Chapter 263: The Pirate's Composition
Lyria's POV
Duke Valenridge rose from the chair, carefully set the cello aside, and bowed to the royal family. His expression remained composed, his eyes steady, as though he had not just performed a children's nursery rhyme on a string instrument while singing off-key before the entire court.
The King leaned forward in his seat.
"Your Grace," he said, his voice cold, "do you think this competition is a joke?"
Duke Valenridge straightened.
"Your Majesty," he said, his tone polite, "if I thought this competition was a joke, I would not have attended in the first place."
The King stared at him, clearly irritated.
"Then explain yourself," he said. "Explain what you just did."
Duke Valenridge inclined his head.
"I did as the competition asked, Your Majesty. I played an original composition."
The King's jaw tightened.
