Chapter 37
Chapter 37
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 37
Chapter Title: Forever Any Number of Times 1
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“Huh...? What?”
Aria turned around, her face flustered from being suddenly addressed.
That only lasted a moment.
Her eyes met mine.
“Ah!”
She quickly turned off the music box and got out of bed.
“Ah, hello...”
She bowed her head deeply.
Hasn't she grown a little taller since I last saw her?
Well, kids grow up fast.
It had been months since I last met Aria.
It's natural for things to feel a bit unfamiliar after a long time.
“Aria, you have something to say to the performer, don't you?”
At Joel's words, she quickly lifted her head and bowed again.
“Thank you so much for the music box! I listen to it all the time...”
“I'm glad you like it.”
She's still clutching the small music box tightly in one hand.
She must not want to be separated from it for even a moment.
I can understand that feeling.
It was a gift that perfectly hit her preferences, and moreover, it was likely the first item she'd ever owned that was truly hers.
“Are you getting tired of it soon? I could play a different song for you, you know.”
“Really!? I'd love to hear it!”
“Now, now.”
I stopped Aria, who was about to hop over and run to me.
Is she that happy about it?
The music boxes I originally made came in five different types.
The one I gave to Aria contained one titled 'Forever, No Matter How Many Times'.
It's a piece with a gentle and soft melody as its charm.
The comfort and healing provided by the warm tone of the piano.
It would be even better if you imagined the scenes from the original movie while listening, but even with just the music itself, it's a masterpiece that leaves a profound impression.
There was no particular need to arrange it.
Sometimes, certain pieces shine brightest when left as they are.
Anyway.
Even so, people's ears are always drawn to something new.
'Forever, No Matter How Many Times' is a wonderful piece, but if you keep repeating it, there will surely come a time when you get sick of it.
That's true for all music.
“What do you say, Aria? If you want, I can ask Edward to gift you a new music box right away.”
“I'd love it...! I'd love it so much...!”
As it happens, a few units made for test recordings were left over.
About three or four.
They all contain different music, so Aria would surely welcome this proposal with open arms.
But.
“There's a condition.”
“Huh...?”
I have no intention of just giving it to her.
I looked back and forth between Joel and Aria.
“You'll have to get on stage with me.”
***
Aria shook her head.
“But I can't perform or anything...”
Joel had a similar reaction.
“This child has never played the piano before.”
“Ah, it's fine.”
I have no intention of making her perform.
“Then...?”
Aria tilted her head and asked.
“Sing for me.”
“Hah!”
Is it that shocking of a request?
Well, in a way, it's a natural reaction.
In this world, singing is not considered an art.
The reason is unknown.
A prejudice against technical proficiency?
Playing an instrument requires consistent training and high-level technique, but singing doesn't.
Anyone can do it.
Nor does it require expensive instruments.
In other words, it's something commoners can easily access.
For nobles who value their distinction and superiority over commoners, it's not strange for them to undervalue singing.
Or perhaps they believe that the interference of language harms the purity of music.
Both are valid points.
But.
'That's nonsense.'
Singing is by no means easy.
If you only consider the level of producing a sound, anyone might be capable of it, but this is ultimately an art of conveying emotion.
It's not much different from playing an instrument.
Moreover, a skill level like Aria's isn't created by simple practice alone.
Inborn talent is required.
And that is very important.
Vocalization, breathing, pitch, rhythm.
Musical sensibility and excellent hearing are essential for these.
For that reason, I plan to bring this undervalued art of the commoners to the center of culture.
Of course, with Aria.
“Aria, I need your help.”
“Huh...?”
I explained it to her in such detail, but she still seems to not understand, her face showing an uneasy expression.
“Singing is definitely fun... but I don't think people would like it... it's ridiculous for an orphan like me to get on stage... and...”
“Stop it.”
This time, Joel tried to persuade her.
It seems it was hard for him to just listen.
I understand.
Aria isn't exactly saying the wrong thing.
That's the general consensus.
But still, what kind of adult would be happy to see such a small girl berating and belittling herself?
It's my job to sort this out.
“Director.”
“Yes.”
“Aria's talent is not of the ordinary level. I've never seen a case of such innate sensibility before.”
“I feel like you're exaggerating a bit... but if you insist that much, I suppose I have no choice but to agree.”
“Singing well is not something you're born with in most cases. It's a blessing. Not everyone can reach that level. The ability to pour your heart into a single line. What else is that if not talent?”
As I kept pushing, he finally nodded and backed down.
I turned my gaze to Aria.
“Hmm...”
She let out a low hum, looking like she was in deep thought.
But.
Her expression was bright.
She must be feeling better because I kept praising her.
'She's about to come around.'
To secure this resource for sure, I need to offer a corresponding condition.
In most cases, a deal falls through because the compensation is insufficient.
“If you accept my proposal, I will give you all future music boxes for free, guarantee lifetime free repairs, free access to the theater, priority entry for concerts, and the Tilberg family will guarantee your education and living expenses...”
“I'll do it!”
Accepted.
“Then, Director.”
“Yes.”
“I will take Aria with me for a while.”
“Is that alright?”
“Of course. I recently hired a new maid at the mansion. If I ask her, she'll take good care of Aria.”
“Understood.”
Joel seemed reluctant, but this is ultimately a decision to give Aria wings.
“Director! Take care! I'll come again! Stay healthy until then!”
After a tearful farewell, we got on the carriage together.
Let's go.
To the mansion.
***
“Say hello. This is Theo.”
“Hello.”
As soon as we arrived at the mansion, I looked for Theo, who was in his office.
“...Is this a guest of the young master?”
“She'll be staying here for a while. I'm planning to leave her in Diana's care.”
“...Understood.”
This was the reaction I expected.
If I suddenly brought in a young girl and told him to say hello, I'd probably make a similar face.
“Now, Aria, go with that sister for now.”
First, I sent her to Diana, then sat down with Theo.
“I'm thinking of raising her as a singer.”
“A singer, you say?”
“Someone who sings on stage. It will surely cause a huge stir.”
“That's an unexpected thing to say. But since it's what the young master is doing, I will trust you completely.”
“Good.”
How long have we been together?
There is a bond between us, no different from that of brothers.
“What about today's work?”
“I finished most of it while you were out. All that's left is for you to review it.”
I should finish up quickly and go upstairs.
***
That evening.
I called Diana and Aria to my room.
I sat the two of them next to the piano and explained my plan.
Actually, Diana has nothing to do at this concert.
She just needs to focus on practicing like she has been.
The important one is Aria.
“I'd like you to sing to 'Forever, No Matter How Many Times'.”
“Ah! I understand!”
“Can you do it?”
“Yes!”
“For real?”
“Huh?”
There's no need to delay any further.
I can just check right away.
Right then and there, I quickly wrote down some lyrics.
I arranged words to fit the melody and, recalling memories from my past life, created a four-line sentence.
Then I handed it to Aria.
I'll play along with you, so try singing it.”
“Yes!”
Aria, holding the paper, stood up from her seat.
I lightly placed both hands on the keys.
A simple chord and melody.
The song began immediately.
A clear, pure tone that filled the quiet room.
It was warm and delicate, as if the early morning sun were shining down on nature, dyeing the world in gold.
The high notes were light and free, like a bird taking flight.
The low notes carried a seriousness not befitting a child.
After the song ended for a while, Aria sat back down in her seat.
Diana grabbed her hand and shook it, shouting out loud.
“W...Wow!”
To be honest.
I'd love to be making a fuss like that too, if I could.
'Are you kidding me?'
I never imagined I'd hear a song that touches the heart this much in another world.
There's no need to think about it any further.
“Diana.”
“Yes! Young master!”
“Take good care of Aria. Teach her what she needs to know.”
“Yes! You can count on me!”
With that, I headed straight out.
My destination is the theater.
“Edward. I need to speak with you for a moment.”
“What brings you here at this hour?”
“I've discovered something truly amazing. I'm not kidding.”
“...Please, come in for now!”
I went to the waiting room with him.
A single letter was placed on the table.
“It's from the professor. About the music box order. How many are you planning to order this time?”
“We can talk about that later.”
For now, adjusting the concert schedule is the priority.