That's everything that needs doing done! Anything else you need me to handle, like your schedule, your finances… What do you mean, you can't let me touch those?! Why not? I'm good with those too!

I saw that, Doctor. What's that you're hiding behind your back? Is it a soft drink? You shouldn't drink so much of that stuff, it'll rot your teeth. I'm confiscating it.

I ran into the Saluzzo Vino bigshot in the corridor just now. If I ever have the chance, I'd like to have a meal with him, and if I get really lucky, I'd like to talk business with him. Of course I'm not scared of him. He's like me. Everything we do, we do for our families—'Family comes first, after all'. I think he should get where I'm coming from.

If you keep putting things off, it'll only get worse. That's why I'm not a fan of the words 'we will talk about this later'. If you can get things done, best get them done right away. I cut this fruit for you like half an hour ago, Doctor, so why haven't you eaten it yet? You're in the middle of a teleconference? Tell them to wait, and finish your fruit. Now.

Don't worry about me. Some problems, you can't fix right away. So long as you can get through today, you'll find a way tomorrow. So long as tomorrow comes, it means things aren't over yet. That's what I told myself after Paola's accident. Every day, many times.

I'm starting to understand why Paola started the orchestra. Where you're born, what blood runs through your veins. They're obvious ties that bring a family together. But there are other bonds too. People keeping each other warm, people sharing the same dream. They can become a family as well. I really hope she can see all this.

Sometimes, the members of the orchestra feel like I'm overbearing, but I can't help it. I believe that if you actually care, you can't just ignore things. I am taking my time to learn 'boundaries' from Hibiscus, though. So, if I ever cross the line, Doctor, tell me right away.

I started off helping Paola with things at home. Errands, scheduling, accounts, you know. But before I knew it, I ended up taking care of the entire orchestra, and I had to get a lot better at remembering everyone's habits. But when it comes to you, Doctor, I don't think I'll have any problems remembering, even if there were a hundred of you.

Where's your hometown, Doctor? Were you always 'the Doctor of Rhodes Island'? Sometimes I'm not too sure if I'm a Siracusan, or a Leithanian of Siracusa. Where will I ultimately end up? Well, for now, let me be Ripresa of Rhodes Island, just for a little while.

Doctor? Doctor~ Dooooc—toooor—*sigh* It's not the same as in the concert hall. You get reverberation there.

Are you our orchestra's new partner? You've got a good eye, because we're not just 'an orchestra of Leithanians'. Oh, nearly forgot to introduce myself. I'm the orchestra's manager, codename 'Ripresa'.

Bringing out everyone's unique timbre at the perfect moment… That's not a simple chord to strike.

Does this mean I can apply to start an orchestra on Rhodes Island, Doctor?

Since you have such high expectations of me, Doctor, would you consider being my patron and sponsoring my college studies? I'd like to push my managerial skills further so I don't disappoint you.

What part do you need me to cover? Just tell me.

Need me to lead a big group to go negotiate? Good thing I've got plenty of experience doing that.

Wait, let me check the plan again before we head off… Okay, let's go.

Uh, those guys don't look like they're here to negotiate.

Nice pick.

No problem!

It'll be easy.

I can adapt.

I'll solve it right away!

I'm a pro, you know!

In for a measure, in for a movement!

This flame is my heart unyielding.

Y-You were amazing, Doctor! Come, teach me! I want to be able to lead everyone like you next time.

I did it! All my planning paid off. Good work, me.

Making it to the end is already pretty good! Don't worry, I'll do better next time. Make sure to keep up with me, Doctor!

I won't call it quits here. I will get everyone through this. C'mon, let's check on the wounded first. Is everyone still okay?

I've got it! Let me see how to operate this thing first.

Whoa! Seriously, Doctor, can you stick to getting your work done? I'm tied up, too.

I did pretty well, right? A little praise would be nice—

Arknights.

Happy New Year, Doctor! When I lived with Paola, she would always say you need to do something lucky on the first day of the year. I was thinking, we should start with some new year blessings. We can slowly gather up all that good luck over the year, no rush—

I've already gotten today's work organized. Where would you like to start, Doctor?

Happy birthday, Doctor! You've got enough on your mind most days, so today, don't think about all that stuff and let me handle everything. First, come and listen to our performance. We'll treat you to a super-luxurious Siracusan feast afterwards—Wait, Doctor, no need to change into formalwear…

*sigh* How long has it been since we first met, Doctor? So much has happened this year, and I'm struggling to remember it all. But it doesn't matter. I'm used to looking ahead, and this time, I know who's on my side. The future's looking nice and easy.