The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

FIONA bit the inside of her cheek to prevent herself from uttering a curse. Why was it that Nadia Beck only had a video of her doing busking while hers felt more like a scoop? Since she's not really used to analyzing people's intention, add to the fact that she's not really good at lying on the spot, she could only stutter;

"I- I'm not really sure if I should answer that question."

The audience laughed, not to mock her but because they found her answer very refreshing. Her honesty was such a breath of fresh air that the people there only found it adorable.

Fiona's face heated up. She was thinking that she answered wrong that's why the audience was making fun of her. But what else could she say? It was true that she really wasn't sure if she could answer that question.

"Can- can you ask me another question?" she asked to rectify the situation.

Rita chuckled. "It's okay. Let me just rephrase the question. If there's a suitable offer, would you be willing to adapt your works into movies, TV shows, or animation?"

"I- I would probably be more inclined for an animated adaptation. At least the design of each character would be the most similar to the characters I created," she said. She was still stumbling at first, but as she continued to talk, she became more and more eloquent. Probably because she was very invested in this topic. "It's hard to find actors who resembled the characters I had in my mind. It's not just about me being picky. My writer self just couldn't let the novels I put all my heart into become something that even I couldn't recognize."

Rita nodded. "I can understand what you're worried about. But Miss Leaf must have already realized that it's hard to find a perfect adaptation of novels and such. Because, in one way or another, the director adapting the work would have their own interpretation of the work. So, does this mean that Miss Leaf would never allow any live-action adaptation of your work to be made?"

Fiona bit her lower lip, looking apprehensive. "I- I don't want to say the word 'never'. It has such a finality to it. This might be my opinion today but it might change in the future. So..."

Her answer might seem ambiguous but that was how she truly felt. Or at least what she felt after meeting Astrid Townsend. The more she observed the other, the more he resembled her 'Jace'.

She glanced sideways at the teenager and made a decision then. After this recording was over, she would watch everything where the other appeared.

Astrid, of course, felt the other's glance. How could he not when it was very piercing? It's not a malicious gaze nor a gaze full of affection. If he could describe it, then it would be a gaze full of determination.

He was feeling kind of bewildered because of that gaze, wondering why the other was suddenly looking at him that way. But he still maintained the smile on his face.

Soon, it was his turn.

Now, he started to feel a bit nervous. After all, he still didn't know just what kind of 'secret' this program would reveal about him. With what he had seen so far, it probably wouldn't be seriously intrusive. Well, at least he hoped so.

"Let's all watch this short clip that could probably shed a light to Astrid's true personality."

Rita said it in a very intriguing way. As if what was about to be shown was something controversial.

Since Astrid noticed that the other deliberately made it look that way, his worries significantly lessened. Because he knew that Rita wouldn't have done that if the clip was indeed controversial. But he still didn't let his guard down.

The virtual screen appeared at the center of the studio where everyone could see it. Then, a video clip started playing.

On the clip, the hostage taker's face was shown while holding Nicol in his arms. Though the latter's face was actually mosaicked. Then, the point of view shifted to that of a lean young man, trying to calm the hostage taker. The young man then removed the hat he's wearing, revealing his face to all.

Astrid stood in front of the criminal without any fear on his face.

It was the video that caused Astrid to trend for the first time. The hostage taking that happened when he and his brother arrived at the capital.

The virtual screen disappeared after that.

"This clip was taken and posted two months ago. I don't know if any of you remember, but this trended for a couple of hours when it happened. A hostage taking situation ended with no casualties because a pair of brothers risked their lives to subdue the criminal," Rita started. "Yes, that's right, I'm talking about Astrid and his brother." After saying that to the camera, she turned to Astrid. "What were you thinking at that moment? Did you not feel scared or worried that things might just get worse because of what you and your brother did?"

Astrid acted like he was deeply thinking of the answer to the host's question. But he didn't really need to think much since the answer just came naturally to him. Of course, he had to embellish that answer with words that wouldn't make it appear like he's bragging.

"It was indeed scary. But I had a feeling that if we didn't do anything at that moment, something even more terrible would happen," he started with a serious expression. "Besides, more than my fears and worries, my faith in my brother was even stronger. He made a plan that could potentially save everyone who was there. As a brother, it's only natural for me to support him."

Rita nodded, seemingly satisfied with this answer. "I heard that your brother is currently studying at the Imperial Military Academy, is that correct?"

Astrid nodded and said proudly, "He will be one of the greatest soldier in the future."