Chapter 13

The piano was, as expected, out of tune.

The young lady of the Orsain family couldn't play as she wished, and by the time she finished, she was almost in tears.

The courage to give up is important.

But the guests were kind, and Lord Joshua and Lady Camilla received lavish praise.

Yes, I agree. The harmony was so unpleasant, and yet they played through it so well.

Taking out the violin, she said, "I will also, presumptuously, play to celebrate the arrival of spring."

Since it's a waltz, everyone can enjoy dancing, she added. Lord Orsain then encouraged Lord Joshua to invite Camilla to dance.

Lady Camilla looked delighted.

Well.

Spreading the sheet music and preparing to tune, the Orsain lord, standing beside her, muttered, "It's not just about the drums, can you read sheet music?"

She slumped.

Your voice is too loud!

Of course I can read it! I'm a priestess!

"Please behave yourself, Uncle."

Oh, Lord Joshua looks scary. When a handsome person glares, it's 30% scarier.

But, thank you.

To change the atmosphere, she played a casual prelude to encourage people to enter. When the hall was lined up, she started with a particularly large, aggressive opening.

The Waltz for a Spring Day. The most chosen piece at evening parties at the end of the social season.

Glancing at the hall, she met Lord Joshua's eyes, which were slightly open in surprise.

What's this?

I can play the violin too. Don't underestimate the songstress.

Oh. Lady Camilla, looking so happy to be chosen as Lord Joshua's partner. I'm glad her mood improved.

The sheet music is edited for ensemble, so I insert ensemble phrases in between.

Gradually, I recall the ensemble atmosphere, and my body moves naturally, as if dancing with the violin.

Occasionally, glancing at the hall, everyone is blushing and spinning joyfully.

Very elegant.

Beautiful.

It's still chilly, a spring night.

A glittering ball. Everyone steps with genuine joy.

Music is truly wonderful. It heals the heart, no matter how rough it is.

There are many people here who make me angry, but when they smile to my music, my anger subsides.

Being careful not to rush the rhythm, I take my time with the breaks.

Unlike when playing music alone, when playing for dancing, I have to match the movements of the people.

To make it easier for everyone to dance.

Playing the entire sheet music took quite a while.

After the dance, the gentlemen and ladies took drinks and smiled contentedly.

With the atmosphere heated up, she played one more piece.

This time, a song praising the Zalow River, which flows from this region. A national waltz.

Starting with a quiet prologue, as she entered the main melody, someone stood behind her.

Surprised by the violin accompaniment, she turned to see Lord Joshua.

Their eyes met, and he smiled.

She bowed and made room for him to see the sheet music, and he smoothly joined her.

After playing a few bars, she gave a small signal and yielded the main melody.

The duet added depth to the music.

Since she had the ensemble sheet music, it was difficult to read if one didn't understand. She added accompaniment and guided the tempo and development.

Lord Joshua is really skilled. Even though it's a well-known piece, he follows her signals very well on a first read.

Did he play in ensemble with Lady Alicia like this?

Playing the finale with overlapping melodies, they received a loud applause from the dancers. She returned the applause with a lady's bow.

"Lady Arietty."

Lord Joshua looked at her with the most affectionate eyes he had ever shown.

I also had a lot of fun playing in ensemble.

When you play in ensemble with someone who clicks, a sense of trust builds in your heart. Even without understanding each other with words.

It feels like you become close friends, encouraging and supporting each other, which is very mysterious.

"Thank you, Lady Arietty. It was a wonderful performance. Truly..."

"Thank you as well. You played very well, and I was honestly surprised."

I thought he didn't care about music since he neglected the temple so much.

Lord Joshua said nothing, but he didn't look away from her, as if he wanted to say something.

She waited for his words, but Lady Camilla entered.

"That was a wonderful performance, Lord Joshua! Oh, I wish I had played the violin in ensemble too!"

"Yes, Camilla. The priestess's lead was truly excellent. I didn't know the songstress had such skill. Or is Lady Arietty special?"

"No, the songstress has many opportunities to play in ensemble, so she is more accustomed to it than others."

"I should have brought mine! I wanted to play together. What a missed opportunity."

Shall I lend you my violin? she offered, and Lady Camilla eagerly accepted.

Next time, please join us, Lord Joshua.

It will be a good learning experience, so you should definitely play together, he persuaded Lady Camilla.

"Alright, I will bring my flute."

"Oh, can't you play the piano?"

Eh? Is Lady Camilla declaring war? Or...

"...It's not tuned."

"“Huh?”"

Lord Joshua and Lady Camilla said in unison.

Eh? Didn't you notice?