Lord blessed by the elves

Chapter 138 Wonderful
After he finished speaking, the hall fell into a brief silence.

Whispers rose up quickly like a tide, then subsided as her gaze swept over them.

The nobles' faces were filled with confusion and inquiry, exchanging ambiguous glances. What exactly was Mrs. Monica's intention in this sudden outburst?

It would be quite illogical to suddenly praise an unknown "musical prodigy" at a banquet themed around military achievements.

Even Count Campino, seated in the main seat, frowned slightly. He slowly walked to his sister's side, his deep voice carrying a barely perceptible hint of warning, which only those nearby could barely hear:
"My dear sister, what are you up to tonight?" He clearly misunderstood that Monica wanted to take the opportunity to recommend a young musician, which seemed out of place, even somewhat frivolous, at a victory celebration that honored chivalry and military achievements.

Mrs. Monica chuckled lightly, seemingly unconcerned, and affectionately took her brother's arm, her voice still loud enough for those around to hear, carrying a hint of coquettishness and certainty:
“Brother, you are overthinking it. This young man’s father is one of the three main figures you personally awarded the medal to today. Wouldn’t it be perfect to have the son of a meritorious official add to the festivities tonight?” Her eyes sparkled, and her smile deepened. “Moreover, I assure you, the piece he is about to play will absolutely impress you… and everyone present.”

Her tone was full of unquestionable confidence, as if she were stating a given fact, instantly piquing everyone's curiosity to its peak.

Count Campino's gaze swept over the three newly ennobled barons.

Two of them looked completely bewildered, clearly unrelated to the matter.

Only Reyes, after a brief moment of astonishment, quickly understood and straightened his back.

Before the count could call his name, he grabbed Kruse's arm with such force that it revealed his inner turmoil, and pulled his son toward the focal point in the center of the hall.

“Your Excellency!” Reyes’s voice boomed, carrying the straightforwardness characteristic of a warrior. He first bowed respectfully, then patted Kruze on the back forcefully. His tone was reproachful, yet it also revealed an undisguised, proud smirk. “This is my good-for-nothing eldest son! Back when we were training in the castle, this kid refused to concentrate on honing his battle aura and instead secretly went to learn some stringed instruments and harpsichords! I was furious at the time, but I never expected… hey, he actually managed to come up with something out of his wild ideas!”

Upon hearing this, Count Campono looked at Kruze again with considerable surprise.

Reyes was his favorite general and naturally knew about his family situation. Kruse had also received basic training at his castle when he was young, and he had personally encouraged this seemingly intelligent boy.

Reyes's words implied that his son failed to break through to become a trainee knight because he was "not doing his job properly".

The count immediately understood, but he simply smiled and did not point it out.

His gaze fell on Kruze. The boy now had sharp eyes, an upright posture, and a faint aura of fighting spirit emanating from his body, clearly indicating that he had officially embarked on the path of a knight.

It seems that the "detour" he took back then did not really hold him back.

“Oh? Our little lion,” the count said with a hint of mockery and scrutiny, “it seems you really didn’t put your mind to the right thing back in the castle.” His tone was calm, yet carried the unquestionable authority of a superior.

Kruse immediately bowed his head deeply, adopting a humble posture, and dared not offer any explanation: "Your Excellency is right."

“Very well.” Count Campno waved his hand, his gaze turning to the magnificent harpsichord with a hint of curiosity and anticipation. “Since Monica is so fond of it, then go up and play a piece, so that I may also have a good ‘pleasure’.”

He emphasized the word "delight" slightly, as if to say that if he didn't play well, then it would be a different kind of "delight." Instantly, all eyes in the room, filled with curiosity, scrutiny, suspicion, and even Baron Marcus's undisguised sneer from not far away, pressed heavily on Kruse's young shoulders.

Reyes pushed his son to the forefront without hesitation because he knew Count Campino's deep love for music.

For this count, known for his martial prowess, beautiful melodies were one of the few things that could truly move him.

If Kruse can make a great impression on the Count, it will be far more valuable than a simple talent show.

Kruse settled down on the piano bench and lightly touched the keys with his fingertips.

When the fresh and hopeful prelude of "With You" flowed out, the hall, which was originally filled with whispers and clinking glasses, seemed to be instantly silenced by an invisible hand, falling into a silence so deep you could hear a pin drop.

Those present were all nobles from Campino County. Due to Lady Monica's influence, the local aristocratic circles generally had a higher appreciation for music, especially the harpsichord, than those in other counties. It was precisely for this reason that they were more acutely aware of the extraordinary nature of this piece.

Those nobles who had some knowledge of music couldn't help but widen their eyes and lean forward slightly after the first few bars, revealing their focus and surprise.

The socialites' eyes sparkled with a brilliance as if they were glimpsing some idealized vision of beauty. Even some more experienced widows and noblewomen began to scrutinize the young man whose fingers danced across the piano keys with a fresh perspective.

Kruze was already handsome, and after successfully becoming a Bronze Knight, his body, tempered by battle aura, became even more well-proportioned and upright, with smooth but not bulging muscle lines. At this moment, his focused expression on the music added a touch of unique artistic temperament to him.

The flickering candlelight and flowing melody exude an exceptionally captivating charm.

The music echoed in the hall, and Count Campono, who had initially seemed somewhat nonchalant, had unconsciously sat up straight.

His sharp eyes, usually so adept at scrutinizing battles and people's hearts, narrowed slightly at this moment, his fingers tapping silently on the armrest in time with the melody.

As the last note dissipated into the air as lightly as a dewdrop, he was the first to raise his hand and clap his hands vigorously.

"Truly...beautiful music." The count's deep and sincere praise broke the brief silence.

Like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, ripples of praise spread instantly.

The next moment, the entire banquet hall was engulfed in a sea of ​​enthusiastic and sustained applause.

The nobles were generous with their praise, regardless of how much of it stemmed from genuine artistic resonance and how much from their keen admiration for the count's attitude.

(End of this chapter)