#and having to have william and kate there is also not great for them

[ambivalentalumna]

Absolutely shocked that RRR got snubbed at the BAFTAS.

[thewingedwolf]

i didn’t realize some of u guys actually like the brf in an unironic way and are actually monarchists that’s wild glad my mama raised me to be smart enough to not worship a bunch of rich inbred fucks who use my tax money to complain about how africans (you know the homogenous, very small continent with no distinct ethnic groups) have too many babies and actively cover for a serial child rapist by throwing my black family members to the wolves, all because they claim they are somehow more divine than me because their great great great great great great great great grandpa could swing a sword halfway decently. could not be me!

[vroomvroommuppett]

two

andrew garfield x ex!wolff oc & george russell x wolff!oc

taglist

masterlist

kofi

pateron

send an ask or reblog to tell me what you think, and/or what you think could happen

likes and reblogs are encouraged!

☾ ⋆･ﾟ:⋆･ﾟ☾ ⋆･ﾟ:⋆･ﾟ☾ ⋆･ﾟ:⋆･ﾟ☾ ⋆･ﾟ:⋆･ﾟ☾ ⋆･ﾟ:⋆･ﾟ☾ ⋆･ﾟ:⋆･ﾟ

dailymail

liked by andrewgarfieldfan, user2, and others

dailymail Amidst his divorce, Andrew Garfield was seen out with his rumored girlfriend, Dr. Kate Tomas, who is a professional witch. They looked very cozy on their night out. What do you think?

tagged: andrewgarfield, drkatetomas

user1 i beg your biggest pardon?

user2 A PROFESSIONAL WITCH?!

landonorris Lol

user3 LANDO?! landonorris I like drama

jamiedornan I have no words

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ellawolffprivate

liked by iamrebeccad, lilymhe, and others

ellawolffprivate me when i found out about his new relationship

landonorris How did he go from you to her?

fernandoalo_offcial I have no words

sebastianvettel She seems interesting

georgerussell63 Toto just spit his water out when we showed him

ellawolffprivate as he should

lewishamilton You also called me having a hysterical laughing fit about it

ellawolffprivate not my brightest moment

jamiedornan They're oposites but I guess oposites attract, even if they cheat

jamiedornan Also the kids are wondering how you're doing

ellawolffprivate MY BABIES I MISS THEM. I can get you paddock passes jamiedornan That'd be great.

francesca.cgomez pierre laughed when he found out

pierregasly Sue me. It was funny charles_lecerc Arthur and Lorenzo have so many questions. As do I. carlossainz55 Get in line.

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ellawolff

liked by maxverstappen1, florencepugh, and others

ellawolff healing🤍

user1 MOTHER IS BACK

florencepugh welcome back baby

ellawolff love you flo

maxverstappen1 Welcome back, El.

ellawolff thanks maximillian maxverstappen1 Not my name but I'll let it slide

francesca.cgomez wifey

ellawolff love you baby pierregasly What about me? Your boyfriend. francesca.cgomez you're my side piece

andrewandkatefan So glad he divorced you. You were never right for him.

lilymhe ok and? he's not going to notice you flavy.barla this isn't the flex you think it is honey georgerussell63 And yet he cheated. user4 they went in

lilyzneimer miss you baby

ellawolff miss you more love oscarpiastri I don't even try anymore

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mercedesamgf1

liked by ellawolff, user1 and others

mercedesamgf1 THIS IS NOT A DRILL. MINI BOSS IS BACK IN THE PADDOCK.

tagged: ellawolff

ellawolff love you admin🤍

user5 she slayed that outfit

user6 she's glowing

ellawolff it's the tears

lewishamilton We missed you!

alex_albon YES mom is back

logansargeant Come see your favorite kids in Williams.

user7 so glad she's back

andrewandkatefan ew. andrew and kate should be there, not an random influencer.

user8 who wants to tell her? ellawolff oh honey. my dad is toto wolff. why do you think they call me mini boss? and it looks like you still have pictures of him and i up when you were a fanpage for us. and they are on the "never invite" list. landonorris She read you to filth georgerussell63 I am liking this new Ella.

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tag list @ilivbullyingjeongin @2pagenumb @barcelonaloverf1life @motorsp0rt @nichmeddar @sya-skies @a-beaverhausen @magical-spit @formulaal @dark-night-sky-99 @nichmeddar @daemyratwst @callsignwidow @d3kstar @lady-laura-speaks @exotic-iris13 @xoscar03 @eternalharry @obsessed-fan-alert @that-aesthetic-chic

[brf-rumortrackinganon]

What a February

Well...what a great couple of days to be stuck in the office, amiright? (I work mostly from home but on occasion I have to go into the office and of course some nice little royal bombs get dropped when I can't be here.)

I've gotten some anons about what's happened but I won't be posting them (sorry, everyone!). Because so much has happened, I think it would just be confusing to rehash some of it, and other asks were also sent to Empress and Sassy (nothing wrong with that! They were doing answers in real-time and they've said pretty much the same things I'd have said).

So to recap recent events:

2/5/24: Buckingham Palace announced King Charles has cancer. Fortuntely it was caught early, Charles is doing/feeling well, he's beginning treatment immediately.

2/6/24: Harry catches a last-minute flight to London. Clarence House puts out a story "business as usual, nothing to worry about, King can still work and he is still working" (i.e., Harry go home).

2/7/24: Harry arrives in London. He goes directly to Charles, who is delaying travel to Sandringham to see him. Harry's PR says they met for an hour, Meghan wanted to say hello/wish him well via Facetime but Charles declined, and Harry went to BP for the evening. The Daily Mail tracked the comings and goings from Clarence House and realized the meeting lasted less than 15 minutes, from the time of Harry's convoy entering the grounds to Charles's helicopter leaving. It is further revealed that Harry spent the night in a hotel, William didn't return Harry's calls, Harry didn't want Camilla involved in the meeting, and none of Harry's "friends" offered to host him for the night. Also, William makes his first public engagements since mid-January when Kate's treatment began; Tom Cruise is there.

2/8/24: Harry flies home. He's papped at Heathrow entering the VVIP suite (as one does). Wait, Harry's not at home! He's in Las Vegas for the Super Bowl (or the Superb Owl) and makes a surprise appearance to present the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. Sussex PR immediately begins telling everyone that Harry and Meghan will be attending the Super Bowl.

2/9/24: Lambrook School begins half-term break and the Wales family travels to Anmer Hall/Sandringham estate. Harry's appearance in Vegas gets picked up by the media.

2/10/24: Meghan's PR starts walking back their own rumors that they'll be in Vegas for the Super Bowl, citing the need to prepare for their Canada IG trip.

2/11/24: Super Bowl Sunday. No Harry and Meghan to be seen.

2/12/24: Meghan's PR reveals she spent the weekend cooking with Afghan immigrants in an Archewell initiative.

2/13/24: Harry and Meghan launch their newest rebranding effort with their new Sussex website with Meghan's coat of arms (rather than their joint coat of arms). Meghan announces a new podcast deal with someone no one has really heard of.

2/14/24: Harry and Meghan arrive in Vancouver for the "one year to 2025 Invictus Games." Meghan coordinates a photoshoot with outdoor activities; merches two outfits; and virtue-signals their "we're still royal" demands with Kate cosplay, a coat called Kensington, and a 'you can call us Sir/Ma'am' exchange caught on camera. In the evening they're papped going to a super-romantic Valentine's Day dinner date.

2/15/24: Day 2 of the Vancouver IG kickoff visit. They visit wheelchair basketball. Meghan gives her signature full-body contact-hugs. Sussex PR announce that the family has changed their surname to Sussex (from Mountbatten-Windsor) and this is the first time all family members have the same surname. Meghan also claps back at mounting criticism by saying "We will not be broken."

2/16/24: Day 3 of the Vancouver IG kickoff visit. Harry gives an interview to GMA's Will Reeve (son of the late Superman actor Christopher Reeve and his wife, Dana) in which he blabs about Charles's cancer and reiterates how much he loves his family, hinting that he's available to come back. Sussex PR also drops an article in the afternoon (with BP collaboration) announcing Harry and Meghan's plan to return with half in/half out; this is very clearly one of Charles's trial balloons from Clarence House.

(Today) 2/17/24: Backlash to the trial balloon is swift, so Clarence House backtracks immediately and does damage control. Kensington Palace announces that William will attend the 2024 BAFTAs tomorrow. Half-term break for Lambrook School ends on February 19th so the Waleses are traveling back to London/Windsor this weekend. And Hollywood has fought back by leaking about their Netflix deal, which contradicts a ton of Meghan's PR from 2020/2021.

Since some of you have asked for my thoughts, here you go. I am warning you now it's probably going to be my usual essay.

On the new website:

The new Sussex website is a problem. It conveys a legitimacy to the public that Harry and Meghan do not have, which The Queen and Edward Young made very sure was publicly known back in 2020. In particular, it's the use of Meghan's coat of arms, which signals palace support or endorsement. IMO, Buckingham needs to force them to take the coat of arms down.

I suspect they are using Meghan's coat of arms because a) Meghan believes it was personally awarded to her and is hers to use as she wants, whereas Harry's coat of arms probably comes with strings from the BRF and b) it's CYA if ever there's a divorce - if you look at it from a business standpoint, this is nothing more than Meghan branding the company with her name so she can prove ownership when they're splitting assets in a divorce, increasing her chances of getting the "company."

What about Archewell?

They're probably phasing out Archewell. It doesn't have the same visual connection to Harry and Meghan that Sussex does. I think they struggled so much with Archewell and were never able to get it off the ground in terms of a brand or an identity, in part due to the COVID-era launch. Sussex is a much stronger association for them and connects them more tightly to the royal identity. Archewell will probably be either their nonprofit arm or their content creator arm but it won't be as important going forward as it's been in the past.

Frankly, I would be surprised if Archewell v Sussex branding didn't come up in the brand analysis that WME did when Meghan first signed with them. We know they did a brand analysis because there was a ton of PR in August 2023 about Harry and Meghan becoming separate brands, which didn't work at all and they were back together as a "Sussex" brand in September 2023 with Dusseldorf Invictus Games. Seeing the success of "Team Sussex" in Dusseldorf definitely informed the website and the rebranding attempt.

What about the timing of all this?

They're taking advantage of the quietness from the royal family. They do this every year like clockwork when 1) the BRF is on summer holidays (July through early September) and 2) the BRF is on winter holidays (late December through early February). What is unusual about this timing is that it's taking place in mid-February and possibly well into March, which is a clear signal that it's the Sussexes taking advantage of Kate's absence to draw attention to themselves because Kate isn't there to steal their headlines.

And that it was a whole week of Sussex PR is not unusual either. It's their usual pattern when they have something big they want to promote and dominate the news with. It's cyclical at this point: first is a reminder of their royal status (Harry flying to Charles's bedside), then it's a reminder of their celebrity status (the Super Bowl appearance), then it's a big announcement (Sussex website), culminating in a set of public engagements/appearances (Invictus Games) with media attention. And to keep the attention coming, they drop breadcrumbs about the royal family to look like they're still "in," which buys them a few extra days of coverage because Charles falls for the bait every time.

The more interesting bit of timing in all of this is the Netflix article. Netflix wouldn't randomly give comments like this, so something must have happened behind the scenes for them to be pushed to this particular breaking point. I feel like perhaps the Sussexes may be trying to renegotiate their deals - maybe they asked for more money or maybe Meghan is trying to get more out of this 'Meet Me at the Lake' production than was agreed - and this is Netflix making it clear that it's over and done. I also have a niggling feeling that it might be connected to the upcoming film awards (BAFTA Film Awards tomorrow, Oscars on March 10th) - maybe they're trying to score tickets to parties using Netflix's name?

Are they really going to come back? Will Charles let them work again?

Analytically, the evidence points to 'no.' The trial balloon failed quickly faster than any other I've seen recently, which is and isn't surprising. It's surprising how quickly Charles backtracked since it had his implicit endorsement. It's not surprising that Charles pulled it down - he's as thin-skinned as Harry and Meghan both are when it comes to criticism.

But it's also more than just the trial balloon. It's everything else.

Charles wants them back on the family side. That's always been pretty clear. I think he waffles on having them back on the "work" side: on the one hand, the BRF needs the help since 10 of The Queen's 14 working royals are elderly (all 5 Kents, the 2 Gloucesters, Charles and Camilla, and Anne) and 2 of the remaining 4 are dealing with a signficant health issue and are temporarily out of commission - in the business sense, this is unsustainable and untenable succession planning. But on the other hand, no one wants Harry and Meghan back, for a litany of reasons including how much shit they've talked about the family (collectively and individually), the petty PR games they play for attention, and the Sussexes' general toxicity. And by 'no one,' I mean family members, courtiers/staff, others in the aristocracy (not getting invites to the Grosvenor wedding is a huge reflection of what "their kind" thinks of teh Sussexes), and the at-large general public.

Charles probably has entertained the idea of half in/half out now that he's in charge and the Sussexes are now lovebombing him (vs in 2020 when they were lovebombing The Queen) but his biggest opposition is public support - it took Charles 30 years and 4 significant deaths (Diana, Queen Mother, Philip, and her own forthcoming death) to get The Queen's support for Camilla to become 'Queen Camilla and, in turn, the public's support or the public's indifference.

Charles doesn't have that kind of time to get the institutional and public support to bring Harry back. He's got 10 years at best, which is now handicapped by a cancer diagnosis.

Beyond that, he doesn't even have Harry and Meghan's cooperation the same way he had Camilla's cooperation. Camilla cooperated with a 10-year wait to be liked well enough that no one would object to her marrying Charles. Camilla then cooperated with a further 17-year wait to be liked well enough that the institution would support her becoming Queen.

Can Harry and Meghan wait that long? No. They can't. They couldn't wait an extra year to get engaged. They couldn't wait to have their first child. They couldn't wait out the criticism from Fall 2018. They couldn't wait out the criticism from Summer 2019. Harry couldn't wait for the phone-hacking settlement. When they want something, they want it now. They buy completed projects and slap their branding on it vs. developing their own programs.

Can Harry and Meghan cooperate with anyone? No. They can't. They couldn't cooperate with William and Kate on the Royal Foundation. They couldn't cooperate with the courtiers for Archie's birth. They couldn't cooperate with the family on Megxit. They couldn't cooperate with the rota for tour coverage. They need to be totally and fully in control of absolutely everything. Their idea of cooperation is 'I tell you what to do, you do it.'

And because they're too impatient and because they refuse to cooperate, there's no way they'll support a 10-years long PR drive for Charles to rehabilitate their public image and get William's support. Heck, they can't even last a 3-month media rebrand. Charles knows that, which I suspect is why he may be trying to fast-track it but 1) when has fast-tracking something ever gone well for the BRF and 2) William is the linchpin holding it all together. Charles can't do anything without William's support. Yes, William is that powerful now - the public does pay attention to what he and Kate signal and the public would support them more than they would support Charles. Charles can't risk losing William's favor any more than he already has.

The third reason stopping Charles from taking Harry and Meghan back as working royals is Camilla and that Harry doesn't want her involved. He admitted it last week when he didn't contradict her leak about it. IMO, this reveals Harry's hand: he wants to position himself (or Meghan and himself) as Camilla's alternate, the way Charles often stood in as Philip's alternate. They want Camilla to retire so they can take her place in prestige, wealth, and attention. It's the only way they can "be better" than William and Kate, and they probably think it's how they can get "more" in the inheritance than William. Unfortunately for them, Camilla is Charles's line in the sand so no way will Charles let that happen after he spent 30 years getting Camilla to be able to sit next to him, and on top of all that, Camilla herself didn't wait 30 years to be Queen just for a pair of narcisstic glassbowl shitheads to usurp her at the last second.

That's the "working royal" side of it.

When you look at the "family" side of it, we know that Charles is more accepting of allowing the Sussexes back as family members, albeit with two strict rules:

No Meghan

No royal work

We know these are Charles's rules because it's already been communicated to us, most especially in the events around the Queen's funeral and his own coronation.

We also know these are Charles's' terms because Harry is publicly fighting against them this week, which suggests that these may have been reiterated (or relitgated, perhaps) during the <15-minute visit on February 7th.

"We all finally have the same surname for the first time as a family" and "maybe I'll become an American' is Harry's way of telling Charles and the courtiers that all four of them are a package deal and they all move together (like Archie's salt and pepper shakers). Meaning that if Charles wants Harry back, Charles must also take Meghan, Archie, and Lili too.

The Vancouver trip being such a royal rip-off is Harry's way of demanding royal work. His position is that he and Meghan must have the exact same lifestyle now that they had back in 2018: a palace residence, glamorous patronages, military honors, gushy praising media coverage, carriage processions, and equal precedence to the entire Wales family.

All this to illustrate that the dividing line is over the work aspect.

On one side is everyone saying "no, they can't work, they're just family." On the other side is Harry and Meghan saying "we're not just family, we're also working royals." And Charles is there smack in the middle saying "don't make my last years miserable" begging someone to give in. It's clear that Charles hopes it will be the institution (i.e. William) that gives in so he can fast-track the rehabilitation.

So no, I don't think Charles and the Sussexes will succeed in being part-time working royals. I think we'll see a lot of negotiating in the coming weeks and months (like Sussex demands for Trooping) and it may get loud and it may look frighteningly real, but that's only because William and Kate are on leave from work and their absence lets Harry and Meghan play offense. Once the Waleses are working again, or a new picture of Kate is released (I'm still hedging my bets for something celebrating Mother's Day next month), the Sussexes go back to playing on defense, and playing poorly.

We only need to worry if William, Kate, and Camilla appear to be changing their minds. They represent "the institution" to Charles, as well as public support (William) and establishment media (Camilla). William continues to tell everyone he isn't speaking to Harry. Kate's body language at the Windsor Walkabout keeps resurfacing. Camilla has leaked that Harry doesn't want to see her when he visits Charles and that she doesn't support the Sussexes coming back. There's nothing to worry about for now.

[zuhamuses]

♡ " The side effect "

Suitor: William Rex x Kate (MC)

Fandom: Ikemen Villains

CW: none!! Just fluff and chaos lol ♡

Prompt: Dressed in love

Note: My entry for @judejazza 's event!! I hope everyone likes this. Divider and header made by the lovely @natimiles <3

No one was expecting that the medicine Roger gave her would have this effect on her. He had first wanted to give it to Liam, but he wasn't present. Roger's second option was Ellis... who was also not in the castle.

It was something he had created himself. Roger had full faith that the medicine had the ability to heal a person quicker. A flu, migraine, anything else? You were gonna feel fine in no time (okay, somewhat of an exaggeration). That's when he heard that Kate was feeling unwell and... yes.

"Oh? Who is this beautiful young man...?" Kate's eyes were fixed on William as soon as he entered the infirmary.

He smiled at his lover and gave Roger a look.

"Ah, right. She will be fine in a day. Seems like I made a mistake with the medicine."

William nodded his head, the smile still on his face, and he went closer to Kate.

"Hello, Kate. How are you feeling?"

She giggled. "Great! Now that I have seen such a handsome guy. What's your name?"

He laughed, realizing that she was having troubling remembering him. Ah, it was somewhat sad. They were meant to go on a date but...

"William Rex at your service. So, Kate..."

Her big eyes were staring at him the entire time, and a goofy smile was on her face.

"Your eyes are telling me that you like me. Will you give me your time and spend the day with me?"

She gasped and quickly stood up, moving towards the stairs. "YES! What are you waiting for, pretty guy? Let's go! This feels like a dream - it must be - but I won't let my chance slip."

William laughed again and went after her. Roger cleared his throat. Well, that was interesting...

In the parlour:

Kate stared at everyone present in the room. Her face showed it clearly that she didn't remember any of them. Harrison and Liam were sitting and having a talk when they stopped to look at Kate.

"Woah, Katie! What happened?" Liam asked.

"Katie?" She asked, "You know me?"

"Will! What's wrong with her?" Liam looked crestfallen.

The red-eyed man laughed and shook his head. "She will be fine in a day, Liam. Don't worry."

Harrison chuckled. "You look like you are in a trance."

Kate nodded her head, suddenly very serious. "There are too many pretty boys here," she looked at William, "but I think you are the only one for me."

Harrison's eyes went wide, and Liam choked on his own spit.

"HUH?!" Liam let out.

"Damn... she's still in love with you despite her 'temporary case of amnesia'". Harry's voice was full of amusement.

William was biting back a laugh as he followed behind Kate, who was running towards the kitchen. She looked like a little child on a sugar rush.

In the kitchen:

"Oh! Pretty guy with long hair!" Her first instinct was to touch Victor's hair. The Queen's Aide was beaming at her.

"Aww! You flatter me, Miss Kate!"

William raised an eyebrow at his old friend, smile not faltering. "She's still mine, Victor."

"Aww, shucks. Kate you are just so cute!!! Would you like this fresh scone I made?"

"Ooooh! Yes, please."

And Kate was given a plate full of scones by Victor...

In the dining hall:

"Oh, hello, Kate!" Ellis warmly smiled at her. "Is there something wrong?"

"Ohhhh, pretty boy number four. I am fine. It's a weird medicine, and I think I have a memory loss, and I feel weird. But I am fine." She looked at Jude, "You look like a gang boss."

"Tch. Yeah, gon' make your ass go bankrupt."

"Haha, okay." Kate laughed.

Jude's brows were furrowed. He didn't even want to ask any questions.

"Come on, Will! Let's go outside!" She smiled at him. A smile that always had him weak.

"After you, my lady."

In the garden:

"You look really beautiful." Kate told Elbert.

"Oh... thank you. Al, am I beautiful?"

"Yes, of course... what kind of ideas are you having?"

"... nothing."

Kate took William's hand. "Hey... I am feeling dizzy."

He carried his lover to her room.

---

"Hmm... I still don't remember much." She told him. "My heart starts beating super fast when I look at you, though."

"Hmm? Really?"

"Yes. You have such pretty eyes... your hair looks so smooth, and you smell divine. Hmm, Will?"

"Yes, my love?"

"Can I borrow your cape...? It's cold."

He laughed. "Of course."

It looked better on her than it did on him. William wondered how she would look if she wore his clothes. Hmm, adorable. But first, he had to make sure his lover would feel normal again.

[archiveikemen]

Ellis Twilight Main Story: Chapter 0

This is a fan-made translation solely for entertainment purposes with no guaranteed perfection. I do not own any of the original content. Please support CYBIRD by buying their stories and playing their games. Reblogs appreciated.

❥･• Warnings and FAQ

Ellis: That’s all Jude told me to report.

Victor: Thank you, you’ve done well for this mission. … Looks like things got rather rough tonight.

Ellis: Huh? Oh…

I looked down at my bloodied shirt and understood the reason for Victor’s wry smile.

Tonight’s mission indeed took longer to complete than expected.

Ellis: I was aiming for the heart, but their flesh was thicker than I thought, so my knife didn't go very deep.

Ellis: I felt sorry for them because I couldn’t make them die an instant death.

Victor: And as always, you continued with your mission calmly, but… have you ever had a hard time completing missions?

(Have I…)

The members of “Crown”, the imperial organisation under direct command of Her Majesty the Queen, took missions ranging from gathering information to assassinations.

Not long after I joined them, did I realise that some of us weren't entirely indifferent to taking the lives of others.

If anything, I thought it was normal to feel that way.

(But…)

Ellis: Not particularly.

Victor: … That’s great then. Could you also convey my thanks to Jude on my behalf?

Ellis: Mm, got it.

…

Picking flowers, putting them together in a bouquet, and displaying them in a shop.

Polishing dirty shoes with cream and a brush.

To me, my job being to kill people felt no different from those regular jobs.

As long as it didn't involve my personal desires, I never hesitated to kill.

(If ever I hesitate to kill someone—)

(It’ll definitely be because I want to kill them.)

(It'll be when I harbour such selfish thoughts.)

In order to avoid that — I put a tightly sealed lid over my desires.

Never again… will I turn the happiness of someone I love into a fake.

…

Little Boy: Waaahh…!

Ellis: …!

No matter how bloody the night got, it would always be followed by a bright morning.

While I was at the market on some business for the Jude and the company, I came across a little boy bawling his eyes out.

(He doesn't seem to be injured… is he lost?)

I was about to approach him, when a postwoman nearby quickly crouched down next to the crying boy and comforted him.

Her gentle demeanour seemed to help him calm down a little.

(... That's good. In that case, I shall—)

I looked around the area…

(Ah, over there.)

I spotted the person I was looking for. My relatively tall height gave me an advantage in crowds.

Ellis: By any chance, are you looking for a lost child?

Teary-Eyed Woman: Y-Yes, do you know where he is…!?

I pointed in the direction of the little boy, and the woman immediately ran towards him.

I watched as the facial expressions of the postwoman, little boy, and the woman who seemed to be his mother brightened up.

(... I’m glad.)

If possible, I want everyone I meet to be happy.

I don’t want anyone to be unhappy.

If there’s anything I can do to make them happy, I will.

(Because… happiness is easily broken.)

(It doesn’t matter how wonderful the person is, or how much they hope for an ordinary day.)

…

Happiness, like the twilight sky, was transient.

(... See?)

It was a typical night where we were on a mission as usual, and Crown had just taken the life of our target.

Then came the sound of a woman’s happiness shattering.

William: Now look who we have here, aren't you the little robin I met earlier today?

Kate: Um… uhh… eeh…?

The lady was trembling with blood splattered on her pale face.

She was likely that postwoman I saw in town earlier in the day.

(... Poor lady.)

My heart ached when I recalled the happy smile on her face when that mother found her lost son.

The things we did as Crown were top secret.

This darkness should never be made known to people who live in the sun.

If they ever find out about it — there would be no going back to their original lives.

(That’s why, at the very least…)

…

Ellis: Do we kill her?

Ellis: She doesn’t look happy at all, but I’ll do it if it’s for work.

(At the very least, she’ll be freed from suffering if I kill her.)

The room went silent.

The postwoman who introduced herself as Kate trembled pitifully.

Victor: Hmm. Let me think…

(Once he decides to kill Kate, I’ll make it quick for her.)

(That way, she won’t have to suffer from the fear and anxiety any longer.)

While awaiting Victor’s response, I reached for my knife, and at that moment—

Kate: I swear that I will NEVER breathe a word about ANYTHING I just heard!

Kate declared with an assertive voice.

Victor: Hmm… huh? What?

Kate: I will keep all that information strictly confidential. I work as a postwoman, I’m professionally trained to keep secrets!

(...)

Victor • William: …

(Victor and Will seem surprised.)

I was surprised by her response as well, and I found myself unable to take my eyes off her.

Even though Kate was in a potentially life-threatening situation, she didn’t seem to have given up on wanting to live.

Kate: If you don’t trust me, you can go ahead and keep a close eye on me until you do.

Kate: I’ll prove to you through my actions that I’m worthy of your trust.

(... I believe in you.)

I believe that you’ll return to your original life.

I believe that you’ll smile with joy once again.

In this darkness where the sun doesn't shine, I believe in you.

(—... How lovely.)

Her profile was dazzling, like the setting sun before it disappeared in the horizon—.

(I want to see you smile again.)

(Like how you did when I saw you in town.)

Having those thoughts felt so natural to me.

If only this didn't have to be “The End” because of my job.

If only there was a “continuation” of your happiness.

(I want to make you happy.)

As I gazed at Kate’s look of determination—

— For some reason, an image of the twilight on the happiest day of my life appeared in my mind.

[judesmoonbeauty]

Ikemen Villain's 2024 Valentine's Day SE - Elbert Vs. Ellis - (Ellis' Story)

This is a summary/partial translation of the story, and doesn't include the epilogue. I did not have time to read Elbert's ending, so this will not be posted. Hopefully, someone else is kind enough to do so. Jude/Alfons STANS - I have their brief scene translated.

Someone may have already posted the fully translated story. If so, then great! I haven't searched for it myself, so please don't be sore if you've done so. Since we all use different translators, and I like to think we can fill in the blanks of each other's translations.

///Alternate translation.

***See translation notes.

Not 100% accurate. Please expect inaccuracies and grammatical errors. Cybird owns everything.

Kate is in the kitchen at Crown Castle. Everyone is excitedly making chocolate for V-Day, and Kate is conversing with staff and the sign language she’s been learning.

Soon, Ellis and Elbert pop into the kitchen each drawn to the happy sounds and atmosphere. Kate explains they’ve been making chocolates, and she secretly hopes they didn't notice the conversation she was having with the staff.

Elbert says he wants one and Ellis follows suit. Kate says she’s made chocolates for all the members of Crown. (Though it’s just small and basic - equal for everyone).

The boys notice a large chocolate cake and ask about it. Kate tells them it’s the for the “favorite" of Valentine’s Day.

Ellis & Elbert: “Favorite”?

Well, of course they both want the chocolate cake. She offers to make another cake together with them, but Elbert is like: That's a thought, but I want this one. Kate notices that they aren’t fighting with each other or anything like that, but now she’s at a loss.

Then Liam pops into the kitchen because something interesting is happening. He gives the three the idea that Elbert and Ellis should work at serving Kate all day -much like the two princes are trying to do to the princess in a play he is rehearsing- whoever provides the best service and woos the princess get the cake.

They both agreed to the competition. Later on Elbert suggests they write up Kate’s report of a previous mission she, William and Harrison went on. She agrees, but Elbert has to give up the task to Ellis because he has no experience with typewriters. He dictates the report and Ellis types. Kate is impressed he knows how to use one. Well, there’s lots of paperwork to do for Jude on top of more grueling tasks.

As they’re talking a dusky voice interrupts them.

Jude: Oh? Two men waiting on ya. What a big ego.

Alfons: A future where Kate will be in control of Crown may not be far off.

Elbert & Ellis: Al..../Jude.

Ellis: I'm currently serving Kate right now.

Jude: To think ya'd enjoy being laid on a woman's backside with pleasure. A terrible hobby. ***

Alfons: Isn't El also enjoying being laid on Kate's backside?***

Elbert: ....? I wonder if that's true?

(I can't keep up with the rush!)

Ellis: Oh, that's right. What kind of service would Jude be happy with?

Jude: That's already decided. I'd cry for joy if you took the initiative and finished your work before I gave you instructions.

Ellis: I do it sometimes, but I've never seen you cry with joy.....(Ellis' face LOL).

Jude: Be more determined.

Elbert: What about you, Al?

Alfons: Of course, there are things I can't say during the day and such services like these....

Kate: Mr. Alfons!

Alfons: Yes, yes, I know. You want to use it as a reference for your next service, right?

Alfons: Speaking of service.....

Kate is now being massaged by both Elbert and Ellis at the same time at Alfons' suggestion of their next service. Elbert is massaging her shoulders and Ellis her legs. They ask if she is feeling good. (I wish I was her).

She tells them that she feels good and all of a sudden she let's out a moan from how good it feels. She apologizes for the weird noise and the boys smile. Elbert says that he doesn't mind hearing more pretty noises from her, and Ellis says she looks like she feels good and calls her cute.

They ask her who is winning at this point and Kate still hasn't made up her mind because they've both done so many wonderful things for her. Making tea, bringing her tea cakes etc. She asks them to do a favor for her....

They finish up shopping in town. (I think she had to pick up more ribbons for gifts iirc.) Next thing you know, there is a runaway carriage barreling towards them.

Kate opens her eyes to see that Elbert is holding both her and a little boy in his arms and Ellis is reigning the horse and carriage in. She thanks Elbert and Ellis both. Ellis admits defeat because it was Elbert who rescues Kate like a prince and therefore, he is not a prince. (My heart omg.)

Elbert stops him saying he didn't get a chance to rescue Kate because Elbert directed him to stop the carriage and if the carriage hadn't been stopped, then there would've been more damage or worse. Therefore, it's Ellis for the win!

Later, Kate and Ellis are alone by the river and she is tending to his wounds.

Ellis: Even if you're not so gentle, I won't break you know.

FLASHBACK

Elbert: In the past, I accidentally stepped on Ellis' shadow during a mission.

Lord Elbert's ability is to invoke the most traumatic memory of the person's shadow he's stepped on.

Kate: So, what about Ellis?

Lord Elbert didn't answer my question.

But the silence was the answer itself.

Elbert: When I apologized, Ellis just forced a smile. (OMG, really my heart.)

FLASHBACK END

Ellis only thinks about making other people happy other than himself.

I think it also means not letting the other person understand his own pain and sadness.

Kate: Ok, it's not bleeding, but you should see Roger later, just in case.

Kate: Why did you say you wanted my chocolate cake?

Ellis: Eh.

Kate: Ellis you're a kind person who puts other people's happiness first.

Kate: If that's the case, I figured you'd give the cake to Lord Elbert to make him happy.

Ellis: You said that you'd like to see a fight over the chocolates with the maids at least once, right?

(Ah.)......(Pfft haha, they heard you my dear.)

Kate: So, you wanted it to make me happy.

At that moment, I felt as if the sunset on the riverside in front of me was shaking painfully.

Ellis: I wanted to make both you and El happy, so I was going to give it to El in the end.

Kate: That's just like you, Ellis.

As he gazed at the deep red surface of the water, Ellis' voices trailed off.

Ellis: I've always done that until now.

Ellis: Anything that I could give. I would give.

Kate: Anything?

Ellis: Before I met you, I had a slightly difficult mission to complete.

Ellis: I had to hide by myself in a ship's baggage storage area in order to gather information.

Since Ellis said it was a difficult mission, it must've been harsh.

Ellis: There was another man in the baggage storage area as well.

Kate: Who....

Ellis: A person's identity and background I didn't know.

Ellis: That person seemed to have been hiding for much longer than me, and was dazed from hunger and fatigue.

Ellis: So, I gave him all the candy and bread that I had.

(What?)

Kate: But, then what did you eat Ellis....

Ellis: Yea. For a moment there, I almost died.

Ellis: When I was almost in danger, Jude came for me.

Ellis: Jude was unusually angry at that time. "If you die, you don't have any children."///"If you die, I would have lost everything."***

Kate: That's right...even if I were Jude, I'd be angry.

Ellis: Hehe, I'll be in trouble if you get angry with me.

Ellis rearranged his fingers on his lap.

Ellis: I can understand why Jude was angry and the logic behind it.

Ellis: But I....I thought it would be okay.

Kate: Its...

Kate: Is it because the happiness of other's is more important than your own desires?

Kate: Ellis. I'm sure I wanted to give you the "favorite" from the beginning.

Ellis: If I say I want it, will you be happy?

Fin.

***The translation rendered Jude's line as being 'laid upon a woman's backside'. However, the same character "尻" was rendered as being 'laid upon a Kate's a**. Even though it's something my beloved crass would totally say, I decided on 'backside' this time around.

***The initial translation said: If you die, I would've lost everything. However, the line includes the character for child and a particle that includes it in a form set. I suck at particles, but I decided to go with: If you die, you don't have any children, because Jude would be worried about losing his childless assistant (whom is an asset that helps him in his goal to fulfill some almost unattainable promise). Childless Ellis = No kids to fulfill his place. (Idk I tried though).

[otomefiend]

Victor & William Rex

Story Event: Villains want to bother little 'Robin'

Chapter 1

Those two! Never a boring day with them around. And the eye candy. 🥰

They sure love teasing Kate and their dramatic delivery is top notch. Also writing their names in the header totally made them an item 🤭

~~Part 1~~

As the waning moon illuminated the night sky above the Crown Castle with its pale light, the sound of moving chess pieces could be heard in the common room.

Kate: "The bishop can move diagonally. So, like this...?"

William: "Hmm, yes. Your memory is excellent. You haven't forgotten anything after hearing it once."

Kate: "Heh, because your teaching style is fun and effective."

William: "You think so? I'm honoured by your praise."

(... but it's going to be a long time before I can compete with William)

William: "... by the way, Kate."

William: "Would you like to become a queen?"

Kate: "Yes, that's right. Because this is the rook...eh?"

(... what now?)

William: "Were you so engrossed in the game that you didn't hear me? I asked you if you'd like to become a queen."

Apparently, it wasn't just my imagination.

There was always a purpose to what William said and I always tried to understand it.

Kate: "...I'm sorry, William. I have no idea what you mean."

Victor: "In the literal sense, Kate."

Hearing a voice behind me, I turned around to see Victor.

Kate: "Victor!"

Victor: "Jeez, I thought I was going to tell you myself. William is so impatient!"

William: "Heh, my apologies."

William: "Then I shall leave the rest of the explanation to the Queen's Aide."

~~Part 2~~

With a charming expression Victor took over from William.

Victor: "Kate, did you know that tomorrow is the anniversary of Her Majesty's accession to the throne?"

Kate: "Yes, of course. When I worked delivering the mail, I used to see the city bustling with celebrations."

On the day commemorating Queen Victoria's accession to the throne, there were ceremonies and parades, and the city was bustling with excitement at the thought of seeing her.

For the people of this country, Her Majesty was a symbol of prosperity.

Victor: "There will be a parade tomorrow, and Her Majesty is supposed to appear before the public..."

Victor: "Yet the Queen, who is vital to the celebrations, is feeling unwell."

Kate: "What! Is Her Majesty all right..?"

William: "Don't fret. Her Majesty is strong-willed, she'll recover in no time."

Victor: "Let's cut to the chase, why don't you take part in the parade in Her Majesty's stead?"

Kate: "Why..... in Her Majesty's stead?"

Victor: "Well, opportunity like this doesn't come by often and I'm sure you'll have a great time!"

Even though his proposal was completely outrageous, Victor's excitement was enough to make me consider it.

(Hmm...)

(Her Majesty covers her face with a veil, which makes replacing her somewhat plausible?)

Kate: "Although I'm honoured to have this opportunity."

Kate: "It would be disrespectful of me to speak on Her Majesty's behalf without permission..."

William: "Then don't worry. Her Majesty has agreed for you to take her place."

Kate: "Oh... has she?"

Victor: "Yes, but on one condition."

Kate: "What's the condition...?"

~~Part 3~~

Victor grabbed the queen and the king pieces from the chessboard with his fingertips.

Victor: "That I'm there."

William: "And so am I."

Victor • William: "Serving by your side and protecting you with our lives."

The queen and the king's pieces rolled into my palm.

Kate: "Thank you... to hear such words from Her Majesty."

Kate: "Additionally, there's nothing more reassuring than having both of you by my side."

The self-righteous king and the Queen's strongest aide; there were no men more powerful than these two.

(I need to do my best to meet the expectations!)

Kate: "Please let me take on this role."

Victor: "Yay, then it's decided. I'm sure it will be an unforgettable day for you."

William: "Let's leave the chess study for tomorrow, shall we?"

William: "Good night. Sweet dreams, Kate."

~~~

On the day of the anniversary, I was escorted by both men,

And taken to a place I had never set foot in before --

~~Part 4~~

I was in the audience room in the palace.

(Whoa...)

Victor: "I'm pretty sure this is your first visit here."

Kate: "...Yes. You always present my reports to Her Majesty yourself."

William mentioned to me before that the Queen preferred silence and didn't let anyone get too close.

That's why only a limited number of people could enter this place.

A red carpet led to a throne in the distance, and the whole space exuded serenity.

William: "Heh, you look like a child who discovers the world for the first time, Kate."

William: "As much as I'd love to look at your curious face... there's something I need you to do."

Kate: "What would you like me to do?"

Victor: "Shall we take off your clothes first?"

Kate: "...eh?"

I was led to the back room, then stripped out of my own clothes and dressed in the new ones provided for me.

Kate: "...um, I'm done changing."

A lace veil covered my face, diamond earrings adorned my ears,

I wore a ceremonial dress.

William: "Yes, it suits you well. If I didn't know better, I would have sworn it was Her Majesty."

Kate: "...I was surprised that it fits so perfectly!"

Victor: "Hehe, this humble me adjusted it to your size."

Victor: "Also, these shoes are custom-made to disguise your height. I'm a genius!"

Victor: "Finally, the crown to complete the look; it's going to be perfect."

~~Part 5~~

The crown in Victor's hands had an overwhelming presence all by itself.

Victor: "This crown is a symbol of glory, triumph, power ...... it has different meanings."

Victor: "Her Majesty calls it collectively the Symbol of Liberty."

Kate: "Liberty..."

He gently placed the crown on my head.

Kate: "Somehow it makes me... feel tall."

William: "That's good. Thanks to this, you will be able to see better what reflects in the eyes of others."

Victor: "Come to think of it, William has taken Her Majesty's place before."

Kate: "Huh, William?"

William: "The Queen's life was in danger. So I took her place."

William: "Her Majesty does not hum or sit with her legs spread. It was quite a challenge."

Kate: "Hehe, I'd love to see Her Majesty Queen William just once."

William: "I might do it again for you."

(... still, it is true)

(Being at the top of the country means there are more opportunities to be exposed to danger)

Victor: "It's fine, Kate."

Victor: "You'll be accompanied by William and I, the most powerful duo within the Crown."

Victor: "Just enjoy your day as Her Majesty."

William: "......"

(Victor is right. With these two, I'll be safe no matter what)

(I'll do my part and observe things with my own eyes)

Kate: "I'll do it!"

Victor: "Shall we go then? It's going to be a fun day."

Chapter 2

[leupagus]

Three-Legged Puppy Fics

List five of your least-popular fics, as well as when/why you wrote them.

Home to the Weary: Merlin, Gwen/Morgana, 2010.

I wrote this at the request of a friend who wanted, I think, something Gwen-centric. Because I was not a fan of the show I decided to focus on an AU in which Gwen backflipped out of that whole situation and founded her own sort of kingdom, only meeting the terrible trio years later. It was really fun and was the first time I'd ever tried writing a fic that hinted at a larger world going on around the characters, if that makes sense. This one's a little pretentious but you can definitely see my "style" as it were.

Treads on the Ground: Babylon (not the sci-fi show, the short-lived british cop show), Liz Garvey/Finn Kirkwood, 2022.

This was written during my Bertie Carvel phase where I'd watched "Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell" and was desperate for something, anything, that didn't have him wearing terrible prosthetics or playing a psycho. He still sort of plays a psycho in this show, but he looks super hot and angry all the time which is really all I needed. (Also bonus hilarity: Liz's boyfriend in this show is played by none other than James Lance, playing "louche asshole" to the absolute hilt.) Anyway I wrote this because I really wanted a fake dating AU for these two AND a "Finn is secretly in line to the throne" fic and this was the perfect way to combine these two. I'm still legitimately really proud of thsi fic.

The Bright Relief: 1776 musical, John Adams & Thomas Jefferson (and a little bit of / in there, if I'm honest), 2010.

I wrote this because my friends waldorph and screamlet and I were having the Summer of 1776 Feelings and we all wrote various (wonderful) crimes and misdemeanors in that fandom, mostly revolving all the ways in people who love John Adams make fun of him. That was a truly terrible summer but made a whole lot better by those two, and by William Daniels being the most John Adams to ever John Adams. (I actually rewatched the miniseries a few months ago and Paul Giamatti does a great job but that thing is SO DREARY. Although I will say Stephen Dillane first caught my eye in the role of TJeff, aka once again playing a guy who's down real bad for someone smarter than him (in this case both Abigail AND John). The scene where he first meets Abigail is just nonstop flirting, with John making faces in the background. It's great.)

Happy Tails To You (Until We Meet Again): SGA, Rodney McKay/John Sheppard, 2009.

Oh lordy — probably the worst fic I've ever written, but I can't quite bring myself to delete it. I've been on the periphery of fandom for most of my adult life (what up X-Files yahoo groups and Prodigy Star Trek RP rooms), but SGA was what made me start thinking of writing fic after a long period of only reading it. (Yes, there is college-era gus fic out there. No, I'm not posting it on AO3.) I never quite got a handle on Sheppard or McKay but I did enjoy writing this and the other SGA fic I wrote, but yeah this deserves its obscurity.

Honey Now I'm Not One To Complain: Dalgliesh, Adam Dalgliesh/Kate Miskin, 2022.

Another one of my "Bertie Carvel is extremely attractive when he's sad and/or a cop" flash-fandoms, although I wrote a pretty good primer on the first season that I think gives a good case for the show as a whole. I wanted to write that largely because the show is so resolutely grim and I prefer stories that are... not grim, so I gave myself the challenge of putting these guys into one of the classic tropes. I did toy with the fake dating/marriage trope but honestly I think this was funnier, and I would always rather commit to the bit.

Tagging uhhh let's see, @laiqualaurelote, @themardia, @sadcypress, @auntieclimactic, and @eyebrowofdoom, if they (or anyone else) wants to do this.

[nightghoul381]

Jude Jazza~ Luxury Liner Event ~Part 1

This a fan translation so it is definitely not 100% accurate. I do not own anything related to Ikemen Villains. Support Cybird by buying their amazing stories!

The port, bathed in pleasant sunshine, is bustling with large numbers of passengers.

Today, the weather is perfect for travel.

Jude: “What’re you doing?”

(No way, I didn’t think my companion would be Jude…!)

—Flashback—

It was yesterday morning.

Kate: “The maiden voyage of the luxury liner ‘Orellus’… I love it. It’s a dream come true.”

I looked at the newspaper with pictures of the luxury cruise ship that would finally set sail tomorrow and muttered to myself.

William, who was elegantly drinking tea, gave me a meaningful smile.

William: “Do you want to ride?”

Kate: “Fufu, yes. I guess I’ll be lucky if I get to ride it even once in my life.”

William: “Then you should go. I happen to have one ticket left.”

Kate: “Eh?”

—End Flashback—

(“Other members of Crown are also planning to board, so you’ll be together.” William said.)

Kate: “…By any chance, Jude, will you be on this ship too?”

Jude: “Why else would I come here? Ta wave goodbye and say have a nice trip?”

(I would like to see that.)

I tried imagining it, but immediately after Jude waved his hand, the image of the ship being wrecked came to my mind and I gave up.

 Jude is looking down at me with a look of genuine astonishment.

Kate: “…What is it?”

Jude: “Why’d ya come here knowin’ nothing?”

Kate: “Nothing, what…?”

Ellis: “I think it’s a mission.”

Kate:: “Ellis…!”

In contrast to Jude, Ellis appeared with a gentle smile on his face.

Ellis: “I heard from Will that you’re going to board with us… Is that okay? It’s a pretty dangerous mission.”

William’s meaningful smile and condition of boarding “with the Crown” finally made sense.

Kate: “What is your mission?”

Ellis: “Actually—”

On the maiden voyage of the luxury liner Orellus, the boss of a gang that has been rocking Britain lately will be on board.

I got that information a few days ago.

The police were supposed to move in with a chance to take him into custody, but,

The police were denied access to the ship due to pressure from the aristocratic member of the House of Lords who would be boarding.

Ellis: “This Congressman, Blackwood, was taking donations from gang bosses…”

Ellis: “He’s covering it up, facilitating, and helping to do all kinds of bad things behind the scenes.”

Kate: “That sucks…”

When I heard Ellis’s explanation, those words came out of my mouth without thinking.

Gang activities range from extortion and robbery to illegal gambling.

People involved with crimes ranging from unreasonable violence to murder make daily headlines in the newspaper.

(You let it go unchecked just to line your own pockets…)

Ellis: “Victor said ‘If you’re dealing with money and power, and you’re on a boat trip, Jude is the man for the job.’”

Kate: “So, Jude easily accepted the offer…?”

Ellis: “’It’s like a hobby to torture people like that arsehole, so sure.’ He said.”

Kate: “I see… so your bad taste matches the mission…”

Jude: “Oi, you say that.”

(In other words, this ship has a gang boss and a congressman on board who backs him…)

For a long period of time, I’ll be with them on board the ship, where there’s no escape.

(Without a doubt, this won’t end as a peaceful voyage.)

--For a moment, I almost feel frightened, but—

Jude: “Don’t do it, princess.”

Jude: “People like you, if ya throw ‘em into the den of these bastards, they’ll eat ya straight away.”

As soon as I saw the arrogant sneer of contempt, I felt more frustrated than afraid.

Kate: “…I’m in… if it’s a mission, I also need to record it as a ‘fairy tale’”.

Kate: “I myself would like to like to help with the mission for the sake of peace in Britain.”

Jude: “That’s a great cause.”

Jude: “The ya can’t complain even if ya lose yer life for that, right?”

(As  Jude always says, I may be too ignorant of the dirty world.)

Kate: “Since I was given a ticket,”

Kate: “Doesn’t that mean William thought I should accompany you on this mission?”

Kate: “If that’s so, then I want to try as hard as I can. Also…”

Kate: “It’s frustrating that you’re looking down on me all the time.”

(That… I)

It wasn’t until I said it out loud that I realized that the reason I added at the end was the primary motivation.

(Why…How does  Jude see me?)

(I wonder why I care so much.)

Jude: “…”

Jude remained silent and put his hand on my chin.

His cold amethyst eyes narrowed fiercely as he leaned closer.

Jude: “…Look at that cheeky face of yours, yer a mess.”

(…)

My heart fluttered at his teasing gaze.

Deep within the knife-like coldness I feel it’s filled with heat—an unidentifiable shiver ran through me.

Jude: “Well, why not? It’s a lousy boat trip where yer stuck breathin’ the same air as a bunch of shitty people for days on end.”

Jude: “At best, I’ll enjoy torturing you.”

Kate: “Wha…”

With a provocative whisper, Jude let me go.

(Torture me… What are you going to do?)

Riding the sea breeze, the scent of Jude filled my nose.

When I’m with Jude, I somehow forget myself.

My heart was beating a strangely fast rhythm.

(This is…I’m going on a dangerous mission, so maybe that’s why I’m nervous.)

(There’s no other reason why my heart is pounding…)

The luxury liner I boarded was beyond my imagination.

Like a first-class hotel, it’s glittery and eye-catching.

Man with a scar on his face: “Hey look… It’s Jude Jazza.”

Good-looking aristocrat: “Heh… hmm, hide it, please.”

When Mr. Jude passes by, rough-looking people stare at him and the nobles turn pale and dodge to the side of the room.

With a cool look on his face, Jude rushed through without hesitation.

Kate: “Umm… Where are you going?”

Jude: “It’s a given, isn’t it?”

Jude: “Where princesses scream.”

(Uh, scream…?)

I almost stop walking for a moment, but Ellis quicky answered my question.

Ellis: “It’s okay, it’s just a casino.”

Kate: “…Thank you, Ellis.”

(You’re trying to threaten me into going home again… I won’t take it anymore.)

Kate: “Come to think of it, you didn’t get lost, but it’s the first time you’ve been on the ship.”

Ellis: “Jude told me to memorize the floor plan of every place we go for a mission.”

Kate: “You’re surprisingly thorough, aren’t you?”

Jude: “Luxury cruise ships’re full of blind spots and closed rooms. I dunno what kind of person would go on a luxury liner without knowing the layout.”

Kate: “As long as I’m not as hated as you, Jude, I should be fine.”

Jude: “You don’t understand.”

Jude: “Like I said before, someone like you’ll be devoured immediately.”

Jude: “If ya let yer guard down ‘cause yer resentful, you’ll be dragged in.”

Laughing through his nose, Jude bent down slightly and put his lips to my ear as we walked next to each other.

Jude: “I guess yer dressed up all ‘cute’ for the luxury liner ride,”

Jude: “but it’s like yer askin’ ta be served up.”

Kate: “…Huh?”

(Wha…)

The word ‘cute’ suddenly thrown into the conversation caused my body temperature to soar.

Kate: “That is NOT true!”

Jude: “Why don’t you try that on someone who flinches when ya say somethin’ like an accusation?”

Jude: “During the voyage, everyone gets as jumpy as a monkey, try not to get caught in the middle.”

Ellis: “You never know what kind of people are out there, so be careful.”

Kate: “Uh… yes, thank you.”

(It would be nice if Jude would give me kind advice like Ellis…)

Holding back my pounding heart, I quickened my pace so I wouldn’t be left behind.

(Wow…so hot…)

The casino was crowded not only with aristocrats, but also with rough people.

A fistfight broke out at the table next to us, and the people around us were stunned when they started cheering happily without stopping.

Kate: “Is this what you mean by shitty people…?”

Jude: “Huh? O’course not. If they’re shitty people then eighty percent of the world is shitty people.”

(…In Jude’s world, really rough things happen on a daily basis.)

Jude quicky exchanged a large amount of chips, walked over to the baccarat table, and bet everything on a draw.

The crowd surrounding the table suddenly roared.

Kate: “What kind of game is that?”

Ellis: “You bet on whether the player will win or the dealer.” 5124

Ellis: “Add up all the cards dealt to you, and the one who’s last number is closest to nine wins.”

Ellis: “If you bet on a draw and you win, the payout is multiplied by nine, which means your chips are multiplied by nine.”

Kate: “N-nine times…?”

(Even now it’s a lot of chips, but nine times that amount…)

Ellis: “But the chances of a draw are very slim, and if we lose, we lose it all…”

(Wha, everything…!?)

Just imagining how much money is being bet with what the probability is makes me dizzy.

Kate: “Maybe you should think about it more…”

Instinctively, I walk up to Jude and whisper in his ear, but—

Jude: “Ye can’t be stingy when yer tryin’ to ear a bunch’a money ya know.”

Kate: “But…”

Jude: “Besides, if I wanted to make money, I wouldn’t be gambling.”

(Huh…?)

(So there’s… some other purpose?)

Despite my worries, the game was soon over and the result was…

Kate: “It’s really a draw…”

Ellis: “Jude’s used to winning, you see.”

(Why is that…?)

I couldn’t help but stare at Jude, his expression cool.

(Jude… he really lives in a completely different world.)

His standard of right and wrong, his sense of money, everything. Everything is so different from my common sense.

That, for some reason, pricked my chest.

Jude used his nine-fold increase in chips to gamble wildly here and there.

Jude: “What’s the matter with ya? Is there anyone who can make a worse bet?”

(Saying things like that is like picking fights indiscriminately.)

(What is your plan, Jude?)

At that time, a man sat down on the chair next to Jude.

The middle-aged man with a cigar in his mouth was dressed like an aristocrat, but his eyes were fixed and there was an air of unease about him.

Noble with the cigar: “Cigar?”

Jude: “…I’ll take one.”

Jude took a cigar and lit it.

(You smoke cigars too… I didn’t know that.)

(Even so, this person is… who?)

Jude: “Yer a member of the House of Lords. Blackwood, right?”

(…! This man is the lawmaker who receives money from a gang!?)

Tension ran through my body at once.

Blackwood: “…I like gambling too, you could say I’ve devoted my life to it.”

(…I see.)

(Jude, you knew this guy liked to gamble, so you were gambling to lure him out.)

(I can’t believe you lured him out so brazenly…amazing dexterity and courage.)

I am secretly impressed—

Blackwood: “But, it’s boring to just bet money.”

Blackwood: “You have to bet something more important to make it… exciting.”

Jude: “Heh, yeah.”

Jude: “If ye do, I’ll bet all of my fortune and… this woman.”

Kate: “What!?”

Part 1 | Part 2 | Premium End | Epilogue

[gayuu-the-necromancer]

William Rex Chapter 17

 WARNING! The following story contains scenes of violence and torture.

｡⋆｡˚🦋˚｡⋆｡

I slowly open the door to my room, listening to the rain drops tapping on the window.

(Let's talk to Victor first)

Victor is a man who always looks at William and everyone in the Crown with compassion and cares for them.

He decided that he couldn't move the Crown, so it would take a lot to persuade him to do so.

(...Don't be timid)

I took one step into the corridor and then----

???: "Kate....!"

???: "See. I told you she would come out soon."

(Eh....?)

When I look towards the voice, I see Liam and Harrison.

Then there was Mr. Alphonse, standing by the window, looking at me.

Kate: "What are you all doing here....?"

Harrison: "Where are you going with a face like that?"

(If I can convince Victor, the next step is to get the Crown to help me)

(There should be no need and no point in lying and deceiving here)

Kate: "....I was going to go and negotiate with Victor."

Harrison: "I figured it would be something like that."

Harrison: "I know you're not the kind of person who stays in your room when you're told to 'behave'."

Harrison: "That's what Will likes and that's what he wants everyone to do."

Harrison looked at me rather seriously with his light-coloured eyes.

Harrison: "The time to turn back is now. You can lock yourself up in this castle, safe and quiet, and then you can go back to your normal life."

Harrison: "Tonight, whether a certain villain dies or lives, you don't have to know about it, and you can go on with your normal life as usual."

Harrison: "You still have a way back to that warm sunshine."

(Looking back...Harrison was also there that night when we all first met)

----FLASHBACK----

Aloof man: "Sorry if that freaked you out, but these are just props for a stage play."

Kate: "Liar...."

Aloof man: "....It would have been good for you if you had pretended to believe me."

----FLASHBACK ENDS----

(You went to great lengths to keep me out of this world of darkness with your lies)

Perhaps the lie he told at the time was a roundabout kindness.

Kate: "....Thank you, Harrison."

Smiling with gratitude for their concern and an apology for letting it go unchecked.

Harrison: "....Guess, that's it then."

Harrison smiled thinly, as if he knew what my response would be and shrugged his shoulders.

Harrison: "You were going to try negotiate with him about the Tower of London, right?"

Kate: "Yes, I want to free these innocent prisoners. Before William does."

Harrison: "What happens after he agrees? How do you prove their innocence?"

Kate: "....It is difficult to prove their innocence and salvage them through a straightforward process."

Kate: "If we were to appeal in court that their arrest itself was unjustified, they would probably be dismissed."

(If the arrests were engineered by the Privy Council, at least some collusion with the police is certain. The police cannot be relied upon)

(Even the courts would use the prisoners' trumped-up charges against William)

Kate: "There are two ways to prove his innocence. Either William pleads guilty and testifies that he has nothing to do with them...."

Kate: "Either that or William himself will be in a situation where he cannot be charged with a crime."

Kate: "If Mr. Brian wrote an article, the latter might be possible....but I am still uncertain."

Kate: "In the meantime, their freedom and dignity continue to be damaged. And William is not going to let that go unnoticed."

Kate: "I don't want to see the prisoners get hurt, and I also don't want to see William hurt."

Harrison: ".......Let me ask you something."

Harrison: "William is actually killing people. Do you think it's right that he should go free of that charge?"

Kate: "It's not....right. Killing is sinful, no matter who it is or what the circumstances are."

Kate: "But I can't stand by and watch him be judged...just because the evil he perpetrates is not right."

(That's how much----William saved me)

(That he rescued me from being unreasonable, listened to my heart and pushed me to be on my own....)

(I know how much it means to the people he saved and I know how much it means to him)

-----Options------

Pretending not to see.

Even if it's not right.

Even if stained with the same sin.

--------

Kate: "I will not be sorry if I am tainted by the same sins as William."

Harrison: "....Oh."

Kate: "Now we have to rescue the prisoners and stop William from being lured to the Tower of London."

Kate: "And in due course, the prisoners will be exonerated. ....That's the best I can do now."

Harrison: "....So that's what you've been thinking about all morning and all this time."

Harrison: "And what? Now you're going to convince Victor?"

Kate: "Yes. I also need your help, so let's start with Victor."

Harrison: "I don't think that would do anything."

 ｡⋆｡˚🦋˚｡⋆｡

Harrison: "I don't think that would do anything."

Kate: "Eh, but..."

Liam: "Victor said 'Be as quiet as possible so they don't know you're here', right?"

Liam: "He didn't say 'don't do anything'. So as long as we appear quiet, we can do anything."

(Nn...)

Kate: "That's what he meant!?"

Kate: "But, 'the Crown cannot be moved in the name of her Majesty the Queen...!"

Alphonse: "In simple words, he meant 'I won't give you orders, so you guys can do whatever you want.' "

Kate: "That's...what he meant...."

Harrison: "Yes, that is, as far as that freak is concerned."

Liam: "Let me escort you to the Tower of London. Haha, I'm looking forward to it, a prison that's rumored to be haunted!"

Kate: ".....So, you guys will help me?"

Harrison: "We'll be working with a minimum number of people to keep a low profile, and Liam's ability to disappear makes him perfect for infiltration, don't you think?"

Liam: "....I think Will would have appreciated it more if we'd waited and trusted him."

Liam: "But if we let you go without telling him...he'll probably be sad."

Liam: "I want Will to compliment me. Oh and you too, of course."

Kate: "Liam...."

Liam's eyes were filled with madcap curiosity when he said 'fun'

Now it was like looking for a landmark in total darkness, both haunting and desperate.

We don't yet know what the circumstances are.

William may be in one of his most important strongholds.

Harrison: "I'll support you from the outside in case of emergency...And also, I don't know why Al is here."

Alphonse: "Master El asked me to do this in his place."

Kate: "Master Elbert...?"

Alphonse: "Yes. He said 'Your abilities are more suited for inflitrating enemy territory'. And...."

Mr. Alphonse puts his lips to his ear. The sweet, decadent scent softly wafted over my nose.

Alphonse: "I have always thought that if Mr. William were to be killed, it would be by an innocent civilian."

(Eh....)

Alphonse: "It's going to be a hilarious spectacle whichever way it goes, so I thought I'd follow along."

(He doesn't care if William lives or dies, or if the prisoners are freed...he is just going there for shits and giggles...?)

The attitude that everything is a farce appears to be unreliable.

I wonder if my emotions were showing on my face, but Mr. Alphonse didn't seem offended and smiled.

Alphonse: "Fufu. Don't look so worried. If necessary, I will be a helpful ally. Of course."

(....I am aware that I am trying to do something selfish that I cannot achieve alone)

(I don't care what the motive is, as long as I can get help...!)

Kate: "Yes, thank you!"

We had some discussion and strategy on the journey to the Tower of London and how to move internally.

Harrison: "That's how many people are housed there. It's not easy to break them out."

Harrison: "If you don't think it's possible. I suggest you just investigate this time and go back...just saying."

 ｡⋆｡˚🦋˚｡⋆｡

We secretly left the castle for the city of London, where the skies were dark, hinting on a possible downpour.

Liam: "Okay, we're about to move. Close your eyes if you feel scared."

Kate: "Y-Yes! ....!"

A floating sensation hits my body and I gasp in instinctive fear.

With me in his arms, Liam leapt lightly over the roofs of London houses.

Liam: "Will showed me this route. He said its beautiful and he likes it...woah!"

Kate: "Ah."

Liam: "Ahaha...It's thrilling and fun, isn't it?"

Liam: "Will is a genius at enjoying life, isn't he?"

I smiled somewhat unsteadily and agitatedly, nod at Liam and cling desperately onto him.

(He is trying to talk about something to make me feel at ease...!)

Kate: "Oh and Mr. Alphonse, have you used....this route?"

Alphonse: "Yes. I've been using it sometimes with 'friends' since Liam told me about it."

Alphonse: "We play this fun little game where, for every roof you fly over, you get a drink and if you get scared or fall off, you lose."

(What a dangerous game...and who are these 'friends'....?)

Alphonse: "Well, it's certainly a good route for tonight's operation. Because there are policemen roaming the streets."

Looking down below at Mr. Alphonse's comment, the shadows of police officers can be seen all over the city.

(Indeed, if we were walking on the ground, we would likely be---)

Cold sweat trickles down my spine as I recall the gun being pointed at me.

I felt a deep sense of relief at being hidden in the darkness of the night.

(I never thought....that darkness could reassure me)

We arrived at the gates of the Tower of London, as previously discussed,

Liam disappears and Mr. Alphonse, gently removes his leather gloves.

Alphonse: "Well, shall we get going?"

.........

Alphonse: "Thank you for your efforts."

Security guards: "....Excuse me, who are you? If you don't have a pass then----"

Alphonse: "Oh my, have you forgotten the face of your colleague?"

Alphonse: "We've gone to a lot of trouble to 'bring prisoners into custody'. "

When Mr. Alphonse touched the nape of his neck and whispered, the guard's attitude changed.

Security guard: "Oh yes. You can go through."

Alphonse: "Thank you. Then, shall we."

The gate is opened and we slip inside through the gap.

(Such a convenient ability to break in so easily...right?)

Kate: "Wouldn't this mean that if we let him think he's being restrained by Alphonse's ability, he doesn't actually have to be restrained?"

Alphonse: "Wow! You're very sharp even at times like this."

(Of course...!)

Alphonse: "Oh, you're not angry?"

Kate: "....If you think of it as a cooperation fee, it's about as cheap as being tied down."

Alphonse: "Aha! You're funny. I wish Mr. William had let me borrow you for a day."

(You completely think people are toys or something....)

.................

With the help of Mr. Alphonse and Liam's ability to fool the police, things went according to plan.

They stole documents from the control room and located the cells where innocent prisoners were being held.

We ran inside the cold towers, using the floor plans as a guide to kill our footsteps.

Liam: "These towers used to be used for the detention of high-ranking political prisoners and for executions."

Alphonse: "It is a horrifying historical place to invite Mr. William to feed on the general public...."

Alphonse: "Not bad, Grimsley."

Liam: "....! Al, Kate, I hear something at the bottom of the stairs."

I listened for Liam's voice, and sure enough, from downstairs, I heard what sounded like a scream.

Kate: "....Let's go."

 ｡⋆｡˚🦋˚｡⋆｡

With each step down the stairs, the multiple screams become more vivid and stirring in their poignancy.

(...This is---)

Alphonse: "...It looks like we're in the right place."

While hiding in a corner of the staircase, we listen downstairs.

The screams of the condemned prisoners echoed behind the layers of bars.

Policemen: "You were involved in the crime, weren't you? Look, if you don't tell us what you've done, you'll never walk again."

Prisoner: "Stop! No! I'm innocent!"

Prisoner: "I didn't know that man was smuggling drugs! Please believe me, there must be some mistake....."

Policemen: "The company you built with his support...was it something about freedom for all?"

Policemen: "And at the same time he's smuggling drugs. What a hypocrite. Come on! Tell us where he is!"

Prisoner: "No! I don't know...I really don't know...!"

Policemen: "Tch...do it."

(!!)

I see a prisoner with his head in a water trough and manage to keep my voice from jumping out at the sight of it.

Turning to the prison next to the condemned prisoners, we saw people looking exhausted and staring at each other.

Young prisoner: "Why do we have to go through this...? It's all his fault..!"

Older prisoner: "....That guy..don't you owe Sir Rex a debt of gratitude too. ...It's not right to hold a grudge against someone like that."

Young prisoner: "Oh yeah!? Okay then...where the hell is that William?"

Young prisoner: "If he is not involved in this, why isn't he coming out and saying anything! The only reason he can't come is because that article is true, right!?"

Young prisoner: "....I was going to prove to people that slum-borns are not inferior to people born in normal circumstances...."

Young prisoner: "When I said that, he even wrote a letter of recommendation to the university saying 'you can do it'....!"

Young prisoner: "I'm a slum-born, and now I'm hearing that he buys and sells people like me. It felt like all this time he had been using me.."

Young prisoner: "I thought he was my benefactor and but now, I can't...forgive him..for deceiving me like this...!"

(...As I thought)

(Anger at this unreasonable treatment naturally turns to William)

The police are suppose to be 'justice'. But they capture these people without any evidence and tortured them without due process of law...

Even the people who are labeled as evil by the police do not easily recognize it as a 'crime'.

(If William comes here and hears these people cursing him...)

(He wouldn't mind, but...I don't like that)

Liam: "Kate, are you okay?"

Kate: "...I'm fine. We know where the prisoners are. Next is..."

Kate: "'Mr. Alphonse will get the key to the relevant prison', right?"

Alphonse: "Yes. It's easy to deceive them, don't worry. You two can hide in the corner until I get back."

Mr. Alphonse wandered off and I was about to discuss our escape route with Liam, when----

???: "Ugh..Nn..."

I thought I heard a familiar voice from the nearest prison and looked over to see----

Kate: "Mr. Brian....!?"

 ｡⋆｡˚🦋˚｡⋆｡

Liam: "You mean the one who wrote that article...?"

He had fiery red hair and looked emaciated, perhaps from the assault.

(...Why are you here?...)

Liam: "Hold on, Miss Kate...I'll make a noise and get the cop's attention."

Liam: "In the meantime, ask him what happened. I'll be back as soon as I've attracted the police."

Kate: "....Thank you very much."

Liam's figure suddenly disappears from sight, and a few seconds later----

At the far end of the prison-lined corridor, a loud noise could be heard.

Policemen: "What's going on!?"

A flurry of police officers head to see what's going on.

(Now)

I went downstairs and rushed to Brian's cell.

Kate: "Mr. Brian...."

Brian: "Nn!? Miss Kate, why are you here...?"

Kate: "That's my line...! Why are you here?"

Brian: "...I went to Grimsley to ask him about the truth."

Brian: "The charges I wrote in that article were a frame-up... and he came clean."

Brian: "That Sir Rex is really an organised assassin of evil who cannot be brought to justice by the law."

----FLASHBACK----

Grimsley: "Nevertheless, it is also true that he is a mass murderer."

Grimsley: "As the revolutionaries' movement has brought about new laws and expanded the rights of citizens, assassination squads...."

Grimsley: "An anachronism, don't you think?"

Grimsley: "You're clever enough to realize that it's in the best interests of this Britain to keep quiet, isn't it?"

-----FLASHBACK ENDS-----

Brian: "....I couldn't...nod my head. I said, 'give me some time' and left his office. On the way home....I was attacked and now I'm here...."

Brian: "Why are you here? Did they catch you too?"

Kate: ".....No. I snuck in here because I wanted to free you all."

Brian: "Why....?"

Kate: "Well----"

At that moment, the upper floor suddenly becomes noisy.

There were angry, shrill voices, whistles and the sound of many footsteps.

(No way!!)

.............

----A black shadow alighted gracefully from one of the carriages.

Security guard: ".....Whoa, that's----"

Raindrops wet the red and gold of his cloak and the silver of his swaying hair, reflecting off the street lamps as if decorating the darkness of the night.

The man slowly looked up as he walked towards the gate.

Her blood-red eyes gleam seductively in the darkness.

William: "Good evening. Sorry for intruding you all."

William: "I have friends who have been invited here, so I was wondering if you could let me in."

Security guard: "W-William Rex....!"

Soon after, a high-pitched whistle shook the silence of the night.

Guards and policemen quickly rush to the gate and pointed their guns at William.

Older policemen: "You are charged with murder! Put down your weapon and surrender!"

William: "Ahahaha, that's an enthusiastic welcome. Now....who should I dance with?"

William was in no hurry and looked around at the policemen as if he were looking at a cake in a bakery.

William: "You detain and tortured innocent people and violated their freedom for this purpose alone."

William: "....If there are extenuating circumstances, it is that they are orders from someone in authority."

Older policemen: "What are you talking about! Hands up! Or else....!"

William: "Raise your hand? Okay then."

William: "Raise your hands if you feel any remorse in your conscience about what is now taking place in the Tower of London."

Older policemen: ".....!?"

Young policemen: "W-Why...why are my arms...!?"

The officers were stared down by William, as he ordered them.

Some were puzzled by their own arms lifting of their own accord while others were mortified by their colleagues.

Old policemen: "Tch, you're breaking an order! You're breaking an order!"

William smiled gently as a man who appeared to be his superior officer barked at him.

William: "Don't scold them. They are just being honest with themselves."

William: "Whoever raises their hands now should stay in the corner, silent."

William: "As for the rest----"

William: "Plead guilty."

Chapter 18

[brf-rumortrackinganon]

Just had a thought

I'm not sure how realistic this is or not but...

If Meghan and Harry claim to be as harassed by paparazzi as they are, then wouldn't the paparazzi have chased them to the Portland Hospital?

Because the way they've presented it, they make it sound like they're constantly stalked, followed, and harassed by the paparazzi and media. If that's true, then they would've been followed and tracked from Windsor to The Portland because the paparazzi would've been staking out not just all the entrances and gates to the Windsor Home Park but also the hospitals that Meghan could have delivered in.

Because the media did that to Kate. The 2013 Great Kate Wait kicked off when she was spotted in Berkshire with Mike and Carole in early/mid July 2013 and some of the press rushed over to set up camp at Royal Chelsea Hospital in Berkshire, just in case. The 2015 Great Kate Wait kicked off when someone (I think a pap, but I can't find the screenshot) spotted William and Kate arriving at Lindo Wing and reported it on Twitter.

But they weren't followed to The Portland. And in fact, no one knew they were at The Portland until the official palace announcement seven hours later, after they'd already gotten home.

Even though they say they're so high-profile public figures that they're constantly beseiged by the press and media.

It's not tracking.

[archiveikemen]

『Surprise Bag』 Story Sale: Prologue

This is a fan-made translation solely for entertainment purposes with no guaranteed perfection and is not intended as replacement for official localisation. I do not own any of the original content. Please support CYBIRD by buying their stories and playing their games. Reblogs appreciated.

Warnings and FAQ

Ever since becoming the Fairytale Keeper, I’ve built some level of resistance to unusual happenings.

However, despite that, some strange things that happen in Crown still manage to surpass my expectations.

…

“Jude” (Ellis): Good morning, Kate. I’m going to make you happy today too.

Kate: … Jude, uhh… did you suffer a blow to the head?

“Jude” (Ellis): Eh? I didn’t take any blows to anywhere, I’m feeling great.

Kate: What happened to your usual scumbag attitude?! Are you sick? Injured, perhaps? We must take you to the hospital at once!

“Ellis” (Jude): Tch, what’s the ruckus about?

“Jude” (Ellis): Oh, Jude.

“Jude” (Ellis): Huh? Why is Jude me?

“Ellis” (Jude): That’s my line. Why are YOU me?

Kate: W-What?

“Elbert” (Alfons): AHHA! This is getting awfully amusing.

Kate: Al… wait, Sir Elbert?!

Kate: Don’t tell me… the one behind you is Alfons?

“Alfons” (Elbert): … When I looked into the mirror, I saw that I turned into Al.

“Elbert” (Alfons): It’s interesting to look at myself objectively.

“Elbert” (Alfons): Oh, El. Please put in more energy when speaking. It’s disturbing to hear myself sound so depressed.

“Alfons” (Elbert): … Energy? … I’ll try.

“Alfons” (Elbert): … ahha.

“Elbert” (Alfons): It was a mistake on my part to expect energy from you.

Kate: Maybe, or not just maybe…

Kate: — Did Jude and Ellis, Alfons and Sir Elbert swap bodies!?

Kate: How did this happen…?

“Ellis” (Jude): Definitely that quack’s fault, I’m going to beat him up.

…

All members of Crown gathered to question Roger, who simply laughed at the situation.

Roger: My bad. I can’t believe it took effect this fast. Aren't I a genius?

Victor: Don't say such things, Roger! Why did such a cute… I mean, serious thing happen?

Liam: Victor, you’re exposing your inner thoughts. Also, your words and facial expression don’t match.

Roger: I was conducting research on whether a curse can be transferred if I swapped the bodies of a cursed person with a normal person.

William: Your insatiable inquisitive mind is truly eye opening, but shouldn't your test subjects be a cursed person and a normal person instead?

Roger: I thought it’d be dangerous if something were to happen to someone who isn’t cursed, so I decided to experiment on these guys first.

Harrison: What do you take us for? We die just like normal people.

“Elbert” (Alfons): Let’s drown that four-eyed musclehead in the River Thames.

“Ellis” (Jude): Yeah. Tie some stone weights onto him and plop him in to make it quick.

Kate: Wait, please don't say such unsettling things with Sir Elbert and Ellis’ faces!

“Jude” (Ellis): But Roger is so cool for being able to make a drug like this.

Liam: … Now Jude is being a softie. Goodness, this is chaos!

Roger: Relax. I’ll produce an antidote if you let me collect the data I need.

Roger: … If I can produce an antidote, that means I can experiment on the others too.

Harrison: … You just said something disturbing.

Roger: I said nothing.

“Elbert” (Alfons): I must say, you have no rights to be bargaining with us. Pardon my vulgar language, but please die.

Harrison: Woah, um… Liam? Oi, oi. — Is he asleep?

“Jude” (Ellis): I touched his head, sorry. I was curious to see if I can use Jude’s curse’s abilities.

Roger: Heh, the curse’s abilities remain in the body, huh. So I am a genius after all!

(This is getting out of hand…!)

Kate: Please give us the antidote immediately, Roger!

Kate: … Oh my goodness, what’s going to happen if this reaches Her Majesty's ears?

Roger: She might fire me for this.

Roger: … That’s why you should help keep an eye on them so word doesn't get out, lil lady.

Kate: Eh? Roger? Hey!

“Ellis” (Jude): Tch… useless. Getting fired just like that.

“Jude” (Ellis): Oh, Jude, body can’t take cig—

“Ellis” (Jude): *cough*... tastes like shit. Ellis, you need to train yourself to take at least ONE cigar.

“Elbert” (Alfons): I could get away with a lot of bad things with this face, don't you think?

Alfons: … Is this spoon beautiful, Kate?

Kate: T-This is driving me insane…!

I so badly wanted it to be some horrible april fools joke, but the scene unfolding before my eyes showed otherwise.

At that point in time, I still didn't know.

— To be continued.

[anonymoushouseplantfan]

But, realistically, it does not affect them one little bit. You know what also didn’t affect them at all? The infidelity rumors.

I agree with you, and on the other hand you can look at Charles, doing 400 engagements a year didn't erase his public infedility against beloved Diana, The Prince's trust is great but Imo he tainted it with his bags of cash, he did great for the Duchy of Cornwall but there's that cash for honours scandal that cheapens the whole thing. IMO Charles' scandals did more harm to the monarchy than W&K's light workload could ever do, as long as they don't have big scandals they will be okay, to the chargin of the newly out-of+the-woods Charles and Camilla stans.

I think Kate is slowly but steadily increasing her workload, I think the one that needs improvement is William, but I guess he's dealing with the new Duchy and seems to be heavily involved with Earthshot and Homewards bts, I hope he finds his footing soon.

The Duchy, Earthshot and Homewards are going to be black holes of behind-the-scenes work.

Charles’ work ethic is even more impressive when you consider how little impact it had on his popularity. It didn’t make him more popular, but he did it anyway. That’s amazing.

But it had a cost and that was the relationships within the family. Spare tragically showed that Charles was a caring and concerned father, but he spent very little time with his sons.

[skippyv20]

Majestic_Cut_2209•1 mo. ago•Edited 1 mo. ago

I liked her when she got married to Prince Harry, I believed she brought something different to the royal family which would be good since it’s an old institution.

I completely started to dislike her and Harry after they came to Africa, South Africa and turned what was a very successful visit into a platform to complain about petty family drama. I’m African so I know how much those visits mean to the charities/organisations and how much preparation goes into them, so to see that all overshadowed was sad. I also couldn’t understand how they managed to have the nerve to complain about their circumstances after meeting mothers struggling to feed and provide for their children and domestic violence victims, some situations should give you perspective and you should let those less fortunate have their moment.

I was completely done though after the Wimbledon fiasco, where she took up a whole section and instructed the public not to take her pictures. Like wtf! Royalty, celebrities and players have all been to Wimbledon as spectators and none has ever tried tell the public not to take their pictures. By the time they were complaining about this and that, I knew they were the problem and the world would soon see it.

asslukt•1 mo. ago•Edited 1 mo. ago

Well.... I used to like her. I loved her on Suits, even though I didn't watch it before they got married. I thought she was pretty, seemed charming and prepared for the role, as an actress who was at least somewhat used to media attention, even though her fame as an actress seems to have been exxagarated. I thought she'd bring some much needed freshness to the royal families, instead she just brought drama for the tabloids to exploit.

She seemed completely unprepared for what it means to be a royal. The cracks started showing, when she invited people from Hollywood she never met to the wedding (like Oprah) instead of her childhood friends. Since then, it was a steady decline where she seems to attribute to racism what is simply cultural differences. And no, I don't mean the skin colour comments, they were obviously horrible.

What really switched it for me, though, was the Oprah Interview. She displays such a lack of understanding of what it means to be a Royal Member that I'm wondering if she even knows what a royal is. She spends most of the interview whining about how she's not as loved as Diana was, or maybe Kate is. But she doesn't understand that they married the heir, and she married the spare. She was supposedly friends with Eugenie before she met Harry, and thus a quick google search would have shown her how Eugenie's mother was treated. Fergie was also cast as "the evil redheaded witch trying to break up the family", somewhat similar to how Meghan got cast as "the evil black bitch trying to break up the family". Misogyny is after all, eternal. She didn't know what she walked in to, unlike Kate, and that shows. She didn't seem to be very eager to find out either, to be honest. It's not like it's hard to google the Royal Protocol or something, and it's not like she couldn't have asked for help within the establishment on how to dress or behave.

She then goes on whining about how Archie isn't entitled to protection, and tries to make it about his (possible) skin colour. Not understanding that the royal family works so that the grandchildren of the king/queen is protected, but not the great grandchildren. William and Kate's kids are protected because they are the children of a future king. Eugene and Beatrice were protected because they were the queens grandchildren, now the kings nieces. Their children will not be protected. Had Meghan waited until now, Archie would have gotten the protection nescessary, as Archie now is the grandchild of the regent. Archie's protection up until now was dependant upon Harry's prescence in his life.

Then she mentions there is no mental help available, and that she's told to just suck it up. Which she might have been, but the lack of mental help is not true. Both Diana and Harry have been in therapy, to the public's knowledge. She then further shits on Kate, and Harry just sits there quietly accepting it, even though everyone know that Kate was very important for Harry's own mental health when he was younger. He's even said so himself before meeting her.

But alright, a confused american girl thrust in to a world her husband is giving her no help to navigate in, I'm sure it can all be forgiven if Harry just thinks to hire a Princess Coach. Or maybe if they spend more time with Fergie to learn about the pitfalls of being the evil bitch married to the spare, she'll eventually realise that there is a hope to save all of this, right?

Not so. Instead they go and do the Netflix series. Where she spends her time pointing out what a good person she is, who understands cultural differences based on her being half black and thus having been around different backgrounds, and then bashes the royal family for not understanding her.What she seems to fail to understand is that unlike in America, where blacks were forced to come and be slaves (which of course was horrible), she is willingly entering an establishment, in a country with very different social norms. So when she tries to be all "relatable" and tells people she's a "hugger", trying to make fun of Kate and William for being stiff as a board when she, a complete stranger, hugs them the first time they meet, she fails to understand that we just don't do that here in Europe. (Or maybe in Southern Europe, but despite it's location England is pretty much Northern Europe, as we are cold people, stiff as boards even among friends.) This thing about hugging our friends and telling them we love them is something the lower classes have adopted from watching american TV, not the upper classes that she married in to. She is trying to appeal to the sympathies of an american audience here, not a european one, which just comes off as even more culturally insensitive on her part. And yet, she has the nerve to accuse Brits of being the culturally insenstivie one. The impression that she's the one who is culturally insenstitive here is further helped by the way she points out that Fergie was panicking that she didn't know how to courtsey the Queen, or that it was even expected of her to do so when meeting, but saying she thought it was all for show when the cameras were around.

It all just comes off as a whiny "why don't they love me, even though I shit on their culture and trashtalk them as often as I can? Boohoo, my life in my giant mansion is so hard because I'm black, and not because I'm an entitled brat who even passes so well as white that most people were surprised to hear that my mother is black". It's like she's completely out of touch with reality.

And don't even get me started on how Harry went from a cheeky, naughty fun and relaxed member of the royal family, cracking jokes in interviews and being genuinely likeable, to a stiff, weird, boring serious and unlikeable parody of his father.

(And for the record, I'm not british nor a royalist)

[pbaintthetb]

Invincible s2e5

It's here, it's here!! Some of my thoughts. Spoilers ahead

"He's never on the hook for the lives he destroys. Just leaves it for everyone else to clean up. Again and again." -> incredible

Brothers eh!! and also Debbie saying mark must get his nobility/reluctance to abandon people from her side ;-)))), especially since this is like one of if not the only time mark is compared to his mum and not his dad. (Whether it's a you're nothing like you're dad, you will be your dad, your dad doesn't influence my view on you)

debbie taking time off work ot look after mark's brother just after they all said they wer so glad she was back :-(( I get that she priortises mark's education though

oop the donald sub plot, forgot about that but now Im hella intrigued again, he a cyberman, though he's the six million dollar man to hear Cecil tell it (we can rebuild him...)

william boxed up mark's stuff.... oof that must have been rough (for william i mean, assuming he's dead)

cecil stfu and stop being a creeper- although if he wasn't like that he wouldn't be cecil, his job is to be a bastard in order to do what he deems necessary

"He's an alien. We're more qualified to take care of him."- very ominous very uncomfortable, glad to see mark isn't having any of it but still. actually ingernal loving mark's convo with cecil

Cecil's little side eye at the end, he's scared ohohoh. and that petty "im sureyour mum will love ooking after her ex's kid" like uh, no but she said she'll do it for mark and otherwise mark will do it so so?

Mark and Amber are cool, and yeah it's nice to see him listening to her problems even if maybe it's revealing that uh... yeah he can't be there for her and that's complicated (as mark said)

Rudy and monster girl is intersing, like i get why she's pissed and i get where he's coming from

DECEASED they all knew he was from mars.Almost disappointed because him desperately trying to be human was hilarious but also this reveal was the funniest fucking thing so, even his reveal felt so unhuman

also how noble and excited the abckstory is until the awkard... so I sort of tried to kill him but I didn't even do that right and now he's coming to earth to kill us all possessed by a hive creature

"No, before, I was lying. Now I'm telling the truth. It's very different." hilarious, might steal that.

Rex, gonna go OOC real quick, then pan to Atom Eve AMV... iconic, I wonder what this could mean /s

Ok I was like, stop commenting on everything but like Rex is a prick but the absolute funniest, saying that maybe Eve's parents WANT her to be abducted because they still haven't fixed her broken window lock killed me

also more seriously actually the familiarity with which they talk and rex moves around eve's room (the l atter would be weird if it weren't so obvious eve could make him stop if she wanted) is great? Because yeah they dated for a while, like they should know each other even if they don't get on anymore and it's great to see the evidence of that Similarly the fact taht Eve reveals at teh end she knew rex just wanted something but that she also does think he genuinely helped her see that she helps people

Man, mark :-( spread too thin, and he's realising it but what is the way out?? Butter spread over too much bread and you can't just put it back in the tin

Shapesmith's intonation and diction and also just his timing of what he says is, mwah, chefs kiss, incredibel

when is the shapesmith show coming, we've already had "Allan"???

was gonna say "nice fight scenes" then kate happened, and i mean they're still good but oh fuck holy shit oh god hog do

.um. well post the homeward guardians fight all I have to say is that it seems that Rex is ranking guardian after all.

Or um, them some cliff hangers amirite, sure do hope everybody is fine

but no did like Rex's last line of the episode and also King lizard's smarmy evil pragmatism ooh very nice.