Chapter 51
Chapter 51
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 51
Chapter Title: For Elise 1
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Early dawn.
As soon as I woke up, I headed for my father's territory.
"Already heading out, Young Master?"
"Of course."
Edward greeted me.
He says that, even though he came out earlier than I did.
The dark circles under his eyes are so deep, it looks like he didn't get a wink of sleep last night.
I understand.
Thinking about the massive event happening today, it would be stranger if his heart wasn't racing.
"It's finally starting."
We can finally break ground now.
The Academy has also granted its permission, so there's no more reason to delay; it would just be a waste of time.
As we were surveying the construction site, a large group of people approached from a distance.
The Artisans' Guild led by Hugo.
They were carrying axes, hammers, and artifacts that seemed to glow.
Behind them, dozens of carriages followed with a clamor.
They were loaded with all sorts of lumber and stone.
Seeing them, it was starting to feel real.
"You were already here."
Hugo greeted us.
"We will begin construction today and finish it perfectly in exactly one year."
"I'm counting on you."
The artisans swarmed out and set all their equipment down on the ground.
It looks like they're about to perform a ground-breaking ceremony.
A culture of holding a ritual to pray for the construction to go well also exists in this other world.
A man who looked like a priest stood in the center and began to pray.
I closed my eyes with him and made a wish.
Please, let it turn out exactly the same as the design.
That's all I ask for.
Soon after,
Following Hugo's instructions, they demolished the Periton family's warehouse that had been on the site and began the process of digging the foundation.
The artisans moved in perfect unison.
Several people gathered to lift a massive stone pillar, then drove it straight into the ground.
The ground trembled for a moment, sending dust flying.
"Ooh."
"It's already starting to take shape, don't you think?"
Edward and I watched them for a long time in silence.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
"Where did the letter come from?"
When I returned to the mansion, Theo called me with a grim expression.
"I think it would be faster if you read it yourself."
He handed me a sheet of paper.
I had just come back from the construction site, so I was planning to wash up quickly and lie down for a nap.
Why is it that these letters never come when you want them to, but only seek you out when you don't need them?
"Ah."
As soon as I opened the envelope, I wanted to take back the thought I'd just had.
Elise Flovitz.
Why is your name here?
I knew the paper was too high-quality.
To think it was something sent from the Imperial Palace.
I unfolded it wide and read the contents.
There wasn't much to it.
She wanted to see me in the near future.
That was it.
She probably intended to tell me the details in person.
She said to come to the palace anytime.
Letters from high-ranking people are always a problem like this.
I wish they would just specify the exact date.
This makes it feel like I have to go meet her as soon as possible.
"Theo."
"Yes."
"It looks like I'll have to go out again, so call Diana and have her prepare my outdoor clothes."
"Understood."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
"Her Highness the Crown Princess is in the reception room."
"Thank you."
I arrived at the entrance to the palace and was guided by a servant.
I've been here a few times already, but it's truly an elegant building.
I can't think of any other way to describe it.
So Hugo and his artisans built this?
My expectations swell.
Anyway,
I checked my attire in front of the reception room and knocked.
"Come in."
A soft voice came from inside.
"Did you call for me?"
"I was waiting for you."
Elise, who had risen from the sofa, greeted me personally.
Seeing a teacup on the table, it looked like she had been enjoying a tea time by herself until just a moment ago.
I sat facing her.
She pushed a cup toward me.
"Please, have some."
"Thank you."
By the way, Elise, have you matured a little?
It seems the shadows of her facial features have become a little deeper than before.
"Hmm."
That aside,
The way she's staring at me is very intimidating.
I quietly averted my gaze.
Let's not have any strange thoughts.
I decided to ask her what she wanted.
"What business did you have with me?"
"Guess!"
"...Pardon?"
Elise suddenly shouted in a cheerful tone, unbecoming of her.
She wants me to guess?
I never expected to play twenty questions with the Crown Princess, but it would be rude to ignore her, so I should respond roughly.
There are a few things that come to mind.
The matter of establishing the Academy branch?
Since I've been making such a big fuss about it, she probably already knows what I'm up to.
Maybe she wants to ask me about this and that regarding the theater renovation?
Or maybe...
She might be wondering why I haven't been holding any concerts lately.
That makes sense.
Elise has been calling herself my fan since our first meeting.
Since I suspended my performance activities after the joint concert with Aria, she might be aiming to encourage my return.
If that's the case, it explains why she didn't send a letter but personally invited me to the palace.
"None of those are correct. You really don't understand a woman's heart at all, Performer."
"...Huh?"
What is this?
"Actually, I've mastered all the practice scores you've released."
"R-Really?"
I was so surprised I could barely speak.
It hasn't even been half a year yet?
At a normal pace, it would take a full year, at least.
The original reason I decided to stop theater operations with Edward was based on the fact that it would take a long time for people to master the scores.
Did I miscalculate?
That can't be.
She's just unbelievably fast.
"Excuse me, but... how many hours a day do you practice?"
"Ah! I've been holding back a bit lately. About five hours in the evening."
Five hours.
And that's the minimum.
"At first, I played without realizing how much time was passing and ended up exceeding twelve hours, you know. Hehe."
Twelve hours?
Is that really okay for someone who's the Crown Princess?
I didn't know Imperial family members had so much free time.
Well, it's not for me to worry about.
If she practices after her duties are over, there's nothing to say.
She must be pouring all her spare time into it.
Just because you're fast doesn't mean it's good.
I probably don't need to say that, though.
"So, then."
"Yes."
Elise lowered her voice and asked me seriously.
"When are you planning to release the next textbook?"
"...Was that the reason you invited me all the way to the palace?"
"Well, it's part of it."
The new textbook is still being written, and considering revisions, it will take another two months before its release.
When I explained that, her shoulders slumped.
"If you need more pieces to practice, I have some scores I published previously..."
"I've memorized all of those already."
"Ah."
Does this woman not sleep?
Just how much free time does she have to memorize all of that in such a short time?
Is she just a type who loves music obsessively?
Even so, it feels a bit excessive.
If I were her private tutor, I would never let her practice for twelve hours.
Especially during the beginner stage.
Even for Diana, I only allow two hours of lessons a day.
That's plenty, and playing an instrument is a hobby you have to look at in the long term.
If you push too hard in a short period, you'll get bored quickly, and it will take a toll on you both physically and emotionally.
"Oh. Is that so..."
At my words, Elise bit her lip with a troubled expression.
"Um, well..."
"Yes?"
"Would it be alright if I took a look at your wrist for a moment?"
"My wrist?"
"I'm sorry. Please forget I asked."
Even so, it's probably too much to ask of the Crown Princess.
That's what I thought, but,
She extended her arm toward me without hesitation, offering her wrist.
"It's fine."
"Then, please excuse me."
I carefully held it so my hands wouldn't touch her, and pressed down between the radius and the carpal bones.
"Does it hurt?"
"A little."
I knew it.
This time, I checked the inside of her wrist and the palm area.
They were all places with ligaments.
"Ah! That hurts."
"I apologize."
Even to the naked eye, it was a little swollen.
I knew this would happen.
I told you, rushing isn't always good.
"It would be best for you to stay away from the piano for a while."
"Wh-Why...?"
"Because you've been playing for too long, you've strained your wrists. If you continue to move them in this state, you may never be able to play again."
"Hah..."
It's the truth.
Even professional performers only practice for a maximum of three to six hours a day.
To protect their wrists and manage their condition.
If you exceed that, it's no different from trading your lifespan to build skill.
"It's not serious yet, so you'll be fine if you rest for a few days."
"I understand."
"The piano is absolutely forbidden. Absolutely."
"Okay, I get it."
What is this?
Didn't she just get a little annoyed?
Does she turn into a child like this whenever music comes up?
I understand that feeling.
"In that case, Your Highness the Crown Princess."
"Yes?"
"If you rest from playing for one week, I will give you a fine gift."
Blessed are those who endure.
This is a reward for being the first to master my textbook.