5th of August, Thursday.
Two days slipped by with Lucian doing little more than resting and exploring the streets. He refrained from dining out, opting instead to cook for himself, though the results were a disaster, barely edible. His mailbox became a source of constant anticipation, akin to how one might repeatedly check a fridge.
Finally, a letter arrived, and he eagerly began to read.
"Good afternoon, sir Lucian. You've been recommended to us by Thomas. Our pianist can't attend tonight's event, so we're reaching out to invite you as a replacement. We'd appreciate your arrival at 18:00 and your presence until 21:00. We offer one valling note as compensation, with potential for more if the performance proves a success. Hoping for your availability, please send a reply to 'Sentorio Street, Mansion 1'."
"Best Regards, Artin Family."
Lucian's excitement was shown; earning money seemed almost too simple.(In truth, it owed much to Thomas's commendable word.)
"Yes! Finally," he exclaimed.
"But how to send it, considering it isn't as straightforward as an email?"
"Hmmmm... I suppose I'll deliver it in person, that's the safest option."
Lucian then penned the letter with his ink and feather, a stark contrast to the typewritten missive from the Artin Family.
"I may need to get a typewriter in the future, to appear more professional. Nobody wishes to receive a poorly written letter with a feathered pen."
The letter he wrote was straightforward:
"Good afternoon, Artin Family. I'm delighted to accept your offer. You can expect my arrival at precisely 18:00."
"Best Regards, Lucian Wright."
Setting out, Lucian navigated the town with greater confidence, having earlier taken note of street names and their locations. He arrived at the sprawling garden of the Artin Family, which boasted diligent workers and a hedge-made fence. The grass space was adorned with an array of resplendent blooms, painting the air in colors.
"Wow, that's an enormous mansion! They must be nobles," Lucian marveled, gazing at the grand entrance, equivalent to four regular doors, and the colossal residence supported by stone pillars.
He saw a servant near the door and said, "I have a letter for the Artin family. Could you please deliver it?" and handed it over.
The servant, taking the letter, nodded and replied, "Certainly, sir."
Lucian then headed back home, brimming with excitement about the day. He spent his time in the house, trying out different suits and combining styles. Eventually, he settled on his finest possession: a dark gray suit with light blue collars outlined in gold, complemented by black gloves, a white shirt, a bow, and a top hat. The lower part of the hat was adorned with a silk cloth in light blue, sporting a golden emblem.
Staring at his reflection in the mirror, he couldn't help but admire how refined he looked. "This style surpasses anything I had on Earth. I truly feel like a gentleman."
...
At the Artin family's residence:
"Welcome, who might you be?" asked a different servant stationed near the grand open door.
"I am Lucian Wright."
The servant leafed through papers to find his name, but before he could, a man and a woman in their mid-20s approached, and the man, in a striking ball suit and top hat, said, "You must be Lucian Wright?"
"Yes," Lucian replied with a respectful bow, acknowledging the clear distinction between them.
The lady also offered a bow and said, "Please, come in."
Guided by the couple, Lucian entered a spacious area designed for events. The marble floor bore earthy hues, reflecting the glow of large crystal chandeliers. Walls were draped in rich fabric adorned with delicate golden accents.
"Wow," Lucian marveled.
Inside, the ballroom was nearly empty, except for a few servants preparing the event.
"My name is Alger Artin, and this is my wife Aether," said the man, extending his hand in introduction.
Aether looked astonishingly beautiful in her finely crafted dress. The attire, snug yet elegant, tastefully revealed a hint of cleavage while boasting long sleeves. Her hands were adorned with sleek black gloves, and a delicate, see-through black fabric graced her neck and chest. With her lustrous black eyes, soft hair, and slightly pale complexion, she exuded an alluring presence. Her lips were adorned with a darker shade of makeup, completing the captivating ensemble.
"A pleasure to meet you," replied Lucian, his politeness concealing the struggle to resist Aether's enchanting, floral fragrance.
"You're welcome to examine the piano, give it a try. If you need anything, a drink or a plate of food, summon a servant, and it shall be provided," offered Alger before departing with Aether.
"This hospitality exceeds even that of the Price family. I feel like a celebrity," Lucian thought, settling onto a small stool near the piano.
The piano resembles a grand, expensive one from Earth.
His fingers danced across the keys, the sound resonating and echoing through the ballroom, capturing the attention of the servants.
He played for a while, creating beautiful music. His performance was so robust that Aether and Alger heard it, and they came to the ballroom to listen.
"This is wonderful. I knew that Thomas wouldn't recommend just anyone. You're a true professional."
"Thank you, sir Alger," said Lucian.
After a few compositions, he signaled a servant and requested a drink. Opting for wine this time, he aimed to maintain the demeanor of a gentleman.
Guests began to fill the ballroom, their footsteps reverberating through the space. Everyone looked stunning, even the older ladies seemed to have shed years.
Lucian played familiar ballroom music he had learned on Earth throughout the night. Nobles danced with vigor, silently praising his skills. Some conversed in secluded corners. It was a grand event, and the piano infused life into it.
As the evening drew to a close, Lucian requested the lights be dimmed for his final song. He chose to play 'Vivaldi - Summer,' a spectacular conclusion to an unforgettable event.
With the guests no longer dancing, the room stood in half-light, all eyes and ears focused on Lucian's performance.
Afterward, there was a minute of awe and applause. Guests began to depart, and Lucian sat in a quiet corner, waiting for Alger to settle the payment.
Alger approached him, eager to praise his skills. "I am utterly captivated. You are a true prodigy. You surpass even the pianist who usually performs for me. I will certainly call on you again."
He handed Lucian one valling note and five valka notes!
Lucian was taken aback as he hadn't expected such a large sum of money to be given so readily. "Thank you, sir Alger. You made this beautiful event possible. Feel free to call on me anytime, provided I'm available."
I'm wealthy now, haha. I suppose it's true what they say. Music is the fastest route to a person's wallet.