baslin

December 28th, 5:00 P.M.

Zwillingstürme, in front of the Twin Empresses' Spires

Michael, holding a tuba that's too heavy for him, leads his band to follow the attendant who receives them to the Twin Spires.

Herr Michael, when you left Lupukarn, the preparations for the New Year celebration should already have been underway, yes?

Yes.

And just call me Michael.

Very well then.

I really miss that town. The sunset might not be as brilliant as the one in Zwillingstürme, but the smell of freshly baked crullers... There's nothing better.

I didn't expect you to arrive so soon. I thought...

I thought you'd at least spend the New Year in your own spire.

True, this might have been my last chance to spend one back in Lupukarn. All the heirs sent to Zwillingstürme to 'study'—who knows when we'll be able to go back home?

But it was my own decision to rush here for the New Year celebration.

You wanted to take part in the festivities?

I plan to submit my application to the Kaiserinnen during my audience today. As Father advised, to ensure equal trade for Lupukarn, we must first seek Their Majesties' approval.

But Their Majesties... Ah, Michael, I'm not allowed to go any further. I've never been inside, but the Spire of Grace should be over that way.

You've never been inside? Then who has been delivering all the official documents from Lupukarn to Their Majesties over the past few years?

*sigh* When Their Majesties don't want to listen, very few 'noises' reach their ears. The neighboring nobles are well aware of this.

Anyway, you must be extremely careful when speaking with them. I've heard bad things.

Especially concerning Grimmacht—she's the one who nearly flattened our town. I've heard that if anyone misspeaks, even a single word, she'll slice them in two with her sword!

Do not take this lightly! Try to limit your conversation to Her Majesty Ewigegnade, who is kinder and gentler. After all, your safety is what matters most.

Don't worry. I've been preparing for this meeting for a whole year. I shan't be foolish.

From my self-introduction, to the music arrangements, to every last word in my New Year celebration application, I've already worn out several pens just writing it all down.

Besides, for the first time, a wolf from Lupukarn is being allowed to step into the sheep's Spire. Isn't this a sign of progress?

...I wish you the best of luck, Michael.

Michael steps onto the unfamiliar and overly wide path.

(Breathe, breathe!)

(There's only one Kaiserin present, along with some civil and military officials? So the terrifying Grimmacht isn't here?)

(Good, then I won't be needing all those speeches I prepared especially for her.)

As he steps forward, he can hear his heart pounding. He bows to Ewigegnade, his movements steady and restrained, just as he has rehearsed countless times.

Your Majesty, I come on behalf of my family.

Hello, Michael. How are you finding life in the city?

Excellent, Your Majesty. There are so many sights and sounds here that simply do not exist in Lupukarn.

Having witnessed the prosperity of the capital, I am even more eager for Lupukarn to follow in its footsteps under the twin beacons of Eternal Grace and Austere Authority.

Michael's palms tighten for a moment. His answer, smooth and fluent, contains a nearly imperceptible pause, a result of his nervousness.

He steals a glance at Ewigegnade, and sees that her smile remains warm, as if encouraging him not to fear. Michael relaxes just a bit.

I see you've brought your band. What sort of performance will you be giving us?

We will play a piece from Lupukarn, called 'White Fang.'

It tells the story of wild beasts that survive by eating raw flesh in the jungle. One day, as they reach the edge of the jungle, they are drawn in by the sound of music from afar.

And so, they sheath their fangs, leave their home, and respond to its call.

(She understands the meaning behind my choice! And she seems pleased... Wunderbar!)

Let's hear your interpretation of it, then.

Of course. Allow me to present this performance to Her Majesty on behalf of Lupukarn!

The music echoes throughout the Spire. The treble is lively and bright, and the bass is gentle and docile, as the young Lupo from Lupukarn sheathes his fangs before the Kaiserin.

The piece undoubtedly suits Ewigegnade's tastes. However, to leave an even stronger impression, Michael adds a personal touch during the final tuba solo.

A-one and-a-two and-a-three and-a-four—the band falls silent. Michael steps forward and begins his meticulously practiced (and brilliantly executed) solo.

The solo as originally written was simple and heartfelt, but that wouldn't align with Ewigegnade's preference for grandeur and elegance.

So, Michael adds smooth glissandi to give every pitch a richer, more refined color.

The resplendent Spire of Grace, the colorful silk brocades fluttering in every corner, and the breathtaking sunset—

They perfectly complement the magnificent and masterful performance, creating an orchestra tailored to Ewigegnade's taste. It is brilliant; it is radiant; it is, fortunately, flawlessly performed!

All the preparation Michael had done over the past year was worth it. His heart races with excitement. He slowly lowers the tuba, eagerly stealing more glances at Ewigegnade.

(Great, she looks just as kind and gentle as before.)

(...But the expression on her face hasn't changed one bit?)

Michael and the band bow to Ewigegnade.

Mm. A fine choice of music.

The arrangement was thoughtfully done.

You certainly put your heart and soul into this.

We are honored to receive your praise, Your Majesty.

Actually, Your Majesty, I came here today to deliver a message from my father.

He humbly requests that you allow the Lupukarn nobility to participate in the New Year celebrations...

Speak no more of this. Your performance was exquisite, and I wish to savor it without distraction. We shall discuss it later.

Michael's palms grow cold and sweaty.

If it pleases Your Majesty, could we perhaps set a date?

Lupukarn is eager to keep pace with the other provinces and longs for an opportunity to help build a better Lethanien.

Your passion for music has already been conveyed through your performance. Forget the New Year celebration. I have another, more suitable plan, for you.

From now on, you will work at Matti's spire. It houses a treasure trove of ancient musical scores. Given your passion for music, I can think of no better place for you.

Little wolf of the jungle, are you satisfied with my arrangements?

Michael feels the instrument in his hands grow heavier, sending a sharp pain up his arms. He struggles to hold it up.

Ancient musical scores, far from the Kaiserinnen's Spires... How long would he be left in neglect? He could only wonder.

It is as if the rest of his life has been decided in such a short meeting. Given the circumstances, he cannot refuse the kind and gentle Ewigegnade...

I... Your Majest...

Everyone turns to face the sound of the door creaking open. The other Kaiserin of Lethanien, Grimmacht, stands in the doorway.

The one who, two years ago, personally led the campaign to suppress the rebellion in Lupukarn with absolute force. The embodiment of Austere Authority. Michael's face grows even paler.

Grimmacht...

You've arrived. It's a pity you're late. You missed the wonderful performance of this young man from Lupukarn.

I heard it from outside. It was absolutely dreadful.

Oh? I thought a sharp young man like him would appeal to you.

All style and no substance. The arrangement for the final solo was particularly unbearable.

That's really a shame. I was even thinking of sending him to Matti's spire to study.

Study? With that level of 'talent', he should just head back to Lupukarn as soon as possible.

...Yes. I'll... take my leave, then.

I see you're still busy with the New Year celebrations, Lieselotte? Matters like this should be handled by the Empresses' Voice. There's no need for you to waste your time with it.

The voice of Lupukarn needed an audience.

If you don't listen, won't the voices still slip into your ears from every corner?

In which case it's better to be open and meet them face to face.

Michael cannot hear Grimmacht's response. He has already reached the door and is too nervous to linger any longer.

(The voice of Lupukarn? Weren't all the letters from home, sent through official channels, rejected? Could someone be...?)

Kaiserin Grimmacht, please, wait. Forgive my impertinence, but I wanted to thank you for your help just now.

Kaiserin Grimmacht, please...

I think that... I know that your appearance here wasn't a coincidence.

Michael's words, thrown out in desperation, finally cause Grimmacht to stop. He watches the silent Empress, her back turned to him, as he struggles to swallow the lump in his throat.

As I see it, the attendants who have remained neglected outside the Spires for years, and I, who was reprimanded just after arriving, are all an extension of Your Majesties' attitudes.

A young man from Lupukarn is publicly put on the spot by one Kaiserin, only to be spared by another—this can't be a coincidence.

Among the audience of this play are the nobles, as well as the heirs of Lupukarn nobles who have gone to their wits' ends to send their letters to the Kaiserinnen.

Michael observes Grimmacht for a moment, but her motionless posture reveals nothing.

...Was I the lead actor in this play? I still do not know. Perhaps Your Majesties disapprove of my father's stance, or perhaps it's just that my timing was unfortunate.

I only know that Your Majesty saved me.

If my suspicions are correct, you did that to send us a message.

If so, then I am even more certain that Your Majesties still have mercy for Lupukarn.

From your exchange with Lieselotte, I thought you would be a more cautious child.

I know Your Majesty prefers to be straightforward, and hence my candor.