"I think that mine, the dummy and the real one, are both acceptable." Serena said after she read through it. "Wait, just to confirm, you really will pay me the 800 grand as payment for signing this aside from the profit sharing right?"
Edward chuckled, well, he can make that much profit in just one of her songs, so he thinks that he must add that clause. "Of course. I don't want you to think that I would take advantage just because you asked for a dummy one. However, don't casually tell others, no other artist that I will sign with my company would even reach 1/10 of that amount."
Serena grinned. "Then, I can sign the real one now."
Charlton smiled seeing Serena all excited. His contract has half that amount, but he was only signing for 1 year. Dividends would then depend on his agreement with the artists he would be working with later. Anyway, it was not very strict, but it was stipulated that in a year, he must be able to help produce at least 18 songs. He can manage that much. It was a fair contract. "Mine is also acceptable."
"Great. Now Let's move on to the schedule. I was thinking of holding the signing event on the 1st week of June, a little tight, but gives me time to wrap up 'we are the world' locally and garner all the press to be there. What do you think?"
Serena shook her head. "I'm afraid that it would be a very busy week because the week after that would be our finals. Perhaps sometime in mid-June. That would be the start of our vacation. By the way, just for heads up, I won't be in the kingdom for 2 weeks, I estimate from the last week of June up to the 1st week of July."
Charlton was surprised, she haven't told him about that.
Serena seeing his expression chose to explain, "I just got it confirmed yesterday. Remember from the signing event? Gizel's parents invited me to Militeia, so I'm heading there with the girls."
Edward nodded his head, "Alright, we can work with mid-June" then he looked at the calendar "Does the 17th, a Sunday, sound good?"
Thinking that that is after the finals and the year-end ball. Serena nodded her head in agreement. Although she was thinking for the day after the graduation, she doesn't want to delay Gizel by waiting for next Sunday. Travel to Militeia will take 2 days by boat and her parents' anniversary is on the 28th.
"Yes, I find that agreeable."
Charlton also nodded his head. "Me too. I think that's fine."
"alright then, now for this event, I would only be inviting the press. Then, we can release Serena's song a few days or a week after. What do you think? Any suggestion?"
"I think that timing would be better if we were release it on the second day after the signing event. News would have already circulated in that short period and the timing would be good as a lot of nobles would be in the area because of the graduation. I just think it would be better for the sales. Anyway, me and Charlton can record it ahead of time. Like end of May? We still have 2-3 weeks."
"That could also work, by the way, Edward, have you found professional instrumentalists like I requested?" Charlton asked.
"Yes, I can ask them to come over tomorrow if you have time."
Charlton shook his head, "tomorrow I have to head to the orphanage. Next Saturday will do." then he took a deep breath. Deym, he wants to spend more alone time with Serena, but his schedule is so packed. Anyway, next Saturday, perhaps, they can visit their love nest again after meeting and working with the professional instrumentalists. Then, on Sunday, maybe she's up to go and see Normandy with him?
"Okay, Saturday then. What time?"
"Morning at 9am?" was what he can suggest. He was not a morning person but if he wants to maximize time with Serena, he will just have to wake up early.
"Alright then. So, I guess we're done with that. Now regarding the new updates with we are the world, Serena, here is the summary of accounts. It has been 3 weeks now since the release and sales are not dropping still. To think that we haven't entered international market yet."
"Oh, by the way, when are you thinking of going international?" Serena asked.
"I was thinking sometime in July. Right now, we have selected 3 kingdoms, Horace, Eulio, and Militieia. I have already sent people to scout the area for strategic location where we can set up our store. Anyway, we can start selling our products in those kingdoms, sometime between mid to end of July. So, I think that your vacation plan is just right. You can still have some normalcy during your trip, because I'm sure when our products start entering those markets, your face would be recognizable everywhere."
Serena nodded her head. She was thinking of changing the covers for both albums, but then again, it has already been publicized. Curious people can always acquire a copy.
"You too Charlton, I think you should enjoy some normalcy and get a vacation. You will be quite busy soon."
Charlton only nodded his head. He was actually thinking of how he can join Serena on her trip. He has a lot of things to do after the school year ends. He have to do some ocular and work as a music producer. Other than that, his mother would definitely give him a headache when she finds out what he has been up to.
After that, they discussed some daily matters, then when there was nothing else to discuss, they decided to call it a day. Edward was about to walk them back to their carriage, but Serena insisted that they can manage on their own. Understanding that the two wanted alone time, he did not insist any longer.
--
"So, you're going to Militeia?" Charlton began.
"Yes, I already asked permission from my parents, and if possible, I wish for you to join me. However, I'm worried how my friends would react if I were to just spend all my time with you during the trip."
Charlton smiled, "Well, I won't get in the way of your friendship too much and I might not be able to stay the duration of the 2 weeks. However, do inform me when the schedule is final, I will definitely find ways be there."
Serena could not help the grin escaping her, her excitement bubbling. "I will get back to you on that." She knew how busy his schedule would be starting now. But she was glad that he said that he will be there.
Anyway, soon they reached the lobby and Serena had to travel back using her own coach because her servants were with her. It was already 4:30 in the afternoon and when they arrive back in school it would be almost 6 in the evening. Thus, they said their goodbyes and that they will see each other again the next day.
--
TBC