Chapter 21
Seneca County.
The cheers of the residents erupted.
Voices filled with anticipation echoed throughout the garden.
It wasn’t strange for them to feel excited, as they could now enjoy a concert that would normally only be held in the Capital right at their doorstep.
If that’s the case, I have to show them properly.
I can’t let them down.
I stepped onto the stage.
“Greetings, everyone.”
I greeted them with a voice amplified by magic.
“Wooooah!”
The welcome was overwhelming.
The performance hadn’t even started yet.
It was an exaggerated reaction for simply seeing the performer in person.
But there was a reason for this.
The truth is, I had stopped by the market a while ago.
During that visit, I bought a traditional outfit from the South.
A colourful tunic and loose-fitting pants.
The material was thin and much more comfortable, fitting for a region known for its warm weather—quite different from the fashion trends in the Capital.
I liked it.
Since I’m in the South, I should dress like the Southerners.
It’s like a pop star visiting for an overseas concert and wearing a Hanbok on stage.
It’s a form of fan service.
The awkward tension that existed between me and the audience completely disappeared.
What kind of feelings were they experiencing as they looked at the man standing on stage, wearing clothes that symbolized the South?
It was probably a sense of solidarity.
Now it was time to begin the performance in earnest.
But before that, I stood straight in front of the piano and spoke in a solemn tone.
“I would like to express my gratitude to Sir Colin Seneca for his long-standing kindness. I dedicate this piece to the Late Lord.”
In truth, there was no connection between us.
I only knew that he was very close to Edward when he was alive.
I’d even heard that he had fervently supported Lunemoon.
On top of that, the residents’ respect for him was evident.
It was clear just by listening to their conversations briefly.
He must have received immense support for a long time.
The first piece I would play today, Liebesträume, was a requiem for Sir Colin.
As Expected.
I could already see several audience members lowering their heads in silent prayer.
Almost as if they were offering a prayer to someone.
I quietly observed them and then walked over to the piano and sat down.
I placed my hands on the keys.
***
A soft and poignant melody flowed out.
Like a peaceful dream, the warm and bright melody spread.
Everyone gathered in the garden closed their eyes and listened intently to the performance.
Liszt’s Liebesträume No. 3.
Why did he add the word “dream” after “love”?
Perhaps Liszt thought that those two words held the same meaning.
The performance slowly reached into the depths of the audience’s hearts and drew out long-buried memories.
Intense arpeggios and shifts in pitch.
The pedals connected each note, creating a flowing and elegant atmosphere, as if waves were gently passing by.
The vague scenes that had surfaced became clearer.
The moment that made one’s heart flutter.
Something I once loved.
Or someone who once loved me.
Each person wore a gentle smile on their lips as they recalled these thoughts.
Simultaneously, the dramatic contrast in the range of notes emerged.
The melody crossed between intense high notes and delicate low notes.
Joy and sorrow harmonized together.
Emotions surged, painting the audience’s eyes with ecstasy.
But.
After a beautiful and noble fate, there always follows an inevitable end.
Just like a passing era, the volume gradually began to diminish.
It could be an era.
Or it could be a life.
Or perhaps, it might simply be this very moment.
At the end of the burning emotions, what remained was quieted memories and lingering longing.
The conclusion of love is always farewell.
So it may indeed be nothing more than a fleeting dream.
“Ah…”
Hot tears streamed down Lolin’s cheeks.
The audience members seated nearby hurriedly turned their heads away.
The residents of Seneca County understood her feelings more than anyone else.
Recalling the cherished memories with her father, Lolin finally couldn’t hold back the sobs that burst out.
She was not the only one.
As soon as the performance ended, many people broke into tears, reminiscing about their glorious past with Count Colin Seneca, who was once their lord.
The garden was submerged in a sea of emotions.
For a long time, a heavy silence settled over the place.
The first to break the stillness was a common man’s applause.
Following him, everyone in the concert hall stood up and began to applaud.
Lolin walked to the front of the stage.
Then she bowed deeply.
“As the lord of Seneca County, I express my gratitude on behalf of all the residents.”
Her trembling voice conveyed sincerity.
It was a token of appreciation to the performer who had consoled both her and her late father.
This was the highest courtesy she could show from her position.
***
Oh no.
As soon as the performance of Liebesträume ended, the atmosphere noticeably darkened.
Heavy silence.
It seemed everyone was emotionally overwhelmed.
Since it was a piece to honour Count Colin, who was deeply respected by all the residents, I could understand their feelings.
‘I guess we’ll have to take a break.’
I had no choice but to take an intermission after just one piece.
I couldn’t continue the concert like this.
I stepped off the stage and sat down on a small chair that had been prepared in advance.
Edward approached me.
“It was a truly moving performance.”
“…Edward?”
His eyes were moist; he, too, seemed to have shed a few tears.
There was no need to bring it up.
“Even the Countess expressed her deep gratitude.”
At his words, I turned my gaze to the front of the stage.
I saw Lolin surrounded by residents, exchanging words of appreciation.
It was a pleasant sight.
May the love she builds continue for a long time.
“By the way, where is Erdi?”
“He’s coming over there.”
“Master.”
Erdi walked up and stood in front of me.
“Viscount Paube wishes to have a word with you.”
***
Viscount Paube’s eyes wavered.
‘Damn it.’
It was the same man he had seen at Lolin’s manor not long ago.
‘So, that man was the performer from the Capital.’
Paube hadn’t known.
He simply thought he was an ordinary commoner who had come to pay respects to the Countess.
There wasn’t any particular reason for it.
It was just that he was an unfamiliar face, and his attire didn’t look particularly luxurious.
On top of that, hadn’t he greeted Paube first?
The Viscount realized his mistake.
The performer may be from a baron’s family, but it was already widely known that he had connections with the Imperial Family.
But that wasn’t all.
The two commoners standing beside him didn’t seem like ordinary people either.
‘Is the Crown Princess backing him?’
Messing with him could lead to serious consequences.
And yet, I had acted so arrogantly without knowing.
‘Maybe I should try to make amends now.’
With that conclusion, Paube immediately called for Erdi as soon as the performance ended.
“I would like to have a private conversation with the performer.”
***
“What brings you here?”
I just wanted him to stay quiet for a while.
But it seems that’s quite difficult for him.
The Viscount smiled kindly.
Was this really the same man who scrutinized me from head to toe the moment we met?
Now that he knew who I was, he seemed to want to show some courtesy.
He’s the typical type who’s strong against the weak but weak against the strong.
I feel like my status has risen a bit, and that makes me feel good.
Anyway.
“Thank you for the wonderful performance.”
“Thank you.”
“I heard you plan to hold concerts while traveling around the provinces.”
“Yes.”
“That must require a lot of effort.”
“Yes, it does.”
What is he scheming?
Could he be trying to offer me money to smooth things over?
“I’d like to provide a small sponsorship as a token of appreciation for visiting our territory.”
He’s as predictable as I thought.
He’s an easy person to handle.
My answer is already decided.
“No, thank you.”
If I accept his sponsorship, it would establish a connection between us.
I don’t befriend trash.
Moreover, I’m not in a financially tight situation.
I brought 50 gold coins as emergency funds, and Edward has plenty of resources as well.
“Then how about staying at my manor after the concert? It would be much more comfortable than the Count’s residence.”
I declined immediately.
The reason is the same.
I already plan to leave tomorrow after the concert.
“…I see.”
The Viscount turned away, seemingly thinking it was impossible to communicate with me any further.
I don’t know what his true intentions are, but they probably won’t matter.
“Erdi, let’s prepare for the next piece.”
“Yes, sir.”
Edward stepped onto the stage and shouted to the audience.
“The concert will resume shortly! Please take your seats!”
Everyone returned to their original spots.
Lolin also sat down in her chair.
She looked much more at ease than before.
Without saying much, I walked back to the piano.
Some music can speak for itself without needing an introduction.
And so.
The harmonies burst forth from my fingertips.
Heavy, yet brilliant.
It was a completely different atmosphere from Liebesträume.
Starting in B-flat minor, the melody ascended chromatically, building up a sense of exhilaration.
It was like facing the prelude to a storm.
The lively rhythm and colourful harmonies combined in a dazzling display, stirring up the emotions of the audience.
From the beginning, it was an overwhelming narrative.
At that moment.
Every member of the audience, who had been following the performer’s every move with their eyes, held their breath.
—
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