Chapter 8
The concert was fast approaching.
Most of the minor event management in the capital was handled by the church. Upon explaining the situation, they immediately granted permission.
With Edward’s help, I moved the piano from the theatre to the centre of the square.
We set up a simple stage, and with the help of Count Haverland, we were able to recreate a semblance of an audience seating area.
It was satisfactory.
Moreover, this world had magic that could amplify sound, allowing the piano’s melody to reach even distant listeners.
Originally, this magic was intended for use in speeches, but whatever.
There were a few tragic pieces of news, however.
“Count Periton has completely barred entry to his territories.”
“No way.”
“He’s probably worried that the commoners might come to watch your performance.”
“Is he insane?”
I thought I had come up with a clever plan, but there were those who went even further.
Considering the hierarchy of ranks, I couldn’t criticize them, but this was going too far.
It seemed that their pride had been gravely wounded.
Rather than dressing in commoner attire themselves, they preferred to control the movement of their own subjects.
Was he trying to say, “If I can’t have it, no one else can”?
“What a headache.”
However, the situation was resolved in an unexpected way.
“Count Periton and his son have been imprisoned.”
“What?”
I heard the news from my father.
“Apparently, they attempted to slander the prince. They were vile people, oppressing their subjects and hoarding filthy wealth. I knew it would end like this someday.”
It was a completely unforeseen turn of events.
Thanks to that, no more lords restricted their subjects’ movements.
Though I couldn’t grasp all the details, it was, in any case, good news for me.
The day of the concert was just one day away.
***
A massive crowd, larger than anyone could have imagined, began to gather in the capital square.
People were curious about the identity of the performer, and there was palpable excitement from the commoners, who were eager to finally experience music.
“My heart feels like it’s going to burst!”
“Hearts don’t burst that easily.”
Labourer girls in tunics cheerfully ran forward to secure seats.
As always, it was on a first-come, first-served basis.
Those who arrived first could sit at the front.
Someone caught the girls’ attention.
“Wow.”
Even dressed in commoner attire, the elegance was undeniable.
Flowing black hair and flawless, glowing skin.
Lively red eyes sparkled like the sun on a midsummer’s day.
Though half her face was covered, the sophistication could not be concealed.
The girl next to her was just as captivating.
Even her posture while sitting exuded grace.
A paragon of serene beauty.
They seemed to be sisters.
“Who could they be?”
“I’m more curious as to when they arrived to secure the very front seats.”
A little later.
The square was at full capacity.
Naturally, no seats were left, and it was difficult even to stand comfortably.
“Over here!”
Nearby merchants opened their shops.
For a small fee, they offered terrace seating.
Thanks to that, everyone managed to find a place without much trouble.
As the sun gradually set, one person ascended the stage.
***
There was something I realized after the Polonaise incident.
The prince had no reaction when I performed “Clair de Lune,” but when I played Chopin’s piece, he finally applauded in response.
People have preferences.
It was the same in my previous life.
No matter how much you like a performer, if they don’t play the piece you’re looking forward to, it leaves a sense of dissatisfaction.
Performances are ultimately for the audience.
One must perform music that the audience wants and give them satisfaction.
A good experience breeds good inspiration, and that, in turn, leads to good outcomes.
“For that reason.”
I had to choose music that as many people as possible could enjoy.
It wasn’t difficult.
I had already decided on the piece when I began planning this concert.
Rossini’s William Tell Overture.
An opera by the Italian composer Gioachino Rossini, which reinterprets the legendary archer William Tell, who shoots an apple off his son’s head with perfect precision.
The performance featured in the finale is so famous that there’s hardly anyone who doesn’t know it.
There’s even a piano arrangement of it.
By the way, the name of the arranger is Franz Liszt.
The quality of this arrangement goes without saying.
It perfectly captures the intense and dynamic opera music with just a single piano.
This is the piece I will be playing today.
Liszt’s William Tell Overture.
As expected of Liszt, the king of piano and a master of virtuosity, this piece boasts a daunting level of difficulty.
But that’s fine.
Its addictive nature makes it hard to forget, and I’ve already recreated the sheet music in advance.
It would’ve been impossible to start from scratch, so I’ve practiced diligently until now.
For parts that were too difficult, I adjusted them accordingly.
I’m confident.
“No one would dislike this.”
After exchanging glances with Edward, I headed toward the stage.
“I’m looking forward to a great performance.”
“You won’t be disappointed.”
***
“Wow!”
Cheers from the audience surged like a wave.
Although there’s an unspoken rule that one shouldn’t make noise at concerts, I couldn’t care less right now.
If I were concerned about that, I wouldn’t have set up a stage in the square in the first place.
There’s a massive crowd.
Each person, dressed in various coloured tunics, waved their hands to welcome me.
Among them, some tilted their heads in confusion.
‘That’s right.’
Most of the cheering spectators were commoners.
They’ve never seen the prince up close.
It’s a bit of a concern, but they might be mistaking me for the prince.
The nobles, on the other hand, know the prince’s face, which is why they’re reacting differently.
“Who is that person?”
“Wasn’t the prince supposed to come out?”
I should make a greeting to clarify the situation.
Bowing would be the standard approach, right?
Then, I gestured toward Edward.
He handed me a magic book.
As I placed my hand on the cover, I felt my breathing gradually deepen.
With the magic book, anyone can handle magic.
It’s quite convenient.
“Hello. I am Anton Tilburg, the eldest son of the Tilburg family.”
I gave a short greeting.
“Tilburg? Do you mean the Baron family near the Capital?”
Some people recognized me.
But they were in the minority, and most seemed to hear the name “Tilburg” for the first time.
Well, there’s no reason for people to remember the name of a mere baron family.
I might face criticism.
But I’m prepared to endure it.
“Wow!”
“Anton! Anton!”
However, the reaction was different from what I expected.
‘What’s this?’
It seemed like they didn’t care whether I revealed my identity or not.
The cheers seemed even louder than before.
‘So that’s how it is.’
Thinking it over, it seemed there was a reason behind it.
To the commoners, whether it’s the prince or a baron’s son, it’s all the same.
It has no bearing on their own lives.
The status of the performer?
That’s no issue for them.
No matter how much they worry, nothing will change.
The only thing that matters is the fact that they get to hear music.
That’s why they aren’t debating about my identity.
It’s wonderful.
Since the commoners didn’t stop cheering, even the puzzled nobles started to lose interest.
“Yes! Whether it’s Anton or Oton, what difference does it make?”
Encouraged by the fervent response, I hurriedly lowered my voice and sat down in front of the piano.
Now it’s time to show them through the performance.
***
From the start, a lively, rapid-tempo melody burst forth.
It instantly captivated the audience’s ears and heightened the atmosphere.
“Wow!”
My fingers danced over the keys, producing a dynamic tune.
The intense rhythm seemed to capture the march of a cavalry unit, evoking tension and excitement.
The audience responded by swaying their bodies.
The simple, clear melody and heart-pounding tempo quickly turned the square into a festival.
Then, the volume gradually started to diminish.
Decrescendo.
Graceful and lyrical, yet gradually intensifying, as if hinting at the climax that would follow.
Soon enough.
The emotions exploded like a supernova, swirling and crashing around.
Bouncy arpeggios and a deep bass harmony.
As expected of a piano solo arrangement of an opera, it felt like various instruments were blending together, marching toward the finale.
“Wow!”
“I can’t hold it in anymore!”
Unable to contain their excitement, members of the audience stood up one by one.
The seats, prepared to replicate a theatre’s atmosphere, no longer served any purpose.
Mesmerized by the dazzling display of technique, they began waving their arms and even dancing.
There’s no rule that one must sit quietly and respectfully during a concert.
Especially at an outdoor stage like this, they can express their joy as much as they like.
Such a reaction only brings more joy to the performer.
The spectators, intoxicated with excitement, smiled with flushed faces.
Finally, the finale.
Pressing the last key brought a harmonious end to the chaos and exhilaration.
“Wow!”
A chorus of cheers erupted.
Everyone, bursting with energy, gave a standing ovation.
Some even threw bouquets onto the stage.
For those who only knew the work songs sung with their mouths throughout their lives, this was an introduction to a new culture called classical music.
“Thank you!”
Although I wanted to play an encore, I hadn’t prepared any more pieces.
The only pieces I could play perfectly were Mozart’s piano sonata and Clair de Lune, but those wouldn’t do.
They would certainly ruin the lively atmosphere I had built up.
After a brief bow, I stepped down from the stage.
“What a splendid performance!”
Edward, who had been waiting, greeted me.
“I feel like I’m going to die from exhaustion.”
I collapsed in front of him.
Even with practice, the fatigue was unavoidable.
The piece’s extreme difficulty demanded both speed and precision.
Even then, I couldn’t play it perfectly.
‘How many wrong notes did I hit?’
Probably too many to count.
I simply pushed through with momentum again this time.
It didn’t seem like the audience noticed, and in any case, they were hearing the original piece for the first time…
But I wasn’t satisfied.
‘I need to train more.’
Well, anyway.
“Edward.”
“Yes!”
“Could you take me home?”
***
Not even a day had passed since then.
A flood of visitors started pouring into the territory.
“Anton, could you teach my daughter to play the piano?”
—
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