act18side

Thank you, Grandpa!

You sign up and come straight back, don't linger outside.

I'll try.

Try?

Apparently, entrants have to perform onstage for this application, so they can prove their skill...

But your cello's been wrecked forever. You only have the one string to play. What are you doing about that?

It's alright, they'll provide a loaner instrument.

*sigh* Very, very thoughtful of them. Why did nobody tell me, hm?

Grandpa, are you... mad?

What? No, I'm just a little uneasy about it.

I promise, I'll be back as soon as the application's over. I won't run off anywhere!

Fine, fine, I hear you.

I'll put the tea by the stove, now. Remember to drink it soon, don't let it get cold!

Application's beginning soon. It's about time you went.

I still can't swallow this. You called me here, all the way from Urtica, specifically to have me apply to this concert full of Infected?

Such a level of interaction with Infected won't pose any risk.

You don't have to tell me. I know.

What I mean to say is, I don't understand why you invited me here just for some run-of-the-mill concert.

You've always wanted to breathe the air of freedom, haven't you?

I can't deny that, but—

Don't let doubts overtake you now. Enjoy the commoners' festive atmosphere.

(Shrug)

The car is ready for you. There's some way to travel from the Cliffy Patio to the Afterglow; I recommend you not go on foot, so as not to affect your performance at application.

I appreciate your kindness. Farewell, Strollo—

You're forgetting. I prefer my given name, not my surname.

I apologize, Dame Gertrude.

What a queue!

That's the line for application. We're just going with the crowds, so come this way~

Hello, can I ask...?

Here to apply, right? End of the line's there. Head over and queue up.

—It's so long!

Plenty of folk started queueing before the sun came up.

But I'm really in a rush to get my application over with. I'm still caring for my grandpa back home.

No can do. Look, we're all Afterglowers. Who hasn't got someone to care for at home?

Well... but...

Get in line, quick. It'll be even longer soon enough.

Can you really not accommodate, just this once?

I said no. That's just—

Wait, y—you're a noble, aren't you? You're here to apply to our concert?!

If you see as much, then could you oblige myself and my friend here?

But we've got rules...

Or do you plan to refuse a noble's sincerest request?

I wouldn't dare.

Thank you for your understanding.

Come, now.

Didn't you hear me? They're letting us through.

A... Alright!

But—

Er, where'd he go?

Next, please.

Can I have your name, please?

People call me Kreide.

What instruments are you proficient in?

The cello.

Did you come without your own cello?

I don't have one...

That's fine, we provide common-use instruments to musicians. You can access them at your leisure.

Alright, you may begin. Be careful not to go over one minute.

Is there a problem?

I didn't get to ask just now, but how do you determine pay for participation?

Pay?

Eh?

The person who told me about the concert said that so long as I was chosen, I'd get ample pay.

My grandpa's gravely ill, and I need money for his treatment.

I sympathize with your plight, but there is no material reward for this concert.

There's no pay at all?!

I believe the vast majority feel that the ultimate honorarium comes from performing with Herr Czerny at his farewell concert.

How could this be...?

It's your decision to perform or not. However, if you do decide to leave, I hope for you to at least leave us with a fine melody before you do.

I... alright.

Kreide, somewhat dejectedly, bows.

He slowly takes a seat, and steadies the cello between his knees.

With a hand on his bow, and the other on the strings, the dismay is all but swept from his face, leaving only concentration.

From the cello's strings flows an ornate melody, gradually filling the whole hall.

After a number of bars, Kreide's performance reaches its sweetest point, when a concert flute joins from below the stage out of nowhere.

The noble in black plays the flute, accompanying Kreide's cello, and he paces his way onto the stage.

Kreide is briefly startled, but nevertheless concludes the passage with his own cadence, while the noble follows the cello's ending with his own, briefest cadenza.

And that's one minute.

That was the most beautiful performance I've heard today.

I feel we should pay our respects to both you young men.

Are you here to apply to this concert too?

The very same.

I was planning to do so alone, but professedly, Herr Kreide's performance struck me deep, and I did happen to meet him earlier.

I was loath to miss a chance to perform with such a superb instrumentalist.

Understood. May I have your name?

Ebenholz.

To have someone like y... Ebenholz?

Are you certain? Your real name is Ebenholz? That's not an alias you just came up with after staring at the piano?

You really are too mistrustful.

Besides, a piano isn't the only thing with keys. Does a flute not have them too?

Even so, your lineage and estate—

I'll say again, my name is Ebenholz. Do you have any other questions?

Very well.

That said, since you and Herr Kreide brought no agreement on whether to apply as an ensemble, the decision lies with him.

Herr Kreide, what do you feel?

I was only applying to this concert... for my grandpa's medical fees...

Should Kreide assent to an ensemble, I'd be very willing to provide him and his grandfather economic assistance.

—Really?

That kind of aid doesn't come without strings attached. Make sure you're completely clear about this.

We saw a musician swindled last year. He signed an extremely unfair contract...