As morning went on, Eluera turned the envelope over in her hands, its red-and-blue seal gleaming faintly in the light.

Catherine leaned closer, eyes narrowing with curiosity.
“That letter looks too fancy, I wonder what's written inside.”

Evelyn, ever composed, tilted her head slightly.
“It bears the academy’s seal, seem to be important. Best you open it carefully, Eluera.”

Taking a steady breath, Eluera slid a finger beneath the seal and unfolded the letter. It read as follows:

—

To the Concerto-tier band, Harmony,

Aria Luna Academy will soon commemorate its 30th Anniversary on July 7th with the Sinfonietta.

You have been formally chosen to represent the Concerto tier in this event. The Sinfonietta will be held at the Sanctum of Echoes in the coming week.

May your music honour the Concerto tier, and may your hearts resound with the everlasting spirit of Aria Luna.

Signed,
Angeline Claire
Headmistress, Aria Luna Academy

—

The letter left Harmony unsettled; confusion lingered in their eyes.

Catherine’s blue eyes widened, confused.
“'Wait what...?”

Evelyn, calm as ever, leaned back slightly.
“Aria Luna’s thirtieth anniversary… quite interesting.”
“Ms. Theresa, care to give us further explanation?”

Theresa stood by the door, composed and dignified, responding to their questions.

“Apologies for the confusion. Allow me to elaborate,” she began.
“Aria Luna Academy holds the decennial tradition known as the Sinfonietta, to honour and commemorate the everlasting legacy of Aria Luna."
"One band from each tier will be chosen to represent their peers on the spectacle night, held within the Sanctum of Echoes."

She paused, allowing Harmony a moment to digest her words.

Catherine was the first to react, her voice rising with disbelief as she tossed back her orange hair.
“Wait—why us? We’re basically nobodies in this place. How could we possibly represent the whole Concerto tier?”

“Not only that… being the representative of Concerto-tier means—we’re carrying a great deal of responsibility.” Evelyn added, though a faint uneasiness flickered in her blue eyes.

“I understand your concern. Though the decision may feel unsatisfying, students are bound to the academy’s rules.”
“I hope you understand.”

“But… maybe this is a golden opportunity,” Eluera spoke gently, her radiant yellow eyes brimmed with hope as she looked at her friends.
“A chance for our voices to finally be heard.”

"Leader is right. Though we may be carrying such risk, the outcome will be magnificent if we succeed," Evelyn added, her usual composure unwavering no matter the situation.

"I guess you’re right. I just can’t help but wonder—of all the bands in Concerto-tier, why was Harmony the one chosen?" Catherine said as she leaned back.

"I'm certain they have their own reason." Evelyn said as she continue sipping her tea.

And after a few moment, Theresa took her leave.

—

Later that afternoon, the academy grounds were alive with students roaming around in casual dress, enjoying their precious weekend. Harmony and Sugarpetal gathered for lunch at the outskirts of the Crescendo Cafeteria, beneath a large tree nearby the Sound Garden.

“Fluffy! You ate my muffins again without asking!” Cherry’s voice rang out, initiated a little chaos in their lunch time.

"I mean, you didn't seem to be interested in it."
"So the muffins went into another stomach~" Fluffy replied with her usual cheerfulness.

Listening to their banter, Harmony felt a sense of ease after the tension from earlier.

“By the way, Sugarpetal… have you heard of the Sinfonietta?” Evelyn asked, her tone composed as ever, eyes calm yet attentive.

“No, the name sounds fancy though, but I’m afraid we don’t,” Cherry replied first, her lime-green eyes bright with curiosity.

“Is it some type of cake? Because if it is, it’ll end up in my stomach before Cherry’s.” Fluffy teased, her grin widened.

“No,” Evelyn replied calmly, setting her teacup down with grace.
“It's a decennial event to commemorate Aria Luna's thirtieth anniversary.”

“Oh? That actually sounds cool! But why bring it up all of sudden?” Cherry asked, her lime-green eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“Because…” Catherine's orange hair brushing her shoulder as she sighed.
“We’ve been chosen to represent the entire Concerto-tier in the Sinfonietta.”

"Whaaat?!" both Cherry and Fluffy gasped in synchronization.

"So, you guys will perform on our behalf?!" Cherry continued, her chest breathes faster due to sudden excitement.

“Yeah, I don’t know why us though,” Catherine replied, curiosity etched across her face.

“Because...”

A familiar voice rang out from the distance, clear enough to be heard. All eyes turned as a tall porcelain figure approached, walking forward in measured steps.

—

The figure stepped into view, revealing herself as Elysia Evergarden. Her soothing, ethereal voice was distinct enough to set her apart from the passing students.

Both Harmony and Sugarpetal immediately recognized her distinctive, ethereal white hair only Evergarden possess.

"Oh hey, you're the kind person from before." Catherine said nonchalantly.

Evelyn gently patted Catherine’s shoulder, a quiet signal to mind her manners.

Listening to Catherine’s words, Elysia offered a faint smile.
“Forgive my sudden interruption.”
"I am Elysia, the second sister of the Evergarden siblings."

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." she said, inclining her head in a graceful bow.

Seeing Elysia gracefully introduce herself, both Harmony and Sugarpetal felt deeply humbled.
It was as if they were undeserving of such courtesy from a legend like Evergarden.

"No no no, we don't deserve this kind of treatment from a living legend!" Cherry exclaimed, her face utterly flabbergasted.

"Do you perhaps have business with us, Elysia? Your sudden presence makes me wonder," Evelyn asked.

"Such keen perception… yes, correct." Elysia replied.
"I have come to formally advise Harmony to withdraw from participating in the upcoming Sinfonietta.”

Elysia’s words caught them by a total surprise.

“Wait—what do you mean?”

Catherine was the first to react, her voice filled with confusion.

“Pardon me, this is for the sake of Harmony,” Elysia replied, her pink-blue eyes narrowing as her tone grew more serious.

“Because if Harmony insist in participating in the Sinfonietta...” She left a bit of pause before continuing.

“You will face consequences none of you are prepared for.”