Chapter 67
—
The festival preparations progressed steadily.
Hugo, along with members of the construction guild, was hired on a temporary basis to set up small stalls around the theater.
They also prepared booths and temporary tents for the audience.
Expecting not just students but also a large crowd, additional benches and shaded rest areas were arranged.
One more thing was added: the two-story inn that had been built next to the Academy building.
“It’s finally opening.”
At the same time, the experiential museum was also completed.
I hadn’t expected it to open in such a way, but the timing was perfect.
I suppose one could call it luck.
Edward handled most of this himself.
Having previously been idle with ample free time, he now found himself so busy he could have used a second body.
It seems he’s been unable to sleep lately due to the sheer number of people looking for him everywhere.
“Don’t overdo it.”
“It’s fine. I’m doing this because I enjoy it.”
Since he said so, I didn’t stop him.
After wrapping up a brief meeting with him, I was about to head to the Academy when Hugo approached me.
“The task you requested is nearly complete. Have you had a chance to review it?”
“Of course. It looks fantastic.”
Then suddenly, he furrowed his brow as if something was bothering him.
“Doesn’t it feel like something is missing?”
To me, it seemed almost perfect.
Could it be that a true artisan is never fully satisfied?
“Festivals like these usually require sculptures.”
“…Now that you mention it.”
“A large statue representing the Academy’s symbol would bring joy just by being there.”
So that’s what he meant.
I hadn’t considered having a statue.
That said, Hugo wasn’t wrong.
I admit that.
But we don’t yet have anything that could be considered a symbol.
If it’s going to be a sculpture, it should be something we can leave standing for a long time, not just for the festival.
“Should I commission a wooden bench shaped like a piano?”
Hugo tilted his head as if perplexed by my mumbling.
“Why make something like that? Just erect a statue of you and be done with it.”
“What?”
“This may be called an art academy, but isn’t it really Anton Academy?”
“What are you saying…”
This is why rumours are so terrifying.
What started as a joke has spread, and now people are beginning to believe it as truth.
Though Victor and Erdi are here, my image is still far too strong.
“Sigh…”
“Then I’ll get started right away.”
Paying no attention to my reaction, Hugo immediately called on guild members to bring quality stone materials.
He even went further.
“There’s a skilled artist among us, quite good at drawing.”
And he suggested another idea.
“We could sell drawings of visitors standing in front of your statue.”
“Let’s not go that far.”
I quickly waved my hand.
That would diminish the meaning of the festival.
This must fundamentally remain a source of enjoyment for the Academy students.
I’ll save my time in the spotlight for another occasion.
Above all, it’s embarrassing.
Honestly, I have no intention of allowing it while I’m alive.
“That’s a shame.”
Hugo feigned a disappointed look, though I could tell he was exaggerating.
“No matter how much you look at me like that, I’m not changing my mind.”
Leaving him to his defeated steps, I exited the event grounds.
***
A festival is a festival, but there was still an important task left at the Academy.
The midterm exams.
It was essentially a project presentation period to test the students’ academic progress.
Think of it as the equivalent of university midterms.
But since we only teach one subject, it should be much easier for the students.
The evaluation consisted of two parts.
First, assessing their understanding and analysis of music theory.
They would complete and submit real-time test papers to demonstrate their accumulated knowledge.
The next part was a performance evaluation.
Students would be given random sheet music and, within a time limit, familiarize themselves with it before being tested by the faculty.
This was to measure their ability to recognize various rhythm patterns and notes and play them correctly.
This, too, wasn’t overly difficult.
The difficulty might even be lower than the advanced class tests.
After all, they are assigned specific pieces to practice and play.
But every plan has its flaws.
One of the students gathered in the classroom raised a hand to ask a question.
“Isn’t this test too favourable for the advanced class?”
I had anticipated complaints like this.
If beginner students were evaluated by the same standards as the advanced class, their scores would likely be lower in comparison.
Meanwhile, exceptional talents like Azbella or Beatrice might find the exam too easy despite their efforts.
This could create issues with the fairness of the evaluation criteria.
However, I was prepared for this.
What everyone wanted was to be recognized fairly and evaluated according to their efforts.
That aligns with my thoughts as well.
“The advanced class test will be conducted separately. The scenario you’re worried about won’t happen.”
The purpose of these tests was to push everyone to their limits and provide an opportunity for growth.
For the beginners, the focus would be on understanding and accuracy of fundamentals.
On the other hand, the advanced class would be evaluated on their ability to deliver a higher level of interpretation on familiar topics.
After all, the two groups are taught entirely different things.
Testing them by the same standards wouldn’t be fair.
I slowly turned my gaze to the gathered students in the classroom.
Most seemed to nod in agreement.
“You don’t have to worry about the Advanced Class.”
Besides, that will be entrusted to Erdi anyway.
Even I don’t pay much attention to it.
“If you’ve been faithfully attending Professor Kosolin’s and my lectures up to now, everyone should be able to score well without much difficulty.”
I added this to reassure everyone one last time.
And one more thing.
“For the top 10 students with the highest scores on this test, I plan to give extra credit for the semester final exam.”
“Whoa!”
There must be rewards for those who make an effort.
That is an unchanging truth.
Especially in a school setting.
Allowing students with higher academic achievement to gain certain advantages is not only unproblematic but entirely appropriate.
For now, that concludes the talk about the test.
“And lastly, I have news to share with all of you…”
The students’ eyes sparkled with curiosity.
For some reason, I couldn’t bring myself to speak.
Why?
Was it because the reactions that would follow were so predictable?
“For those who wish to perform on stage during this festival, please submit your applications to Professor Kosolin by next week…”
“Whoa!”
“It’s here! It’s finally happening!”
“We finally get to perform on stage too!”
As expected.
The atmosphere abruptly shifted.
Well, it’s natural.
Nobody particularly enjoys tests, but performing on a festival stage is a completely different story.
The former is something you endure, at least partially, for evaluation purposes.
But sharing your favourite pieces with an enthusiastic audience in a light-hearted setting?
How could anyone refuse?
For performers, such moments are the most delightful.
At any rate.
Sensing that I might get caught up in the growing commotion, I quietly left the lecture hall without anyone noticing.
***
At the same time.
The Dressel Estate.
A middle-aged man sitting on a sofa let out a deep sigh.
Edelro Dressel.
The retainer standing before him, Viscount Belmond, was the first to speak.
“Do you truly intend to bring the lady back?”
The duke remained silent.
His daughter, Lea, had been sent to a remote monastery as a form of exile after failing to uphold her dignity.
She had been permitted to return once her period of reflection was over, but no significant updates had been received so far.
And then.
A letter finally arrived recently.
“She claims she wants to apologize to Erdi.”
“Hmm.”
It wasn’t clear how she had heard the rumours, but she said she intended to participate formally in the upcoming festival at the academy to seek Erdi’s forgiveness.
In short, she was asking for permission to return to the estate.
“I never intended for her to meet Erdi.”
If the two were to meet now, who knows what might happen?
The chances of things taking a turn for the worse seemed high.
Yet.
To the Duke, Erdi was like a son.
At the same time, he was a benefactor and a dear friend.
“What Lea did is not something that can be brushed aside.”
Even though a lot of time had passed, Erdi’s heart likely still harboured anger and hurt.
So if things could be set right now, that would be the proper course of action.
“Lea’s wrongdoing is ultimately my responsibility.”
This was also his way of personally seeking Erdi’s forgiveness.
Having allowed such harm to come to Erdi, it would be unthinkable to dismiss it lightly.
“But will he accept the apology? That’s the concern.”
Was it already too late to fix things?
The duke’s worries only deepened.
And at that moment.
“Father, I’m here.”
The root of all his concerns walked into the parlor, accompanied by her maid.
—
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