Silent Witch

Book 16: Chapter 16: One Year Later, at the Royal Palace

Book 16: Chapter 16: One Year Later, at the Royal Palace

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Under the bright summer sky, the resonating sound throughout the castle of the Ridill Kingdom was an orchestral and solo piano performance.

It was "Piano Concerto No. 5" composed by the rising court musician, Benjamin Moulding.

The first movement, with its relatively fast-paced melody, gave the impression of the solo piano and orchestral strings competing against each other.

This transitioned into a gentle melody in the second movement, and then burst into a lively rondo in the final third movement, like a flower blooming.

The solo piano and orchestra, which had been competing in the first movement, now complemented each other in the third movement, chasing after a single melody. The melody played was rich yet vibrant, deeply stirring the hearts of the audience.

Both the King of Ridill and the Emperor of the Schwarzgalt Empire, who was a state guest, seemed greatly satisfied with the performance of this young genius musician, showering the stage with generous applause.

Amidst everyone immersed in the afterglow of the wonderful performance, Elliot Howard was applauding with a somewhat uncomfortable expression.

As Elliot hastily left the concert hall, he locked eyes with a woman walking from the opposite end of the hallway.

Despite wearing a practical blue uniform, the glamorous beauty who caught his eye was his former classmate, Bridget Graham.

"Well, if it isn't Miss Bridget. Long time no see."

"Good day to you. You came too?"

"Yeah, accompanying my father."

It had been about a year since Elliot last saw Bridget, at the Serendia Academy graduation ceremony.

As the daughter of Marquis Sheilbury, Bridget had rejected all marriage proposals after graduation and instead took the female official recruitment exam, passing with flying colors.

In less than half a year, she demonstrated her talents and was exceptionally promoted to become the diplomatic aide to the Third Prince.

"I hear you were the one who arranged today's concert, Miss Bridget?"

"Yes. The Black Lion Emperor expressed interest in hearing a rising musical genius from our country."

On the occasion of the neighboring emperor's visit to the Ridill Kingdom, the First and Third Princes were tasked with handling the reception arrangements.

For the Third Prince, who had hardly ever been involved in diplomatic affairs, receiving the emperor was a major diplomatic debut.

As the Third Prince's diplomatic aide, Bridget must have been quite busy as well.

"Still, you did well to get Benjamin. I bet it was a hassle to invite a moody person like him."

Benjamin had frequently performed at the palace while attending Serendia Academy, but his activities had expanded even further after graduating.

There were even rumors that his concert schedule was booked years in advance.

"No, Bridget has been very helpful beyond just this concert. She's an aide far too capable for someone like me."

"You honor me, Your Highness."

Though Albert had grown taller and more mature-looking over the past year, the way he stole glances at Bridget's beautiful profile was undeniably youthful.

As Elliot inwardly chuckled at how obvious it was, the emperor took a step forward and took Bridget's hand. With his rugged features sternly set, the emperor declared,

"I took a liking of you. Become my consort."

Stunned by the emperor's abrupt proclamation, Albert's expression crumpled, his eyes wide open and jaw dropped.

It was unclear from his demeanor whether the emperor was joking or serious.

Even Elliot let out an "Oooh?" as he watched for Bridget's response.

How would she answer the proposal from the emperor of the empire, the highest of state guests?

As Elliot and Albert watched with bated breath, Bridget lowered her long lashes and let out a wistful sigh.

"Your Majesty, I am flattered by your words, but I have vowed to give myself only to the gentleman who presents me with a blue rose."

Suddenly, the emperor threw his head back and laughed heartily.

"Kukahh! Trying to test me, are you Not bad. I rather fancy a willful woman."

The emperor leered at Bridget's face with a sly grin.

"Very well. There is nothing I cannot obtain. Next time, I shall come to propose with a bouquet of blue roses."

With that, he flicked his coattails.

Albert scurried after him, but Elliot overheard him mutter under his breath, "Blue roses maybe Sir Thorn Witch could make some"

After the two rounded the corner of the hallway, Elliot glanced sideways at Bridget.

"Playing a heavy hitter like that, you really are quite the wicked woman, Miss Bridget."

"Why, I had no intention of setting an impossible task."

Bridget narrowed her golden eyes.

The alluring smile on her lips could likely charm most men out of their wits.

"Blue roses can be made with just a scarf after all How adorable."

Elliot muttered, "Oh, so scary," with a shudder.

AN:

Of all the characters in the story, the man most likely to be remembered in later ages was Benjamin Moulding.

Piano Concerto No. 5 is the one from V9C9.