“Here, everyone is treated equally as students. If you can prove your ability, even a second son of a minor noble family like me can hold a good position.”
It was certainly a good system.
‘Come to think of it, I wonder what the Crown Prince’s academy life was like.’
Did he normally hang out with friends his own age? It was hard to imagine from his current personality, but it wasn’t entirely impossible. After all, even Prince William of modern Britain married a commoner woman he met at university.
‘So, inside the Academy, everyone is the same person.’
It was a school, after all. If you divide people by status determined from birth, the system can’t function properly. Just imagine the professors or senior students who form the backbone of this place fawning over a single duchess’s daughter who enters as a freshman... It’s a nightmare.
It would be nice if they created a special entrance exam for commoners too. Eventually, the imperial laws will be revised with the times.
Anyway.
After that, I followed Oscar and toured a few more buildings.
“By the way, when is the recital scheduled?”
“In three days.”
Actually, I wanted to hold it today, but it was impossible because the auditorium was under repair. Besides, there was a problem with the piano, so it had to be checked. I left that part to Edward. It had been dragged around for months, so it was a miracle it was still functioning.
‘I should get it properly tuned once I return to the capital.’
Thinking that, I moved along.
“Hm?”
I saw an unfamiliar sign.
Magic Research Lab.
‘Right.’
Magic exists in this world. Especially amplification magic using grimoires, which I’ve been using quite effectively. The fact that magic exists means there are people who create it.
“Ah! A magic research lab. Would you like to go in for a moment?”
“Is that alright?”
“I’ll ask. If I say a performer has come, they’ll gladly allow it.”
Good. If I meet an expert, there’s one thing I want to ask.
After Oscar knocked twice on the door, someone came out.
“Oh? Oscar? What brings you here?”
A woman with short hair. She wasn’t wearing a uniform.
‘A professor?’
Her gaze turned to me. I should greet her.
“I am Anton Tilberg, a performer from the capital. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Ah! I’ve heard a lot about you! I can’t leave such a precious guest standing outside! Please, come in!”
She guided us inside. There was a strange medicinal smell. Does magic in this world have something to do with chemistry? I don’t know the detailed principles.
The woman spoke.
“Actually, I’ve been researching a magic related to music lately.”
Oh? This is interesting. I wanted to hear more.
“May I ask what kind of magic it is?”
“Why can you only listen to piano performances at the theater? But if I could store that sound and play it continuously, everyone could comfortably listen to music at home... Ah! Was I being too rude in front of a performer? I’m sorry!”
“Not at all.”
That was exactly what I wanted to ask. Was the research already underway! As she said, there’s no concept of recording in this world. You can’t listen to music without a live performance.
However.
If we can realize that technology by any means necessary, whether through magic or science... You could enjoy music without going to a theater, buying a piano, or learning to play.
The plan after that is simple.
‘I’ll release an album.’
I can’t keep touring forever just to spread music. If I can make and release an album, I won’t have to worry about that.
“We’re almost at the final stage! Once the formula is organized, I’ll be sure to show you!”
Please, I really hope this succeeds. After saying that, I looked around the lab a bit more before leaving.
‘This was an unexpected harvest.’
To be honest, I hadn’t been interested in other magic until now, but for that one thing, I felt like I wanted to help out. Though there’s not much I can do, but it’s the thought that counts.
“It seems we’ve seen just about everything.”
“At this time, students hoping to join the Knights are receiving physical training. Would you like to observe?”
“No.”
I don’t think I need to see that. I’ve heard about it from my father before, so I have a general idea. Aerobic and strength training. On top of that, they learn swordsmanship, spear techniques, and some kind of close-quarters combat martial art. It’s the first step to becoming a squire.
It’s relatively common even in this world for the children of noble families who won’t inherit a title to become knights. It seems the Academy takes charge of educating them too. After joining the knights, if they achieve great deeds, they can gain the trust of the Imperial Family or be granted a new fief, so it’s a path to social advancement in its own way.
But it has nothing to do with me.
‘I have no intention of becoming a knight.’
As I was about to head back, Oscar stopped me.
“Then let’s take a look at the auditorium before you go.”
That might be alright. I followed Oscar to the auditorium. The largest building in the Academy.
“From the first floor to the third floor here is all auditorium.”
It was huge, just as he said. There was a stage at the very front, but it looked like the repair work wasn’t finished yet, as there were places where the wooden planks were peeling off. It would be perfect once the repairs are done.
‘This is way better than Rune Moon.’
Sorry, Edward, but that was my honest impression. He said it wouldn’t compare to the theater in the capital, but that must have been the dean’s humility. Anyway.
Since I’ve checked the auditorium, there was nothing left to do. I returned to the dormitory with Oscar.
“I’ll let you know when it’s time for dinner.”
“Thank you.”
He seems like a good person. If I ever enroll in the Academy, I should get close with him.
‘I’m wide awake now.’
Following him around and touring the place, I feel much more clear-headed than before. I should use this momentum to finish selecting the songs too.
I took out the sheet music and laid it out on the table.
“Let’s see.”
I looked over a few pieces and thought about it. Then, suddenly.
“Wait a minute.”
Is there any need to play a new song? After the recital at the Academy, I’ll return to the capital. This might be the final destination of our journey. In that case...
‘Why not play from start to finish?’
A so-called complete works concert. A concert. Having made up my mind, I immediately went to Edward to share my thoughts.
“That sounds like a good idea.”
“We’ll put on a splendid finale here. Of course, the finale of our journey. Not the finale of our lives.”
“Hahaha.”
Edward laughed and agreed. But it was strange. I felt a sense of incongruity.
‘He’s hiding something.’
I asked him.
“Edward.”
“Yes.”
“Spit it out.”
He confessed his troubles. The piano was broken. It had been loaded onto a cart and traveled over countless unpaved roads, so it had slowly crumbled from the inside. The strings were on the verge of snapping, the hammers’ power was weak, and one of the pedals had completely fallen off.
‘Damn it.’
This was more serious than I thought. It was at a level where a performance was impossible.
“Can’t we get it repaired immediately?”
“It’s difficult.”
Then there was only one way. Music is a required subject at the Academy. So somewhere inside this building, there must be a piano.
“I’ll have to borrow one. I’ll make a request.”
After saying that to Edward, I went to find Oscar. He told me to ask if I needed anything, so now was the time to ask for a favor. I met him and told him the truth.
“Ah! For that, I can help! There is a renowned professor at our Academy. If it’s about a piano, he’s the one to find.”
“Let’s ask him right away.”
I followed Oscar to the professor’s lab. After knocking and opening the door to enter, a brown-haired woman greeted us.
“Miss Matael, is the professor inside?”
Her name seems to be Matael. She shook her head.
“He is inside, but it’s probably better not to disturb him.”
“Is there a problem?”
“Well, you see. After hearing the news that a performer named Anton Tilberg was coming from the capital, he’s been flustered like he’s seen a ghost... He keeps saying that his first impression has to be good, and he’s been staring into a mirror like his life depends on it. He’s already changed his clothes who knows how many times, like a bride at a wedding.”
“Ah.”
Their gazes simultaneously turned to me.
‘What am I supposed to do about it?’
Feeling awkward just standing there, I extended my right hand forward.
“I am that Anton Tilberg. I’d like to meet the professor.”