Esper Story: Celine

I'm sorry, darling. We're closed.

If you're looking to sign up for the contest, you'll have to come back tomorrow.

Y-you're Celine!

Hi! No, it's okay. I was just passing by when I saw this poster.

...You work around here?

Yes. I sing at a bar just around the corner.

Sure. Well, the contest is open to anyone. Not just staff.

Umm... I'll pass...

To be honest... I'm probably about to quit singing altogether. Why bother?

Sad to hear that. But something tells me you're not quite done yet.

Why do you want to quit?

Well, a few reasons actually...

My parents don't approve for one thing. And my coworkers just think I'm average.

Even friends are telling me to quit these days. Saying the night shifts aren't good for me.

Uh-huh. But those are reasons from other people.

What about a reason from you?

I...

I... I don't really know what to think.

Think back a bit. How'd you get your first gig?

......

I... uh, I really love singing. And they hired me.

The place has got issues, I guess... but I really do enjoy the stage.

Why not give yourself one more shot? To make it on a bigger stage?

Why don't you see how you go in the contest first?

It might inspire you to keep it up. Or at least leave with no regrets.

...Wow, yeah... Thanks for the advice. I'll think it over.

Hi, Celine. After talking to you that night, I thought really hard about what you said...

...And now you're here. Congratulations!

Now let's find your answer.

...I'll try my best!

I'd better go get ready.

Who was that, Celine?

Is she new here? Haven't seen her before.

No. She's not one of ours.

You just met...

...and you're already rooting for her?

When I was her age, everyone wanted to make money off me. No one ever asked what I wanted.

It took me a while to realize I could make my own decisions... I just needed to believe I could make up my own darned mind.

I want her to know it's really her decision. And whatever it is, she'll be better off for it.

With you in her corner, I'm sure she's gonna be fine.

Touché...

Good, you could make it on time, Melanie.

Hey! Celine! I ran into someone on the way here, alright?!

A really cute guy actually. Playing the guitar two blocks over. He's so, I mean, his voice was...amazing.

And... he's a singing teacher! And gave me his class schedule...

I'm signing up first thing tomorrow!

I'm hoping maybe me and him can form a little duo once I learn how to sing professionally. He'll be the guitarist, I'll be the lead singer. Just like in one of my comic books, hah.

...Melanie, please. Snap out of it. You're his client, not his friend.

2,000 e-coins per session? Wow. Pretty steep.

If you really want to learn how to sing professionally, I could give you singing lessons for free. Don't waste your money, darling.

Really? You'd do that?

Why not? Just get to work earlier tomorrow and we can begin.

Did I ever tell you you're the best boss ever?

Okay, lesson one: let's start with the basics. Let's do: "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star".

I'll lead, you follow. That'll give us something to tidy up.

Not a problem!

Please, come in.

So sorry, Celine! I just need to borrow a few things for the rehearsal.

Am I interrupting?

That's alright. Celine was teaching me how to sing!

How to sing? Is this your first lesson?

Something wrong?

Sorry. I overheard, I didn't mean to, when I was waiting by the door.

...I don't mean to bother, but you didn't cover breathing, sheet music, stuff like that. Basics...

Is that how they taught you at the college?

More or less... Was it different for you?

...I never went.

Then how'd you learn...?

I just listened, imitated, and practiced.

*Chuckle*... Don't think twice about it. Our Celine is one of a kind!

But that's right, you know, Celine. I could use some help with breathing and all that stuff.

Can we do that next session?

I'll consider it...

Theory and formal techniques are important, Boss.

For example, look at the new song we're rehearsing now. There's a particularly tricky bit...

You need to know exactly what you're doing. Imagine learning that on your own!

That's one way to look at it, yes...

Melanie, do you still have that flyer from yesterday?

Yes. Why?

I'm just doing a staff headcount. I'd like to know how many singers might need formal musical training. Then I'll enroll all of us into that guy's class.

?!

Including yourself?

Yeah. And you too if, you'd like.

But... didn't you just tell me it was a waste of money?

It was a waste of money. Now it's an investment.

I see.

I'll try to visit when I get the time.

You're real busy these days, Celine. You working on a big deal?

What makes you say that?

Your communicator's buzzing all the time... but we don't have any events coming up.

You've talked about "visiting"it must be, at least ten people? Sorry for eavesdropping, by the way.

Let me know if I can help in any way, okay?

It's not work-related...

!

Stephany's? Kales? And... Vulgari?! Those are jewelry stores, aren't they?

Yes. And with the very latest designs.

They all want me to check in on their new stock in person. In fact, they've even offered to bring some over in case I'm too busy.

Wow. They really do go above and beyond for their VIPs...

We can go there together this weekend, if you're interested.

Yes, of course! Of course, I am!

I need a seat. Feel free to browse without me.

Oh? Tired?

Is it all the walking?

We've almost visited every single jewelry store on Fifth Avenue!

Not me. I'll never get tired of shopping.

Alright. I've asked for a viewing of new items over here. We can stay seated. Enjoy.

I can't see straight from all the flashy diamonds in my eyes...

To be totally honest, they all look kinda the same.

Oh, hush... It's all in the detail.

Look here. A brooch with a rose gold filigree. In two layers...

Wow. Now that is expensive!

But you already bought quite a few brooches today. You really think...

I mean you can't wear all of them.

I don't need to wear them. It can be nice just to collect beautiful things.

Plus...

...This one is for you.

That's it. So Melanie.

...Me?!

Wait... and the other jewelry?

Are they for your collection or gifts?

A little of both. This is a rare opportunity. I might as well get some other gifts for our staff.

But at what cost...

Well. You know, money is a just number.

And what's the point of money if you never spend it?

We're all a big happy family at Evening Sounds anyway.

Thank you all for coming. And that concludes our performance this evening.

However, we do hope you take your time to enjoy yourselves at our establishment. The night is still young, after all.

Excuse me, Miss! Please! Delete that photo you took!

You're not allowed to take pictures in here!

Even selfies?

Huh. Show's over anyway. It's just a silly selfie.

Everyone says they're just "taking a selfie".

Those aren't the rules. No stage photos allowed.

Melanie, there's no reason to get all worked up.

Why don't you to bring Ms. Biondina a glass of coconut water?

Please excuse her, Ms. Biondina. Melanie can a little intense at times. Particularly with photos.

I hereby apologize on her behalf.

Oh, heh. Okay. No, that's quite alright. Fair point. I mean, I shouldn't take a selfie if that's against your rules.

But you got me curious...

How do you know my name? And you know I like coconut water. Good guess, huh?

...There aren't many mermaids in Grandis.

And there's your family too. I've received... queries. They came by just today asking about you.

*Sigh*... I'm just trying to get a bit of space for my peace of mind. That's all. They can't leave well enough alone...

They know you well enough to guess you'll start touring Grandis' major scenic locations. Wouldn't surprise me if they have someone out there looking for you tomorrow.

Exercise caution. That's all I'm saying. Unless you want to be found...

Okay. I think I understand what's going on here. So I guess I should say... thank you for the heads-up?

Don't worry about it. Because I was actually wondering... if I can ask for something in return?

Ugh!

You're every bit as charming as they say.

Thank you...

Enjoy your time with us here at Evening Sounds.

Celine... what did you say to that lady I had a spat with?

She was pretty nice to me tonight after. She even tipped, a lot, when I brought the coconut water.

Wow. Right...

Wait... when did her family come by? I don't remember anyone like that.

...They didn't.

What?!

I know they're looking for her. That's correct. I got that from my regular sources. But everything else I made up.

Like I've said a thousand times, Melanie, information equals power.

Facts...

And like I've always said... You're one of a kind, Celine.