act29side

She kept going on and on. I had to change the topic and try to get a picture of her actions on that day.

Perhaps I can help you recall the details. Do you remember what you were doing at the time?

I was tending to the lawn. I do this once a week, cleaning out the weeds, keeping the grass at the right height, making sure it's smooth and soft...

This is an art, but those bastards just trample upon it without the slightest respect.

<color=#d41f1f>She furrowed her brow</color> at this.

Trampling upon the lawn... did it happen on the day of the concert? Who were they?

That was the day when they came on the lawn and trampled my work. No respect at all!

Then the noise began, and I took the chance to pick up my hose and point it towards them...

The subject was tending to the lawn at the time of the incident. <color=#d41f1f>She was obsessed with creating the perfect lawn</color>, and <color=#d41f1f>entered into an argument</color> with those who stepped on it.

The music of the heart sounds, resonating with the heartstrings of the subject and bringing back memories.

The melody reveals that you were arguing with someone at the time, filling your heart with anger. Do you remember anything about them?

I... I remember. They were telling me to leave the public lawn and not to get in the way of citizens who want to rest on it. They called themselves the Gendarmerie, but they knew nothing.

The poor lawn, trampled by so many people. I must take up the responsibility of trimming the lawn and make it beautiful again...

The kind-hearted Frau Laudehr spent the rest of the interview mourning for the lawn. No useful information was garnered from her, and this line of investigation was closed.

Muller is the owner of an instrument shop, where noises of an unknown nature had been heard late at night, mixed with what sounded like a man howling. He strongly denied such claims when investigated for possible links to the noises.

The instrument shop was spacious, the counter free of dust. He was wiping the trombone in his hands, while various instruments were displayed on the wall behind him.

May I inquire as to where you were last Friday evening, Baron?

I tell you, I had nothing to do with the concert. I was in my shop and didn't go anywhere that night. I closed the shop when it was time, and went back into my room to rest.

Do you want to take a look?

His statements were consistent with the results of the investigation. <color=#d41f1f>The reported noises coming from the shop occurred around midnight.</color>

I would like to know more details. What were you doing around midnight?

What's the point of all this? I was... I was bathing. Sorry, I don't have a witness who can prove it. Happy?

There was clear hesitation in his answer. I noticed a page torn out from a book under the counter. Written on it were vocal techniques and the titles of several lieder. <color=#d41f1f>He had never demonstrated an interest in singing before</color>.

By the way, did you develop a recent interest in vocal music?

H-How did you know? Er, ahem, I mean, yes, the art form of lieder has piqued my interest lately. Only as a listener, of course.

Yes, I listen to the classic passages, humming along with them... I guarantee it has nothing to do with what you're investigating.

The subject may have created the sound by singing. <color=#d41f1f>He wanted to improve his vocal techniques and demonstrated a strong interest in doing so</color>.

The music of the heart sounds, resonating with the heartstrings of the subject and bringing back memories.

The melody reveals that the sound from your house was created by you yourself. What is the meaning of those sounds?

H-How insulting!

I know I'm not the best singer, but when warm water runs across my skin, I can't help but open my mouth and sing... haven't you ever had that feeling? I've been doing my best to improve my technique...

Baron Muller seemed devastated. No useful information was garnered from him, and this line of investigation was closed.

Vizegraf Heaton, editor of Zwillingstürmekunst, is an avid lover of the arts and styles himself an authority on them. He was witnessed at the concert scene, separating himself from the crowd while covering his face when the noise occurred.

He gazed at me calmly, as though he had been waiting for my questions. <color=#d41f1f>The emblem pinned to his chest indicated his noble identity</color>.

Let's cut straight to the chase, Vizegraf. Did you notice anything unusual at the scene of the concert?

I'm afraid I can't be of any help. I didn't notice anything unusual.

His tone was calm and his story perfect, as though it had been rehearsed. <color=#d41f1f>There were many records and books on the arts on the shelves behind him</color>.

You're well-versed in the arts. What are your thoughts on the fantasy 'Erdenherrenwinter' performed at the concert?

It was a masterpiece! The beautiful and poignant melodies, subtle and ethereal, like the very snow of Erdenherre. You should have heard it live.

There was a dreamy look on his face when he talked about music. Perhaps the piece would offer a way to get the information needed.

I'm sure you remember the depiction of Ferl in the 3rd movement. What did you think of it?

Oh, Ferl. How could I forget her? At the peak of her struggle against fate, when she decided to leave her family spire and go into the falling snow outside... It was a scene to bring tears to your eyes! If not for the noise...

At the time of the incident, the subject was <color=#d41f1f>moved to tears by the music</color>. Recreate his emotions with the proper music of the heart. <color=#d41f1f>Perhaps the desire of wisdom is suitable, given his sorrows</color>.

The music of the heart sounds, resonating with the heartstrings of the subject and bringing back memories.

The melody reveals that you were deeply moved by the music, but chose to move away from the crowd when the noise began. Do you recall it now?

I should have been sitting there with tears streaming down my face... then the performance was disrupted, and people started looking around them. No, I cannot allow them to see me cry, not as the editor of Zwillingstürmekunst...

No useful information was garnered from Vizegraf Heaton after he fell into self-admiration, and this line of investigation was closed.

The caster of unknown identity had been present at outdoor concerts across the city. There was no evidence directly linking her to the incident, but it merited further investigation. Locating her was not an easy task.

A faint candlelight illuminated a corner of the room. The candlelight flickered, and a mask emerged from the shadows.

H-Hello. You know what I'm here for. As a frequent attender of concerts, did you notice anything unusual?

The noise you seek has nothing to do with me. I have no interest in the cacophony of fools.

It was impossible to detect any emotion in the voice. More specific questions were necessary.

You seem to be particularly fond of outdoor concerts, regardless of the program and theme. There must be something that you are interested in.

Only a mediocre detective would need to seek the truth through questions and answers... I suppose I could tell you. My teacher pointed the way. I followed the teachings, searching for a power beyond my imagination, which is connected to my very essence.

The caster held something tight in her hand while speaking. <color=#d41f1f>It seemed to be an amulet.</color> I needed to know more.

What kind of power is it, that you would go so far to search for it?

...A staircase that would help me climb the spire and achieve great things. I saw the revelation in the light of my teacher's Arts and started searching, but I have yet to find it. I am walking through fog, and my eyes are wet...

The subject was searching for something unknown at the time of the incident. <color=#d41f1f>She believed it would lead her to greater heights, and shed tears because she had yet to find it.</color>

The music of the heart sounds, resonating with the heartstrings of the subject and bringing back memories.

The melody reveals that you were not interested in the noise at all. You are looking for something that you lost. Do you remember?

The warmth... it comes from here. Why? Why does this little object feel so warm? It is like I'm wrapped in a blanket, in somebody's arms, but what follows is parting... sinking sorrow, overflowing tears. What am I searching for...

The caster grabbed her amulet tightly, her expression hidden behind the mask. No useful information was garnered from her, and this line of investigation was closed.

Holness is an Arts spire student who is also investigating the concert disruptions. He had visited numerous outdoor concerts across the city, and was a witness to the incident in Doppelhörnershof.

He glanced up at me, then continued to write in his notebook, paying no heed to my arrival.

Let's cut straight to the chase. We're seeking the same truth. Maybe we can exchange information. Did you notice anything at the time of the incident?

Chaos. I noticed chaos. One moment, everyone was entranced by the music; the next moment, the fantasy was broken, like a golden age coming to an end without warning. Beneath the covered-up wound, chaos has begun to spread within us like poisoned blood...

His answer was meaningless to my investigation. I had to get something specific from him.

I think I understand what you said. I would like to ask you something else. You were there at the scene; did you notice anything suspicious?

Good question. I did notice signs, tiny signals that could only be picked up by one with exceptional perception. I call it... doubt. Yes, the ordinary person would not notice it, but I could see doubt in the eyes of everyone who gathered because of the music, doubt about where to go...

Was he really investigating the same thing I was? I was unsure. I questioned him further.

Ok, how about another question. What were you doing at the time of the incident?

I was seeking, searching, painting the portrait of the Leithanian society of our times. I was certain that the noise that broke through the melody was the key to the truth, and so I searched tirelessly, until I witnessed it for myself, something so massive that made me stop in my tracks.

The subject was pursuing a 'portrait of society' at the time. <color=#d41f1f>He believed it had something to do with the noise that disrupted the performance, but seemed to have been intimidated by the truth.</color>

The music of the heart sounds, resonating with the heartstrings of the subject and bringing back memories.

The melody reveals that you saw the truth you were looking for, and felt a terrible fear. What did you see?

The source of the sound. It was... struggle. The beautiful melody could no longer hide the stagnation of reality, and the sound that pierced the illusion was the cry of the people.

The people are crying that the age of glory will shine upon this land again, and call upon the twisted horns that will once again stand tall!

He quickly shut up when I reminded him that the Gendarmerie were nearby. No useful information was garnered from him, and this line of investigation was closed.

Meine Dame, you should rest.

Just how many times have you repainted this already? If you're reworking the piece, then why not...

Why not have me contact the art gallery and ask them to delay the exhibition?

You've been so much more spirited since that musician arrived. But to jump straight back into painting when you've yet to fully recover from your illness, only to work on... this piece...

Is this a... night sky? The blacks are so intense I can't make anything out.

What a truly unforgettable shade of night. I see your painting will soon be complete.

However, the intense emotions fueling your tireless endeavors are also wearing down your body, and you're in no shape to go on.

So... would you like me to continue my performance?

Alright, I've heard your answer.

As well as your pain, regret, remorse, obsession... In your heart, Leithanien died alongside you that night. The very same night reflected in your painting.

Then allow me to play you a dirge, albeit more than twenty years late.

Leithanien's capital, Zwillingstürme, city center

Listen.

Every day at this hour, this city is filled with all kinds of music.

Students stopping by the instrument shops on the way home from school, discussing which of the new instruments has a more stable circuit.

Pedestrians getting off work, slowing their pace as their coins jingle into a instrument case in front of a street artist.

Young lovers clinking together glasses of wine in restaurants, and stoves steaming in warm homes.

Every scene as touching as the last.

Evenings in Zwillingstürme have always been a source of inspiration for many great musicians.

Hmm... Then shall we add a few more pieces to the program for the celebration?

Every year we begin with the Güldenesgesatz, and then perform the same routine classical pieces after. Surely the people are becoming less and less interested by the year?

As ever, the program is up to Your Majesties to decide.