Chapter 12 - Productive Harmony

When Kai returned, everyone was gathered around Malia with their individual instruments.

In order to create perfect homophony, or when one melody predominates while the other sections play either single notes or an elaborate accompaniment, Malia was now teaching them all the necessary components. She also emphasized the appropriate use of fermata when she wants to draw attention to a particular time or give a musical passage more force and significance.

Everyone was engrossed in what she was teaching. Their parts were simple to comprehend because Malia patiently explained everything to them, and they quickly remembered the new elements she had taught them.

They realized their planned melody would be quite simple to recall and mastering the song was greatly aided by recalling the G, Bm, C, and G guitar chords.

"Your Highness, everything all right?"

Kai was surprised when the Marquis walked up to him.

"Yes, I'm doing just fine." Kai answered without showing any emotion, "I simply needed to go the bathroom."

"I see. What do you think of the music, then? Is it good enough?" The Marquis was concerned if the prince enjoyed the song—enough to appeal to other possible investors in the future.

Kai, however, experienced conflict. He despises the emotion the song was giving him, but he also doesn't want to lose a promising business opportunity. After all, despite his successes and efforts since being crowned, the Sorav's first minister and chancellors were still unsatisfied.

He weighed the pros and cons of the two situations and came to the conclusion that he should support the song's creation, assist the Marquis, and ignore his own feelings.

Kai replied, " It was great. I think we should talk about how the song will be produced and other things needed for that to happen."

"Good to hear! Your investments will undoubtedly pay off, in my opinion!", The Marquis was thrilled! Seeing that even a prince appreciated his daughter's music made him incredibly happy for her!

Then Marquis said, "We will record everything tomorrow and possibly mass produce 100,000 copies in two weeks after creating 10 copies by Sunday. Do you believe it's a wise move?"

"I believe that 100,000 is insufficient. Millions of people will probably enjoy the song, in my opinion. We could make it 500,000 instead. ", Kai commented.

"Really? Do you think so?" The Marquis agreed with him. "I also think the music will touch millions of people, but mass producing 100,000 copies in two weeks is already quite challenging—"

"That's nothing to be concerned about. Being a royal, I have several options for doing that. While it is nearly impossible to produce more than 100,000 copies in Erias, this is undoubtedly not the case in Sorav," Kai interjected. Erias cannot carry out his grand scheme, he is aware of this. Additionally, by increasing livelihoods and enhancing the kingdom's reputation in the entertainment business, incorporating people in Sorav will strengthen that region's economy.

"That's fantastic! I appreciate it, Your Highness. Could we thus immediately get in touch with them and adhere to the scheduled release date with that plan in mind?" The Marquis questioned. He is aware that a large-scale rollout would require more time and money. Taking into account the day or two it typically takes to go from Erias to Sorav.

You said you'd make ten copies to start, correct? In order to prepare everything, I'll have my assistant return to Sorav first. Then, tomorrow, I'll go to Erias Palace to hire a Wind Mage to send the copy after getting it by Sunday," Kai explained. He could merely ask Daniel for one wind mage; he was already going to meet Thea and Daniel at the palace anyway. Thea's fiancé, Daniel Vaughn Erias, is the morally "upright" prince of the Erias country.

'I hope he won't make a fuss or meddle with this request,' he thought.

Kai continued, "I think the wind mage would just need 4 to 5 hours of travel time."

"Right!" The Marquis chuckled, "I absolutely didn't think of that option—well, it's not like we are authorized to hire wind mages ourselves, so the concept didn't even occur to me at all." Since the prince showed no sign of expression, he too soon stopped chuckling.

'This young man appeared to be carrying the weight of the entire world. tsk tsk'

"By the way, Malia also has other songs. Simply put, we want to release this song first, see how people respond, and then utilize the money to increase the number of copies created the next time." The Marquis discussed and revealed his future intentions with the corporation, saying, "If results are even greater, then we could extend our company in Sorav as it would be difficult for Malia to travel from Sorav's academy back here in Erias."

Given how talented his daughter is, Kai only nodded in agreement, noting, "I think your proposal is reasonable." Kai looked at Malia one more time. 'I suppose she didn't study etiquette so she could concentrate on her music. If you take that into mind, that seems fairly reasonable.'

"I'll leave other affairs in your capable hands, Marquis. We'll head out now so I can do my part." Kai excused himself and called Ian, who was pleasantly listening to the group of musicians as they carefully considered Malia's suggestions for enhancing their tempo.

Ian was reluctant to leave but was directed to accompany the prince, so he truly couldn't avoid that responsibility. Ian turned to gaze at Kai. He formally bowed to the Marquis and excused himself to everyone in the room.

On the way out, Ian and Kai ran into Caleb. Caleb appeared glum and restless. Although Kai and Ian were immediately aware of his connection to the imprisoned female, they didn't care much and left the company with their four knights.

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The moment Caleb walked through the door and into the studio, everyone turned to face him. Caleb appeared dejected and disoriented, as everyone had anticipated.

"Lord Augustus and Lady Malia, I would like to apologize on Ashley's behalf," said Caleb. "I am aware that what she did was unacceptable. I sincerely apologize for what she did. Although I realize it's a lot to ask, will you kindly forgive her? She's still quite young and immature. Without thinking, she attacked the lady because she was unable to manage her emotions."

In essence, Caleb was begging with the two influential individuals present. He was at a loss for how to free Ashley from her situation. Even while he is aware of how foolish Ashley was to attack the lady, he also knows that Ashley is not all that evil.

Although, in all honesty, he no longer has any feelings for her as he did a few years ago. Ashley grew increasingly domineering and kept pressuring him to marry her and accept the post of baron, even though he repeatedly tried to explain that he did not want to run the barony or their small business. Even if he doesn't get paid or is reduced to becoming a commoner, his heart desires to perform, so as long as he can do so for the rest of his life, he doesn't care.

Although Ashley was ambitious, she had supported him for three years. He still cares about her and he does not want to watch her suffer.

"We cannot forgive her because the prince was present when she committed that offense." The Marquis responded to Caleb, and added, "Imprisonment is already regarded as a milder sentence compared to being sold as a slave. She attempted to harm Lia and humiliated us in front of the prince."

"We definitely want you to be a part of this since you are talented, but if your personal affairs would complicate the production, then you should not –"

In a beat, Caleb interrupted the Marquis. He is fully aware that the Marquis won't think twice about removing him if he wants to. "I understand what you're trying to express, Lord Augustus," this opportunity is more important to him than anything else. "Please accept my apologies for insisting on my part."

"Father, instead of 15 years in prison, how about we ask the court for exile to the north of Erias? After all, I decided to forgive her after punching her in the face." Malia said blankly, she didn't care much about Ashley, to be honest, but she wanted Caleb to perform with her because he has a talent for bass guitar, and it would take more time to find someone else with the same level of talent to perform with.

She had read in the library that prisoners who had committed minor offenses would be given marks on their hands and forehead before being sent to live in the North. They are not allowed to enter the capital or other kingdoms, but they can still live somewhat normally-- they can work, and get married if they so choose.

"Hmm, if you think so, then I agree," the Marquis said.

Caleb's face lightened. Ashley would benefit more from her suggestion. Ashley will not be violated by guards nor held captive in a filthy cell. He also understands that Ashley's actions have ramifications.

"Thank you so much, Lady Malia! I'll never forget this kindness from you."

"Sure thing," Malia said, "come here quickly and learn your part." Malia just wants it to be over with. She wishes to return home early and relax in her luxurious bathtub. It became her daily obsession and her favorite activity at the end of the day.

Caleb quickly learned his parts, and after 30 minutes, Malia gathered everyone and announced that they would attempt to perform the song once while stopping if anyone missed their parts, and then once without stopping.

Malia was the lead guitarist, and everyone took their positions. Sean and her father sat and recorded everything. The Marquis expressly bought a recording orb for the official song recording, but because he had used it when Malia played many instruments earlier, he decided to just buy another one the following day.

This magical recording orb only stores events or memories for two hours and can be paused or stopped at any time.

Since they may be paused, some recording orbs, which typically feature four to five events and last 20 to 25 minutes, are used by some aristocrats to record horse races or coming-of-age ceremonies, or just normal parties. These orbs can be purchased in any kingdom's sorcerer's tower, but they are exceedingly expensive, costing 3 months' worth of a modest baron house's earnings for only one orb.

The Marquis wasn't too concerned because he wanted to remember his daughter's accomplishments. If necessary, he can just sell his two ore mines for his daughter.

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--- end of chapter 12 ---

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