CHAPTER 804: SITTING ALONGSIDE A SAPPHIRE WINNER

The elegant grandeur of the ArtReam Hall was in full display as the High Ceremony of the 130th Sapphire Melody Awards continued. The room was filled with the glow of golden chandeliers, the clinking of glasses, and the hum of quiet conversations between the world’s most renowned artists. The tables in the hall were arranged like islands of camaraderie, where musicians from every corner of Azure Star mingled, watched, and celebrated.

At one of these tables, Moonlight and Tsukuyomi, dressed in their strikingly mysterious kimonos, sat alongside an eclectic mix of music legends. Sharing the table with them were the members of KUN, a famous traditional band, Yuko, a beloved traditional singer, and Marc Koi, a renowned classical composer whose works had been celebrated worldwide. Also seated at the table were the companions of these artists—family members and loved ones who had come to support them on this monumental night.

Moonlight and Tsukuyomi had spent much of the evening engrossed in the ceremony, watching with wide-eyed wonder as some of the most important figures in the music world took the stage to accept their awards. There was even one time that the cameraman passed by their table, briefly capturing the enigmatic duo as part of the broadcast. But there were so many stars in the hall that night, that even with their mysterious aura, Moonlight and Tsukuyomi didn’t attract much attention.

Their eyes sparkled behind their masks as they watched the performances, speeches, and announcements with the same excitement as any fan. For them, this was more than just an awards show—it was a dream come true. Sitting among legends, watching the very people they had admired for years, was a surreal experience.

At one point, Moonlight glanced over at Yuko, who was quietly conversing with her husband. There was a calm elegance about her, a poise that came from years of experience in the industry. Her music, deeply rooted in the traditional sounds of Sakura Abode Country, had always resonated with Moonlight, who admired the way she kept the spirit of folk alive in the modern world.

"Yuko-san, your latest album is simply a masterpiece," Moonlight said softly, his voice warm despite the mask hiding his face.

Yuko smiled graciously, her eyes lighting up with appreciation. "Thank you, Moonlight. That means a great deal coming from such a talented artist."

Tsukuyomi, seated next to him, chimed in with a nod. "It felt like a journey through time. Your voice has a way of transporting people."

Yuko blushed slightly, her humility evident. "That’s kind of you to say. I’ve always believed that traditional music holds a kind of magic. It connects us to something deeper, something beyond ourselves."

Their conversation flowed naturally as they continued to discuss the beauty of traditional music and its role in modern society. Around them, the other artists at the table were engaged in their own discussions. KUN’s members, a lively and cheerful bunch, were deep in conversation with Marc Koi, the classical composer, about the blending of traditional and contemporary sounds. Marc’s passion for music was palpable, and even though he came from a classical background, he had an open mind toward all genres.

"This year’s ceremony has truly captured the essence of music," Marc said, his voice thoughtful. "From traditional folk to contemporary pop, every performance tells a story. It’s a reminder that music is a language we all speak, no matter where we come from."

KUN’s lead singer nodded in agreement, raising his glass. "Here’s to music—our universal language!"

Everyone at the table smiled and clinked their glasses together, the sound of glass ringing softly through the air. It was a moment of connection, a shared love for the art form that had brought them all together in this grand hall.

As the ceremony progressed, the group at the table continued to watch with growing anticipation. The next award to be presented was the most prestigious in the Traditional Music genre: Best Traditional Album. It was an award that carried immense weight, honoring the artist whose body of work had best captured the spirit of their cultural heritage through music.

Moonlight and Tsukuyomi leaned forward slightly in their seats, their interest piqued. They both knew how important this award was—not just for the artists but for the preservation of tradition itself. For years, traditional music had been the backbone of culture, and this award was a recognition of the dedication that went into keeping those traditions alive.

The lights dimmed, and the presenter—a respected figure in the world of traditional music—stepped onto the stage. The camera panned over the audience as a soft murmur of excitement swept through the hall. When the presenter finally spoke, his voice carried with it a sense of reverence for the art form.

"The award for Best Traditional Album honors an artist whose work has not only preserved the rich cultural heritage of their country but has also brought it to new audiences, ensuring that these timeless sounds continue to resonate with future generations."

The screen behind the presenter lit up with the names and album titles of the nominees. As each nominee was announced, a short clip of their album played, giving the audience a taste of the beautiful sounds that had earned them a place among the best.

First, there was Bjork, whose album, "Echoes of Yggdrasil," had drawn praise for its delicate fusion of nature sounds and traditional instruments. Then came Lina Matsuo, whose album, "Songs of the Earth," had captured the voices of rural communities and brought their stories to life. Each nominee received their moment of recognition, but it was the final name that caused a stir at Moonlight and Tsukuyomi’s table.

"And the final nominee," the presenter said, "is Yuko Matsumoto, for her album ’Whispers of the River’."

The camera zoomed in on Yuko, whose eyes widened slightly in surprise with the sudden appearance of the big screen, though her modest smile remained intact. Her album, a collection of songs that wove together the stories of generations of Sakura Abode Country’s riverside communities, had been hailed as a masterpiece of traditional music. Her gentle yet powerful voice had carried these stories beyond the villages they were born in, touching hearts across the world.

Moonlight and Tsukuyomi exchanged a quick glance, both silently rooting for Yuko. The air was thick with anticipation as the presenter opened the envelope and slowly, deliberately, read the name inside.

"And the winner of Best Traditional Album is... Yuko Matsumoto, for Whispers of the River!"

The room erupted in applause, and the camera quickly zoomed in on Yuko’s face. For a brief moment, she looked stunned, her hand covering her mouth in disbelief. Then, with a wide smile and tears shimmering in her eyes, she turned to her husband, who sat beside her and hugged him tightly.

The moment was filled with emotion, not just for Yuko but for everyone at the table. Moonlight and Tsukuyomi clapped enthusiastically, their masked faces hiding the wide grins that spread beneath. The members of KUN cheered, and Marc Koi smiled warmly, clearly happy for Yuko’s well-deserved win.

Yuko rose gracefully from her seat, her husband still holding her hand as she began her walk toward the stage. The applause followed her all the way, a testament to the respect and admiration the room had for her artistry. As she reached the microphone, she took a deep breath, composing herself before speaking.

"I... I’m speechless," she began, her voice soft but filled with emotion. "I never imagined that my work would receive this kind of recognition, especially on such a prestigious stage as the Sapphire Melody Awards. I am deeply honored."

The audience continued to applaud as Yuko glanced down at the award in her hands, her fingers tracing the edges of the sapphire centerpiece.

"This album, Whispers of the River, is not just mine," she said, her voice steadying. "It belongs to the people whose stories I’ve been entrusted with—the communities that live by the rivers, whose voices I’ve tried to amplify through my music. Their stories are timeless, and I am merely a vessel for them."

Her eyes shone as she looked out at the crowd. "Thank you to everyone who believed in me, to my family for their unwavering support, and to the Sakurean Music Society for this incredible honor. I will continue to carry the torch of tradition, and I hope that my music can inspire others to do the same."

As Yuko bowed and stepped back from the microphone, the room once again erupted into applause, the sound echoing through the vast hall. It was a moment of triumph, not just for Yuko, but for traditional music as a whole. For Moonlight and Tsukuyomi, watching from their seats, it was a reminder of the beauty and importance of preserving the stories of the past through music.

The ceremony continued, but Yuko’s victory lingered in the air, a testament to the power of tradition and the voices that carry it forward.