Into The Rose Garden

That thought didn’t last long. Rayfiel, who was sitting next to him, said, “I’m very nervous today, so I ended up a little late. Do I look strange today? People are staring at me…” He went on and on, saying incredibly cute things, and Klopp got completely absorbed in them.

“Did you have any trouble on your way here?”

“I came in my own carriage, and it was fine. But wow, a table right in the center like this. Sir Klopp, what have you done?”

Rayfiel’s voice was full of laughter as he spoke. Klopp shrugged exaggeratedly and said, “Maybe he has finally realized all the effort I’ve put in so far” But in truth, he had one lingering question.

For one thing, there were only two people at this table, whereas the other tables in the row usually had three or four seats. There were no extra chairs. It seemed as if it had been planned that way from the beginning, just for the two of them.

It was a bit odd. Although he could just be seated anywhere, it was strange to deliberately have the two of them sit together amongst the guest list. It was as if he knew what Klopp was going to do today. There’s no way he did. Of course, it wasn’t that he disliked this. It just caught him off guard. But that feeling didn’t last long either.

The attendants started serving various fruits, pastries, and champagne that complemented the soirée. Klopp quickly received his champagne as well, as he was seated at the best table. As the young footman in a suit and a white napkin under one arm held a bottle in front of him to check the label before opening it, Klopp was stunned.

Unable to believe his eyes, Klopp rubbed them with his fingers and then looked again. It wasn’t a mistake. Behind the young footman standing by the table, following the butler’s instructions, several attendants were walking with bottles bearing the same label, distributing them to each table. Soon, a cheerful sound of popping corks filled the air.

“Sir Klopp?”

Rayfiel, seeing Klopp frozen in his tracks, softly called his name, and only then did Klopp regain his senses and nodded to the footman. The footman skillfully uncorked the bottle and poured the sparkling yellow liquid, which bubbled like crystal, into the sparkling crystal glass before disappearing. Rayfiel sniffed the aroma of the champagne and said, “It smells wonderful.”

“Of course it is, it’s a special order, only used for national events, like an inauguration ceremony.”

“Is it rare?”

“Yes, let’s drink it. We won’t see this again.”

Klopp smiled. He clinked his glass against Rayfiel’s bewildered one and took a sip. It had an incredibly rich aroma and taste, to the point where it made his head dizzy.

Yes, this is the taste of gold. And Count, you’re dead today. I shall generously sprinkle this divine beverage over your grave.

The conductor appeared and greeted the audience as the host of the soirée failed to show up. Soon, the music began to play, captivating the people with its beautiful harmony that rose higher into the sky. In such an atmosphere, the usual chatter that would normally persist at such gatherings was hardly audible.

Klopp and Rayfiel, sitting close together at their small table, were also immersed in the music. Rayfiel, who had been learning the piano separately, had a great fondness for music and had even gone to see a few music performances with Klopp before.

“The repertoire today is very romantic. It’s amazing to hear ‘Full Moon’ under the full moon itself. Do you know that the composer wrote it for his beloved lover?”

“Is that so?”

In truth, all Klopp could hear were sentimental melodies. Considering the vocal tone and flawless performance, he believed it was only natural given the musicians’ worth. However, he knew better than to show such thoughts.

Rayfiel, who possessed a sensitive and rich sensibility, took the opportunity to hold Klopp’s hand resting on the armrest and leaned his head slightly on his shoulder. The weight felt pleasant, causing Klopp to almost kiss Rayfiel’s forehead, covered with golden silky hair. However, he suddenly tensed up as he felt a gaze from Wolflake, who was glaring in their direction again.

What’s with him? Is he looking for a fight?

This time, Klopp returned the gaze with a determined look. Wolflake casually tilted his half-empty champagne glass before placing it on the table, twisting his thin lips. It was clear that he was showing hostility.

Ah, I would rather avoid a fight today if possible. There’s just no one helping me today, from the Count to the Marquis. What have I done to deserve such unjustified persecution and enmity? What’s left now, Viscount, Baron, Duke? I already have Viscount Derbyshire or Westport against me, if he just met a baron and a duke, I would have collected all five enemies. This was absurd. Hahaha. Let’s ignore it. Ignore it. Today is an important day. It’s not a good time for bloodshed.

Klopp forcibly directed his gaze forward and firmly gripped Rayfiel’s soft hand with his own. Rayfiel came even closer and leaned in. At that moment, it felt as if a real knife was jabbed into the back of his head. Hm, this is not going to work. I have to give that greasy face a good punch so…

It was then. The performance that had just reached its climax ended with a lingering note. The audience started applauding. Klopp also joined in the applause and looked to his side, where Marquis Wolflake, as if he hadn’t done anything, clapped his hands while facing forward. Klopp, who had been growing increasingly irritated, glared at the Marquis, but suddenly he noticed that the applause grew louder. Without thinking, he also started clapping vigorously and turned his head to the front. And then, he was frozen in temporary shock.

As the conductor introduced, a soloist stepped onto the stage. He was dressed in a suit much finer than those worn by the musicians and holding a gleaming violin in his hands. The guy was always well-groomed, but on this particular day, he had brushed back his unusually shiny blond hair, revealing a white, clean-shaven face that seemed to reflect his personality. Under the flickering lights, his slightly reddened lips were firmly closed as he positioned the violin on his shoulder and exchanged signals with the conductor.

“They say Count Teiwind has an exceptional talent for music, and now we get to hear it firsthand. I really can’t wait.”

Glancing at Rafiel, who gave a small clap of excitement, Klopp looked forward again. In the few days they hadn’t seen each other, Aelock seemed a bit thinner, standing under the spotlight with a slightly melancholic expression. As he gripped the violin string and brought the bow closer, a shadow formed beneath his long and thick eyelashes. Through it, his vibrant blue eyes shone like jewels.

His performance began right away. Klopp didn’t know the title of the piece, but he knew the famous melody well, and it was widely known that it was composed for lovers. As the beautiful violin and the symphony orchestra started their harmony, sighs could be heard from various directions. Even Rayfiel’s hand trembled in his hand, and Klopp also felt as if he was drawn into the music. But what captivated him wasn’t just the heart-stirring music.

The Count’s blue eyes, which sometimes blazed with arrogance, sometimes with coldness, sometimes with anger, were a little wet that day. It wasn’t the violin’s melody that brought it out, it was there from the beginning. Opening his eyes a little, closing them again, the Count strummed his violin with very controlled movements. Occasionally, their eyes would meet and Aelock would make a slight smile.

A gentle breeze ruffled the hem of his jacket a little. And his neatly combed hair too. Leaning his head on the violin as if seeking solace from a lover, Aelock expressed desperation infused with beauty in the form of a beautiful love song.

“It’s so beautiful and yet so sad.”

Rayfiel said, dabbing at the corners of his eyes with his handkerchief. Klopp nodded silently. He couldn’t speak at that moment. And he couldn’t take his eyes off Aelock either. The Count looked incredibly holy and beautiful. Standing there so confidently, it felt like he could vanish like foam in the blink of an eye, leaving behind a profound sense of pathos. Until the performance ended, Klopp had to press his chest with his hand, battling indescribable grief and anguish. It was the best he could do.

Following that, two more pieces were performed consecutively. Standing amidst the shimmering golden lights, surrounded by the melodies, Aelock seemed like the embodiment of the angel of music, Israfel. It was an emotional melody in minor, and nothing could have been more fitting at that moment. The music, the ambiance, and Aelock’s enchanting presence brought tears to the eyes of the omegas around. Klopp, who was suddenly brought back to his senses by a sniffle, gave a small cough and looked around.

As the final piece concluded, enthusiastic applause erupted. Some people even stood up from their seats, including Rayfiel. He immediately rose to his feet, clapping until his palms turned red. And tears were still lingering in his eyes, he occasionally wiped them with the back of his hand.

Aelock, who had just finished his performance, shook hands with the conductor. Then both of them gracefully bowed to the cheering audience. The applause grew louder. Amidst the unending applause, Aelock smiled brightly. He barely managed to step down from the stage after bowing several times. As he descended, the enthusiastic crowd settled back into their seats and resumed the conversations that had been interrupted during the concert. Rayfiel, who had applauded enough times now, shyly lowered his still slightly wet eyes.

The performance was undeniably beautiful, but it left something heavy in his heart, making his throat dry. He took a sip of the champagne from his half-filled glass. Looking beside him, Rayfiel’s nose seemed slightly reddened at some point. Tear stains were clearly visible on his napkin.

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