Chapter 120: Why Do I Have to Sign a Slave Contract Just to Be a Producer?
Looking at the thick stack of proposal documents Aeron had slammed onto her desk, Carlotta, seated in her chair, felt the corner of her eye twitch slightly.
This was the proposal Aeron had pulled all-nighters to compile over the past few days—a plan for Ciaccona to debut as an idol in Ragunna.
Since Aeron was willing, Carlotta had no reason to refuse. Besides, she was the one who had first approached Ciaccona with the idea, so naturally, she would take on the corresponding responsibility. However...
Raising her head again, she saw the man before her breathing rapidly, his eyes shining, radiating an aura of "I've found the meaning of life!"—not looking at all like someone who had stayed up for several nights in a row.
This guy... is way too serious, isn't he?
"Ahem... Well... Could you at least explain what this is?"
"Of course, it's an unprecedented opportunity for all of Ragunna, under your leadership, Second Young Lady."
Aeron flipped through the proposal page by page, categorizing each section as he continued to explain his prepared plan to Carlotta.
"I know what you're going to say... But at least give a brief introduction, won't you? Even though the idea was mine, I personally think now isn't the right time—"
"No, now is exactly the right time."
Before Carlotta could finish, Aeron cut her off.
"As the saying goes, people need something to look forward to in life. After everything Ragunna has been through—the Order, Carnevale, and the Avinoleum incident—what we need now is a symbol that represents a new era, something that makes everyone feel at a glance that 'life is truly wonderful.'"
"But don't we already have the Rover?"
"She's different."
Aeron immediately interrupted Carlotta.
"Rover is a 'king,' a hero, a giant who carries the world on her shoulders. People will respect her, look up to her... But the 'idol' we need isn't something like that. Besides, the Rover herself can't stay in Ragunna forever. Even if she wanted to, Aeron would find a way to send her away—but that's another matter entirely."
"What Ragunna needs now is something of its own, a symbol that people can genuinely fall in love with and are willing to cheer for (and spend money on)."
"Oh?"
Hearing Aeron's words, Carlotta grew somewhat interested.
It was the first time she had seen Aeron so passionate, and it piqued her curiosity to explore the idea more seriously.
"An idol is a symbol of familiarity, dreams, and something within reach. She's right there, and you feel that with a little effort, you might get closer to her. She'll sing and dance for you, sharing her joys and even her small worries. And you'll be happy because of her smile, moved by her progress. Seeing her will make you think, 'Ah, to protect a smile like that, I need to work harder too.'"
Though saying that, if given the chance, Aeron would also like to see her perform on stage... Maybe it would be especially interesting?
"So what you mean is...?"
"At its core, an idol is a projection of emotions and a source of spiritual comfort—and that's exactly what Ragunna needs most right now."
"..."
Aeron's series of statements left Carlotta somewhat stunned. His words were not without reason, and the passion he carried far exceeded any previous occasion.
There was no scheming, no pressure—only the pure flame of burning for something. She hadn't expected Aeron to have this side to him.
Since he could summarize things to this extent... then Carlotta was willing to continue listening to his ideas.
"You've made a good start. Although I also believe she has this potential, you know that alone isn't enough, right?"
"If you want reasons, I have plenty here? For example, she's good-looking."
Moreover, Ciaccona's cultural level is high, so there's no need to worry about her saying something mysterious like "Mama."
"That's not necessary. This is the plan I proposed first, and your judgment won't disappoint either. I'd rather hear how you intend to use this to bring benefits to Montelli and Ragunna."
As expected, as a merchant and an investor, the Second Young Lady cared most about this.
But Aeron wasn't flustered at all. After all, in his past life, to escape that wretched reality, he had watched plenty.
"Regarding this, haven't I already shown you, Second Young Lady?"
"...? What do you mean by that?"
"Although I said all those high-sounding things earlier, the essence is still exchanging emotions for profit, just like what I did during Carnevale before."
After saying this, Aeron glanced at Carlotta and flashed an infuriating smile.
"The difference is, this time what we're doing is much simpler than back then, and I won't be standing on the opposite side of you anymore, Second Young Lady."
Hearing this, Carlotta nearly lost her footing.
Does this guy still have the nerve to bring that up?
"...That's all in the past. Why remember it so clearly?"
"Hahahahaha, I made up my mind to remember the expression of someone nearly in tears for a lifetime."
"Don't use your determination for things like that!"
Carlotta retracted her earlier words. This guy really is as much of a jerk as ever!
"Well... anyway, what I mean is, as long as we can boost Ciaccona's popularity, there will definitely be no shortage of ways to monetize it or things to gain from monetization."
"Like what?"
"Plenty. Concerts, merchandise, collaborations, official channels, regular livestreams, virtual gifts—there are many ways to bring in steady revenue."
As he spoke, Aeron picked up another proposal.
"Fans are willing to support the people they like with their passion. The potential in this area is even greater than you imagine, Second Young Lady. And once there's a first, naturally there will be a second and a third... Perhaps it could add a new evergreen tree to Montelli's future?"
Of course, this was just something Aeron made up. He only intended to do this for Ciaccona alone. If he really had to treat this as work, he couldn't bear it.
"As for specific execution methods, they're all in this thick stack of documents on the table. If you want me to explain on the spot, I can, but ultimately the decision is up to you, Second Young Lady."
After saying what he needed to say, Aeron put down the proposal and handed the decision-making power to Carlotta.
If only she would agree. With Montelli's resources, there would certainly be far fewer restrictions on future actions.
After listening to Aeron's one-sided account, Carlotta did not answer immediately. Instead, she leaned back in her chair, her gaze drifting between Aeron's excited face and the thick proposal on the table.
"Did you really look into all of that before?" she asked.
"Never mind that."
Why hadn't he been this dedicated when dealing with the Fractsidus, the Order, or even the Threnodians?
But at the same time, after reading through the proposal, she had to admit that although it was infused with Aeron's strong personal touch, it contained detailed plans from the initial stages to the next three to five years.
It not only included the value he saw in Ciaccona as an individual but also outlined how to use this plan to create a win-win situation for Ragunna—far surpassing her initial conception.
Besides, seeing this usually lifeless guy find something meaningful and radiate such vibrant energy was, to some extent, a relief.
"Alright, I admit you've convinced me," Carlotta conceded.
She straightened up, placed her hands folded on the table, and revealed a meaningful smile.
"But you also know that the success of anything depends on timing, location, and people. No matter how eloquently you speak now, what if the expected results aren't achieved in the end? Montelli's resources aren't free."
"Of course I know that. That's why I have the confidence to come to you, Second Young Lady."
"But confidence alone isn't enough. You know that too, right?"
"Of course."
Whatever demands she might make, Aeron was already prepared.
Carlotta wasn't doubting him. She knew Aeron wouldn't have come to her without full confidence, and she had no reason not to support him in something he was willing to pour his heart into.
However, as the decision-maker, she also had her own considerations—specifically, what to do in case of a "what if."
This wasn't just about Aeron alone; it also concerned Ciaccona and Montelli.
If they failed due to carelessness... she would have to take responsibility.
So, Carlotta took out a rather exquisite contract from the drawer—one she had thought she would never use—and elegantly spread it out on the table.
"Once you sign this contract, Montelli will provide the necessary resources for you and Ciaccona's activities, and this plan will officially begin. What do you think?"
Great!
But he couldn't say that word now.
Aeron had been burned by such things in his past life. There were no free lunches, and even if the other party was Carlotta, he couldn't let his guard down.
No matter what contract he signed, he had to scrutinize it carefully. This was a valuable lesson from adulthood, and this time, he wasn't joking!
So, he had to ask that question.
"Then, Second Young Lady, what's the price?"
"It's simple. If, within three months, Ciaccona's popularity, influence, and revenue fail to meet Montelli's expectations, or if her reputation is poor..."
As she spoke, Carlotta looked up at Aeron with a gaze as if she were looking at a toy.
"Then you'll have to come to Montelli and work for me for the rest of your life to pay off your debt~"
".....?"
After hearing Carlotta's words, Aeron's brain short-circuited.
Wait, what does this mean? How did he suddenly get sold off out of nowhere????
Seeing Aeron's utterly bewildered expression, Carlotta was also looking forward to his reaction.
If he refused, then everything would be as if nothing had happened.
If he accepted... well, if there really was a one-in-a-million chance, she could use this to protect Aeron and Ciaccona.
She had already witnessed the power of emotions during Carnevale—water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it. In her position, she had to consider the potential risks.
And besides... watching him struggle like this was quite amusing, wasn't it?
After a difficult internal struggle, Aeron let out a soft "heh" and met Carlotta's gaze.
"N-no, no, no, it's just a mere, mere, mere, mere contract of servitude! Thinking this can stop me, Second Young Lady, you're too naive!"
"Your voice is trembling, you know?"
"That doesn't matter! Since Second Young Lady wants to challenge me... I'll show you!"
With that, Aeron grabbed the pen on Carlotta's desk and signed his name on the contract.
His movements were so fluid that even Carlotta was taken aback.
"I... will not lose!"
Oh, I look forward to seeing your performance then, haha
It was good that he had such determination, but why was Carlotta so angry?
"Now, the contract is sealed. Go on, your 'idol' is still waiting for her producer. Don't disappoint me, or else..."
"Farewell!!"
Seeing Carlotta's expression darken, Aeron had already stood up and slipped out of her study.
"..."
Only after the sound of his footsteps faded into the distance did Carlotta let out a soft sigh.
She had thought so before, but now it seemed this guy really did have something wrong with his head.
"Idol, huh..."
She whispered the word again, unable to suppress the curve at the corner of her mouth.
It seemed... it really would be quite interesting.
At the very least, it was good to give that reckless guy something proper to do.