Published: July 4, 2025
“Princess, that was magnificent.”
The emperor Tsuin stood up from his throne, praising her.
“I am honored, your majesty.”
Princess Shio Fen bowed her head.
Seeing this, the emperor nodded in satisfaction.
“Indeed, this year’s Kyoonkai was quite splendid.”
However, at that moment, a young voice interrupted from the side.
“I have something to say to his majesty the emperor.”
It was Prince Bin, the fourth prince.
At that instant, Ryo and Abel exchanged glances, grimacing.
They had a feeling something was amiss.
While the entire audience praised the performance of Princess Shio Fen and the others, only Prince Bin wore a face like someone chewing a bitter bug, refusing to applaud.
It was clear that for him, the praise directed at the sixth prince Lyun’s faction, their biggest rival, was not a welcome thing.
“Surely, you’re not going to criticize the performance just now?”
“That would be impossible. It was a wonderful performance, just praised by the emperor.”
Ryo and Abel were conversing in relatively hushed tones.
“What’s wrong, Bin?”
The emperor Tsuin responded to Prince Bin.
“The custom at Kyoonkai is that all high-ranking officials perform. I fear there are still those present who have not performed.”
“Hmm? I thought everyone had performed.”
Prince Bin extended his right arm, pointing at a certain individual.
“Duke Rondo.”
“Eh?”
Ryo was surprised by the sudden indictment.
Of course, he had not heard any such discussion beforehand.
“That is rude. Restrain yourself, Bin.”
The reprimand did not come from the emperor but from the third prince Churei, who sat beside him.
Churei was clearly frowning and looking at Prince Bin.
“No, I will not restrain myself. The seat of the Duke is that of the crown prince who oversees all six departments. As long as he is present in that seat, it is only natural that he should perform at Kyoonkai.”
Prince Bin continued with his indictment.
Ryo and Abel could not discern whether what Prince Bin was saying was correct.
And they also did not know what the right course of action was.
Consequently, Ryo looked at Emperor Tsuin, who stood before the throne.
In that moment, he caught a glimpse of the emperor smiling slightly.
It was the kind of smile that resembled that of a mischievous child.
“Duke Rondo, Prince Bin has made such a statement. While I did not believe it necessary… what do you think? Would it not be possible for the guard, Lord Albert, to showcase his violin here? I am actually quite interested in that.”
Yes, that mischievous smile hinted at wanting to hear Abel’s violin, spurred on by Prince Bin’s actions.
Ryo glanced at Abel, who shrugged in response.
“If it is your majesty's request, I shall humbly perform.”
As Ryo said this, Abel stepped forward to the stage and bowed towards the emperor.
It was a bow that could be described as the epitome of elegance.
“A bow comparable to Duke Helb’s here? As expected of Abel.”
Ryo's small whisper was unheard by anyone.
However, with that bow, Abel succeeded in shifting the audience's perception from ‘just a guard’ to ‘as expected of the Duke’s guard.’
He then received the violin from Mifa, who was still on stage.
“I look forward to it, Master.”
“The performance earlier was wonderful.”
Mifa handed over the violin, and Abel accepted it with a smile, praising Princess Shio Fen’s performance.
As Mifa stepped back into the corner of the stage, Abel stood tall and began to play the violin.
The piece was one he was accustomed to.
“It must be… Paganini’s 24 Caprices, No. 24…”
The murmurs from workshop chief Ron Shen backstage echoed.
Previously, he had heard Abel perform at Chouonkaku.
He had been moved.
And he had admired.
Those feelings surged back once more.
“How can he play such a difficult piece so lightly?”
Ron Shen murmured.
Among those present, only Ron Shen, Mifa, and Ryo were familiar with Paganini.
The others would be hearing it for the first time.
Yet, everyone was captivated.
Tricky yet beautiful.