Michael had lived his entire life in a privileged position. Since childhood, he received instruction in a wide array of subjects, from warfare and hunting to baking, art, and music. Consequently, he always considered himself a 'cultured' person. Over time, fueled by flattery from those around him, his personality grew more and more arrogant, reaching the point where he began to look down on all others who weren't close to his social position.
The only exception he made concerning people of lower social status was for their appearance. In Michael's eyes, others couldn't compete with him in terms of 'knowledge,' so the only way they could measure up was through their beauty. Michael set his sights on the girls in Franz's group, the first time he had ever seen such beautiful girls in Winterland, and there were not just one but four beauties. He couldn't pass up this opportunity.
In Michael's delusional mind, there was no possibility of being rejected by the girl group. Even if he hid his lineage, he was confident enough in his looks and flirting skills. Therefore, even when the girls indirectly tried to reject him in various ways to avoid creating a scene, he failed to catch the intent behind their words, thinking, 'they are not so easy' at most.
However, one factor bothered Michael – a man named Franz. Initially dismissing him due to his unkempt appearance, Michael assumed Franz was some kind of servant or tour guide for the girls. Yet, he soon realized he might have been wrong. In some way he couldn't understand, Franz and the girls seemed to be good friends, and Franz kept getting in the way of Michael's attempts to get close to them.
This bothered Michael, but for the sake of maintaining his dignity in front of everyone, he tried to let it slide. However...
"Why don't you go back to your own table to eat? Surely Theo will get jealous if you keep insisting."
Franz tried to publicly humiliate Theo and him. Michael had never been treated that way, not even by people of high status in society. For a person like Franz, whom he had previously looked down on, to dare to taunt him like this in public was intolerable.
'I have to put him in his place,' I thought.
Michael was tempted to reveal his lineage, but it wasn't necessary to show everyone present the difference between himself and Franz. He just had to publicly humiliate him, showcasing their difference in ability. That way, he could not only get rid of Franz but also open the girls' eyes to what a truly competent man should be.
'It'll be like killing two birds with one stone.'
Although Michael was confident he could crush a common man like Franz, there was a limit to what he could do in a restaurant. Fortunately, a music band was playing, so Michael challenged Franz to a music competition. Having learned to play the piano since childhood, winning competitions in aristocratic circles, he was sure Franz had no chance to compete against him.
To begin with, music was an expensive hobby to pursue in Herssian due to the price of instruments and the time and effort required to learn. Michael had learned to play the piano with the help of a professional instructor his family had hired weekly. On the other hand, commoners preferred spending their time working and earning money to support their lives rather than spending on music lessons and instruments.
"Does Franz know how to play any musical instrument?" the army girls wondered.
None of them had seen or heard Franz play any musical instrument. He hadn't even mentioned knowing anything about music in the past.
"So who will go first?" I asked.
"I don't care. Since you are at a disadvantage, you can decide."
"In that case, you can start."
"Hahaha, that's a terrible choice. I give you the chance to regret it right now. If the audience hears me play first, it will be impossible for you to get any applause."
"I'm sure."
Michael and Franz grinned at each other. Soon, a member of the restaurant explained to all the customers that a small musical competition was going to be held as a form of entertainment, with rules and evaluation methods. Of course, there was no mention of the rewards due to the embarrassment it would cause if revealed.
"I'll start immediately," Michael declared. He walked over to a large black piano, a butler handed him a sheet of music titled 'Frost,' a famous yet challenging piece. The beautiful melody he played filled the restaurant, earning him widespread applause, even from the neutral restaurant staff. The girls, despite supporting me, felt insecure after witnessing Michael's brilliant performance.
Michael left the stage, and turning to me, he said, "So, which instrument and song will you choose to compete in? I hope you don't give up too soon; who knows if some miracle might happen? Hahaha."
Contrary to the despair Michael expected, I remained calm. Actually, Michael would be the one shocked to hear my answer.
"I will also play the song 'Frost' on the piano."
"!!!"
Michael didn't have time to respond as I walked towards the black piano. I sat down, scanned the sheet music, and began playing the song. Initially, I played some notes clumsily, puzzling the audience and amusing Michael, who held back laughter. Suddenly, I stopped, and a smile broke out on my face. My hands began deftly playing the piano keys, not something random, but the same melody as Michael had played a few minutes ago. It felt different, as if each note was played at the exact moment it was meant to be, without any imperfections. I played 'Frost' in a way that no one present had ever heard before.
No one in the whole world had played that song the way I did. Perfectly executed, without any delay, advance, or error, even conveying the sentiments intended by the original writer. The audience, including customers, restaurant staff, and other musicians, shed tears. The girls were no exception; Jess had her hands on her chest, crying, and others were in a similar state.
After what felt like an eternity, I finished playing the song. However, a deep silence filled the room. It wasn't until I closed the piano lid and stood up that everyone started to react. Incredibly uproarious applause and cheers echoed through the restaurant, even reaching the street. Satisfied, I turned my head to where Michael was. A blank expression of surprise covered his entire face.
Just in time, the waiter arrived with the group's plates of food. 'Just in time,' I thought as I walked to sit at the table. This was actually the first time I played the piano.