Lord blessed by the elves

Chapter 133 Harpsichord
Kruse's eyes grew brighter the more he listened.

The attendant explained, "Because it has two rows of strings inside, when you play an octave of keys, it will trigger the strings of the other octave to sound together. So when playing in unison, because an octave is added, the loudness and thickness of the sound will be greater, and the effect will be more magnificent."

The attendant explained with great interest, while Kruse's eyes grew brighter and brighter as he listened!

harpsichord...plucked strings produce sound...two keyboards...

A series of keywords acted like a key, instantly unlocking his long-buried memories! He remembered!
On Earth, this thing is called a harpsichord! It's also known as a harpsichord or a clavichord!

Although the appearance of this instrument is different from the ornate harpsichords he had seen in museums in his memory, and it looks more antique, its core sound production principle—plucking the strings with a plectrum, and the design of the two keyboards being able to link octaves together—is exactly the same as that of the harpsichord!
Kruse's mind raced through the historical context of this instrument.

He remembered that in his previous life, this instrument, known as the harpsichord, had reached its peak in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Due to its unique sound-producing mechanism, which relies on plucking rather than striking the strings, the performer cannot directly and delicately control the volume and timbre changes through the force of the fingers touching the keys, as is the case with playing a modern piano.

This creates a somewhat "distancing" relationship between the performer and the instrument, making it impossible to fully and freely express the rich emotions deep within their heart.

For this reason, in the latter half of the 18th century, with the rise of the modern piano, which could respond more directly to the performer's emotional expression, the harpsichord gradually withdrew from the mainstream music stage.

In this world, this "harpsichord" seems to be at a similar stage of development.

Kruze looked at it, his gaze growing increasingly intense.

In his previous life, he only started playing the piano out of interest after he grew up. Although he tried hard, he could only barely reach the amateur level three, which was always a small regret in his heart.

In this life, with a younger body and more time, perhaps... he can rekindle this dream and truly master a musical instrument?
With a mix of nostalgia and eagerness, Kruse took a deep breath, walked to the harpsichord, and gently sat down.

He tentatively pressed a few keys. Although the timbre was slightly different, there was not much difference overall. He carefully distinguished them, trying to familiarize himself with the timbre and touch of this otherworldly harpsichord as soon as possible.

Seeing that Kruse's movements were gentle and not random, the attendant beside him did not immediately stop him, but kindly reminded him, "Sir, playing the harpsichord requires specialized skills and is very difficult. Without systematic training, it would be very difficult..."

Before he could finish speaking, Kruse's hands had already landed on the piano keys.

He first played a smooth D major scale as a warm-up. Although his finger movements were slightly awkward, the rhythm was steady, showing that he was not completely clueless.

Immediately afterwards, the music under his fingertips suddenly changed, and a beautiful, ethereal melody with a touch of sadness, like a clear stream, rippled from the strings.

It was the ending theme song of "Spirited Away," "With You," which he had practiced diligently for a long time in his previous life in order to show off in certain situations.

This melody from another world, with its completely different musical vocabulary and emotional color, instantly captured the ears of everyone in the lounge. Elena, who had been curiously looking around, suddenly stopped what she was doing. She blinked her big eyes, quietly walked to the piano, obediently rested her chin on the table next to her, and watched intently as her brother's fingers danced on the keys, immersed in the wonderful music.

Rezal, who had initially shown little interest in music and appeared somewhat indifferent, gradually quieted down. He leaned against the wall, the restlessness in his eyes fading as he was drawn to the soothing and affectionate melody.

The servant, who had initially intended to continue explaining how difficult the harpsichord was to learn, quickly changed his expression from surprise to disbelief and shock!
He opened his mouth, but no sound came out. He just stared blankly at Kruse's performance, which, while not exactly masterful, was exceptionally smooth and full of emotion.

This...how is this possible?

This young nobleman not only knows how to play, but he is also playing a piece of music that he has never heard before, yet it is so moving!
In the city of Campo, there are very few people who can play the harpsichord to such a high degree!

The melodious piano music drifted faintly through the crack in the lounge door, into the corridor outside, and even reached Viscount Martin's office not far away.

Reyes and Viscount Martin, who were talking, stopped at the same time and listened intently.

“This is… the sound of a harpsichord?” Viscount Martin asked in surprise. “Who is playing this? This piece is… so peculiar, I’ve never heard it before.”

Reyes was completely astonished. He listened intently for a moment, his expression slowly shifting from confusion to surprise and pride—he recognized the music; it seemed to be coming from the lounge next door! And at that moment, only his three children were in the lounge!

Could it be... Kruse?
How many surprises does this kid still have that he doesn't know about?

As Kruse's fingertips fell on the last note and the lingering sound slowly dissipated in the air, he suddenly realized that the doorway and windows of the lounge had been quietly surrounded by a crowd drawn by the music.

Among them were low-ranking officials from the city hall, passing clerks, and even some servants who were clearly from other noble families. They all watched the boy in front of the zither quietly, their eyes filled with amazement and admiration.

Elena was the first to clap her hands happily, the crisp applause breaking the silence.

As if awakened by this innocent applause, enthusiastic and sincere applause immediately erupted around us, surging in like a tide.

Kruse took a deep breath, suppressing the slight ripple in his heart caused by being watched. He calmly stood up from the piano bench and faced the crowd.

His posture was upright like a pine tree, yet not arrogant. He gracefully raised his right hand and gently placed it on his left chest. Then, using this as a center, he leaned his upper body forward at a perfect angle, and his head lowered accordingly, performing a standard and fluid aristocratic greeting.

His movements were natural and graceful, without the slightest deliberate effort or affectation, as if this elegant demeanor had long been ingrained in his very being.

When he raised his head again, his gaze swept gently over everyone present, a humble and proper smile playing on his lips, expressing his gratitude while maintaining the demeanor befitting a young nobleman.

(End of this chapter)