Chapter 538: A Small, Intimate Concert

When I came out of the bath, Lionel drifted closer as if he had been waiting for that exact moment. Then he spoke—words so shocking that my mind blanked for a heartbeat. It was so sudden, so absurd, that I reflexively assumed it had to be a joke and asked him to repeat himself.

Please, let it be a joke.

“What did you say, Lionel?”

“Earlier, I received permission from Sophia-sama to borrow the music room. At that time, she mentioned that she would like Sophia-sama herself, Erwin-sama, and—if possible—His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen to attend as well…”

“W–What did you just say?!”

Why did this happen? Why did it turn out like this? I only wanted to borrow the music room for a bit. Just that. How on earth did my request get interpreted in such a way? Did Sophia-sama proudly tell His Majesty and Her Majesty that they would be able to hear my live performance?

“Julius-sama…”

“Don’t say it, Lionel. I know. It’s too late to refuse now. I’ll just have to do it.”

“Shall I invite Giovanni-sama as well?”

“…No, let’s not. He’s probably exhausted from brewing so many magic potions.”

Ah. Lionel just gave me that look. That subtle, knowing look—Oh, so you’re not inviting him? That one. Did I just come across as cold-hearted? Damn it, fine.

“Alright, alright. I’ll at least let Giovanni-sama and the others know. But don’t pressure them, Lionel.”

“Of course.”

He smiled far too pleasantly. He’d said he had dinner with them earlier, but what exactly happened during that meal? I had a very bad feeling about it.

Still, worrying about how things had gone so wrong wouldn’t change anything. What was done was done. Now all that remained was to see it through.

After asking Lionel to contact Giovanni-sama and the others, I hurried back to my room. I grabbed the phonograph and headed straight for the music room. Nero had apparently already looked into the location for me, because I arrived without any trouble at all.

…They’re not already waiting, are they?

“We have been expecting you.”

Several servants were standing by inside the music room.

Thank goodness. It seemed Sophia-sama and the others hadn’t arrived yet. When I explained to the servants that I would be playing the piano shortly, they nodded as if they fully understood and quickly departed the room.

Was it really such an emergency that they had to leave at a run? Puzzled, I checked the condition of the piano. With soundproofing magic in place, it shouldn’t bother anyone nearby. I began to play casually, letting my fingers wander over the keys, when Lionel returned—this time with Giovanni-sama and the others in tow.

“Julius-sama, thank you most sincerely for inviting us to this recital.”

“N–No, um, my playing isn’t anything special, but I hope you’ll enjoy it…”

The magic potion artisans who had come along smiled warmly.

…Recital? Since when did this turn into something like that? I was only planning to make a recording. Don’t tell me everyone heard something like there’s going to be a concert tonight?

While I was still grappling with that unsettling thought, more distinguished figures arrived one after another. Sophia-sama and Erwin-sama stepped into the room. Holding something like this so late at night made me feel oddly apologetic.

“The phonograph is already complete, then?”

“Yes. This one here is the phonograph to be presented to Her Majesty the Queen. What do you think?”

“There are so many flowers—Mother’s favorites, too. I’m sure she’ll be delighted.”

Sophia-sama smiled like a delicate blossom adorned with ornaments. It seemed I had passed muster. Thank goodness. A bit of the weight lifted from my shoulders—though the real test was still ahead.

Before long, His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen arrived as well. They must have finished their work for the day and been enjoying a quiet evening. Their attire reflected that, softer and more relaxed than what they wore during official hours.

Was it really alright for them to spend such precious time on this? It was their wish, certainly, but I couldn’t help feeling a little uneasy. At the very least, I had to make sure they didn’t feel it was time wasted.

“My apologies, Julius. Sophia spoke so happily about this recital that we couldn’t help but grow curious ourselves. We insisted on joining.”

“The performance that plays from Sophia’s phonograph was already wonderful. To hear it live like this—I’m truly looking forward to it.”

“Th–Thank you very much. I’ll do my best. Um, this is the phonograph I humbly present to Her Majesty.”

So that really was how the story had spread. Well, there was no point dwelling on it now. All I could do was give it everything I had.

Her Majesty stared at the phonograph I offered, eyes wide and unblinking. Then they began to shine brilliantly. It seemed she was quite taken with it.

“I will now, if you’ll permit me, record my performance onto this phonograph. My voice during the performance will also be recorded, so I ask that everyone remain quiet until the recording is complete.”

“Of course. Please, play without restraint.”

Her Majesty’s face bloomed into a radiant smile. At her response, everyone else grew solemn and nodded—servants included.

…Wait. Aren’t there more servants here than before? Well, whatever.

Chairs and sofas were brought in so everyone could listen comfortably. It would only be about thirty minutes—a small recital—but please, relax and enjoy yourselves!

And thus, the very first Julius Piano Recital was held.

If Mother or my sister-in-law Daniela were to hear about this, would they be angry? Asking why I hadn’t done something like this sooner. But it couldn’t be helped. I never imagined that a magic tool I’d made simply to pass the time during carriage rides would lead to something like this.

The piano performance proceeded without issue. Naturally so—I was using the Performance skill. My fingers moved almost on their own, as if guided by instinct.

And then came an unexpected discovery.

It seemed that skills could still level up in this world.

The skills I’d used until now had already reached their limits, so there had been no further growth. But after repeatedly playing music lately, the Performance skill—one that hadn’t yet hit its cap—had improved.

Thanks to that, playing felt even easier than before. I could probably perform for hours without tiring.

…Not that I ever would. Absolutely not.