Sylvia's straightforward words actually put Robin at ease. A transactional relationship—money for services—felt more reliable.
"As for the specific payment…"
This was genuinely Robin's first time handling something like this.
The entertainment industry was one thing, but hiring someone? Asking her to come up with a fair price on the spot was a bit much.
Sylvia could see her hesitation.
"We can discuss the exact price later. There's no rush. I still need time to recover, and it'll be a while before I head to Penacony anyway."
Seeing Sylvia offering an easy way out, Robin naturally nodded in agreement.
"That works. Thank you again for being willing to help. After this, I'll ask my brother, Sunday, head of the Oak Family, to send Miss Sylvia a formal invitation."
Sylvia blinked and nodded, appearing calm on the surface, but inwardly she was doing a little victory dance.
"Since we've reached this point, Miss Robin, you don't need to keep calling me 'Miss.' Just use my name."
Hearing this, Robin smiled gently.
"Then, Sylvia, please drop the honorifics too. Just call me Robin."
The whole setup of Penacony was pretty enticing. Getting an invitation to experience it for free? Absolutely perfect.
As for the danger…
Well, the Express crew would be there, plus Acheron, and the Stellaron Hunters were involved too. She'd just go and play a support role.
Maybe get to know Black Swan while she was at it. Might even draw some interesting abilities.
The tricky one was Sparkle, though.
That 'bratty girl' archetype was kinda appealing in games, but meeting one in real life? Hard not to feel like throwing hands.
Oh, and the IPC.
That Aventurine guy clearly had schemes upon schemes. Had to keep an eye on him too.
Sylvia mentally ran through the notable figures likely to show up in Penacony.
As for Robin's brother… she'd have to make him draw a card too when the time came. Just in case he really was the mastermind behind it all.
Robin might be fine, but she herself could end up getting played.
While Sylvia was lost in thought, Robin suddenly stood up, pulled out her phone, and projected a few sheets of musical notation in front of her, snapping Sylvia back to attention.
"What's this?"
"We finished discussing other matters, but the main business is still pending. These are some of my thoughts on those three songs you did. Want to take a look?"
"…"
Was Penacony not the main business?
Sylvia stared at the notation laid out before her. She couldn't read this stuff at all.
"Uh, you can handle that yourself, can't you? And you actually came here prepared to talk about those songs…"
"Of course! A promise is a promise. Even though I can't perform right now, I can still handle other work."
Once she was in her professional element, Robin's demeanor became noticeably more exacting.
"They're your covers, so you should decide. Besides, I can't read sheet music."
"Oh…"
Robin was taken aback. Sylvia's blunt, unapologetic refusal left her speechless.
Civilizations across the galaxy were numerous, and their musical notation systems varied, but with things like Synesthesia Beacons existing, a widely promoted and accepted system of musical symbols naturally existed too.
Robin was surprised that someone who'd released popular singles on a platform couldn't read it.
Could it be… she really had just emerged from some forgotten corner of the universe?
Considering Sylvia's origins were untraceable, and she first appeared alongside that Galaxy Ranger… that possibility seemed pretty high.
Thinking this, Robin said plainly:
"Then I'll teach you music, Sylvia."
"…Huh?"
Sylvia was confused. How did they end up here?
But Robin was more serious than Sylvia had imagined.
She actually spent half the day giving Sylvia a music lesson, not leaving until evening.
It felt a bit peculiar, but Robin was gentle and had a lovely voice, so the lesson was quite enjoyable.
For Sylvia, it was a perfect way to kill time.
In her current state, she definitely wasn't keen on going out.
Having something to pass the time wasn't bad at all.
After Robin left, Sylvia received a message from Fu Xuan:
[Fu Xuan: How is your physical condition? My apologies, official duties have kept me exceedingly busy today. I truly could not find a moment to break away.]
[Fu Xuan: I performed a divination specifically regarding you. Your recovery appears to be progressing well. The General was clamoring to pay you a personal visit, but I discerned his true intention was merely to shirk his duties, so I intercepted him.]
[Fu Xuan: Should you require anything, you may contact Qingque. She has indeed labored diligently these past days. I deemed it fitting to grant her a brief respite, so I have tasked her with delivering some items to you later.]
Fu Xuan's message sounded formal, but the content was anything but.
With such a major event having occurred on the Luofu, Jing Yuan still wanted to sneak off and loaf around at her place? She wondered if Fu Xuan was fuming.
Qingque, though, had earned her respect.
For even Fu Xuan to say Qingque had been working hard… just how much had she done?
The question was how much of that was under Fu Xuan's pressure, and how much was voluntary.
Especially remembering how close to a Marastruck episode Qingque seemed last time she visited… it was kinda pitiful.
Thinking of that, Sylvia ordered some bubble tea and a few snacks online. They'd be ready for when Qingque arrived.
[Sylvia: Thanks for your concern. I really am much better. I'll come bother you at the Divination Commission in a couple of days to discuss next steps.]
[Fu Xuan: Your health is paramount. Whether regarding the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus or the Destruction Eminence, matters have currently reached a lull. A few more days make little difference.]
[Sylvia: Fu Xuan, you're the one who shouldn't overdo it.]
[Fu Xuan: This one shall be mindful.]
Her chat with Fu Xuan was relatively brief. As for when Qingque would come, she'd send a message to ask later.
But for now—
Sylvia looked at today's draw opportunity.
A green-tier draw from Miss Robin.
Wonder what she'd get this time.
The thought made her rub her hands together. This time, the words slipped right out:
"Draw—!"
This time, the green light morphed directly into purple. With Sylvia's excited gaze fixed upon it, a skill materialized before her:
--+--
[This Night, the Stars Echo for Me (Immortal Edition)]
['Helped you copy… ahem, adapt one of Robin's skills. In battle, you can play a song to buff yourself. The better the performance, the stronger the buff. Of course, the song has to be one you sang and recorded yourself.']
['Technically, you could just sing live… but given your vocal skills, let's not.']
['Let's leave professional matters to the professionals.']
--+--
"…"
Sylvia was silent.
So it was coming for her now? Having a personal battle BGM wasn't enough, it wanted her to sing it live too?
Unbelievable…
Guess she really did have to learn these songs now, huh??
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.