Chapter 20
A middle-aged man with a sharp appearance emerged.
I wondered who dared to interrupt this private time with Iolin, and it turned out to be a Viscount.
He blatantly looked me up and down.
Was he measuring the difference in status between us?
It was unsettling.
“Nice to meet you.”
“Indeed.”
Not a good first impression.
I didn’t expect applause and a warm welcome, but even excluding that, his tone was excessively stiff and dry.
One thing was certain: he had no idea who I was.
“I have something to discuss with the Count. Could you step outside for a moment?”
“…Pardon?”
What the hell is with this guy?
Anyone listening would think the Emperor himself had arrived.
‘So that’s how it is.’
I understood clearly now.
The kind of treatment Lolin was receiving here.
He called himself a Viscount, so it’s likely he’s a vassal.
And yet, he’s dismissing the Count’s guest as he pleases.
It’s outrageous.
I thought the capital’s nobles were the most arrogant, but it seems I was wrong.
While I hesitated, the Viscount spoke again.
“I asked you to leave.”
“Viscount Paube.”
Lolin stepped in to stop him.
“He is my guest.”
“I know.”
The two collided head-on.
I could understand Iolin’s actions.
It was the right thing to do.
But what I couldn’t understand was Viscount Paube’s expression.
He sighed deeply and shook his head, as if something greatly displeased him.
“I will wait outside.”
And then he left the room.
Lolin bowed deeply.
“I apologize for showing you such an unpleasant scene.”
“It’s fine.”
I swallowed back the words, ‘What’s up with that guy?’ that almost escaped my lips.
There are crazy people everywhere, and I’ve encountered many like him before.
The Viscount is just one of them.
‘Is he unhappy about serving a much younger Iolin?’
I’d already heard the story from Edward.
About the current situation in Seneca County.
The only son died in an accident, so Iolin inherited the position as head of the family.
But.
If even Lolin were gone…
Viscount Paube might have inherited the title himself.
The attitude he just displayed wasn’t out of concern or anything like that.
It was closer to blatant disrespect.
At the same time, it was a manifestation of his inferiority complex.
‘He’s refusing to acknowledge Iolin’s legitimacy.’
It’s a plausible theory.
Moreover, if this is true, then the situation is far more serious than I thought.
It must already be overwhelming to bear the sudden responsibility, and now she has to endure all kinds of interference and contempt on top of that.
But it’s too early to be certain.
‘I need to hear both sides in a situation like this.’
There might be some hidden reason behind the Viscount’s actions.
It’s not wise to jump to conclusions.
Of course, I can’t ask the Count directly about this.
I happened to have some errands to run outside anyway, so I might as well take the opportunity to gauge the public sentiment.
Maybe I’ll find some clues needed for the concert.
That much should be fine.
Anyway.
After that, I exchanged a few more words with Lolin.
Things like whether to place vendors around the concert venue.
General matters like that.
“Then, I’ll leave it in your hands.”
When I stepped outside, the Viscount was standing there.
I didn’t want to engage with him, so I subtly moved aside.
Without even glancing at me, he walked into the reception room.
I returned to the room I was assigned and changed my clothes.
“Where are you, Erdi?”
I went to find Erdi, and together we headed to the market.
***
“It looks lively here for some reason.”
“Indeed, it does.”
Is it because it’s the South?
Everyone’s showing off their healthy physiques with their tanned skin.
Their expressions seem cheerful.
“Are you outsiders?”
While walking down the street, a merchant approached us.
“Yes, we’re from the capital.”
“I saw you walking from the direction of the castle. Did you have an audience with the Count?”
“How did you know?”
This is uncanny.
“There’s nothing but the Count’s castle in that direction.”
“…I see.”
There’s only one reason why a merchant would engage in small talk.
“I’m not buying anything.”
We continued walking along the path.
People were gathered leisurely, chatting and laughing.
The bright voices echoed throughout the area.
It was a pleasant sight.
If there were any problems with the lord, the atmosphere of the territory would naturally be more subdued.
The influence of the lord cannot be ignored.
Even so.
‘There doesn’t seem to be any particular issue here.’
Should I just conclude that the Viscount is the problem?
But judging the Countess’s reputation solely based on the market’s atmosphere isn’t enough.
After walking a bit more, we came upon a field.
Some farmers were working there.
“Speaking of the Countess, she hasn’t looked well these days.”
“Don’t underestimate the bloodline of Sir Colin. She’ll get better.”
It seemed like they didn’t realize we were here.
It would be rude to keep eavesdropping, so we quickly withdrew.
A few more words came from behind us.
“Let’s just hope she doesn’t get swayed by the vassals.”
“I trust the Countess.”
Oh-ho.
So, that’s how it is.
It’s now clear.
There’s no indicator more reliable than the voice of the people.
As I suspected, the Viscount’s distrust of her had no valid reason.
A lord who is supported by the people of the territory can’t be incompetent.
It’s just envy and jealousy.
Instead of supporting a young Countess, he disregards and undermines her.
Everything Edward told me turned out to be true.
Even the neighbouring nobles must be siding with the Viscount.
I made up my mind.
“I need to add another piece to the performance.”
“Do you have something in mind?”
Of course.
Chopin’s Polonaise Op. 53, Heroic.
**T/n: Mentioned in previous Chapters before, Chopin’s Polonaise Op. 53, Heroic is a powerful and dramatic piano piece celebrated for its vigorous rhythm and patriotic spirit. Composed by Frédéric Chopin, it showcases his mastery of the polonaise form, combining grandeur and brilliance. The piece is renowned for its strong, march-like character and demanding technique, symbolizing strength and resilience.**
The piece I played when I was dragged before the Prince one time.
Back then, it was just a mere shadow of the original, utterly lacking.
But.
I can’t even begin to describe how hard I worked to perfect it afterward.
Of course, Erdi’s contribution was significant.
It’s probably very different from the original now, but I’ve preserved as much of its essence as possible.
The grand and majestic narrative.
I never thought I’d reveal my hidden weapon here.
But it’s fine.
No point in saving it for nothing.
If this performance can even slightly loosen the chains that have bound Iolin, that’ll be enough.
Let’s do it.
“By the way, when are we heading back?”
We’d walked too far without realizing it.
We trudged back toward the castle.
***
“Please be careful while moving it.”
I hired a few workers and asked them to transport the piano.
Just as planned, the entire garden was arranged as a concert venue.
The blooming flower beds were left as they were, and chairs were set up along the wide promenade.
The stage was right at the centre.
A 360-degree open concert.
It felt refreshing.
I could see Lolin giving instructions here and there.
She looked dedicated to her work.
The concert isn’t just my event alone.
Since we’re already in a provincial territory, it’s only right that it becomes an event for the territory’s people.
“Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves.”
Edward approached and commented.
“Why don’t we close down the theatre and go on a full tour?”
“Sounds good to me.”
I agreed without hesitation.
We always seemed to think alike on strange matters.
“…On second thought, it’s better to keep the theatre as it is.”
Or maybe not.
Anyway, the preparations were proceeding smoothly.
We’d practiced enough.
The concert is tomorrow.
Although we’ll be charging for tickets, it’s only one silver coin per person—basically free.
‘Good.’
After confirming the sound quality of the piano one last time, I returned to my room.
***
Early Dawn.
The sun had just risen a few minutes ago.
The people of Seneca County slowly began to step out of their homes.
Their movements were as coordinated as if they had planned it in advance.
“You too?”
I didn’t need to say it out loud.
Their destination was obvious: the Count’s castle.
Specifically, the large garden set up in front of it.
“I’ve never heard a piano performance in my life.”
“Who knew I’d hear something like this in our countryside?”
It wasn’t just the commoners.
Nobles from nearby estates had gathered in one place as well.
Among them was Viscount Paube.
“You’ve put quite a bit of effort into this, I see.”
His tone remained indifferent.
“I didn’t expect to see you here, Viscount.”
A Baron, familiar with him, approached with a smile.
“If Lolin were to host the event alone, it would look improper. We have to step in and elevate the occasion.”
“You’re absolutely right.”
But then.
They soon faced an unexpected situation.
“What’s going on?”
The front seats, the best ones, were already occupied.
Even the seats with a good view of the stage were taken by people.
It was unthinkable for commoners to sit ahead of nobles.
Edward, noticing the dissatisfaction, approached and asked,
“Is there a problem?”
“There’s no seat for us.”
“How about this one?”
He pointed to an empty seat.
It was indeed a seat.
“But it’s obscured by a tree, and you can barely see the stage. I’d prefer something closer to the front.”
Paube ignored Edward’s suggestion and walked out.
A family of five commoners was seated there.
Without even being told to move, they stood up.
As Paube was about to take the front seat,
“Apologies, but seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.”
Erdi noticed and hurriedly ran over.
For the young master’s concert, seating is strictly first-come, first-served.
That’s the unchanging rule.
But Paube didn’t seem pleased. He shot a fierce glare at Erdi.
“First-come, first-served? Are you saying I’m not allowed to sit here? In an event taking place in our own territory?”
Erdi didn’t know how to respond.
The Viscount wasn’t entirely wrong.
As he hesitated, Edward appeared again to sort things out.
“Viscount.”
Paube did not answer.
“How about giving up your seat for those who rarely have the chance to watch a concert?”
“That won’t do.”
“Understood.”
Edward turned around and whispered to Erdi.
It was as if he was sharing a very secretive message.
“By the way, what happened to that person? The one who tried to harm you—what did the lady say again?”
“…The Crown Princess herself went and gave a warning. That’s what the young master told me.”
Although Erdi found it odd that Edward was bringing up old stories, he answered honestly.
Paube’s expression hardened as he listened to the conversation.
‘…Is that true?’
The Imperial Family got involved over a mere commoner?
‘Is he actually someone impressive despite appearances?’
Paube stood up from his seat.
Although it hurt his pride, he felt uneasy after hearing that.
He didn’t want to take unnecessary risks.
He was endlessly weak before those with power.
‘I’ve heard rumours that the performer received the Imperial Family’s endorsement. It’s better not to make a scene today.’
And.
One person had been observing this entire scene.
Edward and Erdi’s gazes moved simultaneously.
There stood a man nodding his head and giving a thumbs up.
‘Very good.’
Keep it up.
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