Chapter 567: Arts and Culture (2/2)
”What exactly does the renowned pianist do here?” asked Igna with a very obnoxious tone.
”Come on,” returned he softly, ”-still holding a grudge?”
”Not really. Watching you get flustered is very entertaining.”
”Well, I don't enjoy it in the least,” the flow of words was tantamount to mothers meeting their friends, the talk continued as the kid watched in utter boredom. Celina took the role of the kid; she watched and didn't understand a thing they said.
”First time here?” inquired the girl next in line.
”Yeah,” she replied.
”Same here, do you have any musical experience?”
”I know the basics I guess.”
”I see,” she smiled, ”-I got interested in the violin, so I asked my father to enroll me here. By the way, what family do you belong to? I'm from the Hart lineage, the name's Jonia Hart, daughter of Marquess Hanet Hart.”
”Good to make your acquaintance, lady Hart.”
”Please,” returned she with an air of superiority, ”-call me Hart. What about you?”
”…” turned to Igna, ”-I'm C-Celina.”
”Family name?” asked she forcefully.
”Haggard,” interjected Igna,”-her name's Celina Haggard.”
”Haggard?” she paused to open her eyes, ”-that Haggard?”
”Yes, the one and only,” said he, ”-please get along with my little sister. She's a bit awkward.”
”And who might you be?” inquired a well-built man standing beside the young lady.
”Is it not polite to give one's name first?” refuted Igna.
”My apologies. My name's Nicola Vonhen Hart, the eldest son, and heir to the Hart family.”
'Boastful and smug,' thought he, '-nobles of Hidros are one and the same.'
”Igna,” whispered Celina, '-what's that about?' wrote across her face.
”Pleasure is mine. I'm Igna Haggard, son of the Duchess of Rotherham. Nice to make your acquaintance.”
”Duchess of Rotherham,” he gulped, ”-I see. The pleasure is likewise.”
Currently under the royal family were, Goldberg, Haworth, and Riviera, ranked from strongest to weakest were the three major dukedoms of Oxshield. The Hart family served under Haworth. Marquess was always titles bestowed to the assistants of the dukes. Likely candidates to succeed the title of duke if the prior patriarch fails. So was the balance for decades. The Haggard's dynasty – once royalty of the Ardanian crown climbed the ranks in arms, money, and influence during Argashield Federation's reign. Things didn't look very hopeful, the Haggard left the federation as a neutral party and chancellor to a life of peace. The influence remained tangible. Add the title of Duchess and recognizing Rotherham as its own dukedom toppled the balance. Prosperity was on par if not greater than the royal capital – thus, the Haggards stood at the top. Goldberg's and their puppet ruler were only there to keep ambition in check. None knew where they came from, nor how they fight up the ladder, reality was, the Haggard had favors from the people and the royal family. Most of it came from lady Elvira and Courtney's unsurmountable talent in politics. That being said, none of it would have been possible without groundworks laid by an orphan.
”Lord Haggard, might I ask the reason of such a visit?” the eldest son Hart sang a different tune.
”My little sister wanted to learn music, who am I to refuse her whims?”
”I see,” he held the bogus smile.
”Lady Hart, if you don't mine,” she curtsied, ”-I'd like to become your friend.”
”The pleasure is all mine,” said she returning the courtesy.
”Goodness,” exhaled Igna, ”-I'll leave the young ladies to chat.”
”As you wish,” said Nicola a little stumped by the exchange.
”Lady Haggard,”
”-No, call me Celina, it's less formal.”
”Then, call me Jonia,” the subject changed, ”-are you related to Prince Julius?”
”I suppose,” said she.
”Oh my,” her face melted, ”-he's so handsome. Do you think I can get his autograph?”
”Maybe, I don't know. Ask my brother.”
”No, I can't,” said she, ”-if I ask your brother, then I'll be putting my love to Prince Julius in jeopardy. Don't get me wrong, your brother is very handsome too. Too many hot guys, I can't take it,” she stumbled.
”Forgive my sister,” said Nicola, ”-she's a little crazed about the idols.”
The conversation returned to Igna and Cartney. ”-I didn't expect you to be a noble of such high status,” remarked the latter.
”Tis nothing more than bragging rights. Cartney, could I ask a favor?”
”Sure.”
”I want you to teach Celina, teach her the ways of classical music. I know she wants to be an idol. Regardless, classical music is a very strong foundation. Idols are often one-shot wonders, in said aspect, classical musicians are grounded and knowledgeable.”
”Finally accepted it?” asked he in wait to celebrate the victory.
”I never said I was against classical music,” returned he monotonously.
”Fine then, give me a moment.” The interviews stopped to which Cartney returned ten minutes later. Many bystanders watched in contempt.
”Igna,” said he sternly, ”-I'll accept to teach Lady Celina in the ways of classical music on one condition.” Murmurs dashed about as he rarely ever took on apprentices. Either one was a genius at the piano or an excellent violinist. Neither money nor fame interested him, tours around the globe made his teaching the more special and sought-after.
”Whatever you need,” said he carelessly.
”Play in my ensemble as the primary guitarist whenever the time calls for.”
”Excuse me?” time stopped, expression froze, breaths held, the condition shocked most who stood.