Chapter 56
—
“I didn’t think it would be this long before we saw each other again.”
Elize spoke with a gaze that seemed tinged with sadness.
Both her hands rested neatly atop the table.
A brief silence followed.
To break the awkward atmosphere, I decided to speak first.
“How has your piano practice been going?”
Truthfully, we hadn’t seen each other face-to-face, but I had regularly sent her new sheet music.
From Für Elise to Clementi’s Sonatina Op. 36 No. 1, and even Chopin’s ballades and études.
I had gradually increased the difficulty, but I wasn’t sure how she had managed.
“They were wonderful. You even included Jubel. It was a great help.”
Of course, I had also included recordings of the original pieces as a bonus.
It was necessary to listen to understand the character of each piece.
I had learned this from a few experiences over time.
“It would’ve been even better if you had come and played them yourself.”
“I apologize. Work has kept me exceptionally busy.”
“Liar.”
“Pardon?”
“Oh, nothing.”
Elize smiled shyly and took a sip of tea.
Then, tilting her head slightly, she asked me a question.
“By the way, what brings you here?”
“There’s something I’d like to ask of you.”
“Please, go ahead. Hehe.”
I explained the situation to her.
Additionally, I expressed how much I needed her help.
The signatures of nobles guaranteeing Erdi’s abilities.
While the number of names on the list was important, quality mattered more than quantity.
If it only featured names of people close to me, it might raise doubts about its credibility.
But what if the name on it was Elize’s?
Her signature carried immense weight and significance.
Besides.
There weren’t many people in the capital who would think we could meet in private whenever we wanted.
‘This is foolproof.’
Who could oppose the Crown Princess’s endorsement?
It left no room for debate.
Nobles who placed utmost importance on authority and honour would move without hesitation when shown Elize’s signature.
It was reminiscent of the situation with Aria.
“I hope you understand this is no small favour.”
After a moment of contemplation, she spoke.
Her half-lidded eyes carried a calm yet heavy tone.
‘A difficult request.’
She was right.
The power of the Crown Princess’s signature and seal was beyond imagination.
Even so, she had always gone along with things until now.
It would be unfair if she suddenly refused at this point.
“First, I’ll need to hear this person play.”
“Of course. He’s here with me. I’ll escort you to him.”
***
Outside, Erdi was waiting.
I introduced him to Elize.
He knelt on one knee and bowed his head deeply.
“It is an honour to meet Your Highness, the Crown Princess.”
“Let’s head to the banquet hall together.”
***
“Listen carefully, Erdi.”
“Yes.”
“Tomorrow, you will accompany me to the Imperial Palace.”
“Pardon?”
“And you will play the piano before Her Highness, the Crown Princess.”
“…Pardon?”
The day before our private meeting with Elize.
I summoned Erdi to the manor to finalize the plans.
This was essentially a presentation.
If we wanted to impress her, we needed to prepare thoroughly in advance.
After spreading out selected sheet music, I began reviewing various pieces.
“Young Master.”
At some point, Erdi collapsed to the floor, clutching his head.
“Do you think I can really do this?”
He was trembling.
“Think of it as a performance. Besides, isn’t it great to only have one audience member?”
“I understand.”
Choosing the right piece wasn’t difficult.
Considering Erdi’s strengths and Elize’s preferences, the answer became clear.
Debussy’s Reflets dans l’eau (Reflections on the Water).
The piece captured a simple and visual theme—the movement of water—transposed onto the piano, much like the Clair de Lune I had once performed.
Of course, there were differences as well.
Clair de Lune prioritized emotional expression over technical skill.
Its performance difficulty wasn’t particularly high, but it captivated listeners with its unique, lyrical charm.
It was composed in a very classical form, with a structured melody forming its backbone.
In contrast, Reflections on the Water was far more impressionistic.
It had a complex, abstract structure.
The performance difficulty was significantly higher.
To accurately convey the piece’s theme with its swift arpeggios and delicate pedaling required exceptional skill and a deep understanding of the piano.
Its harmonies and tones constantly shifted, as if mirroring the flow of water.
It was, in every sense, the pinnacle of impressionist technique.
If Clair de Lune embodied soft, tranquil emotions, Reflections on the Water was more dynamic.
It was an excellent choice to showcase Erdi’s talent unreservedly.
At the same time, it would stir gentle ripples in Elize’s heart, ever hungry for new music.
We practiced together for hours.
His playing was always fluid and serene.
While it lacked the kind of dramatic flair that immediately grabbed attention, it drew listeners in naturally with its quiet charm.
This, in truth, was the most challenging technique.
The ability to make an otherwise ordinary atmosphere feel special with one’s unique touch.
‘You’re doing well, Erdi.’
At this level, earning her approval wasn’t just a dream.
***
Elize and I sat side by side on the chairs in one corner of the banquet hall.
“This feels like it could be fun, just the two of us attending a concert like this.”
What was she even saying?
If my understanding was correct, isn’t that usually called a date?
I stayed silent, afraid that answering would give her something to latch onto.
Soon, Erdi placed both hands on the keyboard.
The opening arpeggios flowed out gently, like calm ripples on water.
Following Erdi’s seamless pedaling and fluid finger movements, shimmering light reflected off the water’s surface seemed to fill my vision.
‘So this is what it feels like.’
Even I hadn’t often seen him play with such sincerity.
Watching from the perspective of an audience member made it feel like a new experience.
As the piece moved into its middle section, the melody gradually grew livelier.
The ripples turned into waves.
Harmonies and rhythms intertwined wildly, shaking the composition to its core.
I couldn’t predict where this dynamic melody would go next.
Glancing sideways, I saw Elize already immersed in his music, nodding her head naturally up and down.
Her lips were slightly parted.
A little while later.
The climax of the piece slowly faded, returning to a serene atmosphere.
Like the dimming light reflected on the water’s surface as the sun sets.
Erdi pressed the final key.
A deep, lingering resonance filled the banquet hall.
***
“Instead of holding a solo recital, let’s try this.”
The day before the theatre’s grand opening.
Originally, the plan was to host a performance for Erdi to commemorate the academy’s founding.
But I had a better idea.
“Let’s hold the entrance ceremony at the theatre.”
Edward nodded at my proposal.
“That would certainly cause a stir.”
But that wasn’t all.
“Erdi, Sir Kosolin, and I will each give a performance.”
A faculty introduction with a touch of performance.
I had already secured Victor and Erdi’s agreement.
The only response left was Edward’s, though his decision was practically a foregone conclusion.
I was just asking as a formality.
“Let’s do it.”
“I thought you’d say that.”
We immediately began preparations.
***
The next day.
A massive crowd gathered in front of the newly built academy building.
In their hands were thin pieces of paper—letters of admission.
“Finally, the day has come!”
“I’ve been waiting for this for so long!”
The excited voices of young nobles who had just come of age reverberated through the air.
This branch near the capital, established in collaboration between Anton Tilburg and Valcares Academy, was proof of its immense popularity.
The admission rate was an astonishing 6:1.
It wasn’t as mediocre as some might think.
It meant only one out of six applicants could get in.
Twice the competition rate of the main campus.
It was only natural that the young noble heirs who had made it this far couldn’t hide their joy.
“They’re holding the entrance ceremony in the theatre!”
“Just how grand will it be… I can’t wait…”
“I heard a rumour that every cadet will be given their own piano.”
“I’m more curious about the professors’ identities.”
Amid the chorus of thrilled remarks, the theatre’s main doors opened.
“Wow…”
The interior was so massive that you couldn’t take it all in without turning your head.
The tiered seating was divided into three levels, with the stage at the very front.
Julian and Count Haverland guided the attendees inside.
“It’s a blessing to have both of you here to help.”
Edward spoke, and Count Haverland let out a hearty laugh.
“If it’s for Anton, of course I’ll step up!”
Julian was no different.
“My son is hosting such a grand event… Living this long has truly paid off…”
Once everyone had found their seats.
The headmaster of Valcares Academy in the north ascended the stage.
Applause erupted from the audience.
“Today, I warmly welcome all of you who are setting foot into this sacred hall of art for the first time.”
The headmaster personally declared the opening.
“From ancient times, art has enriched the human soul and served as a lantern illuminating the truth of the world.”
His voice carried both formality and gravitas.
“Though many challenges and trials await you, never forget your passion for art, and lead one another forward as you progress.”
Some of the new students were already covering their mouths.
They couldn’t hide the overwhelming emotions welling up inside them.
And then.
“Next, we will introduce the faculty.”
The theatre fell into a hushed silence.
After concluding his opening remarks, the headmaster stepped aside to the edge of the stage.
Simultaneously.
A piano, hidden behind the curtain, was slowly revealed.
“Oh!”
“Could it be Sir Anton himself?”
“You mean Professor Anton!”
But the person sitting there was entirely different from what the students had expected.
“No way…”
A man awkwardly stood up, bowed, and stepped forward.
The headmaster, who had been waiting nearby, introduced him.
“This is Professor Victor Kosolin, one of the academy’s most esteemed musicians.”
As soon as his name was mentioned, the audience erupted in excitement.
“Wow!”
“Is it true? Professor Kosolin, who’s been in the north, has come here in person?”
The headmaster continued.
“Professor Kosolin is an exceptional artist who liberates the soul through music. Under his guidance, you will learn not only technical skill but also uncover the deep emotions hidden within.”
Exchanging a look with the headmaster, Kosolin returned to the piano.
Then, with all his strength, he struck the keys.
—
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