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Herr Czerny...

What is it?

How about this, can we try again with you accompanying Ebenholz on piano?

Are you sure that's a good idea?

I won't be playing around him like you do. Don't blame me if he makes an utter fool of himself.

It'll be fine.

(Whispers) Chipper up. I know you can settle this in one go.

(Nods)

Are you ready?

(Takes a deep breath)

Let's go.

––How's that!

Herr Czerny...

Your braggadocio hasn't changed at all. What do you take your flute for? A tool to help you show off?

However...

I had no intention of matching your rhythm at all, but you more or less managed to stay steady throughout your part.

It's clear to me now that while Kreide IS accommodating you, he's covering for your bad habits rather than for a lack of skill.

While there's still ample room for improvement, you've at least met my minimum threshold.

So that means...

You pass.

Fantastic!

(Lets out a long sigh)

I won't pull my punches though. I've already had to lower my standards to rock bottom today.

I may ask you to show me your progress at any time. If you're still playing at this level before the concert, I will not let you step onto that stage. Am I clear?

Rest assured!

Additionally, Kreide, you're playing on a mass-produced instrument right now, and it is only for emergency use. I would still recommend you find something else.

But the one you gave me is...

Don't worry, I'll cover you.

Oh?

Let's go shopping tomorrow morning. I'll get you the very best.

What is it?

So I was telling you about His Majesty, right? His Majesty's prophecy!

No foolin'? Tell me more about it while we walk. I'd like to hear it again, in detail...

Let me see... That's right, this is the place.

Isn't this place too ornate to be a music store?

Of course – this is the best music store in all of Vyseheim. Otherwise, I wouldn't have brought you here.

But, I didn't apply to enter the Cliffy Patio.

Those bureaucrats are so inefficient that by the time they process your application, the concert would already be over.

Plus, even if we do get found out, we'd only be looking at a fine.

I heard that if someone helps an Infected leave the Afterglow, the punishment for them is worse than for the Infected.

What's there to be afraid of? It'll be fine.

Stand up straight and don't act skittish. Just don't let anyone be able to tell and we won't have any issues––

Welcome, Mein Herr. Are you here to pick out an instrument, or...?

Of course. Let's find ourselves a cello first.

Very well.

Who might this gentleman with you be?

Him? He's my...

Mein Herr, I apologize for my rudeness, but I must remind you that those wearing unauthorized apparel are not allowed into the store.

I'll go wait outside then.

Outside? What exactly are you afraid of, acting all suspicious? Don't tell me you––

Do you have any idea upon whom you're casting aspersions? Unauthorized? Suspicious? How dare you use such words to describe a noble! Do you value your job or not?

He's simply fallen on hard times, and has no choice but to dress plainly. His clothes are neither damaged nor dirty, so why would he not be allowed inside the store?

Excuse my rudeness, but this gentleman's attire does not match the store's required style of...

Style?

My–– cousin, has just suffered a great upheaval. His cello, which he cherished greatly, was destroyed in the turmoil.

I wanted to bring him here to buy a new cello as a way of expressing my condolences. What right do you have to spout nonsense about 'style?'

I am terribly sorry about this, but it is store policy that all customers must be dressed appropriately.

I'm sorry, but I cannot allow your companion to enter.

Fine then!

Ebenholz takes off his cloak and drapes it over Kreide.

Now that he's wearing the same clothes as me, can he enter? Or, is my cloak somehow part of your inappropriate dress?

If I put my cloak back on later, am I also not allowed to enter?

Well...

I... I'll go ask the manager.

This one can't just mind his own business!

Here, your coat...

Thank you.

You're welcome.

It was my idea to bring you here to buy a cello in the first place.

I'm bringing you inside the store one way or another, even if I have to pick a fight with that clerk.

We would like to extend our sincerest apologies to both of you.

The manager will be here shortly, and he will personally show you our instruments.

Excuse me, are you busy right now?

Oh, it's Hibiscus!

I've got plenty of time.

It's about your condition...

Phew...

I was worried that clerk was going to report us to the authorities...

Nonsense, it's not like he knew you were an Infected. He just saw your shoddy clothes and took you for a commoner–

Tsk tsk... Looks like we forgot something.

We did?

Our suits, of course.

Surely you don't plan to wear this onstage. It's too unprofessional.

Let's go. I'll find you the best tailor in all of Vyseheim––

No, I can't. During the fitting, the Originium crystals would...

You do have a point.

In that case––We'll find the best tailor in the Afterglow. How about it?

The Sky is blue and fine...♪

Alright, alright.

I can't thank you enough. For buying this cello for me, and for helping me order a suit!

The cello's on me. And we haven't even gotten your clothes yet, nor do we know how they'll look on you. You can save your thanks for later.

We'll know by tomorrow afternoon! I'm sure they'll fit just great!

So, thank you!

Since we left the store, all you've been doing other than humming is thanking me. We've been over it a dozen times.

Hum, hum.

The River murmurs clear...♪

This tune...

What's the matter?

I think I've heard it before... Or maybe I haven't. Never mind, it's probably just my imagination.

By the way, you've studied the cello, so why don't you have one of your own? Did it break?