Chapter 30

I don’t have time to be depressed over things like dance class. I hurry toward the 3rd Year Class A room.

“Patience, let me introduce you to the members of the Music Club.”

Inside the classroom, several schoolmates were seated around Princess Margaret. I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of resentment—if even one of these people had entered the dormitory, I wouldn’t have had to become a lady-in-waiting.

“This is Catherine Woodstock, second daughter of the House of Marquess Woodstock. Over there is Liliana Claridge; she’s the eldest daughter of Earl Claridge, right? And Harriet Lindermann, the fourth daughter of Earl Lindermann, I believe.”

“Lady Margaret, I am the third daughter,” Harriet corrected with a laugh. I was kept busy bowing and saying, “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” with every introduction. Wait, only three people?

There are still many others left in the classroom. Ah, I guess they aren’t in the Music Club.

“Come, let’s go to the clubhouse.”

Catherine, the first one introduced, started walking briskly. Her blonde—or rather, deep blonde—hair was styled in elaborate ringlets. That kind of hairstyle would be impossible in dorm life. Harriet was the one linking arms with Princess Margaret. She had pale blonde hair, light blue eyes, and fluffy curls. Following behind them was Liliana. She looked like a fairy—silver hair and purple eyes. Her silver hair was straight and shimmering. Yeah, I can tell all of them are very well-maintained by their maids.

Envious gazes were directed at these schoolmates, chosen for both their status and their beauty. Ah, it seems no one even notices the tiny lady-in-waiting. That’s actually a relief, truly!

I’d never been to the clubhouse because I had no connection to it, but this is nothing like the “club activities” I had in mind. This is a salon. A high-end salon. Even though we’re wearing uniforms, it feels like a different world. The chairs and sofas have cabriole legs! About a dozen people were sitting there elegantly, chatting.

“Lady Margaret, is this the new club member you recommended?”

A middle school student called out. Not just her schoolmates, but even the club members call her “Lady Margaret.” Since I’m a lady-in-waiting, I’ll stay in the background.

“Yes, Melissa. Perfect timing. Everyone, this is my lady-in-waiting, Patience Granger. I am recommending her for the Music Club.”

Melissa gave a bright smile and reached out for a handshake. This is my first time shaking hands.

“Welcome to the Music Club. Here, we don’t worry about status; we freely compete through music. I am the President, Melissa Bermond. And this is the Vice President, Albert Laforêt.”

Melissa is an exotic beauty with dark brown hair. Albert is a young man with a quintessential “artist” vibe. His brown hair is as long as a girl’s and perfectly maintained. He probably doesn’t have a single split end.

“Well, right off the bat, I’d like to hear you play something.”

Whoa, Catherine’s preemptive strike. As Margaret’s closest schoolmate, does she find a measly lady-in-waiting unacceptable?

“Indeed, I’d like to hear it too.”

Harriet sounds like a pampered child, but she seems quite spiteful. Liliana just nodded silently.

“Very well. Patience, please play the new song I gave you yesterday.”

What? I’ve only played it once… Relying on “Patience,” I play the Hanon.

“My, you truly are worthy of being a lady-in-waiting chosen by Queen Victoria.”

It seems I passed Catherine’s standards.

“However, I wanted a bit more emotion. Playing exactly as written is a bit dry.”

That was Albert’s critique.

“Oh, leave her be. She only played it once yesterday for the first time. Don’t be mean just because it’s your composition, Albert,” Margaret said. At her words, everyone sent me a look that said, “Hmm, I see.”

“But she must be able to compose as well.”

Harriet might look like a fluffy, cute girl, but her personality is pitch black. The fact that she lets it show means she’s still young. Well, she’s two years older than “Patience,” though.

“Yes, I understand wanting to expect a new song from a new member, but let’s wait until she’s a bit more settled,” President Melissa said.

As expected of President Melissa! She’s great at managing people. After that, I spent the time listening to the members play the Hanon, lute, and flute. Everyone is so good! Clap, clap.

I had worried that the ambitious Louise might switch from the Chorus Club since Princess Margaret is in the Music Club, but it seems that would be difficult. I think I only got in because of Margaret’s recommendation.

Sitting in a chair in the corner of the clubhouse, I felt relieved thinking that just listening to music would be easy. Well, of course it didn’t end there.

“Patience, play one more song. Anything will do.”

Princess Margaret hit me with a reckless demand. All the new songs from last night have already been played. And the songs “Patience” knew have already been performed beautifully by others.

Fine, then! Fortune favors the bold. I decided to play a song from my previous life. A sonata by the musical genius, Mozart. It’s short, bright, and cheerful, so I chose it. Plus, I have it memorized. The Hanon’s keys are slightly different from a piano, so I made a tiny mistake.

“I am terribly sorry. My fingers slipped.”

The room was dead silent. I figured I had made them uncomfortable by messing up. I hurried to apologize.

“No… a mere slip of the fingers is no issue at all. You—Patience, was it? You have incredible talent.”

Yikes! Albert knelt beside me at the Hanon and kissed my hand. I turned bright red from embarrassment. I never experienced anything like this in my previous life! I wish he’d let go. Wait, he’s nuzzling his cheek against it. Seriously, stop!

“Albert, I will not allow you to take such liberties with my lady-in-waiting.”

Princess Margaret rescued my hand from Albert. I felt relieved, but then I felt intense gazes from Catherine, Harriet, and even Liliana. It seems I’ve been upgraded from a “tiny lady-in-waiting” to a “rival.”

“I look forward to your new compositions as well. However, Patience, your lack of practice was obvious. Make sure to practice thoroughly on the Hanon in my room.”

Oh no! My “on-call” hours are going to increase. Sigh.