Chapter 291: The Musician

Several years ago, upon first arriving at Ohara before it was destroyed by the Buster Call.

Adrian had expressed his desire to pursue a secondary profession to Dr. Clover.

A profession that could alleviate the monotony of sea voyages and relieve mental stress — a musician. It had been one of Adrian's pursuits.

Unfortunately, he encountered problems from the panel…

After acquiring five secondary professions, the panel automatically disabled the convenient function of acquiring secondary professions through reading books, forcing Adrian to explore ways to trigger these professions on his own.

{Must be author prioritizing those that were already there}

Since then, the pursuit of becoming a musician had come to an end. {Sniff… my beautiful dreams.}

But now, in the Reveland Kingdom, renowned across the seas for its entertainment and film industry.

Sitting in front of him was a highly professional songstress.

Adrian's desire to trigger a secondary profession was once again stirring.

"A musician, huh?"

Elizabeth didn't immediately refute the idea; instead, she carefully scrutinized Adrian.

"To be honest, in terms of appearance, Adrian, you do have the potential of a musician."

Then she asked another question. "Have you ever been exposed to any musical concepts before?"

Adrian smiled slightly, "No."

"Have you ever received any instrument training or practice?"

"Also no."

Two crucial questions, both answered in the negative.

Elizabeth understood that this idea must have been a sudden whim of Adrian's.

Without much hope, she asked, "So, Adrian, have you ever engaged with any musical works?"

Adrian cheerfully replied, "Does 'Binks' Sake' count?"

{la la la la lalala}

"…"

Even though Elizabeth really liked the man in front of her, she was left speechless by his answer.

'Binks' Sake.'

The most popular song among pirates, without a doubt.

At the same time, this song was also the most widely spread across the seas.

How to describe it…

Even a child just learning to speak might hum a few lines of "Binks' Sake."

That's how widespread it is!

Elizabeth smiled politely.

"Adrian, I sincerely suggest that you continue with your promising career as a pirate."

Even with Adrian's thick skin, he found it hard to withstand the subtle sarcasm in Elizabeth's polite words.

But the evidence he could provide was indeed insufficient.

The conversation between Adrian and Elizabeth just now.

It was roughly equivalent to him asking a professional singer, "Sis, I want to sing too."

The singer politely asked if he had any experience, and he replied, "I've sung 'Happy birthday song' in birthdays."

Elizabeth didn't roll her eyes; Adrian already thought she was very well-mannered!

But the problem was that the evidence Adrian could provide wasn't really evidence at all.

With an entire Earth's worth of music libraries backing him, did he really need any experience in listening to songs?

{Are we genre changing?

Attention! Everyone… We are going from Action, Fantasy, Adventure to Urban-Romance, Showbiz}

Sword-drawing songs, nuclear explosion songs, hanging songs, kidney-kicking songs…

Even if he didn't understand any music theory or couldn't play any instruments, he could drag Borsalino from the Marine headquarters to sing "PPAP" with him, and it wouldn't be a problem!

{If you know, you know! PPAP (Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen)}

Adrian looked at the panel silently. As expected, no tasks were triggered.

"Elizabeth, do you have any books on music theory and instruments?" Adrian asked tentatively.

Seeing his unyielding question, Elizabeth felt a strange mix of frustration and amusement.

She couldn't figure out what was wrong with this man. With such a stunning beauty like her sitting right in front of him, he remained uninterested, and insisted on discussing music theory and instruments!

Wouldn't it be better to just admire a beautiful woman?

"Those things are at the hotel where I'm staying." Elizabeth stood up from the booth and extended her right hand towards Adrian. "Come with me."

The two of them quickly arrived at the hotel.

Elizabeth wasn't bluffing about the music theory and instrument books.

{Seriously!? Wasn't this an excuse to romanticize a bit???}

{Oi, Miss Elizabeth, take the fucking initiative.}

As a singer, even with the supernatural aid of the Sound-Sound Fruit, a fundamental understanding of music theory and instruments was essential.

Otherwise… one would only invite trouble!

Inside the hotel room.

A rustling sound came from the bathroom.

Elizabeth walked out, dressed in a tight-fitting black outfit.

Her slender, fair legs were wrapped in black stockings, a small black bow tie adorned her neck, white cuffs decorated her wrists, and a headband with bunny ears perched on her head. Despite being indoors, she wore a pair of shiny silver high heels.

"Adrian~"

"Adrian—"

"You really came here to read books?!" {OoOoOoOoO}

...

In the afternoon.

Adrian tidied up the books in the hotel room and left.

As for Elizabeth, she had already left earlier to prepare.

Whether she left in a huff or in a damned huff, it depended on whether Adrian, engrossed in his books, had the sensitivity to notice.

In just half a day, with his impressive intelligence attribute of 2000 points and his expertise in 'Theoretical Research', Adrian not only finished reading the music theory and instrument practice books Elizabeth had left but also integrated and synthesized the knowledge in his mind. {Does 2000 points in intelligence really help with memory and all?????}

After leaving the hotel, Adrian checked the time and quickly headed to the nearby shopping center.

The performance Elizabeth mentioned was being held on the first floor of this newly opened shopping center.

As soon as he entered the shopping center, he was greeted by a bustling and lively atmosphere, much more vibrant than the surrounding areas.

A large crowd was queuing up around the central plaza on the first floor, waiting to enter.

In the center of the square, a stage had been set up, surrounded by numerous portraits of people, likely posters of performers.

Adrian walked closer and immediately noticed Elizabeth's portrait tucked away in an inconspicuous corner among the posters of other strangers.

"It seems Elizabeth isn't as famous…" Adrian thought as he quietly approached.

The passersby didn't recognize the notorious pirate, mistaking him for an ordinary man mingling with the crowd.

"With a Devil Fruit ability at her disposal, she's only achieved minor fame, her poster relegated to an obscure corner. It's quite a disgrace for someone with such a voice…" he mused.

Of course, it might also be due to the fact that they were in the kingdom of Reveland.

In this land where you could hit a dozen stars with a single brick, singers weren't as celebrated as one might expect.

After waiting in line and passing the ticket inspection, Adrian entered the main performance hall.

Inside, it was bustling with people.

Adrian looked at his ticket. Since it was a gift from Elizabeth, his seat was in the front row on the right side. Though not in the center, the view was still excellent.

{I am guessing he is extremely picky now! Since he couldn't be in his previous world!}

Before long, the hall quieted down as everyone awaited the performers.

From the side door, a man with gray hair, dressed in a black suit, walked in first, greeted by thunderous applause. Some audience members even stood up to show their respect.

Adrian didn't recognize the man, but from the audience's reaction, he gathered that the elderly musician was highly respected. He clapped along politely.

After a few words from the young host, the stage was handed over to the main performers.

Following the elderly musician, several other unfamiliar musicians performed before it was finally Elizabeth's turn.

Elizabeth's technique and vocal quality were flawless.

At least, based on the music theory books Adrian had read recently, he couldn't find any fault.

{You can do that!!!??}

To others, this beautiful, unfamiliar singer performed nearly perfectly.

Soon, Elizabeth's performance ended.

Her violin accompanist drew the final notes.

Elizabeth bowed gracefully to the audience.

Thunderous applause erupted once more, with many standing to clap enthusiastically.

Adrian joined in, clapping a bit harder to congratulate Elizabeth.

However, Elizabeth didn't leave the stage immediately. Instead, she looked down at Adrian and said, "Next, I would like to invite Mr. Adrian to perform one of his own pieces."

A stir ran through the audience.

Most of them were music aficionados, yet they had never heard of any musician named "Adrian" on the high seas.

Elizabeth continued, "Recently, I had the privilege of hearing Mr. Adrian perform his original piece for the first time, and it left a deep impression on me. He is an unknown musician whom I deeply admire, and I believe everyone here would love to hear Mr. Adrian perform, wouldn't you agree?"

{A set up!}

{Trapped!}

Seeing this outstanding singer speak so highly of the unknown "Mr. Adrian," the audience's curiosity was piqued.

Adrian, seated in the front row, smiled awkwardly.

Tonight you'll know what it means to be caught off guard!

Elizabeth wasn't satisfied with a verbal invitation. She descended from the stage and approached Adrian.

All eyes turned towards them.

"Elizabeth, tonight I'll show you the true power of a Great Pirate," Adrian whispered so only she could hear.

"I'm looking forward to it!" Elizabeth replied confidently.

That morning, after Adrian had ignored her, Elizabeth had been planning this ambush!

She even used her reputation to assure the organizers that "Adrian" was a musical genius!

{Won't you reputation go down the drain if doesn't sing well!?}

After much effort, she convinced them to agree to this impromptu plan!

At that moment, the host, who was in on the plan, announced loudly, "Let's give a warm round of applause to Mr. Adrian and Miss Elizabeth!"

The applause erupted with immense anticipation, even more fervently than when Elizabeth had just concluded her performance.

Adrian's stiff smile gradually faded as he stood up amidst the enthusiastic clapping.

Maintaining his composure, he nodded politely to the applauding audience behind him and then walked steadily onto the stage.

Elizabeth, on the other hand, leisurely took his former seat, ready to watch this clueless blockhead, who failed to appreciate her bunny girl allure, embarrass himself.

As Adrian ascended the stage step by step, his demeanor underwent a rapid transformation.

The previously casual and roguish aura vanished, replaced by a serene smile and an air of Archaeologistly elegance.

Academic prowess!

Adrian was, after all, a certified Archaeologist who had passed the Ohara professional examination!

At that moment, everyone watching Adrian saw not just a man but a master who had immersed himself in musical theory for years, making his grand entrance.

{Wow! Author, you really made this up too good!}

Elizabeth's eyes slowly filled with surprise; she couldn't fathom how Adrian's aura had changed so drastically in such a short time.

Suddenly, he seemed so distant…

To maintain his composure, Adrian deliberately exerted some spiritual pressure.

This pressure, gentle as a breeze, swept over the audience's hearts below.

In an instant, everyone below felt a strange sense of pressure, as if Adrian was an Archaeologist to be admired from afar but not approached closely!

Adrian walked steadily to a piano, the same one used by the previous performer. It now served as a convenient prop for his act.

He raised a finger and pressed a key on the piano.

Ding——

It squeaked.

Elizabeth's surprise instantly vanished. She knew this guy who had asked her about musical knowledge just this morning was nothing but a music illiterate!

{Auntie, that was just your thinking! Anyone who has lived in this world would know about music, and if you are an anime fan, you will know OST, and once or maybe twice, you will have the urge to try it. Even if you are shy of your voice, there are instruments there. Fufufufufufu.}

That previous aura must have been her imagination!

Miss Elizabeth was absolutely certain of this.

However.

The key Adrian had just accidentally pressed triggered a side quest notification on the panel.

[You have triggered the side quest [Musician] unlock mission!]

[Mission requirements: In this hall, use the piano to play a piece that makes at least 90% of the audience stand up and applaud]

[Mission reward: Secondary profession [Musician]!]

"It actually triggered a side quest?"

"But making 90% of the audience stand up and applaud… that seems like an extremely difficult task!"

"No worries! My nickname includes 'Earth's Little Jukebox!'"

{Chatterbox, Jukebox, what next?}

"What piano piece would be suitable for this occasion?"

Thoughts raced through Adrian's mind, but his fingers didn't stop moving, pressing the piano keys one after another.

Most of the audience noticed that the "Mr. Adrian" on stage wasn't just some amateur; he was constantly adjusting and getting accustomed to the piano keys… or so many believed

Elizabeth watched the stage leisurely, a mischievous gleam in her beautiful eyes.

"Adrian, let's see how long you can hold out!"

"If you can actually play a complete piece, not even a perfect one, just a complete piece, I'll..."

Her ears turned slightly red as she made a secret, blush-inducing promise to herself.

"I'll agree to any of your request…"

Unaware of Elizabeth's internal struggle, Adrian continued to adjust the piano keys.

Having triggered the quest, Adrian didn't want to leave a bad name in the history of this vast sea either.

Ding——

Adrian's finger finally pressed down on the last key, and his slightly furrowed brows relaxed.

Under the watchful eyes of the audience.

Ding ding ding…

Adrian's hands danced across the black and white keys like sprites, producing crystal-clear notes reminiscent of the lights, light up the houses in the nights. Watch from above as the village if filled with lights, people are busily working, greeting, laughing.

Just a few notes!

Many in the audience displayed expressions of shock and enjoyment.

A piece never heard before!

But, it was very pleasing!

Miss Elizabeth's face was full of shock, her hands clasped together unconsciously, her cheeks slightly flushed.

"This guy… although the technique still sounds raw, this piece... he must have been practicing it secretly for a long time!"

"Did he find out about my activities in the Reveland Kingdom and come here specifically for this?"

{Wow! Imagination!}

The songstress remained silent, her eyes fixated on Adrian, not daring to miss a single note of this raw yet nearly perfect musical piece.

A simple piece and structure, combined with gradually less raw playing skills.

Yet it clearly conveyed a rare emotional charm.

"Remember that first summer we met?

How could I forget?

Running on the grass barefoot, chasing fireflies, and the promise of forever hold hands.

And here we are, years later, our love, warm and steady.

Every single day, I look at you, you take me back to that summer.

The good things we shared, the bad things we shared. The ups and down of this life, with you, my love.

Our marriage, the one day I forever hold dear. In that beautiful dress, with that big smile on your face, you walked down the Aisle and up the steps.

You held my hands, and gave me those dreamy eyes and raidant smile.

If I could hold it, I would, my dear love.

You lips, I touched, I wanted to pull you in.

As I held you, I promised, our marriage, our love, I will forever hold till the end of my life and beyond.

My love, can we do it again?

Write this marrigae of love?"

Everyone present could discern the uniqueness of this music!

When Adrian finished playing, the hall remained silent for a full half minute!

Then.

The nearest host, driven by professional instinct, was the first to snap out of it, clapping excitedly.

Clap clap clap!

Immediately after, Miss Elizabeth also snapped out of her shock, jumping up from her seat and clapping vigorously, her eyes filled with surprise and satisfaction.

With this abrupt noise breaking the hall's silence.

Everyone else woke up, and most of them stood up from their seats, clapping madly.

The thunderous applause echoed through the hall, lasting several minutes.

Adrian, smiling, didn't stand up but turned slightly, nodding gently to the audience.

Then, his hands danced on the keys once more, and a clear, pleasant piano melody filled the hall again.

The applause stopped abruptly in a second.

Every audience member instantly ceased their actions, fearing they might miss a single note from this rising piano master.

Even more shockingly, no one, front or back, sat down at this moment.

"What is a body of water? Clear and at the same time not clear. Lily pads on the water, frog on the lily pads. Birds circling the pond, fishes swimming under the sea surface.

A women, dressed in white sundress, with a straw hat, standing on the river bank. As she leaned on the tree, her hat fell down, revealing her blond hair tied in a bun, her green eyes, sparkling like jewel, her plump lips, waiting to be kissed.

She looked at me, the ordinary me, the extraordinary me, hoping I would take that first step.

What if I did?

What if I took that step?

Will you accept me?

Even when you who I am?"

When the second piece ended, the applause roared like thunder once again.

Every audience member, including the songstress below, was deeply moved.

Could such a level of performance, such a piece, truly be heard here?

Clap clap clap——

Miss Elizabeth's hands felt numb, yet she continued to clap with all her strength.

Amidst the applause, Adrian stood up and bowed slightly to everyone.

"Mariage d'Amour." {aka Marriage of Love is a French solo piano music, composed by Paul de Senneville in 1978, and first performed by the pianist Richard Clayderman from his album Lettre À Ma Mère in 1979.}

"To Elizabeth."

"Thank you all."