“Ha? You’re still here?”

As might be expected, neither Dylan’s tone nor expression showed any sign of composure after being pestered three times.  Avril too was equally exasperated and much the same.

Still, Fernand smiled, undeterred.

“As you can tell from my family, the House of Brandner, refining ourselves and engaging in civil service are duties and accomplishment for the nobility.  Performing with musical instruments is one that is particularly special among them.”

“And what of it?”

“It’s an ensemble. Music connects relationships that have been torn to pieces.  I heard from the head of my house that this is a special concert being hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Lancester.  Would not showing the form of the new ducal house through a performance be most elegant?”

Avril’s face stiffened at Fernand’s words.

Somehow… isn’t this far too forced?!

She knew very well that the hosts of salon concerts sometimes gave performances.  However, today’s gathering was not that kind of gathering, and more importantly, they were in the middle of a dispute with the former duke that stemming from various matters up until the present.

Even if someone were to say, “Let’s play together,” Avril wouldn’t understand the intention.  Fernand gave her a meaningful look upon seeing that she was unable to hide her confusion.

“Of course, you, the wicked woman notorious even in the capital who brandished a righteous argument here and has rendered Dylan Lanchester into jelly, shall be joining.”

“?!  No, this woman—”

Avril tilted her head when Brandon cut in for some reason.  That action, however, seemed to have been reflexive as he then started to behave suspiciously.  Taking note of the gazes of Fernand and his surroundings, he stepped back while mumbling to himself.

“Lady Avril, please take this.”

“Thank you very much.”

Chris naturally handed her a violin, and Avril gracefully received it.  At that moment, she felt as though a hint of bewilderment colored Fernand’s expression.  It had remained composed the entire time up until then.

Dylan, his emotions laid bare, muttered in a low voice.

“…How infuriating.”

“Lord Dylan?”

“That man is trying to humiliate Avril, hence why he did something so strange.  The plausible rumors presenting the ‘Duchess of Lancaster’ as a villainess do not connect her with refinement.”

I-I see…?!

Avril could only blink her eyes at this development she had never even imagined.  Naturally, she was curious about the circumstances behind why Dylan was hated so much, but she didn’t have time to inquire about it in detail at the moment.

She quickly adjusted her mindset.

“I wonder as to what piece we should play?  I’ve been practicing with Samuel, so I shouldn’t be unable to play!  Still, I would prefer something I’ve played before.  Well, I’m not sure if my fingers will move, though.”

“You… can remember it after having played it once…?”

Brandon blinked from behind Dylan who was gazing off into the distance.

“Former Lord Duke, I request you as well! Since you’re here, please make yourself useful!”

“What are you…?”

“An ensemble with two people would be one thing, but this is a performance before many people.  I wish we had sheet music.”

Ignoring Brandon’s protest, Avril glanced around and spotted Samuel taking packet of sheet music from the leather bag he brought along with his violin case.

He selected an appropriate page from the sheaf and held it out.

“How about this piece?  It is perfectly suited for the two of you.  I’ll join as well.”

“That’s…”

Avril’s eyes widened at the sheet music Samuel showed her.  She certainly remembered that piece, she had performed it as a child.  However, being told it perfectly suited her and Dylan was a mystery.

I don’t really understand, but for now, the preparations.

As she bustled about with the preparation for the performance, the hem of a pink dress entered her field of view. As she wondered who it could be, Emilia appeared.  She seemed to have come down from the VIP section.  She spoke to Avril.

“Lady Avril, will you be performing here?”

“Just a simple makeshift performance.”

Avril was reserved with her affirmation, but Emilia’s eyes lit up.

“By all means, please let me join your group as well…!  An opportunity to perform alongside Lady Avril is rare!”

“?!”

The mouths of both Avril and Jeanne simultaneously hung open in astonishment.

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