The Understated Dragon Lord novel Chapter 648

Faced with such a challenge, how could Declan refuse to step up? He was America's foremost pianist, the scion of the leading musical family, The Halls. Declining a duel with a mere country bumpkin would be inconceivable. How else could he continue his prestigious career as a pianist?

"Declan, are you sure you want to compete against me? If I lose to you, I won't mind. I'm thick-skinned. But it’s different for you. You're America's top pianist, hailed as a once-in-a-century musical genius and the heir to The Halls music dynasty. If you lose to me, it will be a massive embarrassment—not just to you, but to your entire family. Think twice before you decide to take me on. If you lose, it would be such a shame!"

Through his tactics may have been crude, Daniel's reverse psychology worked wonders.

Infuriated to the point where Declan's nose almost bent out of shape, he was determined to compete and crush Daniel utterly. His reputation as America's top pianist was at stake.

"Country bumpkin, stop blathering! If you've got the skills, come and challenge me!" Declan retorted icily.

"A challenge? Declan, how would you like to compete?"

"I'm America's top pianist, and you're just a country bumpkin. It would be bullying if I set the terms. So go on, you choose."

Declan settled back at the piano, his slender fingers taking flight over the keys like a graceful butterfly. As he played, melancholic music filled the air, the story of a poignant love affair unfolding—a tale of the girl in his dreams, in a piece that was both his original and claim to fame, titled "The Girl In My Dreams."

It's called that because some things, like the girl in his dreams, are forever out of reach, echoing the adage that the best is always what's just beyond grasp. The room hushed as the exquisite melody wove a tapestry of sorrow, drawing tears from nearly every woman present and even some of the men.

But Daniel, made of sterner stuff, remained utterly dry-eyed. While the aspect of love could sway many, it found a tough adversary in Daniel, adorned with the spirits of seven dragons—The Son of Seven Dragons.