#but i still feel like i'm running away with my manuscript and they are shooting 'suggestions' and 'revisions' at me

[br-amblinghostcat]

It's writing season which means I'm about to be hunted for sport

[caye-otome-translations]

100 Days Princess Event - Royal Prince Stage Episode 01 (Translated)

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Prologue

Next: Episode 02

Louis Howard’s Route

Byron Wagner’s Route

Giles Christophe’s Route Episode 01 Part 01/05

The beautiful sun was setting, leaving an orange color in the sky…

I ran along the promenade illuminated by the setting sun.

Cain, who was chasing after me, suddenly grabbed my wrist from behind.

Cain: “...Wait, wait!”

MC: “Let me go! I have nothing left to say to you.���

Cain: “That may be so for you, but not for me!”

When I turned around, I saw his serious expression, and a tear slipped down my cheek out of desperation.

Cain: “I got just one thing left to say…I love you.”

MC: “...”

Giles: “I can’t allow that.”

Cain: “...!”

My shoulders were gripped harshly as I was forcefully separated from Cain by the owner of the quiet voice who had interrupted us.

MC: “Ah…”

Giles: “She’s my fiancée. The sooner you get that through your head the better.” *Top Left Picture*

Cain: “You…”

My breath was stolen from me as I watched Giles and Cain face each other…

Director: “…Cut!”

Hearing the director's call, the tension from the scene relaxed in an instant.

Director: “I’m pleasantly surprised. I'm glad all three of you are acting on this show together now!”

MC: “Really?”

Director: “I’ll be honest, I was initially worried because I heard that this was your first time starring in a show...”

Director: “But you have a wonderful talent for acting. I would be happy to have you in my next project.”

MC: “...Thank you!”

(I had been nervous because this is the first time I am going to star in a drama.)

(I’m glad I was able to fake that tear.)

Giles: “I’m proud of you, MC.” *Top Right Picture*

MC: “Me too…!”

Director: “I'll go check the shot, so please hold on for a minute.”

Cain: “Got it.”

The director nodded his head in satisfaction and returned to the camera man’s side.

Cain: “It's rare for the director to praise new stars.”

Giles Christophe’s Route Episode 01 Part 02/05

MC: “Is that so?”

Giles: “The director is famous for being strict about how his actors act.”

Giles: “But MC, the scene he just saw was really amazing.”

MC: “Thank you! Hearing Giles say that makes me feel more at ease.”

MC: “...Though, it hurt a little when Cain grabbed my wrist.”

As I touched my wrist, Cain raised an eyebrow.

Cain: “I couldn't help it. You were really running fast.”

MC: “I thought it would look better if I did that...!”

Giles: “Must the both of you fight so much?”

Giles smiled and gently pushed us away from each other.

Giles: “Both of your performances were great.”

Giles: “So shouldn’t we be working together to make this drama a success...?”

MC: “You’re right… We need to do our best.”

Cain: “I already knew that.”

Unlike me, who was new to this, Giles and Cain seemed to already possess the brilliant auras of popular idols.

(I’m always constantly thinking… I must do a great performance that is able to match with these two people.)

Suddenly feeling determined, I heard the director calling us.

Cain: “I’m going to go over there and watch it with them.”

Giles: “We should go too.”

MC: “Yes.”

Feeling the pleasant sun on my skin, we headed over to the camera.

***

The night after filming the drama…

Crew Member: “Cheers!!”

The lively after party began with the shooting crew shouting toasts to celebrate.

(Everyone is happy that we shooted a good scene today.)

Looking at me with a smile, Giles, who was next to me, grabbed a small plate.

Giles: “MC, do you want me to get you something?” *1st Middle Left Picture*

MC: “I can do it myself.”

Giles: “There’s no need to be shy. Isn’t the food far away from where you are sitting?” *1st Middle Left Picture*

*princess check*

Giles Christophe’s Route Episode 01 Part 03/05

(Everyone is happy that we shooted a good scene today.)

Looking at me with a smile, Giles, who was next to me, grabbed a small plate.

Giles: “MC, do you want me to get you something?”

MC: “I can do it myself.”

Giles: “There’s no need to be shy. Isn’t the food far away from where you are sitting?”

(Giles is not only good at acting, but also amazingly attentive.)

MC: “Thank you. Then, can I ask you to do that for me…?”

Giles: “Yes, please wait here for a moment.”

Cain: “Giles, can you also do mine?”

Giles: “I had a feeling you were going to ask me that. Can you give me your plate?”

Cain: “Yeah.”

After Cain, who sat across from me, had asked Giles, Giles dexterously set the table for us.

MC: “By the way, isn’t Giles also a news anchor for a nightly program that usually airs around this time?”

Giles: “Yes, the producer asked me to do it.”

Cain: “An idol doesn’t usually appear on a news program, but Giles is good at it.”

MC: “Yes. Giles is very skilled.”

MC: “I always watch that news program.”

Giles: “Then as your senior,”

Giles: “I have to do my best to not look like an amateur.” *2nd Middle Left Picture*

Giles gave me a small plate of food and I smiled a little.

Giles: “But since I am still new at broadcasting, there may be times where I mess up.”

Giles: “I hope you can see that I am a competent news anchor.” *2nd Middle Right Picture*

MC: “That’s not true.”

MC: “Whenever you’re shooting the program, don’t you calmly explain the breaking news?”

Cain: “Yes, I’ve seen the news too. You never break your expression.”

Giles: “Even so, don’t you know that I’m reading a manuscript that is handed over to me the entire time...?”

MC: “I still think it's amazing to be able to read the news aloud with a straight face.”

Giles smiled charmingly as I spoke to him with enthusiasm.

Giles: “Thank you. Hearing you say that makes me feel better.”

(I'm looking forward to Giles broadcasting the news more in the future.)

I turned to face forward in my seat so I could look at Cain.

MC: “Also, wasn’t Cain selected to host a variety show that starts next week?”

Giles Christophe’s Route Episode Part 04/05

MC: “Also, wasn’t Cain selected to host a show that starts next week?”

Cain: “What do you already know so far?”

MC: “I know that you were actually called on the show as a way to help promote the drama.”

MC: “You will also be doing your own performance in the show with the rest of the members of ‘Wysteria Quintet.’ Are you nervous?”

Cain: “Not really. It’s the usual thing.”

(He is full of confidence. But I guess it's only natural since he will be doing a concert together with everyone else.)

...Cain was a part of an idol group.

He’s the leader of “Wysteria Quintet.”

(Even when he is not busy being the leader, you can tell he is one from the way he speaks and his blunt attitude...)

(He is very popular for his sweet smile he puts on for the TV.)

MC: “It’s good to be confident, but don't let that make you fail, okay?”

Cain: “Don't be ridiculous, I never mess up.”

Giles: “Sure, you did well at your last concert I went to.”

Giles: “I’m looking forward to this show too.”

Cain: “Yes, you can count on me to do just as well.”

I looked at Cain as he raised his drink to his mouth.

MC: “Will you be more humble when you’re shooting the show, Host-san?” *3rd Middle Left Picture*

Cain: “Stop making fun of me.” *3rd Middle Right Picture*

Cain smiled jokingly at me, but then he moved his face closer towards mine.

Cain: “Hm? You…”

MC: “...What?”

Cain: “Why is your face such a bright red?”

*princess check*

Giles Christophe’s Route Episode 01 Part 05/05

MC: “Will you be more humble when you’re shooting the show, Host-san?”

Cain: “Stop making fun of me.”

Cain smiled jokingly at me, but then his expression suddenly turned serious and he moved his face closer towards mine.

Cain: “Hm? You…”

MC: “...What?”

Cain: “Why is your face such a bright red?”

MC: “What are you talking about...? Did I drink too much?”

As I tilted my head, Giles’ hand touched my forehead.

MC: “...Giles?”

Giles: “Just as I thought…you feel hot.” *Bottom Left Picture*

(Now that he’s mentioned it, I am starting to feel hot.)

(And I’m feeling a little light-headed...)

MC: “I guess I drank too much liquor…”

Cain: “Wouldn’t it be better if you went outside for fresh air?”

MC: “Maybe I will get out for a while.”

Giles: “I’ll let the director and crew know.”

MC: “Thank you. I will be going then.”

As they watched me, I left the bar with a slight stagger.

***

When I went outside, the cool night breeze cooled my skin.

Feeling more comfortable now, I looked up at the night sky.

(...Giles and Cain are amazing to be able to have careers where they are constantly busy all the time.)

(I must work harder, too.)

When I let out a small sigh, I felt a tap on my shoulder from behind me.

Giles: “MC, do you want me to help take you home?” *Bottom Right Picture*

[annaphoenix1994]

Masterlist Here:

Horseshoe Overlook - Who is Not Without Sin

Minnie awoke the next morning to a quiet camp. The only noises she heard were faint conversation around the fire and an occasional cling of metal when a member would get stew. She sat up and stretched, feeling relief in her spine just between her shoulders as she thought about what she was going to do during the day. Her parents weighed heavily on her mind lately and she wondered if she could sneak up to her father's cabin to pay respects, granted it had only been a few days, almost weeks since she had left.

After slipping on her shoes and a change of clothes, she exited her tent, looking around to see what members were still in camp. The old man she had assumed to be Uncle was snoozing as he sat up against a rock, Mary-Beth, Karen, and Tilly were stitching up the men's shirts, salvaging them as best as they could, Pearson just finished skinning a doe that Charles had hunted earlier, Dutch and Molly were arguing in their tent, and John was sharing his morning coffee with who Minnie assumed to be his wife and young son. She took note that Arthur and Hosea were nowhere to be found. "Must be out fuckin' around." She mumbled to herself, making her way to the coffee pot.

"Mornin'." She said to an older woman whose hair was in a neat dark bun with a silver streak running through it.

"Good mornin', dear. How are you?"

"Just wakin' up, I guess," Minnie chuckled. "What all needs to be done 'round here?"

"Well, the girls are sewing the men's shirts. I'm not sure if Mister Pearson needs help with prepping the food, but I do know that we need more food for tomorrow's dinner. I for sure need some herbs or spices to season his stew! Don't tell him I said that, though!" She giggled.

"I won't," Minnie shrugged. "I can go out later and hunt. I saw Pearson skinnin' a deer already. I may have a good lead on some money I can check out later..."

"Well good! You seem like you're gettin' your bearings around here."

"I learn quick." She chuckled.

"I'll leave ya to it, Miss Barlow." Susan nodded.

"Thank you."

Minnie sipped her coffee as she made her way over to Trace, patting him with her free hand as she held the tin in her other. His withers twitched as a fly landed on him before she swatted it away. "I-I have a paste for that..." She heard a shy voice say.

"Huh?"

"For flies... I made up a paste that keeps 'em off of them..."

She turned to look at the man, recognizing him as the same man she had held up in the mountains for the manuscript about Cornwall's train. "Wait a second..." She glared.

It didn't take him long to recognize her, although he knew she was in their camp. He couldn't go on thinking that he could avoid her forever. "I-It's not what it looks like!"

"Weren't you an O'Driscoll?" She questioned as she squared her shoulders.

"N-N-No, I am not, Miss..." He pleaded.

"Ya sure? Because I do believe that I pointed your own gun at you back up in the Grizzlies..." She taunted.

"Y-Yes, but I'm not an O'Driscoll... I just got in with the wrong bunch. I mean nobody no harm! Honest!"

She smirked as she watched his bottom lip quiver, "Then why're you here?"

"They have me as bait... 'Cause he knows that Colm'll come lookin' for me!" He replied.

"Is that right now?" Dutch now intervened.

"I-I don't know, sir, I-"

Dutch raised his hands, his palms facing Kieran, "No hard feelings. However, it looks as if you two are about to skin each other in my camp. Why don't you two go out and get to know each other a little better, since you're both my guests."

"She'll kill me!" Kieran stuttered.

"Then all the best to her, but not in my camp. Miss Barlow here is a good asset to us. You too, if you can shoot a gun." He chuckled.

"I-I can shoot a gun, sir!"

Dutch nodded and pursed his lips, turning his attention to Minnie. "Miss Barlow, why don't you take him out on a bounty or somethin'? Let him earn his keep around here. Besides, he can learn from you anyway." Dutch directed.

Minnie looked at Kieran with a wild look in her eye, "Of course."

"Good," Dutch nodded. "If you can, stop by Valentine and bring back some canned foods."

"Sure thing!" Minnie nodded. "Alright, O'Driscoll, let's go. I actually have a job to go on."

"I-I'm not an O'Driscoll!" He sighed.

"Yeah? And I'm not an outlaw!" She mocked, rolling her eyes and mounting Trace, pulling out a bounty poster she had taken the last time she went to town:

"WANTED"

NEEDED ALIVE FOR QUESTIONING

$50.00

DAKOTA WILDER of the O'DRISCOLL GANG

ARMED AND DANGEROUS

THEFT and IMPERSONATION OF A LAW OFFICER

LAST SEEN NORTH OF STRAWBERRY in BIG VALLEY

"We got a ride ahead of us, O'Driscoll. Actually goin' after one of your own, how convenient!"

"Please, Miss, it's Kieran." He frowned as he rode up next to her on his horse.

"Okay, Kieran, we got a ride ahead of us. Up north past Strawberry." She replied, rolling her eyes.

"O-Okay. That's in West Elizabeth, ain't it?" He asked.

"Yes. Some fella named Dakota Wilder. Been seen impersonatin' a law officer." She explained.

"I know him! I know exactly where he is! There was a small shack close to the river that he and a few other fellers stayed holed up in." He replied, his horse now trotting alongside hers.

"Is that so? Or do you know that's how we'll be ambushed?"

Kieran sighed, "Look, you're soundin' just like Arthur. He thought the same thing. You and me have a lot in common and I'm sure you can relate to the feelin' of nobody trustin' you!" He pleaded, gulping as she now stopped her horse and stared at him.

She wasn't about to tell him that he was right, but he in fact was. He slowed his horse down too, facing her. "Yes, I can relate to that because I'm still not trusted!"

"Okay, and neither am I! I haven't been able to step foot out of camp until now and you were just tied up for a couple of days. I was tied up for weeks! At least someone in camp likes you enough to sweet-talk Dutch to let you be free!"

Minnie sighed as she looked down, breaking eye contact with him, "I don't know about that. But listen, there's a reason why Dutch sent us out together. Maybe he's testin' us. Maybe seein' if you'd break loose from the gang and go back to Colm, or seein' if I'm gonna take you out and kill you. Only time'll tell."

He held back a lump in his throat as he didn't dare reply, afraid of what she may do or think about doing. Aside from Arthur, she intimidated him, possibly more than Arthur did. The pair rode in silence on their way to West Elizabeth, which was at least a half-day ride if they weren't bothered along the way. She knew they were getting close by the change in weather as she gripped her jacket with her free hand as Trace loped along the trail. "We're close!" Minnie warned. "You take the lead."

"The shack is just up that ridge over there! Strawberry is in between those hills, so we're on the right path."

Minnie nodded as she followed Kieran, not even reluctant as she realized that the pair were the most untrustworthy of the gang at this point, trying desperately to prove their loyalty to Dutch. "He's the only one here," Kieran whispered as they reached the peak.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, his horse is the only one here. If he had anybody else with him, their horses would be tied and he would've had guards. There would've been no way we could've gotten this close without bein' spotted-" Kieran explained. "There he is! Out by the outhouse. Looks like he's gettin' something he hid..."

"Moonshine," Minnie said, watching the suspect retrieve the jar from the shrubs he had hidden it in, probably more than that as well. "C'mon, then. Follow my lead," Minnie replied. They trotted their horses up cautiously, the pair keeping a lookout for any other O'Driscoll's. "I do believe that is Dakota Wilder!" Minnie announced, getting the suspect's attention as he was distracted by the amount of liquor he had been drinking.

"Who's sayin' that?" The suspect replied, almost slurring his words, letting Minnie know that he had been drinking on and off almost all day.

Minnie raised her arm sarcastically, "Minnie Barlow," She grinned. "And my associate Kieran."

"W-Where's Paul?" He asked Kieran, recognizing him as a former O'Driscoll, furrowing his brows as he was told Kieran had been killed during a shoot-out in the Grizzlies.

Kieran shrugged his shoulders, "Probably out huntin' with the others." He replied, knowing not to tell him that Paul had recently been killed.

"So... Whatchu doin' here?"

Minnie rolled her shoulders back, "Doin' a little huntin' ourselves."

"Well," He replied with a suspicious grin. "Not much huntin' around here. The place is shot out of deer and such..."

Minnie raised her brows, "Oh there's still critters here. One critter in particular... Has a handsome reward on his head," She watched as the suspect's grin faded into a panicked frown before pulling out her revolver, pulling back the hammer as she aimed it at him. "Now you come quietly and I won't blow your brains out!" She warned.

She shot at him as soon as he darted behind the house, blocking her bullet's path. She cursed to herself as she heard his horse spook as she now realized that he had mounted his horse, spurring the mare into a gallop through the woods. "Hold on!" She said to Kieran as their horses were quick to follow. Minnie held onto her hat as they effortlessly galloped through the trees. She stopped immediately once she realized that his horse had been just a bit faster as he was now at the river, dismounting and trudging through the deepest part where no horse could go through without staggering. "Goddammit!" She hissed, soon being joined by Kieran, whose horse had clearly not run for a while. "Can't get a good shot in. You got your rifle?" She asked him.

"S-Sure!" He replied, retrieving his Rolling Block from his scabbard, handing it to her hesitantly. He twitched as he heard her load a bullet into the chamber, aiming it at the target, staring a hole clean through him with the scope. He couldn't watch as he was never one to want to kill someone, let alone watch. He still made himself sick just thinking about the time he saved Arthur's life by shooting a man. He watched her take four deep breaths, watching the suspect mock her from across the river, more like taunting her.

"Come and get me ya morons!" He heard him taunt. "What's the matter with ya? Can't swim? Go ahead and shoot! You half-witted bastards, here I am!" He sang, his arms in the air as he did a taunting spin. "Ya know what! Look at this!" He spoke, sticking his middle finger in the air at them. Kieran watched Minnie smirk as she took one last deep breath, pulling the trigger on empty lungs, shooting a hole clean through Dakota's head.

"That outta shut him up," Minnie chuckled. "Don't ya think?"

"Y-Yes." Kieran nodded.

"Let's go get our money," She said, handing the Rolling Block back to him to put away in his scabbard before mounting his horse again, following Minnie as they found a shallow spot to cross.

"I-I thought he was wanted alive for questioning?" Kieran asked as they got closer to the victim.

"Well, that was the plan, but you see how that worked out," Minnie shrugged, grabbing Dakota's lifeless hands and pulling him to the shore to take any type of identification before taking a photo of him. "I'll turn this into the sheriff in Strawberry since it's right over the ridge there."

Kieran nodded as he decided not to reply, watching as she proceeded to receive the identification of Dakota before taking photos.