The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era



WITH just a couple of words, Casey managed to establish the 'fact' that this was the first time he met Astrid in person. This way, he quickly cut off the possible speculation people could make about their relationship. And to put the final nail in the coffin, Casey added;

"The Marketing Department did a good job choosing you."

With these final words, not only did he paint their relationship in a professional light, but he also subtly told everyone here that he had nothing to do in choosing Astrid as their new perfume line's ambassador.

Mr. Cook, as well as the two executives who knew the truth, decided to promptly shut their mouth and not pierce their boss' lie. Especially since the duke was also here.

Astrid, on the other hand, appreciated the other's quick thinking. Because Casey weaved this kind of narrative, the chance of a rumor spreading about him getting this ambassadorship in an unfair manner had now become low.

Of course, some skeptical people and those who had malice in their hearts would still think what they wanted to think. But they wouldn't be the majority, and that's all what Astrid cared about.

To play along with Casey, he quickly put on an expression that was a mixed of being relieved, happy, and even more nervous. The combination of these emotions would be hard to portray as 'natural'. Because too much emotions seen on one person's face could make it appear theatrical.

But that's not something that Astrid was worried about. Because 'natural' acting was something he was very good at. Probably from the years that he had to act in a certain manner just so he could survive in society.

"Yes! Th-thank you, Lord Cassius! I- I will definitely continue to do my best!" he said in response to what Casey had said.

"Good, good," Casey said with a more sincere smile.

It's because he truly admired the kid deep inside. Being able to judge a situation and promptly deal with it calmly, that's not something a kid his age could do so easily. The fact that the other also understood what Casey was trying to do delighted him. It's like the two of them had a natural tacit understanding.

Anthony, who was still confused about what's happening, finally gained a bit of understanding after hearing Cassius' dialogues. Since he knew that his son had personally met the teenager, there were definitely some lies mixed in with his words. But after hearing the teenager's response and trying to overlap the other with the 'Brother Aster' that Nikki cheerfully told him about, he suddenly had a realization.

The Astrid Townsend in front of him now was 'acting'. He was doing so in order to stop any possible rumors that could connect him with Cassius and that the two of them would only be viewed as nothing more but a new ambassador of EMMA and the owner of EMMA.

And Anthony was certain that his actions earlier were the main reason for this. There must have been not just a few people who noticed him walking towards Astrid earlier. He suddenly felt a bit guilty, since it happened because of his carelessness.

The best thing he could do now was to not pay the teenager any needless attention. But acknowledging his hard work shouldn't be too bad, right? 

So, he said, "I've seen the video. You did well."

The teenager's face turned bright red, as if excited that a duke gave him a compliment. "Yes, thank you, Your Grace!"

And that's the last conversation he had with the other all throughout the rest of the party.

----------

Astrid removed the smile on his face the moment he got inside Ellis' car. He leaned on the backseat and let out a tired sigh.

"Good job hanging on until the end," Ellis said as she started the car.

Astrid could only nod. He truly felt very exhausted, as if all his energy had been drained. He hadn't even been this tired during filming. It was all because of the 'good reviews' Casey and the duke gave him.

After that brief conversation he had with the two, he and Ellis quickly got out of the way and went to another part of the lounge. If they stayed and interacted with the two longer, he was sure people there would think that he was trying to 'hug their thighs'. Although that saying was not particularly common in this era, the impression of the people around would still be along that line.

That's why it's better to just be seen as a promising newcomer who's sincere at his work.

Astrid thought that the rest of the night would pass by peacefully after that. What he didn't know was that things were only starting then.

After he and Ellis walked away from the encirclement surrounding the two Grimaldis, the other celebrities in the lounge just started flocking around him. It was the first time since he started acting in this life that he felt like he was some kind of superstar.

He knew that it wasn't because they admired him or that they thought he was a better actor than them; it was only because of the praise he received from Casey and the duke. They probably thought that if he didn't fumble, he would continue being the ambassador of [Eros] for quite a long while. Just that would already ensure him of a good future in the industry. And therefore, having a connection to him wouldn't be bad.

Since he couldn't really kick them away, he could only interact with them with a smile. When he and Ellis could finally leave, he felt like the muscles on his face had already frozen because of smiling too much.

But at least, because of the brief attention he received from Casey and the duke, there was no one who tried to offer him an indecent proposal. So, that's probably a win, right?

---------

Wulfric stood in front of a very familiar apartment building. His emotions were in a disarray. Especially after seeing all those billboards scattered around the capital.