At a Certain Party Venue
Maryne's music business looked like it was getting on track.
However, there were still challenges remaining.
(I want a leader to run the business.)
For the sweets business, there was Yumia.
For the cosmetics business, there was Asha.
… Just like that, each of Maryne's ventures had its own leader.
She wanted someone who could serve as the leader of the music business as well.
But…
(... I don't have anyone in mind.)
At the moment, she couldn't think of anyone who seemed suited to the role.
---
Selvan's POV
One night.
In a corner of the royal capital stood a somewhat formal venue.
A party was being held there.
Candles flickered throughout the hall.
Dishes lined the tables.
As the nobles chatted and laughed together, one young man stood absentmindedly by the wall with a wine glass in hand.
Selvan Lycuor.
178 centimeters tall.
Twenty-one years old.
His wavy purple hair fell to around his shoulders.
His eyes were red.
He was the son of a viscount's family.
However, having been born the fifth son, he was not expected to inherit the house.
Instead, he was expected to leave home and become independent.
(Another evening ending with socializing among acquaintances...)
He took a sip from his glass.
It wasn't that he disliked gatherings like this.
But lately, they had started to feel strangely hollow.
What did he actually want to do?
What could he devote his passion to?
As for work, he had helped out at several merchant companies connected to his father, but none of them had felt quite right.
(What am I actually suited for...?)
As he was vaguely pondering that…
"Allow me to perform a piece for you."
A female musician made the announcement from one corner of the hall.
"The piece is… Air on the G String."
It was a title he had never heard before.
Then the violin performance began.
Live music at banquets wasn't particularly unusual.
So at first, Selvan had intended to let it pass as background music.
However…
"......"
The instant the first note sounded, he was captivated by its tone.
A melody he had never heard before.
Quiet.
Deep.
As though he were being enveloped by pure white light...
It stirred something within him that felt almost like a prayer.
(What is this piece?)
Still holding his wine glass, Selvan found himself unable to move.
The melody continued.
Continued.
Continued.
And then, slowly, the final note melted into the air.
Silence.
The hall fell completely quiet.
A moment later, applause broke out from all around.
Selvan reflexively tried to clap as well, but accidentally struck the wine glass in his hand and nearly spilled it.
The crowd around him began buzzing with excitement.
"It was a wonderful piece!"
"I've never heard anything like it. What was it called again?"
"I think she said it was Air on the G String?"
Fragments of conversation drifted into Selvan's ears.
(Air on the G String...)
The title engraved itself deeply into his mind.
What do you think about this chapter?
