Chapter 56
Chapter 56
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 56
Chapter Title: Erdi Billet 2
-----------------------------------------------------------------
“I didn't know we would be apart for so long.”
Elise said this with a gaze that seemed somewhat sorrowful.
Her hands were neatly placed on the table.
A moment of silence followed.
Trying to break the awkward atmosphere, I spoke first.
“How has your piano practice been?”
To be honest, while we hadn't seen each other, I had been sending her new musical scores whenever I had the chance.
From Clementi's Sonatina Op. 36, No. 1, for her sake.
Up to Chopin's Ballades and Etudes.
I had been increasing the difficulty step by step, so I wondered how she found them.
“It was wonderful. You even included Juvel. It was a great help to me.”
Of course, including the recording of the original piece was a bonus.
Otherwise, she wouldn't know what kind of piece it was just by looking at the score.
That was a fact I had learned through a few past experiences.
“If only the Performer had come personally to play it for me... it would have been even better.”
“I apologize. I've just been incredibly busy with work.”
“You're lying.”
“Pardon?”
“No. It's nothing.”
Elise smiled shyly and took a sip of her tea.
Then, she raised her head slightly and asked me.
“By the way, what brings you here today?”
“There is something I must ask of you.”
“Please, go on. Hehe.”
I explained the situation to her.
And added that her help was absolutely essential.
The nobles' signatures guaranteeing Erdi's ability.
While the number of names on the list is important, quality comes before quantity.
If the list were filled only with names of people I'm close to, it might be viewed with suspicion.
But what if that person were Elise?
Her name carries immense weight and a unique significance.
Moreover.
There probably isn't a single person in the capital who would think we are on such intimate terms that we could meet in private at any time.
This is a checkmate move.
She is the Crown Princess. Who could possibly refute this?
There is no room for controversy.
If I show the signature of Elise, who stands at the pinnacle of influence, to the nobles who value authority and honor, everything will proceed smoothly.
It feels similar to the time with Aria.
“You know this is a difficult request, don't you?”
She, who had been lost in thought for a moment, opened her eyes.
Her narrow pupils were cast down.
A difficult request, she says.
She isn't wrong.
The power of the Crown Princess's seal is beyond imagination.
That said, she's done so much for me until now.
It would be unfair to play hard to get now.
“First, let me hear his performance and then decide.”
“I brought him with me. I will guide him in.”
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
I introduced Erdi, who had been waiting outside, to Elise.
He knelt on one knee and bowed his head respectfully.
“It is a great honor to meet you, Your Highness the Crown Princess.”
“Let us go to the banquet hall together.”
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
“Listen well, Erdi.”
“Yes.”
“You will accompany me to the Imperial Palace tomorrow.”
“Pardon?”
“And you will play the piano before the Crown Princess.”
“...Pardon?”
The day before my meeting with Elise.
I called Erdi to the mansion to lay out the plan.
This was a kind of presentation.
I had to prepare in advance to make a good impression on her.
I spread out the selected scores and began examining them.
“Young Master.”
Erdi suddenly sank to the floor and clutched his head.
“Can I really do this?”
He seemed to be trembling.
“Think of it as a performance. Besides, there's only one audience member. What could be better?”
“I understand.”
Selecting the piece wasn't difficult.
The answer came naturally when considering Erdi's specialty and Elise's taste.
Debussy, Reflets dans l'eau (Reflections in the Water).
Like Clair de Lune, which I had presented before, it translates the simple, visual theme of water's movement onto the keyboard.
Of course, there are differences.
Clair de Lune prioritizes emotional expression over technique.
The performance itself isn't very difficult, but it draws the listener in with its unique lyrical charm.
It is composed in a very classical form, with a consistent structure and melody forming its backbone.
In contrast, Reflets dans l'eau is quite impressionistic.
A complex and abstract structure.
The difficulty of the performance is also much higher.
To accurately express the theme of the piece with rapidly progressing arpeggios and delicate pedaling requires considerable skill and a deep understanding of the piano.
The chords and timbres change incessantly, as if trying to express the flow of waves, just like the title suggests.
It is truly the pinnacle of impressionistic technique.
If Clair de Lune holds a soft and serene emotion, Reflets dans l'eau is far more dynamic.
It is a good choice because it can show off Erdi's skill without reservation.
At the same time, it should surely stir a gentle ripple in Elise's heart, which is always thirsty for new music.
I continued practicing with him for hours.
His performance was always elegant and calm.
It lacked any sharp, stimulating flavor that grabs you by the ear, but if you listen quietly, you naturally get drawn in.
In fact, this is the most difficult technique.
The ability to make an atmosphere that could easily become mundane into something special with one's own unique personality.
Good, Erdi.
At this level, passing the audition is no longer just a dream.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Elise and I sat side by side on chairs placed in one corner of the banquet hall.
“It would be fun to go see a performance like this, just the two of us.”
What on earth is she talking about?
If I'm not mistaken, don't we normally call that a date?
I stayed quiet, fearing I might get caught on something if I answered.
Soon, Erdi placed his hands on the keyboard.
The introductory arpeggios burst forth gently, like a silent wave flowing by.
Finding Erdi's unique, seamless pedaling and finger movements, the shimmering reflection of light on the water's surface came to mind, filling my vision.
So this is what it feels like.
I haven't seen him perform with his whole heart many times myself.
Seeing it from a spectator's perspective feels new all over again.
As the piece moves past the middle section, the melody begins to gain vitality.
The waves turn into billows.
Chords and rhythms are chaotically mixed together, violently shaking the tune.
This dynamic melody is impossible to predict where it will jump next.
I glanced to the side, and Elise was already swaying her head up and down naturally, as if she had been completely swept away by his music.
Her lips were slightly parted.
A short while later.
The piece, which had been rushing toward its climax, gradually quieted down, returning to a peaceful atmosphere.
As if the sun were setting and the light shimmering on the water's surface were fading.
Erdi pressed the final key.
A deep, long resonance filled the banquet hall.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
“Instead of a solo concert, let's do it like this.”
The day before the theater's grand opening.
I had originally planned a concert for Erdi to celebrate the Academy's founding, but my mind has changed.
A better idea came to mind.
“Let's hold the entrance ceremony at the theater itself.”
Edward nodded at my suggestion.
“It will certainly be the talk of the town.”
That wasn't the end of it.
“Erdi, Sir Korsolin, and I will each present a performance.”
A faculty introduction with a touch of performance art.
I had already gotten Victor and Erdi's consent.
The only thing left was Edward's answer, but that was practically already decided.
I only asked out of courtesy.
“That sounds good.”
“I knew you would say that.”
We immediately began preparations.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
The next day.
A massive crowd gathered in front of the newly constructed Academy building.
Each of them clutched a single thin sheet of paper.
An admission letter.
“Finally, the day has come!”
“You have no idea how long I've waited!”
The excited voices of young ladies and gentlemen who had just come of age rang through the air.
The satellite campus near the capital, created by the collaboration of Anton Tilberg and the Valcares Academy.
To prove its popularity, the admission competition ratio was a staggering 6 to 1.
It would be a mistake to think that's average.
It means only one out of six applicants could be admitted.
That's double the rate of the main campus.
It was only natural that the noble scions who had beaten those odds to get here couldn't hide their joy.
“They're holding the entrance ceremony at a theater!”
“I wonder how grand it will be... I'm so excited...”
“I heard a rumor that every student is getting their own personal piano.”
“I'm more curious about the identities of the professors.”
As everyone was expressing their delight with a word of admiration.
The main doors of the theater opened.
“Wow...”
The place was so enormous that you couldn't take in the entire interior at once without turning your head.
The tiered seating was divided into three floors, with a stage at the very front.
Julian and Count Harborland were guiding them inside.
“It's a great relief to have you two helping us.”
At Edward's words, Count Harborland let out a hearty laugh.
“Of course I had to step up for Anton's affairs!”
Julian felt the same.
“To think my son would be hosting such a grand event... I'm seeing something I never expected to see in my lifetime...”
By the time everyone had found their seats.
The dean of the Valcares Academy in the North stepped onto the stage.
Applause erupted from the audience.
“I sincerely welcome all of you, who are taking your first steps into this sacred hall of art, today.”
The dean himself declared the ceremony open.
“Since ancient times, art has enriched the human soul and served as a beacon illuminating the truths of the world.”
His voice was filled with formality and gravity.
“Many challenges and trials await you, but I hope you will never forget your yearning for art and guide each other as you move forward.”
Some of the new students were already speechless.
They couldn't hide their overwhelming emotion.
And then.
“Next, we will introduce the faculty.”
The theater fell as silent as a mouse.
The dean, having finished his opening declaration, walked to the edge of the stage.
At the same time.
A piano, hidden behind the curtain, slowly came into view.
“Ohh!”
“It seems Sir Anton is coming out himself!”
“It must be Professor Anton!”
However, the person who took a seat there was someone completely different from what the new students had expected.
“C-Could it be...”
The man, who stood up awkwardly, stepped forward and bowed deeply.
The dean, who had been waiting beside him, introduced him.
“This is Professor Victor Korsolin, the great musician of whom the Academy is so proud.”
The moment his name was called, the audience went wild.
“Waaaaah!”
“D-Does this mean Professor Korsolin, who was said to be in the North, has come in person?!”
The dean spoke again.
“Professor Korsolin is a brilliant artist who liberates the soul through music. Now, through his guidance, you will discover not only technique but the true emotions hidden within.”
After exchanging a glance with the dean, Korsolin went back to the piano and sat down.
And then, he struck the keys with all his might.
The performance of the master began, echoing through the grand theater.