"Miss, Mister Hachiro is waiting for you outside."
"Coming!"
Raiquèn shouted back as she hurriedly fixed her bangs in front of the mirror.
Today was the day—they were heading to the Roskow Agency, after the agency had accepted their appointment.
She rushed outside, only to find a sleek black van waiting at the front of the estate.
"Eh?"
The van door opened, and Hachiro, wearing sunglasses, stepped out. With a small smile, he moved to open the door for Raiquèn.
"Oh, thank you, Mister," Rai said politely, nodding before slipping into the passenger seat beside the driver.
Hachiro circled back to the driver's side and slid into his seat. Rai quickly fastened her seatbelt as the engine purred to life.
Not long after, Hachiro tapped his tablet with one hand and passed it to Rai.
"Oh, take a look at this, Rai."
"Hm? What is this?" she asked curiously, balancing the tablet on her lap.
"The Roskow Agency has already drafted a five-year contract for you."
Rai blinked in surprise, the words on the glowing screen reflecting in her wide eyes.
Rai scrolled through the document on Hachiro's tablet. The words looked stiff, lined with legal jargon, but a few key details caught her eye.
ROS̄KOW TALENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (Five-Year Contract)
Duration:
Five (5) years, renewable upon mutual agreement.
Management Rights:
Roskow Agency will act as Raiquèn Xy Ignazio-Kanazora's sole representative for all acting, modeling, and entertainment-related engagements.
Revenue Sharing:
Talent (Raiquèn): 70% of all net earnings.
Agency (Roskow): 30% (for management, promotion, and negotiations).
(Rai raised an eyebrow at this point—most agencies rarely offered more than 50% to a newcomer.)
Additional Benefits:
Full coverage of acting workshops, vocal training, and language tutoring (no cost to talent).
Wardrobe, makeup, and stylist services provided for all official events.
Housing and travel expenses covered for international projects.
Performance Clause:
No penalty if Raiquèn declines roles that do not align with her career vision.
Roskow will prioritize roles that highlight her versatility and artistic growth.
Exclusivity:
Raiquèn may still pursue academic studies or personal projects without agency interference.
Any charity or cultural events she wishes to support will be given priority approval.
Termination Clause:
Talent may terminate the contract at any time with a six-month notice if the agency fails to provide reasonable opportunities.
Agency cannot terminate without mutual agreement unless in cases of severe breach.
At the very bottom, in bold letters, the agency's CEO had personally signed a note:
"We see great potential in Miss Raiquèn Xy Ignazio-Kanazora. This agreement reflects our commitment to nurture her as a top-tier actress in the international stage."
— Leora Ven Del Oro, CEO of Roskow Agency
Rai's eyes widened.
"Seventy percent..? And they'll cover everything?"
Hachiro chuckled, adjusting his sunglasses.
"Exactly. To be blunt, Rai… this kind of contract is unheard of for someone who's only done one film. It's as if Roskow wants you no matter what."
Rai blinked at the screen, her hands tightening around the tablet.
'Why would they go this far for me…?'
"It's a bit suspicious..." Rai mumbled, her brows knitting together.
"You think so too? Hah... well, I guess we'll find out once we reach their office," Hachiro replied, eyes fixed on the road.
Rai's gaze lingered on the tablet, scrolling through the details again and again.
This isn't a bad offer at all... but it almost feels too good. Why would they go this far just to secure me in their company?
By the time her thoughts trailed off, the van slowed to a stop.
When Rai looked out the window, her eyes widened. The Roskow building loomed above them, sleek and towering, its glass walls glinting in the sunlight. She tilted her head all the way back, yet still couldn't quite catch the top.
"It's huge..." she whispered in awe.
"It is. One of the best in Italy," Hachiro confirmed, adjusting his necktie. He gave her a reassuring nod. "I'll be right behind you."
Something about him reminded Rai of her older brother, Ryo—the calm presence, the steady voice. Feeling reassured, she smiled softly before stepping forward.
At the entrance, a uniformed guard held up his hand to stop them. Without hesitation, Hachiro pulled a folded document from his coat and presented it. The guard's expression shifted immediately; he gave a respectful bow, then gestured for them to enter.
Inside, the lobby buzzed with energy. Dozens of people filled the space—some pacing as they rehearsed lines under their breath, others seated with tense expressions, waiting their turn.
"Who are they?" Rai whispered, tugging lightly at Hachiro's sleeve.
"Auditionees," he answered.
"Auditionees?"
"Yes. If they're lucky—or talented enough—the agency might accept them."
Rai blinked. "But... I didn't have to do that?"
"That's because the agency offered you a contract."
Her lips parted, but she didn't respond. Instead, she followed quietly as the guard escorted them to the elevators. He pressed the button for the highest floor, and the doors closed with a soft chime.
As the elevator ascended, Rai turned her head and gasped softly. One wall was made of glass, granting her a sweeping view of the cityscape below. The buildings, the streets, the sunlight glittering across the horizon—it all seemed like something out of a dream.
So beautiful...
The elevator dinged, snapping her from her thoughts. The doors slid open, revealing a long, pristine hallway. Their footsteps echoed against the polished floor as they made their way to the end, where two grand wooden doors stood closed.
The guard stopped, straightened, and knocked firmly.
"Signora, il suo ospite è arrivato."
From within, a woman's voice answered smoothly, "Lasciateli entrare."
The guard stepped aside and bowed his head respectfully.
"You may enter now."
"Grazie!" Rai said warmly, her smile lighting her face. The guard only inclined his head in return.
Hachiro moved forward, pulling one of the doors open with a practiced gesture. He motioned for Rai to step in first.
Inside, Rai was greeted at once by towering glass walls, sunlight pouring through them and scattering across the polished floor.
At the far end of the room stood a sleek desk of dark oak, and behind it sat a woman no older than twenty-five.
Her hair, a deep jet black, shimmered faintly under the light, and her eyes—equally dark—held an intensity that seemed to command the entire space. Authority radiated from her like a second skin.
Two elegant couches faced the desk, inviting them forward.
The woman rose with calm grace, extending her hand first to Hachiro.
"Thank you for coming."
"No, thank you for the generous offer," Hachiro replied smoothly, shaking her hand before motioning Rai forward.
They sat. Rai perched quietly on the couch's edge, her gaze wandering—tracing the glass walls, the framed photographs of actors, the quiet grandeur of the space.
Leora's eyes, fell on her.
"She doesn't look like the girl I watched in that clip."
The sudden observation made Rai jolt in her seat.
"O-oh…" she stammered softly, her hands clasping together in her lap.
Hachiro cleared his throat and leaned forward, redirecting the air of the room.
"If I may, Signora Del Oro, I'd like to go over the details of the contract again." He tapped on his tablet, pulling up the terms.
"Is this really the agreement Roskow prepared for Rai?"
Leora's gaze shifted back to him. "Yes. Every word of it."
Hachiro frowned slightly. "I see. But don't you think this offer is a little… excessive for someone who's only had a single role in a film?" His tone was blunt, skeptical.
For a moment, silence filled the room. Leora leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms lightly, her expression unreadable. Then, with a small exhale, she answered.
"It's rare," she said quietly. "Her talent. You know it yourself, Mr. Lan."
Hachiro said nothing. His silence was telling enough.
Leora's eyes softened, the sharp edge melting into warmth as she leaned slightly forward across the desk.
"This child's future is bright. Brighter than most realize. And I want to be the one to help her nurture that light, to polish her gift under Roskow's care."
Her gaze shifted back to Rai, whose small hands twisted against one another.
"Why… me?" Rai finally asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Leora's lips curved into a faint, genuine smile. She placed her elbows gently on the desk, her eyes locking with Rai's.
"I watched the clip," she said, her voice low but firm.
"The way you embodied grief, the way your fear felt real. It wasn't just acting—it was living. I haven't seen that kind of raw, unshaped brilliance in years."
Rai blinked, her cheeks warming at the words.
Leora continued, her tone almost reverent.
"You don't simply perform emotions. You become them. And that, Raiquèn, is something even seasoned actors spend a lifetime chasing."
The room grew quiet again, the weight of her words lingering.
"Then… if I accept Roskow," Rai asked earnestly, her golden eyes flickering with a quiet spark, "will I really improve more?"
Leora's answer came without hesitation, her voice calm yet certain.
"Of course you will. We only provide the best. Training, roles, mentors—you will have everything you need to grow."
Rai lowered her gaze briefly, her thoughts whispering louder than her voice.
I want to shine more…
Images flickered in her mind—spotlights, clapping audiences, her name being whispered with admiration. And then, unbidden, the face of that girl appeared—her, the renowned genius child actress.
Just like her… I want my name to be known too.
Her small hands curled into a light fist upon her lap. Determination bloomed in her chest like fire.
This is a great opportunity given to me. I shouldn't waste it.
She lifted her chin, her gaze steady now. "Okay," she said clearly.
"Please take care of me."
Her golden eyes met Leora's without wavering, innocence and ambition woven together.
Leora stilled for a moment, studying the child before her—the way sincerity and hunger for growth burned so naturally in her.
What an amusing child… she thought, the corner of her lips curving upward.
Finally, she extended her hand across the desk, her smile both warm and sharp with promise.
"I am looking forward to working with you, Rai."
Their hands met—delicate fingers against a firm grip. In that moment, the deal was no longer just paper and ink. It was a spark, the kind that could set the stage ablaze.