Chapter 140: I'm Finished, I'm Surrounded by Resonators
After the evening guests were ushered into the living room and seated, Cartethyia immediately served them tea and snacks.
In all fairness, as the host, it was only right for Aeron to greet guests he hadn't met before.
...Provided the guest wasn't the person currently standing before him.
"P-p-p-p-pleased to m-m-m-m-meet you."
"Aeron, your voice is shaking."
No kidding. If the Sunway TaihuLight supercomputer suddenly showed up at your doorstep, you'd be shaking too.
Wait, actually, this was technically her house. Never mind then.
"He's always like this when he meets people for the first time. He was the same way when he met me," Rover chimed in.
At that moment, Cartethyia brought a cup of tea to Rover and placed another in front of the Shorekeeper—someone Aeron still couldn't fathom being here.
"Ah... I apologize, but I am merely a projection. Thank you for the kind gesture."
As she spoke, the Shorekeeper reached toward the sofa beside her. Her hand dissolved into a stream of data, passing naturally through the furniture.
"S-so that's how it is?! A projection can look so realistic? That's amazing!" Cartethyia exclaimed.
"T-t-t-t-t-there are m-m-m-m-many wonders in this vast w-w-world, Little Carte. You n-n-n-need to broaden your horizons."
"Your voice is shaking way too much. Drink some tea and calm down."
Gulp.
After a mouthful of warm tea hit his stomach, Aeron's thoughts finally returned to normal.
In any case, now was not the time to be intimidated by an AI.
Right now, everyone in Ragunna associated with him was gathered in this mansion—even the Shorekeeper, whom Rover had gone as far as using a projection to facilitate negotiations.
The last time they had seen a lineup like this was before the Carnevale, when they were figuring out how to overthrow the Order.
Since they were gathered again, this absolutely couldn't be anything simple.
But Rinascita shouldn't have any Threnodian issues right now, and the Fractsidus had no reason to keep meddling here. Surely that Grand Architect couldn't be so bored that he'd come to harass him again...
"Aeron."
While Aeron was still immersed in thought, it was Rover who finally snapped him back to reality by calling his name.
Aeron let out a long sigh in his mind. There was no helping it; since this was reality, he had to face it sooner or later.
"Say the word, Big Sis Rover. Who are we killing?"
With those six short words, Aeron plunged the other nine people present into silence.
"Eh? What's with that reaction?"
Thud.
The moment Aeron asked, his crown was once again assaulted by Cartethyia.
"Your reaction is the one that's wrong, you idiot!"
"Then what are we doing here?"
"The concert, of course! Even though some... unexpected things happened before, we still have to finish what we started."
Carlotta took over the conversation and snapped her fingers. Beside her, Zani immediately placed a large stack of paper documents on the table.
"Holy crap, thanks for reminding me."
"Hey, hey, hey—that's not something you're allowed to forget! That's a low blow..."
"I'm just joking. I'd never forget something so important."
And even if Aeron actually had forgotten, he certainly wouldn't admit it.
Carlotta gave two fake coughs to pull everyone's attention back before she began.
"Now that a certain idiot is paying attention, let's get straight to the point. Ciaccona's concert is in one week. Although we've already exchanged information... consider this a summary. We also want to hear your opinion as the chief planner."
"Then, allow me to begin."
Cantarella took the lead from Carlotta, pulling a portion of the documents from the table and placing them in front of Aeron.
"After Montelli released the initial information, the people Fisalia planted in various places have been tracking the trends. Most of them have chosen to be supportive. After all, the city truly needs something to inject more vitality into it right now."
"As expected of the Head of the Family... By the way, did I mention this to you?"
"When the husband signs a deed of sale of his own accord, how can the wife sit by and do nothing?"
Great, the pressure on Aeron just increased by another notch.
Judging by Cantarella's explanation and the gathered reports, things were unfolding exactly as Aeron had originally envisioned. At the very least, most people were willing to accept new things.
"What about your side, Phoebe? Do the priests in the Order have any objections?"
As a relatively conservative power, the Order's faith couldn't be shaken in a short time. If possible, Aeron still hoped to gain as much support from them as possible.
"About that... although everyone in the Order respects me as the Primus, some people still have objections to using Avinoleum for this kind of thing... especially after what happened before..."
The "thing" Phoebe referred to was, naturally, the battle that had taken place at Avinoleum.
The commotion back then was indeed significant, but Aeron had chosen to have Carlotta use another excuse to cover it up.
The Fractsidus wouldn't be interested in such matters, and the Grand Architect wouldn't come looking for Aeron a second time anytime soon.
While delays can be memorable in their own way... Aeron still hoped for a good reputation.
"Are those voices numerous? If it's really an issue, I'll go there personally."
"Ah, it's fine. The previous Primus, Fenrico, left a document stating that no matter what happens, they must follow the arrangements of the next Primus. So, no one will oppose it."
"..."
Tch, leaving a hand to play even in a situation like this. What an annoying guy.
"Since we have his guarantee, there shouldn't be any problems... Zani, what's the word on security?"
"To be honest... everyone was stunned when they heard it was at Avinoleum, but it's not impossible to manage."
"Hearing that puts me at ease. Ask for whatever you need; Montelli will do everything."
"Hey."
Hearing Aeron drop her name so naturally, Carlotta frowned slightly.
"And... Little Carte, Roccia, the two of you will do exactly what you did that day. I'll leave the venue and stage to you."
"Mm, I have experience after last time. This time... I won't let any loopholes be exploited."
"Since it is Mr. Aeron's request... Roccia will do it."
After receiving the answers from the two little cuties, Aeron finally turned his gaze toward the undisputed protagonist of that day.
"How are the songs coming along?"
"Hehe! I followed what you said, Partner. I've re-practiced the songs you rearranged for me, plus the onstage interactions... It's more than enough to fill the time slot!"
After Aeron had Ciaccona write her first song, the poet—whose inspiration had exploded upon contact with new things—immediately cranked out a second and third song.
While that efficiency was amazing in itself, to ensure Ciaccona didn't wear herself out, Aeron had chosen a more labor-saving method: "reheating old rice."
Of course, that was just a shorthand way of putting it. Aeron definitely wouldn't do something like that right out of the gate. To fill the concert duration, his strategy was to rearrange Ciaccona's existing pieces using the same methods as before.
Thanks to the Sandevistan and Ciaccona's own terrifying talent and hard work, the results were better than imagined.
"That'll do. In short, you don't need to worry about anything else. We'll handle it all. You just focus on how to express yourself on stage."
"Mhm! I definitely trust my Partner! This is a reward for the producer from an idol~"
As Ciaccona spoke, she lunged directly at Aeron, who was sitting on the sofa.
Sandevistan, Engage!
With a simple sidestep from Aeron, Ciaccona face-planted into the sofa cushions.
"I know you're excited, but the more it's like this, the more you need to stay calm. Understand?"
"Got it~"
Ciaccona crawled out of the sofa, a bright smile still plastered on her face, showing no sign of discouragement. She patted down her skirt and naturally sat down next to Aeron—though that spot had originally been Little Carte's.
"That's my seat."
"What does it matter? I'm the protagonist for this part! It's only logical for me to sit closer to the producer!"
"Uh... is that how it works?"
"I will win!"
Amidst the little interlude between Ciaccona and Cartethyia, the atmosphere in the living room lightened considerably.
"Hehe."
Roccia had also sat on Aeron's lap at some point. Aeron didn't push her away; instead, he raised a hand and gently stroked her head.
Sigh—Roccia is the best.
"By the way... where did Pero go?"
He hadn't seen it since Avinoleum. Suddenly missing the little thing that always argued with him felt a bit strange.
"Pero did something bad before, so it's reflecting on its actions."
She was definitely talking about what happened at Avinoleum. Even so, it was a hero of that battle; he'd have to find a way to compensate it later.
"Muuu—"
However, seeing Roccia being held in Aeron's arms, the other "golden retriever" wasn't very satisfied.
"S-Senior, if you need help, I can also—"
"There's no need. A new official should focus on their own duties first. Phoebe, what you need to do now is sit firm in your position. If you get dragged down because of something like this, I'd feel guilty."
"Awoo..."
Phoebe, who had been about to say something, was shut down by Aeron's "Sigma" statement, letting out only a dejected whimper.
"Then, is it my turn?"
But what was meant to come would come eventually.
Rover set down her teacup, her golden eyes turning toward Aeron. She wore a smile that made Aeron feel inexplicably nervous. Even his grip on Roccia tightened slightly.
"To be precise, it is 'our' turn," the Shorekeeper added gently. Her projection flickered slightly on the sofa like starlight that might vanish at any moment, yet her silhouette remained clear. "Regarding the request Mr. Aeron made to Rover—about using the Black Shores' channels for a live stream and assistance with setting up network equipment—we have a preliminary plan."
"As expected of the Black Shores' efficiency."
"After all, it's rare for you to take the initiative to ask me for something."
Rover's tone was flat, but Aeron somehow detected a subtle hint of "so you finally have to beg me" in it. "The Black Shores already maintains backup lines for external communication. Though not often used, the bandwidth is sufficient to support a high-definition broadcast. As for equipment..."
She paused and looked at the Shorekeeper.
"The Black Shores can provide the relevant equipment and technology. We can calibrate it beforehand. However, if local assistance is required..."
"That's easy. Montelli and Fisalia will naturally assist with all our might," Cantarella chimed in immediately, and Carlotta nodded in agreement.
With the two of them handling things, Aeron was naturally at ease. However, the Rover and Shorekeeper before him looked somewhat troubled.
"...Aeron, do you remember what you told me before?"
"I certainly wouldn't forget my own words. I 'hope the Black Shores can help with promotion to bring more people to the offline event,' and I also 'handed the ticket sales over to you' while I was at it."
"Wait, what do you mean by that second half? Since when did I know about that!" Carlotta interjected.
"Because we have to leave this sort of thing to the people with more experience..."
To ensure the Black Shores' support for Ragunna in the future, Aeron had directly handed the online ticketing to them. Since Ragunna was currently a ragtag bunch, such matters were better left to professionals. And he believed Rover wouldn't screw him over... probably?
However, since she was bringing it up now with such a heavy expression... Aeron could only think of one possibility.
"...Is it a problem with the numbers?"
"Exactly."
The Shorekeeper answered for Rover, causing Aeron's heart to sink.
As he had told Carlotta at the very beginning: for something like this, timing, location, and people were all indispensable. No matter how much preparation Aeron had done, if luck was off by a hair, everything could go to waste.
This was the one thing he was most uncertain about, which was why he had asked Rover and the Black Shores for help with promotion. Many of the preparations he had made along the way were for this purpose. To prevent a loss, he had focused heavily on local promotion through Fisalia and the Order, and increasing investment in Avinoleum was also to give Ragunna a landmark attractive enough for people.
Though Aeron was loath to admit it... he truly didn't have absolute confidence this time.
"Mr. Aeron?"
After taking a deep breath and exhaling, Aeron sat upright. Roccia, in his arms, could also feel his body stiffen slightly.
"The numbers... is there a problem?"
"Yes, a big one."
It's over.
That was the first thought in Aeron's mind.
While he wasn't worried about being "sold" to Montelli, thinking that his and Ciaccona's hard work might not get the reward it deserved... he couldn't help but feel unreconciled.
But there was no helping it; this was a reality he had to face.
"Please tell me. How bad is the situation?"
"There are too many people."
"If that's the case, there's nothing we can do... Huh?"
Hearing Rover's words, Aeron froze.
"We released the clips of Ciaccona's practice and the MV for the first song... The first batch of tickets is already sold out. The number of people registered for the online live stream has already exceeded 300,000... and it's increasing every day."
"..."
Aeron was stunned.
"And that's just online. According to feedback from the Tethys System, many people have expressed willingness to come to Ragunna in person. A conservative estimate... would be in the five-figure range."
"...?"
Aeron felt like he had lost the ability to think.
Over ten thousand people coming to Ragunna—a city-state that was relatively closed off before the Carnevale.
What do you mean Avinoleum? This is freaking Mercedes-Benz Arena!
"Wait, wait, wait, setting aside the why of this for a moment, I..."
Aeron set Roccia down from his lap and began to speak incoherently. Seeing Aeron's chaotic state, Rover chuckled.
"As the Land of Echoes, Rinascita's cultural landscape and natural scenery have a unique charm. Plus, the Septimont competition is about to start, so it's attracted many people."
"Yes, and... there is one most important point." Following Rover, the Shorekeeper offered her own perspective. "I have listened to Miss Ciaccona's songs... they are very captivating."
The AI is right!
But now was not the time for such sentimentality.
"Equipment? The streaming equipment, and the local receiving equipment—"
"It has already been coordinated," the Shorekeeper said with a smile. "The Black Shores can provide sufficiently stable streaming equipment, and the signal relay issues can be resolved. Offline, Montelli and Fisalia's ships can temporarily increase their frequency of trips. Hotels and city entry procedures may need to be prepared in advance."
Cantarella chuckled. "No need to worry about that. Fisalia will handle it~ After all, this is a great opportunity for Ragunna to 'go global.'"
"Montelli will also fully cooperate," Carlotta followed up. Although her expression remained calm, the excitement and pleasure in her voice couldn't be hidden. "However... Aeron, you've really made a huge splash this time."
"I-I didn't expect it to turn out like this either..." Aeron muttered, sitting back into the sofa and covering his face with his hands.
He had originally just wanted Ciaccona's voice to be heard by more people, to give Ragunna something light and hopeful after experiencing so much. He had prepared for the worst—even if only dozens of people showed up, even if there were only a few hundred hits online, he could have accepted it.
Holy crap, I only realized the sky was clear after stepping out from under Ragunna's umbrella.
"P-Partner, th-th-this—"
Ciaccona leaned over, squatting in front of Aeron and looking up at him. In those eyes that were always full of vitality, there was now a hint of worry, but even more so, an irrepressible excitement and anticipation.
"Yeah. Your songs aren't just for Rinascita anymore. Reaching the peak at debut—that's the kind of presence an idol should have!"
"Really?"
"Really." Aeron stood up and looked around at everyone in the living room. "Everyone, change of plans—no, it's an upgrade!"
His gaze finally fell on Rover and the Shorekeeper.
"Rover, Miss Shorekeeper, I'm leaving the online side completely to you."
Rover arched an eyebrow. "Now you know how to say nice things?"
"You are my—my long-lost, non-biological father!"
"Heh." Rover turned her head away, but the corner of her mouth seemed to curve slightly.
The Shorekeeper nodded submissively. "I will handle it. Please rest assured."
"And here in Ragunna—" Aeron looked at Carlotta and Cantarella. "Reception, accommodation, security, city entry procedures... I'll leave those to you two. Please! I'll do anything!"
"Anything?" Carlotta asked with a half-smile.
"The Order will join in too! Right, Phoebe?"
Suddenly being called out, Phoebe snapped upright. "Y-Yes! The Order can also help. I can arrange for priests to assist with guiding and..."
"Good! Then let's do this!"
Aeron clapped his hands together, that familiar, slightly crazed and excited smile reappearing on his face.
"Everyone, one week from now—"
"Let the whole world hear Ciaccona's voice!"
A round of light laughter and agreement echoed in the living room. Ciaccona jumped up and lunged at Aeron; this time, he didn't dodge, catching the hug firmly.
"Partner! I'll definitely do my best!"
"Yeah, I believe in you."
Amidst the lively conversation and the subsequent discussion of details, time slipped away quietly. Refreshments were refilled round after round, and the plans became more and more detailed. By the time everything was roughly settled, the night outside the window had grown deep.
It was impossible to finish so many things in one night, so Aeron chose to let everyone rest first. Any further matters... could be discussed later.
The Shorekeeper's projection dissolved into points of light and vanished. Rover left, dragging Ciaccona and Phoebe by their collars (the two seemed to want to stay longer). Cantarella performed an elegant bow, Zani yawned and said she had "work tomorrow," and Roccia was led upstairs by Cartethyia.
Finally, only Aeron and one other remained in the living room—
"Second Young Lady, staying up late is the enemy of beauty."
"...You're clearly the one with the least right to say that."
Carlotta rolled her eyes at Aeron, but compared to before, her attitude and tone were much softer.
After staying on the sofa for a while longer, she finally made up her mind, walked to Aeron's side, and pulled on his sleeve.
"I have something... to tell you."