bookbashuk Page 11
Page 11
“PianoWomen, please.” The female bartender gestured “please,” but instead of pointing to the cocktail, she gestured towards a certain direction in the bar’s lobby.
She then lowered her head and focused on wiping the wine glass, ignoring the regular customer in front of her.
The believer listened intently to the melancholic melody that had been permeating the hall since earlier, her face showing a conflicted expression. However, this conflict was quickly replaced by relief, as she had just completed a process of self-consolation within herself.
Miss Lesenba was sent by him to investigate the information of the JK girl he picked up on the roadside, and she needed a quiet space, so she wasn't in the lobby.
The believer Hearn rose from the bar stool, carrying the cocktail she had just mixed, and walked lightly in the direction Jill had pointed out, where the stage in the bar's main hall was located.
The melody lingering in the hall seemed to be turning to a tragic tone. The black-haired girl sat alone on the piano bench, her slender and long fingers dancing lightly between the black and white keys.
“The Peacock Dance of the Dead Princess, such an elegant and melancholic piece, will leave Jill and the others with no business.” Xin Nu casually placed the cocktail on the piano and stood beside the dark, gleaming instrument.
"Where is that girl?" The girl's melody did not stop, and without looking up, she asked another question.
"Tuo Huashan is looking after the storeroom. Charlotte has gone to investigate her background, and the results will be available soon."
"That's good." Touma nodded, then stood up slightly during a break in his playing, shifting a step to the right. "Come here."
"Let me state upfront that I'm not good at playing this kind of sad music."
Despite saying that, he still sat down on the piano bench with ease, his left hand reached up the keys, his five fingers dancing lightly as he played the bass part of the score, while Touma played the treble chords. There was no sheet music on the piano, and the two of them were improvising based on memory and intuition.
With her left hand free, Touma didn't stand on ceremony with him. She reached out and snatched the glass of "Pianowomen" that he had just placed on the piano, and drank it all in one gulp.
"Although it's just an electronic signal simulation, the alcohol tolerance threshold is still uploaded based on individual physical conditions, so I recommend..."
"Stop being so verbose."
"Ow."
The believer wisely stopped talking, but that didn't mean he wouldn't secretly do something.
The guests seated in the hall soon noticed that a different melody was gradually emerging in the elegant and melancholic "The Peacock Dance of the Dead Princess." At first, it was just a very subtle change in key, with only a few notes. Soon, this tendency to improvise was gradually amplified in the increasingly casual personal style, and the melancholic melody was gradually distorted.
Before anyone could react, the music on stage began to shift dramatically. It smoothly transitioned from Ravel's *Dance of the Peacocks of the Dead Princess* to Mendelssohn's *Spring Song*, a piece of equally elegant and gentle melody, but no longer melancholic but warm and cheerful. After the first movement, it leaped to Chopin's *Nocturne in D-flat major*, followed by *Fantaisie-Impromptu in C-sharp minor*. The bassist, who was supposed to be playing high chords, gradually took control, relentlessly pursuing the soprano like a petting animal, forcing the latter to raise the pitch further. The melodies that filled the bar were no longer the sorrowful tunes of before; they became lively, vibrant, and agile, like forest sprites. As the music progressed from Satie's *La Belle da Bleu* to Liszt's *An Old Christmas Carol from Provence* for four hands, what had initially been a solitary performance by a pianist to soothe his sorrow transformed into a dazzling display of virtuosity between two equally matched opponents.
As the clock struck midnight on December 25th, Christmas 2097 in Tokyo finally arrived. Guests in the hall exchanged Christmas greetings to the fitting music, while Jill, standing behind the bar wiping glasses, listened silently to the changing melodies, a smile playing on her lips.
"That's a nice outfit. When did you change it?"
“Before entering, Jill wouldn’t allow a weirdo in a Hawaiian shirt to ruin the atmosphere of her shop.”
"have a finger in the pie."
"I agree. Everyone says the customer is king."
"I mean you."
"Oh, is that so? It's your own fault that you're so easily led astray by others."
"You seem to be implying something?"
"I'm ashamed to say that I only did some small things that I could do, from a friend's perspective."
"It's like a mother's tone."
"Although my aunt asked me to keep an eye on you because of the friendship between our mothers who are both hands-off, in Mr. Hearn's memory, Miss Touma has been a stunningly talented and mature woman since our first meeting at Vienna Airport. She has just finished an unpleasant high school life and is now studying in the world's music capital. Her future is bright. Zurich is only 700 kilometers away from Vienna. With today's rail transit, although she can't be there anytime at any time, she can be reached within 30 minutes. But I have never had to make a trip there in all these years, which fully demonstrates that she is a mature, steady, and sensible woman. In short, I feel unworthy of the title of 'mother'."
""
""
"Ugh"
Why the sudden sigh?
"My believer, wouldn't it be wonderful if you could travel through time and go back to the past?"
"Why? Why did I suddenly become a time-manipulation user???"
"nothing."
"Ow."
The performance continued, and as "An Old Christmas Carol from Provence" neared its end, the two tacitly transitioned to the relatively gentle and dreamlike Ravel's "Ghosts of the Night"—to conserve energy.
As she came into view, the gray-haired girl emerged from the depths of the corridor and returned to the hall, seemingly having succeeded. The woman considered ending the performance at the right time, taking the somewhat tipsy Touma downstairs to rest for a while, and also to discuss their next plans.
The alcohol content of that glass of "Pianowomen" was actually quite high, and after a long and increasingly intense piano performance, his initial goal had been achieved—Touma's mood was no longer low. Observing her profile, a blush appeared on her cheeks, and the side effects of alcohol began to appear.
"Hey, do you guys all like girls who are petite and cute, who evoke a protective instinct and have a sweet appearance?"
"I cannot answer this question because I cannot speak for all men."
"how about you?"
Noticing the meaningful gaze cast by the slightly tipsy girl beside him through her hazy, drunken eyes, Xin Nu felt a warning bell quietly ringing in his soul—he keenly realized that this was a riddle, and one that wasn't particularly difficult.
As for whether to fill in the blank with "fate" or "part," that depends entirely on the answer he gives later.
"That's too abstract. Your description only reminds me of things like little rabbits. They do look cute, but no matter how cute a rabbit is, it will still end up in the pot when it grows up."
“Well, let’s be practical then. I remember you occasionally watch old TV dramas from the early 2000s.” Touma ignored his attempt to change the subject. She played her instrument while thinking for a moment, then said softly, “Horikitaki Maki or Nagasawa Masami, which one do you like?”
""
""
"Why aren't you among the options, Kazusa?" The woman tilted her head slightly, casting a tender and affectionate gaze at the rhythm of the music flowing from her fingertips.
Touma seemed a little flustered. Even though she was drunk, her eyes briefly darted away, unable to meet the other person's sincere and affectionate gaze. However, this embarrassment only lasted for a moment. She cleared her throat and, relying on the courage brought by her drunkenness, forced herself to remain calm.
"Really? Then, of Nobunaga, Horikita Maki, Nagasawa Masami, and me, which one do you like better?"
""
""
"Horikita Maki."
""
The melodious tune abruptly stopped, and all the guests in the hall who had been listening intently held their breath.
After a century of silence
Duang——!
A powerful, stirring symphonic note ripped the ceiling off The Real Folk Blues bar and soared into the sky with undiminished force.
Charlotte and Jill, who had been secretly observing the whole thing, both covered their eyes in anguish.
Kazusa slammed Nobunaga's forehead directly onto the piano keys, then slammed the piano lid shut, stood up from the piano bench, grabbed the microphone next to her, and began to let loose.
Dear friends, 2019 has begun! A new year, a new month! I'm asking for your monthly votes, recommendations, favorites, and promotions! Please give me your full support!
Chapter 19 Business
Hello, would you like something to drink?
【TheRealFolkBlues】In a corner of the hall, in a cozy space created by several soft sofas, Mr. Hearn asked the young woman sitting opposite him across the coffee table.
Miss Little Red Riding Hood, Leshenba, knelt on the sofa cushion to the left of the believer, holding the ice pack she had asked Jill for. She was trying to apply it to the back of his head where the piano lid had hit him. It was effective; although it was just pain simulated by electronic signals, the dizziness hadn't completely disappeared, and the cool touch did make him feel much better.
“No, no need.” The girl sitting across from the coffee table spoke with a tone that was both serious and subtle. “First of all, thank you very much for saving my life.”
Actually, it was Kazusa, who was having a wild time while speeding, who saved you.
The believer silently murmured in his heart, his gaze secretly drifting to his lower right. The savior he should sincerely thank was fast asleep, his head resting on his lap. The last few songs had drained the last bit of willpower that Touma had after getting drunk. Almost at the same time that he had timed it perfectly and pulled his forehead out from under the piano lid, the girl on the stage who was singing loudly but couldn't reach him also fainted and fell limply backward. Seeing that things were not going well, he had no choice but to catch her in his arms.
Oh no, the clock struck midnight, it's already Christmas Day, and the wedding is in the morning.
Mr. Hearn would rather Miss Touma had slept through the day; that would be better for everyone.
"Time is limited, so let's get straight to the point." The woman held a spreadsheet that Charlotte had given him before she went to get the ice pack. The window displayed the young lady's personal information in great detail, starting from her birth.
Although it is impolite, it is equally effective, without the person in question being aware of it.
"Yukino... Yukino-san, right?"
"Yes."
"The electronic sea is a bizarre and fantastical place. It's far from the ideal portrayal in reality, and I think you already know that to some extent."
"Ah."
"So what drives you to stay here and chat with a stranger like me, instead of immediately saying goodbye and going home to cry to your parents, and then enjoying a warm family dinner to soothe your frightened heart?" The believer threw out a direct question.
Although, according to the information he had, the young lady in front of him, born into a family of politicians and businessmen, was currently missing and had run away from home, he still hoped, out of politeness, to hear her reasons herself.
"Freedom," Miss Yukinoshita uttered the word with righteous indignation.
High school sophomore syndrome
The believer sighed in her heart, drawing out the last syllable, "I understand."
There are only two reasons why a girl might relentlessly pursue you: either she cares about you, or she needs something from you.
Hermann Hearn's values have always been so straightforward and simple.
"Tell me, what do you hope to get from me?" The believer spread her hands frankly. "I will decide whether to refuse or make an offer, depending on the situation."
“My goal is to leave this country, I mean in reality,” Ms. Yukinoshita said calmly after receiving a response.
"Good idea, but what about the destination?"
"Kori National Park, Finland"
"Oh, that's a beautiful place, typical of Karelian scenery, with lakes and hills everywhere, and mountains covered with spruce, pine and birch trees, with small animals like squirrels darting through the forest."
"Huh? You've been there? I mean in real life."
“My hometown is in Denmark, not far away. When I was a child, my mother took me there a few times when she wasn’t too busy with work.”
"I see. Then why did you come all the way to this suffocating island nation?" Ms. Yukinoshita tilted her head and asked.
“Travel is about going from a place you’re tired of to a place someone else is tired of. I’m here to visit a friend,” the believer replied, observing the other person’s facial expression. “So, what’s stopping you from continuing your journey?”
“I have lost a safe and reliable way to leave the country. It seems that the smugglers in the port area who control the smuggling boats do not intend to do my business. My whereabouts have most likely been revealed to the police by their informants.”
"I understand, so what's your next step?"
“Make them lose their memory,” Miss Yukinoshita said in a deep voice.
""
Wow, are all high school students this energetic these days? Or are people like me and Kazusa, who have already finished their university years and entered the post-adolescent era, completely outdated by the times?
A sense of desolation, as if things had changed and people were no longer the same, welled up in Mr. Hern, who was only 22.5 years old. He unconsciously rubbed the forehead of Miss Touma, who was also 22.5 years old. The latter murmured softly in her sleep.
"So, what gave you the illusion that I could contribute to your grand scheme of causing amnesia?" Believer Hearn asked softly, her hands clasped together and her chin resting on her hand, her tone playful.
“While you were unconscious, I spoke with the guests present, and they revealed some information about you, including your part-time job. So, considering everything, I believe we can get help from you, Mr. Hern.” Yukinoshita said sincerely.
"Miss Yukinoshita, please tell me who leaked this information. I want to give them a good beating." Nobuyo asked through gritted teeth, a bright smile on her face.
"Those people playing mahjong at that table over there," Yukino Yukinoshita pointed in a certain direction.
Indeed, in the direction she pointed, there was a mahjong game in full swing. Besides Ms. Huashan, whom she had met before, there were three other figures whose names were unknown.
A hot female international student with golden eyes, wearing a cropped white T-shirt and black denim shorts. She has gorgeous blonde hair, with one strand braided and placed to one side. She has striking features and a typical Western appearance, as well as enthusiasm.
A tall, blue-haired girl in a white top and blue skirt wore a wide-brimmed black hat. Notably, she had a pair of scarlet eyes that looked natural and harmonious, unlike the cheap colored contact lenses sold in the electronics market.
A short, white-haired girl with a roguish air, who was playing cards with her legs crossed, had many red-edged, white-based talisman-like hairbands tied in her hair, and a large bow tied on top of her head. Her eyes were also red, but compared to the blue-haired girl from before, the former's red eyes easily reminded people of a burning sunset, while the latter gave the impression of crimson blood.
Without even looking, the believer Hearn raised her middle finger directly towards the mahjong table.
However, his gesture of giving the middle finger was noticed by the blonde girl sitting in his direction, who then shouted at him in English with a grin.
"Senior, good luck! Love you!"
"Ah, I love you too, Marisa." The believer waved weakly, signaling her ever-mischievous junior to sit back down and play cards in peace.
“Alright, Miss Yukinoshita, since you insist,” Nobunaga Hernen cleared her throat and said seriously, “I will accompany you to the port. Of course, you will handle the negotiations yourself, and I will only be responsible for handling emergencies. I think after that previous incident, you should be aware of what you are about to face, right?”
“I understand. We can discuss the payment as we go; time waits for no one.” Miss Yukinoshita nodded, stood up, and extended her hand to Mr. Hearn. “Pleasant transaction.”
"Pleasant transaction." The woman smiled and shook hands with him.
A new month begins! I'm asking for your monthly votes, recommendations, favorites, and promotions. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Chapter 20 Under the Utopia (Part 1)
Keio Girls' High School, Minato Ward, Tokyo.
Shiratori Ninzaburo looked up at the leaden-gray sky and thought that Christmas Eve 2097 was absolutely terrible.