The opera was filled with crowds that were gathering near the newly built opera in the city of Newford; people were gathering to meet the new soloist of the Symphony of Solaris, the orchestra which was formed by the mastermind of music in the continent of Hermes.
The beautiful chambers of the opera house, which was not bigger, as the age of the city of Newford was only about three and a half decades.
The skyline didn't extend to two or three storeys, and the sky still displayed those bright white stars that filled the whole canvas of the dark sky.
The opulent chambers were filled with beautiful melodies of strings, percussion, wind and brass. The crowd was dazzled by the musicianship of the new soloist that has come from the civilised world.
Merlin Hecate.
Movement after movement, he gave respect to all notes and techniques that were written by the composer, as he blended his own interpretation in them without harming the original context and message of the piece.
His long blonde hair that reached till his shoulders was swishing as his head moved, and as he played the violin, his dazzling pristine blue eyes were focused on the violin only as he began his chords.
People were amazed, and then the final note; then, after a small silence, the conductor acknowledges the crowd and then the orchestra.
After all the processes were done and everyone began to leave, Merlin Hecate also stepped out and walked towards the backstage.
Edward Collins, who was the conductor, met Merlin backstage and shook his head. "Your performance was really nice, Merlin. I am amazed."
Merlin nodded and shook his hand in return. "It would not have been possible without you, sir.
Edward smiled. "You're flattering me; it's my passion."
Merlin smiled back, "Indeed, sir."
Edward nodded and asked, "So, are you planning to perform other concertos with our symphony?"
Merlin hesitated; it was true that he had been a prodigy in music since his childhood, but he became bored of it quickly after all the fame and popularity of the civilised world. He had finally come to the new world to spend all his money and build himself a home and plan for early retirement.
The Civilised World was the name of the continent Hermes created by their "god", Hermes, the creator of earth. For thousands of years the people of the civilised world also knew the continent of Hermes was stuck in their land, as the sea was referred to as the "Wild Sea" because of its huge mountain-sized waves that met daring sailors at its epicentre. No one knew how, but the governments of the Hermes Continent said that it was due to its shallow seabed and other reasons.
But some sailors that were sponsored by the Monarchy of Solaris were able to find a route that didn't have as big waves as the Wild Seas; hence, the new route was termed Hanker's Route.
Robert replied, "I will think about it."
Edward nodded. "Have a nice day then, gentlemen."
Robert nodded and then came out of the opera from the back door, as he was not in the mood for engaging with the crowd.
As he was walking the wide roads of the newly planned city that was grid-like and smartly planned because of its significance and connection of the New World to Solaris, it was planned by the greatest city planner and architect in the kingdom, Gehrman Magnus.
He yawned and looked at the night sky; the dark sky here was still preserved, as he saw many stars that he was unable to observe when he was living in the city of Cosford, which was the city under the third division of the kingdom and ruled by the aristocratic Tan family.
The city was now beginning to see a lot of attraction from foreign tycoons and business families like the Topez and Cecils, as well as its rapidly rising pull factor that attracted peasants from nearby villages and people who were displaced due to the expansion in infrastructure from the monarchy.
As soon as Merlin reached his house, a modest two-storey house with a decent backyard, which he was able to afford because of the cheap property prices and affluent wealth of Merlin due to his successful career as a soloist.
Merlin looked at the man whom he hired as a housekeeper during the voyage in Haker's route. The man was short-heightened and had a gruff tone, but he was a good cook and did the work.
James Kenway.
"Returned?" he said without looking at Merlin.
Merlin smiled smugly and said, "Yes, yes, I am here, old man…"
James chuckles, "I am almost surprised that you didn't get squashed by the crowd of those young girls."
Merlin looked at him. "I am not even that famous…"
James turned to look at him. "Don't pretend. I'm not judging, you know."
"I know…"
Merlin walked into his room and took out a parchment and quill; he dipped his quill in the ink and began writing.
"19th street, Newford
First colony, Kingdom of Solaris.
23/04/1200
Dear Mother, I am doing well here. I hope it's the same in there too. I've heard in the newspapers that they have found a new energy source, something called… 'steam'? Other than that, I have no interest in music now. Before, it was the fire that I used when I wanted to represent my soul, my words, but now…it's just a game of perfection and hitting notes correctly; it doesn't amaze me much. I deeply admire the attempts of our Great Solaris Monarchy to expand in the new world. From what I have heard, the natives of these lands live deep in the forest and don't have the tendency to grow like us, and they love nature with their whole hearts…unlike us. I will keep you updated about my current situation.
Your son,
Merlin Hecate."
After writing the letter, he put the letter inside the envelope and sealed it with wax. After this he looked out the window and saw the moon, big, beautiful and crescent. It was because his desk was directly attached to the wall in which the window was built, so someone who was seated on the chair and doing his work was directly able to see outside.
He walked downstairs in his casual clothes and handed James the letter. "Go and submit this to the newly opened post office tomorrow, uncle."
James looked at him and took the letter and placed it in his coat pocket and looked at Merlin. "Youngsters these days…so lazy."
Merlin didn't pay much attention. "What can I say? They're very lazy."
After eating the dinner, Merlin went and lay on his soft bed. As he looked up at the ceiling, it was white and decorated with intricate designs on its edges. He yawned and closed his eyes and slept.