The Promise

The rather awkward interview was finally over, and Mr. Matsumoto bowed as if to apologise for his inappropriate behaviour. I smiled and automatically reached out to shake his hand goodbye. Nothing much more was said, and as I stepped out of the recording studio, I saw that Otoha was already waiting outside for me.

"Ojou-sama must be tired now?"

It had only been half an hour, I couldn't help but feel that Otoha was being alittle over-protective.

"No, I'm absolutely fine. But, Mr. Matsumoto just brought up some things during the interview that made me feel a little bit worried."

"What was it that was worrying Ojou-sama?"

Otoha was looking even more distraught and worried than I was feeling.

"Mr.. Matsumoto said that the media were waiting for me at the airport yesterday, did you know about this?"

"Yes, I knew about that, but I arranged for you to take an earlier flight back, and so completely by-pass them" said the smiling Otoha not without a little pride in her voice.

"Father has always said we mustn't expose ourselves too much, and even I am not fond of nor enjoy bantering with the media. I didn't even go on TV to promote my CD, so I really don't understand how I could have attracted the attention of the media?"

Perhaps exposing oneself to the media would have brought more fame, but that was the last thing I wanted. The only reason I had released the CD was because I couldn't say no to the repeated invitations by the piano teacher that had inspired me in the first place, Mr. Shindou - who was now the director of a record company.

"Perhaps Ojou-sama isn't aware that the internet is now a very well-developed media, so promotions don't always have to be done through the TV. If its a good product, anyone could take a few pictures using a digital camera, then write some good articles about it or just some testimonials. If its then spread through word-of-mouth via email, it can reach a enormous audience in just a very short space of time!"

Email? The Internet? Digital? It was definitely an area that I rarely came into contact with. I enjoyed riding, archery, tennis, and was always appreciating the real world. I had never wanted to immerse myself in the dimensionless world of the internet. And digitalisation? Computerisation? We were as far apart as was possible.

"Ojou-sama's CD especially can be turned into an mp3 format very easily, and sent with an email as an attachement; or someone might have put it on a website so others could download and enjoy it. Your composing and performance skills must have easily won the love of the public. Alot of critics have claimed that you are a true 'piano prodigy' - rarely seen in even a century!"

Otoha was trying very hard to explain how I had become so famous.

"And, alot of fans often write or phoneup the record company asking after you. Mr. Shindou even had a website created especially for you, with info about your hobbies, your performance style, as well as some sample music. There's even a discussion board amongst other services so fans can meet up and interact with each other."

"But... I know Ojou-sama isn't fond of the imaginery world of the internet, so I never told you about it. Actually if Ojou-sama is free, it would be worth visiting the website. Alot of fans have left some very heart-warming messages! Sometimes I wish that I were the "piano prodigy" - being loved by so many people!"

I could only laugh as I watched Otoha waving her arms about in her enthusiasm - in an attempt to 'play' the piano.

"It makes me very happy to see your smile again in her enthusiasm , well, shall we continue with today's schedule?"

We had now reached the exit of the TV station.

"Oh yes, the interview this morning with the photographer..."

I hadn't yet finished my sentence before Otoha cut-in and said:

"The photographer... didn't ... didn't turn up in the end."

She continued

"While waiting for your interview to finish, I did a bit of research on Numbre-Trois, and discovered they were just like the magazine Numbre-Une, one of those gossip magazines responsible for digging up the secrets about various celebrities. Its justas well we didn't meet up with the photographer, if your identity had been exposed, I really wouldn't have known what to say to the Master..."

Otoha continued her gossip-magazine rant. I stopped listening as she was really trying to tell me it was best to limit my contact with reporters. I felt rather disappointed but could only accept the reality of the situation, so I forgot about the photographer and carried on with my schedule.

TBC