Chapter 66
Chapter 66
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 66
Chapter Title: Academy Festival (1)
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"First, we should hold an event to bring everyone together again."
The two nodded at my words.
"That's a good idea."
"Should we hold a performance like we did at the opening ceremony?"
Erdi suggested.
"Something more than that."
No matter how much the nobles of this world enjoy performances, that's a bit too static.
Considering the whole incident with Dirk and how busy the academy has been lately,
everyone must be exhausted, both physically and mentally.
Now that things have settled down, it seems we need to set aside a few days to just have fun.
They're all at the age where their spirits are vibrant, after all.
Of course, that includes me.
So.
"Let's hold a festival."
"A festival?"
People say a school is like a small society, but to be precise, it's not a real one.
This is the last chance for them to let go of their sense of responsibility, even if only for a moment.
"Once they graduate, won't everyone return to their families? They'll be forced to adhere to much stricter rules and decorum than here."
We should let them enjoy their freedom as much as possible while they're at the academy.
Moreover, art blossoms in an open atmosphere.
"It's going to be quite large-scale, then."
Victor said.
"Of course."
A performance will naturally be included.
I'm also thinking of bringing in merchants from my father's territory to set up small shops.
They'll probably sell food and souvenirs.
The expectation that it might feel like a real university festival.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
'This sounds fun.'
Actually, I just thought of it, but the more I flesh out the plan, the more excited I get.
"Let's announce the exact schedule for two months from now, right after the midterm exams."
We'll open the academy to the entire Empire and create a space where everyone can enjoy culture and have fun together.
"It would be nice to hold an admissions seminar while we're at it."
"You're brilliant, Erdi."
We'll give them a tour of the academy in advance and explain our educational methods.
That way, we can attract many more applicants next year.
And one more thing.
"I need to get Aria and Diana ready."
"Are you planning to have them on stage as well?"
Isn't that obvious?
I can't miss this golden opportunity.
I've been giving them lessons in my spare time, even while busy with professor duties.
Especially Aria.
I'd only told her I'd hold another performance for her, but I never set a concrete plan.
Finally, I can keep my promise.
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For a very long time, I had Aria repeatedly practice a specific piece.
This work's vocal difficulty is close to monstrous.
Even a skilled vocalist wouldn't attempt it easily.
It requires innate vocal color and emotional expression, as well as pitch stability.
On top of that, it requires a long breath, so if you lack vocal power or lung capacity, you can't even dream of tackling it.
And all of this...
must not be done in an over-the-top way.
Meaning, you have to handle incredibly difficult techniques as if they're nothing.
The moment it feels like you're straining, it's over.
Advanced vocal techniques like a delicate vibrato, you have to do as naturally as breathing.
Gently and gracefully.
To be honest, I was prepared for a long wait.
I didn't think it would be done in such a short time.
I thought it would take quite a long wait for Aria to perfect this song.
But.
"I'm all done!"
For real?
Even with her innate talent, there's a limit to what a young child can achieve.
Could Aria not be human?
'So it was possible to master this in just a year.'
It's faster to check than to ask, so I immediately asked her to sing a verse.
"Ahem."
She clears her throat with a clear, resonant voice.
Then, she begins to sing.
Brightly and cheerfully, like a stream of water cutting through the air.
Yet, a voice that bursts forth with endless softness.
It fills the space like a living instrument.
'I can't believe it.'
It starts delicately, as if whispering, yet has a density that comes from a solid breath.
I'm getting goosebumps, wondering what on earth I'm listening to.
Even as the atmosphere builds, her vocal color remains unwavering.
There isn't even a trace of fatigue.
As if her very existence was born to sing.
I was speechless.
"...You really did it."
Aria answered with a shy smile.
"To be honest, it was a little hard at first. It was just so difficult."
I understand that feeling a hundred times over.
I could never sing this song, not if I died and came back to life.
"But the more I sing it, the more it feels like I'm being sucked into the song!"
"Where do you pick up these expressions?"
"I didn't pick them up. I thought of them myself."
"Ah."
"You're something else, Uncle."
Kids really do grow up fast.
I know exactly what Aria is trying to say.
Sometimes, artists interpret music in their own way.
They pour a part of themselves into the song, and eventually, they become one with it.
You can never reach that level with simple practice alone.
I carefully stroked her head.
"Aria's fantasy."
"I'm being serious."
"I'm not joking either."
I've decided.
Aria Fantasia.
That's the title of this song.
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I spent my days traveling between the mansion and the academy, busy preparing for the festival.
Actually, I planned to keep it a secret until the midterm exams, because it's not good for the atmosphere to get too heated, but the rumors had already spread.
Today, too, the moment I entered the classroom, I was bombarded with questions.
"Professor! Are you really holding a festival?"
And the person who asked was Azabella.
"Yes, well."
"Wow!"
I wonder why her eyes seem to sparkle more than when she's playing the piano.
Starting with her, the other students started making a racket, and I broke a sweat trying to quiet them down.
I understand they're happy, but if they don't concentrate on the lecture, there won't be any festival, or anything else for that matter.
I made a strange threat like that, and they calmed down after a while.
I know it sounds like a very old-fashioned thing to say, but I couldn't think of a more effective method.
"Everyone, please prepare well for the exams. That's more important than the festival."
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After the lecture, I met with Edward.
"I've sent all the letters you mentioned."
"You're fast."
"I don't have much else to do."
"Haha."
He hasn't been running the theater recently, so it's natural for Edward to have free time.
Anyway.
I had originally asked him to send out the invitations.
The purpose was to invite nobles he had connections with, to give the festival a feel of a banquet as well.
First, Iolyn from the south and Rosley, the Margrave of the East.
These two were unmissable.
Especially the Margrave, who is quite far away, so considering the time it takes for the letter to arrive, it was best to send it as soon as possible.
"To the Northern Academy as well?"
"Of course."
"It's been a while since I've seen Professor Brosia."
"She is our benefactor, after all."
Jubel Brosia.
The creator of this world's first phonograph, and the authority in the field of magical invention who developed the affordable piano.
A figure who can truly be called a great person.
It was thanks to her help that Edward and I were able to remodel the theater.
To be honest, Professor Brosia deserves more than half the credit.
"Besides that, I sent invitations to the closest places: Count Harborland's territory, Baron Ebner's territory, Duke Dresel's territory..."
"What?"
As Edward continued his explanation,
a name I hadn't expected popped up, surprising me.
"Duke Dresel's territory?"
"Yes."
...What?
Did I hear that wrong?
Dresel... that one.
I can't remember the name, but it's the family of the Duke and his daughter, Leah.
Duke Dresel and Erdi used to be friends beyond their social status, but because of Leah's thoughtless actions, they are now on worse terms than enemies.
It makes no sense to send them an invitation.
"Did Erdi ask you to do this?"
"No. Actually, before we could even send the invitation, they seemed to have heard the rumors and expressed their intention to participate."
"Why on earth would he..."
"I think it would be better to explain the situation to the other two."
Victor and Erdi, who immediately rushed to the theater.
Victor spoke first.
"As you well know, Professor, the Duke and Miss Dresel were my ardent patrons."
"I think I've heard something about that."
A long time ago.
I think Edward told me.
That Leah chased Victor around like a sasaeng fan.
Of course, with the intention of providing patronage.
Moreover, on days with performances, she always requested a private meeting.
Victor said it was very burdensome.
I know that feeling well.
However, he thought it would be impolite to refuse even the patronage, so he seems to have mostly accepted Leah's requests.
But apparently, he didn't do anything strange.
I guess that's a relief.
"It's not that I have any ill feelings. I think it would be unreasonable to refuse a visit request. But rather than my opinion..."
He glanced toward Erdi.
A heavy silence descended.
Erdi had the strongest say in this matter.
We were planning to follow his opinion, even if he didn't explicitly decide.
Then.
"Why stop them if they want to come?"
"...Are you serious?"
An unexpected answer.
Is this the Erdi I know?
The usual him would never want to create an uncomfortable situation.
'Could it be...'
Does he want to show off?
If that's the case, I can understand it again.
If he wants to show Leah how far he's come, after being ignored and oppressed by her.
Everyone has a past they want to forget.
Some things disappear if you cover them up, while others are like endless nightmares that torment you forever.
Erdi might have been living in that trauma all this time.
"If you want to cut ties with her this time, you should do it."
"No."
Erdi waved his hand.
"It's not that. To be honest, whether she comes or not, I don't care. I never even thought about her in the first place."
"Wow."
This kid has really grown up.
I could let him go independent now.
It's not that he's showing off, but he really has no feelings at all?
I've seen a real gentleman.
Good.
"Then accept it and send a formal invitation."
"Understood."
The Dresel family.
For what reason are they showing their faces so brazenly?
I don't know yet.
I'll find out soon enough.