She’s so Cheeky for a Commoner! - Chapter 74

The Bauan Music Festival was an international music event hosted by the King himself. With King Rousseau at their fore, many members of the royal family were here at the venue. The musicians that were set to perform were not only from Bauer, but hailed from our neighbor, Appalachia, as well as the Rolo Empire to our west. As this concert was well renowned, it held a huge influence in the music industry. To musicians, being invited to perform was not only one of the greatest honors, but a very important opportunity to secure their future success.

“Pipi, Loretta, first, I must apologize that I must ruin this wonderful opportunity, that you both worked so hard to earn.”

Facing the two who were already in their stage outfits, I bowed my head. Pipi and Loretta both panicked to shake their heads in response.

“Please, lift your head, Claire-sama!”

“That’s right! It may be true that this year’s music festival will be a mess, but we’ll still have more chances in the future.”

When I raised my head, they both showed the confidence that they would earn the right to be here again through their own merits. They were no longer the unreliable duo they were when I had first met them.

“Besides, it’s all Clément-sama’s fault that it came to this, isn’t it!”

“Yes, that’s right! This isn’t your fault, Claire-sama.”

“Thank you, you two. I appreciate your cooperation.”

It was thought that Clément-sama would likely only make his appearance at the end of the festival, during its award ceremony. King Rousseau would also be in attendance, so security would be tight and people would be checked before being allowed in. Of course, it should go without saying that only a limited number of people would be allowed anywhere near the stage, so it was vital that we had Pipi and Loretta’s cooperation.

“But first, you two should focus on your performance.”

“Yes!”

“I’ll make sure to enjoy it!”

◆◇◆◇◆

And so, the music festival began. The royal concert hall, the venue for the event, was packed full with guests. They were primarily nobility of various nationalities, and they were all entirely unaware of the chaos that was about to unfold. They were simply enraptured by the exquisite performances offered by the musicians.

“Claire-sama, it’s almost Loretta and Pipi’s turn.”

“I know.”

“I-It’d be nice if the two are just able to focus on their performance…”

“I’m sure they’ll do fine.”

In response to Rei’s statement after reviewing the event program, Cardinal Lily seemed to be worried. I offered reassurance while diligently observing the concert hall.

(… There are too many guards on security. And, most of them are likely House Achard’s private hires. Clément-sama, just what are you thinking…?)

As that ominous thought crossed my mind, Pipi and Loretta finally made their entrance. Now, at this music festival, the two were about to realize the dream that they’ve long yearned for.

― You know, I… It’s always been my dream to perform with her at a concert, her piano, my violin.

That very Pipi now held her violin, smiling at Loretta with the same smile she had that day. Loretta sat in front of the piano, waiting for Pipi’s sign.

And then, their performance began.

Loretta’s melody, once described to be as vivid and colorful as a rainbow, was accompanied by Pipi’s own. Pipi’s technique was transcendental, so accurate that it was almost stoic. What made it so special was that while their styles should have been complete opposites, contrasting and conflicting, they were able to intertwine, melt into one another creating something entirely new.

(Pipi, Loretta, this really is a wonderful performance.)

The number of people in the audience who had reached for their handkerchiefs was by no means small. That’s just how much the performance had touched the hearts of the listeners.

Their performance had likely lasted about ten minutes. That was about the standard for a concert piece composed for the violin and piano. However, I’m sure all who were here today thought, “More, more―I’d like to keep listening, forever.” When the very last note disappeared into the void, the entire venue erupted into applause.

“Bravo!”

“May these new prodigies be blessed!”

“An absolutely wonderful performance!”

The audience sent their lavish praise to the two on stage. My applause, too, was so intense that my hands began to hurt.

“I’m no expert at music, but even I can understand that Pipi-sama and Loretta-sama are both amazing.”

“L-Lily too.”

“Of course! After all―”

With a great sense of pride, I continued,

“After all, those two are my, Claire François’, very own dearest friends.”

◆◇◆◇◆

The event continued, and finally, it had come time for the award ceremony. Every musician who had performed for the event had assembled together on the stage, and the audience once again gave them applause. Sein-sama, who had been accompanied by King Rousseau, could also be seen sitting in the VIP gallery.

“And now, a word from the primary organizer of this music festival, Clément Achard-sama.”

With those words from the event’s host, the whole venue settled back to silence. Rei, Lily and I all exchanged glances, and the two nodded at me. We very cautiously focused our attention to the stage.

A spotlight then centered on an elderly man at the side of the stage. The man walked with his cane, making his way toward the stage platform. It was Clément-sama. However, we still couldn’t let our guard down. For all we knew, it could have been a body double that simply looked like him.

“With utmost regard for His Majesty, it is my greatest joy to once again present such a fine concert in your presence. Furthermore, I wish to extend the highest praise to the ladies and gentlemen who performed today. Here, at the Bauer Kingdom’s prestigious music festival―

The sonorous voice, reading the address, was also certainly Clément-sama’s. Surely, this was sufficient to confirm that this was, without a doubt, Marquis Achard.

That concludes my speech as the organizer of this event. Thank you for listening.”

“I object!”

“!?”

Suddenly, a sharp voice of criticism could be heard from the same stage where Clément-sama stood.

“There is no way this criminal, who spurred my father to commit acts of evil, and further tried to place all the blame on him, should have the right to offer a speech for this honorable music festival!”

The voice came from Pipi. With a loud voice, Pipi spoke so that Clément-sama’s misdeeds would be heard through the entire venue.

“I wondered who might raise their voice at such a time like this, but it was Barlier’s daughter… How foolish. Just what is with this nonsense.”

“What she’s saying is not nonsense!”

Before he had the chance to talk his way out of the situation, I stood from among the audience and raised my voice. When Clément-sama saw me, he very openly clicked his tongue and gave a fierce glare. However, I was no longer the same Claire François that was once stricken with a sense of powerlessness that day at the Achard manor. Today, I had reliable friends, people who truly understood me, and Rei by my side.

“Hmph, the daughter of House François too? Bauan nobility has truly never fallen lower. You take your accusations too far.”

“Can you still say that after taking a look at this?”

I created a light using my fire magic, and, with Rei’s help, projected the summary of our findings regarding Clément-sama’s human trafficking operations on the stage curtains.

“Clément, what do you have to say?”

From his seat in the VIP gallery, King Rousseau sternly inquired, but Clément-sama remained calm.

“I am not aware of any of this. I was in no way involved, and know nothing of it. This must be a part of Dor’s plot to ruin me―”

“Enough of your pedantics. It should be clear, just looking at it, that the evidence being presented is not an unfounded accusation.”

“…”

His argument flatly rejected by His Majesty, Clément-sama became silent.

“I’ll hear what you have to say at the prison. Guards, apprehend Clément!

When His Majesty gave the orders, the soldiers serving as security for the event―did not move to arrest Clément-sama.

“… What are you doing, apprehend Clement―”

Clément-sama―no, Clément raised the cane he was holding, and pointed its tip at King Rousseau.

“My soldiers. Relieve the King of Bauer, Rousseau, of his crown.”