Chapter 410 9th Birthday VII
"Sara. It's almost time to perform."
Chloe called out to Sara, who was happily observing her surroundings.
"Is it already that time? Time flies when you're having fun."
To be honest, Sara wasn't really enjoying the party, but she was looking forward to today's performance. She was actually going to play the violin with the orchestra. At first, she planned to perform a solo piano piece, but unfortunately, there was no piano in the hall. It wasn't impossible to bring one in, but Sara thought it was silly to set up a piano for just a child's birthday party, so they decided on the violin instead.
Sara planned to perform alone, but Elizabeth, who arranged the party, received an invitation from the orchestra's representative asking if she wanted to play together. Since the hunting competition, Sara's performances had become the talk of the social scene, and the orchestra wanted to ride the wave of her popularity to gain recognition. If this performance went well, it could lead to more jobs at parties like this.
Even though it wasn't a ball, calling in an orchestra has become a recent trend in high society. It seems extravagant to hire an orchestra just for background music at a party, but without the demand from noble families, many orchestra members wouldn't be able to make a living solely from music. On days without music jobs, they often work on farms or in shops, and some even take on quests as adventurers.
Thinking about it, Crown Prince Gerhart being a patron of artists, including musicians, is important for developing Roisen's culture. Sara plans to provide new songs to keep this trend going as long as possible. Her main goal is to increase sales for Spieluhr as a merchant, but she also genuinely wants to contribute to cultural development.
The invitation from the orchestra was a great opportunity for the Sophia Merchant Guild, which wanted to expand Spieluhr's music sources. As soon as Sara matched the sounds during rehearsal, songs she wanted to perform with the orchestra began popping into her mind. For this party, she arranged Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" for orchestra. Although Vivaldi himself never called them "Four Seasons," it was common to refer to them that way when she was Sarasa. Today, they would perform "Winter," in line with the season. The sheet music includes all the seasons, but personally, Sara prefers the third movement of summer and the first movement of winter.
It's still a music cheat, but it's easy to imagine that the skill Marcato happily granted her is behind it. After all, if it's a song she's heard before, she can remember the details clearly and even write out the orchestral score. While Sara likes this skill because it's convenient, it seems she won't get as deeply into music as Marcato hopes.
* * *
Now, Alfred guided Sara as she slowly walked toward the stage where the orchestra was waiting. Since she was the main performer, all the guests turned to look at Sara and Alfred at once. She received her violin from Juliette, who was nearby, and after tuning with the orchestra, she made brief eye contact with the conductor.
The conductor smiled at Sara and raised his baton slightly. Then, he lowered it gently toward the female violinist who was the concertmaster. This was the signal to start. He wasn't directing Sara directly; he was coordinating the entire performance with the concertmaster. While they didn't forget that Sara was meant to shine, to them, she was just one of the instruments.
In the first few measures, the atmosphere in the venue changed completely. The chatter that had filled the air moments before fell silent, and the music from the orchestra began to take over the space.
'Ah, this feels so good.'
Sara felt a strange joy in being part of the music. Even when she played intense sounds like fierce winter winds blowing through Grandchester, the conductor and concertmaster guided her instead of letting her go wild. They directed her to create a winter scene she had never seen before.
'Crown Prince Gerhart, you are wrong. The ones who truly matter are those who can create a world through music like this. Just being able to play an instrument well doesn't make someone a musician.'
As she thought of the Crown Prince from the neighboring country, Sara considered giving him the music box and sheet music for this piece.
When the last sound faded, an intense silence filled the venue. Just as Sara began to worry about the crowd's lack of reaction, loud applause and cheers erupted from the audience.
'This world really doesn't have convenient words like "bravo" or "brava".'
Thanks to the reincarnators, elements of past cultures can be seen in various places, but not everything is the same. The applause didn't continue as if urging for an encore.
"Sara, you did great. That was an amazing performance."
Robert lifted Sara up and kissed her cheek, and Sara returned the kiss. Behind Robert, Marquis Grandchester was waiting his turn.
"Thank you, Father. But please put me down. I'm already 9 years old; it's too embarrassing to be carried like a baby."
"No matter how old you get, Sara will always be cute, right?"
"That's not the point. Grandfather, please stop waiting over there. I won't be carried!"
The people around them were shaking with laughter at this exchange.
Then, a man approached who ruined this heartwarming atmosphere. It was Prince Andrew, the Crown Prince's eldest son.
"Lady Sara, happy birthday. I'm glad I made it in time for your performance. It was wonderful as always."
To be precise, Prince Andrew had entered the venue just as the performance started, so it was only natural he arrived in time.
"I'm honored by your praise."
"Could you invite the whole orchestra to the castle for a repeat performance? I want my mother and the others to hear it."
"Today's music score will also be on sale. Please bring it to the skilled musicians of the castle."
"Sara is as cold as ever."
Many nobles frowned at Sara's casual rejection of the royal invitation, but they understood that a 9-year-old girl might feel nervous about performing in the palace. Of course, she wasn't really nervous; she just thought it was a hassle.
"Well, Sara is fine, but Sophia and the Grandchester Young Marquis couple, you are to come to the castle tomorrow. My mother has summoned you."
"Understood."
Edward and Elizabeth bowed deeply, while Sophia, who was behind them, knelt and took a very respectful posture. Sophia's etiquette was elegant and beautiful; she didn't look like an ordinary merchant at all.
'When Magi's learning combines with the golem's physical abilities, it becomes so flexible. That posture would make a human's legs shake if they held it for too long.'
Prince Andrew called out to the Young Marquis couple and Sophia to relax, then turned his face toward Robert and Rebecca.
"I knew about Lady Orson, but it seems there are many fairies in the Grandchester territory."
This statement caused a stir among those around them.
'Oh no. They think it's a blessing from the fairies!'
Many people misunderstand something. The blessing of fairies can slow down aging, but it doesn't actually make the body younger. People often think this blessing makes them young again because they become friends with fairies as children. If it's a fairy like Mike or Noir, who controls time, they can manipulate physical age with magic. However, changing someone's appearance requires a huge amount of magical power.
While Sara felt nervous inside, Elizabeth calmly replied to Andrew.
"I feel like many fairies live in the Grandchester Forest, but I haven't met one myself. I envy my soon-to-be sister, Rebecca. I might need to return to the territory more often."
At Elizabeth's words, Prince Andrew raised one eyebrow.
"So, are you saying that you don't have a friendship with fairies?"
"That's correct."
"It has been a topic of discussion in the palace that the Young Marquis of Grandchester seems surprisingly youthful. But looking at the Young Marquis's wife today, it's clear you have also become younger."
"Your Highness, have I really aged that much?"
"No, no, I hope you don't misunderstand. You have always been a very beautiful lady. It's just that, well, the change is so dramatic..."
It seems that Prince Andrew lacks the experience to comment on the appearance of a woman in her thirties.
"Hehe. I apologize for my rudeness. I was just teasing Your Highness a little."
"Y-yes, I see. I'm sorry for asking such an impolite question."
"Your Highness's inquiry is quite valid. Actually, my husband and I are test subjects for a new product from the Sophia Merchant Guild. This product is said to be a magic potion that helps regenerate the skin."
"So, it means only the skin has become younger?"
"Yes, that's correct. When a person's face has spots, wrinkles, and sagging, it can make them look older. This product is meant to regenerate aging skin, but it's still in the testing phase and not for sale yet."
Prince Andrew turned to Sophia and asked directly.
"Sophia, is what the lady said true?"
"Indeed it is."
The golem Sophia raised her face gracefully, perhaps even more elegantly than when Sara took on Sophia's form, but she kept her gaze down to avoid looking directly at the royal family.
"I find it hard to believe. Can this product be presented to the royal family?"
"It is still in development. Its safety has not been confirmed."
"However, it must be of a quality that can be tested on the Young Marquis couple, right?"
"There's no guarantee it can be safely used by everyone. This product is made by checking the Young Marquis couple's skin to create the best magic potion for them. If there are any skin issues, we have a pharmacist ready to help. So, it can't be mass-produced."
"Then, Sophia, I will grant you permission to enter the palace. For my mother, create this magic potion of yours."
Prince Andrew commanded Sophia, who was just a commoner, as if it were a trivial matter.
"I'm very sorry. To check your skin and make the magic medicine, you need to see a pharmacist from our merchant guild. This person is a commoner living in Grandchester, so it will be hard for them to come to the royal palace."
"What should I do then?"
"Right now, you can only visit the Sophia Merchant Guild in Grandchester."
"It would be too rude to ask my mother, the Crown Princess, to travel all the way to Grandchester. Shouldn't the Sophia Merchant Guild set up a base in the royal capital and have a pharmacist there?"
'What a surprise, this prince is just like that after all.'
Sara felt disappointed by Prince Andrew's arrogant behavior, especially since she liked him and had a good impression of him at the Grandchester territory and royal palace banquets.
But what worried her more was how the golem would react. Refusing the prince would upset him, but bringing Rihito and Amelia to the royal capital was too risky. Sara couldn't just step forward in front of so many nobles, and worrying wouldn't help her take action.
"I apologize, but that's difficult. This magic medicine uses herbs from Grandchester and spring water from the Aklar Mountains. These materials don't last long. Once we make the medicine and bottle it, we can extend the shelf life to about a month, but..."
The way she tilted her head in confusion reminded Sara of when she became Sophia. She was surprised by Magi's ability to imitate golems. Magi was making excuses to Prince Andrew, saying, "It's not a lie, but that's not the only reason," without changing her expression.
Then Prince Andrew smirked.
"I knew it. They say it's a magic potion, but I don't think such a thing really exists. I can't believe a potion that dramatically makes someone younger could be made so easily. If it could really be made, there would have been talk about a lower-quality version of that potion during the process of making it."
'Ah, I see. So he doesn't believe it.'
"Your Highness really desires friendship with fairies that much, huh? I'm very sorry we can't meet your expectations. But..."
"But?"
Prince Andrew leaned forward, listening closely to Sophia's words.
"As you say, Your Highness, we are prepared to offer another magic potion that was created during the process of making this one."
"What kind of potion is that?"
"Actually, we have arranged for all the guests at the party to take home a souvenir. Miss Sara said she wanted to give everyone a souvenir that they would really want, so we have prepared a product catalog from the Sophia Merchant Guild, where you can choose something you like. You can select one item from the catalog."
"That's an interesting idea."
"Actually, this product contains a magic potion, available for both women and men. The women's version helps give your skin firmness and moisture, while the men's version keeps the skin's oil balanced and, for some people, it even works on their hair..."
"""What?!"""
Before Prince Andrew could say anything, the other men around him shouted loudly.
'I see. Magi is using their trump card here. Not bad.'
"It's important to note that it only works for 'some people.' We can't guarantee it will work for everyone. This magic potion was originally developed for skin care, so it might have some positive effects on the scalp as well."
'This is bad. The old guys' eyes are like predators hunting their prey.'
And this shocking statement had a huge effect on Prince Andrew too. It's common for royal men, including his grandfather, the king, to start losing hair from the top as they reach middle age. Since it thins out around where the crown sits, Prince Andrew once seriously wondered if the crown was cursed with hair loss.
"Sophia, quickly bring that magic potion to the palace. And make sure it's a lot!"
"Your Highness, the magic potion isn't easy to produce in large quantities. If we prepare enough to offer, it will affect the gifts for others..."
"Let them wait."
Prince Andrew ordered loudly, but Marquis Lansfield, who was nearby, scolded the prince.
"Your Highness, you must not trouble common merchants like that. Indeed, they have to offer expensive goods if commanded by the royal family or nobles. However, when it comes to products from the Sophia Merchant Guild, the prices are reasonable. To demand, 'Offer it up,' is quite disappointing behavior for someone who will lead this country in the future."
"You're right, as you say."
Prince Andrew relaxed his shoulders and looked around with an apologetic expression.
"Also, Your Highness, it is unreasonable for you to monopolize the magic potion while leaving us desperate old men aside. My precious hair is as fragile as tomorrow's fate."
Marquis Lansfield shrugged playfully and patted his overly large forehead. Laughter could be heard from the surrounding crowd.
'I see. He's good at creating the atmosphere. A pervy old man, though.'
"So, Sophia Merchant Guild, please work hard to produce the magic potion."
"It's not suited for mass production, though..."
"Well, you'll have to make an effort."
Then Victoria smiled gracefully and spoke to Marquis Lansfield.
"Lansfield, it is quite unreasonable for the men to monopolize the magic potion while leaving the desperate women aside."
"Ha, you've got me there. But it seems the beautiful Lady of Duke Arbal doesn't need the magic potion at all."
"Oh ho ho. You're still as skilled as ever."
For now, the atmosphere in the room felt relaxed. Still, Sara couldn't help but think that for a 9-year-old girl's birthday party, the conversation seemed a bit too dry. Sara felt a little down.
"By the way, I wonder when we will meet the fairies. Do we really have to go to a place surrounded by nature like Grandchester?"
Prince Andrew said quietly.
'There are fairies who love to gather rumors in the palace and noble houses, and some even drink in the wine cellars of noble mansions in the capital.'
At this point, Sara understood why Marquis Grandchester had said when he learned about the Secret Garden, "We must protect this fairy sanctuary at all costs. Even if it means deceiving the royal family or the future Marquis Grandchester."
'The royal family is really obsessed with fairies, huh?'
"So, Marquis Grandchester, after the next social season, I would like to stay in the Grandchester territory. I want to look for my fairy friends. Plus, I'm interested in the Sophia Merchant Guild and Maiden's Tower too."
'Ugh.'
Since it was the prince speaking, this request was almost an order. No matter what he thought inside, as the Avalon noble Marquis Grandchester, he could only respond, "It would be an honor."
"Lady Sara, could you please invite me to Maiden's Tower if possible?"
"Your Highness, Maiden's Tower is, as the name suggests, a tower only for women."
"Well, Thomas Tyler and your friends must be coming and going, right?"
'I thought he'd know. There are a lot of spies hanging around the Sophia Merchant Guild and Maiden's Tower. Some of them must be royal spies. It makes sense.'
"Teachers and friends are special!"
"If I'm a friend, it should be fine, right?"
"Your Highness is an adult, so I don't think you can be our friend."
"I want to take Thomas Tyler's class too."
"Maybe Mister Thomas should come to the building where Your Highness is staying. Next year, my friends will go to the academy, so I'm sure they'll want to hang out with you."
"Lady Sara is so cold."
"--Then, I'll be friends with Prince Andrew next time!"
Alfred, who was next to Sara, shouted loudly.
"Al, that's not okay. You're only 6 years old, and I don't think the Duke will allow it."
"That's not true. He can just stay with me."
'Oh no.'
Victoria jumped in here. This is someone you can't refuse. If you refuse, it will cause trouble between the royal family, Duke Arbal's family, and Marquis Grandchester's family.
Moreover, this is the venue for a party with many children participating. As a result, the movement to stay in the Grandchester territory is spreading among many noble families present here. It seems that as the social season ends, Prince Andrew and a lot of noble children will be flocking to the Grandchester territory.
'So, after the social season ends, it's going to be a summer camp at Grandchester?'
Sara's mind filled with memories of a scout jamboree from her past life, but the noble children in this world were not as active. If noble sons and daughters were in Grandchester, it would be Elizabeth or Chloe in charge, not Sara from a side branch. Marg would probably be called upon as a future bride, so Sara might not have to work too hard.
'It's not like I can refuse, so I'll just go with the flow.'
With that, they promised to meet again after the social season, and Sara's birthday party wrapped up in the evening. Since it was mainly a tea party for kids, it ended early. After saying goodbye to the last guest, Sara looked up at the winter sky, which was getting darker.
'Ah, this really is another world. The constellations are different.'
Today, Sara once again saw the influence of the royal family and high nobility. Right now, she was still powerless and couldn't refuse offers from Prince Andrew or the Duke Arbal family. In a few years, before she could no longer hide the blessings of the fairies, she needed to gain enough strength to withstand pressure from the royal family and other noble houses.
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