Chapter 102

While Marie muttered, burying her hands in her face, the preparations of the Lyrus Band were almost complete.

The members in neatly dressed robes came up on the stage one by one to get ready, and more and more people flocked to the audience, forming a crowd.

After a while, not only the VIP seats, which were specially allowed only for the nobles, but also the temporary grandstands under them began to be crowded with tourists.

Children who came with their parents, elderly couples, and adventurers and other races.

People of all ages and races, regardless of race, gather one after another to watch the performance. Are these people fans of Zeno's biography, or have they come to see the Lirus Band's performance?

Maybe both are included. For me, it's nothing to be proud of.

Moreover, the fact that there were a lot more people than I expected, and the fact that the plain itself was designated as the stage worked out well.

If it had been a non-plain building, there would have been people who couldn't see the performance, but from what I can see now, I didn't have to worry about that at all.

'Is this really a fan art performance…'

You have to pay a hefty price to hear the Lirus Band perform, but as I said before, artists including them have declared in advance that they will receive it in the form of sponsorship.

Not only this, but all the support received from the exhibition will be donated to the development of the cultural world.

'For those people, fame is more important than money.'

I've seen it in my previous life. When people become economically prosperous, people naturally crave more fame.

Anyway, this performance must have been composed with the concept of fan art, so donating the donation to the cultural world will give them greater honor, so it is a good choice.

"Should I just wear it like this? If I had known it would be like this, I would have brought other clothes… No. I wouldn't have thought of this because he's an idiot."

What is he saying now.

I glanced at Marie, who was still mumbling. He is covering his face with his hands, presumably trying to cool his burning face.

Of course, I had to look at it and question it. I wondered if there was a different meaning in what I said earlier.

However, no matter how much he looked at the etiquette he had learned at home, he never said anything that could lead to misunderstanding. It's just like having a cup of coffee or a chat in the bedroom.

'You'll find out when the festival is over.'

For now, let's just focus on the performance. You may not be able to concentrate if you are distracted by something else.

After that, while thinking for a moment, all the performers are seated as if the preparations for the performance are almost complete. I looked closely at the appearance of the Lyrus Band, which would soon be able to play a beautiful melody.

As if to prove that it is the best in the world, it is a scale that does not bow down at all compared to the orchestra I have seen in my previous life. There was no comparison with the band that came to the freshman event.

And I felt it at the freshman event, but the places where people live are all the same, and the instruments are very similar to those I've seen often in my previous life.

For example, a string instrument such as a violin, a wind instrument such as a flute, and finally a percussion instrument. Compared to the previous life, there were many similarities.

Doo Woong!

It was time to look around the instruments one by one. A performer placed at the back of the stage struck the drum strongly with a stick. Even though the stage was open on all sides, a thunderous sound shook the entire stage.

As thunder roared all over the stage, the noisy audience suddenly became quiet. Thanks to this, all that remains is the still surviving sound of the drum.

Even Marie, who was muttering alone next to her, raised her head. I looked forward, wondering if a drum could make a thunder sound.

In an instant, the surroundings became quiet, and a man standing in the center of the stage turned his back to face the audience. It was Lirus, the conductor who had just been guiding in a loud voice.

He looked around the crowd with the baton in one hand, then coughed and shouted out loud.

"Ladies and gentlemen! I am Lyrus, composer and conductor of the Lyrus Band! Nice to meet you!"

Lirus cried out again and again in a loud voice, just like before. As if the volume was amplified with mana, the voice spread throughout the stage.

At his polite greeting, I and all the spectators welcomed Lirus with thunderous applause.

Eventually, around the time the applause gradually subsided, Lyrus opened her mouth with a bright expression on her face.

"I think it's an honor to be able to listen to my performance to everyone. As you all know, the performances I will show in the future are inspired by Xenon's biography. Some of you may have just come to see my performance, but most probably I would have attended because I loved you."

His explanation goes on and on. I wondered if this was always the case before a performance, so I listened quietly and then glanced side to side.

As soon as she calmed down, Marie was fixing her eyes on the performance, and so was Cecily. She hinted at her that her Marie might know more about her Lee Ruth band than her helium-only Cecily.

"number of animals."

"Yes?"

When I called, Marie looked at me in surprise. I looked at her face and asked what I was curious about.

"Originally, before the show, explain it like that? I've never seen a show before."

"Ah, no. I usually just start the show right away."

"yes?"

"That… Isaac?"

"yes?"

"Can I… hold your hand?"

She asks me with a timid voice. I looked at Marie, whose face was blushing with embarrassment, and held her hand.

It's not a big deal, it's just holding hands, so there's no big problem. Marie smiled and gave her strength as I grabbed her hand.

I have a feeling that they will be holding hands while the performance continues. It's me, I don't care

"The name of the song I'm going to show you is 'Life'. I'm sure you know what scene I was inspired to compose from, and the name I gave it to."

"life…"

Cecily, who was sitting on the right, muttered a little. She seemed to be absorbed in Lyrus' explanation.

Previously, Lyrus mentioned that he was inspired to compose after seeing the end of Sakran. So, the songs he will show in the future will reveal the life of Sakran and demons.

As expected, I think the overall dark atmosphere is characteristic. It may be an apology to the demons, but the demons are a race that suits the dark well.

"Before the performance begins, there is one last thing I would like to inform you of. The performance of our Lirus Band will be only a taste. The real performance will be shown together with the Matrix Theater next time."

"yes?"

"What do you mean?"

Just as he was anticipating what the mood of the performance would be, Lyrus made a remark sufficient to confuse the audience. As a result, the spectators began to panic.

I am equally perplexed. The scale of the band you see now is surprising, but it's just a taste. So, how great is the collaboration with the Matrix troupe?

Lyrus continued speaking with a soft smile, as if she had expected it enough as the audience was buzzing.

"Ah. Of course, just because it's a taster, the performance time won't be short or so. I'll show you everything I'm going to show you. Hahaha."

"… …"

"Then let's start the performance from now on. I hope you all enjoy watching it."

After a long explanation, there were finally signs that the performance was about to begin. I held Marie's hand tightly, tightened my eyes, and opened my ears.

In this world, unless it's magic, there's no such thing as a recording function, so this one time listening will be the end…

right!

Then, suddenly, there was the sound of snapping fingers from Cecily's side. I looked at Cecily with a puzzled expression.

Cecily looked at me with a smile on her face, knowing that she would see me. Then she told me what she had done.

"It's recording magic. I can listen to the music I want anytime, anywhere. But it's based on what I've heard, so only I can hear it."

"… …"

Along with the elves, they are also a Gaesagi race. I smiled and looked towards the stage.

As soon as the explanation was finished, Lirus was politely greeting each other once again. The sound of applause that seemed to leave the stage continued, and Lirus turned around and looked at his own band.

As soon as I entered spectator mode, the applause stopped and the still silence subsided. The lights that were illuminating the grandstand through a special device were also turned off, and pitch black darkness fell.

The light only illuminates the orchestra on the stage. My anticipation swelled even more, and I gave Marie's hand that had been holding it tighter.

And…

woo woo-

The performance of 'Life' started with the heavy and dark melody of the cello.

As he said that he expressed the life of demons, it was a dark and solemn song centered on string instruments. The sound of drums in the middle touched my heart, and I could even feel the sadness.

The song continued to create a gloomy atmosphere for about 10 minutes, but at some point it turned into a melody that felt a sense of urgency. If the first part revealed the dark origins of the demons, this sense of urgency might be an expression of the inner world of having to fight the devil for the rest of your life.

The moment he becomes vigilant, he is eaten up by desire and becomes the devil he has rejected so much. Even if they are suppressing it through self-control, the fact that they have to fight the inner demon every day does not change.

As demons, like the beasts whose life itself is a struggle, they were born with such a fate that they had to fight with themselves for the rest of their lives.

'No, I need a recording…'

The more I listened to the song, the more I wanted to record it. Some of the songs fit my taste exactly, but the biggest part was that they were inspired by Zeno's biography.

In my previous life, I used to store my favorite bgm and ost on my phone, but I also wanted to play with the Lilus Band. But it's really sad that it can't be.

In the end, there were only two ways. One is to remember so as not to forget, and to call the Lilus Band as our territory next time.

Due to the limitations of my memory, which I often forget if I do not leave a record, the former is almost impossible, and the latter is virtually all that remains.

'I wish I could make other songs besides this…'

While I was thinking useless thoughts, the performance entered a climax. The tense music seemed to slowly fade away, and as in the beginning, it returned to a gloomy atmosphere centered on strings.

It doesn't look that much different from the beginning, but I thought this was more appropriate.

Asmodians are the closest to darkness, but paradoxically, they crave light and are more human than anyone else. However, their lives contain a tragedy that cannot be fathomed.

And like being born with a tragic fate, most of them have a bad ending. Unfortunately, that is the reality, and this may be the reason why the overall mood of the song is gloomy.

If it was not a demon but a different race, especially a human life, it would not have been possible to express it through music. And if it wasn't for the Lirus Band, I wouldn't have even thought of composing the life of a demon.

'What is Cecily thinking?'

I am a human being, so I am appreciative of it, but Cecily, a demon, is a song that will come to my attention even more. He turned his head to the side and checked Cecily's expression.

"…while."

"… …"

"Sigh… huh…"

Water fills his reddish-red eyes, and the water runs down his cheeks, making marks. I kept wiping with my hands, but the tears didn't stop and flowed down.

I stared blankly at her. Cecily is crying.

Although it is different from the usual playful appearance, it is very different, it is the first time I have seen him.

Fortunately, I didn't wear make-up so my face didn't look ugly, but it was enough to shock me nonetheless.

'What… what…'

She turned her head to Marie, hoping she didn't shed tears like Cecily, but she was watching the performance while crying. She also looked around her quickly and noticed that either her eyes were moistened or her nose was biting and sniffling.

It means that I am the only one who is casually listening to the performance. I was extremely confused whether it was the sensibility of the Middle Ages or if I was the only one who lacked sensitivity.

'The song is definitely good… Is this something to cry about?'

It seems to me that the influence of the past life is the biggest. I thought about how to react, then just went into listening mode.

If I had to forcefully squeeze my tears out here, it would be even weirder.

good profit…

So how much time has passed? The performance ended with the high-pitched note of the violin.

As the saying goes, there was definitely something behind it, but it seemed like it was cut off on purpose. The reason is the sound and the sound, but the existence of a 'voice band' next to the band.

From the beginning of the performance to the end of the performance, the vocal band sat still without a single mouthful. There must be a reason why the Lilus Band wouldn't sit them down for nothing.

Clap clap clap!!

However, I thought that for a moment, and the lights brightened and thunderous applause broke out as if the show was over. It was a huge applause that surprised me for a moment.

Marie didn't applaud because she was holding hands with me, but she wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, and Cecily gently wiped the tears away and greeted them with applause.

I stared at Cecily's profile, where the marks began to appear, then fumbled through my pockets and pulled out a handkerchief. Of course, it is a new handkerchief, not the handkerchief given to Adelia.

"Sister. Here it is."

"Sigh… huh?"

When I called, Cecily turned to me. The red eyes, wet with tears, turned even darker, looked straight at me.

So I handed her a handkerchief without saying a word. She said Marie was also wiping away her tears, but Cecily was still flowing through her, so she might need more of her.

"Ah… well, thank you…"

Cecily blushed in embarrassment when I showed her the handkerchief. Then she took her handkerchief from my hand and started wiping away her tears.

There was a mark left because it had been spilled quite a bit, but it seemed to disappear quickly.

"It sounds like you were impressed."

"Because I'm a demon… It was a very sad performance with a dark atmosphere. Sigh."

I never imagined that Cecily would have such a side. I stared at her with her remorseful look at her, who answered in her weeping voice.

It is also something that people do not know even if they know it. Like Adelia and Cecily, the people who seemed far from tears actually shed more tears.

"Little boy? How about Isaac?"

"It was just… a good song. In my mind, I want to remember it for the rest of my life…"

Koo!!

Before I could even finish my answer, a huge vibration resounded from the front. It was a huge vibration that seemed to shake not only the grandstand, but the entire plain.

The sound of applause that filled the stage with the vibration faded away in an instant, and everyone, not just me, turned to the source of the vibration.

Eventually, something black was discovered behind the Lyrus Band, that is, in the middle of the plain. Appropriately, the lighting was illuminating it, so I could see more detail.

And it was… a person. A person lying on the floor and wriggling.

An unknown person broke into the stage.

"Ahhh…"

The man who had been wriggling on the floor begins to scream in agony. I couldn't help but blink my eyes in a situation that was completely unacceptable.

Not just me, but others as well. The spectators were not ready to step out in the unexpected situation.

'What, what?'

Cuckoo! Awkward!

When everyone was embarrassed and unable to move freely, an abnormality occurred in that person. Is it not that the wings are gradually protruding behind the back with a sound that is difficult to hear?

Its wings were not like a normal bird, but only a coat without a single hair like a bat. So, it was close to the wings of the 'devil' only seen in the literature.

"Ahhh!!!"

"f**k. What, that."

When the monster screamed, exposing the devil's wings behind his back, he had no choice but to spit out swear words. I quickly tried to get up from my seat, feeling that something had gone wrong with my whole body.

But there was a hand holding me back, and it was Cecily, who was wiping her tears with a handkerchief. She grabbed my wrist and opened her mouth as if not to worry.

"Don't worry. It's nothing."

"Rice, isn't that a big deal?! That's…!"

"That person is not a demon."

"Evil… yes?"

At the same time as Cecily said those words, some kind of change occurred in the man who had turned into a demon.

okokokok

"aah!"

From the darkness behind the light shining on him, a large scythe popped out and pulled him away as if snatching his neck.

The new form of the man who had naturally turned into a demon disappeared behind the light, and no one was standing in the circle illuminated by the light. There is only pitch-black darkness next to it.

As I blinked and stared blankly, an old-fashioned voice resounded throughout the stage.

-Morpesh… give this poor man rest…

Morphe is one of the gods appearing in Zeno's biography. A god that is based on Mora, a god that exists in this world, and is blindly trusted by demons in Zeno's biography.

Only then did I realize. The appearance of a man who turns into a demon, and the appearance of a huge sickle that snatched his neck.

The giant scythe is the main weapon of 'Sakran', the best scene stealer in Xenon's biography.

'…Is that all directing?'

A preview is awesome.