The listeners in the room exchanged bewildered glances in the dim candlelight, none of them understanding what had just happened. There had been brief pauses before, caused by "technical difficulties" or the host getting stuck on a word, but nothing like today's inexplicable interruption.
The apprentice operating the radio was affiliated with the Arcane Council's Holm Kingdom branch, assigned specifically to promote radios and secretly recruit listeners. At this moment, a faint, barely perceptible smile crept across his normally stern face. It was no wonder Felipe had erupted in fury — having to discuss puberty and adolescent development was an insult to the cold, proud, and violent Mr. Felipe.
A burst of static crackled through the air. Before the middle-aged man could adjust the Arcane antenna, "Nightingale's" sweet voice returned: "We sincerely apologize to all our listeners. Our guest, Mr. Felipe, has been called away due to an urgent family matter and had to leave early. We will have another Archanist who specializes in the human body — Mr. Ricardo — explain puberty and psychological changes to everyone..."
Her voice was still as sweet as ever, but it carried a faint undercurrent of nervousness and dread.
"Oh, so it won't be Mr. Felipe explaining after all?" Scarlett had really enjoyed Felipe's deep, slightly magnetic voice, especially the faintly arrogant tone that came with it. Hearing Nightingale's words, she couldn't hide her disappointment.
Her friend Selma had delicate features and a petite frame. A similar look of disappointment crossed her face, but then she suddenly understood: "Of course! Someone as proud and self-important as Mr. Felipe would never discuss body… development… issues. No wonder he went silent with anger and stormed off!"
Then she covered her cheeks, equal parts curious and excited: "But if Mr. Felipe really had to explain these topics, it would be absolutely fascinating! Would he blush? What would he be thinking? Hmm, even storming off in anger is adorable — that's the cold, proud Mr. Felipe for you!"
Adorable… The radio operator's mouth twitched. If the icy, cold Mr. Felipe ever heard about the image he had in the minds of his young female listeners, it would probably make him cough up more blood than the puberty discussion had just done. In fact, he might literally cough up blood!
After her burst of excitement, Selma suddenly let out a cry: "Do you think Mr. Felipe won't come back anymore?"
"Probably not… the next episode won't be on this topic," Scarlett said uncertainly.
Meanwhile, Andy and the others were listening with shining eyes. Their faces were a bit flushed, but the discussion on puberty had satisfied a curiosity they'd carried for a long time and set their imaginations running wild, especially during the parts about female development.
"Oh my, what a embarrassing topic!" Scarlett pressed her hands over her ears and huddled together with Selma and the other girls, pretending not to listen — though the hands covering her ears didn't seem to be pressing very hard.
The older girls, who had already gone through this stage, sat with flushed faces and dawning realization, thinking to themselves: So that's what it was. Back then I was terrified, and afterward I never really understood what was going on. Now it all finally makes sense — and I've learned how to take care of myself.
The aunties, meanwhile, shielded the young girls and glared at the men: "What are you looking at? Go home and look at your own wives and mothers!"
The men withdrew their curious gazes, and quite a few of them thought subconsciously: Should I really follow the Archanist's advice and pay more attention to the one at home? Every month, it turns out, is actually…
The "Mysteries of the Body" segment came to a close, and the radio erupted with a rather passionate voice: "The 'Apollo' brand Arcane crystal lamp — light, in your own hands! We are now launching our power line installation service, and early subscribers will receive six months of free electricity. What are you waiting for? Grab your wallet, apply for installation, and buy a crystal lamp today! Your local municipal hall, regional offices of 'Elemental Gift' company, and Holm Mining Union Bank branches across all cities are ready to serve you!"
Thanks to today's topic on "Mysteries of the Body," the oppressive atmosphere in the room had eased considerably. Everyone, except for those too afraid to speak loudly, wore expressions of relaxed amusement. Scarlett and the other women had broken off into small circles, whispering among themselves, while Andy, Martin, and the others talked in low voices with ambiguous smiles, occasionally stealing glances at the young women and girls.
"Jinkela, Jinkela! Our farming friends need it!"
After a few advertisements, Nightingale's sweet, clear voice rang out: "We're past the halfway point of the program. Let's step into the 'Corridor of Music' and lose ourselves in beautiful melodies, letting the fatigue of the day melt away. Coming up next is Mr. Evans' latest piano miniature, 'Freedom of the Spirit' — a slightly passionate piece of light music."
As Lucian's musical identity had become known among mages and nobility alike, and with the launch of "Voice of Mysteries," he had championed the principle of "three closenesses" — close to the citizens, close to the farmers, close to ordinary people. From the complex textures, rigorous structures, and profound musical ideas of thematic symphonies, he had developed simple, pleasant, romantic, and concise light music.
During this process, Lucian had composed many light music pieces himself and also adapted several famous works from Earth, such as "Castle in the Sky." The response had been a mix of praise and lukewarm reception, and those who knew his identity as a great composer expressed understanding about the uneven quality of his output during this period — it was simply the price one paid for an artistic transformation.
After more than three years of experimentation, Lucian's own light music compositions had reached a remarkably high standard and were growing increasingly popular among the urban class and romantic-minded young nobles. Upscale teahouses along the streets had begun using these pieces to create relaxed, elegant, romantic, and serene atmospheres to attract customers — with excellent results.
"Mr. Evans' new work?" Scarlett pressed her clasped hands beneath her chin, equal parts anticipation and excitement.
Selma and the other girls beside her wore much the same expression, while the rest of the listeners — men and women, young and old — had all fallen silent, ready to listen in peace. The first truly beautiful music one heard always left a lasting impression. These ordinary citizens, who rarely had the chance to hear a real musician perform, had fallen genuinely in love with this type of music the moment they encountered it through Voice of Mysteries.
The melody flowed forth, its piano notes like clear, transparent spring water, tinkling and chiming against the heart. The listeners seemed to find themselves in a tranquil mountain glade, surrounded by lush, fresh-smelling woods, with a pure brook bubbling beside them. The occasional birdsong only served to deepen the quiet serenity of the mountain forest. Their souls seemed to receive immense solace — peace and tranquility were, after all, the greatest happiness.
The wind itself was invisible, but the rustling of leaves and branches gave it form. It moved freely and gracefully, sweeping across the sky, drifting where it willed — and for those who had endured life's hardships and carried a deep-seated faith, it evoked a sense that a thick layer of ash had settled upon the soul, making true spiritual freedom difficult to grasp. As for what that ash was, they could not yet say.