The Princess Kidnapping System Made Me OP
Chapter 25: Daphne’s performance

Chapter 25: Daphne’s performance

After Esme’s amazing performance, Freya was called onto the stage and she captivated the crowd just as much as Esme had done.

Wise had expected her to sing but to his surprise, she requested that a harp be brought on stage.

Freya was a gifted player, her skill with the instrument was nothing short of captivating. The way her delicate fingers went over the strings was like a dream, beautiful and unreal.

On stage, Freya looked like a different person, it was as though an air of regal sagacity had descended upon her.

It was the first time Wise was listening to the harp and he immediately understood why nobles cherished it so much.

At the end of the performance, everyone applauded, some even rising to their feet to appreciate the art, one of them being Wise.

’Hehe, clap, clap! That is my princess!’

Freya climbed down the stage and rejoined their group. "How did I do?" She asked as she sat down.

Wise gave her a small applause. "You are a talent among talents."

Freya had a smug look on her face, her head swelling up from his compliment.

"Daphne, it’s your turn..." Esme said just before taking a sip of her drink and looking to the side.

Freya stared at her, her eyes pleading. "Come on, don’t be a spoilsport! Wise really wants to see you play."

"Yes, it’s true." Esme chipped in. "Are you really not going to perform?"

Wise cocked a brow. "I never said—" The two girls suddenly stared at him with scary smiles plastered on their faces.

’It looks like you guys want to see her far more than me!’

’Hmmm, but won’t be bad to watch her perform though...’

"Daph?" Wise poked her shoulders repeatedly.

Daphne sighed, rose to her feet and walked up to the stage while muttering something neither of them could hear

After getting on stage, Daphne stared at the small crowd in the tavern from her seated position.

She could see drunkards en masse, people who stunk of alcohol so much that she couldn’t bear sit next to them.

Daphne smiled sadly. ’Disgusting...’

It reminded her of a distant past, a time when she had been among people like this, sipping from a cup of fruit juice while they drank all the booze.

"I will give anything to see them one more time..." She whispered to herself.

Daphne gestured toward the tavern worker who swiftly walked over to her and leaned down to hear her request.

"Violin."

The woman nodded and walked to the back, coming a few seconds later with a violin in her hands.

Daphne took the instrument and examined its craftsmanship. It was not the best, but it was good.

The body of the violin was made of a dark oak wood that appeared almost black, the strings were taut but with enough flexibility to sound good and the instrument was sturdy.

She placed the bottom of the violin below her chin and stole a glance at Wise who seemed presently surprised, and then bow thrummed over the strings.

The sound was sublime, intoxicating even— Daphne found herself flowing deeper and deeper into the tune the more she played.

It was an old song, the first song she ever learned to play. Daphne had always been the type to take on a challenge head on and so she had selected the most difficult song she could at that time.

Winds of winter.

It was a song said to have been composed by a prince who had embraced madness at the end of a brutal war.

At that time, she had not cared about the morbid story behind the tune, it sounded good and that was all that mattered.

But now Daphne found herself relating to it far more than ever.

Each caress of the bow was done with a deeper understanding, a certain kinship she felt between herself and the prince.

The gentle tunes of the violinist soon encapsulated the room, creating a certain atmosphere far different from the lively one they had enjoyed thus far.

It was melodious, one capable of igniting a feeling of longing and love but at the same time, it was mad and cruel.

With one violent stroke, the tune of the music transformed into one that could only be described as chaotic.

The music notes collided against each other, tune clashing against tune as though competing for who would shine more.

It was a war.

Daphne found herself rising to her feet, her body moving to the music as though she were in an estranged serpentine dance.

Her fingers were aflame as she pushed the bow to move, creating friction against the strings.

Sweat dripped down her face, causing her skin to glisten in the dark, her pitch black hair was dancing with every motion, and her dark eyes nestled an unspoken emotion.

The audience remained silent, listening in awe as the music ministered to their spirits. It was as though the tunes spoke in more volumes than any speech could ever do.

Soon they found themselves rising to their feet, the performance too profound to be disrespected by their sitting.

Wise rose to his feet as well and watched her with a certain fondness in his eyes, he was probably one of the few people who knew what had motivated this song, this emotion...

When the last tune of the song was played, there was no applause for some time, just an uncomfortable silence.

And then Wise clapped, the sound resounding through the bar. Freya and Esme followed suit and soon the entire bar was filled with clapping and screams of admiration.

***

They had eaten, they had enjoyed live performances and even made a number of stops at different street vendors.

Yet, they are not done.

Wise wanted to enjoy the city to the fullest before the suffering he was bound to endure at the Skentic ruins.

"So where are we going next?" Esme asked while staring at the buildings they walked by.

Wise shrugged. "You’ll find out when we get there."

After walking for a few more minutes, they finally arrived at what would be their last stop for the night, and possibly the last establishment they would visit in this Teasei.

The entrance to the building was large, far bigger than all others around. There was a tall wooden sign in front of it with a depiction of flowing water with little dots above it.

In front of the building were a few steps that led up to the door.

"What is this supposed to be?" Daphne asked, unable to tell from the strange sign.

"What is the best way to relax after a tiresome day?" Wise asked as he took a step forward.

Daphne cocked her head slightly. "Sleep?"

"Of course not, it’s obviously food." Freya replied, hoping to correct Daphne.

Emse hurried up to join them as they began ascending the steps. "A good book for me."

Wise chuckled. "All wrong! The only correct answer is a bathhouse!"