Chapter 27
The atmosphere in the Margraviate swiftly recovered.
The sight of trading vessels, which had been away, returning one by one to the port was truly a spectacle.
Large sails fluttered in the wind as the ships anchored in succession.
Before long, the city began to fill with sailors carrying cargo and merchants resuming their trade.
Waving greetings, checking the towering piles of goods, and haggling over prices.
It was busy.
There was a sense of life.
It finally felt like the Empire’s greatest maritime trading city again.
“Young Master, your meal is ready,”
Edward called, knocking on the door.
I must have been idly watching outside for quite some time since it was already lunchtime.
I put on my clothes and stepped outside.
The air still carried a salty, briny scent.
But it was different now.
The lively voices filled the streets.
Just listening to them made me feel happy.
Unconsciously smiling, I headed to the Margrave’s mansion.
Everyone was gathered there.
On the table were bread, roasted pork, and warm stew.
They seemed to have prepared an extravagant meal, considering the territory’s atmosphere had revived.
After eating a few pieces of bread, I tore the roast pork into small pieces and brought it to my mouth.
It melted.
I couldn’t remember the last time I had such a feast.
The sharpness of the spices blended perfectly with the savoury flavour of the meat.
Then, I took a sip of the stew.
The warmth washed away all the fatigue in my body.
I couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.
The food was delicious, and the pie served as dessert was also excellent.
“I heard the concert will be held in the evening.”
The Margrave said.
It was true.
A trading city is extremely busy during the morning and afternoon.
Missing this time could result in massive losses.
It’s best not to disturb them during working hours.
Instead.
The right time is when darkness descends over the port, and only the faint light from the lighthouse glimmers.
“What piece will you be performing today?”
Erdi asked this time.
I had something in mind.
Isaac Albéniz’s Cádiz.
**T/n: Isaac Albéniz’s “Cádiz” A musical piece from the Suite Española, Op. 47, composed by Isaac Albéniz. It is inspired by the vibrant atmosphere of the Spanish port city of Cádiz and features a passionate and exotic rhythm. The piece is known for its Habanera rhythm in 2/4 time, which adds a sense of grace and charm. The melody evokes images of sunlit coastlines, bustling markets, and the lively spirit of Andalusian culture, making it both vivid and picturesque.**
While it’s not as famous as the later collection Iberia that he released during his final years, it still has a certain level of recognition and symbolism.
The passionate atmosphere and exotic rhythm reminiscent of the Spanish port city of Cádiz are especially captivating.
Listening quietly to its soft, flowing melody, one feels as if they are standing by the shore, basking in the warm Mediterranean breeze.
Since it’s a piece that requires a high level of skill and expressiveness, I had been diligently practicing it.
Although I’ve never been to Cádiz, I imagine it might feel similar to this Margraviate.
They say the people of that region love this piece, so it should resonate well with the residents of this territory too.
“Let’s get ready!”
We set up the stage a little away from the port.
Together with Edward, I moved the piano.
In the distance, I could see the horizon.
The area near the sea is generally humid.
High humidity isn’t good for pianos, but… there’s nothing I can do about that.
I’ll have to ask Edward to check it after the concert.
I sat quietly, waiting for the sun to set.
People gradually began to gather.
Then.
“Young Master. The Margrave wishes to see you for a moment.”
“Oh, really?”
I followed Erdi to the port.
The Margrave was talking with the sailors beneath the trading vessels.
“I heard you were looking for me.”
“You’re finally here!”
At his command, the sailors nearby placed a small wooden box in front of me.
‘What is this?’
When the lid was lifted, the contents were revealed.
“It’s a gift prepared by the residents and merchants of our territory for all your efforts.”
It was a high-quality outfit made of luxurious fabric.
A blue silk tunic embroidered with gold thread.
Along with a leather belt adorned with metal decorations and a soft, thick cloak.
It looked quite valuable.
“Please, accept it without hesitation.”
“I’m deeply grateful and don’t know how to express my thanks.”
“Hahaha!”
After the long journey, my clothes were starting to wear out anyway.
I never expected to receive such a wonderful gift.
I’ll wear it for today’s performance.
After a while.
The sun slowly set below the horizon.
The clouds were tinged with warm colours, creating golden waves.
A pleasant breeze.
My hair swayed gently.
“From the capital, please welcome the performer, Anton Tilburg!”
My introduction was met with applause and cheers from the audience.
“Wooo!”
“Waaah!”
“The Hero of our Territory!”
“Anton! Anton!”
There was no sign of the excitement calming down.
I might as well just start.
***
A melody spreads gently, like a sea breeze laden with salt.
The 2/4 Habanera rhythm, characteristic of Albéniz’s works, pops out, pleasantly stimulating the ears.
It’s an elegant swing.
Like waves bathed in moonlight, splash.
Soon, in the midsection, the intensified melody captures the emotions.
It recreates the bustling port and the lively market.
A faint smile appeared on the audience’s lips.
The sea is their life.
So, perhaps, they might find it in Cádiz.
The scene where their everyday life is brought back to life as music.
The sea glistening silver.
Trading vessels swaying as if dancing.
The bustling footsteps crossing the wharf.
The warm sunlight.
A summer that burns as if it will last forever.
And when such a noisy day ends, the city will fall asleep again, promising another day.
I pressed the last key.
The sound melted into the humid breeze, lingering for a long time.
The expressions on the audience’s faces as I briefly glanced at them were brimming with joy.
I silently prayed in my heart.
May the daily life they struggled so hard to reclaim never again be shattered by anyone’s hands.
***
“I will pray that peace follows you wherever you go.”
“Thank you. I hope that you remain in good health, Margrave.”
It was time to depart.
The Ibelon incident had been resolved, and the concert had ended successfully.
I climbed into the carriage.
As expected, parting was bittersweet.
“Let’s go!”
The coachman vigorously shook the reins.
We left the Margrave’s mansion and headed onto the main road.
“Now, only the North remains, right?”
I asked Edward.
We had conquered the Southern Countess of Seneca’s territory and the Eastern trading city.
Passing through the Kingdom of Ibelon was a bonus.
“That’s right. Shall I explain as we go?”
“No need.”
There’s no reason to ask Edward what’s in the North.
The Academy.
Sure enough.
“We’re going to the Academy. I’ve already exchanged letters with the Dean there.”
The Academy in this world is more akin to a university.
Children from Noble families enroll when they become adults, taking classes not in combat skills, but in civilization, history, society, and politics.
And one more thing.
“It’s also a place to foster artists.”
It’s only natural.
Music is the culture most beloved by nobles.
I’m pretty sure ‘music’ was one of the required courses at the Academy.
Well, in any case.
To hold a concert at the Academy even before enrolling.
Great.
With excitement in my heart, I headed North.
***
At the same time.
While Anton’s party was on their way to the North.
“Is anyone here?”
A guest visited the Julian Barony’s manor, located near the Capital.
The butler, Theo, greeted them.
“This is a letter sent by His Majesty the Emperor. Please deliver it to the Lord.”
Theo, receiving the letter, headed straight to the Baron’s office.
“Baron.”
“…His Majesty sent a letter?”
Wondering what it was about, the Baron checked its contents.
“What on earth is this…?”
*
Julian Tilburg, the loyal vassal who protects the Empire.
In the name of the Emperor, I commend your family’s bravery and wisdom…
The rest was omitted.
…and hereby, I proclaim through this letter that your title will be elevated from Baron to Count.
The official schedule for the elevation ceremony was detailed at the bottom.
“Theo.”
Baron Julian handed the letter to Theo.
“What on earth does this mean?”
A Title Elevation.
It’s not something that can be achieved without significant merit.
It’s only natural to feel doubtful.
‘I haven’t done anything…’
Theo, who was reading the letter, spoke up.
“…Couldn’t it be thanks to Young Master Anton?”
“My son?”
“It seems he has made a significant contribution in some matter related to the Imperial Family.”
The Baron could not contain his curiosity.
Anton had been away from the mansion for a long time, traveling for his tour.
Without being able to ask for a reason, he felt even more anxious.
“What kind of achievement did that child accomplish…?”
And again, at the same time.
“Excuse meee!”
A commoner woman was wandering the streets of the Capital.
Blonde hair and worn-out clothes.
A middle-aged man, unable to ignore it, asked her.ss
“What’s the rush?”
“Do you know where the newspaper office is? Please, tell me!”
“If you mean the newspaper office, it’s that way.”
As she ran in the direction the man pointed out, a small building came into view.
She entered.
“Hello! Is this the place where the musicians are?”
The owner greeted her.
“Musician? Are you Erdi’s friend? He’s not here right now.”
“Uhh…?”
The woman’s face showed bewilderment.
‘He said he’d be back in a month or two…’
She had run all the way to the Capital, a place she had no connections, just to meet them.
It couldn’t have been more disappointing.
If so!
She had to change her plan.
“Sir!”
“Hmm?”
“I’m Diana Pierce! I want to get a job here!”
For now, survival!
The clock of fate moved slowly but steadily.
—
Read More at – GENZNOVEL.COM!!
-> MAKE ACCOUNT AND GET [50] COINS FREE!!
PLEASE JOIN OUR DISCORD AND SUBSCRIBE THE ROLE TO RECEIVE LATEST NOTIFICATIONS!!
Comment