"What piece is this!?" the fair - haired lady inquired with eagerness.
She was quite fond of this melody, which evoked a sense of nostalgia, as if transporting her back to her childhood days.
Glen, who was on the verge of choosing a more intricate piece to play, promptly replied, "It''s a rather uncomplicated piece, suitable for those who are newly initiated into the world of the piano."
"I''ve played nearly all the fundamental pieces of the Zeen Kingdom. Why haven''t I heard this one?" Pernas asked, a hint of bewilderment in her tone.
It was truly astonishing that Glen, a commoner, was acquainted with a piece of music that she had never encountered before.
Could he perhaps not be a commoner? It was highly probable! Otherwise, it would be difficult to account for his extensive knowledge... The fair - haired lady mused inwardly.
Disregarding the thoughts of the others, Glen prepared to perform a somewhat more complex composition.
Recalling in general terms what his junior - high - school music teacher had imparted, Glen once again placed his hands upon the piano keys.
This time, he embarked on playing "Für Elise".
Upon witnessing Glen''s actions, those in the vicinity instinctively fell silent.
Subsequently, a melodious yet equally unfamiliar piano piece resounded as Glen''s fingers danced across the keys.
This piece, too, was relatively straightforward, yet it managed to enrapture a group of young individuals with limited musical knowledge.
While they were still immersed in the music, they failed to notice a blue - skinned figure standing outside the hall door.
That was none other than Veronica.
She had merely been strolling casually around the manor, observing the bustling preparations for the ball.
As the true protagonist of this event, Veronica, in fact, felt rather indifferent.
Initially, she might have felt a certain sense of pride upon receiving such treatment, but with repeated experiences, it had become a matter of routine, and her state of mind no longer fluctuated significantly.
Moments ago, she had wandered onto the upper balcony, intending to enjoy the gentle breeze and, incidentally, listen to Pernas'' somewhat unpolished performance from below.
As a warrior - scholar of considerable prowess, she boasted a highly acute sense of hearing.
However, shortly after, the piano music ceased, and soon, a more fluid and enchanting piano piece wafted into her ears.
Veronica discerned that a different person was playing, a conclusion she drew from the snippets of conversation below.
The piece was brief. After listening, she nodded slightly in approval and decided to descend to see what the performer looked like.
Subsequently, she was captivated by this rendition of "Für Elise".
When the music came to an end, Glen was relatively content with his performance. At the very least, he had committed no errors.
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He turned his head and swept his gaze around, immediately noticing Veronica standing at the door. Judging by her complexion, he surmised that she was the guardian of the two blue - skinned children.
"I haven''t heard this piece either..." The fair - haired lady''s gaze towards Glen was replete with suspicion and inquisitiveness.
However, Glen offered no explanation. Instead, he merely inquired, "When does this ball commence? I plan to depart after having something to eat."
The group fell silent for a moment.
"Does Mr. Glen not favor this sort of occasion?" Bonnie asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Do you like it?" Glen counter - questioned.
Everyone present nodded in affirmation.
"With so many people gathered together, it''s incredibly lively and enjoyable! Of course we like it!" the youth named Myer elucidated.
Glen pondered for a moment and then nodded. "Indeed, for you, this is akin to a festival, so it''s only natural that you''d be fond of it."
However, Glen was different. Primarily, he had other matters that held greater significance to him, and thus, he was not particularly enthusiastic about such an occasion.
"If Mr. Glen doesn''t like it, that''s rather disheartening," Lila remarked, a tinge of disappointment in her voice.
"No, I genuinely enjoy attending such balls in the company of all of you," Glen fibbed, not wishing to dampen the spirits of his friends.
"Truly?" the fair - haired lady asked, her eyes brimming with doubt.
"Of course it''s true!" Glen replied, his gaze exuding unwavering sincerity.
Naturally, the others were unable to penetrate his act, and they all displayed expressions of delight.
Veronica, who had been observing this scene from afar, was somewhat intrigued.
Why do these children all hold this young man in such high regard? Could he be another one of those playboy types? Yet, although he is pleasing to the eye, he doesn''t seem to possess the allure to charm others. Moreover, there are not only girls present. Even my two little ones appear to idolize him. What could be the reason for this? …
Unable to fathom it, Veronica resolved to make closer acquaintance.
She advanced towards Glen and the others with graceful strides.
The magical ice - crystal shoes on her feet emitted a clicking sound reminiscent of high - heeled shoes as they made contact with the ground, quickly drawing the attention of the teenagers.
"Veronica!" The two blue - skinned children immediately rushed towards her with joy upon seeing her approach.
Although she had adopted these two young ones, Veronica did not permit them to address her as mother or use any other such terms. Initially, the children could only call her by her name.
Subsequently, they had not managed to decide on an alternative form of address, and thus, they had continued to call her Veronica, a habit that had persisted.
Veronica had grown weary of attempting to correct it.
"All right, it''s only been a short while. There''s no need to be so exuberant," Veronica said, gently extricating the two children from her legs. She then turned to the others with a smile.
The two blue - skinned children seemed accustomed to this and did not exhibit any signs of disappointment or other adverse emotions.
"Aunt Veronica," Pernas called out obediently, stepping forward.
Subsequently, she introduced her friends. All the teenagers, including Glen, offered polite greetings.
"Were you playing the piano just now? I heard it, and it was truly wonderful," Veronica said, wearing a warm smile.
"Yes, Aunt Veronica. I was playing initially, and then Mr. Glen played the subsequent two pieces," Pernas said, presenting an extremely well - behaved demeanor in the presence of the elder, with a smile perpetually on her face, the kind that endeared her to elders. She was completely unlike the haughty young lady she was when interacting with Glen.
Glen cast a sidelong glance at the fair - haired lady, inwardly lamenting her double - standard behavior, yet maintaining his composure outwardly.
"Is that so? This gentleman appears to be quite talented..." Veronica naturally directed her gaze towards Glen.
This look, this tone - it seemed as though she was singling him out. Was he really that captivating? … Glen couldn''t help but question his own charm, even as he replied, "I can hardly claim to be talented. I merely happen to have a smattering of knowledge."
"I listened to the pieces just now. Although I''m not well - versed in music, I believe your performance is on par with that of the masters. You needn''t be so modest," Veronica expressed her strong affirmation.
Glen twitched the corners of his mouth but refrained from further comment.
"Veronica, he''s amazing! He can even write stories! Look!" The blue - skinned little girl, Nasyia, exclaimed in a childish voice, holding up the storybook in her hand.
While Glen was playing the piano, the maid had already retrieved four copies of Glen''s Fairy Tale Collection. Pernas had given one to each of the two blue - skinned children.
"Oh! Is that so!? That''s truly remarkable!" Veronica said, smiling as she gently stroked the girl''s head.
She had more or less surmised why these children were so fond of this young man named Glen.
It was because he was proficient in many things that appealed to these children.