Chereads / Clockwork and Androids / Chapter 5 - Music

Chapter 5 - Music

Given that it's Kosei's first evening here, Souren has been obligated to plan something to fill the space after dinner. He isn't quite sure what there is in the way of activities, given how he's never really had much excess leisure time, but he was told Kosei enjoys music, so he's made plans to attend a performance. Souren is a bit excited, if only because it's one of the few times he's gone out.

It's an orchestral performance, with traditional Zhongguo instruments. The state box is reserved for them, and the grand space feels so empty as it is only the two of them and the guards, Kosei's human and Souren's bots.

The orchestra tunes, wavering tones floating in the air about them. Kosei leans forward.

"I hear you play music; which instruments?" Souren asks, by ways of making conversation.

"Oh, I've dabbled in a few. Out of the traditional instruments, I know most of the guzheng."

"That's really cool."

"Do you play any instruments?"

"A bit. Piano, mainly. I didn't practice consistently, though, just here and there," he says sheepishly. It'd just been another means of occupying himself in the long hours along at the mansion, when he'd been younger.

"I see. Do you enjoy listening to music, then?"

Souren looks up, startled by this interview. "Like a performance like this? I don't mind it, I suppose. But I wouldn't go out of my way to search for it." It's not as if he's ever gone to any other live performances in the past.

Kosei gives him a long, studied look. "I see," he nods, moments before the performance begins.

They remain quiet for the rest of the evening, enraptured by the playing, Souren supposes.

The sky has significantly darkened when they return to the Lee mansion. Souren's thoroughly worn out; even though all they've really done is sit around, he rarely leaves the mansion in the first place.

"I trust you remember the way to your rooms?"

Kosei gives a brief nod.

"Well, then, I'll leave you to it. When you wake tomorrow, head down to the dining room. We'll be breakfasting at 8."

"Good night then, Souren."

"Good night."