The Eminence in Shadow Performs Under the Moonlight...

I was walking through the Royal Capital in the early morning.

Hyoro had claimed he was going to do some "information gathering" and vanished off to who-knows-where. In this world, people start moving the moment the sun peaks over the horizon. The streets were already beginning to bustle.

I’d told people I was searching for Rose, but I didn't actually have any intention of looking for her seriously. I still felt that she should just commit to the bit and successfully escape, so I figured I’d just kill some time by pretending to look.

Though, I was a little curious about the motive behind her stabbing her fiancé. It was an incident practically overflowing with rebellious spirit. I wanted to hear the reason in her own words, if possible.

But either way, as long as I had a way to kill time, I didn't really care. Anger usually fades as the hours pass. My sister just needed some time to let her head cool.

While I was spacing out and thinking about all that, the melody of a piano reached my ears from somewhere nearby.

"Hmm..."

To be honest, I was a beast at the piano.

In my previous life, I’d practiced the piano specifically to become an Eminence in Shadow. Well, that was a lie—it was actually shoved down my throat thanks to my family’s "rigid education policy."

To be blunt, I’d had zero motivation. I wanted to spend my time training to become an Eminence in Shadow, not practicing scales. But my personal desires were powerless against the sheer force of a family policy.

I’d started the piano reluctantly, but as I kept at it, I eventually decided it wasn't half bad. For starters, once everyone around you recognizes you as a piano prodigy, they start filling in the blanks of your life with their own imagination.

Oh, he must be busy practicing the piano whenever he goes home, they’d think.

For someone like me, who wanted to keep social interactions to a minimum to focus on my real training, that misunderstanding was a godsend.

The other thing was that I simply realized how cool the piano could be.

The Eminence in Shadow performing a sonata under the moonlight... Doesn't that just sound right?

It was the perfect way to show off that I wasn't just about raw power, but that I was sophisticated in the arts as well.

So cool...

Before I knew it, I was actually taking the piano pretty seriously. Of course, training to become an Eminence in Shadow remained my top priority, but the idea of creating a specific atmosphere for a battle by playing the piano was a directorial choice I couldn't pass up.

So, even if I do say so myself, I’m actually quite good.

"Not bad..." I muttered.

The person playing right now was actually quite skilled. It was Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 14—the "Moonlight" sonata.

It’s one of my favorites. Actually, it’s my absolute favorite; there really isn't a better song for an Eminence in Shadow to have in his repertoire.

Because of that, I have no intention of losing to anyone when it comes to "Moonlight," but this performer had a unique sense of expression.

"Not bad at all... It’s like I can see the moonlight inside my head. Even though it's technically morning."

While I was standing there doing my best 'this person is actually capable' pose, a thought suddenly hit me.

Wait. Why is there a Beethoven song in this world?

My face went flat. I pushed through the crowd and headed toward the source of the music.

I’ll be honest. I could already guess what was happening. I’m not an idiot.

The piano music was coming from a cafe on the first floor of a super high-end hotel in the Royal Capital. The security was tight, and ordinary people weren't supposed to get in, but they knew my face, so I just walked right past.

I stepped into the shop without hesitation just as she was finishing her performance.

"Epsilon..."

She was a beauty with hair as clear and blue as a mountain lake. She was wearing a summery sleeveless dress, but in typical fashion, she had her chest guarded tightly so as not to reveal her slime padding. She also had tights on to hide any bare skin—and to conceal her Secret Boots.

Truly impressive.

As I approached, she seemed to notice me. Epsilon gave the customers a polite bow and then guided me back to a private waiting room.

Once the door was shut, Epsilon smiled.

"Master, were you listening? How embarrassing..."

Her cheeks were slightly flushed as she looked up at me with those upturned eyes, but I wasn't about to be fooled.

"Epsilon, that song just now... that was 'Moonlight,' wasn't it?"

"Yes. Out of all the many masterpieces you have taught me, Master, it is my favorite."

"Oh? Is that so? It’s my favorite too."

I don't remember teaching her a single thing, I thought, but it always makes you feel good when someone else likes the same stuff you do.

"Thanks to you, Master, I have been building relationships with influential figures in my capacity as both a pianist and a composer."

"Wait, composer...?"

"Yes. It started with 'Moonlight,' followed by the 'Minute Waltz,' 'Turkish March,' 'The Girl with the Flaxen Hair,' and..."

Epsilon went on to proudly list various masterpieces from my old world, explaining how the nobles loved them, how she’d won awards, and how she’d even been invited to the Land of the Arts.

Sorry, Beethoven, Bach, Mozart... and all you other great composers. In this world, Epsilon is the one who wrote your hits.

"...My last concert was a huge success, so I’ll be heading to the Oriana Kingdom for work soon. As you know, the Oriana Kingdom is currently a very... 'rewarding' place to work."

"Because it’s the Land of the Arts, right?"

"Indeed. Because it is the Land of the Arts... I believe I’ll be able to do some especially good 'work' there this time."

Epsilon gave me a mysterious, dark smile.

"Well, good luck."

"I shall perform in a manner that does not bring shame to the supreme masterpieces you bestowed upon me, and I shall see my 'work' through."

Epsilon gave a graceful bow.

"Oh, right. Changing the subject, do you happen to know where Princess Rose went?"

"Princess Rose? I believe Beta is the one handling that matter, so I don't know the specifics... However, I have heard she fled into the Royal Capital underground. You can get the details from Beta, if you'd like?"

"Nah, that's more than enough. Thanks."

If I happened to run into Rose by luck, I’d at least try to chat with her.

"Thank you. And, uh..."

I looked at the smiling Epsilon and tried to think of something to say as a parting gift. Since I was happy when she said she liked "Moonlight," I figured she’d be happy if I gave her the words she wanted to hear, too.

"Epsilon, your figure is as stunning as always."

"N-n-n-no! Not at all! I still have so much further to go...!"

I couldn't look her in the eye after saying that, so I averted my gaze to the window. The blue summer sky stretched out endlessly, and I couldn't help but think: Yup, that’s how the world keeps on turning.