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nWhen Leonard arrived, the class was about to start. He first greeted his sister then moved to sit at the front to where Charlton, Kylo and Geoffrey were.

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"Good afternoon everyone. I hope all of you are prepared for our 1st activity for the year. Before we begin, I wish to inform you that starting next week, our class will be set in a way where half of it will be dedicated to our lectures, and the other half to practical activities where students will be given the opportunity to test and apply their understanding of the concepts and ideas introduced in the lectures.

" Felix announced and paused to gauge the reaction of the students. Seeing that no one had any opinion, he continued

"Alright, so without further ado, let me randomly call on a student to go first.

"

nTrue to Charlton's words, Felix never said anything negative to any of the student. Even when some of them made a mistake, he just silently listened, nodded, and smiled. Although it was comforting that way, the students couldn't help but wonder what's running on his mind.

nSerena, out of their group of friends was the first to be called. She was wracking her head on selecting which song to play. The only classical songs she knew by heart were, Pachelbel's Canon D, Beethoven's Ode to Joy, and lastly, Tchaikovsky's Swan lake. All three were the most basic. Even the girl who played before her was able to perform Debussy's Clair de Lune

nTaking a deep breath, Serena just decided to trust Charlton's advice of playing from the heart. So, Serena sat in front of the piano and played Ode to Joy, recalling the time when she and Charlton first made love. She was so into it that she couldn't stop closing her eyes and smile while reminiscing the feeling she felt that time, an ode to joy indeed!

nAfter, Felix couldn't stop himself from standing and clapping his hands while saying

"That! That is what I'm looking for! Remember my dear students, it is not only the mastery we're trying to achieve, for anyone can simply memorize a song, but not everyone can convey feelings which can touch the heart! The feelings music arouses from us when we listen to it. Very good Ms. Serena, perfect! Please be seated.

"

nSerena couldn't stop the mirth in her eyes from showing. She may be decades old, but she still has a young maiden's heart. Her eyes dared to venture at Charlton's direction, and she was not disappointed. He too was smiling, and when their eyes met, she immediately understood that they were of the same mind.

nThe assessment of students resumed. Serena discovered that all girls played the piano. Must be because, at some point in history, including the Victorian era, the piano was a popular leisure activity that stood as symbol of social status and the ability to play it stood as a testament to a woman's marriageability. Her girlfriends were all called one by one, and except for Via who was a little stiff, they all did well.

nShe also found out that Leonard was not bad himself in playing the violin.

nWhen it was Charlton's turn, he played Vivaldi's Spring on his cello, which she believes, was in response to her ode to Joy. Felix kept on nodding his head, as if saying, as expected of my protégé.

nOnce all the students were done performing, Felix gave a general review while giving out pointers and comments at the same time. Subsequently, he assigned a homework and finally dismissed the class.

nThe students all left except for Serena, Charlton, their friends, and Emily. Felix called the two pairs and asked them regarding their progress.

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"We are doing fine, Sir. However, Ms. Serena and I have a suggestion regarding our performance.

" Charlton began.

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"Oh, what is it?

" Felix asked curious.

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"Well, while practicing, we discovered that the sound of the Cello will cause friction to the lyrics of the song. And...

" Charlton explained but paused, feeling shy to say that he will also be singing.

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"I also thought about that. I was just thinking of a solution for it but let me hear your suggestion first. Ms. Serena?

" Felix directed at Serena.

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"If your niece doesn't mind, we can play the song twice. I was thinking of playing the song in the church with the Cello as the bride march down the aisle. Then, we can play it, without the cello but with the lyrics, the second time during the reception.

"

nFelix's eyes couldn't help but shine. It will be an honor to have the daughter of a duke and the son of the grand duke attend the reception of his niece's wedding. He can already think of his niece being the talk of the town. Surely, a lot of people will be vying just to get an invite.

nWhen he asked them to play, it was just at the church. Although it shows favor, other people would not be able to interact with them. But for them to attend his niece reception and even sing a song at that, one can only interpret it as not just showing some favor, but a certain intimate connection between their families. His niece will be overjoyed. Aside from that, he knows that the music itself will be a sensation.

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"It will be her honor to have the two of you at her reception. If I were to tell her that now, she might even faint out of pure delight. I thank you both in advance. Aside from that, I know that the song will be a sensation.

" Felix said as he laughed.

nCharlton and Serena smiled at each other.

nGeoffrey can only look at his fiancée with disdain. Was she so much in need of recognition that she even deigned it worthy to sing at such an event? She was even able to convince his cousin to do as much.

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"How about you Geoffrey, would you also care to attend the reception?

" Felix asked, testing his luck.

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"Apologies. As much as I would want to, I am otherwise occupied at that time.

" Geoffrey refused politely. As a crown prince, he can not just simply show his face at someone's event. The fact that he accepted playing at the church was already a huge favor.

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"Hehe... alright.

" Felix awkwardly chuckled because of the outright rejection.

"anyway, let me listen to you four so that I can gage your progress and see which areas need more improvement.

"

nThe four agreed.

nGeoffrey and Emily went first. However, because of their conflicting feelings and lack of communication that week, the music, although played very precisely, sounded just like that. Perfectly measured but lacking in emotions. Something disappointing considering that they will be playing it during a wedding.

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"Okay...

" Felix started, finding it difficult to find the words to continue, as he didn't want to offend.

nGeoffrey knew what was running in their teacher's head. Not wanting to hear about the disappointment their performance was, he was the first to critique himself.

"Sorry, I was very busy this week. We will strive to do better.

"

nIn truth, he was looking forward to work with Emily. However, she was still dissatisfied with him and refused to meet him privately. Hopefully, with this, things will turn for the better these coming days.

nIn contrast to their performance, Charlton and Serena's were beyond expectations. They were perfectly in tune with one another, creating a harmonious melody which caused goosebumps to the listeners. Not only that, one can notice that even the song itself has been improved.

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"I did think of some improvements being added to the song earlier, but that, just blew me away. I expected nothing less. Though I must say that, that, was still beyond any of my expectations.

" Felix ardently praised.

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"Actually Sir, credit must be largely given to Mr. Charlton here, also to my brother and Mr. Kylo over there. They were the ones who largely contributed to the improvement of the song.

" Serena said honestly.

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"No Ms. Serena, you should not derogate yourself. This song would not even exist without you. We just tried to polish what was otherwise a diamond in the rough.

" Charlton responded automatically.

nKylo, Milly, Gizel and Via can only throw in knowing looks while Serena smiled at him gratefully.

nGeoffrey had to give it to Serena. It seems like she was well liked by his very own friends despite her, well, deficiency. Perhaps she was trying to get his attention by dressing the way she does and getting to him through his friends? He must admit that was flattered. However, it doesn't change the fact that she was the symbol of his father's endless need to control his life and that, he already has his heart invested on someone else.

nWhat can one say? He was the crown prince. He's bound to have some narcissistic, self-entitled, and arrogant tendencies.

nIf Serena could read his mind, she would only tell him that he was being delusional.

n--

nTBC

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