To Be a Power in the Shadows!
chapter-72

I am walking through the royal capital in early morning.

Hyoro said that he’s going to go ask around and went off somewhere.

In this world, people begin moving when the sun rises.

The streets are already bustling with people.

Though I did say that I would look for Rose, I’m not actually going to do it seriously. My hope for her successful escape is still unchanged as of now, so I guess I’ll just kill time while pretending to look for her.

But well, I do kind of want to ask her about the motive that led to this incident full of rebellious spirit that involved stabbing her fiancé. If possible, I’d like it hear it in her own words.

Either way, as long as I can kill time, that’s good enough for me.

Anger is something that fades with the passage of time. I’m sure Nee-san just needs some time to calm her head.

While thinking such thoughts and sort of dazedly wandering the streets, I suddenly pick up the sound of a piano from somewhere.

“Fumu……”

I’m actually kind of good at the piano.

In my previous life, I had practiced the piano as part of my training to become a power in the shadows. Well alright, that’s a lie. It was just my parents forcing me to learn it.

To be frank, rather than practicing the piano, I would much rather have spent that time doing actual training for becoming a power in the shadows. In other words, I had zero motivation. But then again, what meaning does that hold in the face of parents?

(T/N: Asian parents.)

And so I grudgingly started learning the piano, but eventually came to think it not so bad.

Firstly, if someone is good at the piano, surrounding people arbitrarily make their own assumptions.

Such as, this guy is busy because he has to practice the piano as soon as he gets home.

For the me who had limited human relationships to the bare minimum for the sake of becoming a power in the shadows, that misunderstanding was extremely convenient.

Secondly, I simply came to recognize the coolness of the piano.

A power in the shadows playing the piano under the moonlight…… how cool is that?

Exactly, this is the character setting that ‘I am not only strong in fighting, but also proficient in the arts.’

Awe~some……

Before I realized it, I had gotten quite serious about the piano.

Of course, my top priority was my training to become a power in the shadows. However, I did become quite fond of the idea of playing the piano to set up the mood for a battle.

And so, I don’t mean to toot my own horn, but I’m actually quite good at the piano.

“This…… is pretty good, hmm……”

So I murmur.

Thing is, the person who’s currently playing the piano is also quite skilled.

Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 14 “Moonlight Sonata” huh……

This is a song that I really like. More like, it’s in my list of ‘best ever’ for a power in the shadows.

And so, I don’t think myself inferior when it comes to “Moonlight Sonata.” However, this performer’s expression is also quite unique and tasteful.

“Not bad at all…… I can almost see the light of the moon inside my mind…… even though it’s morning at the moment……”

As I play out the “oh, this person is not so bad either” cliché, I suddenly jolt in realization.

Isn’t it strange to hear a song by Beethoven in this world?

My face turns serious as I make my way through the crowd towards the sound of the piano.

Alright, I’ll be honest.

I already know what’s coming.

I’m not a complete idiot, alright?

The sound of the piano is coming from the first floor cafe of one of the royal capital’s top class hotels.

The security is so tight that normal people can’t go in, but the guards here let me go right in.

As I go into the store without reservation, the performance is just about over.

“Epsilon……”

She is a beautiful girl with dazzling hair the color of a clear lake. Though her dress is a sleeveless dress, her chest area is, of course, fully covered to hide the slime.

Her legs are also completely covered under tights, and her boots with hidden heels are cleverly concealed.

A magnificent job as always.

When I draw close, she also seems to notice me.

She gives the customers a bow, then leads me towards the waiting room.

After the door closes with a click, she smiles.

“My lord, you were listening? How embarrassing……”

She looks at me with upturned eyes and slightly blushing cheeks, but I refuse to be deceived.

“Epsilon, that song just now was Moonlight Sonata, was it not?”

“Yes. Among the numerous songs that my lord had taught me, it is the one that I love the most.”

“Oh, is that so? It’s my favorite too.”

Though I had no intention of teaching her, it’s quite a happy thing to find someone else liking something that you like.

“Thanks to my lord, I am building my connections and influence as a pianist and a composer.”

“Eh, composer……”

“Yes, my lord. Beginning with Moonlight Sonata, I’ve also used Minute Waltz, Turkish March, The Girl with the Flaxen Hair, and……”

(T/N: Moonlight Sonata is by Beethoven. Minute Waltz is by Chopin. Turkish March is by Mozart. The Girl with the Flaxen Hair is by Claude Debussy.)

Epsilon continues proudly talking about how she’s received rave reviews from nobles for ‘releasing’ famous classic and modern songs, how she’s gotten awards, and how she’s been invited to the country of arts.

I apologize, Beethoven, Bach, Mozart…… and all other great composers.

In this world, all the credit for your great works has gone entirely to Epsilon.

“…… The previous concert was extremely well received, so I’m soon going to Oriana Kingdom for work. As I’m sure you already know, Oriana Kingdom is currently a place with very worthy ‘work’ to be done.”

“It is the country of arts after all.”

“Indeed, because it’s the country of arts…… this time especially, I expect to get some really good ‘work’ done.”

Epsilon smiles bewitchingly.

“Do your best out there.”

“I will do great ‘work’ and give them a performance truly worthy of the wonderful songs entrusted to me from my lord.”

Epsilon gives me a graceful bow.

“Oh right, I’m changing the subject, but would you happen to know anything about where Princess Rose has gone?”

“Princess Rose, is it? I believe that matter is currently being handled by Beta, so I am not too informed on it. Ah, but I did hear something about her escaping into the royal capital’s underground. For the full details, it would probably be best to ask Beta directly.”

“Ah, knowing that alone is already more than enough.”

If I really do happen to find Rose by luck, then I’ll at least listen to what she has to say.

“Thank you. Umm……”

While looking at the smiling Epsilon, I think of what to say after my thanks.

Just like how I was glad to hear that she likes Moonlight Sonata, there must be words that she would be glad to hear.

“Your figure is as beautiful as ever, isn’t it?”

“Th-, th-, there’s no such thing I still have a f-, f-, far way to go……!”

Without looking at Epsilon’s face, I divert my gaze outside of the window.

Ah, the blue summer sky sure does stretch on. Ah, the world sure is turning today too.