Chapter 43
Chapter 43
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 43
Chapter Title: Banquet 2
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Julian Count's expression stiffened awkwardly.
He was utterly dumbfounded.
'My son is on such friendly terms with Duke Montella, the so-called 'Stellar Duke'?'
He had heard a thing or two through Count Harborland, it's true.
'He said he participated in the concert competition Anton hosted.'
It seemed they had formed a bond since then.
It wasn't strange for a Duke known for his deep knowledge of the arts to look favorably upon a son who was a performer.
'Regardless, it's astonishing.'
Continuing the family line requires solidarity among the nobility.
Julian had been privately worried that Anton had been spending too much time only among commoners.
'It seems my worries were unfounded.'
A sense of relief washed over him.
At the same time, he felt a sense of pride.
It was thanks to the word 'friend' that Duke Montella had used.
He knew that many nobles were looking unfavorably upon his recent promotion in rank.
Even if it was a justly bestowed reward.
Truthfully, this banquet was held to break through that skepticism.
If rumors spread in high society that Anton was on friendly terms with the Duke Montella family, the doubts about the family's qualifications would gradually lessen.
'What a relief.'
He thought that he had picked a truly marvelous son.
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"I will guide you to your seat."
"Thank you."
I guided the Duke across the mansion to the table.
I did it myself, of course.
I couldn't leave the escort of a figure of this magnitude to a servant.
The gathered crowd split to either side, clearing a path.
"It is an honor to see you, Duke."
"The pleasure is mine, Duke."
Everyone threw in a word of greeting as a matter of course.
I felt the standing Duke Montella held in noble society all over again.
I usually don't get the chance to feel it.
'Well, of course.'
He is undeniably an existence difficult to approach.
Just looking at his business card tells you that.
He is the mentor of the Crown Prince.
That says it all.
"I heard your son has also been admitted to the Academy?"
"That is correct, but..."
"To think that young lord, who hasn't even started yet, is on friendly terms with the Duke... I'm envious."
Voice like that could be heard from time to time.
Most certainly.
Truthfully, when noble families try to send their children to the Academy, if you think about it, it includes the meaning of building connections.
The quality of the education isn't the issue.
The opportunity to build casual friendships with prominent figures is only available at the Academy.
It's obvious.
But not everyone who takes on that task returns successful.
Does graduating from the Academy alone make your life?
Receiving instruction from a professor and maintaining personal connections are two different things.
So I understand why they are looking at me with envy.
A friendship with Duke Montella?
This isn't something just anyone can achieve.
As expected.
Coincidence becomes destiny, and destiny creates bonds.
Who would have thought the seed sown at the concert competition would come back like this.
'Having such a great figure by my side, the way people look at me is different.'
Anyway.
After guiding the Duke to his seat, I returned to the entrance.
More greetings followed.
"Anton."
My father called me.
"It seems the guests have all arrived, so let's begin the banquet."
"Understood."
I headed to the banquet hall with my father.
Servants and attendants were already bringing out drinks and appetizers to the guests who had arrived.
Those who knew each other were busy talking about various topics.
I never thought I'd see a scene like this at our mansion.
"Is it to your liking?"
I approached Aiolin and asked.
"It's delicious. I'm looking forward to the meal. Hehe."
"You won't be disappointed."
My father had prepared everything so meticulously, it even surprised me.
"Oh! I heard there will be a performance by Sir Anton today?"
"So you've heard already."
"To be honest, I'm looking forward to that more than the meal."
Aiolin smiled shyly.
It's good to see her looking brighter.
I was tempted to ask about the situation in her territory and other things, but I stopped myself.
She must have come all the way to the capital because she's fine with it.
Sometimes you need to read the room.
A little later, the doors to the banquet hall opened.
My father entered and read out a formal welcome speech.
Immediately, the food began to be served.
Bread and stew were the basics.
Golden-brown roasted venison and various fruit tarts.
And alcohol, too.
There was nothing missing.
And that wasn't all.
The plates and glasses, wherever they were brought from, looked luxurious just by looking at them.
"I thought it was just for show, but this is quite the real deal...?"
"Be careful with your words. The Tilberg family is a prestigious one now."
"I agree."
"There must be a reason for the promotion, right?"
The voices of nobles whispering from the side could be heard.
Right.
If we've gone this far, give us some credit.
I was worried it might be too extravagant, but seeing their reaction, it seems I was right.
While they were enjoying their meal, I had something else to do.
I walked to the piano set up on one side of the banquet hall.
Edward and I had moved it there in advance.
The eyes of the nobles, who had just started to pick up their utensils, focused in one place.
"My son has prepared a performance. Please enjoy it along with the banquet."
This is something you won't see anywhere else.
A dinner show.
I don't plan on doing it again in the future.
Just for today.
I bowed slightly and sat down at the piano.
As soon as the brief applause ended, I immediately started the performance.
Gabriel Fauré, Sicilienne.
Originally, it was a piece composed for piano and flute.
It was later rearranged as incidental music for a play, and even later, a version for piano and cello appeared.
Thanks to its incredibly soft and elegant melody, its emotions can be felt just as they are, no matter what instrument plays it.
It's also easy to adapt as a solo piano piece.
A peaceful and romantic melody, as if strolling through a classic garden.
Very simple, but it contains a deep sense of peace and tranquility in abundance.
One by one, the nobiles captivated by the sentimental tune closed their eyes.
As the movement of my fingers continued, subtle changes appeared on their faces.
I don't know what they are imagining.
Are they recalling a past?
Or perhaps it's just melancholy.
The performance filled the banquet hall, wandering between the golden chandeliers.
Soon, it left a deep impression in everyone's hearts.
"Thank you."
As soon as I took my hands off the keys and stood up, applause erupted.
The infinitely calm atmosphere was soon replaced by a bustling one.
As I was about to return to my seat, Aiolin approached.
"That was a truly wonderful performance."
"...Did you cry?"
Oh.
How rude.
I shouldn't have asked.
"Yes, a little."
I took out a handkerchief and handed it to her.
The tailor had given it to me, and it came in handy like this.
"I'm glad I got to know you, Sir Anton. I'm truly happy."
Just looking at her expression, it's hard to tell if she's happy or sad, but since she says she is, I'll believe her.
While I was talking to her, Duke Montella walked over this time.
"You are a poet. Just listening to your music makes my heart swell as if I were reading an old, classic verse."
"You flatter me."
Perhaps it's an accurate assessment.
Poetry-like music.
A piece containing delicate emotions and deep contemplation, not just a combination of simple notes.
That is classical.
The banquet continued for several hours after that.
Everyone stayed at the mansion until the very end, enjoying the cheerful atmosphere.
"By the way, how is that child doing?"
As I was lounging around after finishing my meal, my father came over and asked.
"You mean Aria? She's doing very well. Too well, even."
I saw her recently, and she seems to have put on a bit of weight.
I thought about reducing her food intake, but the problem is her singing skill increases proportionally.
I need to find a way.
"Bring her to the next banquet."
"Alright."
Whenver that may be.
The night grew late.
Nobles with territories nearby rose from their seats to prepare to leave.
However.
For those who came from afar, it's not easy to leave right away.
In preparation for such occasions, every mansion has guest rooms.
I called a servant.
"Please guide Count Seneca to her room."
"Understood."
Aiolin turned to leave with the servant.
Then, she suddenly turned this way and spoke to me.
"Sir Anton, are you not staying here?"
"Ah."
I explained roughly.
I have two territories, and I'm managing one of them.
"I will probably be returning there."
"Then, could I... stay there as well?"
"Pardon?"
"If you would allow it. If we part ways like this, I won't be able to say goodbye before I leave."
"Ah, yes. Well, whatever is convenient for you."
Was there a spare room?
I feel like I answered a bit too thoughtlessly, but anyway.
Aiolin said she would take the carriage she had prepared and follow me.
She said goodbye to my father and went outside.
"Travel safely."
"I will come again."
"You speak as if it's someone else's house. It's your territory, too."
"Yes."
We departed immediately.
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As soon as I arrived at the mansion, I asked Theo to prepare a guest room.
However.
"Since you have given one room to Aria and are using the others for your workshop, there are no spare rooms."
"Is that so...?"
I really didn't think there would be none.
I had a bad feeling about this.
What should I do now?