Elizabeth Price

//Best read while listening to 'Moonlight sonata 3rd'//

Lucian arrived at Trolm Street, a mere six-minute walk from his own. The contrast was large. Unlike the interconnected houses in his neighborhood, Elizabeth's street featured quaint gardens in front of each residence.

As Lucian searched for house number 11, he passed a multitude of inviting shops, exclusive cafes, and restaurants, observing people dressed in finery reminiscent of nobility. Intrigued, he thought.

I want a cane, it looks cool.

Soon, a meticulously cared-for house with a beautiful garden came into view. Recognizing it immediately, he confidently approached. Walking through the garden on a stone path, he arrived at the door, adorned with the number 11.

"This is it," he affirmed.

As his hand rose to knock, a sigh echoed in his ears, startling him. Glancing around, he half-jokingly mused, "I must be going crazy."

A sudden realization struck him.

Perhaps it was Selena.

He asked, "Was that you, Selena? What happened?"

No response came, leading him to consider.

Maybe the ritual held no hidden catch. She granted me powers for self-protection, and that's all.

Resuming, he knocked on the door as if the previous moment had not occurred.

Thump Thump Thump

After a brief wait, the door creaked open, revealing a formally dressed female servant.

"Good afternoon, gentleman. May I ask who you're here to see?" she inquired politely.

"Elizabeth," he replied.

She then requested, "Wait a moment," before closing and locking the door.

After what felt like an eternity, the door finally unlocked. A tall man in his forties with short cropped black hair opened it, asking.

"I'm sorry, you are?"

Lucian gazed at him, their eyes locking. A surge of apprehension washed over him, as though he stood face to face with a monster.

"Ehmm. Lucian Wright, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

The man, displaying no emotion, continued his questioning. "Where do you live?"

"Verona 6th," Lucian promptly responded.

The man scrutinized him from head to foot, then inquired further, "Where do you work?"

Lucian hesitated, his thoughts racing.

Damn, is this her father? How has he never met him before? I'm not sure if I should lie... That's not really me.

"I don't work anywhere currently, sir. I devote myself to daily studies, spanning history to business."

A faint smile played on the man's lips. "I am Thomas Price. Nice to meet you, Lucian," he added, "I apologise if my questions were a bit intrusive."

"No problem, Sir Thomas," Lucian assured, his voice tinged with trepidation.

Thomas extended an invitation, "Elizabeth is inside. Would you like to come in for a drink?"

Lucian hesitated briefly, then accepted with an appreciative smile.

Upon entering, Lucian beheld off-white walls adorned with large nature-themed paintings. The room exuded a rich atmosphere, with crimson walls and opulent curtains. A flawlessly crafted chandelier hung from the ceiling.

Thomas settled into a chair with a patterned wooden frame, its backrest and seat adorned in dark red rose patterns.

Surprised by the warm reception, Lucian settled into his seat, guided courteously by a servant. He reflected. This is true hospitality.

Gazing to his right, Lucian's eyes widened in realization. A piano stood prominently, a sight he had dearly missed during his time in this world.

"Lucian, do you have an affinity for the piano?" Thomas asked, his gaze fixed on him.

Yes, I love the piano," Lucian admitted.

"After we have a drink, I can call someone to play it if you wish," Thomas offered.

Lucian seized the opportunity. "No need. I know how to play. Mind if I play after our drinks?"

Thomas's eyes widened in surprise, thoughts forming.

This young man. Not only is he dedicated to his studies every day and possesses an exceptional vocabulary, but he also plays the piano! He undoubtedly has the potential for greatness in the future, perhaps even rising to nobility. He's truly remarkable.

Lucian observed Thomas who's lost in thoughts, and a worry crept into his mind.

F*ck, did I say something wrong? I probably shouldn't have said that.

"That's excellent. It's rare to find someone so knowledgeable in various fields," Thomas finally responded.

Lucian's initial worry dissolved as he received praise.

Thomas tapped the table twice, and a servant promptly approached, ready to take their orders.

"Bring me a beer, and for this gentleman..."

Lucian hesitated, adding with a hint of uncertainty, "Whiskey?"

Thomas chuckled, finding Lucian's choice somewhat unusual, as it was more common for nobles and the middle class to prefer beer, reserving whiskey for the rural crowd.

The servant went to fetch their drinks, leaving Lucian and Thomas to resume their conversation.

"So, tell me, what is your relationship with my beautiful daughter?"

Lucian answered honestly, "Friends." A hint of disappointment flickered in Thomas's eyes, he had hoped for more.

Then Thomas tapped twice more, summoning another servant who hurried to fulfill his request.

"Bring Elizabeth here," he instructed.

The initial servant returned with the drinks, placing them on the table, which was adorned with a white cloth.

Thomas raised his beer, signaling Lucian to join in. They both took a sip of their drinks.

Lucian's thoughts raced.

It's really strong, and the taste is awful. I can see why he laughed at me.

When Elizabeth arrived, she greeted them politely by bowing. The room fell into a momentary silence, Elizabeth stealing glances at Lucian, her surprise evident.

Breaking the silence, Thomas praised, "You've got a wonderful friend here. I'm glad."

Elizabeth's surprise turned to delight. She hadn't expected her father to approve of Lucian, given his lack of employment.

As Elizabeth sat beside him, Lucian, overwhelmed, downed his entire glass in an instant.

Thomas observed Lucian and, impressed, he decided to follow, downing his beer as well. It was an unconventional move for nobles and the middle class, but Thomas held Lucian in high regard and wanted to show his respect.

Observing her father's unusual behavior, Elizabeth leaned towards Lucian, playfully whispering.

"What kind of magic spell did you use on him to make him like you?"

Lucian's breath quickened, his face flushed from both the alcohol and Elizabeth's presence. He offered a nervous smile but said nothing.

Thomas tapped the table once more and instructed, "Get Elizabeth a glass of wine."

Elizabeth glanced at her father in disbelief, thoughts racing.

He never let me drink alcohol. What is happening?

Thomas got up from his chair and gestured for everyone to rise. He turned his gaze to Lucian, his expression expectant.

"You may begin."

Elizabeth wondered. Begin what, exactly?

Approaching the piano, Lucian tested the keys and nodded in satisfaction. He took a moment to prepare himself, cracking his knuckles with deliberate focus.

Pop Pop Pop Pop

A sudden burst of sound emanated from his fingers. He launched into a captivating performance, hands flying from one end of the piano to the other. Bass notes resonated alongside the graceful dance of his fingers.

In a climactic moment, both hands converged at the center before gracefully diverging once more. The composition flowed for a mesmerizing five minutes, leaving his audience in stunned disbelief. Even the servant, bearing a glass of wine, stood frozen, forgetting to place it on the table.

Thomas, tears streaming down his face, was enraptured by the performance, declaring it a true masterpiece.

Elizabeth sat, lips parted in awe, eyes glistening. She felt a surge of admiration for Lucian, combined with wonder at his hidden talent.

As Lucian concluded his seven-minute piano performance, he was met with resounding applause.

Thomas approached, shook his hand, and declared, "You are the finest pianist I've ever had the pleasure of hearing. What is that composition called?"

Lucian enjoyed the praise and confidently responded, "Moonlight Sonata, 3rd Movement."

He then asked with curiosity, "So there are first and second parts to it?"

"Yes," confirmed Lucian.

...

After bidding their farewells, Lucian and Elizabeth embarked on a stroll, unburdened by secrecy. In fact, her father had encouraged her to enjoy this time with Lucian.

As they wandered through the city, they discussed Lucian's hidden talent and how her father had taken a sudden liking to him.

"I'm genuinely thrilled with how this turned out. I always had this notion that he wouldn't warm up to you. He can be a bit overprotective. But you've managed to break through to him," Elizabeth remarked with a smile.

Lucian smiled and replied, "I feel the same way. It's a bit of a mystery how I managed to connect with him and win his favor. Maybe it was the performance that did the trick."

...

They continued their stroll for a while longer before he escorted her back to her house. They stood before the garden, a moment of quiet shared between them.

Then, she leaned in, arms open for a hug. Lucian mirrored the gesture, their embrace warm and comforting. Her head nestled against his chest, hearing the rapid rhythm of his heartbeat.

In that silent exchange, affection seemed to bloom. When it was time to part, they met each other's gaze, their eyes speaking volumes.

Elizabeth playfully twirled a lock of her already curly hair as she said.

"Goodbye, Lucian. I really enjoyed our time together."

Lucian's eyes smiled in return as he replied, "Goodbye, Elizabeth."

...

As Lucian made his way home, a thought lingered in his mind.

I can see why he liked her.

He reached his own door, giving it a gentle knock. It swung open swiftly, revealing Henry, whose eyes were brimming with concern.