Isaac and Nishikawa Yuuhaku walked onto the stage at the same time.
Facing the audience, they exchanged a glance, then nodded.
Then, the two of them took their seats in their respective positions.
In the quiet Golden Hall,
Nishikawa Yuuhaku struck the first key.
Their performance began.
A majestic swell of music surged forth from the strings beneath Isaac's fingertips like a sharp blade!
"Tokyo Rhapsody No. 6."
That was the title of the piece they were performing.
Obviously, its composer was Nishikawa Yuuhaku.
Almost the instant the music began, the atmosphere among the audience below was ignited. Everyone was quickly drawn in by its overwhelming momentum.
"(Oh! It's Mr. Nishikawa's specialty—rhapsodies!)"
"(It sounds so good! I'm getting goosebumps!)"
"(As expected of Mr. Nishikawa's work. It's truly wonderful.)"
At that moment,
in Group B's waiting room, the German cellist Conrad Ortiz, who had spoken earlier, closed his eyes and listened quietly, unable to stop himself from praising it.
"(What a fine piece.)"
But the friend standing beside him asked in confusion,
"(Sorry, am I the only one here who doesn't know Nishikawa Yuuhaku?)"
Seeing the heated atmosphere in the waiting room, the friend felt completely out of place, as though he were the only one who did not know Nishikawa Yuuhaku, and could not help asking.
"(You didn't do your homework, Mr. Perez.)" Conrad said with a smile.
"(Isn't it normal not to know a pianist from Japan?)" the musician named Perez retorted.
"(He is not only an outstanding pianist, but also an exceptional contemporary composer.)"
Conrad said,
"(Mr. Nishikawa Yuuhaku is particularly famous for his rhapsodies. The renowned 'Winter Rhapsody' was his work.)"
"('Winter' was his work?!)"
Perez said in surprise.
He might not have recognized the name, but once that rhapsody was mentioned, he understood.
As one of