Chapter 43
Julian Tilburg’s expression stiffened awkwardly.
He was stunned.
‘Was my son this close with Duke Montella, known as a great figure?’
In truth, there was something he had heard through Count Haverland.
‘I heard that he participated in the music competition that Anton organized.’
It seems they developed a friendship after that.
Given that the Duke is renowned for his deep appreciation of the arts, it’s not strange that he would have favourable feelings towards a son who is a musician.
‘Still, it’s surprising.’
Maintaining ties among nobles is essential to continue a family line.
Julian had been secretly concerned that Anton seemed to mingle only among commoners.
‘Perhaps my worries were unfounded.’
He felt a sense of relief.
At the same time, he felt reassured.
It was thanks to the word “Friend” that the Duke mentioned.
He knew that many nobles were displeased with his recent elevation in rank.
Even though it was a rightful reward.
In fact, this banquet was organized to dispel that mistrust.
If the rumour that Anton was friendly with Duke Montella spread through the social circles, the doubts about their family’s merits would gradually fade.
‘This is a relief.’
He thought that having such a son was truly fortunate.
***
“Allow me to show you to your seat.”
“Thank you.”
I led Duke Montella across the manor to the table.
Naturally, I did so personally.
You can’t leave the escort of such a distinguished guest to a servant.
The crowd parted to make way on both sides.
“Greetings to the Duke.”
“It is an honour to meet you, Duke.”
Every noble offered their greetings as a bonus.
It reminded me of the Duke’s standing in the noble world.
Usually, I don’t have time to feel this.
‘Well, of course.’
He is certainly an individual who is hard to approach.
Just looking at his credentials makes it clear.
Isn’t he the mentor of the crown prince?
That says it all.
“Your son has enrolled in the academy, hasn’t he?”
“Yes, he has, but…”
“A young man who hasn’t even started classes yet has such a connection with the Duke… How enviable.”
Occasionally, such comments were overheard.
Indeed.
It’s true that noble families often strive to send their children to the academy to build connections.
It’s not just about the quality of education.
Opportunities to form friendships with notable figures are only available at the academy.
It’s obvious.
However, not everyone returns having succeeded in that endeavour.
Does graduating from the academy guarantee an easy life?
Receiving lessons from a professor is different from building a personal connection.
I can understand why they look at us with envy.
A connection with Duke Montella?
It’s not something just anyone can achieve.
Indeed.
Coincidence becomes fate, and fate forges bonds.
Who would have thought that the seeds sown at the music competition would bear fruit like this?
‘Having such an influential person by my side really changes things.’
Anyway.
After guiding the Duke to his seat, I returned to the entrance.
More greetings followed.
“Anton.”
My father called me.
“It looks like all the guests have arrived, so let’s begin the banquet.”
“Yes, Father.”
I walked to the banquet hall alongside my father.
Servants and attendants were already serving drinks and appetizers to the gathered guests.
Those who were acquainted were busy discussing various topics.
Who would have thought we’d see such a sight at our manor?
“Are you enjoying the refreshments?”
I approached Iolin and asked.
“They’re delicious. I’m looking forward to the meal. Hehe.”
“You won’t be disappointed.”
Even I was amazed by how thoroughly my father had prepared.
“Oh! I heard that Lord Anton will be performing today?”
“So you’ve heard already.”
“To be honest, I’m looking forward to that more than the meal.”
Iolin smiled shyly.
Her bright demeanour was a pleasant sight.
I was tempted to ask her about the situation in her territory and other matters but decided against it.
She must be doing well to have come all the way to the capital.
Sometimes, you need to know when to hold back.
A short while later, the doors to the banquet hall opened.
My father entered and delivered a formal welcome address.
Shortly thereafter, the food began to be served.
Bread and stew were just the basics.
There was roasted venison, golden-brown, and various fruit tarts.
And, of course, drinks.
Nothing was lacking.
Moreover, the dishes and glassware, sourced from who knows where, exuded luxury just at a glance.
“I thought it was all for show, but this is quite impressive…”
“Watch your words. The Tilburg family is now a distinguished one.”
“I agree.”
“After all, there’s a reason why they were elevated in rank.”
I could hear the nearby nobles murmuring.
Yes.
If we’ve gone to this extent, a little recognition would be nice.
I was worried it might come across as too extravagant, but their reactions suggested otherwise.
While they enjoyed their meal, I had my own task to attend to.
I walked over to the piano set up in a corner of the banquet hall.
It was something Edward and I had moved in advance.
The nobles, just starting to pick up their utensils, turned their gaze in one direction.
“My son has prepared a performance. Please enjoy it along with the banquet.”
This is something you won’t see anywhere else.
A dinner show.
I have no intention of doing this again.
Just for today.
I bowed slightly and sat in front of the piano.
As soon as the brief applause ended, I immediately began to play.
Gabriel Fauré, Sicilienne.
Originally, it was composed for piano and flute.
Later, it was rearranged as incidental music for a play, and even later, a version for piano and cello emerged.
Due to its smooth and elegant melody, the emotions are conveyed regardless of the instrument.
It is easy to adapt as a piano solo piece.
The peaceful and romantic melody, like strolling through an antique garden.
It is very simple, yet it is filled with deep tranquillity and serene emotions.
One by one, the nobles, captivated by the emotional melody, closed their eyes.
As my fingers continued to move, subtle changes appeared on their faces.
I don’t know what they are imagining.
Are they recalling their past?
Or is it simply melancholy?
The music filled the banquet hall, drifting between the golden chandeliers.
And soon, it left a deep impression in everyone’s hearts.
“Thank you.”
As soon as I lifted my hands from the keys and stood up, applause erupted.
The atmosphere, which had been infinitely calm, quickly turned lively.
I was about to return to my seat when Iolin approached.
“That was a truly beautiful performance.”
“…Did you cry?”
Oops.
That was impolite.
I shouldn’t have asked.
“Yes, a little.”
I handed her a handkerchief.
It was something the tailor had packed, and it came in handy like this.
“I’m glad I got to know Lord Anton. It makes me truly happy.”
Judging by her expression, it was hard to tell whether she was happy or sad, but since she said so herself, I decided to believe her.
As I was talking with her, Duke Montella walked over.
“You are a poet, young man. Listening to your music is as stirring as reading a time-honoured verse.”
“You flatter me.”
Perhaps that is an accurate impression.
Music like poetry.
Not just a combination of simple notes, but a piece filled with delicate emotions and deep contemplation.
That is classical music.
The banquet continued for several more hours.
Everyone stayed at the manor until the end, enjoying the cheerful atmosphere.
“By the way, how is she doing?”
While I was idly lingering after the meal, my father came over and asked.
“Do you mean Aria? She’s doing very well. Almost too well.”
She seemed to have gained a bit of weight recently.
I thought about reducing her meal portions, but the problem is that her singing skills improve proportionally.
I’ll have to find a solution.
“Bring her along for the next banquet.”
“That sounds good.”
I’m not sure when that will be.
The night grew late.
Nobles who held estates nearby stood up to prepare for departure.
However, those who came from afar couldn’t easily leave right away.
All manors have guest rooms for such occasions.
I called a servant.
“Please escort Count Seneca to their room.”
“Understood.”
Iolin, who was about to leave with the servant, suddenly turned in my direction and spoke.
“Lord Anton, are you not staying here?”
“Oh.”
I gave a rough explanation.
I manage one of the two estates we have.
“I think I’ll be returning there.”
“Then… Could I stay there as well?”
“Pardon?”
“If you would allow it. If we part ways now, I won’t be able to say goodbye before leaving.”
“Oh, yes. Well, as you wish.”
I wondered if there was a room available.
I think I might have answered too thoughtlessly, but anyway.
Iolin said she would follow me in the carriage she had prepared.
After saying farewell to my father, I headed outside.
“Travel safely.”
“I’ll visit again.”
“You speak as if this isn’t your estate as well. This is your domain too.”
“Yes.”
We set off immediately.
***
As soon as we arrived at the manor, I asked Theo to prepare a guest room.
However.
“Young master, you gave one room to Aria, and the rest are being used as a studio, so there are no rooms left.”
“Really…?”
I didn’t think we were actually out of rooms.
I had a feeling something was off.
Now what do I do?
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