Chapter 344 - PERFECT DREAM (1/2)
Makiko was not done with her self-directed drama.
”Can you believe that she is claiming that the violin that she played yesterday is a genuine Stradivarius?” She shook her head in apparent disappointment.
Cherry Blossom looked at the old lady behind him with a strange smile.
”May I take a look at the instrument?” The old lady asked.
”Yes,” Akira responded before anyone could say anything.
It was a good thing because Kazuo was about to tell the old woman that it was their family problem, and outsiders should not get involved.
The old lady stepped forward and picked the violin. She ran her fingers almost lovingly over the instrument as she examined it. Unlike Master Matsumoto, she did not make unnecessary gestures and movements.
After three or so minutes, she looked at the small crowd.
”It is genuine.” She declared.
”Impossible!” Both Makiko and Master Matsumoto spoke up at the same time.
”Why do you say it's impossible?” The old lady asked suspiciously.
”She is a…” Makiko stopped short of calling Akira a con-woman.
But she was not ready to use that trump card yet. She wanted to learn more about the fraud before tearing her face apart. When she dealt with this so-called niece, she wanted nothing to remain of her. It would be best if she took down her current family with her.
Master Matsumoto stepped forward. ”Lady, I don't know who you are, but I have examined that instrument. It is an imitation. This is my word as a member of the Institute of Classical Music.”
The old lady's face changed into one of discomfort. ”Has the standard of the Institute declined so much?”
”You! What does a decrepit old lady like you know about the Institute?” Master Matsumoto retorted.
The room fell silent. Cherry Blossom cleared his throat after watching the events.
”Let me introduce you all to the President of the Institute of Classical Music, Fujita Omi. She is a bit of a recluse. However, she was deeply moved by Ms Yamazaki's performance as well as her instrument and flew overnight to visit. Sorry for the intrusion.” He smiled without a hint of apology.
The awkward silence in the room intensified.
”She made me do it!” Master Matsumoto caved under the invisible pressure and shouted while pointing at Makiko.
Makiko's face darkened at the weak teammate. She knew that things would not go her way as soon as the weakling betrayed her.
The truth was that she had asked a casual acquaintance from the Institute who was her 'devoted' fan to act as a master appraiser for the occasion. There was no need to hire a real one when she knew that Akira was a fraud.
”Madam President, could you be mistaken?” Makiko asked with gritted teeth.
”I am not mistaken.” Fujita Omi said firmly. ”However, you, Ms Satou Makiko, are mistaken if you think that the Institute can keep members like you among our number. Both of you are a disgrace to the art of classical music.”