act18side

You've been avoiding the question for some time now.

What are you trying to accomplish?

Oh my, would you look at that. I just can't shut my mouth when it comes to Czerny.

Everyone around me thinks I hate him, and everyone around him knows that he hates me. This unfortunate misunderstanding has robbed me of a conversation partner.

But let's not talk about me anymore... Back to my brother.

Ugh, that topic really isn't as interesting as Czerny though.

But it's only natural for his death to remain a mystery to you.

It was my work, after all.

Phew... How are you feeling?

I think we've pretty much been in sync with each other.

Even though he composed this piece for the two of us, it clearly has his style all over it. I don't think it's inferior to 'Morgen und Abend' in any way.

And he only spent a single night on this... What an incredible man.

Composing is the release of a long build-up. I think he simply found the right opportunity for it.

What are you staring at?

I had no idea you knew how to give a compliment.

It's not as if I've ever downplayed his musical accomplishments.

Haha.

My only hope is that he will make it to the concert.

He'll be here.

Composing a piece of music is only the first step. Only through turning the score into actual music can the piece truly be completed.

News has already gotten out that he'll be changing the finale. He's not going to give up now.

I hope so.

Oh right, Ebenholz. Do you think this suit looks good on me? I've never worn anything this expensive before, so I don't know if I might've messed something up.

It... looks very good.

Thank goodness.

Oh, there's one other thing.

Why are you so unusually chatty today?

Is that to say I have a normal level of chatty under normal circumstances?

Yes... something like that.

Just deal with it then. Who knows, this might be the last time we ever play together.

Why would you think that?

Why wouldn't I?

After this is over, you'll return to being Graf Urtica, and I... will continue to wander.

Even though our meeting was somewhat engineered by the Gräfin, it was still just a coincidence at first, wasn't it?

But––

But we're friends now. I know that's what you were going to say.

Right.

Sometimes, even friends have to go their separate ways.

Maybe this time, we won't see each other for a long, long time.

But do you remember what I said? We can always give gifts to remember each other by.

I'll give you one of my dice then.

Aren't those your weapons? Do they still work if you're missing one?

To be honest, I'm not entirely sure.

Let's not worry about it then. I think a coin with a hole drilled through it works best, just like I said before.

What about you then? What are you going to give me?

I'm still thinking.

Take your time. As long as things go well today, that's something we'll have plenty of.

Right, we still have plenty of time.

Enough of your jokes, Gertrude Strollo!

Do you have any idea what you've just said?!

I said, I was the one killed my brother.

You've gone mad.

Mad? No, think about it carefully, my good spy.

Your once exalted father falls from grace, funding some shady research in secret. He tries to blow hot and cold, his plans are exposed, and he ultimately meets an untimely end.

Afterwards, your brother is groomed by 'them', terrified into obedience.

But he is too incompetent, he can't do a single thing right. He slips up once and almost exposes the ones pulling his strings.

Instead of watching him suffer in torment at the hands of those who always despised him, isn't it better to use him as a stepping stone so you can succeed him?

Who are 'they'? Who are the ones pulling his strings?

Oh, I would like to know that more than anyone, far more than you would.

If you had that information, I would sit down and strike a deal with you here and now.

I might even go down into the streets myself to yell about how I have information on the Witch King's remains.

Tainted witness. If I recall, this saying has grown quite popular in Columbia?

I've met no shortage of idiots who thought they could play ball with us, Gräfin Strollo.

Didn't end well for any of them.

Herr Czerny, are you alright?

I want to say yes, but that would be a lie.

If you really can't handle it, then––

Ebenholz, don't forget whose decision this whole thing was.

If that's what you want, then I will give my all.

The two of us have already mastered the piece you wrote. If you, the composer, can't perform on par due to health problems, then that's entirely on you.

Well spoken. The melody is already etched into my head. All you two have to do is follow me.

You talk a big game.

Alright. Now that Mr. Czerny is here, let's hurry up and get ready to go onstage!

Whether for our own sake or for our audience, we've all got to put our best foot forward.

Kreide, is it just me, or do you seem... unusually excited today?

Do I?

That might be because...

For the first time, I'm experiencing what it means to be alive.

I don't get you at all.

Herr Czerny, you're up.

Oh right, there's one other thing, Herr Czerny.

What is this piece called? You still haven't given it a name.

I came up with it on the way here.

I will name it——

'Licht und Schatten.'

Next up... Czerny, Ebenholz, and Kreide will ferry you away to tonight's finale.

As you may already know, this piece is Herr Czerny's new composition, debuting tonight for the very first time.

Its title is–– 'Trio for Flute, Cello, and Piano in B-flat minor - Licht und Schatten.'

The three bow to the audience, and the concert-goers in the auditorium respond with warm applause.

The music begins.

After just a few short measures, the entire audience, from the auditorium to the balcony, sits up straight in their seats, those who previously wore expressions of expectation and suspicion alike.

No whispers, no coughs, not even the sound of clothes rubbing together.

Not a single soul wishes to disturb this fleeting, unadulterated beauty.

Small beads of sweat begin to emerge on Czerny's forehead.

But this does not indicate any problems with the trio, outside of their music. It's just that the power he is required to guide and control is too precise.

They've begun their performance.

Czerny, I just knew you wouldn't disappoint me. You will find a way to help them.

Listen, this new piece... How could the audience possibly comprehend that this opening came straight from the Witch King?

Of course they cannot comprehend, because this piece already belongs to you.

Ah, this melody... It all makes sense now.