Chapter 6
Chapter 6
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 6
Chapter Title: Chopin, Polonaise, Op. 53 -Heroic- (2)
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"Well, now..."
The Crown Prince's evaluation began again.
I unknowingly swallowed my dry saliva.
"Have you ever considered becoming a court musician directly under the Imperial Household?"
"Pardon?"
Did it work?
My title had even been upgraded from "you" to "my friend."
This showed just how much his impression of me had changed.
The Crown Prince continued.
"It is the first time in my life I have heard such an enchanting performance! It is like the victory drums welcoming warriors returning from triumph on the battlefield! It would be no exaggeration to adopt it as an Imperial military anthem! Why did you not play this piece just now!"
"I am embarrassed."
He listed his praises with an expression of surprise.
As I expected.
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The Chopin who composed the Polonaise was Polish.
The word "Polonaise" itself is French, meaning "Polish style."
It is a representative folk dance music from that region, characterized by a lively rhythm in 3/4 time and a clear yet simple repeating melody.
However, it is by no means light.
For Chopin, the Polonaise held an even more special meaning.
His homeland, Poland, was oppressed by Russia, and even the difficult revolution that took place was suppressed, forcing them to endure a very dark period.
Chopin was one of its direct victims.
Therefore, he continuously released works in the form of music that his homeland was proud of, attempting to prove that he was still alive.
Among them, the one that received the highest evaluation was the Heroic Polonaise.
Depending on the person, the appreciation may differ, but there is no room for debate that this piece is a great hymn forged within the dark tunnel.
The noble battle to crush hardship and reclaim freedom.
Eventually, the story of the glorious warriors who seized victory and returned with pride.
At least, that is how it sounded to me.
A supreme masterpiece that sublimated the national spirit into art, eventually transcending the era itself.
So I was certain there could be no more suitable performance for the Crown Prince.
Just as I thought.
He was more tense than before.
His two fists were clasped majestically.
His standing posture was also incredibly solemn.
He stared intently at my face with his brightly shining eyes and uttered a word.
"So? What do you think? Will you come under my wing?"
Pardon?
Were you serious?
I had wondered, but he asked with a very serious expression.
A musician who was dragged in as a criminal suddenly rising in status to receive a scout offer from the Crown Prince.
I wonder if there is a more dramatic story than this.
Did the god of Polonaise bestow a blessing upon me?
Regardless, I had to answer.
"Are you giving me a chance to choose?"
"Everyone has the right to choose."
"Then I will decline."
"Hahaha!"
The Crown Prince, who had maintained a brusque demeanor the whole time, burst into a hearty laugh.
It is embarrassing to say myself, but I aim to be a public artist.
The business card of a court musician is quite tempting, but I want to perform freely in front of as many people as possible.
That would be much more helpful for the development of another world's culture as well.
Being under someone's wing is no different from wearing shackles.
I blurted out my true feelings, but thankfully the reaction was positive.
"Then do so. However, there is a condition."
"A condition, you say...?"
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"I would like you to perform at the Imperial Knights' departure ceremony."
The Imperial Knights' departure ceremony.
It is a venue where apprentice knights who have shed their novice status are formally granted qualifications by the Emperor.
Knights who complete the departure ceremony are granted small fiefs or summoned by lords or monasteries to perform duties of protecting the Empire and managing order.
Among them, some are appointed directly as aides to the Imperial Household, like Eins.
Honor and glory based on heavy responsibility.
In addition, there are rumors that the income is quite decent.
The departure ceremony that announces the first beginning of such knights is the largest event held in the capital.
I have been once as well.
So many people crowded that all I saw was from the back.
Regardless.
The Crown Prince's words now were simple.
He is saying he will entrust me with the congratulatory stage of the knights' departure ceremony.
"Will you decline this as well?"
"As if I could. It is an honor."
Even if I somehow passed on being a court musician, declining the departure ceremony stage is not a good choice.
Moreover, since the word "condition" was added, this is closer to an order than a proposal.
'Now that the misunderstanding is cleared, did he make me play to test my suitability on the spur of the moment?'
It seems it was an interview rather than a trial.
Regardless.
It is not bad for me either.
I am not completely deprived of my freedom, so I can just think of it as the stage getting a little bigger.
What does a bigger stage mean?
More audience can see it.
That alone is a sufficient reason.
The contract was concluded quickly.
"What is your name?"
"Anton of House Tilberg."
"Then I will be in your care, Anton."
Receiving the Crown Prince's greeting, I left the banquet hall.
Eins guided me outside.
He said he would take me to my barony by carriage, so I did not refuse.
"Hey."
"Yes?"
Eins, who was sitting facing me like before, spoke.
"That performance just now was very good."
"Thank you."
"Especially the middle part. It felt like starlight twinkling in the night sky and adorning the moon, if I had to say."
Ah, so that part was good?
His taste is completely different from the Crown Prince's.
"By the way, what piece are you thinking of performing at the departure ceremony?"
"I am thinking about it."
There are still a few months until the departure ceremony.
Just like the Polonaise I played today, pieces full of technique are high difficulty.
First, selecting the right piece is the first priority.
The next is practice.
I lack practice.
I might be able to receive great praise for one or two times with ideal music, but if I keep plagiarizing without a foundation, my skills will be exposed immediately.
Of course, even so, it seems there is no one in the Empire who can match my performance yet.
If I am going to deceive, I have to do it properly.
'There are more than one or two things to worry about.'
Eins scratched his head and said.
"I am very much looking forward to it."
After that, without any further conversation, we headed to the mansion.
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"Where did he go?"
Elise Flovitz, a girl who walked into the empty banquet hall, looked around with a hollow expression.
She was a little late because she was changing clothes.
As the Imperial Princess who represents the Empire, she could not be rude in front of a guest.
But in the meantime, the musician had disappeared.
She stared at the piano with tears welling up in her eyes.
The chair was tilted slightly. It looked like someone had been sitting there.
"Are you alright?"
Therese patted Elise, who was shivering under the surge of desolation.
She offered a word to comfort her.
"It must have been an auditory hallucination."
"There is no way that is the case, Therese."
"Please calm down. I will serve you some tea."
"I must ask Ruhan."
"..."
There was no time to stop her.
Elise, lifting her dress and striding down the hallway.
Soon, she arrived at a certain door.
She knocked.
She wanted to burst the door open, but her etiquette held her back.
Ruhan appeared.
"What brings you here?"
"Who was it that was playing the piano in the banquet hall just now?"
"Do I have to tell you?"
A shadow fell over Elise's face.
"Ruhan Flovitz."
Then, she pronounced her younger brother's name syllable by syllable.
"Which do you prefer, deposition or exile?"
"...Are you serious?"
She uttered such a terrifying word without changing her expression at all.
Therese grabbed her.
If she hadn't stopped her, one of the two would not have been able to sleep peacefully tonight.
'Why are they so eager to tear each other apart every time they meet?'
Is this a sibling?
Therese's displeased gaze went to the two of them.
Elise sighed and spoke.
"I am sorry. Go in and rest now."
She felt concerned because she showed a bad side to her young brother.
Ruhan reluctantly raised the white flag as well.
"...Anton Tilberg."
"Anton Tilberg?"
"That is the musician's name."
Having finally obtained the information, Elise turned around and disappeared without a word.
She parted with Therese in the hallway.
And entered her room alone.
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'Why is this happening?'
She knows that her condition has been strange lately.
She kept worrying about something, making it hard to fall asleep.
'Clair de Lune.'
Ever since she heard that performance.
Music is an art that shakes emotions and touches the soul.
A musician pressing the keys while hiding their figure behind a thin cloth.
Perhaps that was the reason.
It was mysterious because she could not see, and she could focus entirely on the sound.
There was no obstacle between her and the music.
It was the first time in her life she felt like she was hearing "real music."
Her heart pounding and her breathing becoming shallow.
Her senses came alive, and images were drawn in the void.
Longing and joy.
Sorrow and ecstasy.
All kinds of emotions that should not coexist rushed in like waves.
That day, Elise felt the transparent egg surrounding her shatter.
A guide to a new world.
So, if she ever meets the musician, she will express her gratitude as a fan, not as a princess.
"If I ever meet him."
By the way.
What would be a good way for their first meeting?
"Should I send an invitation and summon him to the Imperial Palace? Or should I go directly to find him? Or should I pretend to run into him by chance on the street..."
The corner of her mouth went up.
"...Hehe."