Chapter 46
“It’s an invitation.”
Theo handed me a letter.
At first, I thought it was sent by some nobles who attended the banquet.
But looking at the paper quality, it doesn’t seem so.
It’s closer to cheap than luxurious, and the handwriting is crooked.
The sender is noted, though.
“…Baron Ebner’s estate?”
Reading through, it seems they’re holding a festival over there.
There’s going to be a concert, and they’d like me to attend.
“It doesn’t look like it was sent by the baron himself.”
Theo says he doesn’t know any more details.
Would Edward have an answer?
I went to see him.
“If it’s Baron Ebner’s estate, I know it well. We’ve sold over 300 affordable pianos there alone.”
“My, a real big shot.”
I had heard that there was a surge in buyers, but I didn’t expect they knew even the addresses.
Edward is fully responsible for the deliveries.
In any case.
“I suspect it’s a gesture of gratitude for you, young master.”
He says the invitation was sent directly by the estate residents.
Makes sense.
Besides, I’ve had a feeling something like this might happen sooner or later.
It wouldn’t be a bad idea to visit.
I am curious to see how they’re enjoying the affordable piano I made – well, it’s closer to what Professor Brosia made.
I’d like to hear their performances too.
After preparing, I headed there with Edward.
Baron Ebner’s estate was located a little way from the capital.
The baron personally came out to greet us.
“You’ve arrived, Sir Anton.”
The welcome was quite warm.
As soon as I got off the carriage, Baron Ebner gave a respectful bow.
Behind him, the servants and knights lined up.
“It’s an honour to meet you.”
The estate was bustling with activity.
It’s still morning.
But already, the festival atmosphere was palpable.
I could see children running over from afar.
What are they holding in their hands?
“It’s sheet music by Sir Anton. It’s very popular in our estate.”
“Oh, I see.”
Well, considering that so many affordable pianos were sold here.
It’s only natural that there would be a high demand for sheet music.
“Thanks to you, the atmosphere in the estate has improved tremendously.”
I can certainly feel it.
I take pride in how lively my estate is, but it doesn’t even compare to this.
Do these people have something uniquely developed in their genes that makes them respond so strongly to music?
“The festival starts in the evening. Would you like a tour of the estate until then?”
“That sounds good.”
Following Baron Ebner, we toured the alleys and the market.
“I hear piano music here and there.”
Edward remarked.
It was true.
Baron Ebner responded to his comment.
“It’s all thanks to Sir Anton. It’s something unimaginable in the past. A piano was a luxury far beyond the reach of commoners.”
I was aware of the piano’s popularity.
But seeing and hearing it with my own eyes is a different experience.
Now I truly feel that my efforts have been rewarded.
“Glad I made it.”
After some time passed, the festival finally began.
Baron Ebner stepped forward.
“A distinguished guest has graced our estate. It is Sir Anton Tilburg.”
As soon as he finished, applause erupted.
“Did Sir Anton come himself?”
I’m not here on some grand tour.
I just came because I got an invitation.
I didn’t even bring an entourage.
“Seamus’s daughter is lucky, isn’t she?”
“She has the chance to perform in front of Sir Anton himself.”
Such conversations reached my ears.
Baron Ebner gestured for me to come forward, so I quickly stepped up and gave a simple greeting.
“Yes, I am Anton Tilburg. Thank you for the invitation.”
“Waaaah!”
I hadn’t done anything, but the people cheered loudly.
Baron Ebner motioned them to quiet down, then stepped forward again.
“Then, let’s mark the beginning of the festival. Today, Seamus’s daughter, Miss Marie, has prepared a performance just for this occasion.”
“Waaaah!”
The response was explosive.
It’s understandable.
Honestly, I’m excited too.
The excited gazes of the estate residents turned to the stage.
On it was an affordable piano, the same model I initially released.
“Marie! Go on up!”
At the sound of a voice from somewhere, a young girl suddenly appeared.
Looking around shyly, she soon approached the piano.
Her expression was filled with nervousness.
She glanced in my direction once, then promptly sat firmly on the bench.
Her fingers rested calmly on the keys.
The bustling street instantly fell silent.
The first note resonated.
Soft and delicate tones filled the air of the festival grounds.
“A moment of musical bliss.”
She must have practiced quite well; her posture, even down to the placement of her foot on the pedal, was precise.
Most of all, her demeanour transformed the moment she began playing.
Her confident movements held everyone’s attention.
“Indeed, people are driven by momentum.”
“The joy of the performer quickly spreads to the audience as well.”
“I can feel the excitement building.”
“Strangely, I find myself getting drawn in.”
“Time passes without me even realizing it.”
As soon as the last note ended, applause erupted.
A commoner girl performing the piano at a festival organized by commoners.
If anyone says they aren’t amazed by this moment, it would be a lie.
Marie blushed and bowed her head.
At that moment,
Edward whispered to me.
“Why don’t you say a few words, young master?”
“Me?”
Oh, this feels a bit overwhelming.
Unable to resist his urging, I stepped onto the stage.
Marie stood before me.
“It was truly wonderful. A beautiful performance.”
“Th-thank you!”
The attention of the huge crowd filling the street was now focused on me.
Marie stepped aside.
Baron Ebner gestured with his hand.
It was a sign, urging me to give some sort of speech.
So, this is what it feels like.
Why am I suddenly feeling sorry for Erdi?
I have pushed him quite a bit, haven’t I?
“Uh…”
Everyone perked up their ears and focused intently on my voice.
After thinking about what to say, I began to speak.
“I will strive so that more people can enjoy and cherish this instrument in the future. I hope that all of you will continue to love music so that my efforts are not in vain.”
Once again, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause.
Right now, we stand in the middle of change.
The piano is no longer exclusive to a certain class.
Though this moment is fleeting, it will become a powerful wave and return as a legacy for the future.
Seeing their faces, I feel certain of this.
“This time, I would like to show you a piece. May I?”
Baron Ebner smiled at my words.
The festival continued.
The music never stopped.
***
“Let’s remodel the theatre.”
“What?”
Right after the festival at Baron Ebner’s estate ended, I went to see Edward.
He looked puzzled, as if he hadn’t expected such a suggestion.
This festival taught me something.
To let music reach more people, merely popularizing the piano or selling beginner’s books isn’t enough.
We need a space.
“Do you have a plan in mind?”
Edward asked.
“I want to create a theatre where everyone can come without any burden. A place where people from all walks of life, from commoners to nobles, can gather, understand each other, and share emotions.”
Because that’s the true value of music.
“A theatre where we can hold a festival every day.”
“Oh…”
Edward, who had been listening quietly, smiled.
“That sounds wonderful!”
We’ll significantly increase the seating capacity and enlarge the stage.
I’ll have to ask Professor Brosia to incorporate magic-based sound systems.
“And there’s one more thing.”
I plan to train musicians in earnest from now on.
Of course, discovering singers like Aria here and there is a bonus.
“I want to hold performances every evening.”
“Every evening?”
It’s not something I can do alone.
With estate duties and concerts to handle, I would need two, no, even three bodies.
But what if people like Erdi, Diana, and young girls like Marie from Baron Ebner’s estate grow into true musicians and take the stage?
Edward crossed his arms and pondered for a moment, then burst into laughter.
“A theatre where a festival continues every night.”
“What do you think?”
“All the funds you’ve been gathering so far—it was all for this plan, wasn’t it?”
“Well, not entirely, but it seems to have turned out that way.”
It will probably require a huge amount of money.
It will also take a lot of time.
But it’s something I have to do.
Ultimately, my goal is to elevate cultural quality.
To achieve that dream, there’s one essential process we must go through.
Simply creating a society where elegant music is performed and appreciated doesn’t automatically lead to progress.
Exchange.
We need a place where everyone can share and empathize with this value on equal terms.
“Let’s prepare slowly.”
This is just the beginning.
***
As soon as the meeting ended, I returned to the manor.
Theo called me.
“The count is looking for you.”
Father?
I wonder what it’s about this time.
“You’ve come?”
As I entered the drawing room, my father, who was sitting on the sofa, sprang to his feet to greet me.
“Thanks to you, the banquet ended without issue. Thank you.”
Doesn’t seem like he came just to praise me.
“It’s getting colder. Winter is approaching.”
“Oh.”
I could easily grasp the meaning behind his words.
“Let’s prepare for the memorial service.”
—
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