#official spun nation

[didalexiabreakupwitholgayet]

Could you explain the hate like train of alexia in the Spanish media causes one moment she's getting praised and all and all of a sudden their calling her names traitor etc.. like where did this originated from

oh boy. where to even start with this question because, unfortunately, the hate comes from a few different angles. you have to realize that in spain, rfef (the federation) has its supporters among various media outlets, so that's a major source of the hate.

let me break down some of the big ones because it's a lot:

#SeAcabo/Oliva - i would argue that the majority of hate nowadays stems from alexia's role in the #seacabo movement and her support of jenni in the rubiales sexual abuse/harassment case, and the tweet that launched the hashtag.

in the immediate aftermath, veteran players like alexia, irene, etc. were accused of horrible things like grooming younger players and alleging that they wanted vilda/rfef officials removed because it prevented them for sexually abusing young players. just the most gross and vile filth.

and alexia and irene both took a major role during the oliva conclave back in september 2023, which really was a turning point for the spanish nt. this was when montse was first named as head coach and called in a bunch of players like mapi/patri (but not jenni) and the players pushed back. this resulted in the oliva accords where rfef and the govt committed to measures to improve conditions for the athletes, including firing members of the rfef who were implicated in the rubiales case. obviously, this pissed off media who thought the women's team and their leader (alexia) had too much power. COPE, in particular, had tons of heinous things to say.

2. Las 15/Vilda - but even before the world cup, let's not forget the hate that was spewed due to the first "Las 15" protest and alexia's support of them. i won't get into all of the details but you can read about it here and here. now, alexia did not sign on to the email because she had done her ACL, but she RTd it and obviously supported the message behind it. alexia even talked about the poor conditions of the NT in her documentary. but the way the media treated the players and called them names like spoiled little girls was just appalling.

fast forward to the pre world cup camp, and alexia (and others) have returned to the national team. then you had people calling alexia and aitana rats and traitors for "caving in" and returning to the nt when players like mapi and patri stood their ground. (as an aside, i'll defend all these players and the individual decisions they made, and i think they each contributed in their own way to improving conditions for the team).

3. Barça contract renewals/will she or won't she? - this is got to be the dumbest controversy but in recent months there's been a lot of (unnecessary) controversy and hate spun up by the media in relation to alexia's contract negotiations. we've been thrown into this stupid dichotomy of a) either alexia is being selfish and greedy and asking for millions when barça is suffering due to financial fair play, or b) evil barça is unwilling to pay alexia after all the publicity and accolades she's done for the club.

to add flames to the fire, alexia is called up to the national team by montse last month as she is recovering from injury and now apparently the media is reporting that barça is pissed and alexia is acting in a manner that is traitorous to her club that she would allegedly jeopardize her health to play for the NT and that there have been disagreements between club/nt/alexia about alexia's fitness. blah, blah, blah.

i personally think this is all bs. contract negotiations are obviously tricky because you have to keep in mind that coming behind alexia and mariona this year, are a bunch of other players including aitana. so it'll take time to work out deals because the market is so inflated right now. at the end of the day alexia will re-sign will barça soon and all of this will be hopefully forgotten. after all, alexia is barça and barça is alexia.

4. Machismo/Facha/Nationalistic culture - no, i'm not just talking about athenea's bf. 🫢 there's a segment of spanish society that will always hate alexia and jenni and irene just for being who they are. whether it's their sexuality, playing a sport in a male dominated industry, or just being women. sadly, there are right wing groups (vox, etc.) that are on the rise everywhere in europe and spain is no exception.

5. Barça vs. Real Madrid - and finally, you have to contend with spanish history and the divisions between madrid/the royal seat of power and the autonomous communities in spain. alexia is catalana. and a proud one at that. barcelona vs. real madrid is more than just a sports rivalry. it goes way beyond sports to the political and cultural history of these areas. you will always find people using that excuse as a way to hate on alexia and barça in general. there are people who are still jealous and aggrieved that spain's female ballon d'or winners are catalan! get over yourself!

if you want to read more on fc barcelona and its political history, then start here and here.

at the end of the day, alexia putellas is a human being just like all of us. she isn't perfect. she isn't a saint. but you cannot deny that her actions around football have always been guided by her heart and wanting to do the best for her teams and improving the cause of women's football in spain. punto.

#i did not expect to get this political today but here we are #alexia putellas #irene paredes #jenni hermoso #fcb femení #barca femeni #barca women #futfem #woso #espwnt

[tomorrowusa]

California has gotten its first tropical storm watch ever. The last time a tropical storm hit California was in September of 1939 just after Hitler had started World War II. They didn't issue such watches in those days.

Major Hurricane Hilary in the Pacific is way stronger than low energy Hurricane Don in the Atlantic a few weeks ago; the latter spent only a few hours as a hurricane as it spun around aimlessly away from land.

Hilary will weaken from the current Category 4, but how much it will weaken is still not certain. If it maintains sustained winds of at least 74 MPH/119 KMH when it reaches California, then it will become California's first ever official hurricane.

Hurricane Hilary is expected to hit Southern California as a tropical storm, with a punch that could include flash flooding and significant amounts of rain, according to the National Hurricane Center.  A tropical storm watch for much of Southern California was issued Friday morning. The National Weather Service's San Diego outpost said this was the first time such an advisory had ever been issued for the region. 

As somebody who's been through half a dozen tropical cyclones on the East Coast, I would advise our California friends that rain is a bigger hazard than wind – in most cases. People in areas which have the potential for flooding should particularly remain on alert.

The 1939 storm, called El Cordonazo, became the first and only tropical storm to make landfall in the state in the 20th century, according to the National Weather Service. NWS says the storm, which was at one point a hurricane, originated off the southern coast of Central America before moving north and eventually coming ashore at San Pedro, California.  Resulting floods from the storm killed at least 45 people across the Southern California region and caused $2 million in damage to structures and crops, the weather service reports. Another 48 people were also killed at sea.

There were far fewer people in California in 1939 when El Cordonazo caused deadly flooding.

Here is the current forecast for rainfall potential.

Keep up with the track of Hurricane Hilary here. Southern California should begin to feel the effects of Hilary on Sunday afternoon. Monitor local emergency information and follow advisories.

And if you're wondering why this is happening...

Our oceans are the warmest in recorded history. This is why it's so concerning

#hurricane hilary #california #potential flooding #california's first tropical storm since 1939 #climate change #warming oceans #climate disasters

[seneon]

月光 ݁ ˖ MOONLIGHT ── CHAPTER ONE. THE CRUEL AND LONELY AFTERMATH OF A GREAT WAR BETWEEN NATIONS.

CONTENTS. warnings of dead bodies, slight gore (slicing through the skin), suicide of an enemy party. wc of a thousand.

moonlight series masterlist ₊ 𓂃 chapter two

𝐈𝐓 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐊, night-time, right after the evening where the golden hour turns into dusk. the sun has set completely, allowing the moon to rise and take up on its duty for the rest of the night. it was only a few hours ago that humanity officially ended a war between nations. chaos ceased right then with only one victor left standing.

Y/N, nobody but a mere girl who was turned and twisted to be in the war not by choice, but by the lack of freewill. nobody but a daughter of a swordsmith. nobody but a daughter of a lady who sells potatoes and sometimes mooncakes during mid-autumn festival by the streets to make a living. you are nobody... but a doll of the battlefield, simply selected by some soldiers to be made into a weapon on the rough battlefield.

woe to you who survived through the hellish nightmare of watching your comrades get their chest pierced by spears. woe to you who survived the cuts all across your limbs by the blades of the other innocent souls, also forced to be on the battlefield. woe to you who was the only living being standing amongst puddles and mountains of corpses. and woe to you, for you had to lay a finger on your last standing enemy who eventually unalived himself for the sake of surrendering.

you still remembered the scene of the man standing in front of you, crying his eyes out and begging you to kill him. as the last person standing, shouldn't there already be some sort of peace? you didn't know why but before you could even say anything but to touch his shoulders, he used his blade and run it across the skin of his throat, allowing the substance you despised so much to swiftly flow out.

now venturing on your own after leaving thousands of corpses behind, you walked and walked and walked through forests, meadows, riverbanks, and eventually your journey halted as you stepped forth into a huge mountain.

you unsheathed your sword, pointing it at the direction where you sensed a presence lurking around. "who are you?!" you exclaimed at the person, a man with half a yellow and black hair. he possessed such blank golden honey eyes, almost as if you could drown in the dew, consumed by the sweetest of emptiness.

something about him doesn't feel right though. he is man, but he feels something more than man. something closer to a divine being that harbours magical abilities. why would a man be in the middle of a huge mountain anyways? why is the man dressed in such fine clothing and is alone in a mountain? is he a nobleman to be clothed such a way? what intrigues you the most is the two line that runs from his eyes down to his cheeks.

the grip on your sword tightens, ready to offense and defense for anything that might happen.

"what may a mighty warrior such as you be doing here?" he finally spoke, furrowing his eyebrows. the man spoke with authority, as if you aren't supposed to even step foot in this mountain. his honey eyes scanned all over your body, taking notes that you obtained cuts, stabs, and hurts all around. "you are injured. physically and mentally. perhaps you seek solace in this mountain. that is why you are here."

this man had read you like a book. the grip on your hilt tightened even more, before it loosens and you drop your arm. your eyes slowly dropping to the ground too. "you're not human. what are you?"

"the god of this mountain. rayne ames. i know the very inner being of any living creature that sets foot in my mountain," the mountain god said as he lifted his hands up and a group of fallen petals arise and danced along the wind. rayne spun his hands in a circular motion, the wind following to dance around you. then, the flowers slowly and beautifully flow down all around you. "everything of this mountain belongs to me."

as he uttered those words, a petal fell right at the palm of your hands. you gently held your hand out. even though it has fallen from its origins, it remains as beautiful and fresh as it first blossomed, unscathed even. the petal then jumped right out of your palm and flew away along the wind.

"if everything in this mountain belongs to you, may i... stay here and be one of yours..?"

rayne ames' eyes widened just in the slightest way, before it shuts, locking away the sweet honey dew. "i refuse. descend the mountain and return to your people."

"but i have no people!" you shouted. "i thought you knew that, stupid god..." that came out as a whisper, merely decipherable to one.

as much as rayne feels so much sympathy for the hurt, he cannot allow a human to live in the mountains with him. it is simply impossible. but your words strike him in a way that he couldn't quite understand. the words ‘i have no people’ reminded him so much of himself. just like how he is a mountain god and always alone.

"what is your name?" rayne asks, letting out a sigh.

"y/n."

"y/n, you may stay," he turns around and walks away. "but if you spill poison in the soil and roots of this mountain, i will cast you out." relief embraced you as worry left you when his words filled your ears. "you are now mine, y/n."

you are his, rayne ames the god of this mountain. the moment you spoke to him, the moon has already sent the stars to form a fate between the two of you. moonlight belonged to a mountain god who accepted a human girl and a mighty warrior who seek solace in the haven of a divine being.

NOTES. omg what an exciting fic!!! jokes anyways happy valentine's day! this series will be updated every day 🖤

TAGS ݁ ˖ @kyoghurts @anqelically @caelivir @bbladie @ansbobcar @rjasmin2021 @lunareclipses-moments

© SENEON￤MOONLIGHT 2024. do not alter or repost.

#❨ MOONLIGHT ❩ ݁ ˖ ˚ ☽ #⋆ ❨ writing ❩ ֢֢֢ ۟ #rayne ames #rayne ames x reader #rayne x you #rayne x y/n #rayne x reader #mashle #mashle: magic and muscles #mashle imagines #mashle fluff #mashle angst #mashle x reader #mashle x you

[wingsofdawn-if]

Wings of Dawn (WIP)

In a world where wings are everything, you are the only one born without them. You grow up in a modest village under the wing of your father until one day you are forced to flee from a mysterious attack on your village.

Travel through the three unique nations of Askgard to find out the secret of your own birth. Along your journey, you may meet, befriend, and even romance shady merchants, runaway nobles, knights with a hidden past—and fight your way through the looming shadows threatening to engulf Askgard beside them.

Be careful, for there are threads of conspiracy spun just outside of your sight; things may not be as they seem. In the end, you may be the only one who has the power to save Askgard from ruin.

Currently writing the demo. The demo is intended to release with an intro + the first 2 chapters. Planned ROs are 2 male, 2 female, 1 nonbinary.

I will provide weekly updates on the word count, which is sitting around 6k as of now excluding commands.

This is my first time writing an interactive novel AND my first time using Tumblr, so apologies if there are any mistakes on my part.

I’ll make another (official?) intro post once I’m done with the demo.

Scheduled demo release: April 30, 2024 (Date may change according to progress)

#fantasy #hosted games #interactive fiction #choice of games #interactive novel #if wip #writer thoughts #choicescript #i have no idea how tumblr works

[bleachification]

in reverence - dazai

+ dazai x reader (fantasy au)

+ chapter THREE of all that glitters is not gold (prologue please read this first!!) is here :*

ch. one: dissonance; ch. two: trojan horse (also read these before)

next chapter (4): a painting’s ire

+ author’s note: i used past tense for funsies and idk if i hate it or not so pls lemme know which u guys prefer (ok now onto the fic)

Dazai did not speak to or communicate with you for the rest of the journey. You’d think that would have been cause for relief or gratitude, but instead you found yourself feeling… nothing. Empty. Like the past few days had been nothing but a hazy dream. One that you feared you may never wake from. 

The trip was a five-day affair, a period of uneventful seafaring and mild weather. The dolphins you had seen one early morning were the highlight of your passing time. It was a pod of lively creatures that spun through the air and sped alongside the ship, each racing to be at the forefront of the group. Competitive things, they were. The freedom they enjoyed caused an ache in your chest to worsen—a feeling that you’d been in accompaniment with since childhood. 

The evening you arrived at the Empire’s capital, Yokohama City, a blaring horn sounded and the ship burst to life. Servants and workmen of all departments and status flew around the vessel in a bustling frenzy. You were ushered off the ship by an assortment of guards and handmaids, a group that tallied a total of eight people, excluding yourself. 

As you disembarked, you saw cartfuls of luggage being siphoned out the lower decks and onto the docks. The very docks that were swarmed with Imperial guards, officials, and servants. Each bore a golden insignia carved in the shape of a wolf’s head on their clothing—the seal of the royal family. It was the very symbol of Dazai’s lineage and power. 

You shifted your eyes away, only to immediately squint at the harsh sunlight. With a hand blocking the dizzying rays, you stepped forward, ready to push your way through the crowd. You were heir to their nation’s most formidable foe—respect was not a luxury you had much expectation of. 

But the moment you walked forward, a hush fell over the crowd, and a most startling thing occurred. Dazai’s people parted like the sea, carving out a path to the shining carriage that awaited you at the end of the road. 

You took another step and was surprised once again. Every single person there knelt before you, heads bowed in reverence. In respect. 

“This…” you faltered, unsure of yourself for the first time that week—since you first boarded the ship. “It is unnecessary.”

Dazai appeared from seemingly nowhere and stood beside you. “On the contrary. They are merely acting in accordance with what status dictates.” 

He leveled his gaze on you. “They treat you as they should—as a ruling half of the Kingdom. The better half.” 

Like a lion to a buzzing fly, you ignored him. Dazai frowned at your cold indifference, but decided to bite his tongue.

“Sire…” A soldier walked up to the King and began whispering in his ear, a bit frantic in his movements. Dazai’s brows knitted together, and you found yourself sorely curious about what sort of catastrophe could have made the normally nonchalant Dazai so anxious. 

A few more murmurs from the both of them and the knight was sent running off.

“Anything I should be concerned about?” You asked, your inquisitive nature got the better of you.

Dazai cleared his throat and averted his gaze as if he was wracking his brain for an answer. He finally settled on one. 

“Nothing for you to worry your pretty head about.” His tone was light; his smile big and cheerful. But you’d known this boy since the beginning of your lives. You could detect the tension in his jaw and the slight strain in his tone. Did he really think he could hide those things from you?

He hid many things, you reminded yourself. 

“A poor excuse. If you will not allow me to be informed, then just say so. There was no need to lie.” You looked him directly in the eyes as you spoke your next words, “After all, have you not done that enough?”

Dazai’s smile fell and his expression turned momentarily cold. He leaned down, so that you were nose-to-nose. You refused to flinch—refused to let him get the better of you. 

“I have done many things, Y/N. Some good, some questionable, and some bad. What I have never done is lie to you. Never,” he snarled. 

You would be taken aback at his quiet ferocity if it weren’t for the fact that Dazai had stopped being someone to fear a long time ago. Instead, you shrugged. 

“You could have fooled me.”

Without waiting for an answer, you turned and made your way down the path towards the carriage. Dazai followed behind in silence. He tried to open the door for you, but you got to it first, yanking it back with so much force the hinges seemed to protest out loud.

Dazai stumbled back just in time, narrowly missing a door to the face. “I understand your anger, but must you attempt to assassinate me on our first day back in my homeland? I am still King.”

“I am well aware of what you are. I just don’t care,” you state. 

With a roll of your shoulders, you stepped inside and took a seat on one end of the lavish vehicle. Velvet, gold trimming, and taffeta pillows made up the interior. The exterior was a whole other story—led by four white-coated stallions, the carriage was the same shining colour and gilded with gold leaves. Extravagant and dramatic—much like its owner. 

Dazai sat across from you and sighed. “You wound me.”

The carriage started to move. It was much smoother than you expected. The city lights blurred as the horses gathered speed, racing against the waning daylight. Nightfall would soon come, the setting sun in the distance was a clear indication. 

“It likely won’t be the only time,” you said. There was no remorse or sympathy to be found—you were void of them. 

“Y/N–” he started.

“Stop,” you interrupted him. Dazai’s mouth hung open mid-sentence as you continued. “I can barely tolerate your presence now. Do not make it worse by trying to converse once more. I have nothing to say to you and want to hear nothing of what you have to say to me.”

He shifted in his seat and leaned towards you, searching the planes of your face for any sense of familiarity. There was none. There were many things different about you, but many more just the same. The flickers of the old you that he saw in the stranger before him were about as fragile as glass, and much sharper. Much more… painful. 

“We are married. You can’t possibly avoid me for the rest of our lives.”

You stared at him, unwavering. “I won’t have to.”

A slight furrow of the brow was the only indication of his confusion. “What does… Never mind that. We must speak, no matter how uncomfortable it is.”

You scoffed. “Uncomfortable? I am sitting across from the man that murdered my mother. The man that I am now wed to against my will!” 

Dazai’s gaze fell to the floor at the anger rising in your voice. You didn’t stop.

“We are far past the realm of uncomfortable. You are lucky I do not slit your throat from where I sit. As far as I am concerned, that is more merciful than what you deserve,” you hissed. 

He swallowed and ran a hand through his dark hair. “That night—Y/N you must understand, I–”

Again, your irritation surfaced and you cut him off. “Understand what, Your Majesty? Will it change anything? Will it change the fact that you plunged a sword through my mother and left her bleeding on the palace grounds like a stuck pig?”

His expression shuttered, a mask swirling with shame, frustration, and restraint fell into its place. “No. It will not,” he admitted.

Your lungs stuttered at his blatant confession. You knew it to be true—saw it with your own eyes—but having Dazai confirm your fears and the abominable truth they hid behind… it was like a clamp had tethered itself to your heart and refused to let go. 

You forced any and all emotion from your expression and coolly regarded him. 

“Then whatever you wanted to say is unnecessary and irrelevant.” 

He tried to reply and voice his jumbled mess of emotions and thoughts, but the carriage had grinded to a stop and one of his own knights had opened the door for the both of you to exit from.

You had arrived at the Royal Castle; Dazai’s estate and your future home. 

You were greeted with a symphony of trumpets signalling your arrival, in pure noble fashion. A giant structure laden from stone and glass loomed over you. The palace stood in all its glory—six stories of spotless marble and glittering gold accents. It shone even in the shadow of night. 

Like always, knights lined up next to you and marched along as you entered the palace.

The foyer opens up into the second floor. Cascading steps as pristine as the rest of the palace sprouted from the center and widened into the arms of the second floor. Chandeliers hung from the painted ceilings that displayed artworks worthy of being in the holiest of cathedrals. Struck by the grandeur of it all, you almost forgot that it was the den of wolves. And you had just walked into it, with no one and nothing by your side except your wits.  

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Dazai asked, slightly breathless. If you had just turned towards him, perhaps you would understand why he seemed so awestruck at the sight of his own home. If you had just turned towards him… you would have noticed his eyes on you instead. 

“Truly fit for a King,” you muttered, gaze wandering across the statues and sculptures positioned around the room. 

Dazai smiled softly. A wave of pride washed over him as he said: “It is all yours, from now until forevermore.”

You shattered that pride within an instant. “It is not. It will never be.”

“Y/N–” He began. 

“I don’t want it. I want nothing of yours except perhaps…” You trailed off. 

Except perhaps your head on a silver platter, you thought. 

Dazai perked up. “Except what? Whatever it is, I will grant it if it is within my power. Actually, no, never mind that—tell me what it is, I will find a way to—”

Tired of his relentless energy and endless words, you briskly walked away from him toward an older looking man who stood in front of two other knights. He had long silver hair, the length was much like that of Chief Minister Kunikida. But that was where the similarities ended. Unlike the Chief Minister, the man before you was dressed in fitted armor and a cape, a heavy longsword resting by his side. He had a large build, and although his facial features were rugged and weathered, he still carried himself with an air of elegance. Like he had lived a thousand lives as a warrior and another thousand as a noble. 

“Good evening. What is your name?” You asked. 

The silver-haired man lifted an eyebrow, a mix of confusion and amusement coloring his expression. “Greetings to Your Royal Highness, I am Yukichi Fukuzawa, General of the Red Army.”

You cocked your head, faintly aware of Dazai in the background sulking. “The Red Army?”

“They are the throne’s guards. As well as the Kingdom’s first and last line of defense. The largest and strongest unit in my military,” Dazai interrupted, still sulking.

Again, you ignored him. “You are an impressive man, General Fukuzawa.”

The General’s lips quirked up into a slight smile, mirth glittering behind his eyes as he glanced over at his King. ‘You flatter me, Your Royal Highness, but I am merely a soldier doing his duty.”

“Such a shame, a handsome man like yourself off in the frontlines,” you sighed. 

“Handsome?!” Dazai squeaked from somewhere behind you. 

At that proclamation, the General let out a deep, rumbling laugh. It warmed you to the bones. “I am but an old man. You flatter me again.”

You smiled and held your hand out. He shook it, still shaking his head as his smile grew wider. 

“I think we are going to be fine friends, General.”

“I agree, Your Royal Highness,” he affirmed. 

Dazai cleared his throat violently—like a sickly cat hacking up a hairball. “Fukuzawa, why are you here?”

The General snapped his attention over to his lord, features turning serious again. “Sir. Aside from welcoming your darling spouse—”

You beamed. Dazai brooded. 

“I needed to speak with you regarding the Membrance campaign… Updates are scarce… No word back from the… Time is running out…”

You huffed. Great. More whispering and secrets that you were not privy to. 

You excused yourself as the two men whispered furiously to each other, both seemingly too lost in the urgency of the topic to care for your absence. Whatever it was must have been important, and you had to find out what it was about. 

A helpful maid guided you to your room—another luxurious suite that was situated on the palace’s top floor. From that distance, you could see the stretch of the country—all the way to the forest before the border. 

Finally alone, you pulled out your materials. A portfolio, an empty journal, twin daggers, and three vials of pure belladonna poison. 

The portfolio, thick with papers and files, was shoved into a locked drawer. You tied the key around your upper arm with a string, the item now hidden beneath the sleeves of your clothes. The daggers were strapped to your thigh with a specially-made holster, and the empty journal was laid upon your desk. The poison, glass pots of clear liquid, were arranged in a line in the back end of your bathroom medicine cabinet, hidden in plain sight. It was the one place no one but a doctor would look, and even then, you could just pass it off as misplaced cosmetics. They were unassuming and plain, and yet a small drop could fell a horse. 

You had barely shut the cabinet door before a knock sounded out. 

“Yes?”

“Your Highness, I am here to help you prepare for dinner,” a girl’s voice rang out. 

You allowed her in, although begrudgingly. The last thing you wanted was to have dinner with the King. 

The young girl flitted around your room, running around with a mountain of clothing selections in hand, not to mention the shoes and accessories.

“Surely such fineries are not required for mere dinner?”

She blinked. “Um… Your Highness, are you unaware of tonight’s event?”

Your left eye twitched. “Event?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“What event?” You dreaded the answer.

Again, the girl blinked. “Why, your welcoming banquet, of course.”

Forget the poison, you were going to strangle your groom the moment you set eyes on him tonight. 

The maid continued her busybodying—powdering, fitting, draping, bathing… the works.

As she sat you in front of the mirror, ready to finish your makeup and help you into the final attire choices, she asked: “Does Your Highness have any preference on visuals tonight?”

You stared at yourself in the mirror. A vacant shell stared back. 

“Make me devastating.”

hiiiii tags: @letsliveagaintoday​ @zjarrmiii

#dazai osamu #dazai #dazai x reader #dazai fic #dazai angst #dazai x y/n #bsd #bsd fic #bungou stray dogs #bungou stray dogs fic #fukuzawa #bsd fukuzawa #fantasy au #dazai au #dazai fanfic #enemies to lovers #lovers to enemies #x reader #angst

[ga-yuu]

[Gilbert Von Obsidian Story Chapter 1]

----Part 1----

Once upon a time, in Rhodolite, the Land of Roses and Art, there was a strange encounter that was like a divine prank.

Black-haired boy: "Hey, why are powerful people so corrupted?"

A boy sitting on a barrel in an alleyway closes the thick book on his lap which looks inappropriate for his thin body.

The book was about the history of a continent spelled out in an archaic language that even scholars should find difficult to understand.

The boy understood all the contents with the ease of reading a picture book.

He asks the blond boy sitting on the ground.

The blond-haired blue-eyed boy with a mature aura didn't stop reading.

Black-haired boy: "They say continental history is the history of aristocracy, but there are no good people in it."

Black-haired boy: "Those who killed their own people to gain the throne, those who cheated other nations to expand their territory, and those who turned a blind eye to the suffering of their people..."

Black-haired boy: "This has been going on for a long time now. There should be a kind monarch who is equal and charitable to everyone."

Black-haired boy: ".....But no. Why would people like that ever go down in history."

Blond boy: "Of course."

Blond boy: "In today's society where class-based society has become the norm, a monarch who claims to be loving and equal would be the first to be eliminated."

Blond boy: "Once in power, you can never relinquish it. If the slightest disadvantage is incurred, they will meditate on it."

Blond boy: "The pain of others will be nothing. That's human nature."

Black-haired boy: "Hmmm, guess so."

The black-haired boy jumps down from his barrel, putting his small feet on the ground and smiles brightly as sun shining down the alley.

Black-haired boy: "I think humans are inherently conscientious creatures."

Black-haired boy: "It's the world that makes people greedy, not the people itself."

Blond boy: "According to your theory, there are no real evil people in the world?"

Black-haired boy: "Mmhm, because the essence of human nature is 'love."

Black-haired boy: "The corrupt monarchs who spun history could have been kinder to others if the world had been different."

Blond boy: ".......You are quite the dreamer."

Black-haired boy: "So what? I'm still a kid."

Black-haired boy: "And I like people."

The blond boy looked up from his book and couldn't help but snicker.

The red eyes of the dark-haired boy were full of compassion and tenderness.

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

It's been several days since the princes of the three countries requested an extended stay for headache-inducing reasons.

After careful consultation with Sir Sariel and other princes,

Rhodolite is ready to welcome state guests.

Leon: "As, I've said many times, it's been decided that the princes from each country will stay for the four-country talks."

At a regular meeting of the princes, and key officials belonging to the internal affairs faction.

Once the agenda was settled, the matter was brought up with Leon, the leader of the internal affairs faction.

Leon: "His Majesty, the King has given his approval. The decision will not be reversed."

Leon's dignified voice silences the frustrated internal bureaucrats.

(I had expected this, but there still seems to be a lot of backlash)

Bureaucrat: "...I'm still not convinced. Benitoite as a friendly country and Jade as a neutral country would be fine."

Bureaucrat; "But why must we also accept Obsidian!?"

Bureaucrat: "Their former treachery, has gone unredressed to this day."

Bureaucrat: "There must be some nefarious plotting behind this stay too...it's too dangerous."

Leon: "I know. We have not forgotten the Bloodstained Rose Day ten years ago."

(Bloodstained Rose Day....I've only heard rumors)

Ten years ago, Rhodolite was invaded by Obsidian.

The princes went to the battlefield and stopped them at the border, so I, who lived in the royal capital, only heard rumors.

The sudden invasion, which could be described as a bolt from the blue, has left a huge scar on the Country of Roses.

That is the reason why the overwhelming majority of people are not comfortable with the stay of the Obsidian royal family.

(I don't know the details, I'll have to look it up next time)

Leon: "But now a country that has never been open to any diplomacy has come to the forefront."

Leon: "I think it's well worth allowing them to stay."

Bureaucrat: "But..."

Leon: "Besides, if anything goes wrong, I and Chevalier will take the blame."

Leon: "You have your thoughts, but swallow them for now."

-----Part 2----

The silence that fell in the drawing room was so heavy that even the slightest noise would have been unacceptable.

Bureaucrat: "Then, at least..."

The bureaucrat, who seemed to have retracted his fangs turned to me, who was in the last seat.

Bureaucrat: "Tell us why that woman is present here."

All eyes were on me and I felt as if I had been dragged all the way to the center of the stage.

(I thought someone would ask)

Many of the Bureaucrats here don't know that I am Belle.

One day, without any warning, a mysterious young lady appeared and began to stay at the court for her studies...

In addition, she was also escorted by the prince of Obsidian at the goodwill party and also seen dancing with him.

(The constant staring hurts....they must be suspecting I'm on the Obsidian's side)

Jin: "Emma is just a victim here, right?"

Emma: "Yes. I was asked to show the way by Prince Gilbert and he forced me to attend the party with him."

Emma: "I've never met him before and I don't know him personally. To be honest, I'm still confused."

(I wish it had been a dream)

Bureaucrat: "I don't think that 'Trampling Beast' would escort a woman for no reason."

Bureaucrat: "Excuse me, but even if you don't know why we still can't let our guard down around you..."

Licht: "The allies have decided that it's not a problem."

Licht: "Why else would you need a reason?"

Yves: "I can understand your concern though."

Yves: "But there is nothing suspicious about Emma. That much is certain."

(The princes will defend me but I'm sure all of them are equally confused as I am)

(....As Belle I was allowed to participate in this meeting to deepen my knowledge, but I shouldn't have come)

Luke: "Haa...such bad vibes."

As if to cut the tension, a lazy-sounding voice rises.

Luke sitting next to me, who also attended the meeting as a part of his studies,

Sighed loudly at the bureaucrat who raised his eyebrows in disapproval.

Luke: "I don't care what you think."

Luke: "Second of all, what do you even know about the Trampling Beast, to begin with?"

Bureaucrat: "Of course, everyone knows how notorious, he is."

Bureaucrat: "He has ruled numerous countries through the use of force, rewriting the maps of the continents at an extraordinary pace, and he is also a world bane..."

Bureaucrat: "He has never lost a battle, and as an ever-victorious marshal, he is a man to watch, a figure of great importance that the whole continent is on the lookout for."

Bureaucrat: "A cold-blooded, arrogant, evil royal family that tramples on so many things that it deserves the name of Trampling Beast."

Luke: "I didn't ask you to repeat the rumors about him. I asked you if you actually know about him or not and it appears that you don't."

Luke: "What if he just fell in love with Emma at first sight?"

(No, I don't think that's the case)

The bureaucrats could not hide their "what are you talking about?" faces.

Leon: "Heh..hahaha! That might the case too. Don't you think?"

Jin: "Emma is a pretty girl after all. No wonder the Trampling Beast himself fell in love with her."

Luke: "See? That's why it's not Emma's fault. Stop blaming her."

Luke gets up and grabs my hand.

Luke: "Let's get out here. Staying here anymore will suffocate you to death."

Luke: "Let's bunk this meeting together."

(As always, he's lazy....)

(...But since my presence is making the atmosphere worse, let's take advantage of Luke's kindness for now)

Emma: "Prince Leon, may leave the meeting?"

Leon: "Go ahead. ...Luke, don't tell Sariel about this."

Luke: "Of course, leave her to me."

(Why did this happen?)

----Part 3----

Luke led me by the hand and we came to the rose garden.

The tension finally dissolves as I am welcomed by the sweet fragrance that confronts my wounded heart.

Luke: "Feeling better now?"

Emma: "Thank you, Luke....sorry you also had to leave because of me."

Luke: "Why are you apologizing? You didn't do anything wrong."

His large hand patted my head and my cheeks relaxed.

(Thank god, Luke was there or else I would have cried)

Luke: "If you have any problem, you can always talk to me, okay? Even if you're dealing with a big bad tiger, I'll protect you no matter what."

A dependable smile is like a panacea, taking away the pain in my heart.

It was then that I felt relieved that I was not alone in this situation.

???: "Hmm, that sounds reassuring isn't it?"

(Mm...)

My heart jumps out of my chest as if to gouge out the pain that is about to subside.

A voice from somewhere and the sound of a cane hitting the cobblestones with a clang, painted the beautiful rose garden into a nightmare.

Luke: ".....Gilbert."

Mercilessly, Luke's muttering brings me back to reality.

I looked back awkwardly and saw a black figure among the petals blown up by the wind.

Gilbert: "Hello. Were you in the middle of a secret rendezvous?"

Luke: "Haa..if you know, then don't get in our way."

Gilbert: "But I want to. I'm lonely, you know."

Luke: "....The nerve of you."

(....Luke's attitude doesn't change towards Prince Gilbert)

Following the example of the goodwill party, he who is unperturbed, even though he is a Trampling Beast, I also hide my agitation.

But Gilbert laughed, as if he knew everything.

Gilbert: "You look unhappy, little bunny?"

Gilbert: "By the looks of it, did someone mistreat you?"

Emma: "....No."

Gilbert: "I hate liars, you know."

I felt a gruesome pressure on my spine that chilled.

No matter how calm I tried to appear, my instincts seemed to sense fear, and my face pulled into a tight line.

(It was the same when we first met. There shouldn't be a need to feel so 'scared'...)

Luke: "If someone is bullying her, then it's you."

Luke takes one step forward to cover me.

Luke: "You're existence is already terrifying. So stop scaring Emma."

Gilbert: "Aww, that's so unreasonable. I haven't done anything terrible yet."

Emma: " 'Yet'...means?"

Gilbert: "....Fufu."

Gilbert-sama only smiled meaningfully, but did not deny it.

Gilbert: "I don't like it when you're scared."

Gilbert: "I only want to be friends with little bunny here. So I think we must get to know each other as soon as possible...right?"

Gilbert: "Oh yeah, that's it!"

Prince Gilbert, who clapped his hands deliberately, ignored Luke and approached me.

Gilbert: "I still haven't thanked you for helping me that day."

Gilbert: "How about we go out together?"

Emma: "Go out?"

Gilbert: "Mmhmm. Just the two of us and no one else."

(.....No, I must not nod)

The Trampling Beast, the world's bane, the infamous Prince----"

It is hard to believe that he would want to got out with a lady like me just to 'friends'

(Probably he's trying to figure out who I am)

----FLASHBACK----

Gilbert: " I was interested in you."

Gilbert: "So let's take time and chat more, next time 'Belle'?"

----FLASHBACK ENDS----

(Prince Gilbert seemed to suspect that I am Belle)

(And maybe he's trying to get me to expose my identity)

Luke: "What are you up to?"

As expected, Luke looks at him suspiciously.

Gilbert: "I wanna be friends with your little bunny. That's all."

Gilbert: "If she keeps giving me this frightened look every time then---"

Gilbert: "It will make me sad and I'd end up killing her."

----Part 4-----

At first, I didn't understand what he meant.

I was so lost in the good-looking young man in front of me that I suspected that I had misheard him.

(No, I must not run away)

(Even though...I just got threatened flat out---)

The fear that came late was powerful enough to cower my heart.

Luke: "..You.."

Gilbert: "Luke, do me a favor and make up a good excuse to mislead everyone else, will you? We will be back in time for dinner."

Luke: "Why should I be a part of your evil deeds?"

Gilbert: "It's not anything evil. It's your job."

Gilbert: "Luke is a part of the external affairs faction, isn't he? So it's your job to make sure that your guests are happy....right?"

Luke: "......."

Gilbert: "It's your job too, self-proclaimed noblewoman of Rhodolite."

Gilbert: "If you piss me off, I will destroy your whole country. Of course, you don't want that, right?"

(It sounds like a joke, but I'm sure Prince Gilbert is a person who would do something like that)

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

Please give me time to consult. (+4/+4)

I can't nod. (+4/+4)

Okay, I'll go. (+4/+4)

-------------

Emma: "Please give me time to consult..."

(If only I could at least ask Sir Sariel for help)

Gilbert: "No."

Prince Gilbert mercilessly kicked out my only hope.

Gilbert: "I'm not going to give you any chances to decline my invitation."

I was at a loss and Prince Gilbert grabbed my wrist.

(....It's so cold)

Though he's wearing his gloves, I could still feel his icy cold fingers and I tremble.

Luke: "Gilbert!"

Gilbert: "Don't worry, I won't do anything cruel."

Gilbert: "You should know better than anyone that I don't lie."

Luke: "......"

(....What do you mean?)

Luke runs his fingers through his hair and sighs.

Luke: "....Emma if you don't want to, I'll kick this guy away right now."

Emma: "....I understand. But it's fine."

Emma: "Prince Gilbert is a guest of Rhodolite and I also have the duty to entertain him without being rude."

Emma: "Prince Luke...please inform Sir Sariel for me."

(I can't resist now)

Luke reluctantly nods.

Gilbert: "I'm glad you didn't turn me down. Let's go shall we?"

(Somehow, I'll just have to get through this peacefully)

........

(...Why?)

We boarded the carriage that Prince Gilbert prepared and headed to our destination----Hell.

(Out of all the places...)

(....He had to bring me here)

It is still naive to think he suspects my identity as Belle.

Prince Gilbert casually walks up to my original workplace without any hesitation.

(Prince Gilbert is not suspicious..he's 'sure')

Gilbert: "I reserved the whole place just for the two of us. Aren't you excited?"

He opens the front door and forces me into the bookstore.

I'm sure Sir Sariel would have arranged for another clerk to work in place while I was gone.

But for now, the bookstore is empty.

(Why on earth this had to happen?)

(Don't tell me our meeting the rose garden was also a part of his plan...)

(No, I don't think Prince Gilbert can plan all of that)

(But what if it was?)

A different emotion from instinctive fear engulfs my mind.

A cold hand was placed on my stunned shoulder and pushed me further inside the bookstore.

Gilbert: "I know you like books. You can relax here as much as you want."

Gilbert: "No more annoying stares. It's the only place where you can return to your true self."

Emma: "......."

Gilbert: "You look pale. Are you not happy?"

----Part 5----

Emma: "How do you know I like books?"

Gilbert: "It's a secret."

Emma: "And this bookstore..."

Gilbert: "It's a secret too."

Emma: "........."

Gilbert: "Just so you know....I'm an information-gathering hobbyist."

Gilbert: "When I don't know something, it makes me curious. So I'll try to find out about it no matter what."

Prince Gilbert smiles happily and puts his face to my ear.

Gilbert: "Are you feeling guilty? Belle?"

Emma: "........I'm not Belle."

Gilbert: "I hate liars. I told you."

Emma: "........"

The fangs of the beast are already set on me.

I had to lie somehow, but my mind was pathetically blank.

Gilbert: "Ah...Aren't you into this book lately?"

As if in pursuit, Prince Gilbert pulls a black book from the bookshelf and places it in my hands.

It had a black cover and its title was written in golden colour. It was a book that I'm reading currently.

(Just how much does he know about me?)

(...Where did you get this much info?)

Emma: "What's your purpose...please tell me."

With what little courage I had, I squeezed out my voice because my heart was about to collapse.

Emma: "Are you trying me threaten me or something?"

Gilbert: "I'm not here to threaten you. I want us to be friends."

Gilbert: "I'll tell you properly this time. I truly want to be friends with you."

Emma: ".....Friends?"

Gilbert: "Yes."

Gilbert: "See, it's just that simple."

(No way)

It's difficult for me to read Prince Gilbert's intentions before replying.

(But I can instinctively feel that I must not be friends with this guy)

Emma: "I can't be your friend, Prince Gilbert."

Gilbert: "Fufu...looks like you don't understand."

Prince Gilbert holds my hand and breaths into my ears.

The black book falls from my hand and before I could get it, he held my cheek with his cane.

Gilbert: "You have two choices, either you willingly be my friend or force yourself to be my friend."

Emma: "Nn...!"

My voice leaked out as I felt a sharp pain on my neck.

(Did he...just bite me...?)

The cold, soft touch and the itchy pain lingered on my neck eating away at my aroused heart like poison.

Gilbert: "If you won't be my friend....Belle will disappear."

Gilbert: "Rhodolite won't get their King and I will come with my troops to crush your country."

Emma: "....."

Gilbert: "So I'll ask you again, be my friend."

(I can only nod)

Because everything is in Prince Gilbert's hands.

To willingly be friends or force myself to be friends, there is only one answer.

Emma: "....Why do you want to go out of your way to be friends with me?"

Gilbert: "Good question."

Everytime, he giggles, his soft breath hits my neck.

Rather than embarrassment, unfathomable fear prevailed.

Gilbert: "You are said to have the most beautiful heart in all of Rhodolite."

Gilbert: "And there are many different criteria for evaluating a beautiful heart, but...."

Gilbert: "The beautiful heart in your case is 'loving others more than yourself"

(You must not be knowing this much about me...)

(....But I can't say anything back because I'm afraid)

Gilbert: "A heart that loves and cares for those around you and respects others more than yourself..."

Gilbert: "You were chosen as Belle because you risk your life to help others around you, right?"

(He knows everything)

Gilbert: "But you know what I think? No matter how beautiful your heart is, the essence of a person is 'false love."

Gilbert: "They pile on the ugly falsehoods and act as if there is love---when in fact there is no such thing."

Gilbert: "Even your beautiful heart is only a hoax."

Gilbert: "If you stay in a place like the royal court, where your greed is exposed, you will eventually fall."

Gilbert: "I for one, like to see it close up."

Gilbert: "I am curious to see how the most beautiful woman with the most beautiful heart in all of Rhodolite would turn out."

Gilbert: "So be my friend. That way, I will be the closest to you, right?"

(.........I cannot even process what Prince Gilbert is saying)

Prince Gilbert is also trying to get my understanding.

I feel a sense of self-indulgence as if he is just saying what he is thinking anyway.

(After all, what he meant by 'friends' does not seem to have a similar meaning that I know)

Emma: "I'm not sure if I have a beautiful heart or not, but...."

Emma: "No matter what happens, I will remain who I am."

Emma: "I doubt I can live up to Prince Gilbert's expectations."

Gilbert: "Hehe, it's going to be fun."

Emma: "Mm....!?"

He bit my neck again and I squinted painfully.

It was more painful than the previous one and I let out a soft painful cry.

Emma: "Stop biting me!"

Gilbert: "Did that hurt? Sorry."

Gilbert: "I like to leave my mark on my favorite things. It's a sign that you are my friend."

(I don't need this kind of proof)

When I turn around after brushing off Prince Gilbert's hand, I meet his blood-red eyes.

His lips were smiling but his eyes weren't and I couldn't help but look away.

(....Just like a real beast)

(Earlier he described me as having a 'strong sense of love for others'....)

(Maybe, I don't think I can love this Prince)

#ikemen series #ikemen prince #ikemen prince gilbert #otome #cybird #cybird ikemen #cybird otome #ikemen mc

[queen-dahlia]

𝐆𝐢𝐥𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐯𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧

𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟭

I know, I'm so late to start posting Gil's main route, but I'm still trying to make some time to translate the story

Please don't @ me at Gilbert's "Fufu" here, I just can't stand his "Heehee" in EN server and I know I'm not the only one

Note: Translation is not 100% accurate. Expect grammatical errors.

// : alternate translation | ⫘⫘ : flashback

⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘

Once upon a time in Rhodolite, the country of roses and art, there was a strange encounter that seemed like a prank from the gods.

Black-haired boy: "--Hey, why are people in power so corrupt in every generation?"

The boy sits on a barrel in the back alley and closes a thick book on his lap that is too thick to match his slender body.

A specialized book on the history of a continent spelled out in an ancient language should be difficult for even scholars to comprehend.

The boy understands everything that is in the book as easily as if he were reading a picture book.

He asks the blond boy sitting on the ground.

The blond-haired, blue-eyed boy with an atmosphere of maturity that is hardly appropriate for his age did not stop reading.

Black-haired boy: "They say continental history is the history of the aristocracy, but there are no good people in it."

Black-haired boy: "Those who killed their own people to gain the throne; those who deceived other nations to expand their territory; and those who turned a blind eye to the suffering of their people."

Black-haired boy: "With a long history, there should be a benevolent and kind monarch who is equal to everyone."

Black-haired boy: "... No. I wonder if those people will go down in history."

Blonde-haired boy: "It's a given."

Blonde-haired boy: "In today's status-based society, a monarch who claims to love and be equal would be the first to be eliminated."   //   "In today's society, where the class system has become common sense, a monarch who advocates love and equality would be the first to be eliminated."

Blonde-haired boy: "Once in power, one cannot relinquish it again. If there is even the slightest disadvantage, they will close their eyes."

Blonde-haired boy: "They don't care about the pain of others. That is human nature."

Black-haired boy: "Hmm. I doubt that."

The black-haired boy puts his dangling feet on the ground and smiles as brightly as the sun shining down the alley.

Black-haired boy: "I think humans are inherently good creatures."

Black-haired boy: "It's the world that makes us greedy, not people."

Blonde-haired boy: "According to your theory, there are no real bad people in the world."

Black-haired boy: "Yes, because the essence of human nature is love."

The boy with black hair: "The corrupt monarchs who spun history could have been kinder to others if the world had been different."

Blonde-haired boy: "... You say things that you tend to dream about, don't you?"

Black-haired boy: "I'm just a child, it doesn't matter."

Black-haired boy: "I love people."

The blonde boy looked up from his book and couldn't help but snicker.

The red eye of the black-haired boy were full of compassion and tenderness.

⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘

It has been several days since the princes of the three countries requested an extended stay for headache-inducing reasons.

After careful consultations with Sariel and other princes,

Rhodolite decided to welcome the guests of honor––

Leon: "—So, as I have said many times, the stay of the princes of each country for the four-country talks has been decided."

At a regular meeting where princes belonging to the domestic political faction and major officials gathered,

Once the agenda was settled, the matter was brought up with Leon, the leader of the faction.

Leon: "His Majesty the King has given his approval. The decision will not be reversed."

Leon's dignified voice silences the frustrated domestic bureaucrats.

(I had expected this, but there still seems to be a lot of backlash.)

Bureaucrat: "...I am not convinced. Benitoite as an ally and Jade as a neutral country would be fine."

Bureaucrat: "But why do you accept that Obsidian!?"

Bureaucrat: "Their betrayal of the past has remained unsolved to this day."   //   "Their former treachery remains unchanged to this day."

Bureaucrat: "There must be some sinister plan behind this stay... It is too dangerous."

Leon: "I know. We have not forgotten the "Bloodstained Rose Day" of 10 years ago."

("Bloodstained Rose Day"... I've only heard rumors.)

Ten years ago, Rhodolite was invaded by Obsidian.

The princes went to war and stopped them at the border, and I, who lived in the royal capital, only heard rumors,

The sudden invasion, which could be described as a bolt from the blue, has left a huge scar on the Rose Country.

That is the reason why the overwhelming majority of people are not comfortable with the stay of the Obsidian Imperial family.

(I don't know the details, I'll have to look it up properly this time.)

Leon: "But now a country that has never been open to any kind of diplomacy has come to the forefront."   //   But now a country that has never responded to any diplomacy has come out into the public."

Leon: "We believe it is worthy of allowing them to stay."

Bureaucrat: "But..."

Leon: "Besides, if anything goes wrong, me and Chevalier will take responsibility."

Leon: "You have your thoughts, but swallow them for now."

The silence in the drawing room was so heavy that even the slightest noise would have been unacceptable.

Bureaucrat: "Then at least..."

The bureaucrat, who seemed to have retracted his fangs, turned to me, who was in the last seat.

Bureaucrat: "Tell me why that woman is here."

All eyes were on me, and I felt as if I had been dragged to the center of the stage.

(I knew you would say something like that.)

Many of the bureaucrats here do not know that I am Belle.

A mysterious young lady who appeared out of nowhere one day and stayed at the court to study...

In addition, she was escorted by the Prince of Obsidian at the goodwill party and even danced with him.

(The stares are hurting me... I guess they suspect I'm on Obsidian's side.)

Jin: "Emma is just a victim. Right?"

Emma: "Yes. I was asked to show the way by Prince Gilbert, and I was forced into the party hall."

Emma: "I have never met him before, nor am I familiar with him, and I'm still confused."

(I wish it had been a dream.)

Bureaucrat: "I don't think that the "Trampling Beast" would escort a woman there for no reason at all."

Bureaucrat: "Excuse me, but even if she has no idea who he is, it's still a good idea to be vigilant."   //   "Excuse me, but even if you have no idea who he is, there's no reason not to be wary."

Licht: "The alliance has deemed it okay."

Licht: "Why else would you need a reason?"

Yves: "Your concern is understandable, though."

Yves: "But there is nothing suspicious about Emma. That much is certain."

(The princes will cover for me, but I'm sure none of them actually get it.)

(I was allowed to attend the regular meeting to get more insight as Belle, but I shouldn't have come.)

Luke: "Ah, it's a really bad atmosphere."

As if to cut the tension that had been building up, a languid voice rings out.

Luke, who had been observing the domestic faction meeting as "part of the new prince's education," was sitting next to me.

He sighed dismissively at the bureaucrat, who raised his eyebrows in disapproval.

Luke: "I don't care."

Luke: "Do you know anything about the "Trampling Beast"?"

Bureaucrat: "Of course, no one knows its notoriety."   //   "Of course, everyone knows how notorious he is."

Bureaucrat: "The "World Disaster" that has ruled numerous countries through the use of force and rewritten the map of the continent at an extraordinary pace."

Bureaucrat: "He has never lost a battle, and as an Ever-Victorious Marshal, he is a man to watch, a figure of great importance that the entire continent is on the lookout for."   //   "He is a man to watch, a man who has never been defeated on the battlefield, a man who is always on the radar of the entire continent as an Ever-Victorious General."

Bureaucrat: "A cold-blooded, arrogant, and evil imperial family that tramples on so many things that it deserves the name of the Trampling Beast—"

Luke: "All that stuff is just gossip. You don't know who they really are, do you?"

Luke: "Maybe he just fell in love with Emma at first sight."

(No, that will never happen.)

The bureaucrats could not hide their "what the hell is he talking about?" faces.

Leon: "Pfft... haha! It's possible, isn't it?"

Jin: "Emma is beautiful. No wonder the Trampling Beast has fallen in love with her."

Luke: "Right? That's why it's not Emma's fault. Stop blaming her."

Luke gets up from his seat and grabs my hand.

Luke: "Let's go. Staying here will only suffocate you."

Luke: "Skip out with me."

(I'm not sure I'd skip it...)

(... But my presence is making the atmosphere worse, so I'll take Luke's kindness for now.)

Emma: "Prince Leon, may I leave the meeting?"

Leon: "Yeah. …Luke, don't tell Sariel about this."

Luke: "Oh. Leave Emma to me."

(How did this happen?)

══════════════════

Luke led me by the hand, and we arrived at the rose garden.

The tension finally dissolves as I am welcomed by a sweet fragrance that comforts my wounded heart.

Luke: "It's a nice change of pace here, isn't it?"

Emma: "Thank you, Luke. I'm sorry. It was my fault."

Luke: "Why are you apologizing? You didn't do anything wrong."

A large hand patted me on the head, and my tense cheeks relaxed.

(Thank God Luke was there. I would have cried otherwise.)

Luke: "If you have a problem, you can always talk to me, okay? I'll take care of it, even if you're dealing with the big bad guys."

A dependable smile is like a panacea, taking away the pain in my heart.

It was then that I felt relieved that I was not alone in this situation.

???: "Well, that's very encouraging."

(. . . . .)

My heart jumps as if to gouge out the pain that is about to subside.

A voice came from somewhere, and the sound of a cane tapping on the cobblestones turned the beautiful rose garden into a nightmare.

Luke: "...Gilbert."

Mercilessly, Luke's mutterings bring reality to the surface.

I turned my head and saw a black figure among the petals blown up by the wind.

Gilbert: "Hello. Are you in the middle of a secret rendezvous?"

Luke: "Ah. If you know, then don't interrupt us."

Gilbert: "I don't want to. I'm lonely, so count me in."

Luke: "... The nerve of this man."

(... Luke doesn't change his attitude at all, even with Prince Gilbert.)

Even if the other person is the Trampling Beast, I follow that figure of calmness and hide my agitation...

But Prince Gilbert laughed, as if he knew everything.

Gilbert: "You look unhappy, little rabbit."

Gilbert: "By the looks of it, did someone mistreat you?"

Emma: "... No."

Gilbert: "I hate lies."

I felt a gruesome pressure on my spine, making my blood run cold.

No matter how calm I tried to appear, my instincts seemed to sense fear, and I pulled a face.

(It was the same when we first met. There was no need for me to feel so "scared".)

Luke: "If anyone mistreated her, it was you."

Luke takes one step forward to protect me.

Luke: "You're a terror in your very existence. Don't scare Emma."

Gilbert: "Well, that's unreasonable. I haven't done anything terrible 'yet'."

Emma: "Not yet. Yeah, right."

Gilbert: "... Fufu."

Prince Gilbert only smiled meaningfully but did not deny it.

Gilbert: "I don't like you to be scared of me."

Gilbert: "I'd like to be friends with you, Little Rabbit, and... It seems we need to get to know each other as soon as possible."

Gilbert: "一一That's it."

Prince Gilbert, who clapped his hands deliberately, ignored Luke and approached me.

Gilbert: "I haven't thanked you yet for showing me the way."

Gilbert: "Now, shall we go out together?"

Emma: "Go outside?"

Gilbert: "Yes, of course. Just the two of us, alone, with no interruptions."

(... I have to agree with this.)

The infamous prince, the Trampling Beast, and the disaster of the world,

It is hard to believe that such a notorious prince would want to go out simply because he wanted to "get along" with a lady like me.

(He's probably trying to figure out who I am.)

⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘

Gilbert: "I'm interested in you."

Gilbert: "—So this time let’s have a nice and long chat, 'Belle'?"

⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘

(Prince Gilbert suspected that I am Belle.)

(Maybe he's planning to go and shake things up.)

Luke: "What the hell were you thinking?"

Gilbert: "All I can think about is getting to know the little rabbit better."

Gilbert: "If you give me such frightened eyes every time—"   //   "Every time you look at me with such frightened eyes—"

Gilbert: "It makes me sad and makes me want to kill you, doesn't it?"

At first, I didn't understand what he said.

Prince Gilbert, who was out of character, looked like a good young man and made me wonder if I had misheard him.

(No, I'm not running away.)

(He just flat out threatened me.)

The fear that came late was powerful enough to cower my heart.

Luke: "You..."

Gilbert: "Luke, can you use a reasonable excuse to mislead the people around you? We'll be back in time for dinner."

Luke: "Why should I be a part of your schemes?"

Gilbert: "It's not a bad thing. It's a job."

Gilbert: "Luke is part of the foreign policy faction, isn't he? You have to keep the guest of honor happy... Right?"

Luke: ". . . . . ."

Gilbert: "And that goes for you too, the self-proclaimed daughter of Rhodolite."

Gilbert: "If you offend me, I will destroy your country, okay?"

(It sounds like a joke, but Prince Gilbert is the one who can really do it.)

Emma: "Okay, I'll go."

Gilbert: ". . . . ."

Emma: "... Why are you surprised?"

Gilbert: "No, I thought you'd put up more of a fight."

Gilbert: "I see. So you're not too upset."

Emma: "Oh, no! Because your threats didn't sound like a joke—"

Gilbert: "Ahaha, I'm so happy. Once that's decided, let's get going."

(I may have been hasty.)

I was at a loss, and Prince Gilbert grabbed my hand.

(... It's cold...)

The body temperature felt through the gloves was so cold that it was hard to believe it was human, and my fingers trembled.

Luke: "Gilbert!"

Gilbert: "Don't worry, I won't do anything terrible."

Gilbert: "You know better than anyone that I don't lie."

Luke: ". . . . ."

(... What do you mean?)

Luke scratches the back of his head and sighs.

Luke: "Emma, if you really don't like it, I'll beat this guy to the ground."

Emma: "... No, I appreciate your concern."

Emma: "It is true that Prince Gilbert is a guest of honor, and it is my duty to entertain him without rudeness."

Emma: "Prince Luke, please inform Sir Sariel for me."

(I can't go against this now.)

Luke reluctantly agrees when I ask him to do so in a manner befitting a young lady.

Gilbert: "I'm glad I didn't get turned down.... Shall we go then?"

(Somehow, we'll just have to get through this in peace and quiet一)

══════════════════

(一Or so I thought...)

We boarded the carriage prepared by Prince Gilbert, and the place where we were brought to was already a gate of hell.

(Why ....)

(... Why are so many escape routes blocked?)

It was still a naive notion that I was "suspected" of being Belle.

Without hesitation, Prince Gilbert led me to my original place of work.

(What Prince Gilbert has is not "doubt" but "certainty".)

Gilbert: "I've reserved the whole place for us today. Shall we go in?"

Prince Gilbert opens the door and forces me halfway into the bookstore.

I was sure that Sariel would have arranged for another clerk to come to the bookstore in my absence, 

But as he said, the bookstore was empty.

(How in the world did you set this up?)

(It was not a coincidence that we met at the rose garden, was it...?)

(No, that's not possible. I don't think even Prince Gilbert could calculate the whole situation.)

(But what if... What if the current situation was all created by Prince Gilbert's calculations?)

A different emotion from instinctive fear engulfs my heart.

A cold hand was placed on my shoulder, and I was forcibly brought in front of the bookshelf.

Gilbert: "I know you like books. You can relax here as much as you want, okay?"

Gilbert: "No more stares from the court. It is the only place where you can return to your true self."

Emma: ". . . . . ."

Gilbert: "You look so pale. Aren't you happy?"

Emma: "...How did you know I like books?"

Gilbert: "Secret."

Emma: "Then this bookstore..."

Gilbert: "It's also a secret."

Emma: ". . . . . ."

Gilbert: "Just so you know... I'm an information-gathering hobbyist."

Gilbert: "When I don't know something, I want to know it by any possible means."

Prince Gilbert smiles happily and brings his face to my ear from behind.

Gilbert: "Is there something you're guilty of, Belle?"

Emma: "...I am not Belle."

Gilbert: "I told you before. I hate lies."

Emma: ". . . . . ."

The fangs of the beast are already set against me.

I had to somehow cover it up, but my mind was so blank that it was pathetic.

Gilbert: "Oh, is this the book you've been into lately?"

As if to push me, Prince Gilbert pulls out a black book from the bookshelf and puts it in my hand.

The black cover of the book with gold lettering was, as Prince Gilbert said, the book I had been reading recently.

(How much does this man know about me?)

(... Where did the information come from?)

Emma: "Please tell me your purpose."

I finally squeeze out my voice, mustering up the strength in my heart that is about to fail me.

Emma: "What do you want from me?"

Gilbert: "I don't mean to threaten you, that's terrible. As I said before, I just want to get along with you—"

Gilbert: "In other words, I want to be your friend."

Emma: "... Friend?"

Gilbert: "Yep, my friend."

Gilbert: "It's that simple, isn't it?"

(No way.)

It is difficult for me to read through Prince Gilbert's intentions before replying.

(I just know that we should not be friends.)

Emma: "I cannot be your friend, Prince Gilbert."

Gilbert: "Fufu... You don't seem to get it."

Prince Gilbert holds my hand as he breathes in my ear.

He held my cheek with his cane as the black book fell loudly to the floor—

Gilbert: "You have two choices: be my friend or be forced to be my friend."

Emma: "Nn—!"

The pain in my neck causes my voice to leak out.

(Did he just... bite me?)

The cold, soft touch and the pain that falls gradually on the skin leaves a poison-like touch on my racing heart.

Gilbert: "Well... if you won't be my friend, I might as well make Belle disappear."

Gilbert: "If the king's selection goes back to square one, it might buy me enough time to lead an army to invade."

Emma: ". . . . . ."

Gilbert: "I'm going to ask you one more time. I want to be friends with you."

(This is not the way it's supposed to be.)

All in the palm of Prince Gilbert's hand.

"Be a friend or be made to be a friend." There is only one real choice presented to me.

Emma: "Why do you want to go through all this trouble to be friends with me?"

Gilbert: "Good question."

Every time Prince Gilbert smiles, his breath caresses my neck.

Rather than embarrassment, unfathomable fear prevailed.

Gilbert: "You have the most beautiful heart in all of Rhodolite."

Gilbert: "There are different criteria for evaluating a beautiful heart..."

Gilbert: "Let's define beauty in your case as "having more love for others than for yourself."

(You don't know anything about me...)

(... I'm afraid to say anything.)

(He knows everything.)

Gilbert: "But you know what I think? No matter how beautiful your heart is, the essence of a person is "false love"."   //   "But I think, no matter how beautiful the heart is, the essence of a person is false love."

Gilbert: "Piling up ugly lies and acting as if there is love. When, in fact, there is no such thing."

Gilbert: "Even your beautiful heart is only a trick."

Gilbert: "If you stay in a place like the court, where your greed is exposed, you will eventually fall."

Gilbert: "I'd like to be able to see them up close and personal."

Gilbert: "I was curious to see how the most beautiful heart in all of Rhodolite would turn out."

Gilbert: "So, my friend. Isn't being your friend the fastest way to be close to you?"

(... I may not understand even 10% of what Prince Gilbert is saying.)

Rather than trying to gain my understanding, I feel that Prince Gilbert is just being carefree,

As if he is just putting his thoughts out there for the time being.

(But then again, "friend" doesn't seem to mean anything good.)

Emma: "I don't know about a beautiful heart or ugly lies..."

Emma: "I will remain who I am, no matter what."   //   "I will always be me, no matter what."

Emma: "I doubt I can live up to Prince Gilbert's expectations."

Gilbert: "Heh, that'll be fun."

Emma: "...!?"

He bites my skin again, and my face contorts.

There was more pain than before, and a muffled scream escaped my lips.   //   There was more pain than before, and I let out an inaudible scream.

Emma: "Don't bite me!"

Gilbert: "Did it hurt? Sorry."

Gilbert: "I like to leave a mark on my favorite. I mean, it's proof that you're my friend."

(I don't need this kind of proof.)

I shake off Prince Gilbert's hand and turn around to meet his blood-red eye.

His lips were smiling but his eyes were not, and I couldn't help but turn my gaze away from him.

(... He's like a real beast.)

(Earlier, Prince Gilbert described me as having a "strong feeling of love" for others.)

(I don't think I can love this prince.)

#サイバード #イケメン王子 #ギルベルト=フォン=オブシディアン #ikemen prince #ikemen prince gilbert von obsidian #ikemen prince gilbert #ikeprince #ikeprince gilbert von obsidian #ikeprince gilbert #gilbert von obsidian #ikeprince jp #ikepri jp #ikeprince translation #ikepri gilbert route spoilers #ikemen prince spoilers #ikeprince spoilers #ikepri spoilers #dahlia's bad translation

[ausetkmt]

North Carolina’s Republican-controlled House passed a previously vetoed proposal Wednesday to restrict how teachers can discuss certain racial topics that some lawmakers have equated to “critical race theory.”

The House voted 68-49 along party lines for legislation to ban public school teachers from compelling students to believe they should feel guilty or responsible for past actions committed by people of the same race or sex.

United in their opposition, House Democrats challenged Republican claims that the bill would reduce discrimination and argued that a comprehensive history education should make students uncomfortable.

Republican seat gains in the midterm elections give them greater leverage this year to override any veto by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who blocked a similar proposal in 2021 and urged legislators this month in his State of the State address, “Don’t make teachers re-write history.” But Republicans, who are one seat short in the House of a veto-proof supermajority, will likely need some Democratic support for the measure to become law.

North Carolina is among 10 states considering such proposals, according to an Education Week analysis. Eighteen others have already limited how teachers can discuss racism and sexism in the classroom.

Gaston County Republican Rep. John Torbett said the proposal, which now heads to the Senate, would prohibit schools from endorsing controversial concepts, including that one race or sex is inherently superior.

“This great education state must have an educational system that unites and teaches our children, not divides and indoctrinates them,” said Torbett, the bill’s sponsor.

Several Democrats, including Reps. Rosa Gill of Wake County and Laura Budd of Mecklenburg County, raised concerns that the language is vague and does not outline clear boundaries for teachers. Budd said this “massive failure” places unnecessary pressure on teachers who may feel like they need to stifle productive classroom discussions to keep their jobs.

“The bill, on its face, is the obvious attempt to micromanage from the General Assembly into the classrooms,” she said during floor debate. “It’s overreach and will have a chilling effect on teachers and educators in curtailing what they think they’re allowed to teach.”

Republican lawmakers in committee had applauded the measure for “banning” critical race theory, a complex academic and legal framework that centers on the idea that racism is embedded in the nation’s systems and institutions that perpetuate inequality.

The bill does not explicitly mention the framework, but it would prohibit teaching that the government is “inherently racist” or was created to oppress people of another race or sex. Its language mirrors a model proposal from Citizens for Renewing America, a conservative social welfare group founded by a former Trump administration official to rid the nation’s schools of critical race theory.

Republicans nationwide have spun the phrase into a catchall for racial topics related to systemic inequality, inherent bias and white privilege. While many K-12 public schools teach about slavery and its aftermath, education officials have found little to no evidence that critical race theory, by definition, is being taught.

North Carolina schools would also be required under the bill to notify the state’s Department of Public Instruction and publish information online at least a month before they plan to host a diversity trainer or a guest speaker who has previously advocated for the beliefs restricted by the legislation.

Cary mother and activist Michelle O’Keefe was among several parents who testified against the bill in a Tuesday committee meeting. O’Keefe said she doesn’t want her young child sheltered from learning about racism and other atrocities in history, as long as those lessons are age-appropriate.

“The best way to keep history from repeating itself,” she said, “is to know the history.”

Another mother worried she could be banned from speaking at her child’s school career day because she has a documented history of speaking out against social injustices. Democratic Rep. Julie von Haefen of Wake County expressed a similar concern that she might no longer be able to substitute teach because of her record on racial justice issues and gender equality.

#North Carolina House passes bill to limit racial teachings #nc #north carolina #Black History Matters #racism in education #systemic racism #voting matters

[tanmono]

GILBERT VON OBSIDIAN MAIN ROUTE....

CHAPTER ONE.

translations are not 100% accurate. expect mistakes.

minors and ageless blogs dni.

Once upon a time, in Rhodolite, the land of roses and art, there was a strange encounter that was like a divine prank.

Boy with black hair: I wonder why people with powers are always so corrupted.

The boy sat on a barrel in a back alley and closed a thick book from his resting lap that was unsuitable for the slender body — A specialized book that describe the history of the continent in archaic languages should be difficult for even scholars to understand.

The boy understands all the contents with ease by reading the pictured book.

He asked the blonde boy who was sitting one knee on the ground — who was also hardly mature for his age, kept his hand on the book.

Boy with black hair: They say continental history is from the nobility, but there are none.

Boy with black hair: Those who killed their own people to gain the throne, those who cheated other nations to expand their territory, and those who turned a blind eye to the suffering of their people……

Boy with black hair: because it has a long history, there should be someone with "a benevolent and kind monarch who is equal to everyone.

Boy with black hair: ……No, people like that don't go down in history.

Boy with blonde hair: No wonder.

Boy with blonde hair: In today's society, a monarch who claims to be loving and equal would be the first to be eliminated.

Boy with blonde hair: The one who has seized power will never let go of it again. If there is even a slight disadvantage, they would turn in a blind eye.

Boy with blonde hair: I don't know about the pain of others. That is part of human’s nature.

Boy with black hair: Hmm, I see.

The dark-haired boy puts his dangling feet on the ground and smiles as brightly as the sun shining through the alleyway.

Boy with black hair: I think human beings are inherently conscientious creatures.

Boy with black hair: It's the world that makes people greedy, not the people themselves.

Boy with blonde hair: According to your theory, there are no real bad people in the world.

Boy with black hair: Yeah. Because the essence of human beings is love.

Boy with black hair: The rotten monarchs who spun the history could have been kind to others if the world was different.

Boy with blonde hair: ...You say very dreamy things, don't you?

Boy with black hair: It is, but whatever.

Boy with black hair: I like people.

The blonde boy lifted his face from the book and laughs genuinely and while the red eyes of the dark-haired boy were full of compassion and tenderness.

It's been a few days since the princes of the three kingdoms requested a long stay for reasons that gave us a headaches. As a result of careful discussions between the princes, including Sariel.

The Rhodolite are on edge but still welcoming reagardless.

Leon: So, as I have said many times, the stay of the princes of each country has been decided for the four-nation stay to in one country for international conference.

At a regular meeting of the princes and key officials belonging to the internal affairs faction — after the agenda was settled, the matter was brought up with Leon, the leader of the alliance.

Leon: This was accepted by His Majesty. The decisions are never overturned.

Leon's sound silences the bureaucrats of the internal government who are increasing in dissatisfaction.

(I expected this, but there still seems to be a lot of backlash.)

Bureaucrat: I'm not convinced. Benitoite is an ally country and Jade as a neutral country, which is good. But why do you accept that Obsidian?!

Bureaucrat: Their betrayal has not been liquidated to this day.

Bureaucrat: There must be some bad intentions for this stay... It's too dangerous.

Leon: I know. We haven't forgotten of The Bloodstained Rose Day ten years ago.

(“Bloodstained Rose Day” …………I've only heard rumors.)

Ten years ago, Rhodolite was invaded by Obsidian.

As the princes went to the battlefield and stopped them at the border, I lived in the town and only heard rumors.

The sudden invasion, which can be described as a haze of blue sky, has left a huge scar on the Land of Roses.

That is the reason why the overwhelming majority of people are not comfortable with the stay of the Obsidian royal family.

(I don't know the details, so I'll have to look into it properly next time)

Leon: However, The country that has never responded to diplomacy has come to the fore.

Leon: I think it's well worth allowing them to stay.

Bureaucrat: But…..

Leon: Besides, if anything goes wrong, me and Chevalier will take the blame.

Leon: You may have thoughts, but keep them for now.

The silence that fell in the guest room was so heavy that I couldn't dare to make a noise.

Bureaucrat: Then at least......

The bureaucrat who was sitting at the end have retracted his fangs then, he turned to me.

Bureaucrat: Tell me why you’d bring that woman in a place like this?

All eyes were on me, and I felt as if I had been dragged all the way to the center of the stage.

(I knew you'd say that someday.)

Many of the bureaucrats here do not know that I am Belle.

A mysterious daughter who came to stay at the court to study. In addition, she was escorted by the prince of Obsidian at a goodwill party and danced with him.

Their gaze hurts....... I guess they suspected that I'm on the Obsidian’s side.

Jin: Emma is just…. a victim. Isn't she?

Emma: Yes, Prince Gilbert asked me to show him the way and then, he forced me into the party hall.

Emma: I've never met him before, I don't even know him.

(I wish it had been a dream.)

Bureaucrat: I don’t think he would ask that woman to be escorted for no reason at all.

Bureaucrat: My apologies, but even if she doesn’t recognize him, it would be better if you all would admonish her.

Licht: The leader has decided that there is no problem in.

Licht: Other than that, is there any reason?

Yves: I can understand your concern, though.

Yves: But there is nothing suspicious about Emma. That much is certain.

(The princes will protect me, but I don't think anyone here really cares.)

(….. I was allowed to attend a regular meeting to deepen my knowledge as Belle, but I shouldn’t have come.)

Luke: Ah, the atmosphere is really bad.

A languid voice rang out, as if to cut through the tense tension.

Next to me, Luke, who was observing a meeting of the domestic political faction as "part of learning of the new prince",

He sighed ruefully at the bureaucrat, who furrowed his brow in disapproval.

Luke: I don't care.

Luke: Do you know anything about the war of overruns?

Bureaucrat: Of course, no one knows its notoriety.

Bureaucrat: The world's disaster that governs many countries by force and rewrites the map of the Imperial mausoleum at an abnormal pace.

Bureaucrat: He has never lost a battle, and as an ever-victorious marshal, he is a man to watch, a figure of great importance that the entire continent is on the lookout for.

Bureaucrat: A cold-blooded and impenetrate evil imperial family, trampling on so many things that deserve the name of the war of violation.

Luke: All that stuff is just gossips, you don't know who they really are, do you?

Luke: Maybe it's just love at first sight with Emma.

(No, that will never happen.)

The bureaucrats could not hide their "what are you talking about?

Leon: Come on.... Ha-ha! It might be possible, right?

Jin: Emma is a beauty. No wonder the overrun war has fallen in love with her.

Luke: Right? That's why Emma is not to blame.

Luke gets up from his seat and holds my hand.

Luke: Let's go. You'll only feel suffocated if you stay here any longer.

Luke: Skip out with me.

(I’m not sure skipping is a good idea...)

(……..But my presence is making the atmosphere worse, so let's rely on Luke's kindness for now.)

Emma: Prince Leon, is it alright if i can leave the room?

Leon: Yeah ……. Luke, I ask you not to tell Sariel about this.

Luke: Oh. Leave Emma to me.

I wonder how this happened.

Luke led me to the rose garden.

The tension finally dissolves as I am welcomed by a sweet fragrance that comforts my wounded heart.

Luke: It's a nice change of pace, huh?

Emma: Thank you, Luke. ..... and sorry, everything was my fault.

Luke: Why are you apologizing? You didn't do anything wrong.

A large hand stroked my head, and my cheeks, which had been tense, loosened.

(I'm glad Luke was there. I would have cried otherwise)

Luke: If you have any problems, you can talk to me anytime, okay? Even if the opponent is a big villain, I'll deal with them.

He flashes a dependable smile like a panacea, as if taking away the pain of my heart.

It was then that I felt relieved that I was not alone in this situation.

???: Well, that's very encouraging.

(……….)

Just as my painful heart beats was about to subside.

A voice that came from somewhere and the sound of the cane clunking on the stone pavement — turning the beautiful rose garden into a nightmare.

Luke: ....... Gilbert.

Heartlessly, Luke's cough hits reality.

When I looked back awkwardly, I saw a black figure among the petals blown by the wind.

Gilbert: Hello. Were you perhaps in the middle of a secret meeting?

Luke: Oh. If you know the answer, then don't interrupt us.

Gilbert: I don't want to. I'm lonely, so count me in.

Luke: What are you doing here?

(.... Luke doesn't change his attitude at all, even when dealing with Prince Gilbert.)

I try to conceal my agitation as I imitate the indifference that the other person may have trampled on me.

But Prince Gilbert laughed, as if he saw right through me.

Gilbert: You look upset, little rabbit.

Gilbert: By the looks of it, did someone mistreated you?

Emma: ……….No.

Gilbert: I hate lies. // I hate liars.

I feel a chilling pressure on my spine, and my blood ran cold.

No matter how calm I pretended to be, my instincts seemed to feel fear, and my face was twitching.

(It was the same when I met him for the first time. There shouldn't be any need to feel the fear and yet........)

Luke: If she was being mistreated, it’s because of you.

Luke takes one step forward to protect me.

Luke: Don't scare Emma, because you are a terror in your very being.

Gilbert: Eh— that’s unreasonable. I haven't done anything terrible yet.

Emma: Not yet…. right.

Gilbert:….. Hehe.

Prince Gilbert only laughed meaningfully, but did not deny it.

Gilbert: I don't like being scary.

Gilbert: I simply want to get along with the little rabbit.. looks like we should deepen our friendship as soon as possible.

Gilbert: That’s it.

Gilbert clapped his hands deliberately, ignoring Luke and approaching me.

Gilbert: I still haven't thanked you for showing me the way.

Gilbert: Now, shall we go out together?

Emma: Together?

Gilbert: Yes. Of course, it's just the two of us so that we don't get in anyone's way.

(...... I can't agree to this.)

The trampled beast, the world's greatest calamity-- such a notorious prince — I don't think he wants to go out just because he wants to "befriend" me.

(Maybe he's trying to find out who I actually am.)

━━FLASHBACK━━

Gilbert: You’ve piqued my interest.

Gilbert: I hope we can have a nice, long chat together, ‘Belle’.

━━FLASHBACK ENDS━━

(Prince Gilbert suspected me that I am “Belle”.)

(Maybe he's out there trying to shake things up.)

Luke: What the hell were you thinking?

Luke raises his eyebrows in disbelief.

Gilbert: I'm only trying to deepening my friendship with the little rabbit.

Gilbert: If you look at me like this every time you see me...

Gilbert: I’ll be sad, you’re going to leave me no choice but to kill you, don’t I?

At first, I didn't understand what they said.

Prince Gilbert, who was out of sight, looked like a good young man, and I suspected that I had misheard him.

(No, i want to run away.)

(But now ....... I was flat out threatened.)

The fear that came was powerful enough to make my heart giving up.

Luke: …….You…….

Gilbert: Luke, can you fool the people around you with a suitable excuse? We’ll be back by dinner.

Luke: Why should I be a part of your devious plan?

Gilbert: It's not a devious plan, it's a job.

Gilbert: Luke is of the foreign policy faction, I have to take advantage of the opportunity as an honored guest….. right?

Luke: ………….

Gilbert: And the same can be said for you, the self-proclaimed daughter of Rhodolite.

Gilbert: If you spoil my mood, your beloved country will be destroyed, okay?

(It sounds like a joke, but Prince Gilbert really do mean it.)

Emma: ……Even so, I can’t accept this.

(Even if we’re being threatened, it is not something that can be easily accepted.)

Gilbert: Hmmm? You are brave despite you’re also scared.

Gilbert: I don't hate you, but I don't want to do terrible things to you if I want.

Gilbert: If I sound like I'm joking, how about I prove that I'm serious?

(.......... No. I don't think I can get away with it.)

I was at a loss, and Prince Gilbert grabbed my hand.

(.........it’s cold.)

The body heat I felt through his gloves was so cold that it was hard to believe he was human.

Luke: Gilbert!

Gilbert: Don't worry, I won't do anything terrible.

Gilbert: You know better than anyone that I would never lie.

Luke: ………..

(...... What do you mean?)

Luke scratches the back of his head and breathes.

Luke: ... Emma, if you really don't like it, I'll beat him up for you.

Emma: It’s okay, i appreciate your thoughts.

Emma: Though. it is true that Prince Gilbert is the guest of honor, and it’s my duty to treat him without disrespect.

Emma: Prince Luke, please send a regard to Sir Sariel.

(I can't go against it now.)

I asked him in a ladylike manner, Luke reluctantly nods his head.

Gilbert: I'm glad you didn't refuse....... Shall we go then?

(I just hope i can get through this peacefully and safely.)

(Or I thought so, but...)

I got into the carriage prepared by Prince Gilbert, and the place where I was brought was the library.

(Why....)

(......... Why so many escape routes are blocked?)

(To think he "suspected" my true identity is Belle.....)

Prince Gilbert entered to my original workplace without hesitation.

(What Prince Gilbert has is not doubt, but conviction.)

Gilbert: I have a private room reserved for us today. Shall we go in?

Prince Gilbert opens the door and forces me halfway inside the bookstore.

Sariel should have arranged another clerk while I was away,

But the bookstore was empty, just as he said when he "reserved.”

(When the hell did you set this all up?)

(It wasn't a coincidence that we met at the rose garden, was it....?)

(No, that's not possible. I don't think Prince Gilbert could calculate all those situations.)

(But what if.... If the whole situation was created by Prince Gilbert's calculations...)

A different emotion from the instinctive fear engulfed my mind.

A cold hand was placed on my stiffed shoulder as I was forcibly brought in front of the bookshelf.

Gilbert: I know you like books. So relax here as much as you want, okay?

Gilbert: There is no annoying gazes of the imperial court. This is the only place where you can get back to your true self.

Emma: ……..

Gilbert: You look so pale. Aren’t you happy?

Emma: ....... How did you know that I like books?

Gilbert: It’s a secret.

Emma: What about this bookstore…..

Gilbert: It’s also a secret.

Emma: ………..

Gilbert: Just so you know, ....... I'm an information-gathering hobbyist.

Gilbert: If there is something I don't know, I must have to know it by any means.

Prince Gilbert laughs happily and neared his face close to my ear from behind.

Gilbert: Is there something you're guilty of, Belle?

Emma: ……..I'm not Belle.

Gilbert: My, I told you earlier that I hate lies.

Emma: ……….

So everything was already been set upon me.

I had to play the fool somehow, but my mind was pitifully blank.

Gilbert: Ah... Was this the book you've been into lately?

As if to catch up, Prince Gilbert pulls out a black book from the bookshelf and puts it on my hand.

Its cover with gold letters on a black background was the book I had recently been reading, just as he said.

(How much does this person knows about me?)

(.... Where did the information got leaked from?)

Emma: What’s your aim... please tell me.

I finally squeezed out my voice, rousing my heart, which is about to fail.

Emma: What do you want from me?

Gilbert: I'm sorry, I didn't mean to threaten you. As I said before, I just want to get along with you.

Gilbert: Or more specifically, I want us to be friends.

Emma: ……Friends?

Gilbert: Yes, my friend.

Gilbert: See, it's easy, right?

(No way.)

It’s difficult for me to reply after reading Prince Gilbert’s true intentions.

(That’s why, I just know that we shouldn't be friends.)

Emma: I refuse to be your friend // I can’t be your friend.

Gilbert: Hmmm.…..you don't get it.

Prince Gilbert holds my hand while breathing in my ear.

The black book slid to the floor with a thud, and my gaze was blocked by the cane on my cheek.

Gilbert: You have two choices: be my friend or let me be your friend.

Emma: Ah—!

The pain that ran through my neck made my voice crying out.

(I just got bitten......?)

The cold, soft touch and the pain of the fall lingered on my skin and ate away at my racing heart like a poison.

Gilbert: That's right... If you won’t become my friend, I think I'll make "Belle" go missing.

Gilbert: If the king's selection is back to square one, it might buy enough time for him to lead his army into the city.

Emma: ……..

Gilbert: I'll ask you once again, okay? I want to be friends with you.

(I have no choice but to nod.)

All in the palm of Prince Gilbert's hand.

Be friends or be made friends. There is practically only one option presented in front of me.

Emma: ..... Why do you want to go through all this trouble and time just to be friends with me?

Gilbert: That's a good question.

Whenever Prince Gilbert smile, his breath caresses my neck.

Rather than embarrassment, unfathomable fear prevailed.

Gilbert: You have the most beautiful heart in all of Rhodolite.

Gilbert: There are many different criteria for evaluating a beautiful heart, but .....

Gilbert: Let's define beauty in your case as "being more loving to others than to yourself."

(You don't know anything about me…..)

(...... I'm afraid to utter anything.)

Gilbert: A repulsive heart that loves and cares for those around her and respects others more than herself..........

Gilbert: You were chosen as Belle because you put your life on the line to help others, right?

(That kind of thing is even known.)

Gilbert: But I think no matter how beautiful your heart is, you can never be what you really are. // No matter how beautiful a person's heart is, the essence of a person is false love

Gilbert: Piling up ugly lies and act as if there is love. .... in fact, there is no such thing.

Gilbert: Even your beautiful heart is just a trick.

Gilbert: If you are in a place like the court where your greed is exposed, you will eventually be gone.

Gilbert: I, for one, would like to see that up close and personal.

Gilbert: I'm curious to see how the woman with the most beautiful heart in Rhodolite will change.

Gilbert: So, friend. The quickest way to be near you is the excuse to be friends, right?

(....I may not understand even 10% of what Prince Gilbert is saying.)

Rather that, Prince Gilbert is also trying to gain my understanding.

I feel as if I'm just saying what I'm thinking.

(But still, "friend" doesn't sound like a good thing.)

Emma: I don't know about "beautiful hearts or ugly falsehoods," but ....

Emma: I will remain who I am, no matter what.

Emma: I doubt I can live up to Prince Gilbert's expectations.

Gilbert: Wow, that sounds exciting.

Emma: ……!?

He bites my skin again and my face contorts.

There was more pain than before, and i let out an inaudible scream.

Emma: Please don’t bite me!

Gilbert: Did I hurt you? Sorry.

Gilbert: I want to leave a mark on my favorite. In other words, it's proof of our friendship.

(I don't need this kind of proof.)

When I turn around after prying off Prince Gilbert's hand, my eyes meet his blood-red eyes.

He was smiling, but his eyes weren't, instead — it was cold.

(……..Like a real beast.)

(Earlier, Gilbert described me as having "a strong love for others.".......)

(I didn’t think this prince is the only one I could ever love.)

 ▸       [  next ]

#ikemen prince #ikepri #ikemen ouji #ikemen prince spoilers #ikepri jp #ikemen gilbert #gilbert von obsidian #ikepri gilbert #ikepri translations #ikemen series #cybird

[theculturedmarxist]

On a flight, reading about the FBI’s arrest of Jack Texiera, already dubbed the “Pentagon Leaker.” A quick review reveals multiple media portraits already out depicting him as a dangerous incel who shared his wares on Discord, a social media app where “racist memes” and “offensive jokes” flourish. Writes the New York Times:

Dark humor about race or ideology can eventually shape the beliefs of impressionable young people, and innocuous memes can be co-opted into symbols of hatred, researchers say.

Well, clearly we can’t have dark humor or innocuous memes! Gitmo cages for all!

The Washington Post went with “charismatic gun enthusiast”:

The New York Times summarized key points in the secret defense documents, which among other things suggested “Ukrainian forces are in more dire straits than their government has acknowledged publicly.” Reading what’s out there, it’s not easy to parse what’s a legitimate intelligence concern in reaction to these leaks and what’s mere embarrassment at having been caught lying, to the public, to would-be U.S. allies the documents show we’ve been spying on, etc.

You’ll read a lot in the coming days about the dangers of apps like Discord, or of online gaming groups, which counterintelligence officials told the Washington Post today are a “magnet for spies.” The Leaker tale will also surely be framed as reason to pass the RESTRICT Act, the wet dream of creepazoid Virginia Senator Mark Warner, which would give government wide latitude to crack down on “communication technology” creating “undue or unacceptable risk” to national security.

The intelligence community has itself been massively interfering in domestic news using illegal leaks for years. Remember the “Why Did Obama Dawdle on Russia’s Hacking?” story by David Ignatius of the Washington Post in January of 2017, outing would-be Trump National Security Advisor Michael Flynn as having been captured in intercepts speaking with a Russian ambassador? That was just the first in a string of leak- or intercept-based news stories that dominated news cycles in the Trump years, involving everything from conclusions of the FISA court to supposedly secret meetings in the Seychelles.

When civilians or whistleblowers like Edward Snowden, Julian Assange (in jail for an incredible four years now), Reality Winner and now the “Discord Leaker” bring leaked information to the public, the immediate threat is Espionage Act charges and decades of jail time. When a CIA head or a top FBI official does it, it’s just news. In fact, officials talk openly about using “strategic leaks” as a P.R. staple. In a world where media currency is becoming the ultimate power, these people want a monopoly. It’s infuriating.

Watch how this thing will be spun. It’s going to get ugly fast.

#matt taibbi #pentagon leaks #restrict act #discord leak #ukraine conflict #us propaganda #censorship #internet censorship

[beardedmrbean]

Conservative calls to deport Representative Ilhan Omar over comments she purportedly made about Somalia have no legal merit, experts tell Newsweek.

The progressive Democrat, a Somali American and Muslim, has been under fire for remarks she allegedly made to Somali American constituents that have been viewed over 7 million times on X. Omar, a Somali American and Muslim, seemed to address a deal struck by Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland with landlocked Ethiopia to give it access to the sea.

Republicans, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, have openly called for Omar to be deported, with the latter saying: "She flaunts using her position as congresswoman to protect Somalia's border while our border is invaded by MILLIONS of illegals who are a danger to America."

Immigration lawyer Rosanna Berardi told Newsweek that since Omar is a naturalized U.S. citizen, calls for deportation lack legal ground unless the individual in question gained citizenship through nefarious means such as fraud, misrepresentation or membership in certain organizations—or being dishonorably discharged from the U.S. military if citizenship was based on military service.

The Minnesota representative's statements, whether accurate or taken out of context, are also protected under the First Amendment, which extends not just to U.S. citizens but also to public officials who routinely express opinions on foreign and domestic matters and do so without fear of legal repercussions—especially deportation.

"The Immigration and Nationality Act allows for deportation/removal of individuals due to criminal activities, violations of status or violation of immigration law," Berardi said. "Deportation for expressing political views, particularly those covered by the First Amendment, is not legally supported. Political speech does not constitute a valid basis for deportation.

"In essence, we have a series of sound bites here that are legally baseless. Typical political banter."

Stephen Schnably, a law professor at the University of Miami, told Newsweek that calls for the deportation of a sitting member of Congress for expressing personal views—whether accurate or spun by political adversaries—is "far beyond the realm of any reasonable response to her remarks."

"It's just not in the cards, deportation as punishment for a U.S. citizen," he said. "That is something that just cannot be done."

He said that even if Omar's statements, as attributed by some conservatives, are taken at face value, favoring foreign country interests over U.S. interests "is not a First Amendment violation to do that." Members of Congress can say what they want, and ultimately, voters have their say in elections.

The situation would potentially be different if Omar did not hypothetically register as an agent of a foreign government, comparing Omar's casual remarks to criminal charges against Democratic Senator Bob Menendez. The New Jersey legislator and his wife are accused of accepting bribes, including gold, cash, a luxury vehicle and payments toward a home mortgage, allegedly in exchange for advancing their interests, as well as those of the Egyptian government, in his role as the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

But in Omar's case, there is no indication that anything of that sort—of "committing a well-defined crime where conduct or actions are not in accordance with a statute that is not constitutional."

Politicians make similar remarks all the time, Schnably added, saying there is nothing unusual about foreign policy positions that favor one country over another in a dispute.

Omar's alleged statements, backlash

According to one translation of Omar's remarks first shared on X by Ambassador Rhoda J. Elmi, Somaliland's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Omar purportedly said that she was "Somalian first, Muslim second" and "here to protect the interests of Somalia from inside the U.S. system."

Omar is also alleged to have said that "as Somalis, one day we will go after our missing territories."

But Omar has refuted the retelling of her statements, calling the viral clip "not only slanted but completely off," adding that she "wouldn't expect more from these propagandists."

Another translation posted online by Abdirashid Hashi, a researcher and Somalia analyst, states that Omar said that Somalis "are sisters and brothers, supporting each other, people who know they are Somalis and Muslims, coming to each other's aid."

Per that translation, she also said: "While I am in Congress, no one will take Somalia's sea. The United States will not back others to rob us. So, do not lose sleep over that, O Minnesotans. The lady you sent to Congress is on this, and she is as cognizant of this interest as you are."

Greene bashed Omar and her comments in an X post, saying: " Patriots, you must show up big in 2024. We have a country to save and people to deport."

"Expel from Congress, denaturalize and deport!" DeSantis wrote on X.

In the past, DeSantis has singled out Omar as allegedly propagating antisemitic movements within Congress. In January 2022, after a group of people wearing Nazi symbols made national headlines for yelling antisemitic slurs on streets and highway overpasses in the Orlando area, DeSantis said he would not let others shame him for his support of Jews.

"I'm not going to have people try to smear me that belong to a political party that has elevated antisemites to the halls of Congress, like (US Rep.) Ilhan Omar, that have played footsie with the (boycott Israel) movement," DeSantis said at the time.

#nunyas news

[pray-forgive-meow]

Dear Sir: I have been requested by the Japanese National Wine Company to contact you for assistance in resolving a matter. The Japanese National Wine Company has recently concluded a large number of contracts for grape exploration in the Kanto region. The contracts have immediately produced moneys equaling £40,000,000. The Japanese National Wine Company is desirous of grape exploration in other parts of the world, however, because of certain regulations of the Japanese Government, it is unable to move these funds to another region. You assistance is requested as a non-Japanese citizen to assist the Japanese National Wine Company, and also the Central Bank of Japan, in moving these funds out of Japan. If the funds can be transferred to your name, in your British account, then you can forward the funds as directed by the Japanese National Wine Company. In exchange for your accommodating services, the Japanese National Wine Company would agree to allow you to retain 10%, or £4 million of this amount. However, to be a legitimate transferee of these moneys according to Japanese law, you must presently be a depositor of at least £100,000 in a Japanese bank which is regulated by the Central Bank of Japan. If it will be possible for you to assist us, we would be most grateful. We suggest that you meet with us in person in Tokyo, and that during your visit I introduce you to the representatives of the Japanese National Wine Company, as well as with certain officials of the Central Bank of Japan. Please call me at your earliest convenience at 523-1045. Time is of the essence in this matter; very quickly the Japan Government will realize that the Central Bank is maintaining this amount on deposit, and attempt to levy certain depository taxes on it. Yours truly, Prince Irene Adler

... Hm. It appears that word of my digital dwellings has permeated into certain... social domains I had hoped to elude.

Pray forgive the discourtesy of my impending bluntness, but the odor of duplicity wafts from your missive, pervading the sanctity of my electronic correspondence. The realm you speak of, laden with clandestine transactions and elusive grape explorations, is one I have no desire to tread upon. As much as I am flattered by your belief in my capability to assist in such a, dare I say, peculiar vineyard escapade, I am left pondering the serendipity of such a correspondence arriving amidst the digital ether of my humble Eif-centric abode.

Indeed, your tale of entangled riches and clandestine vineyard ventures meanders into the realm of the ludicrous, echoing the fanciful plots of miscreants and rogues that oft grace the fields of crime. Your proposition, veiled in a guise of legitimacy, appears to be naught but a fanciful tale spun to ensnare the unwary.

For some inexplicable reason or other, it seems you thought it prudent to direct your proposal towards a man of the law; perhaps under the presumption that 'the Reaper of the Bailey' would be enticed by such an underhanded offer. The mention of a British account holds but a hollow ring however, for my allegiance lies with the law and the just souls who uphold it, not with the fleeting whisper of sterling. In plain words, my favour cannot be bought.

Ah, but I digress. Your invitation, though it rings hollow, has brought a moment of levity to my otherwise solemn day. The notion of gallivanting to Tokyo to partake in a financial farce is, in its essence, a frivolous jest. Yet, amidst this jest, your missive has bestowed upon me a renewed appreciation for the earnest simplicity of my hallowed Eif's musings, a realm where the wine flows with sincerity and the hearts of men are not entangled in deceitful vines.

Thus, I must bid you adieu, dear Prince, and return to the sacred chronicles of my Tumblr sanctum, where the chalice of truth brims with the rich nectar of sincerity and the effervescent glow of my hallowed Eif's enduring wisdom.

Yours in earnest skepticism,

Barok van Zieks

#The prosecution rests. #Exchanges with anonymous informants.

[lorloubee]

Santorini Greece 2019

Pre season vacations with the squad always made you happy, firstly because you came together as a team and got relax and reset yourselves for the season ahead and secondly because of the anticipation for the aforementioned season ahead.

In the youth camps of Barcelona and the Spanish international team you had become best friends with Alexia Putellas, as you grew up together you’d become more and more attracted to one another. She was your first everything and you were hers but you were never official, everyone knew you hooked up but neither of you wanted to ruin your friendship by labelling yourselves.

When you’d departed in 2015 to play for PSG at the age of 21 Alexia had become closer to Jenni whilst you embraced living in France dating various different players until you met Dzsenifer Marozsán when she joined Lyon in 2016. What started as rivalry quickly turned attraction.

So whilst you made things official with the German midfielder Alexia did so with Jenni.

Her relationship with Jenni was rocky to say the least, their team mates never knew if they were on or off or if they would be even on speaking terms.

At the time you had thought you had fared much better with Dzsenifer, you had been honest with her about Alexia which caused untold jealousy especially when you were at national camp together which resulted in you promising not to room with her or interact with her too much without others present. As a result you and Alexia started to drift apart until that is, one weekend when you travelled to visit Dzsenifer and found her knuckles deep in one of her team mates.

So you returned to Spain, back to Barcelona after the departure of Jenni Hermoso in 2017, a direct swap with you leaving PSG and her joining them.

You’d rekindled your friendship with Alexia which naturally progressed into resuming the relationship you had before, hooking up except this time you had managed to keep it quiet from the team.

Which led you to now, sitting outside a small cafe with the squad in Santorini chatting and sipping espressos.

“So Jenni is coming back.” Patri smirked at Alexia wiggling her eyebrows.

You had been scrolling through your phone whilst chatting with Vicky Losada when Patri spoke.

You felt Vicky’s hand on your shoulder, she was the only person who knew about the two of you.

The girls had erupted into chatter about Jenni’s imminent arrival and begun teasing Alexia who blushed profusely at the attention.

“I need to get some bits for Emma.” Vicky announced standing up. “Come with me y/n you can carry the bags.” She ordered grabbing your arm and pulling you to your feet and pulling you away from the cafe in search of gifts for her girlfriend, Irish goalkeeper Emma Byrne.

As you walked towards a small shop selling trinkets Vicky nudged you.

“You okay y/nn?” She asked delicately.

You stopped to look at some postcards on a stand.

“Of course.” You replied spinning the card holder round.

“Just because she’s coming back doesn’t mean they will get back together this time.” Vicky pushed the conversation knowing you wouldn’t.

You pursed your lips. On the inside you felt like your mind was in chaos.

“Is this why you haven’t resigned your contract y/n?” She asked picking up a bracelet to inspect it.

You should of realised that Vicky as Captain would know about your contract negotiations.

“You haven’t resigned?” A voice came from behind you. You turned to see Alexia staring at you intently a sad look on her face.

“I’m going to continue my shopping, you two need to talk.” Vicky instructed pushing you both towards the exit of the little shop.

Alexia grabbed your hand, leading you through the winding alleyways back to your hotel. Neither of you said a word until you reached the door to your shared room, once inside she spun suddenly and pulled you into a hug.

“You’re leaving aren’t you.” She whispered, her chin resting on your shoulder.

You sighed heavily and inhaled the scent of her perfume, you face was in neck.

“I can’t stay.” You choked out.

Alexia run her hands over your back soothingly.

“I want you to stay.”

You could feel your eyes swimming with tears.

“I can’t stay and watch you be with someone who isn’t me Ale.” You admitted, Alexia pulled back suddenly, a hand on both your shoulders and looked you in the eye.

“This is because Jenni is coming back.” She asked, she wiped a stray tear from your cheek.

You swallowed, avoiding eye contact.

“I know I was a distraction after she left and I was ok with that at first but now…” You trailed off not wanting to say the words that swam around your head.

Alexia tilted your chin to look at you.

“You weren’t the distraction y/n, she was the distraction from you.” She spoke so quietly you thought you’d misheard her.

“I never wanted to push you especially after your ex but I can’t just be friends with you anymore y/n.” A tear fell from Alexia’s eyes as she offered you a small smile.

“Stay.” She pleaded resting her forehead against yours. “Stay with me y/n.” She begged.

“But Jenni.” You started to say taking a step back from the woman in front of you.

Alexia grabbed your hands in her own.

“Jenni knows, she’s always known its why we broke up. She knew I could never love her like I love you.”

You gazed into Alexia’s eyes, seeing the sincerity and the emotion in them.

“I will never hurt you like Dzsenifer did, I love you so much.” Her tears fell freely as she stood in front of you waiting for you to reply.

You nodded, wiping the tears from her face as you stepped forward.

“I love you.” You declared feeling the weight finally lift from your chest as admitting your feelings.

Alexia wrapped you up in her arms pressing small kisses to your face until you finally let out a giggle at her actions.

“Will you be mine?” She asked nervously as she held you in her arms.

You smiled and drew her in to a passionate kiss.

“I’ve always been yours.”

#woso imagine #espwnt #woso x reader #imagine #alexiaimagine #woso #la reina #laroja #womens soccer #womens football #barcelona femeni #alexiaputellas

[angelllcakes]

sway - xu minghao

xu minghao x reader

warnings: suggestive content, i can’t proof read for shit, some names aren’t capitalized but dw it’s just preference :3, sly bastard hao

words: 3.5k

From across the nation, the bourgeoisie and their counterparts appeared for what had been planned as the most unforgettable, social occasion of the season, honoring the land's Regiment for their successful reclaim of the kingdoms' outskirts, truly a magnificent comeback. The take-back had frightened the villagers with an unexpected delight, causing Seungcheol, a young man who had only recently taken the throne, to oblige an event that would settle his warriors, and release any frustrations or trauma they had endured in the past.

As the heir of one of Seungcheol's chaplains, it was only expected of you to attend and engage in such a highly discussed event. Entering the large ballroom, you're accompanied by guests, better recognized as your closest group of friends gleaming in excitement at the sight before them. Even Wonwoo, a kindred soldier of the highest caliber in ability, and what you consider 'stubbornness', widens his eyes in amusement. Hundreds of pairs in their most formal attires paint themselves across the spacious room in formations of choreography. Many gather in clumps around the perimeter of the ballroom, cheering or discussing each other's attire and significant others, while some casually stay seated by the tables, devouring fresh cuisine that had miraculously increased in supply thanks to the reopening of the reclaimed farmlands.

The noblemen that had accompanied you couldn't decide where to begin their night, however, your eyes stood focused on the dance floor, fully covered with couples flowing effortlessly in patterns like words written into poetry. As you begin to step forward, lifting your dress above your heels in courtesy, a hand gently tugs around your sleeveless arm. "Don't you think we should start the night off with a conversation?" Your most trusted knight Joshua sends you a gentle smile, despite his attempts to hold dokyeom and soonyoung back from raiding the buffet.

Inviting Captain Jeonghan's Special operations squad as Seungcheol's guests of honor, discussions of your friends in comparison to the rest of the soldiers had been intense. The 12 specific members had fallen into uncomfortable states of guilt and pity for all the losses and dedication practically forgotten by their comrades.

As the evening began to fully set, and the population of the room increasingly drunk, the soldiers and yourself had had enough of the boring conversations with other guests. "That's it", Mingyu interrupted, "LET'S PARTY!!" chugging a small shot glass of alcohol, he thanked the random guests he had received cheers from, before pulling on your wrist, leading you to the dance floor. Excited to begin your evening, a single thought held you back, and eventually another wrist.

You turned your head, viewing a surprisingly timid brunette holding your palm. "Minghao?" you question. "Is something wrong?". He makes contact with your eyes and seemingly blushes at the sight of you alone. It was uncommon for the man to make such emotional faces in public, yet it seemed the view of something had changed his thoughts, particularly someone.

"You…" he stutters, unable to process his words. By this time Jun had placed a hand on his friend's shoulder, comforting him in completing his sentence. He kept his gaze upon you, mustering his pronunciation more passionately than planned. "You promised me a dance, don't you remember?" Your eyebrows lift, letting the memory come flooding back to you.

"Y/nnnn" Minghao teases, just an evening earlier. Finishing up the last of your chores by the castle's official stables, you hadn't peeked behind your shoulder in time for the boy to unexpectedly lift you in his arms, catching you off guard as he spun you around. "Hao?" you responded playfully, letting him indulge in your honeyed laughter. "Enough with the sweetness, I'm not finished yet!" He eventually reached for another broom and began assisting you in your instructed cleanings. After a few moments, you broke the silence, delighting Minghao who was much more into verbal showings than physical. "I'm excited about the party tomorrow" You smiled, turning to look at him. He kept his focus on the task at hand, sighing in what seemed like half content, half dissatisfaction. "Oh, don't be so mopey Hao. Especially not around me!" He leveled to your eyes, a saddened look still present on his face.

"Minghao, what's wrong?"

"Taking a break doesn't sound very soldier-like to me"

"Don't you think you deserve a break?" you questioned. "I'm merely a chaplain's daughter and even I see a time to relax as most fitting." You raise a hand to his shoulder, shivering his spine in the process. No matter how hard you tried it seemed you could never understand him and his motives.

"We're supposed to be fighting. Staying on the front lines until everything has been settled. What's the point in taking a rest?"

"Well let's see…to maintain our sanity?" Your response erupts a chuckle from both of you, and after another quick moment of comfortable silence, Minghao considered your offer. "I guess it wouldn't be too bad," he laughed. "Just don't expect me to be the life of the party"

"Oh, you most certainly will be" you answered jokingly. "You HAVE to dance at least once".

"What? No way!"

"Despite what you may think, you've got some of the most technical rhythms I've ever seen. I promise you one dance won't hurt" you spoke. Minghao looked into your eyes, the same eyes he'd fallen for not so long ago. "Will it be with you?" He approached you swiftly, speaking in almost a whispered tone. Your breath hitched before you could answer with a grateful smile.

"I promise".

"I had her first, soldier boy!" Hoshi shouts, taking your hand away from Minghao's grasp. Seokmin could be seen leaning forward from the backrest of his chair in disbelief. "I want to dance with her too!" He argued while Joshua stood contently amid the conversation, quietly sneaking you a shot glass before you approached the floor.

Captain Jeonghan was careless over the boy's behavior but was quite concerned for the women of his department, especially those concerning the clergymen's military branch. Making sure they were safe was one of his priorities, almost deeming him father-like by younger recruits. As Seungcheol instructs the musicians to mature the theme of the night, you take a final sip of the beverage, peering at a few shocked looks from your comrades at your confidence. Before accepting Hoshi's proposal to the dance floor, you catch a saddened Minghao from the corner of your eye.

Almost immediately, as Soonyoung leads you toward the ballroom tile, the orchestra begins to strum its symphony. How grateful you had been for knowing such great friends to dance with, however, a problem transpires.

Hoshi's rhythm was surprisingly too difficult to tolerate.

He seemed to be enjoying himself as the instruments strummed in complexity, yet his steps were so swift. Rather than appearing to reach the floor, you resulted in ruining his pattern, tripping over his leather oxfords. In all honesty, your mind had begun wandering halfway through his variation, until Seokmin reluctantly strolled by, offering his palm which you gladly accepted. "You understand, don't you Soony?" You stifle back a laugh as Soonyoung's nickname rang through his ears in annoyance, visibly upsetting the young man at your decline from his pace of movement.

At this time, the audience who hadn't participated in the last song had sung in applause to the musicians, now eager to hear just what song would be played next. A vocalist appears from the shadows, signaling his band to begin as you sway into Seokmin's grasp.

When Marimba rhythms start to play, Dance with me

"Make me sway" The taller boy sang to you, producing a faint laugh as you attempt to assist him in his dance steps. Seokmin was a good dancer, it was well known among the scouts, but it seemed no one could match the skill or competitiveness you’d been hoping for. Your laugh soon falters into more of a worry. Where had Minghao gone off to? Not admitting you wanted to spend more time with him, but you had promised him dance and felt the guilt growing up in your mind. Where could he have gone?

From the angle you were positioned in accompanying Seokmin, you’d fallen blind to a certain chestnut-eyed boy observing you keenly from the side of the ballroom, quite skeptical of your time being spent with the others. Seeing you happy with his mandated partner of all the people present in that hall made him furious.

"I'd step in if I were you." Captain Jeonghan interruptingly suggests, approaching his subordinate attempting to comfort himself in the realization that being extremely possessive over a simple girl was too far strange of a thought. "Captain?" Minghao responds warily, as Jeonghan curtly nods, adjusting his tuxedo before sending the younger man stumbling closer to you and your “unfit” partner. Even from a distance, Minghao sensed Seokmin wasn’t taking care of you as a proper partner should, he cracked jokes to accompany his poor, improvisational routine, and most certainly wasn’t fit in making you smile the way Hao could, the more natural way he believed was reserved just for him.

But you didn’t belong to him, so why did he feel such an urge to make you, his?

Seokmin’s face glowers an apologetic frown for the clumsy footwork he had forgotten, before noticing a figure entering the dance floor over your shoulder. He smirks, catching onto the Captain’s plan as his shoe intentionally tangles into your tight dress. Your glare signifies your disbelief and frustration, leaving you no choice but to blindly twirl yourself out of his attire, yet almost Immediately you settle yourself out of the entwined dress, grabbing the hand of the man closest to you. The hands of your partner re-gather to your form, slightly colder, tenser from the spare moment of no contact. You begin to peek upward, only to feel your body jerk in an opposite direction, beginning your dance with your head on his shoulder. You feel paralyzed, unable to move your neck from his collarbone as the melody quickens. The steps are completely different than what Seokmin had performed before, this was a quicker, more satisfactory movement all too enjoyable to believe it came from a novice. Or maybe the comforting, dewy scent of sanded wood along his neck convinced you that you had wrongfully mistaken your partner for not being more of a professional.

However, Seokmin didn’t smell like sanded wood.

The male began more challenging footwork, internally worrying your body in believing it could follow along since the tempo was so… quick?

Before any verbal assumptions could be made, your partner spins you once more, pressing your backside against his chest. A hand of his eagerly slides over your clothed stomach, the other gently tracing down your arm, latching onto your wrist. Your breath hitches and your feet continue to groove in a pattern so, in sync, it was quite hard to understand how you were keeping time with him.

There was absolutely no way this was still Seokmin.

Like a lazy ocean hugs the shore, pull me close, sway me more.

Spinning you back around, holding you in a position too tight to consider standard, your head practically leans to his shoulder naturally, blocking your peripheral vision again with his sharp jawline. He doesn’t want you to view the reactions of your closest peers, now eyeing their attention over to the two of you with smirks and whistles. He wants you to feel the moment with him as if you were the only two present in the world. You were his world, and that was certain.

Like a flower bending in the breeze, bend with me, sway with ease

The two of you continue to move in circular motions across the center of the floor, stopping only to counter the movement with complex spinning phrases you had no idea how you were keeping up with. From afar, you met Jeonghan’s eyes as he and other subordinates stood by.

When you dance you have a way with me, Stay with me,

The male hugs your form, pressing your entire body so close to his, slipping one finger into the low backline of your dress, now tickling the bare skin of your lower back. A menace this man truly was. And when you almost had given up on who the peculiar, perfectly timed partner could be, he surprises you once again, hushing the lyrics in perfect timing with the music.

"…sway with me…" MInghao whispers into your ear.

Your jaw drops open, face heating rapidly as he longingly looks at your gorgeous complexion. Finally, you had the chance to meet Hao’s eyes, however, you didn't want to anymore. He had left you a stuttering mess.

God, you loved him.

Other dancers may be on the floor Dear, but my eyes will see only you Only you have that magic technique When we sway I go weak

It truly was an odd moment for everyone. The other scouts who had become your family had noticed your reaction in this very moment, as well as your emotions around him in the last few years. You were stubborn, but you'd always allow your temperamental, boss-like exterior to subside whenever you were with him. You have no choice but to wrap your arms around his neck, avoiding any hints of your already blushing self to the crowd.

MInghao chuckles in surprise, taking his far hand to support your upper back. "What?" he flirtatiously questions, sending a soft exhale down your neck as his lips parted. "If I remember correctly, you did tell me 'Enough with the sweetness". Minghao uses the index finger already under the waistline of your dress to titillate your lower back once again. You whimpered, both stiffening from such a pleasureful sense, before placing your head snugly into the crook of his neck, your faltering breaths making his smirk an even greater grin.

I can hear the sounds of violins Long before it begins Make me thrill as only you know how Sway me smooth, sway me now

He slyly kisses your warm temple, over and over, continuing to sway so as not to make a scene. You’re unable to do anything but follow his lead, for Minghao has never pulled any sort of move to this extent. It was obvious he wanted to please you, and it was working. For that reason specifically, you were furious.

No person could ever come close to making you feel this way, so why Minghao? What about his sincerity and allurement made its way into you? Why did he make your heart race? Maybe it had been his eyes, which caught you by surprise from the way they always caught yours. How could a simplistic shade of chestnut be so bright, or possibly his confidence was what initially attracted you, challenging yours at any given moment, even when it was beyond his intentions? It was an emotion he let out so effortlessly, even when he felt hopeless or worried. As you pondered stressfully between your thoughts, such frustration and irrevocable feelings caused tears to gather in your eyes. If you hadn't blinked, it wouldn't have trickled onto Minghao, staining his neck in the slightest.

He raises his eyebrows at your reaction, immediately supporting your head in his hand. He whispers to you again, far more cautiously as he buries his nose into your hair, shielding your emotions from any eyeing guests. A minute passes with no response, and so he desperately tries to get an answer from you.

"Are you?… I didn't mean for you to-"

"It's nothing" you hesitantly whisper back.

"It had to have been something I did".

"Yes-" was all you could muster before he sways the two of you in between couples, exiting the hall in an elegant, timely fashion. He lets go of your form once you reach the entrance to an empty balcony, holding on by your hand as he leads you away from the mob of guests.

Coming to a stop by the balustrade, Minghao quickly faces you, seeing your watery features. Your head casts downwards, sniffing back suppressed emotions you most certainly didn't want to release in front of him. He approaches past your comfort, wrapping his arms around you, and holds you for quite a while in pure silence. That is until he gains enough courage to speak.

"I'm sorry, I really am." he cooed. "I never intended to make you feel uncomfortable. Please, know it was just a joke if I hurt your feelings in any way…" He places a hand back over your head, softly rubbing it as you stand in his embrace. You wanted to let go right then and there. He bewildered you, one moment he’s making suggestive moves, but within seconds his assuredness falters, leaving you unaware of how to think or act around him. If his ability to read the situation you had found yourself in wasn't enough to emit your tears, the kiss he suddenly plants on your forehead does the trick.

"I don't understand," you whisper, almost simultaneously.

"What?" he questions

"I don't understand you!" you clamor. Minghao’s expression pales as you shove out of his embrace. Wary of being too loud, you stuttered your next words.

"How come… you always know what to say. Is that another perfect quality of yours?". Holding back your feelings wasn't an option anymore. You had to let him know, you wanted to let him know.

"No matter how hard I try I can never understand you, Hao. One minute you’re completely focused on what you have in mind, and the next you smile and adore everyone so carelessly, without a single worry in the world. I don't get it! You never give up on me, or never fail to make me happy, even in the darkest of times. How can you do that to me?! How can you make me nervous and excited at the same time?”

“What is it about you that makes me so in love with you…"

The young boy stands bug-eyed. How exactly he was supposed to respond to something so heartfelt was unknown, especially by words he conveyed so mutually. Fortunately, you gave him more than enough time to process his thoughts as you continued to confess in your confusing way.

"Maybe… it's that you're so loving toward your goals…Yea, That's it." you suggest, confirming with yourself out loud. " You have these goals I find so astonishing, though I can barely understand how you approach them or accomplish them. It makes me want to stand by you, all the time, defeating all the challenges for you. I want you to achieve the greatest happiness imaginable Minghao, but I don’t know how to help you when you mess with me like this". You looked up at him, and there a blush appears as it does quite rarely. Even in the illuminated sky was it still present.

"It's a distinct feeling, I think of admiration? No, more than that. One I can't help, so rather than trying to fight it, I can't do anything but surrender to it. I sound crazy but I can't help it because-"

"I'm in love with you," Minghao states intensely, finishing your sentence.

"Yes, that's exactly how I feel, Hao! Wait, come again?"

By the time you could translate his words, Hao guides you gently into a deep first kiss. He's wanted to hold you like this for as long as he can remember. His hands couldn't bring you closer to him. He brushes his fingers through your hair, the other around your waist, finding its way back to that sweet spot underneath your waistline hem.

Your quiet hum from his actions passionates the bond between you two, as you wrap both arms around his neck.

Minghao was so immensely happy. He'd never felt this kind of love. A love he felt so rawly, he was completely lost in his dreams when he was with you.

You couldn't contain your breath much longer, forcing yourself to break away in a gasp, yet your noses still connected, Minghao blindly searching for your lips again.

He whispers your name, meeting his forehead with yours.

"I didn't know how to explain it, how you complete me when I thought no one could, but you do understand me, that's why I’ve felt all this for you since the beginning." He stares into your eyes. "I can't contain myself around you. As soon as I see you each day, I feel every urge in my body to tell you every detail about me, knowing you'll listen and genuinely care. I want… to run to you every single time I find you." His breath carries him into peppered kisses against your lips.

"Never in a thousand years could this event, or any person I've met be the source of my sanity but you, it’s always been you".

Your mind can’t process what exactly had occurred, finding yourself staring down at his shoes, Your foreheads still connect as Minghao once again attempts to utter a response out of you.

"Was that too much?" he pauses, chuckling at such a prompted response. His hands make it's way to holding yours, the other finding your dry, tear-stained cheek, stroking it with utmost sympathy. "…What I did do back in the ballroom?"

A smirk pulls past your lips, meeting his eyes with pure seduction.

"I never said I didn't like it".

#sofi chats <3 #seventeen #minghao x you #minghao x y/n #svt minghao #seventeen xu minghao #the8 smut #the8 #svt the8 #the8 fluff #seventeen the8 #the8 scenarios #xu myungho #xu minghao #seventeen minghao #minghao smut #minghao fluff #minghao angst

[ippenx]

A3! Act 1 Thoughts (1) | Reread

Ouch, Sakyo. Please, don’t torture Izumi like that! Like damn, he was rough.

Izumi’s room is on the 2nd floor – noted for fic purposes.

And Sakuya calling her ma’am, Imma cry!! So official.

*holds Sakuya gently* you poor traumatized child, I’m so sorry for your parents.

Lol, they settled this with rock paper scissors (they both threw rock).

TSUZURU! And Sakuya warning everyone about the food, but in vain ….

Birth of our bi-curry-ous queen. We stan.

The Yuzo-appeal at play, I see.

Adding bakery to list of places Tsuzuru worked at.

That is so me honestly, Matsukawa you go, don’t let them slander you.

Anyway, Tsuzuru has such gorgeous eyes, if his story had gone differently, I assume I would have been a massively down-horrendous Tsuzuru fan.

Lol, Izumi zoning in on the broke uni student demographic almost immediately! Girl should be in marketing.

Here he is accused of being homeless. Saving this as a reaction pic.

Izumi, that is an eloping ruler of a foreign nation whom your upcoming actions over the next year or so will save from a literal assassination attempt. Mind your words, lady!

Citron my love, given some of your subsequent fruity behavior, I would actually not be surprised if that was on your bucket list of things to do before you are dragged back to Zafra.

CitoIzu likers, all idk, two of you? Here’s your crumbs.

Tsuzuru really killing it with the reaction shots.

*checks notes* honey according to like half the fandom, that’s your future husband so mind your words. But also, you are so right. It’s a love-hate relationship, isn’t it? Hehehe.

Masumi, you weren’t even there when she ran into the hottest man in Veludo way and just casually exchanged words like it was nothing. When Izumi does hit on someone, I am pretty sure they would be dead on the ground. I know I would be!

And they picked up Itaru via Sakuya getting spun around by Citron and then bumping into Itaru? Something something SSR tier gacha pull, otsu Sakuya!

Itaru, you massive, massive weeb. I feel you. But also, sharing that with Chikage of all people … you are so cursed or *ship glasses on* so blessed.

CitoIzu crumb number two? Noted.

YAAAASSSS queen, put yourself out there bestie!

I would say “no” to that, Matsukawa. Sorry not sorry!

Spoken like a true writer! If my life’s dream depended on it, I too would get through 10k words a day and more.

*furiously taking notes for my upcoming TasuIzu fic that revolves specifically around getting Izumi back into acting*

Birth of Tsuzuru ‘Nothing a little gender-bend can’t fix’ Minagi.

Really though, Izumi makes me so happy with this, cause sometimes you just need A CHANCE to go crazy and being given that chance is everything.

Girl you are so easily swindled, I worry for you sometimes.

It’s kinda funny how this might be intended to set up a total demolition of our expectations, but in all honesty, she’s right. All my responsible adult circles are full of geeks with money funneled into hobbies, that’s the best brand of responsible adult in my opinion. Itaru just needs to learn to maybe do a little more room keeping.

I could open a special folder just for these.

Next: Act 1 Part 2 →

← Previous: Prologue

#a3! #spring troupe #act 1 #a3! reading club

[mostlysignssomeportents]

This day in history

I'm on tour with my new, nationally bestselling novel The Bezzle! Catch me next weekend (Mar 30/31) in ANAHEIM at WONDERCON, then in Boston with Randall "XKCD" Munroe (Apr 11), then Providence (Apr 12), and beyond!

#20yrsago Action Comics #1 scanned and posted https://web.archive.org/web/20060708114557/http://xroads.virginia.edu/~UG02/yeung/actioncomics/cover.html

#20yrsago Empirical data on file-sharing’s effect on album sales https://web.archive.org/web/20040531052739/https://www.unc.edu/~cigar/papers/FileSharing_March2004.pdf

#20yrsago Judge throws out Pooh charges against Disney https://web.archive.org/web/20040402103730/https://edition.cnn.com/2004/BUSINESS/03/29/pooh.lawsuit.reut/index.html

#10yrsago Microsoft changes policy: won’t read your Hotmail anymore to track down copyright infringement or theft without a court order https://memex.craphound.com/2014/03/29/microsoft-changes-policy-wont-read-your-hotmail-anymore-to-track-down-copyright-infringement-or-theft-without-a-court-order/

#10yrsago Big Data Kafka: US Government Watchlists and the secrecy whose justification is a secret https://www.aclu.org/sites/default/files/assets/watchlist_briefing_paper_v3.pdf

#5yrsago Alex Jones’s deposition over his role in the harassment of Sandy Hook parents is a total shitshow https://www.huffpost.com/entry/we-got-alex-jones-deposition-video-it-was-a-predictable-disaster_n_5c9d06fae4b03218ee1ca133

#5yrsago Oklahoma Republicans introduce bill forcing doctors to warn abortion patients about the existence of an imaginary “reversible abortion” https://theintercept.com/2019/03/29/oklahoma-bill-abortion-reversal/

#5yrsago The Chinese Communist Party’s newspaper has spun out an incredibly lucrative censorship business https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/03/29/business/tech/censorship-pays-chinese-communist-party-newspaper-expands-lucrative-online-scrubbing-business/

#5yrsago War criminal and snowflake Erik Prince cancels Beloit College talk after student protests, threatens lawsuit https://web.archive.org/web/20190401223159/https://beloitcollegeroundtable.com/2019/03/28/scheduled-speech-from-erik-prince-shut-down-after-protests/

#5yrsag UPDATE: New York State goes after the Sackler family’s opioid fortune, claims they funneled their Oxy millions through offshore laundries https://memex.craphound.com/2019/03/29/update-new-york-state-goes-after-the-sackler-familys-opioid-fortune-claims-they-funneled-their-oxy-millions-through-offshore-laundries/

#5yrsago After the Parkland shooting, NRA official reached out to Sandy Hook denier to discuss possibility that it was an anti-gun conspiracy https://www.huffpost.com/entry/exclusive-nra-sandy-hook-hoaxer-parkland-shooting_n_5c8aa54de4b03e83bdbe59eb

#1yrago Naomi Novik's Scholomance trilogy https://pluralistic.net/2023/03/29/hobbeswarts/#the-chosen-one

#pluralistic