The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

ASTRID picked up the sandwich he just made and took a bite before continuing to read the contract that Ellis just sent him.  He didn’t expect that he would receive it this fast.  After all, he only met with the president yesterday.  He thought the contract would take at least a week before it was finalized.  Maybe it’s their way of showing their sincerity.

He grinned after reading the whole contract.  There were a couple of bulleted points in there.  Aside from the most obvious part, like having free access to all of Polaris’ facilities, there were quite a few points in the contract that attracted his attention.

One was that he would retain most of the talent fee that he would get for every job that he would take.  Which was already pretty good.  Considering that, in most cases, newcomers like him would only get half of what they should earn.  Second, he wouldn’t be forced to take on roles or jobs that didn’t get his approval.  Which meant that he had absolute freedom on the roles and jobs that he would take from now on.

These two points were not privileges that someone like him who’s just starting his career could have.  Just by these two, it could be seen that Polaris was giving him quite the leeway.  Probably as an acknowledgement to his talent. 

He must admit, he certainly liked this kind sincerity.

He replied to the message Ellis sent him.

[Sister Ellis, I received the copy of the contract and had already read it.  I have no problems with it.  We can proceed with the signing.]

He just sent that message when a video call request appeared on his Terminal.  He saw that it was from Ellis, so, he quickly accepted it.  Within a second, a woman with short auburn hair appeared on the screen. 

“Sister Ellis,” he greeted with a smile.

“You’re satisfied with the contract?” Ellis asked, going straight to the point. 

Astrid nodded.  “Everything is satisfactory.  In fact, it’s even beyond my expectation.”

Frankly, Ellis was also a bit surprised that Grant would give Astrid such a good contract.  She knew about the levels of contract Polaris gave to artists who wanted to sign them.  A level 3 contract for a newcomer – it’s definitely not bad. 

She was actually already preparing to haggle so Astrid could have the best contract a newcomer could wish for.  Who would have thought that there would be no need for that and Grant would be so generous?

But she also understood that it’s that guy’s way of showing that he appreciated the kid’s talent.  Although showing too much favor on a newcomer might also be detrimental in a way.  But she had a feeling that she wouldn’t have such a problem when it came to Astrid. 

She looked at the teenager with outstanding appearance.  In the short time that she spent time with him, she could see that he had smart brain inside that head.  He was very confident in his talent.  Knowing his own worth, he wouldn’t let people take advantage of him.  And, he was also quite ambitious. 

That’s not really a bad thing per se.  But just like what that old proverb said, ‘too much of anything is bad’.  So, everything should be kept in moderation.  And that’s why she’s here.  To guide him on the right path in his career.  As long as she was his agent and he was her artist, she would do her best to help him and not let him go astray.

“If that’s the case, then, can you go to the company tomorrow to personally sign the contract?” she asked. 

“I have to go to Redwood in the morning to register,” Astrid said.  “But I’ll probably be free in the afternoon.  Is it alright if I go to the company at that time?”

Tomorrow would be the start of freshmen registration for all the colleges and universities located at the capital.  That included Redwood and the military academy. 

Redwood Academy wasn’t too strict but he still had to go there in person to formally register as a student.  While Reas, on the other hand, had to start living at the dorms of the Imperial Military Academy. 

“Then tell me once you’re done with your registration.  I will pick you up.  Let’s go to the company together,” Ellis suggested.

Astrid had no reason to refuse so he just nodded.  They talked a bit more before they ended the call.  He just closed his Terminal when the door to his apartment opened.  He glanced back and saw Reas who just came back from his run.  The other walked towards the water dispenser, filled a glass of water, and drank it.

“Do you want a sandwich?  I’ll make you one,” he said.

“Yes, please.” Reas pushed back his ice-blue hair, some of it were sticking on his forehead because of sweat.  “I’ll just take a quick shower.”

Astrid stood up and took some ingredients from his small pantry before making the sandwich for his brother.  By the time he finished, Reas also walked to the kitchen.  He picked the sandwich and took a big bite. 

“Have you already prepared everything that you’re bringing to your dorms?” he asked.

Reas nodded, picking up the glass of juice that Astrid poured for him and drinking it.  “Don’t worry, everything is already in my space stone.”

“Are you sure?” Astrid asked. 

He had to make sure.  He heard how strict the military academy was.  What if Reas forgot something essential?  The academy didn’t allow its freshmen to just leave the premises of the academy during the one week before the official start of the semester.

Reas wasn’t annoyed by his brother’s repeated questioning.  “Don’t worry, Aster.  I have all the essential things I need.”

Hearing that, Astrid no longer nagged the other.  “Should I accompany you?”

“I don’t think they’re allowing non-military students to enter,” Reas said.

Which he was kind of glad.  If he went with his brother, he would definitely be the center of attention of those military students.  He’d rather not have them ogle Astrid.  Besides, he still remembered that the prince was going to be a guest lecturer.  What if they accidentally met that guy?

So, to be sure, it’s better to not bring Astrid there.