Published: July 4, 2025
"Eh? Your Majesty the Emperor?"
When Emperor Tsuin suddenly appeared while Lin was reading in the Chouonkaku, even Ryo could not help but be surprised.
After the envoy from Chououchi Empire had left, Emperor Tsuin visited the Chouonkaku.
He had heard that Duke Rondo was there.
The biggest reason he wanted to convey various things himself was simply that.
Normally, even within the Imperial Palace, there would be a notice if the emperor was to visit.
In other words, it would be communicated through the eunuchs that the emperor was coming.
However, this time, there was none of that, and he appeared suddenly in the Chouonkaku.
It wasn’t just Ryo who was surprised...
"Your Majesty!"
Immediately stopping his violin practice, Workshop Chief Ron Shen bowed respectfully.
It seemed that the Censorate Eunuch, who had not been informed of the visit, hurriedly arrived and also bowed.
"I heard that Duke Rondo is here. I came to convey that we will be returning the captured general, but then I heard the sound of the violin."
Emperor Tsuin said this while clearly looking at Ron.
"Was it you who was playing just now, Ron?"
"Yes... I was practicing under Lord Albert's guidance."
"I see. A mentor with a physique similar to yours that I have wanted for a long time."
Tsuin compared Ron, who was bowing, with Abel standing next to Ryo and said.
Then, he chuckled and suggested.
"Ron, could you play for me a little?"
"Y-Yes, with pleasure!"
Ron nodded happily.
An impromptu concert by Workshop Chief Ron began.
There were three pieces.
All three pieces were songs that Ryo originally did not know.
However, over the past few days, he had memorized them by hearing Ron practice repeatedly every day...
None of them were technically advanced pieces.
Rather, they were slow and relaxing songs.
In any case, what was very impressive was Ron's expression while performing.
He played with such joy and pleasure.
He truly loved that piece.
He truly loved the violin.
He truly... loved music.
"The difference is night and day from before receiving Abel's guidance. It’s amazing how much one can change in just a few days."
Ryo whispered to Abel, who was standing next to him.
"The results are because Ron practiced for weeks and months before I taught him. He has continued without losing heart even when he didn't see visible results every day."
Abel smiled as he continued.
"You must have thought about it, trying various things. It’s that accumulation that allowed my guidance to become the catalyst for breaking through the wall."
"Breaking through the wall..."
That was an expression often heard in sports.
With just a little push, something that had been impossible suddenly became possible.
But that only happens due to the accumulation of experience and thought leading up to that point.
It doesn’t just happen suddenly one day without doing anything.
Continue to make an effort.
Continue to think.
Continue to challenge.
But then, sometimes you fail and are pushed back.
Even when desired results do not come, repeating that over and over leads to the result.
One day, you leap over it.
"Well, to be honest, the technique is still quite crude, but... what’s more, it’s great to see him enjoying himself while performing."
"Indeed!"
Abel said with a smile, and Ryo agreed.
This is true for anything.
Doing something with joy, fun, and even a smile... that kind of姿 is pleasant to see from the side.
It makes those watching feel happy and somehow want to cheer them on.
It’s a mysterious human emotion.
A calm time flowed...
Ron’s performance came to an end.
"Splendid."
With a smile, Emperor Tsuin praised him.
"Thank you very much!"
Unable to bow with both hands due to still holding his instrument, Ron only lowered his head.
However, his cheeks were flushed, and he looked happy.
Satisfaction was evident.
"You have worked hard. Workshop Chief Ron Shen, I grant you permission to perform on the outdoor stage of Chouonkaku."
"Eh...?"
Ron stopped in surprise at Tsuin's words.
"Hm? Wasn't it said that you were not to play on the outdoor stage?"
"Yes, that was said."