Interview (2)
The young girl looked at Selvan.
“You are Selvan Lycuor, correct?”
“That’s right.”
“I am Maryne Flamsteed. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
After introducing herself, Maryne added:
“You’re the son of a noble family, so there’s no need for formal speech.”
“I see... alright.”
Selvan nodded in understanding.
The girl sat down in her chair.
The cat-type monster curled up on her lap.
“I’ve already heard the general outline from Asha. She told me you were deeply moved by Air on the G String.”
“Yes.”
“And because of that, you wish to work for the Maryne Company.”
“That’s right.”
Maryne looked straight at Selvan for a while.
It wasn’t the sort of gaze that appraised someone from head to toe. It felt more like she was simply observing him quietly.
“May I ask you a few questions?”
“Go ahead.”
“When you heard that piece, what did you feel?”
It was a somewhat unexpected question.
“... It’s hard to put into words.”
Selvan thought for a moment before answering.
“It felt like my heart had been seized. Even after the performance ended, it stayed in my head for days.”
“I see.”
A faint smile appeared on Maryne’s face.
“What kind of work have you done up until now?”
Selvan answered honestly.
“Through my father’s connections, I helped out at several trading companies. Mostly distribution-related work, and some assistance with trade operations. I think I handled all of it reasonably well.”
“Asha mentioned that you’re still searching for what you truly want to do.”
“So she told you.”
“Yes.”
Maryne nodded before continuing.
“Let me ask it a different way. When you were helping those companies, what kinds of things were you thinking about while working?”
“... For example, when I was assisting with trade, I felt there were too many transactions that weren’t profitable. There were cases where the margin between purchase price and selling price was so small that, once transportation costs were factored in, the deal could easily end up operating at a loss, yet they approved those deals anyway.”
“And what did you do about that?”
“I suggested improvements. They didn’t listen.”
“I see.”
Maryne gave a small nod and continued.
“Then let us return to the subject of art. From a business perspective, did you have any thoughts about Air on the G String?”
“... I did.”
“What kind of thoughts?”
Selvan answered.
“I thought the piece would sell. First of all, the difficulty level is just right. Naturally, it sounds beautiful when performed by professional musicians, but it’s also within reach of nobles who play instruments as a hobby. In other words, it’s the kind of piece that appeals to a very wide range of buyers.”
“......”
“And when many people can play it, that means it will be performed in many different places. As that happens, the piece’s name recognition will continue to grow. The more famous it becomes, the more sheet music will sell, which should increase revenue as well.”
Maryne leaned forward.
“How interesting. Please continue.”
What do you think about this chapter?
