Vol. 12 Ch. 13: This Incident Was Later Made into an Opera and Passed Down Through the Ages (The Rest Omitted)

At Serendia Academy, snow had continued to flurry until just a few days ago, but today it stopped before noon, and a pale blue sky peeked through the clouds.

In the ballroom, where that winter sky could be seen through the windows, the high, clear notes of a violin rang out. Its swift melody stirred and exhilarated the hearts of all who heard it.

When the performance of a phrase finally ended, the violinist Benjamin Moulding loudly proclaimed to the audience,

"What begins now is a battle between men, with a single maiden at stake! The mastermind behind this duel is the fiery red-haired transfer student, Hubard Dee! Challenging him are three brave young men! Who will prevail in this deadly struggle and win the maiden's favor? A battle between men who refuse to yield begins here and now! Oh, let us etch into our hearts the good fortune of witnessing the first magic-combat duel in Serendia Academy's history, and let my violin play out the emotion and excitement of this moment! First movement..."

Benjamin stood on a raised platform at the far end of the dance hall. As he passionately addressed the crowd, the students in the audience cheered in their own ways.

Elliot, seated in the audience, looked at Monica sympathetically.

The student council officers were generally seated side by side in the front row, but Monica sat in the row behind them, with her friends Lana and Claudia flanking her. Felix had decided that, since Monica looked so terribly pale, she would be better off sitting with her friends.

"Miss Norton, are you breathing? Hello?"

Elliot called out to Monica, who was sitting behind him, but she did not move a muscle.

When Elliot waved a hand in front of Monica's face, Claudia, seated to Monica's left, muttered...