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Whoa! I didn’t expect such a huge reaction. Maybe I underestimated the power of a global hit.

Ekaterina can’t afford to look flustered in front of Flora, so she responds to the applause with a cheerful smile, though inside she’s completely flustered.

Aleksei also stands up and claps especially loudly, his face filled with emotion.
Typical Onii-sama.
But it’s not just that; he must have been deeply moved by the lyrics themselves. Aleksei had heard this song aboard the fast boat, but he surely hadn’t grasped the full meaning of the lyrics at the time. Upon hearing the lyrics for the first time, he seems to have completely projected his sister’s situation onto them.

To be honest, even as I was translating the lyrics, I thought they fit not only the heroine Flora-chan but also the young lady Ekaterina perfectly. Ekaterina, who once refused to even speak to her brother and shut herself away in her shell, has now burst out as if casting off the past, and has begun to speak and laugh freely…

Well, actually, it’s because memories of my late twenties came flooding back! Even though I’ve gained my freedom, I’m still pretty anxious about what might happen with those “doom flags,” though!
I was thinking things like that and laughing to myself, “Wahaha.” Sorry about that.
Also, as a brocon, I found it fun that the lyrics are sprinkled with words like “snow” and “ice”—things connected to my Onii-sama—so I worked hard to translate this song.
That’s definitely part of why my Onii-sama was so moved… He’s really happy about it, in a siscon kind of way… Sorry I’m a sham…

Just as I was thinking that, Aleksei, who had made eye contact with his little sister, smiled.

Kyah!
Awright, so what if I’m a sham!! It’s okay as long as he’s happy! As her little sister, Onii-sama’s happiness is my top priority!

.

To my surprise, even Renat—that standoffish guy—stood up and clapped. In fact, his cheeks were flushed, and he looked completely moved. Being a musical prodigy, he probably understands just how amazing this song is.
I want to tell the composer from my past life. This song is moving people even in this other world. It’s wonderful.

Well… since it was the opening number, I did try to warm up the crowd a bit, but this kind of reaction was unexpected. Sorry to the second act!

Ah, but I don’t have to be so sorry.
The second act is the Yes-Yes Trio, after all.
If we had to take into account one’s status or skill level to set the performance order, things would only get complicated, so I decided to go by first-come, first-served. But when I called for participants, these Trio came running at me with incredible energy.
I’m sure it’ll be fine. I believe in your vitality!

As it turned out, there was no need to worry.
They even helped cool things down a bit.
They didn’t seem the least bit intimidated by the crowd’s excitement, and they looked very satisfied performing their instruments—piano, violin, and flute respectively. Ekaterina gave them a warm round of applause to show her appreciation.

The third performer, Marina, teamed up with two men and sang a famous song known to everyone in the Empire, accompanied by piano and a mixed-voice choir.
True to her personality, her cheerful and warm singing voice made the audience feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
As for Ekaterina, she found Nikolai’s reactions so amusing that she couldn’t help but keep glancing his way. When she found out Marina was pairing with a boy, he tensed up; when they seemed to be having a quick discussion before the song, he wore a stern expression like a guardian deity; and when the pitch started to waver mid-song, he grew anxious and worried. He was a real chameleon.
Still, no matter what Nikolai had said, Ekaterina could sense that he truly cherished his younger sister deep down, and she smiled to herself.

The program proceeded in a pleasant atmosphere.
During the snack break after the fourth performance, Ekaterina and Flora handed out homemade mushroom and bacon quiche. She had made it that morning, but quiche keeps surprisingly well, and since she’d been allowed to store it in the cool cellar beneath the dining hall—which stays cool even in summer—she had no worries. The Baroness’s recipe strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savory.
If Mikhail were coming, she might have made something sweet as well, but he was probably having a more formal meal with Lydia. So, she decided to make a larger batch of the quiche, and it turned out to be the right call.

Since it was a casual gathering, everyone had brought food of their own, yet people kept asking for a slice. Ekaterina quickly cut it into smaller pieces, but it was gone in the blink of an eye.
Ekaterina exchanged smiles with Flora. It’s a joy to see people enjoy the food you’ve made.

—Truth was, among the boys in particular, a ruthless battle was raging over the homemade quiche made by the Blue Rose and the Cherry Blossom, but the fact that she didn’t notice is, as usual, a bit of a shame.
Speaking of which, Ekaterina made sure to give Aleksei and Nikolai big, generous slices.

I’m kind to siscon older brothers, you see.
That is a universal truth.
Wait, what truth? What am I even saying?

Since it was such a laid-back gathering, there weren’t many performances. Eight groups played one song each, and the snack break came halfway through.
The fifth and sixth performers—who had both volunteered—lived up to their reputation, receiving warm applause for their skillful playing, likely honed since childhood.

The remaining two groups—or rather, the remaining two people—were Renat and Olga. Renat was the last to sign up, but since Olga had to clean up before the gathering, she was put to the last order so she wouldn’t have to rush.

When it was his turn, Renat stood up.
But then, for some reason, he walked over to Ekaterina and Flora. Standing straight in front of them, he said with a sincere expression:

“Lady Jurnova, Lady Czerny, that song you just sang was wonderful. If possible, I’d like to play the piece you sang next. Would you grant me permission?”

Ekaterina and Flora instinctively exchanged glances.

“Lord Selezar, wasn’t that the first time you’d ever heard the song we sang?”
“Yes. It’s the first time I’ve ever heard a song like that. It was so innovative, it moved me to the core. My head is so full of thoughts about how I’d express that song if I were to play it that it feels like it’s about to explode.”

Speaking in a serious tone, the beautiful young boy with violet eyes suddenly smiled.

“Please.”

Ah. This boy knows he’s cute.

Fighting the urge to chuckle, Ekaterina exchanged a questioning glance with Flora. Of course, Flora gave a small nod, signaling with her eyes “It is your choice, Lady Ekaterina,” so Ekaterina turned to Renat with a smile.

“To perform a piece after hearing it just once is something beyond the reach of ordinary mortals. I would be delighted to witness such skill. Please, do play it for us.”