He Opened A Matchmaking Agency In 18Th Century London [EN]: Chapter 157

157. Song Battle (1)

The next day found a flurry of activity at the residence of Marquis Arthur Perry.

As evening drew closer, an increasing number of carriages converged near Marquis Perry’s estate.

Though the birthday celebration wasn’t scheduled to commence until 7 p.m., anticipation was already high.

The buzz surrounding the impending showdown between seasoned veteran Johann Christian Bach and rising star Jake Martin had captured the imagination of many.

Teo alighted from his carriage and made his way into the expansive living room, the designated venue for the party.

Inside, long tables and chairs were meticulously arranged, laden with an array of luxurious refreshments and beverages.

‘Ah, there they are.’

Amidst the ladies seeking respite from the late July heat with their fans, Teo spotted Bach and Patrick Bogart.

Beside Bach stood his wife, Cecilia Bach.

Teo approached with a warm smile and offered his greetings.

“Master? The day of the decisive battle has finally arrived.”

“Ah! Lord Sanderson, you’ve arrived? Yes, the weather is rather warm, but it should be perfect for a performance once the sun sets, haha.”

In contrast to Master Bach, who exuded composure honed by countless performances, Patrick appeared visibly anxious.

After a brief exchange of greetings, he remained largely silent.

Mrs. Bach, sensing Patrick’s tension, stepped in to offer reassurance.

“Lord Patrick, take slow, deep breaths, and sip water gradually to keep your throat from becoming dry.”

“Yes, Madam.”

Mrs. Bach, originally a celebrated Italian opera singer, had come to London for a performance, where she met and fell in love with Bach. They married and she has resided in London for over a decade.

Despite Bach’s recent decline in popularity, which had led to financial strain, she remained a steadfast supporter, diligently encouraging him to focus on his creative endeavors without succumbing to discouragement.

“Lord Sanderson, I am truly grateful for introducing such a talented disciple to my husband.”

Mrs. Bach expressed her genuine delight in listening to Patrick’s compositions, noting that he had practically become a fixture at their home over the past month.

She had been deeply impressed by the newly composed opera music her husband had created after a long time, but she was as saddened as Bach by the fact that there was no singer capable of performing it.

Moreover, she was heartbroken that her husband’s declining reputation meant talented and popular singers were turning down his performance offers.

However, as someone who had been an opera singer and performed for a long time, she knew very well how difficult her husband’s newly composed opera was to sing.

But, since hearing Patrick’s singing in their home a month ago, she had regained great hope.

“It’s hard to believe he has only been learning for a month. What I could barely manage after years of learning and practice, Lord Patrick seems to accomplish in just a few days, hoho.”

Unlike Bach, who watched his wife’s praise with a pleased expression, Patrick looked very embarrassed.

“No, Madam. I am still far from good enough. I’m worried I might embarrass myself today….”

A person who has lived without confidence for a long time cannot change their personality in just one month.

However, if he could show even a part of his innate talent today and people responded positively, he would gain great confidence in his future life.

To calm Patrick’s nerves, Tae-oh decided to reassure him with some simple psychological counseling.

“Lord Patrick, the experts who have heard your singing are praising you, aren’t they? You have plenty of talent.

So, from now on, quickly discard the thought of performing really well and singing a song that Olivia or the Marquis will absolutely love.”

Patrick looked puzzled at Tae-oh’s words.

“Yes? Discard the thought of performing well? Shouldn’t I approach the performance with the determination to do my best?”

Tae-oh shook his head and replied.

“No. You shouldn’t think that way. A strong desire for success often masks anxiety and fear about what might happen if things don’t go well.

Of course, such determination can be a motivating thought, but it also carries negative feelings about failure, which can easily lead to collapse even with small mistakes.

Moreover, your voice will reflect your own anxiety, making the listeners also feel uneasy.”

“Then what should I do?”

“From now on, instead of thinking about doing well, imagine and feel the satisfying emotion of completing a wonderful performance that completely captivates everyone with your beautiful voice.

It is that feeling that needs to be naturally conveyed in your singing voice, allowing listeners to feel more comfortable and deeply moved.

“……”

It was his own voice that he had always been ashamed of.

To think that such a voice could stir people’s hearts and fill them with emotion… It was hard to imagine, but after listening to Tae-oh’s advice and calming his mind, a novel emotion slowly welled up from Patrick’s chest.

After composing himself for a moment, Patrick spoke with a noticeably brighter expression.

“Thank you, Sir Sanderson. I’m not sure exactly what it is, but thinking about it that way really seems to ease the tension a bit.

Yes, I won’t try so hard to sing well. I will try to fully embrace the overwhelming emotion of completing a wonderful performance and having everyone cheer with admiration.”

Patrick radiated a different aura than before. He was indeed a young man with a quick understanding.

Psychologically, it’s uncommon for someone to immediately grasp and apply methods of controlling tension simply through instruction.

However, Patrick seemed to possess a natural aptitude, quickly applying the techniques to manage his emotions.

From the side, Mr. Bach and Cecilia, who were observing this, seemed to notice Patrick’s changed demeanor as well.

“Haha—indeed, there is no one quite like Sir Sanderson when it comes to understanding and influencing people’s feelings. Just a few words of conversation can change a person’s entire countenance.”

“Oh my, that’s so true. Sir Patrick’s expression has become much more relaxed, hasn’t it?”

As they were conversing, Jake Martin, the composer, and Sir Arnold Smith came into Tae-oh’s view from a distance.

At aristocratic birthday parties during this era, the celebration typically commenced with a congratulatory song, but today, due to the unexpected performance competition between the renowned composers Jake Martin and Johann Christian Bach, the congratulatory song was moved to the very end to serve as the finale.

Perhaps because they had ample time, Jake Martin and Arnold Smith were lightly rehearsing their performance with a small orchestra.

‘I’m also subtly looking forward to this. I wonder how much Patrick has improved….’

* * *

“Oh, aren’t you Baron Sanderson?”

“Hello, Sir Theo Sanderson!”

As more and more guests entered the mansion, nobles who recognized Tae-oh approached from all directions and surrounded him.

Even people who didn’t know his face stopped and showed interest upon hearing the name ‘Theo Sanderson.’

While Tae-oh was busy exchanging greetings with the people around him, Olivia and Arnold Smith approached Patrick Bogart and exchanged pleasantries.

Arnold Smith praised Patrick lavishly, seemingly to elevate his standing.

“Patrick? I heard you’ve been receiving private lessons from the esteemed Mr. Bach for nearly a month. That’s impressive. He’s not the kind of person who just takes on anyone as a student.”

Olivia clapped her hands in response to Arnold’s words.

“Yes, I was surprised to hear that too. My father and I both respect Mr. Bach and have high expectations for your performance, Patrick.”

However, Patrick only offered a wry smile, remaining largely silent.

Olivia turned to Arnold and asked,

“Mr. Bach is one thing, but isn’t it incredibly difficult to secure lessons from Mr. Jake Martin, given his reputation?”

“Well, I barely managed to arrange it through connections. Because of my own limited skills, Mr. Martin must have suffered quite a bit, haha.”

“That’s not what I heard at all. When I was listening earlier, Mr. Martin seemed genuinely impressed by your abilities, Lord Arnold. He said you’ve far surpassed the level of an average performer.”

“Oh, that’s quite an exaggeration. Even if I am decent, Patrick, who’s performing after me, will undoubtedly do much better. The main attraction always appears last, haha.”

Olivia looked at Patrick with an expectant expression.

“Oh, really? I wasn’t aware you were such a talented singer, Lord Patrick… I didn’t know that at all.”

Patrick, looking uncomfortable, shook his head.

“No, no. Arnold is just teasing me. Everyone knows that Arnold is truly top-notch, right?”

“Yes, I’ve heard whispers of your skill, Lord Arnold, and I can only imagine how impressive you are, but experiencing an actual performance is something else entirely. Still, just from listening to this conversation, I’m honestly more curious about Lord Patrick’s singing. Mr. Bach wouldn’t teach just anyone, as Lord Arnold mentioned.”

“……”

At that moment, a maid approached and addressed Olivia.

“My lady, the Marquis has urgently requested your presence.”

Olivia gave a slight curtsy to the two men and said,

“Then, I’ll have to excuse myself. I’m truly looking forward to both of your performances today.”

As Olivia disappeared with the maid, the smile vanished from Arnold’s face, replaced by a more calculating expression.

Arnold glanced around to ensure they were alone and then approached Patrick, asking sarcastically,

“Patrick? Did you receive some… *good* guidance from Mr. Bach? But honestly, I don’t understand. I’ve heard his skills aren’t what they used to be, though he still trades on his reputation. Why would he take on someone like you?”

“What was that?”

“Practicing for a month won’t turn a mosquito’s buzz into a cannon’s roar. Oh, don’t misunderstand. I’m just saying this because I’m worried you’ll be ridiculed and hurt in front of everyone.

Anyway, you’re a grown man now, so don’t go shedding pathetic tears like you used to. Today is also my performance, so I hope you won’t ruin the mood by blubbering.”

“Well… I guess we’ll have to wait and see who’ll be shedding tears today, won’t we?”

Arnold’s face hardened. He seemed quite taken aback by Patrick’s unexpected retort.

But he quickly reverted to his original expression and sneered.

“I gave you a little boost in front of Olivia, and now you think you’ve gained some confidence? I was going to go easy on you since we’re friends, but I guess not. You better be prepared for today. Heh heh.”

“Arnold, I don’t know why you keep saying exactly what I want to say before I can say it.”

“What… what?”

Arnold, now angry, sputtered as if he was about to explode.

“I know exactly what you’re thinking, applying for this ridiculous competition.

Hmph! Do you really think you have a chance with Lady Olivia? I don’t know how you managed to cozy up to Sanderson and get connected to Mr. Bach, but your performance will be buried by mine. People won’t even remember you sang, just you wait and see!”

* * *

‘…….’

“Lord Sanderson, what are you staring at so intently?”

“Ah, it’s nothing.”

Tae-oh had been watching Patrick and Arnold’s conversation from a distance for some time.

He couldn’t hear their words, but he could roughly guess the content of their conversation from Arnold’s lip movements and expressions.

Arnold Smith was speaking and acting completely differently when Lady Olivia was around, and he didn’t hesitate to blatantly disregard Patrick.

Judging by how natural it seemed, it had probably been going on for a very long time.

‘Everything Lord Patrick said was true. Arnold is a typical two-faced person. Sigh—those kinds of people always exist, both in the future and now.’

Tae-oh also earnestly hoped that today would be the day Arnold Smith got his comeuppance.

The splendid party, which had begun around 7 p.m., proceeded merrily amidst various events, delicious food, and exciting music.

Especially with the opera performance set to be the grand finale, people’s anticipation grew as time passed.

‘Time seems to be dragging on today…’

A little past 11 p.m.

Finally, Marquis Perry himself announced the start of the opera.

“As many of you know, the esteemed Mr. Bach and Mr. Martin have prepared an opera performance to celebrate my birthday.

Let’s welcome them with a hearty round of applause!”

Wow- Clap clap

Clap clap clap-

Applause filled with anticipation erupted.

Soon, Jake Martin and Arnold Smith, who had been preparing, appeared before a small chamber orchestra.

Clap clap clap-

Wow-

The applause and cheers grew even louder as the two men appeared.

Composer Jake Martin was a given, and Arnold Smith was also famous for his singing since childhood, with many nobles recognizing his face.

After a brief preparation, the singer and composer exchanged glances.

Then, Jake Martin, standing at the orchestra’s podium, waved his baton, and Handel’s opera ‘Semele’ began with a cheerful and beautiful prelude.

「♬♬~ ♪~ ♫~」

This aria, expressing the heartfelt emotions towards a loved one, was often sung at funerals while bidding farewell to the departed, but it was also frequently sung to convey affection or respect for someone celebrating a birthday.

As the orchestra’s prelude flowed, Arnold Smith’s aria finally began.

“Where’er you walk ~♪”

His cheerful and clear voice echoed throughout every corner of the party venue.