While everyone was still busy with their celebratory mood, Kylo took the opportunity to say goodbye to Leonard, Geoffrey, and Charlton.
"I will go ahead. Good luck with your recording!" Kylo said, then he jokingly added, "Charlie, won't you walk with me to my carriage? After using my talent for today's concert, you don't even want to send me out?"
Charlton knew that he was meaning to talk to him alone. So, he nodded his head and told Geoffrey and Leonard that he'll see them at the studio.
They exited the opera house through the backdoor, looking around there were just the two of them outside.
"Hey Charlie, I know that you still have feelings for her, and I have a feeling that she was directing that song to you. However, you have to listen to me. Don't let it affect your resolve. Although a part of me wants you both to just get back together, seeing how miserable you have been lately, we both know that you, having that kind of relationship with her, will never lead to a happily ever after." Kylo advised.
Charlton gave him a wistful smile, "since when did you become the more sensible person between us?"
Kylo shook his head, "I'm saying this for your own good. You know that right?"
Charlton nodded as he said, "Thank you."
--
Geoffrey took his time to stare at Serena. Again, he could not help but be in awe of her. At first, he was filled with worry when she directly walked out towards the spotlight, but he soon realized that it was pointless. She stood at the middle of the stage, grabbed a mic, and began addressing the audience. In an instant, she has already taken control of everyone.
She was full of confidence that one would think that she has been prepared for this all along. But he knew that she was not, and he was ready to go out there and help her if needed.
However, he was soon to realize that again, she did not need his help at all. She first talked about what the song was about, and like everyone else, he translated it as her dedicating it to the children.
Then, she sat behind the piano and started singing. He saw how sad she seemed, and he wracked his brains just to think of a way to make her feel better. He thought that someday when he becomes king, he would make sure to be a good ruler so that she could live in a better place.
He knew she told him that she just wants to focus on herself right now and that she didn't see him that way. However, she was still bound to be his one day, and he truly felt lucky and blessed for that. So, he let himself love and admire her more than ever.
--
After everyone has had enough of the high after the concert, it was time to leave. Taking note of the time, those involved in the recording went straight to Columbia recording company which was about 15 minutes ride away by carriage.
Serena asked Bernard to send Gizel and Milly back to their dorm and told him that there was no need to come back for her and Via later as they will be sharing a ride back with Leonard.
Gizel and Milly wished her and Via luck for the recording before they rode her carriage.
Meanwhile, Leonard who she informed earlier about the arrangement, went to join them. He helped them both to his carriage.
The ride to the studio was spent in silence. Leonard wanted to ask Serena about the song earlier but felt that it was inappropriate. Also, they have Via with them. Anyway, she admitted that it was dedicated to the children. He should trust her word and not place that much meaning behind it.
Upon arrival, Serena noted that there were already some carriages in the vicinity. They were received by one of the employees, as they were already familiar with Serena's face, the man quickly led them to the studio.
Inside, Serena saw that more than half of them were already present. They greeted her, Via and Leonard who just arrived. Then they congratulated her for her performance earlier.
She saw that Emil, the business partner of Edward, was fixing additional horns, so that unlike last time when there were only 2, now there were 5.
After a few minutes, Geoffrey arrived together with Charlton. The two of them approached her group. She noted how Charlton tried not to meet her eyes, but she did not let it affect her as she knew that the recording was their priority now. So, like last time, she compartmentalized her emotions, so as not to affect the professional environment she currently was in.
By 5:30, all the participants were in the studio. Serena this time took lead.
"Good evening everyone. I know it's been a week since the last time we met and we only rehearsed for one day, but I hope all of you have memorized your respective parts and can still remember the melody of the song. Anyway, before we go through the recording, we need to rehearse first as I understand that everyone here is still unfamiliar with the process. Now, we have here with us, Mr. Edward Easton, the owner of Columbia recording company together with Mr. Emil Berliner, the inventor of the phonograph. Let us give them a warm hand of applause."
Everyone clapped their hands as Edward and Emil raised their hands in acknowledgement. After that, Serena continued.
"Before I give the floor to Mr. Edward Easton, let me just share this piece of information to everyone before I forget. Mr. Edward as the owner of this company has also kindly volunteered to donate his share of profit from the song to the orphanages. Again, let us give him a warm welcome."
Everyone clapped their hands again and Edward blushed as he walked forward.
--
TBC