Chapter 85
The luncheon began, announced by its host, Marquis Alheus.
He was a middle-aged man who gave off an impression of harboring ambition.
His tone, his gestures, his manner of speaking; all of it seemed less like someone trying to lead others and more like someone trying to suppress them.
I suppose that’s just the kind of behavior that naturally comes with being the head of a faction.
“Hash-kun, it’s about time for your performance.”
Apparently, it wasn’t just Count Hakartney who planned to showcase music at this luncheon.
There were duets using brass instruments like flutes, as well as quartets including violins and cellos, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a mini concert.
“But I must say, I’m surprised. I didn’t expect Count Hakartney to be someone who’d involve himself in political warfare.” (Shizuma)
“Heh, it’s not something as crude as that. This is more of a challenge to the very concept of what a nation should be. As you know, the Holy Principality is a country that only possesses strength. Intelligence, military might, and centripetal force, all of these are necessary elements for a nation, and indeed, I have pledged my loyalty to Her Majesty the Queen.” (Hakartney)
Before the musical performances began, Marquis Alheus, the faction leader, had given a speech to the assembled nobles, passionately expressing his dissatisfaction with the queen and the need for national reform. “We lack the wealth and resources to stand equal with other nations. Right now, thanks to the power provided by artificial dungeon cores, the lands around Lindblum are still plentiful. But our rural areas are on the verge of being called barren villages. Despite this, the number of artificial cores being diverted for export to other countries keeps increasing. As a result, the fertility of the Lindblum region is also beginning to decline. That is why our faction believes we must reform the nation’s dependence on dungeons.” (Hakartney)
“I see. So Count Hakartney wants to propose that the nation should compete with others through artistic and cultural assets, including music. Is that correct?” (Shizuma)
“Oh! Just as I’d expect from you, Hash-kun. I’ve been advocating that within this faction, but support has been slow to come. Still, I felt potential in the sound of your music!” (Hakartney)
I did feel sorry.
After all, I was using this man completely for my own purposes.
Still, I couldn’t help but wonder, what exactly does Lord Alheus, the head of this faction, intend to use to compete with other nations and pull this country out of its crisis?
“But I suppose that’s not something I have to worry about right now. All I need to do is deliver the best performance I can here.” (Shizuma)
“Indeed. I wouldn’t want to taint your playing with unnecessary distractions. Forgive me.” (Hakartney)
And so, it was finally my turn to perform on the piano.
“I’ve been entrusted with the introductions. I am Hakartney. Haha, well, I imagine most of you already know who I am. Perhaps you’re thinking, ‘That music-crazed noble brought another new musician again.’” (Hakartney)
Some of the nobles chuckled at his introduction.
The atmosphere was relaxed.
“But this time, the person I’ve brought is a wandering musician. Someone who plays without being bound by form, whose performance brings smiles to all who hear it. A fellow madman, like myself. I would even go so far as to call him my comrade.” (Hakartney)
Then I’ll play.
I’ll play like I did in that back-alley music shop, taking this country’s refined music and breaking it down, reshaping it so more people can enjoy it, delivering its fragments to all.
—————-
“Hey, doesn’t this one sound kinda jazzy? Like, the way it’s being played is just…cool?”
“Yeah, I thought so too. I’ve heard this piece before, but it’s clearly been rearranged.”
“I like it. Stuff like this really helps clear your head.”
In a room adjacent to the hall, the classmates were relaxing and listening to the music.
It’s true that modern high schoolers don’t often get the chance to hear live performances of refined music in a concert hall.
But this time, the performance had been arranged with a familiar tempo, something they could relate to.
It must’ve been easy on the ears, despite the wall between them and the music, they were completely absorbed by the sound.
Then, the next piece began.
Everyone stood up and headed for the door.
“Excuse me! Could you let us out? I want to see this performance in person!”
But the guards, maids and soldiers, were strict.
Despite the students’ pleas, they weren’t allowed out of the room.
Still, the familiar melody from Earth continued to echo, shaking them to their core.
“This is the Turkish March, right?”
“No doubt… It’s Mozart.”
“But why Earth music…?”
“Even I know this one, I’ve heard it before.”
“…Could it be that Shizuma-kun can play piano?”
“Nah, if he had a talent like that, he would’ve been asked to play during the school festival’s choir.”
Who was playing it? And why?
At this point, the students could no longer just sit back and relax.
—————-
It was over.
Honestly, if I just wanted to build a name for myself among the nobility, I could’ve simply played some trendy pieces with precision.
But…I think Hakartney’s words resonated with both me and Hash.
Even if the method is different, this man wants to revitalize the country through entertainment.
So I allowed myself a bit of a detour from the safe route.
Rather than just slipping in Earth music, I played it with a more casual, approachable arrangement -a small gamble.
“A bit unorthodox, but the technique is solid.”
“I don’t usually attend concerts or solo recitals, but I wouldn’t mind going to one with music like this.”
“For me… I would’ve preferred it a little more calm and composed.”
“Given what Lord Hakartney is aiming for, I suppose this is a kind of ideal form. Personally, I liked it.”
The responses I overheard were mixed. As expected, it seems the upper class still finds it hard to fully accept this kind of music.
But at least they showed interest.
As I stepped down from the stage, Count Hakartney welcomed me with open arms and shared his impressions.
“The results were excellent. Quite a few people took interest in you. I never expected thunderous applause on the first day, but gaining attention is what matters. If I made you uncomfortable in the process, I’m truly sorry.” (Hakartney)
Despite being a noble, this man bowed his head apologetically, a sign of how seriously he treats music.
From my side, I had no complaints. If anything, I was grateful for the opportunity.
“Please raise your head, Count Hakartney. Every era’s first step in challenging the mainstream is paved with difficulty. But I have a strong ally standing with me in this challenge. And… I’m confident now that we can overcome those difficulties with ease.” (Shizuma)
“Oh… Oh! You say that, Hash-kun! I’m so glad… I’m truly glad I brought you here today! I believe many people still don’t have the luxury to enjoy entertainment or indulge in the arts. But I won’t give up. This country will gain cultural assets we can be proud of, and one day…we’ll move beyond this unstable, dungeon-reliant form of governance.” (Hakartney)
“Yes, I believe so too. Once the country gains even a little breathing room, music and entertainment will likely flourish explosively.” (Shizuma)
That’s how I truly feel. In my free time, I visited the Adventurers’ Den.
Some taverns had instruments, but I heard it’s rare for anyone to actually play them, whether musician or bard.
They say that due to the worsening relationship with Golda, travelers across the continent have decreased, and that most musicians in the Artist Guild now play only for the nobility, not the general public.
But whenever I, or rather, Hash, played music at those bars, the customers would always smile.
That’s probably the kind of country Lord Hakartney wants to build.
If people are given the opportunity, music and entertainment will take root. I felt that clearly.
…Yeah, Dungeon Cores should be used to enrich the country.
So that everyone can have enough leisure to enjoy music and entertainment.
Thus, the luncheon ended before sunset. No major announcements were made, it wasn’t a send-off party or anything like that.
It really did seem like a purely recreational gathering.
To my pleasant surprise, though no concrete dates were set, I did receive a few invitations for future performances. Even if it was just social niceties, it still felt like a big step forward.
I was just about to excuse myself when it happened.
As I declined Count Hakartney’s offer to send me home by carriage and started walking home, a man, an attendant of the host, Marquis Alheus, approached me.
“…Me?” (Shizuma)
“Yes. One of the Marquis’s personal guests, who heard your performance, expressed a strong desire to speak with you. The Marquis has already granted permission. Would you be willing to accompany me?”
Hmm. So this person didn’t speak up during the luncheon. Maybe they don’t want to draw attention to themselves?
…No, no way. It can’t be. There’s no way I’d run into the real deal right away.
Still, for a marquis, it wouldn’t be unusual to have one or two secret guests.
—————-
“I’ll be blunt. Are you from Earth?”
…Bullseye on the first try!!
A powerful noble in this country is sheltering the former classmates summoned by Golda… that’s kind of a big problem, isn’t it?
Right now, standing before me and abruptly questioning me are Isaka and the others, my former classmates.
Judging by their demeanor, they haven’t just arrived, they seem quite accustomed to this place.
…No way. I’ve already reached the goal?
“Earth, you say? I presume that’s the name of a country? I’m afraid I’m not from any such place.” (Shizuma)
“Then, could you tell us about the piece you just played?”
“Which piece are you referring to?” (Shizuma)
Isaka continues with vague questions, clearly trying to get me to slip up.
Too bad. I’ve interacted with hundreds of eccentric people in MMOs. I see right through you.
He probably wanted to say, ‘Why would you assume we were talking about that piece?’
“Tch… That second song, the one that felt a bit different from the others.”
“Ah, that one! You have a keen eye! …Or perhaps I should say a keen ear? That piece is something I obtained as part of my personal hobby. You see, in this vast world, there are mysterious places known as dungeons. You may know this, but occasionally, those dungeons produce objects with unknown origins, things whose purpose, history, or even time period are unclear. That piece may be one such item. I’ve been traveling the world as part of a brigade in search of such music.” (Shizuma)
I’ve been consistent with this backstory from the start, so there’s no issue.
“…I see.”
“From what I gather, you all must come from a faraway nation called ‘Earth,’ yes? If the piece I played is indeed from your homeland…then as a small gesture, I’d like to play it once more. Would that be acceptable?” (Shizuma)
…This isn’t out of pity. Even if their faces look downcast, even if I missed their expectations somehow, I don’t think of them as pitiful.
But if they’re yearning for it…then Hash doesn’t have the option not to play.
…Fine. I’ll do it. Besides, I might learn something useful if I can get them to open up a bit.
“…Please. If possible, I’d like to hear more of those mysterious songs.”
“I’d like to as well! I only got to hear it through the wall earlier, so I want to experience it in person!”
Kazunuma agreed too. Alright, let’s play.
The former classmates were just a wall away from the luncheon hall.
Now that the guests were gone, I led them back to the hall, though it felt a bit surreal.
—————-
“Then, allow me to perform these pieces of unknown origin I’ve collected.” (Shizuma)
From there, I played not just famous classical music, but also some older J-pop and anime songs, things that wouldn’t feel out of place drifting into another world.
…It seemed to work.
Hash probably doesn’t like seeing people’s faces cloud over from music, but even so, all my former classmates wore expressions tinged with melancholy. Homesick, maybe? Longing for home?
“…That concludes the performance. Perhaps I should apologize, maybe what I’ve done is cruel. But…please, place all blame on me. These songs were born into this world to bring joy to people.” (Shizuma)
“…No. Thank you for the wonderful performance. We can’t return home just yet for various reasons, but it was nostalgic…and seeing it played live with such skill was truly a gift.”
“Yes, I was deeply moved. It’s incredible…that human hands can produce such beautiful sounds.”
“Right? I was totally blown away hearing that piano live!”
I don’t know what brought these former classmates to this country.
But it wasn’t hard to imagine it wasn’t by choice.
Especially after what happened with Muraki… They’re probably caught up in something troublesome.
“Well then, I’ll be taking my leave now. I’m glad I could offer you a moment of comfort. Please give my regards to Marquis Alheus.” (Shizuma)
I passed on my message to the man who had brought me, probably a butler or some kind of steward, and left the grand estate, built to overlook all of Lindblum.
“…I’ll need to return to Seimu and file a report once I’m home.” (Shizuma)
Well, sorry, but I won’t be going easy.
—————-
(´・ω・｀) You’re not getting away now, you hear???
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