The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

LOOKING at the sign in front of them, Astrid couldn't help but think of the failed aquarium date he had with Wulfric. Well, they technically didn't have it since it was cancelled before they could even go to the place. But still.

Knowing Wulfric, the other would probably watch this episode during the weekend. What would be his reaction once he saw him going to an aquarium? That guy might have a tantrum or something. He might even ask Astrid out just so they could go to an aquarium.

He shook his head with a smile.

That smile was caught on camera and people watching began to think that Astrid had fondness for aquarium and marine life in general. So, a certain misconception was created.

Unbeknownst to them, Astrid didn't have special affection for aquariums and such. His smile was only because he was thinking of a certain prince.

[A staff will greet you later and tell you what you should do for this task. Don't worry, the task won't be that hard.] – The voice of the host echoed in the earpiece given to them. He said that last part in a playful manner that the three found it hard to believe that it would really not be 'that hard'. [Good luck and don't forget to have fun!]

"Do you believe what he said, that the task won't be that hard?" Lauren asked as they walked inside the gate.

It seemed that the program team had already taken care of their presence here, so even if they were still wearing masks, they weren't stopped at the entrance.

"I, for one, don't believe it," Lauren added.

"It doesn't matter. I just hope we don't have to swim," Miria responded.

Astrid noticed something in Miria's words. It's unlikely that the other was afraid of water. It would have shown while they were fishing this morning. Could it be that she didn't know how to swim?

He didn't directly ask that. Instead, he said in a reassuring voice, "If the next task is uncomfortable for you, just tell us. I'm sure we can work some things out with the program team."

Miria was a bit startled by what Astrid said. But then soon she smiled. Because she quickly understood that the other must have noticed her discomfort and then guessed from his words that she couldn't swim.

"Okay," she said.

At times like this, there's nothing wrong with relying on people around her.

Soon, a land vehicle stopped in front of them. One of the aquarium's staffs climbed down the vehicle and welcomed them, asking them to get inside the vehicle. The three followed the staff. Once they got inside, the vehicle started to move.

On their way, Lauren asked the staff what kind of task they would be given. But the other said that it would be easier to explain once they arrived at their destination. It didn't take long for them to arrive there.

Going down, Astrid read the holographic sign on top of the building in front of them. [Mermaid Cove]. Somehow, he already had an idea of what their task would be.

"Please, follow me," the staff said, gesturing for them to follow.

The three followed the staff and walked inside the dome-like building.

What welcomed them first was a reception area. There were marine life holograms floating around. Then, they were led to a corridor. At the end of that corridor was an open area that was similar to a coliseum stage. Except that the one at the middle was not a stage but a huge pool.

"This building is for mermaid shows," the staff started to explain. "Of course, they're not real mermaids but performers wearing mermaid costumes. The show is the highlight of Atlantis. That's why it's usually held during the night."

Astrid now understood why they weren't any people inside the building. Well, except for some employees that they met along the way.

"So, are we going to act as mermaids then?" Lauren asked.

"Yes, more or less," the staff answered. "The three of you will be one of the attraction for tonight's show. You will have to perform a number that will last for about five to eight minutes. Of course, you have to do that underwater. Don't worry, our equipment is top of the line. You won't drown even if you stay underwater for that long. Your program will be the finale. We will give you this whole afternoon to practice whatever program you decided to do. If you need any props or anything, just tell us and we will prepare it. Do you have any questions?"

"If we will perform underwater, how would the audience watch it?" Astrid asked.

"The pool you see right now will be elevated. The sides are made of glass, so everyone in the audience could see what's happening inside. Of course, there would also be holographic projection so the audience could have a clear view of your performance," the staff explained.

"Tsk. I knew it," Lauren grumbled. Then, he looked at the camera. "You guys are really lucky today. You'll be able to see my sexy bod."

Astrid laughed when he heard that. Even Miria, who was feeling nervous because of the staff's explanation, smiled.

The staff then gave them time to have a meeting and decide what kind of program they would do.

Remembering what Astrid said to her earlier, she felt the need to admit a flaw of hers that could potentially affect their task. "I have a confession to make," he called the attention of the two. "I don't know how to swim. And even if they had equipment, I can't stay underwater. I would just panic and would definitely be unable to perform."

Astrid guessed as much. "That's fine. We can just think of a program where you wouldn't have to stay underwater."

Lauren nodded. "You can just sing outside of the pool while Aster and I dance or whatever inside."

"That's actually not such a bad idea," Astrid agreed with a smile.