The Water Magician

On that day, the sounds of the violin and a small piano echoed within the Chouonkaku of the Imperial Palace.

However, outside on the stage, there was a swordsman swinging his sword.

"To swing a sword in the fortress of music is the height of tactlessness!"

"Well, I’m just bored."

A water attribute mage, who had been practicing the piano a moment ago, admonished him, and the swordsman lightly brushed it off.

Basically, Workshop Chief Ron was practicing with unwavering focus.

When he had questions or was confused about something, he would go to Abel for answers, but other than that, he was alone.

Ryo was also alone, playing the piano or reading the alchemy books he had brought.

As a result, Abel ended up with nothing to do.

So, it seemed he had started swinging his sword.

Chouonkaku has numerous performance stages, both indoors and outdoors.

The outdoor stage, being the most spacious, is large enough to hold an outdoor concert, so Abel swinging a sword by himself was no issue at all.

"Well, Abel's swordsmanship looks impressive. It doesn't look bad at all."

Ryo, who had just called it tactless, immediately reversed his stance.

"R-really?"

Abel blushed.

Yes, Abel was quite shy.

"Why don't you practice an instrument too? There are plenty of violins here, you know?"

As Ryo pointed out, there were several violins made by Ron in the workshop.

There were even slightly smaller violas, larger cellos, and even bigger double basses... it seemed they had a full set of string instruments.

In fact, there was even a piano, which Ryo whimsically considered a type of string instrument.

Yes, a piano is a string instrument.

It produces sound by pressing keys with fingers, but inside, hammers strike the stretched strings.

That's how sound is created.

Therefore, it is indeed a string instrument.

However, some people recognize it as a percussion instrument because it "strikes" the strings with hammers.

According to the dictionary, the precise classification is "keyed string percussion instrument"... meaning it belongs to both categories!

A piano is simply a piano.

"I... don't really want to play to that extent."

When Abel said that, he had a slightly lonely expression.

Not fully understanding, Ryo tilted his head.

"I practiced the violin because of Elder Brother."

"Elder Brother? Crown Prince Cain?"

"Elder Brother was perfect at the violin. That's what you call a genius, I suppose."

Looking at something that no longer existed, Abel's gaze turned distant.

"I think your current performance is quite incredible too..."

"I can't compare to him at all."

Ryo praised Abel's performance, but Abel shook his head gently in denial.

"I practiced to get a little closer to that Elder Brother..."

"So, you admired him, huh?"

"Admired... that's certainly true. But..."

After a brief wry smile, he continued.

"I despaired when I understood that I could never reach him."

"Eh..."

Surprised by Abel's words, Ryo was left speechless.

It was hard to imagine the diligent Abel understanding that he could never reach someone and falling into despair.

"So, what did you do, Abel?"

"Elder Brother told me. He wanted me to support Albert with my sword."

"I see."

"Of course, I liked the sword before that. But that was when I decided to dedicate all my swordsmanship to Elder Brother."

With a gaze filled with sadness and nostalgia, Abel looked far away.

When a person becomes fervently dedicated to someone, they can unleash unbelievable strength.

But what happens when that 'someone' passes away?

Can they continue that dedication even so?

"Elder Brother always cared about the country and its citizens. The last time I saw him, he could no longer stand from his bed, but even then..."

Ryo listened silently as Abel continued speaking.

Abel smiled just a little and added,

"So now, the sword I dedicated to Elder Brother is dedicated to the country and its citizens."

The expression on Abel's face, having declared this, was filled with determination, devoid of sadness or nostalgia—an expression befitting a king.

"My sword is dedicated to Abel. I will support you with all my might."