Chapter 9
Chapter 9
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 9
Chapter Title: Schubert, Moments of Music (1)
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"Truly magnificent, Anton!"
The moment he returned home, a torrent of praise was unleashed.
His father's and Count Harborland's reactions were just as he had expected.
That said, those two have been inseparable lately.
Did they become sworn brothers or something?
"To think the Young Master's performance could be so beautiful..."
Theo was on the verge of tears.
He had mentioned he would attend the concert, but it seemed he was thoroughly satisfied.
"This simply won't do!"
Father immediately suggested throwing a banquet, but I refused.
I didn't have the energy for it.
It was understandable for him to be moved to tears, having watched with his own eyes as his son, who had revealed his identity, was cheered by the audience.
However, the emotions I felt were quite different.
'This is a little embarrassing.'
If this weren't another world, that performance would have been worthy of criticism even on modern-day Earth.
Using fatigue as an excuse, I skipped dinner and went up to my room.
I sat down in front of the piano.
I reviewed the William Tell Overture I had performed in the plaza today.
My fingers wouldn't apply the right pressure.
If I left them alone, they would even start to tremble.
It was because I had overexerted myself.
Even though I had lowered the difficulty by arranging it to a moderate level, I ended up like this.
The performance itself was something I had learned, so my body remembered it.
Reading the sheet music wasn't difficult either.
However, my skill level couldn't be considered proficient.
Choosing the William Tell Overture might have been premature.
"I need to build up my foundation a little more."
I took out the sheet music I had prepared in my spare time.
Let's return to my roots and think of an easier piece first.
Schubert, Moments Musicaux.
It consists of six short pieces, and the third one is the most famous.
It's short and simple, so it's easy to imitate.
I struck the keys and drew out the score.
Transcribing is only difficult at first; once you get used to it, you can draw a single measure in just a few minutes.
"This should be enough."
I started to perform immediately.
I had soundproofed the room for practice, so there was no chance of the sound leaking out.
I built a clear and gentle melody over a simple rhythm.
An elegant melody in a minor key.
It may sound like the main melody is constantly repeating, but thanks to the modulations developed in between, there's no room for boredom.
I also mixed in some rubato.
It's the performer's discretion to adjust the length of the notes.
Since I didn't have the original score to begin with, come to think of it, wasn't every single note I played a form of rubato?
That short reenactment came to an end.
It didn't seem half bad.
I would have to hone my skills by drawing and practicing scores, starting with easy pieces.
This was the best way to present a proper stage by the day of the deployment ceremony.
"Haa."
The sun had already been down for a long time.
I should wash up and go to sleep.
"Young Master."
Theo's voice came from outside.
"What is it?"
"You have a visitor."
A visitor?
At this late hour?
***
"Anton! How about teaching my daughter the piano?"
It was a Baron who had come from a local territory.
I had never seen his face before, and I didn't know his name.
He must have seen my concert today.
A girl stood beside him; she looked short and petite.
She was dressed neatly.
Anyway.
It was extremely rare for a guest to visit the mansion.
Count Harborland was pretty much the only one.
A strange, ominous feeling began to creep in.
"I'm asking you this way! I will pay you properly, so please consider it!"
What should I do about this?
When had I become someone who could teach others?
In fact, I was in a position where I myself needed to practice, citing my lack of skill.
I had to decline suddenly taking on the role of teaching a Baron's daughter.
Still, I couldn't just chase away a guest who had come from so far away, so I guided them to the parlor.
"Would you like some tea?"
"I would be grateful."
Theo, who had been listening to our conversation, walked toward the kitchen.
I sat on the sofa facing the father and daughter.
"It seems your daughter has a great interest in the piano."
"She has always wanted to listen to your music. The rumor has already spread to the local regions. She was always disappointed that she couldn't get a ticket to the theater, but then she heard you were performing in the plaza today? She only saw you from afar, but it was truly magnificent! My daughter kept insisting, so I decided to be bold and visit."
While the Baron spoke passionately, the girl remained silent.
She was just fidgeting with her fingers, her head bowed.
She must be the shy type.
The story was touching, but I couldn't accept the offer.
When I told him that, he looked quite disappointed.
'This won't do.'
I had no choice but to go get the Schubert score.
I drew it out again in front of the father and daughter.
"How about practicing this one first?"
"This is!"
"A new solo piece you made today...!"
"Gasp! A new solo piece from the Performer! Truly a beautiful harmony! The perfect crescendo and decrescendo in all the right places! The staccato rhythm is just like looking into an angel's sparkling eyes!"
Goodness.
The girl, who had been quiet just a moment ago, grabbed the sheet music and shot up from her seat.
And then she started an oration right then and there.
'Is it really that good?'
I was relieved.
I thought she might get angry if I refused to teach her directly, but she was hugging the score tightly with a satisfied expression.
"Please come back again once you're done practicing. I'm quite curious to hear your daughter's performance as well."
"Thank you so much!"
"Thank you so much!"
The two of them left like that.
They boarded their carriage with lively steps, waving their hands.
"Dad, get me a piano now!"
I felt like I just heard something terrifying.
I stood at the main gate and bowed deeply.
This definitely wasn't the end.
From now on, more and more people might come asking for lessons, just like them.
'Scores...'
It would be too much to handle all of them, so it might not be a bad idea to just create the scores and distribute them.
How much should I sell each one for?
I should talk to Edward about it.
I returned to my room.
"Young Master."
"Please, no more."
"You have a visitor."
"Haa..."
***
"Yes, please come in."
My body and mind were so exhausted that I greeted them perfunctorily.
I gestured to Theo, and he immediately headed for the kitchen.
Standing at the door was a beautiful girl with black hair.
Her cheeks were covered in freckles.
She was wearing a shabby tunic, so she was undoubtedly a commoner.
Still, this was our first time meeting, so I couldn't speak down to her.
"Did you come from far away?"
"...Ah!"
She was startled by my words.
"Ah... Ah! Is this the residence of the Performer?"
She was rambling, so it seemed she was hiding something.
I remained guarded as I answered.
"It is."
"I came here because I have a favor to ask. I apologize if I am being rude."
"Not at all. I had a feeling a guest might arrive, so I was prepared."
That was obviously a lie.
I had no idea she would come.
I led her to the parlor with me.
She sat on the sofa with an elegant motion, keeping her back straight.
The hands she placed on her knees were neatly clasped together.
'This is strange.'
Her attitude was exceptional.
Unless she had received etiquette training from a young age, it would be difficult to possess such grace.
Just look at the Baron's daughter from earlier, who was sitting crookedly on the sofa in an awkward posture.
This woman was no ordinary person.
"I am Anton, the eldest son of House Tilberg."
"Ah! I am a newspaper deliverer living in the Imperial... no, the Imperial Capital, Eli... ce."
Elise?
Not Elise, but Elise?
'This is driving me crazy.'
If she had acted just a little better, I might have been fooled, but this was practically begging me to notice her.
The moment she spoke, I caught on immediately.
'Crown Princess, Elise Flovitz.'
What an unreal scene.
And what's with the newspaper deliverer?
Is it okay for the best job she could think of to be this flimsy?
The freckles on her face seemed to be drawn on as well.
It was earnestly half-hearted.
If I had let my guard down, I might not have recognized her.
When she stopped smiling, her striking features became prominent.
Deep, thick hair that seemed to absorb all the colors of the world.
Her red eyes, with a faint light in them, were so captivating that I felt like I was being enchanted.
No matter how much she disguised herself and hid her identity, some things couldn't be concealed.
However.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. What brings you here?"
I didn't want to make the Princess uncomfortable.
If her purpose was to hide her identity, I had no intention of prying.
I knew that feeling better than anyone.
"Your performance today was wonderful. I've never heard music so vibrant and full of energy in my life."
Did she watch my concert in the plaza dressed like that?
I was surprised by her surprisingly humble hobby.
"Haha, I'm glad to hear that. Thank you for the compliment."
I expressed my thanks politely.
"It felt different from 'Clair de Lune'. I thought your specialty was lyrical pieces, but surprisingly, you have a masculine side as well."
"..."
"Ah."
Her expression quickly darkened.
She seemed to have noticed it herself.
At this point, I couldn't pretend not to know anymore.
"How did you hear 'Clair de Lune'?"
You're supposed to be a commoner.
That piece was performed exclusively in theaters reserved for the nobility.
"I think I heard it secretly."
...What is she saying?
Did she not prepare a script?
Or maybe she genuinely wants me to recognize her.
'I'm going crazy.'
The more I talked to her, the more I felt like I was becoming the fool.
I had to be bold and say something, even if it was rude.