Chapter 37
“What…? What?”
Aria turned around with a surprised face, seemingly startled by the sudden conversation.
Just for a moment.
Her eyes met mine.
“Ah!”
She quickly turned off the Jubel and got down from the bed.
“H-Hello…”
She bowed deeply.
Has she grown a bit taller than before?
Well, kids grow fast.
It’s been a few months since I last met Aria.
When you meet someone after a long time, they tend to feel a little unfamiliar.
“Aria, you have something to say to the performer, don’t you?”
At Joel’s words, she raised her head and bowed again.
“Thank you so much for the Jubel! I’ve been listening to it a lot…”
“I’m glad you like it.”
Even now, she was clutching the small Jubel tightly in one hand.
Does she not want to be separated from it for even a moment?
I can understand that sentiment.
A gift that perfectly suits one’s taste, and it’s probably the first thing she’s ever owned that’s entirely hers.
“Aren’t you getting tired of it? I could let you listen to some new songs.”
“Oh! Really? I want to hear them!”
“Hey now.”
I stopped Aria, who was hopping toward me excitedly.
Was she really that happy?
Originally, there were five types of Jubel produced.
The one I gave to Aria contains “Forever, Again and Again,” one of them.
It’s a song with a gentle and soothing melody.
The warm tone of the piano offers comfort and healing.
If you imagine the scenes from the original film while listening, it’s even better, but the music alone is already a masterpiece that leaves a lasting impression.
There wasn’t much need to arrange or modify it.
Sometimes, a piece shines brighter when left untouched.
In any case.
Still, human ears are always drawn to new things.
Though “Forever, Again and Again” is an excellent piece, there will come a time when it becomes tiresome if one listens to it repeatedly.
That’s true for all music.
“What do you think, Aria? If you want, I can ask Edward to give you a new Jubel right away.”
“Yes…! I would love that…!”
Coincidentally, I had a few test recordings left.
About three or four.
Each contained a different piece of music, so I was sure Aria would welcome this offer with open arms.
However.
“There’s a condition.”
“A condition…?”
I wasn’t planning to give them for free.
I glanced back and forth between Joel and Aria.
“You’ll need to perform on stage with me.”
***
Aria shook her head.
“I can’t perform or anything…”
Joel had a similar reaction.
“She has never played the piano before.”
“Oh, that’s fine.”
I wasn’t planning to make her play.
“Then…?”
Aria tilted her head and asked.
“You’ll sing.”
“Gasp!”
Was it really that surprising?
Well, it’s an understandable reaction.
In this world, singing is not considered an art.
I don’t know why.
A prejudice against technical skills?
Playing an instrument requires constant practice and a high level of skill, but singing doesn’t.
Anyone can sing.
You don’t need an expensive instrument.
In other words, it’s accessible even to commoners.
For nobles who place great importance on distinguishing themselves from commoners, it’s not surprising that they would look down on singing.
Or perhaps they believe that language interferes with the purity of music.
Both are reasonable explanations.
But.
‘That’s nonsense.’
Singing is never easy.
Sure, anyone can make a sound, but it’s still an art that conveys emotions.
It’s not much different from playing an instrument.
Moreover, the skill level of someone like Aria isn’t something you achieve with simple practice.
It requires innate talent.
And that is extremely important.
Vocalization, breathing, pitch, rhythm.
All of these require a musical sense and exceptional hearing.
That’s why I’m planning to bring this undervalued art of the commoners to the centre of culture.
Of course, with Aria by my side.
“Aria, I need your help.”
“Huh…?”
Even after explaining this in such detail, she still looked anxious, as if she didn’t understand.
“I do enjoy singing, but… I don’t think people will like it… And the idea of an orphan like me being on stage is just ridiculous… And…”
“Stop that.”
This time, Joel stopped her.
It seemed he couldn’t bear to listen any longer.
I understand.
It’s not that Aria was wrong.
That’s how it usually is.
But still, no adult would be pleased to hear such a young girl blame and belittle herself like that.
It’s my role to clear up the situation.
“Director.”
“Yes.”
“Aria’s talent is beyond ordinary. I’ve never seen such innate skill before.”
“I think you might be exaggerating, but… if you say so, I have no choice but to believe you.”
“Being able to sing well is not something that just anyone can achieve. It’s a gift. Not everyone can reach that level. The ability to put one’s heart into a single phrase—that’s talent, isn’t it?”
As I continued to press, he finally nodded and backed down.
I turned my attention back to Aria.
“Hm…”
She let out a sigh, clearly in deep thought.
But.
Her expression was bright.
It seemed that my continuous praise had lifted her mood.
‘She’s almost convinced.’
To secure such a talent, I need to offer conditions that match her potential.
Most deals fall through because the reward isn’t enough.
“If you accept my offer, I’ll provide every Jubel released in the future for free, guarantee lifetime free repairs, grant you unrestricted access to the theatre, give you priority entrance for concerts, and ensure your education and living expenses are covered by the House of Tilburg…”
“I’ll do it!”
Accepted.
“Then, Director.”
“Yes.”
“I’ll take Aria with me for a while.”
“Are you sure it’s alright?”
“Of course. I recently hired a new maid at the manor; she’ll take good care of her.”
“I understand.”
Joel seemed a bit reluctant, but this decision was ultimately meant to give Aria wings.
“Director! Goodbye! I’ll come back again! Stay healthy until then!”
After an emotional farewell, we boarded the carriage together.
Let’s go.
To the manor.
***
“Introduce yourself. This is Theo.”
“Hello.”
As soon as we arrived at the manor, I found Theo in the office.
“…Is she your guest, young master?”
“She’ll be staying here for a while. I plan to leave her under Diana’s care.”
“…Understood.”
It was the expected reaction.
If someone suddenly brought in a young girl and introduced her like this, I would probably have the same expression.
“Aria, go ahead and follow that lady for now.”
After sending her off to Diana, I sat down with Theo.
“I plan to train that girl as a singer.”
“A singer, you say?”
“She’ll sing on stage. It’s sure to create quite a sensation.”
“You’re saying things I would never have imagined. But since it’s your decision, young master, I trust you completely.”
“Good.”
We’ve been through a lot together.
The bond between us is as strong as that of brothers.
“How’s the work for today?”
“I finished most of it while you were out. I just need your approval.”
I should finish it quickly and head up.
***
That evening.
I called Diana and Aria into the room.
I seated them next to the piano and explained my plan.
In truth, Diana wouldn’t have much to do for this performance.
She just needed to continue focusing on her practice like before.
The important one was Aria.
“I want you to sing along to ‘Forever, Again and Again’ here.”
“Oh! Alright!”
“Do you think you can do it?”
“Yes!”
“Really?”
“Yes?”
There’s no need to delay any further.
We can confirm right away.
I quickly wrote down some lyrics on the spot.
I arranged the words to match the melody and, relying on memories from my past life, composed a short four-line verse.
Then I handed it to Aria.
“I’ll play along, so try singing with me.”
“Yes!”
Aria stood up, holding the paper.
I gently placed my hands on the keyboard.
Simple chords and melody.
The singing began immediately.
A clear, pure voice filled the quiet room.
It was warm and delicate, like the early morning sun painting the world gold.
The high notes were light and free, like a bird taking flight.
The low notes, though sung by a child, carried a sense of maturity.
After a while, the song came to an end, and Aria sat back down.
Diana grabbed her hands and shook them excitedly.
“Wow! Amazing!”
Honestly.
I, too, felt like I could burst out in excitement like that.
‘Is this real?’
Who would have thought I’d hear such a soul-stirring song in this world?
There’s no need for further thought.
“Diana.”
“Yes, young master!”
“Take good care of Aria. Teach her whatever she needs.”
“Yes! Leave it to me!”
With that, I immediately headed outside.
The destination was the theatre.
“Edward. I need to speak with you.”
“What brings you here at this hour?”
“I’ve found something incredible. It’s no joke.”
“…Come in first!”
We headed into the waiting room together.
A letter lay on the table.
“It’s from the professor, regarding the Jubel order. How many will you be ordering this time?”
“We’ll talk about that later.”
Right now, adjusting the concert schedule comes first.
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