Chapter 44
Chapter 44
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 44
Chapter Title: Banquet 3
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In the end.
I temporarily borrowed a room used by the servants, which Diana and one maid shared.
Since there was a spare bed, I had it replaced.
I felt bad for the two of them, but guest reception came first; it couldn't be helped.
"It's fine! I can sleep in the stable!"
"There's no need for that."
I offered the room I was using as a study and music score storage room for the time being.
"Wow... it's really dark in here."
Diana let out a sound that could be either admiration or shock.
It is a bit dark.
I did it on purpose.
If the paper deteriorates, it'll be a headache.
The south-facing windows were already half-covered, and now not even moonlight could enter.
Humidity was controlled with charcoal.
If light was needed, there were candles.
"It might be uncomfortable, but please bear with it for just one day."
"Not at all! It's very comfortable! But, Young Master."
As I was about to leave after guiding the two, Diana grabbed me.
"Could I take a look at some of the music scores here...? Just a little!"
She seemed curious.
Ah, I don't usually show these to just anyone.
"Feel free to look. Just keep things organized."
"Th-thank you!"
Diana is a performer now too, isn't she?
She's still at an apprentice level, but this is the very time when her interest in music should be growing.
The inspiration she receives at times like this is the most important.
Originally, Erdi and I had transcribed dozens of Earth's classical pieces into scores.
I would play the piano, and he would transcribe it.
Most of them are still unpublished.
"Waaah... how many times does the time signature change here? And there are so many key changes..."
I glanced at the score she had picked.
Ah, I see.
I immediately understood why she was so surprised.
Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody.
A piece that requires a very high level of technique.
Even I found it too difficult and left it unfinished.
When it will be released is unknown.
If I can't complete it, it might be buried in the storage room forever.
"Be careful not to let the candle flame touch the paper."
"Yes!"
I gave Diana a bit of an old-fashioned scolding and stepped outside.
Aiolin was going to be guided by another servant, so I probably don't need to go check on her.
I know when to step aside.
Huuu...
I'm tired.
I should go back to my room and rest a little.
That thought crossed my mind for a moment, then vanished.
"Mister! How was the banquet?"
Aria came running over.
"Don't run inside the mansion."
"Okay. My apologies."
Speaking of which.
I couldn't betray the expectations of a young child, so I briefly told her about what happened at the banquet.
"Wow..."
Aria's eyes sparkled.
"I want to go too... a banquet..."
She kept muttering to herself as if it sounded fun just from hearing about it.
"What does venison taste like?"
"Very... gamey."
Tough and with a bit of gamy flavor.
"What about Count Seneca? Is she pretty?"
"Y-yes... pretty..."
"But, can I also go to the Academy?"
"For now, just wait until you're an adult."
A barrage of unpredictable questions followed.
Why is she so curious about everything?
Well, I guess it's understandable for Aria.
She's lived her whole life in an orphanage, hasn't she?
Though "whole life" is less than half of my own.
I wonder how curious she must be about the outside world.
"Come with me to the next banquet, Aria. I'll take you."
"Wow! That's great!"
She raised both arms high in delight.
It's not as fun as it sounds, though.
A noble's banquet is more of a political gathering than a party.
She probably doesn't need to know about that part.
I'm worried she might be disappointed if she goes and sees for herself.
At that moment.
"Let's practice, practice!"
"...Practice what?"
"Banquet practice!"
Banquet practice?
"What's that?"
"You too, Mister! Look, if I'm going to a banquet later, I need to practice... right?"
Isn't she just saying this because she wants to play right now?
She's quite good at beating around the bush.
But I get it.
Actually, it had been on my mind too.
It's rare for commoners to be invited to a Count's banquet.
Even if the host is my father, and they are my long-time colleagues.
At first, I thought about inviting Edward, but he declined himself.
"It's an honor too great for me. I will quietly celebrate from behind the scenes."
He seemed to feel bad about attending while leaving the other members behind.
He's more considerate than I thought.
In that case.
It seems like a good idea to hold a banquet for just us to enjoy without any pressure.
"Aria."
I called her name.
"Yes!"
"Let's do it. Banquet practice."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
I asked Diana to prepare some simple food.
It wasn't anything grand.
Just a few snacks.
Then I called Edward and Erdi to move the piano to the banquet hall.
Finally.
"Count?"
It was late, so she might have already been asleep.
Or so I thought, but.
"Yes!"
Aiolin threw the door open as if she had been waiting.
"I'm thinking of holding a simple banquet downstairs. Would you like to join us?"
"I'd love to!"
A reply without hesitation.
Good.
There were only three tables.
Preparing a chandelier was too much of a hassle, so I just lit a few candles to brighten the area, but it was still quite dark.
"The mood is dead."
I let that slip out without thinking.
"Hehe, it's nice."
But Aria seemed to be having a great time.
Well.
If you're happy, that's all that matters.
"Erdi. Play a piece."
"Me?"
"Alright, requests are now open."
I ignored Erdi's questioning expression and took on the role of the host.
Aria immediately raised her hand and shouted.
I knew this kid would be the first to answer.
"Me! Play Canon!"
Erdi sat down at the piano with an embarrassed expression.
"Then I'll play one."
Soon, a flowing melody flowed from his fingertips.
His skill is excellent no matter when you listen.
I watched the performance while picking at the fruits on the plate.
"May I... make a request as well?"
This time, it was Aiolin.
"By all means."
"I'd like to hear that piece you performed at the capital theater this time..."
She seems to mean "Forever, No Matter How Many Times."
Since Aiolin was in the south, she wouldn't have had a chance to see the performance.
"In that case, I shall take the lead."
I went to the piano with Aria.
After swapping with Erdi, I sat on the chair.
"You remember the lyrics, right?"
"Of course! I sang it again today!"
Truly a prepared talent.
I immediately began the performance.
A warm and fresh voice filled the small banquet hall.
Aria started conducting in the air with her hands.
It seems her body moves on its own without her realizing it.
She looks much more natural than on stage.
As expected, a person needs to be at ease.
The banquet continued until late in the morning.
Erdi and I took turns playing the piano.
Theo joined in midway, holding some strange-looking dish in his hand.
"This is a fish pie made with my family's recipe."
"Haa..."
It was tasty.
That was quite surprising.
In the end, Diana said she wanted to try playing too, so I gave up my seat.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star.
I've been having her learn new music lately, but this was the first song she learned, so she seems to have a fondness for it.
By the way.
Her skill has improved a lot.
Her left-hand arpeggios are smooth, and she seems to have gotten the hang of decorating the melody by utilizing the range, making it quite pleasant to listen to.
As expected, people can grow no matter what.
The moment her performance ended, applause erupted.
"Waaah."
"I didn't know Ms. Diana could play so well."
Erdi looked quite flustered.
"You should work harder too. You'll be caught up to soon."
"Well, since you taught her personally, Young Master... As expected of you, Young Master. At this level, couldn't you be appointed as an Academy professor instead of a student?"
Are you even listening to me?
"Professor isn't a position just anyone can get."
"But there isn't a more outstanding performer in the Empire than you, Young Master. Who could possibly teach you?"
That's also true.
I'll think about that later.
Sleepiness began to set in.
"Let's clean up."
I felt bad for waking the servants, so I took care of the cleaning and washing myself.
I sent the four people staying at the mansion back to their rooms, then went outside to see Edward and Erdi off.
"We had a great time."
"Be careful on your way back."
It's cold.
Winter is coming.
I should go inside and rest quickly.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
"The budget piano will be in production soon."
I received a call from Edward and visited the theater.
"So Professor Broshia finally succeeded."
"They sent a prototype first."
"Let's check it out."
I opened the box.
The shape hasn't changed much from before.
A long rectangle with 88 keys.
The touch feels a bit heavier.
"What's the production cost per unit?"
"Eight gold coins. The selling price should be set between 10 and 15 gold coins per unit."
"That's reasonable."
It's in gold coins, not silver, but.
Still, it's much cheaper than a grand piano.
Even commoners could easily buy one if they save up a little money.
"For now, make as many as you can and send them all over."
"Understood."
The popularization of instruments, following music.
It's just the beginning.