59 Center of Attention (2/2)

Oblivious to the thoughts of all the other people, Greyson just found an empty seat and listened to the current performance. To his surprise, it was actually a singer. Most of the people he knew in the association played an instrument, however, there were a select group of amazing singers who were well-known and well-paid for their services as they were more rare. Her looks were unfortunately average, but her voice was enchanting. Closing his eyes, he felt like her voice could lull him to sleep. It was a classic song, ”Red Sun,” by Fleurette who was a legend in the music scene. She was even famous in the neighboring empires outside of Snow Country. The song was written by her after she had received her father's cold body after a night of battle and saw the contrasting beautiful red sun rise in the sky at dawn. Poignant and heart-breaking, it was her most famous song as the emotions were so raw. The sun continues to rise even after a long day of slaughter as if nothing had just occurred.

Although he had never experienced war, the singer touched his emotions even evoking a small tear to roll down. After the song finished, the emotions still lingered in the air, and it took a moment for the audience to break out of their reverie. Soon thunderous applause and whistles rang out as the listeners finally expressed their amazement towards her magical performance.

”Hey, isn't that Claire Fairchild?”

”Yeah! No wonder she has become so famous these days. I did not realize she was also a talented magician.”

”Exactly, she is even part of the Fairchild family. Although they are not a top ten family, they are still a powerful family in the Idris Kingdom. The head of the family is the City Lord of the Elon City, which is the third largest city in the kingdom.”

Greyson continued to overhear the whispering of the girls around him about the girl onstage. Claire Fairchild? A pretty name that matched her beautiful voice. Greyson also joined in on the applause as he was genuinely impressed by her performance. After Claire, a couple of mediocre performances passed by until it was already Greyson's turn. Normally he would have had to wait awhile, however, since he arrived so late because he took the other exams, most of the other students had already taken the exam. They were only sitting in the audience to enjoy the music.

Once his name was called to come onstage and perform, Greyson quickly stood up from his spot and walked over to the judges to receive his random song. The reaction of the judges was definitely less than welcoming as the head examiner only angrily grunted in response to seeing Greyson but refused to speak. One of the nicer women finally looked over to him to speak.

”Greyson?”

”Yes.”

”Which instrument do you play?”

”Flute.”

”Alright, then this will be your piece.” She randomly picked out a song from a pile and handed it to Greyson. He received it respectfully before looking over it quickly. Eyes lighting up happily, Greyson realized it was a song that he had enjoyed playing. It was on of Carlyle's favorite songs as well. ”Snow Falling” was a famous flute piece, but the composer was unknown. It was a beautiful song that gave one the feeling of watching the first snowfall. In a country like Snow Country, this song was an obviously famous one that was extremely relatable for all the citizens. Quickly ascending the stage, Greyson brought out a cushion and placed it in the middle of the stage. Sitting crossed legged, he slowly took a breath to calm himself before waving his hand and summoning Mesmer. Once people saw the flute, the earlier disdain slowly changed and some of the judges looked much more interested. They could tell the flute was a magic tool, which meant that the boy in front of them was actually fairly serious about music. Otherwise, no one would waste money creating a magic instrument.

Slowly closing his eyes, Greyson brought the flute up to his lips and a light green glow flowed from his fingers into the flute. Starting peacefully and quietly, Greyson's music slowly permeated throughout the amphitheater. Under the influence of Siren's Voice, the audience became enveloped in feelings of calm silence. They picture the seen of a clear forest and the snow falling quietly. A beautiful picture. All dark feelings of anxiety and disgust were blown away as they swayed to the music released by the flute.

...

Far from the theater, a pair of long ears twitched hearing the noise projected.

”Oh?”

He waved his hand, and soon a mirror presented itself in front of him. Reflected in the mirror was surprisingly Greyson's figure onstage.

”Half-elf? Hmmmm... How interesting!” His lips curling into a smile, the man quickly disappeared from his far tower.

...

Greyson soon finished playing as the song was only a couple minutes. However, similar to Claire's earlier situation, the entire audience was still stuck in the beautiful sounds they had just heard. Soon, one clap could be heard from a random audience member. Woken up by the clap, the audience slowly joined in until all hands were applauding the performance. Smiling politely, Greyson gave a standard bow in accordance to performance manners before slowly stepping off the stage. The judges all looked more warmly at him while the head judge gave a couple criticisms. Although she did not compliment him, Greyson could tell the older woman was much happier with him than before, and he would never shy away from criticism as it would only make him better. Carlyle was one to always criticize him anyways. He soon received his third badge from their hands which he soon clipped onto his chest along with the other two.

It was at this moment that everyone else finally realized that he had three badges. Which meant he had passed three exams for different occupations! Soon rumors of this genius burst out into the rest of the exam stations and everyone was made aware of this new talent. Greyson had yet to realize but he had become the center of attention for the rest of the students and teachers.

...

”He actually passed the exams for all three? Hmph, how annoying. I was hoping he would be just a little less talented.” A familiar voice pouted.

”Oh? Little Sister Natalia is acquainted with this boy?” Another boy's voice echoed.

”Know? I guess you could say so... He's interesting. Also, talented. Maybe even more talented than you and I.”

”Hahaha, well I sure hope so! I've been bored with this status quo lately.”

”Gross, only Big Brother Leo would be such a competition freak. And here I was hoping to make you jealous.” Natalia looked over in disdain at the boy's excited reaction.

”Jealous? That is only for those who are lack confidence in their ability. That is why they fear competition and those more talented. Plus, is talent everything? There is also hard work. I for one will not look down on my opponent, but I will also not needlessly put myself down. I am powerful. I look forward to see whether this boy, Greyson, can be a new opponent.” The boy responded.

”You just look like a brawn for brains to me. This is why my father loves you so much. How annoying.”

”That is only because he sees how much talent his precious daughter has but she never puts practice and meditation seriously and wastes it. Whereas I am always practicing and taking advantage of my talent. You could most likely be much stronger than me if only you were serious.”

”Boo, not you too. I'm no longer talking with you, it's no fun. I'm leaving!” Without another word, the red-haired girl quickly flew off.