I am the Entertainment Tycoon

As the lights in the ArtReam Hall rose slightly, signaling a brief commercial break in the Sapphire Melody Awards, the hum of conversation filled the elegant space. The last award presentation had been met with enthusiastic applause and heartfelt speeches, and now, with a short reprieve from the ceremony, the artists relaxed, laughter and animated chatter filling the air.

Some artists took the moment to stretch their legs, standing from their tables to greet friends across the hall. A few even waved at fans seated in the balcony section, grateful for the supportive cheers they'd received throughout the night. Despite the competitive undertone that lingered at every award show, tonight felt distinctly celebratory. It was as if every artist here shared an understanding, a camaraderie born of countless hours spent in studios, on stages, and on the road. The journey that had brought each of them to this moment seemed to bond them all, whether they were veterans or fresh faces in the industry.

At one table, Akira Nishimura, a well-respected singer-songwriter whose blend of folk and pop had won him an international fan base, was chatting animatedly with Claire Tanaka, an up-and-coming pop artist whose catchy tunes and vibrant personality had taken the charts by storm over the past year. They had met only once at a music festival in Sakura Abode Country the previous summer, and tonight was their first chance to catch up since then.

"Congratulations on your nomination, Claire," Akira said, smiling warmly as he leaned back in his chair. "The way your music has been resonating with people is inspiring."

Claire blushed, brushing a strand of her silvery-pink hair behind her ear. "Thank you, Akira! Coming from you, that means a lot. I grew up listening to your songs, so this whole experience feels surreal."

Akira laughed, his eyes crinkling with genuine amusement. "Trust me, it never stops feeling surreal. The excitement of nights like this… it's unforgettable."

At a nearby table, two members of KUN, one of the most famous rock bands in the country, stood chatting with members from Agano, an indie band nominated in the Best Music Band category. Taro and Kei, from KUN, were offering their fellow musicians advice on the industry, sharing stories of their early years.

"It's all about staying true to your music," Taro was saying, gesturing expressively with his hands. "Don't let trends pull you away from what makes your band unique. Audiences can tell when you're being authentic."

Sora, the lead singer of Agano, nodded thoughtfully. "That's what we've always aimed for, but hearing it from you… it reinforces that we're on the right path. Thank you, Taro."

Taro clapped Sora on the shoulder, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. "We're here to support each other. The rock community is a family. Don't hesitate to reach out if you ever need advice or just want to jam."

Meanwhile, across the hall, Rina Gallagher, a fusion jazz artist who had been gaining recognition worldwide, was deep in conversation with Han, the traditional vocalist from Pangu Country who had recently won Best Traditional Vocal Performance. Han's eyes sparkled with excitement, still processing his first-ever Sapphire Award win.

"Congratulations again, Han! I was moved by your performance. There's a spiritual quality in your music that resonates deeply," Rina said, her voice soft and sincere.

Han gave a humble nod, his cheeks coloring slightly. "Thank you, Rina. That means a lot. I think it's the connection to my roots that makes it special. Traditional music has a way of speaking to the soul, doesn't it?"

"It really does," Rina agreed, her gaze thoughtful. "It's beautiful how music can carry our histories, our culture… like it's something sacred."

At one of the central tables, the members of Viper, a popular girl group from K Country, were in the middle of an excited discussion with their friends from the girl group Moonlight Melodies, who had also made an impact in the international music scene this year. The two groups had bonded at several events throughout the year and were now sharing stories of their latest tours.

"It's crazy how loud the fans in Eagle Country were," one of the Viper members was saying, her eyes wide with astonishment. "We couldn't hear ourselves singing over them!"

The members of Moonlight Melodies laughed in agreement. "It's amazing, isn't it? Every country has its own unique energy. Performing there feels like a completely different experience each time."

Further along, a classical composer named Elijah Bradford, who had recently collaborated with several pop artists on innovative projects, was chatting with a few members of the traditional Kodai Orchestra. Elijah was known for his appreciation of classical fusion and had eagerly attended the Kodai and Oracle Orchestra's opening performance earlier.

"What a breathtaking performance," Elijah enthused, turning to the Kodai Orchestra's director. "Your arrangement was transcendent. The blend of traditional and modern—just phenomenal."

The director nodded, her eyes alight with pride. "Thank you, Elijah. The fusion of these two styles has been our mission for years. It's amazing to see that traditional music has such a place of honor here tonight."

Elijah nodded fervently. "Music has no boundaries. I've always believed that. Tonight's performance was proof of that."

While some artists continued chatting around the tables, others began moving toward the refreshment stations. Bottles of champagne and trays of sparkling water were carefully placed on tables, while the waitstaff moved between the artists, offering small plates of hors d'oeuvres, each one crafted by a famous local chef. The luxurious offerings were as much a part of the evening's prestige as the awards themselves, reminding everyone of the artistry in all forms present in Sakura Abode Country.

Amid the mingling, there was also a shared undercurrent of excitement for the later awards. The talk around the room often returned to the highly coveted titles of King and Queen of Singing. While several artists present were hopeful, it was clear that everyone held respect for the formidable competition in these categories. Winning this title was not just a career highlight but a moment in history, crowning the recipient as a leader in the music world.

"I don't know how the judges are going to decide this year," murmured Lina Okamoto, a renowned jazz artist who was sipping champagne at her table with her band members. "The competition is insane. There are so many amazing vocalists nominated."

Her bassist, Kenji, nodded, equally thoughtful. "Everyone brings something unique. It's not just about technical skill, but the heart and soul they put into their performances."

Lina smiled, raising her glass. "To all of them, then. No matter who wins, we're witnessing something special tonight."

Nearby, the pop star James Linden, who had become a global sensation for his smooth voice and heartfelt lyrics, shared a similar sentiment. He was deep in conversation with Miyako Takahashi, a contemporary classical vocalist who had been nominated for her contributions to both classical and modern music.

"Isn't it exciting?" James asked, his eyes bright with genuine admiration. "The idea that we're all here, celebrating music from every corner of the world. I think it's what makes the Sapphire Awards feel so magical."

Miyako nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Absolutely. The diversity here is incredible. It's humbling to be among so many talented people. There's something almost surreal about knowing that each of us brings a different part of the world to the stage."

As they continued their conversation, a soft chime echoed through the hall, signaling that the commercial break was nearing its end. The staff moved politely through the room, gesturing for the artists to return to their seats. Conversations began to wind down, with last sips of champagne and a few parting handshakes and hugs.

The celebratory mood lingered as the artists returned to their tables, but a newfound energy filled the hall. The short break allowed them to reconnect, to share thoughts and encouragement, and to bask in the community that music created. Now, they were ready to continue with the ceremony, eager to see who would take the next award and to witness the unfolding history of the 130th Sapphire Melody Awards.

Settling back into their seats, they felt a renewed sense of excitement as the lights dimmed once again, the stage once more bathed in sapphire hues. The brief moments of camaraderie were over, and now it was time to return to the show—a night celebrating the passion, dedication, and artistry that had brought them all together.