Chapter 48 Music And Complex
Rebecca and Sara decided to have lunch alone in the gazebo with a good view in the garden, where they could see everything around them. They sent all the maids, including Maria, away, so it was just the 2 of them. Since they could see in all directions, they didn't have to worry about anyone else listening in on our conversation.
"Miss Rebecca, what do you mean by saying that my performances and singing might cause trouble?"
"If Ms. Sara plays the piano or violin, she's sure to get a good reputation. Even though the official social debut is still ahead, there are frequent concerts and gatherings where noble children are invited, so Ms. Sara'll probably get invited too."
"But I'm just a commoner, and I don't know any nobles. Will I still get invited?"
"The noble society is small, so it's likely that Ms. Sara will be talked about by next season. As the grandchild of Marquis Grandchester, Ms. Sara will be treated like a noble, and no one will criticize. You'll probably receive an invitation through His Excellency the Marquis or the young Marquis couple."
"Would it be bad if I stayed in the Grandchester territory?"
"If you stay holed up in the territory too much, people might start gossiping that the Marquis or the young Marquis couple are neglecting Ms. Sara."
'What a pain! I was planning to save up my independence fund peacefully...'
In this country, the nobles revolve around the social season. Since the parliament is held in the capital in the spring, the local lords and nobles with positions gather in the capital by the end of winter. This period is called the social season, and events like husband-and-wife balls, tea parties for ladies, and hunting tournaments for men are held.
By the way, the lords need to report their territory's income and pay their taxes before the parliament opens, so they usually enter the capital quite a while before the session starts.
The nobles who gather in the capital usually bring their families with them, so their adult sons and daughters often participate in one of the balls during the social season to make their debut in high society. It's not necessary to debut in the same year they come of age, but many women try to make their debut in the same year to avoid being left behind.
By early summer, the parliament had adjourned, and the grand ball hosted by the royal family marked the end of the social season. The lords returned to their respective territories, but many nobles remained in the capital, and even outside of the social season, the capital continued to host frequent balls and tea parties.
Moreover, among the younger generation, it was common to visit friends' homes in relatively cooler regions during the summer, a practice known as "avoiding the heat." Many couples who met during the social season in the capital would reunite at these summer retreats and deepen their relationships. However, it was said that one had to be cautious in these summer retreats, as relationships could become too intense, leading to hasty marriages or tragic love affairs, or even fleeting summer romances.
"Even if you don't come up with an excuse to go to the capital, the Grandchester hunting tournament will be held in late autumn anyway. Most participants are men, but during that time, women and children often hold tea parties and concerts."
So, just because one has returned to their territory doesn't mean they can neglect socializing. Hosting hunting tournaments in the autumn and winter was a duty for the upper-class nobles who owned territories.
"That means I have to entertain the nobles invited by Grandfather or Uncle, right?"
"That's right. As a member of the Grandchester family, even as a child, you can't escape that duty."
"But isn't it Aunt who's hosting it?"
"It's a problem that Ed and Liz rarely leave the capital, citing various reasons. As a result, the Grandchester territory only hosts one hunting tournament, ball, and tea party per year. They'll quickly return to the capital once it's over."
"That's not so bad, is it? They can host various events at their residence in the capital instead. I didn't participate when I was a child, but..."
"If Ms. Sara is there, Chloe will be overshadowed. Considering Liz's personality, that's probably the case."
"If Aunt thinks that way, then I'll have fewer opportunities to attend social gatherings, won't I?"
Rebecca let out a sigh.
"It's likely that she'll be taken to social gatherings once or twice a year. Liz isn't the type to ignore bad rumors. If Ms. Sara shows off the piano or violin skills even just once, Ms. Sara will probably get invited to various places. And if your reputation gets too high, you might even get noticed by the royal family."
"If I play carelessly..."
"Ms. Sara, do you have the confidence to play carelessly?"
"Ah... um, how about that..."
So, Sara gets completely absorbed in her music while performing, and barely notices her surroundings. Apparently, Rebecca has tried to stop Sara several times during her piano and violin performances, but Sara, who usually notices Rebecca's gestures right away, didn't notice at all.
"I don't have confidence..."
"That's because it's like the fate of a musician or artist, so you can't help but give up."
Rebecca couldn't help but give up on hiding Sara's talent after seeing her response.
"So, when Liz finds out about Ms. Sara's talent, she'll probably want to hold concerts left and right. That person has always loved being the center of attention, so she'll probably try to appeal to people by saying 'I'm raising my niece with care' while showcasing Ms. Sara like a commodity. And because of that, her daughter might get an inferiority complex and have a hysterical fit."
"Ah, just thinking about it is unpleasant."
Being treated like a commodity is unpleasant, but what's even more unpleasant is the future where Chloe's jealousy escalates.
"It's like when magic is revealed, Ms. Sara--if your talent is discovered, Ed and Liz will definitely try to use you. That's just how nobles are. And if Ms. Sara becomes a prominent figure, it'll eventually be revealed that Ms. Sara is receiving the blessing of the fairies."
Receiving the blessing of the fairies means having strong magical power. In other words, it's likely that they have some kind of magical attribute. And if Sara gets attention, it's possible that she'll be found out to have all attributes.
"That's very dangerous."
"So, I strongly recommend not playing the piano or violin, or singing in front of people."
"Will that work?"
"I'm saying this myself, but... Liz knows my musical abilities well, after all..."
"Well?"
"I think Ms. Sara hasn't received proper music education, anyway."
"I see."
Rebecca's face turned slightly red as she spoke with a hint of resignation.
'I guess she does have a complex about it. It's like my painting skills, maybe?'
"So, I think if you bring a kitara or something and play a mediocre performance, people around your age might find it impressive. Even if it's not as good as your actual performance..."
'Ah, you're rubbing salt on my wounds, teacher!'
"For now, I'll try to stand out less in magic and music. And I'll try to return to Grandchester as soon as possible."
"I have a house in the capital, so I'll make arrangements in case Ms. Sara visits. You might be able to hide there, too."
"Thank you."
After finishing lunch, Rebecca rang the bell on her table to summon the maids and instructed Maria to have Sara wear a horseback riding outfit.
"Do we have a history study session planned for this afternoon?"
"Let's change the plan. Since there's a distance between our estate and Paracelsus' laboratory, it's better to have a horse ready for us to ride. Let's get used to horseback riding together first, okay?"
"Yes!"
It seems like this afternoon will be quite enjoyable, too.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)