In Muse in the Land of Music, a grand music festival had been assembled.
In the wings of the ensemble hall, four princes had gathered with their magical instruments.
Leeya: “…I’d heard about it, but there’s a lot more people than I’d thought.”
Oka: “Coming into the stage wings, there’s a different feeling of tension isn’t there.”
Forma: “That’s interesting to hear from you Prince Oka, as you seem pretty calm.”
Leeya: “Hey, if you keep talkin’ like that I’m gonna get real nervous and I don’t need that.”
Roie: “Sweat, a stiff expression, rapid eye movement… It’s obvious you’re already nervous.”
Leeya: “I-I can’t help it okay!? When I think about the performance… I get worked up. It’s not that weird of a reaction.”
Forma: “I would normally say you’re overthinking it but… I feel the same.”
Leeya had turned away when he spoke, his expression awkward, and Forma responded with a sigh.
Indeed, his elegant figures were shaking.
Roie: “I see. There’s an automatic response to nervousness by the body in the form of shaking and increased heart rate… It’s said to be due to the body’s secretion of noradrenaline.”
Leeya: “Nora… what’d you say is comin’ outta me?”
Oka: “Now now… what can we do to suppress that reaction?”
Roie: “There are various theories, however to relieve a state of tension, muscle training, running, or other intense workouts have been known to be successful.”
Leeya: “Nope, no way. We’re already waiting for the performance, right? What kinda weirdo would be doing weight training or running in a place like this?”
Roie: “…I’ve also heard that deep breathing and thinking back on one’s own personal successes can be effective.”
Forma: “I see… but why is your advice all second-hand?”
Roie: “My apologies, I’ve never personally experienced nervousness.”
Leeya: “Damnit, I envy that strong heart…! Hey what about you Oka? You seem like the kinda guy who’s got a knack for handling your nerves.”
Oka: “Me? Well let’s see…- I guess my knack is not worrying about failure.”
Forma: “Not worrying about failure…?”
Oka: “Yes. It’s important to aim for perfection, but… when performing with the magic instruments, the most important thing is a combining of hearts. OO thought our hearts must be one. That’s why I don’t think we have to worry, and I’m sure it’ll go well.”
With a beatific smile, Oka lightly lifted up his violin.
Leeya: “You got a point. Right, time to stop this chaotic thinking. We’ve got one goal: for our performance to make her have the biggest smile ever.”
Forma: “Haha… that’s easy to understand.”
Perhaps because the tension had eased, both Forma and Leeya had a light shining in their eyes.
Watching their exchange, Roie’s eyes softened with satisfaction.
Roie: “It’s time. Everyone, let’s go.”
With Roie in the lead, magic baton in hand, the four princes assembled on stage.
The princes played an earnest and sweet serenade, and that night had the largest round of applause, and unrestrained praise was heaped on the performers.
END