SH_C32_CHAPTER 32:Will the Empire's Top Musician and Singer Shake Hands or Not?

 

32. Will the Empire’s Top Musician and Singer Shake Hands or Not?

Viktor Shostakovich is a court musician of the Qiou Empire, said to be unmatched in musical prowess throughout time and space. Thanks to his long elven lifespan, he also works to preserve ancient music and instruments, as well as collect songs and instruments native to different continents.

Incidentally, he’s also a highly skilled magician—one of the top in the world—but few are aware of that.

Source: Romanovpedia.

“Honestly, it was his magical ability that mattered to me, so I kind of forgot he was a musician until recently,” Romanov-sensei said.

“Ugh, this blockhead. No matter what song I play, all he ever says is, ‘That’s nice.’ Even if it’s horribly off-key!”

“Well, I’m a layman. I just assumed that was the intended flow of the song.

It’s great they’re such good friends and all, but could someone please pry Viktor-san off me already?

He’s been clinging to me since his introduction—yes, he said I could just call him Viktor because his last name is a tongue-twister—and meanwhile, the fox-eyed lady is still glaring daggers at me.

“Um, yes, I see that you and Romanov-sensei are very close… Nice to meet you. I’m—”

“The heir of the Count Kikunoi family, right? I’ve heard all about you from Alyosha. Nice to meet you, A-tan!”

“A-tan…”

“Agaha becomes A-tan. Isn’t that adorable?”

Being called A-tan, as a white piglet, is like an attack on both my ears and eyes. I could practically feel the secondhand embarrassment slice into my stomach.

Romanov-sensei clearly noticed my expression. His face said, “Just give up already,” as he smiled cheerfully.

More importantly, the fox-eyed lady looked about ready to explode. Her cheeks flushed with anger, her eyes sharp and intense.

Trying to prevent that explosion, I hesitantly spoke up.

“Um…”

Viktor finally turned to her.

“Ah, right. You wanted me to give you some singing lessons, didn’t you? I changed my mind. Sure, I’ll do it.”

“What!?”

“I said I’ll give you a lesson. Unless you don’t want it?”

“……!”

Her ruby lips quivered with emotion, and her eyes flared like twin bonfires.

When beautiful people get angry, the effect is terrifying.

Viktor, however, seemed completely unfazed by her fury, brushing it off with ease.

Then, as she slowly relaxed her death grip on her fan and drew herself upright, she said with noble elegance:

“Before that, would you mind introducing your guest properly?”

“Ugh… fine. This is Lord Alexei Romanov and his student, Lord Agaha of the Count Kikunoi family.”

He lazily introduced us both.

The moment she heard Romanov-sensei’s name, the lady’s entire demeanor changed.

“Oh my! The Lord Romanov?!”

“I don’t know which ‘the’ you mean, but yes, I’m Alexei Romanov.”

Unaware of how fake his smile was, she squealed like a fangirl meeting her favorite celebrity.

I considered introducing myself properly too, but as soon as our eyes met, she looked away disinterestedly.

Yeah, probably best not to poke that bear.

Viktor shrugged, as if to say “Just let it go,” so I let it go.

“So, are you gonna sing or not? If not, maybe you should leave.”

“I will sing! But…”

She glanced at me and Romanov-sensei.

Yeah, it must be hard to focus with strangers around.

I tugged on Sensei’s sleeve, suggesting we take our leave. He nodded—but then Viktor shook his head.

“If you can’t sing with an audience, what makes you think you’re ready for the National Theatre?”

“Wh-what did you just say!?”

“Prove me wrong. Or don’t.”

I don’t know who she is exactly, but if she’s set to perform at the National Theatre, she must be a major talent.

“A-tan, she’s going to be performing at the National Theatre soon!”

“Wow, amazing!”

“Of course! I’m Maria Crowe, after all!”

I applauded, and Maria puffed out her chest proudly. She looked to be in her early twenties, radiating confidence.

“Impressive. Bringing Agaha to the capital was worth it just for this,” Romanov-sensei said.

“What do you mean by that?”

Maria looked intrigued, and Viktor answered with narrowed eyes:

“Alyosha here got a request from a certain noble figure to help A-tan hone his musical talent. And apparently, he just now remembered that I—his childhood friend—might be useful for that.”

“Wh-?! Sensei! You’re talking about a court musician here! How can you say ‘just a little help’!?”

“I mean, I never really realized how amazing Viitya is.”

This man has a dangerous level of indifference.

…Though, to be fair, I shouldn’t talk. My reactions to people who know what’s going on are probably pretty terrible too.

That “certain noble figure” is probably the princess.

Maria tilted her head curiously.

“A noble figure?”

“Yes. I can’t say who, but… quite a high-ranking individual.”

“I see…”

“Anyway, since the capital has a theater, I thought it’d be good for Agaha to hear the top singer in the city. If Viitya couldn’t help arrange that, I figured I’d just ask him to sing himself. He knows music better than anyone I know.”

“Well, I’m better with instruments than vocals, to be honest.”

Saying that, Viktor led us into a room deeper inside.

In the center was what looked like a large three-legged table under a cloth. The moment he unveiled it, my heart jumped.

“A grand piano!?”

“Wow, you know your stuff.”

“Huh? Isn’t this a flügel?”

“In the Empire, yes. But in the northern Rumagne Kingdom, they call it "grand." Probably heard that from your noble teacher, huh? You haven’t left home much, right?”

“Y-yes, that’s true…”

Actually, I used to call it a grand piano in my previous life. Sorry for lying.

I glanced away, and Viktor gave me a puzzled look before pulling the cover off completely and sitting at the bench.

He lightly pressed a key, and the sound that rang out was warm and nostalgic.

“Alright, sing something for us. What song are you best at?”

“I’ll be performing Eternal Paradise, Empire Divine’ at the theater.”

“Okay, that’ll work.”

He began playing, and Maria followed the tempo, starting soft and slow, gradually rising in power and volume. Her voice soared and dipped in harmony with the music.

But at what seemed to be the climax, she hit a slightly off note. Only a minor wobble—but Viktor noticed. His brow twitched slightly, and Maria’s eyes tightened in frustration.

Still, it was absolutely stunning.

The moment the final note faded, I applauded enthusiastically.

Maria looked pleased. Viktor, on the other hand, sighed and shook his head.

“A-tan, don’t coddle adults. You noticed the pitch was off, didn’t you?”

“Well… yes, but…”

“‘But’ nothing. The worst thing is knowing you messed up and then forgiving yourself because someone applauded anyway.”

Oof. That was harsh.

Maria flushed red in embarrassment, trembling with barely restrained emotion. Viktor looked completely unfazed.

Romanov-sensei stepped in.

“Now, now, Viitya. I thought her singing was wonderful. And Agaha said so too. Isn’t that good enough?”

“I mean, yeah, she’s good. Definitely worthy of the National Theatre. But still…”

“In that case, how about you give Agaha a listen and offer him some advice? You’re not a vocal expert, are you?”

That unexpected suggestion stunned all of us—including Maria.

But Sensei was serious, smiling sweetly as he turned to her.

“Would you?”

Maybe charmed by that smile, Maria cleared her throat and softened her expression.

“Very well. If Lord Romanov requests it so kindly, I cannot refuse. I’ll be your instructor.”

“There you go, Agaha.”

“Th-thank you…”

I bowed, but she was still focused entirely on Romanov-sensei.

Viktor took his seat at the piano again, then paused.

“A-tan, do you know any popular songs around here?”

“Not really…”

“Alright, then sing that one your noble friend taught you. I can’t accompany you, so do it a cappella.”

“That’s fine. I usually sing a cappella.”

I took a deep breath, focused on diaphragmatic breathing, and tuned into my magic sensory nerves, just as the princess had taught me.

The song I chose was Schubert’s “Heidenröslein”—“Wild Rose.”

       ________________________________________________________________

*Eun: I tried looking for the same song that Ageha sang in the anime** Japanese version of Wild Rose

 __________________________________________________

I opened my throat properly, and the pitch and tone came out smooth and stable.

When I finished singing, Viktor gave a slow round of applause.

“Beautiful song. Makes me want to go find some wild roses.”

“I used to sing it while looking at the roses at home.”

“So your home has wild roses? How lovely.”

We started chatting about the song, when Maria approached me with a very serious expression.

“You… that singing technique just now—?”

“Was something wrong with it? I was told to focus on my magic nerves to keep the pitch steady…”

“Did that advice come from your noble mentor?”

“Yes, it did.”

Maria bit her lip hard.

Did she hate it? Was my singing that bad?

I paled.

But then she placed a hand on my shoulder and said,

“...Thank you. That really opened my eyes. Please, come to my performance at the National Theatre in two weeks. I want you to hear the real Maria Crowe.”

Wha—seriously!? Lucky!

Wait, or was that her way of saying, “Here’s how it’s really done, kid”?

I nervously furrowed my brows, but Maria shook her head.

“Your song… I’ve never heard it before, but it wasn’t bad.”

“Really…?”

“Yes. Be proud. I rarely compliment people.”

The sunlight shining through the window caught her face at just the right angle, making her look downright divine.

Watching her, Viktor smiled slyly.

“Now that’s the look I wanted to see, Maria. I’ll be delighted to give you lessons.”

“Really!?”

“Yeah. I’ll work you to the bone from tomorrow until showtime.”

I’m not sure how we got here, but I guess… All’s well that ends well?

 

Eun: Here's another extra chapter!! I'll try to post 3 more extra chapters. >.< 

Status update: 17 more chapters and we'll catch up with ep.9 

PREVIOUS

INDEX

NEXT