I... [The Balladeer seems a little uncomfortable with this line of questioning. He rises from the desk and steps around it to sit in his chair like a proper office worker, elbows resting in front of himself.] Well, it's always been like that for me. It'd be worse if it were someone like one of you having to do this job.

Besides, this is a lot better than my last situation. Management will step in if anyone tries to hurt me. [He smiles, spreading his hands as if to indicate whatever protection surrounds him.] And I've got this office, and my room, all to myself! Heck, I'm safer now than I've ever been!

[His smile turns a little thoughtful. And gosh, is that the faint sound of music?]

Safe behind these windows and these giant walls of stone
Gazing at the people down below me
All my life I watch them as I hide offstage alone
Hungry for the histories they show me

All my life I'll memorize their faces
Knowing them as they will never know me
All my life I'll wonder how it feels to pass a day
Not above them
But part of them...

[...but he shakes his head, denying the crescendo before it can build.]

It's the variety, you know? I'll probably do a totally different show after this, and there'll be more new people to get to know. I like that part.