Chapter 31

After the conversation came to a pause, the gathered cunning lords moved on to dancing or greeting the next person.

With a sigh, Lord Joshua sat down beside me.

"Are you tired, Arietti?"

Yes, I'm tired. The pressure is immense.

I said this softly, and Lord Joshua chuckled deep in his throat, then said in a good mood,

"Did you like that wine? I'll go get another glass."

Thank you.

He's really considerate.

If it were known that I had asked such a perfect person as him to get me another glass of wine, I wouldn't be able to survive in society.

It's a good thing this room is far from the ballroom.

The salon where the border lords gathered to talk was where the piano was.

We had started with a discussion about military training, then I played the piano, and we ended up chatting.

Most of the evening's guests of honor were here, but no one dared to reprimand us because of the intense pressure.

Sitting for too long made my body stiff, so I stood up to stretch and ended up touching the piano casually.

"Reverend Smith."

The voice came from one of the border lords who had been here earlier.

He must be about Lord Joshua's father's age.

What was his name again? Hmm—

"I am Radcliffe of Heider Border. Reverend Smith."

Thank you for introducing yourself again.

Hmm, a nice middle-aged man. I'm weak for handsome men of this age.

"Actually, I'm a patron of Lettimon."

Eh?

Eh?!

My face must have completely frozen.

"A-ah, that time... Thank you..."

No, that's not it! What should I say in a situation like this?!

Lord Heider laughed heartily.

"No, no, it's thanks to you. I made quite a profit this time, Miss Smith."

He winked at me.

Ah, that's the name I used when I did the arrangement.

How long have you known?

"Actually, I've heard about you from Lettimon before. I didn't expect you to be such a young and capable lady."

"Hmm."

I couldn't stop the cold sweat.

I don't know what to say, I really don't.

"Have you seen 'The Fruit of Aslize'? It's going to be shown in the neighboring country next, and Lettimon is preparing for it now."

'The Fruit of Aslize' is the play I took on right before I went to Carving.

I created it while enduring the cold treatment in Carving, both on the way there and after I arrived.

However, I haven't seen the completed play yet.

Since the play started being performed, I haven't had enough time to see it even when I was staying in the capital.

I've heard rumors that it's become quite popular, and Lettimon has informed me and given me special rewards.

I was actually planning to see it with Belsamum and the others during this evening party.

"You haven't seen it?! What a shame!"

"I've been away from the capital..."

"Ah, Princess Cecilia was right. Your absence from the capital is a loss."

Lord Heider held his head.

Ah, you know Cecilia too.

Of course.

Still, Lettimon has brought in a big catch.

Since he knows Cecilia, it's not surprising.

Cecilia and Lord Heider are representatives of the nobility in this country. Cecilia isn't a patron, but she is a supporter.

To bring such people along for a performance in a foreign country.

Lettimon is promoting our country, known for its music.

And unfortunately, the genre isn't the chamber music or hymns that the nobles appreciate. It's a play that incorporates the rhythms of the common people, which they don't recognize as music.

Even though it's not known, the irony that a major noble, their leader, is supporting it makes me laugh.

"Lettimon told me you're working on a new play. He seems busy, and Princess Cecilia is pushing for you in music. I'm looking forward to it."

Ah, I've complained to Cecilia about that many times.

"I told Princess Cecilia that I can't do that song. The talent gap is too wide. The princess should be the one to create it."

"Hmm. It's interesting that you say that. But didn't you write most of 'The Fruit of Aslize'? Both the princess and Lettimon value that and are saying they want you to do the next one."

That's true, but—

It was just a coincidence. Really, it was just luck!

"The songs in the play were composed by Princess Cecilia. I just expanded on the image."

Imagining Alicia being separated from Lord Joshua.

Suddenly, my chest hurt, and I grabbed my skirt without thinking.

What?

My chest hurts. Maybe I'm not feeling well today.

"The songs in the play became very popular, but I like the background music that plays from the beginning the most. Could you play it for me, Reverend Smith?"

Of course, Patron.

The melody used multiple times in the play along with the songs. A piano introduction that expresses a poignant love. It's been a while, but my fingers remembered.

After the background music, the song from the play.

Lord Heider was singing softly.

It's the first time I've heard it in a man's voice.

It's a good song. It overflows with the male protagonist's feelings. So poignant.

When I finished playing, Lord Joshua placed the wine on the piano.

"Surprising. Arietti, you can play such a song."

Yes, I made it myself.

Ah, by the time Lord Joshua returned, I had completed it and sent it back to Lettimon.

Lord Heider chuckled.

I'm not hiding it. I just don't feel the need to talk about it.

It's an important source of income for me, and I'm wary of being used by the often rumored Alicia.

"Truly, your performance skills are excellent! I'm moved! A toast to Reverend Smith's talent!!"

When Lord Heider praised me, everyone chanted, "Cheers!" The salon had filled with more people.

This white wine is really delicious!

"Next time, please stay in the capital a bit longer, Reverend Smith. Let's go see a Lettimon play together."

If I go with a patron, I can see it from the royal box!

"Yes, Lord Heider. Please, I would love to!"

"I'm looking forward to the new play! I hope it's completed soon."

Ah, that's how you play it?!

You're a fox too. This one.

Ugh! I can't do it!