MPO

CHAPTER XV

Lucas quickly finished his work and went to the building he had lent to Leila. Dressed in commoner’s clothes again today, he quietly entered through the back door.

And as soon as he opened the door, the sound of piano music filled the air.

He had been expecting a violin performance, so he felt momentarily disappointed. Nonetheless, he soon became curious.

“Ohh, she can play the piano at a high level too.”

While not as much as the violin, the piano performance was quite enjoyable. Silently approaching the room where the two were, he leaned against the wall and leisurely observed Leila.

“Miss, this is the piece you often played when you were nine, right?”

“Fufu, you remember?”

“Of course! It’s the Madam’s favorite piece.”

“…That’s right.”

Leila appreciated that Anna occasionally talked about her mother as if she were still alive, bringing it up naturally.

“There was a day when I got into a lot of trouble with the head maid because I sneaked in to watch you play this piece. So, I could never forget this piece.”

“It’s Richter’s Symphony of Heavenly Echoes. It’s named for its lively tones, as if baby angels had descended to earth to play.”

“Maybe that’s why I couldn’t take my eyes off you playing the piano at the time, Miss. I thought an angel was playing.”

Leila smiled brightly at Anna’s adorable flattery. It felt like a long time since they had a comfortable chat just between the two of them. Although it always seemed like a stone was pressing on her heart, today felt like she could laugh a little more freely.

Just then, applause broke out.

Leila and Anna jumped in surprise.

“Ah? Oh, good day, Your Grace!”

“I’m sorry if I startled you… but I couldn’t just listen and leave.”

After signaling Anna to stand up with a light gesture, Lucas gracefully entered the piano room and sat on the windowsill.

“Good day to you, Your Grace…”

“I didn’t know you could play the piano.”

“…I only played a little when I was young. Have you come to listen to my violin?”

“I do like your piano pieces, but I think I’m more drawn to your violin playing.”

“Just wait a moment, please.”

“Since there’s a piano here, the sound will be different. Let me show you to the room.”

Lucas was about to lead the way out but then remembered that Leila was blind and returned.

“Excuse me for a moment.”

Instead of letting Anna lead her, Lucas gently took Leila’s arm and led her to the second floor.

“This room gets a lot of sunlight. Special attention was paid to the windows, so it’s perfectly soundproof.”

Anna, following them, narrowed her eyes at the mention of perfect soundproofing and stayed close.

Noticing Anna’s behavior, Lucas found it amusing but decided to generously understand her concern for her lady.

“There’s a single sofa in the center of the room. You can play seated or standing, whatever you prefer. I’d like you to play comfortably.”

“Yes, I will.”

Leila could feel that this room was brighter than the others. She blinked slowly against the dizzying, blurry brilliance in front of her. Anna quickly took her arm and led her to the sofa.

Leila groped with her hands and touched the back of the sofa. Estimating its location, she placed the violin case on it. With familiar movements, she took out the instrument, tuned it lightly, and immediately started a tempestuous performance.

Lucas, sitting on the opposite sofa, crossed his legs leisurely, his face showing surprise. The thrill of being able to watch and listen to the performance right in front of him, which he had only heard from backstage until now, was exhilarating.

Even the rough sound of scratching the strings did not sound sharp thanks to the player’s technique. Instead, it was possible to fully feel a heavy sensation. After a fast and sharp section that seemed to require quite a bit of force, it changed to a leisurely and relaxed melody.

It seemed to represent this moment. The leisurely time of working hard and listening to the performance.