Montediore's Legacy: The Forgotten Son's Return

Chapter 4: The Family of Montediore II

“Violin? Sure then”

‘Clark, remember… not all people hopes for your success. It is up to you if you would grant their wish to see you become a failure’

‘But grandpa… what should I do then?’

‘You are a wonderful kid, Clark. If it is you… you just have to give them what you’ve got. Right?’

‘That’s all?’

‘Yes, that is all it takes. Don’t belittle this old man who teaches you things. And most of all… do not belittles yourself’

‘Yes! Grandpa is the best!’

A small smile hides in the corner of Clark’s lips.

Seeing how confident Clark was, Miguel can’t help but be worried about the fact that Clark might really know how to play one.

“On the other hand, Violin is a bit complicated for some. Only the gifted will be able to play such a thing. I think the piano would be fine too. Look, there is a piano sitting right on the corner. It is such a waste to not get that piano to be of use”

‘He quickly changes his thoughts. But is that a problem? Even if I lost my system, playing those is not a big deal at all’

 

Laughing as he tried to hide his plan, Ashton who was sitting beside him just let out a small sigh. He knew too well what his brother was planning. He wants to humiliate Clark. And by saying such words, he sounds as if he was mocking how Clark is no genius to be able to play the violin.

And more than that, there is one more thing. After all, no matter how great you are at learning the keys, if you have a negative affinity for music or the said instrument, you will always fail no matter what.

“All right then, is there any music you particularly want?”

To think that he would act that way, Henry and Claret were confused. Even though he is their son, there is no way they can tell what his capabilities are. But judging by the way he acts, the two can’t help but wonder if it is arrogance or confidence.

Their mother, Marijhane, Ofiello’s wife, she has a good affinity with music. Thus, making her descendants be quite good in instruments and songs. None of them have a negative affinity with music or sort. But that doesn’t mean that it works for all of them, after all, affinities are but a special ability to excel in a certain field than normal people. 

‘I just hope he can play even a small piece…’

Claret hoped as one of the things she hated the most is embarrassment. 

“There is nothing I wish so far, just play what you want to play” Lisa mumbled as she keep that gentle smile on her face. Sitting beside her is Julius. Clark can see the unbothered face of his uncle.

‘Then what should I choose…’

Thinking of what piece might be the best to play, he can’t help but turn his gaze on Lea soon as she stated the name of a song that was known.

“Dancing in the moonlight of Flora” a small smile can be seen forming on her lips. “Do you perhaps know how to play that piece?”

‘Dancing in the moonlight of Flora? Isn’t that Flormaya’s song? But… didn’t she know how hard it was to play the intro of that song?’

Confused about why Lea is acting that way, Clark was aware that Lea is also trying to test him. But for what reason? To test his ability in playing piano? Or to perhaps… embarrassed him in a lesser way since that said song is complicated in the first place?

"I played that long time ago... but I would be glad if you would allow me to play it in the part that I knew well. I am afraid I can’t finish the whole song”

“Of course, do as you please then”

Everyone was silent. None of them dare say anything as all eyes are looking at what Clark would do. 

“Dancing in the moonlight of Flora” he started as he sat in front of the piano keys.

‘Then I’m gonna give you what I’ve got’

“Written by Flormaya, please enjoy this humble music piece I will present”

Chest pounding so loud, Clark is now playing the slow intro of the song. Their eyes are locked on his hands as they all watch how he hit each key with such grace. Even Julius can’t help but ask himself where did this man learn such an elegant way of playing piano.

‘Clark, just who exactly are you?’

“A love for what?”

He started to blur out the same words that Flormaya mumbled as she play that music in her original recording

“A love for someone? A love for something?”

And now that the beat started to turn fast as each key that he hit with both of his hands started to increase one by one.

‘How did he….’

“Love is a wonderful thing in this world… but not all wonderful things will remain worthy of that name”

Again, the tone slows down. It marks saying that in a moment, the tune will once again triple its pace.

“Remarkable…” Lisa can’t help but be in awe. 

‘Wonderful… this is… the feeling I had the first time I heard that song!’

“How can he…” Miguel mumbled. He was left speechless. Even his hard work in playing for years isn’t something he can compare to that guy. It was the first time he ever admit his defeat. For if it was him on that stage, he doubt if he can do anything to avoid embarrassment. 

 

All they can ever see was how an image of a night sky appears right in front of them. Join with the breeze produced by such a melody, they can’t help but admit that he did a good performance. No, good isn’t enough to explain it. It was far more than what they expected. 

And as he hit the last key to end the chorus, the applause started to fill the room. Even Lea clapped her hands in awe. A small smile can be seen forming as her lips curve. 

‘Better than I expected… Not bad, not bad’

She mumbled in contentment. 

But if some had a thorn out of their throat- naming Henry and Claret- one can see how Margarett’s face seems to hate what happened. 

‘Another hindrance in my plan…’ she can’t help but mumble to herself. But just like how great she is at hiding her emotions, a fake smile and claps came from her. Although the people that knew her too well can say that it is but a fake image she is trying to build. 

After all, that is what she is ever since they were little. 

‘Fist that bastard Leo, and now this… fucking shitty son of that damn Claret and Henry!’

Soon as she feels how her phone vibrates, she simply took a glance at it. 

[Dr. Cheznater]

‘It seems like the result finally arrived’

The dinner ended in favor of Henry and Claret. Even though they had a doubt whether Clark can really play the instrument, what he did was remarkable. 

“Have a good rest, son”

He pats his back as they are about to leave the dining hall. All the other families left some time after Clark’s performance. It was Margarett and Anton who first bid their farewell. Soon after that, Julius and Lisa left after congratulating and welcoming Clark to their family one last time. As for Clark’s cousins, Miguel left without saying a word. Clark can tell how Miguel feel embarrassed in what he did. But that is something he didn’t pay attention to. As it was Lea and Leo who caught his attention. They are polite and welcomed him warmly.

“Yes”

He can see how Henry can’t hide the big smile on his face. He looks as if he won the lottery. But indeed, he did win the lottery. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to even say it was more than a lottery. After all, Ofiello’s money is no joke.

“Sleep well, Clark. Let me know if you need anything, hopefully, the result will be sent tomorrow. But before we tell the world who you are, please know that you are the world for us. We are really happy that you are back… it is like a dream”

Caressing his face, Claret’s smile seems genuine in Clark’s eyes. But after many years of interacting with lots of kinds of people… he knew full well how that is impossible to be a genuine love of a mother. 

“Have a good night as well”

Nodding his head, the two finally leave him alone. And at last, he can finally breathe comfortably.

‘The world for them? I am their world… what a bullshit’

Letting his back rest on the back of the door, he took some time to calm himself. A slow inhale and then a slow exhale. 

‘Why does it seem to be getting worst?’

Shaking his head, he did not think much of those thoughts. Bumping his arm on the side of the table slightly bent out, he heard how his arm hit it. 

“Hufff” With a small frown, he can’t help but feel so annoyed.

“So lame to get hurt like that”

It did sound a bit loud but luckily, his arms didn’t hurt that bad at all. It was a small bump for him. Soon as he let his body rest in the comfort of his newly bought bed, Clark let his mind wander. 

‘Tomorrow… I will make sure to bring money tomorrow… Grandpa… just a bit more. Please wait for me… I will not let you die this time. I promise… I will save you. I will…’

But before he could even close his eyes, a faint red light caught his sight. 

‘What is that?’

He immediately stood up and sit on his bed. Laughing soon as he understands what it was. 

‘Hah… it hasn’t been a day. But they are surely walking faster than expected…’

...

Deep within some walls, in a place secluded from everyone, a cube can be seen floating above a tomb. Creating sounds as it leaves some sparks, it's been decades since it last moved on its own. 

[System Resumed]

[Looking for new owner]

[Scanning....]