Chapter 4 – 0. The President’s Male Prostitute (4)
In the turbulent times under Bernhard and Beatrix, numerous secret societies sprang up and collapsed. From the oppression of the people in the smallest to the genocide against the minor races in the large. She is a leader who made Amman rich and powerful, but her ways were too cruel.
― This is the message left by the eagle owl. He told me to talk with the soloist in preparation for tomorrow’s gig.
– Soloist?
– It’s a codename. Like calling you a movement.
The secret society, the Black Orchestra, was a resistance organization founded by key figures in the Beatrix cabinet and the military. Composed of a small number of people with enormous power, they originated from a background called the Eagle Owls, which had a peculiar characteristic of calling the ranks of members like a real orchestra.
―Isn’t that a pretty high position if you’re a soloist?
– After the conductors.
― I didn’t know there was a soloist in our orchestra.
March 13, 1942 was the day I first joined the Black Orchestra. The eagle owl, who claimed to be anonymous at the time, contacted me to try to stop Beatrix from running amok. Around that time, I, tired of her atrocities, joined the organization with the determination to set the cause right.
―As a concert master, you are below the soloist.
As an aide and lover of the President, I have provided all sorts of secrets. My position is a movement master, aka concert master!
All concertmasters are at least the head of the orchestra. Even so, the conductors called the maestro hid the existence of the soloist from me until the day of the recital. The reason was that there was room for suspicion of my position, which was so unfortunate, and that our soloist was a big man who required top secrets.
“Field Marshal Eduard Schaus and his wife enter.”
The woman who was standing guarding the entrance corridor of the official residence raised her voice. Her well-groomed suit and height of over 2m were very imposing, and she was Elizabeth. She was a bodyguard in charge of security related to me.
“Ernst Heydrich, Chief of Police, enters.”
Originally, a gatekeeper who calls names like this is a job that only the lowest ranks do. However, Elisabeth, who was known for being talkative, took on the dirty work herself, whether it was because she considered the status of the luncheon or because she took the lead in doing things that others were reluctant to do.
“Brigadier General Egert Mannheim and his wife enter.”
Of course it was me. It was because the clear pronunciation, befitting one’s origin or position, helped the participants in the banquet to memorize it.
“Chief of the Extermination Bureau, Elfriede Eichmann, and Lieutenant Teresa Canaris of the SS are entering.”
Those who gathered today were mainly members of the military and SS. Excluding those who were present as couples or lovers, there were only really talented people.
The outstanding group stood upright, showing off their charisma. It was a moment when, unexpectedly, they felt a sense of wonder at Beatrix reigning over them.
“The Prince of the East.”
Someone found me standing on the stairs and spit it out. I, who had been looking for the right time, showed up as a signal.
Armed with her natural looks and the atmosphere created by her difficult life, she stepped into the banquet hall.
“Is the author Seo Jeong-woo?”
“They say it’s the First Lady’s internal affairs.”
“I see, His Excellency will favor you…….”
Not many people knew my face, which was covered by seclusion and confinement. At least a few people in power were familiar, but even that was a long time ago and only once or twice.
Maybe that’s why some of the people in the venue started whispering about me. They were mostly companions who accompanied their husbands or wives.
Their conversations, which were so explicit that everyone around them could hear them, were never pleasant, but at this moment, they gave me great strength.
In the special environment of the social world, it was because interest was soon replaced by power.
If I, the lover of the leader of this country, invite someone to dinner, I can say for sure that no one has the guts to refuse it in front of everyone. Even if it’s a single-minded general.
“You interrupted.”
I said as I crossed the crowd, buttoning up the sleeves of my tailcoat. It was a low voice, but it didn’t matter because the silence had already subsided the moment he opened his mouth.
“As the owner of the house, it was difficult not to show my face.”
The loyal and bloody Dooot frowned. It was because of my words and actions that I dared to claim to be the owner of the Führer’s official residence. Even if I am the prince of the East of Amman, or the first lady appointed internally, I am a barbarian without an official title.
But what about them?
“I’m fine, so please rest in peace.”
It is I who is favored.
“…… Hopefully.”
The tumult soon subsided. The eyebrows didn’t last much longer than that. The servants eagerly carried glasses with drinks on the tray, and those who attended the banquet formed pairs of twos and threes and sparked conversation. Even though it was so short, we exchanged friendships.
And she appeared
“Her Excellency Beatrix Adler enters.”
The queen, who revealed an overwhelming presence in the far hallway, approached. Her attire was a robe worn by military officers of the old kingdom in place of formal wear. In the so-called knight’s uniform, long gold strings glistened in the light, and the hard-to-digest shield fluttered with every step.
“Zeeg Heil!”
“Heil Adler!”
No matter who said it first, such shouts filled the banquet hall. All the servants of the official residence stopped what they were doing and lowered their heads, and everyone present without exception stood upright and stretched out his arms diagonally.
It was a truly disgusting ritual.
While watching the scene from the corner, I refused the salute until the end despite the glare pouring down my face. It wasn’t suitable for an action to be taken in an official setting, but that was it. Beatrix wasn’t a control freak who meddled with me in every detail.
“Let them rest in peace.”
The hardened ones were then released one by one. Even that was an order rather than a true peace of mind, so the impression was clear.
Scary woman.
Unlike me who used dramatic production on the stairs, I was in an ordinary position. Even so, the image that seized the crowd clearly proved the gap between us.
Naturally, I couldn’t help but tremble, so I let out a small moan. In the meantime, the queen, who had come over her, looked me up and down and spoke to me. Before I knew it, I was accompanied by a pair of men and women behind me.
“You dressed nicely for today.”
“Beatrix.”
“Like it.”
“That’s good.”
The tailcoat with navy blue velvet and black accents was indeed effective. Furthermore, the necktie Adele gave her seemed like a perfect fit for courtesy.
“Let me introduce you to the Moritz couple.”
Soon after, she showed her satisfaction and pointed at the two who had followed me. One was an orc with a formidable physique, and the other was a half-elf with horizontal ears.
“Nice to meet you. Lieutenant General Otto Moritz.”
“Thank you for introducing me. This is Lee’s wife, Frieda.”
Gray-skinned lieutenant general Otto was a tycoon. Nicknamed the Protector of the Eastern Front, he overflowed with dignity befitting Bernhard’s hero. His wife, Frida Moritz, also boasted the beauty of elven lineage, which symbolizes chastity.
“This is Seo Jeong-woo.”
Bernhard’s upper class did not consider a cumbersomely long name a virtue. In that context, the three letters of my first name, Seo Jeong-woo, are exotic, but not difficult to pronounce.
“Nice to meet you, Jungwoo.”
Even so, Otto left out my last name and called me by name.
Certainly, the title externally calls me is Jung Woo-gong. Because he could not give a higher or lower rank to the Führer’s fiancée, who had no official position.
“It is an honor to meet you.”
However, the place he was now stepping into was none other than the Führer’s residence, and it was customary for Bernhard to address visitors by name, including the surname of the landlord.
“I am also honored.”
In short, this grey-white orc looked down on me now. I said it was an honor to meet you, but I didn’t even shake hands, and I didn’t reap a high-handed attitude even though it was a space that was no different from my home.
“Then everyone will be hungry, so let’s stop by for a meal.”
Beatrix showed no reaction to Otto’s attitude. She said, but she protects me mainly when her life is threatened more than her dignity. Of course, if you ask me, I’ll pick off any number of heads from this cheeky orc, but that won’t do me any good.
I know why you do it, Otto.
You are a bone marrow soldier, as if you brought your prejudice against orcs intact. So, as the president’s lover, he would not be happy with me enjoying self-indulgence and pleasure.
“Beatrix, if it’s okay, may I invite you two to sit together?”
“It has already been done.”
In the luncheon hall of the official residence, well-arranged tables and cutlery greeted the guests. Beatrix took the upper seat with me and the Moritz couple, and the others each found a place with their name on it and sat down.
Somehow, the seats became the best crossover form for two pairs of lovers to dine.
“Please, I hope you like the meal.”
So Otto faced Frieda, and I faced Beatrix. Thanks to this, unlike other tables that were noisy, there was no conversation at our table until the moment the appetizer was served.
It was an uncomfortable time.
Even the war hero of Amman Bernhard would not dare to bring up the topic in front of the great Führer. Because this was the country with such a rigid public service society.
“Excuse me, Your Excellency.”
It wasn’t until a moment later that the awfully heavy silence was broken. It was when Helga, who brought food directly to the tray, appeared.
“This is a spicy goulash soup made with oshinchae.”
Needless to say, the freshly brewed soup was appetizing. The large cut meat and vegetables met with strong spices and stimulated the synesthetic appetite.
“Excellent.”
Helga smiled brightly. Judging by the gentle nod of his head, it seemed that his employer’s praise was very embarrassing.
“It’s okay if you don’t have to be formal, so let’s all do our best.”
“It is an honor, Your Excellency.”
Otto was silent, and Frieda replied as such. And as if Beatrix was about to put those words into practice, she roughly opened the bottle that had been carried along with the appetizer. Furthermore, he emptied the liquor, which was enough for 1L, at once.
Normally, no matter who they were eating with, all they would have been was silently bickering, but seeing that he was enjoying his drinking to such an extent that he was in a pretty good mood.
“Hello.”
“Yes, Your Excellency.”
“Bring me a few more bottles of the same.”
“I’ll take over right away.”
I don’t know if it was intentional, but thanks to that, the atmosphere at the banquet became even softer. It’s because the president of the great Bernhardt dares to put down the formality, and if there is someone who is the only one who firmly maintains his integrity, that would be out of sight.
“Honey, the soup is delicious.”
“Eat a lot.”
Otto was still cold and blunt. But it wasn’t Frieda. Unlike her slender body, she had a pretty good appetite. After emptying her bowl, she brought up her topic by drinking alcohol.
“Your Excellency, if it’s okay, may I ask you something?”
Beatrix nodded. She continued pouring her drink as if she had nothing to ask for permission.
“Thank you for your surname. How is Jungwoo?”
“As much as you like.”
That’s what I said, but somehow the appearance became strange. It was none other than Otto that I was trying to talk to through this place, but the person himself was silently eating soup and having a chat with the wife.
“Oh, be kind.”
How does this smell like shit?
“It’s not a big question. I know you have been confined to the official residence except for a few commemorative ceremonies, but I was wondering why you welcomed us this way today.”
I knew it.
The horse has thorns on it. They said that the couple looked alike, but Otto wasn’t the only one, and Frida also seemed to be looking at me undesirably.
Well, unlike my absolute support for the Führer, my fiancée’s reputation reached rock bottom even within Bernhard.
The fact that he doesn’t show his face well at official events.
The fact that the boastful title like the prince of the east is unlucky.
And it was because my evaluation was often undermined by the fact that I was far short of being the lover of the Fuehrer, whom everyone followed.
“Certainly, it is true that I have been lax in socializing.”
I had to choose the right answer. Not to impress the couple who disapproves of me, but to impress the quietly drinking queen. Depending on the answers that will come out from now on, my room for maneuver will be determined.
“As you know, I am from a country far from Bernhard. It’s natural, but I don’t have a hard-hearted or strong personality like my husband.”
You need a good reason.
“The reason I have been living in isolation all this time is because of nostalgia for my hometown. Maybe it was because I was born to eat like this, so it was difficult to shake off my weak heart.”
It’s about acting as a pillar clinging to a woman with ability.
“It’s embarrassing, but lately that’s why I’ve been confined to the official residence.”
Sometimes, let’s look like a man with a weak heart.
“Okay, that’s right.”
Frieda agreed. On the other hand, she was looking at me with eyes that couldn’t even abandon me.
“Then, how are you today?”
Okay. I’m used to seeing contemptuous eyes.
“Thanks to Your Excellency’s care, I’ve improved a lot.”
I happily responded with a smile. It was Beatrix who had to look good at this moment, not their couple.
“From now on, I plan to show my face little by little in places like this.”
“So, today will be a demonstration of that.”
“Yeah, even so, I really wanted to see my husband. If it was the major of a general in charge of the Eastern Front, I’d heard it well.”
“Oh my, no. Even though our boyfriend is brave, he is nothing without His Excellency’s protection. All of Yi Yi’s achievements are thanks to His Excellency Adler’s care.”
She trembled with the humility of not even being Frieda. Regardless, I looked at Beatrix first.
What kind of reaction will you have?
The reaction of the queen, who had already emptied three bottles in a few minutes of eating, was very important to me. Because in order to kill her, she must be able to shine her face in the same spot now without her burden.
“If humility is too much, it is called rudeness. I’ve heard a lot about the performance of my husband. It is rumored that the reason why the Eastern Front was able to make such rapid progress was thanks to the general’s majesty.”
At this point, I need to bite something.
Beatrix was busy emptying the bottle, while Otto was still making soup.
It shouldn’t be like this. I decided to catch both rabbits in this spot today. One side was guaranteed freedom of movement, and the other side intended to be promised a close conversation.
“Your Excellency, please drink later and say something to the general congratulating him on his hard work.”
Since this happened, it was a judge’s decision. I said to Beatrix with a smile on my face.
“That is not the answer.”
That’s right, that heavy mouth finally opens.
“Why don’t you just call me bitch as usual.”
“Yes?”
Suddenly the atmosphere rapidly froze. The crowd became quiet as if some kind of cold water had been poured on them.
“…… Haha, what do you mean by that?”
“That is what I mean. It’s annoying to the point of pretending not to be in front of other people.”
I glared at her with her resentful eyes. Fortunately, only a few people close to us managed to overhear our conversation.
Thanks to that, my evaluation in the world will hit the bottom even more.
“You two, the two of you must have a very good relationship! It’s so heartwarming to see how you’re doing it casually!”
At the moment when she was suffocating, Frieda tried to open her mouth and wrapped it. It’s good because the power is like this. There is no need to make excuses for every phrase, and the people around me wrap things up first.
“Oh, thank you for looking at me like that.”
There was a moment of awkward, formal laughter. And the stillness came again. But this time, unlike before, it could be said to be a good thing.
“This, it seems I unintentionally ruined the atmosphere.”
I was so lucky that I got up from my seat. There was still some time left before the main dish was served, so there was plenty of time to show off the magic.
“If you don’t mind, can I play a song as an apology?”
The luncheon room in the official residence is essentially a multi-purpose reception room. Naturally, there was a piano in the corner that was used at every grand banquet.
I was thinking of breaking the awkward atmosphere like now with that.
“Oh my gosh, of course!”
Frieda clapped her hands and helped. All that was left was Beatrix.
“Dismissal?”
“Do what you want.”
I must have lost my ashes, so I sat down in front of the piano without delay.
Despite this, he was a promising pianist on Earth. To the point that even that picky Beatrix liked my playing.
“This is a song by a great composer from my hometown.”
An immortal masterpiece composed by German Baroque composer Johann Pachelbel.
“The name of the song…….”
Taking off the cover of the piano, I tapped the keys with graceful hand movements.
“…… Canon.”
Starting with pianissimo, crescendo, and even rinforchando that gets wilder as it gets closer to the highlight!
My hands flowed along the waves of the keyboard. The body swayed along the melodic tidal wave.
Beatrix, who had been waiting for food while blowing a bottle, stopped drinking. Frieda, who had listened calmly, was stunned. Otto, munching on the remaining soup, opened his eyes wide. The faces of those who were so casual and indifferent were surprised.
The performance of classical music, which is vague and heartbreaking, but also cheerful and sad, captivated the audience at once.
“It’s beautiful whenever you hear it.”
Beatrix monologued.
That’s not natural I am a body that once even won a prize at the Chopin International Piano Competition. Although he may not be the best at Bernhardt, he has enough skills to be proud of being first-class.
“Beautiful…….”
“Surely, it is magnificent.”
Everyone was amazed. In the meantime, the climax was gradually approaching.
Before long, I, who had violently stirred the keyboard, finished the song with a decrescendo.
It was exactly 4 minutes and 33 seconds after they started playing.
“…… That is all.”
The audience was speechless like honeydew mutes. It wasn’t because he looked down on me like before or because he was focused on other things. It was because, literally, I was mesmerized by my performance.
“Bravo.”
A short, clear exclamation burst out.
“Do you like it, Beatrix?”
“Now you’re throwing off that pretense.”
Beatrix flicked her long snake-like tongue. She usually said that the only thing she would do was when her needs were satisfied or when she was satisfied with something.
Probably both now.
“Everyone is satisfied. How were you two?”
Did he want to compensate for the humiliation he suffered knowingly or unknowingly in serving customers?
She asked Otto, who had been thinking about something for a moment, and Frieda, who opened her mouth blankly.
“It was a great performance. I think I know why His Excellency loves the ball.”
“Me too. It was an amazing performance. It’s embarrassing to just listen.”
It was a generous response from those who ignored me, but that was all. Waiting for a more specific signal, I pursed my lips nervously.
“…… Jungwoo Ball.”
It was in the meantime. Otto, who had been watching quietly, suddenly spoke up.
“If you have the sheet music for the song you just played, could you get some?”
It was a news that opened my eyes in the middle of the day. Sheet music was such an outrageous topic during a luncheon like this.
“Because it’s a very moving song.”
“Looks like you liked it.”
“Yes, if you don’t mind, I’d like to ask her wife to play as well.”
Of course, it is forbidden to act recklessly. Because it’s not just me and the Moritz couple at this table.
Please add more prudence to prudence.
The most feared queen under the sky is watching.
“Sorry. There is no sheet music.”
“I’m very sorry about that.”
I heard that Otto’s hobby is ball games, not music. But what does it mean for him to ask for the score after hearing my performance?
At least not as it is.
“I really wanted to hear it again because it’s a song that evokes mood even for such a fool.”
“I’m embarrassed. It’s not like anyone else, even though the general says that, so it’s like coldly rejecting it.”
“It sounds like there is another way.”
“Yes, it may be a bit cumbersome, but wouldn’t there be a way for me to write it down here?”
“That’s a graveyard.”
Yeah, it’s definitely a trick. Our conversation was as natural as if it had been concocted in advance.
“It’s not something to talk about during meals, but I’d like to ask you right away if it’s not going to take a long time.”
“There is nothing wrong with it. Then it would be better for you to go up to my room together.”
“Thank you for the favor. But the order is wrong. First, with His Excellency’s permission.”
What he said was absolutely right. I asked permission from Beatrix, who watched us with her chin on her chin.
“Are you okay?”
“Do whatever you feel like.”
After all, a woman who won’t refuse my request.
One of the goals was thus achieved.
“Honey…….”
“I’ll be right back, ma’am.”
Frieda turned her worried eyes. Otto read with a voice that was different from what he had seen so far.
“In the meantime, please take good care of His Excellency so that he is not bored.”
“…… Yes, don’t worry.”
Slowly, the chair dragged to the floor. Otto stood up and asked for guidance. I went over and kissed the back of Beatrix’s hand, so as not to offend Beatrix.
“Her.”
“I’ll come and see you.”
“Is the hospitality excessive today?”
“Please look at me cutely.”
“Okay, I’ll tell you why later.”
I’m willing to do that if you want. That’s right at the moment you die.
“Then excuse me.”
I left the seat with a smile on my face.
The awkward atmosphere was evoked with short conversations between climbing the stairs and walking in the hallway.
“Like my wife said. It seems that His Excellency and Geumseul are very good.”
“I am ashamed.”
No wonder, the feeling we could call affection between us disappeared after a certain incident. What they saw today was just my efforts for the revolution.
Yeah, it’s not that easy to play affection, but she was once the woman I loved.
“There are quite a few rooms.”
“Since it’s not just the name of the official residence.”
“This way?”
“No, this way. I am sensitive to noise, so I have a room at the end of the hallway.”
Otto nodded.
“Indeed.”
It’s no wonder that musicians are sensitive to noise. Ever since I broke up with Beatrix, my room had always been set at the end of the second floor of the official residence. It was because he wanted to take a break from the threat of eavesdropping and surveillance.
“Come in.”
Finally we got to the room. I took a step forward and opened the door, and Otto cautiously crossed the threshold.
“If you don’t mind, let’s hear it played on other instruments.”
“I’m afraid the noise outside will leak in.”
“As long as you close the door, it will be fine. I sometimes play at dawn.”
“It seems there was no need to decline.”
Having said that, he immediately closed the door. I didn’t forget to fasten all the double and triple locks.
“Is this enough?”
“Perfect.”
It was a short but long time. Finally, the closed room of perfect sound was completed. And only then did I have time for the two of us, and I looked up at the grey-white orc and started talking.
“Did you listen to the performance?”
“I was impressed.”
Even the first words were boring conversations.
“I heard you’re not good at music.”
I stopped pretending and treated him badly.
“However, I managed to pick it up well.”
“Because it’s a life-and-death matter.”
The black orchestra, a secret society subversive force of Republic Bernhardt, has a code that can be exchanged using musical instruments, befitting its name.
“He sent me an interesting password.”
The code I sent while playing Pachelbel’s canon is just one sentence.
“Nice to meet you, soloist.”
“From now on, you will have to choose your words carefully. Depending on your answer, you could die.”
“Wow, how scary is that? Beatrix is down there with her eyes wide open and she’s going to kill me.”
“Sometimes there are things more precious than life.”
“Does that mean you want your wife Frieda dead?”
“Don’t touch my wife!”
Suddenly, Otto suddenly grabbed my neck. Before he had time to say anything, he pushed him against the wall in an instant and lifted him up.
“What do you want, what are you?”
“Kuh…… !”
It was a colossal force. However, perhaps because of the intense excitement, gaps were being exposed here and there.
“Tell me! How do you know our password!”
I pushed the wall with my broken foot. With the momentum created by the recoil, it went down. Naturally, the hand that tried to grab the collar chased after it, but as if it had waited, it pierced and reversed the situation.
Thud!
The giant, floating in the sky for a moment, landed on the marble floor. If it was a normal person, he would have lost his senses, but he got up again soon because he had no one to follow him with his dragon power. He instinctively sensed a crisis and made every effort.
“If it’s not leaked, it’s probably because they’re comrades, you idiot.”
“A comrade?”
Otto was not easily trusted. Certainly in our organization, which ranks like an orchestra, there are few higher-ranking and more important men than he, the soloist.
“Don’t be ridiculous, you, the Führer’s male prostitute, have a higher rank than me!”
“Then?”
“Bullshit, I know every conductor’s face!”
“Of course you would.”
I shrugged and added.
“But you don’t know what’s above.”
“Nonsense.”
At the same time, Otto’s body stiffened.
― This is the message left by the eagle owl. He told me to talk with the soloist in preparation for tomorrow’s gig.
A concert master, a person higher than a soloist.
The focal point that made up today’s orchestra and gathered forces to resist that wicked queen.
“Then you can’t!”
A conductor, the founder of an organization higher than the Maestro.
“Okay.”
Also known as birds of prey, eagle owls!
“I am the Great Horned Owl.”
Of course, I am not an eagle owl.
