Chapter 36
“Can you play the rhythm?”
“Uh…! If it’s just playing the rhythm…!”
She nods confidently, as if that much is within her grasp.
“Don’t think too hard, just take it slowly.”
Her fingers hesitantly search for the keys, and then press down firmly.
Slowly, one by one.
The 1st, 4th, and 5th chords.
A waltz in 3/4 time.
With her left hand playing the bass notes and her right hand repeating the chords.
At first, she hesitated as if unfamiliar with it, but then she managed to find her pace.
It’s simple but lively.
Seeing her shoulders sway along with the rhythm, she seems to have grown quite comfortable.
Diana, hitting the keys with a joyful expression, swinging her wrists.
Now, it’s my turn.
I sat beside her and extended my index finger.
Chopsticks March.
A lively tune created by just two bass notes.
But it doesn’t end here.
While maintaining the original atmosphere, I added some suitable variations in the middle.
I mixed in staccato and legato and added a new melody.
**T/n: Staccato – A musical technique where notes are played in a detached, sharp manner.
Legato – A technique in which notes are played smoothly and connectedly, contrasting with staccato.**
It felt like opening up a world from a fairy tale—innocent and free.
It evokes a mix of joy and nostalgia, stirring emotions.
“Wow… oh…”
A quiet exclamation escapes from Diana’s lips.
She is so focused on the performance that she can’t quite put her feelings into words, but she seems quite surprised.
Of course.
Even though I just added a melody to simple chords, the entire tone of the piece has completely changed.
That’s what Chopsticks March is like.
It can be easily played if desired, but it becomes more dazzling with each variation.
In that sense, it’s similar to “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.”
Returning to the beginning, playing just two bass notes.
The melody that was tugging at the heartstrings suddenly came to a halt, settling down gently.
As I stopped playing, Diana also quietly lifted her hands.
Her cheeks were flushed red.
The emotion welling up in her eyes was probably joy.
“How was it?”
“…It was amazing. It felt so overwhelming… and also…”
She trails off, unable to find the words to express the emotions that come to mind.
In any case.
I don’t think she’s exaggerating.
This was a performance we made together.
Half of the credit belongs to Diana.
It’s only natural that she would feel uplifted, thinking she played such a brilliant and diverse piece with her own hands.
And most importantly.
She enjoyed playing this duet just now.
Enjoyment.
The starting point of all activities.
Nothing is a stronger motivator than that.
“Next time, you sit on the right side. Playing just the chords must be boring, right?”
“Really…! Oh, wow!”
Of course, that means she’ll need a lot more practice going forward.
“But, Young Master.”
“Hmm?”
As I was about to end the lesson, Diana spoke shyly.
Her lips trembled.
“Don’t you think we’re sitting a bit too close…?”
“Oh.”
She was right.
We were seated very close together on the narrow piano bench.
“Sorry.”
“No, it’s fine.”
“Go on inside.”
“Yes, sir.”
She quickly bowed her head and ran outside, looking embarrassed.
Right.
It’s only natural for a maid to maintain a respectful distance from her master.
‘I hope she wasn’t uncomfortable.’
I was so focused on the music that I hadn’t thought of anything else.
“…I should get back to work.”
***
After a long time, I headed to the theatre.
It was to discuss the concert schedule.
“I’ll be playing a total of five pieces.”
“Sounds good.”
Of course, there was another reason for my visit.
“By the way, how is the public reaction to the Jubel these days? Is it still popular?”
Since I haven’t left the estate much recently, I haven’t had many opportunities to hear consumers’ opinions.
It’s always best to ask Edward about such things.
“It’s a bit of a mixed situation, to be honest.”
“What does that mean?”
“Unopened Jubels are being traded in the black market. Some are selling for nearly ten times the original price.”
Sigh… I had a feeling this would happen.
But there’s no way to prevent it.
In the first place, we limited the quantity for the test sale, and we even used a random draw system. So, releasing more would be impossible now.
Doing so would only bring about complaints.
For now, I’ll have to just watch and wait.
That aside, the black market?
“Are there really people buying them?”
“That, I’m not sure. But if it were me, I wouldn’t buy one.”
I agree.
It’s a mess caused by those who rush to buy anything with my name on it, hoarding them before others can.
I should think about finding a fundamental solution soon.
Now, back to our original discussion.
“Should we schedule the event for about a week?”
“You seem to have been quite busy with estate duties lately. Are you sure that’s okay?”
“I’ve gotten used to it, so I’ve found a bit more free time.”
After finishing most of the tasks with Theo by lunchtime, there were days when I had half a day free until evening.
It was a significant improvement.
“That’s good to hear. Then let’s proceed with that plan.”
“Thank you.”
Edward decided to handle the rest.
After exchanging farewells with him, I left the theatre.
Since I was here, I considered stopping by my father’s estate, but decided against it.
Not long ago, I received a letter.
Most of the oppressive laws that had troubled the people of the estate had been abolished through the intervention of the imperial family and my father, and for those still struggling, tax relief was being provided.
I’ve been sending money to help out from time to time, so I believe he’ll manage well.
‘There’s no need for a visit.’
A bit of distance between father and son is better, isn’t it?
Not too much, just a little.
Anyway.
I boarded the carriage and headed back to the manor.
“Huh?”
As I was passing through the streets, I saw a familiar face.
“Isn’t that Director?”
Joel Valois.
“To think I’d meet you here, Young Master! It’s such a pleasure!”
I got down from the carriage and shook hands with him.
“Thank you for the Jubel. Aria really loved it.”
“Haha, hearing that makes me happy too.”
Then he suddenly asked me.
“If you’re not too busy, would you like to accompany me?”
Accompany him, huh.
He must mean visiting the orphanage together.
I see no reason to refuse.
I’m also curious to see how Aria is reacting to my ultimate invention—although technically, it was made by a professor at the academy.
In any case, I agreed without hesitation.
“Let’s go in my carriage.”
“Thank you.”
***
As we entered through the gate, a few children were playing in a small yard.
There was only one building.
“It’s both the bedroom and the dining room.”
Below the windows of the building, there was a flowerbed, and I could see a vegetable garden as well.
It seemed they were growing them themselves.
“Aria is probably inside.”
“She doesn’t seem to like playing outside much.”
“Yes, especially recently. She spends all day with the Jubel.”
“If it breaks from overuse, just let me know. I’ll replace it for her.”
“Haha.”
Joel guided me inside.
As soon as we entered, there were rows of beds.
A table was placed in the centre.
Aria was sitting in the corner, wrapped in a blanket, staring out the window.
Beside her was the Jubel.
Music was playing from it.
“Aria…!”
“Wait.”
I stopped Joel, who was about to call out to her.
“It’s better not to disturb her.”
“Understood.”
He nodded, as if understanding what I meant.
‘Seems like she’s lost in thought.’
Time spent contemplating while listening to music.
I really enjoy those moments too.
It’s best not to interrupt during those times.
It’s like she’s in a world all her own.
I should leave quietly.
“Please have a seat. I’ll serve some tea.”
I smiled in appreciation of Joel’s offer.
We sat across from each other at the table in the bedroom-dining room.
“She’s really engrossed in listening, isn’t she?”
“There’s no stopping her.”
Indeed.
He mentioned that she spends all day with the Jubel.
I understood what he meant.
Whenever the music stops, she presses the button again, and when it stops, she presses it again.
She is so absorbed that even though we’re watching her from behind, she doesn’t turn around at all.
Then, all of a sudden—
“Hmm hmm~ hmm~”
She started humming along with the melody, singing without lyrics.
“La la la~ la la~”
Her singing naturally caught my attention.
‘She’s pretty good.’
Her voice was clear and pure.
It was as transparent and clean as a bright, clear sky on a spring day.
“She’s always loved singing. After meeting the performer, she seems to have taken an interest in the piano too.”
Well.
Does simply liking singing lead to such skill?
‘Could it be that she doesn’t realize?’
In this world, singing isn’t considered as prestigious as performing music.
The best they have are folk songs or work songs sung by commoners.
So even if someone is exceptionally skilled, they don’t recognize it as a talent.
But from my perspective, with the memories of my past life, her voice is far beyond mere hobby or passion.
‘She’d probably pass any audition right away.’
Joel stood up, intending to stop her.
At the same time, a thought popped into my head.
‘Singing.’
Why didn’t I think of this before?
Some of the soundtracks I plan to present at the concert this time include versions with a gentle piano melody accompanied by vocals.
I don’t know the lyrics, but I do remember the feel of how the original singer sang it.
‘Should I give it a try?’
If done well, it could change the cultural landscape.
“Director.”
“Yes.”
“Would it be possible for me to have a brief chat with Aria?”
—
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