#don't use his stolen song against him mag that's rude

[magnifiico]

He’s allowed this. I’ve allowed this; I’ve permitted this—

Practically a mantra on repeat behind the king’s stoic facade, bleeding through the faintest cracks of that composure: the clench of his jaw, the flex of his fingers in their neat tuck behind his back. He reminds himself that the musician is only here on his own authorization, that he’s oh-so-graciously welcomed a foreigner knowing full well he’d not be a threat. And he wasn’t. He isn’t. But something about that knowing spark in his dark eyes…

Well, as king, it wouldn’t be right to exercise violence against his people—much less a guest. One man to another, however, and Magnifico would rather enjoy seeing just how long that smirk on his face would last… Hm. Imagination did wonders; he’d survive this exchange yet.

“Oh, I’m not worried,” he answers in kind, appraising the man with a pointedly slow once-over to truly sell his point. His smile reflects that of the other, and his head cants just slightly to one side with a silent provocation of his own: What, in anything I’m seeing in front of me, is there to be worried about? (Though whether this is to convince himself or his guest, he declines to consider.)

Then, as if breaking from a spell, King Magnifico clears his throat, rolls his shoulders back as he listens to the entertainer’s grandiose claims. A thoughtful noise thrums right into the first syllable of his reply: “Certainly. Who am I to stop you from spreading the one thing you know best?” There, lurking in layers of his tone is the sentiment of The only thing you know. “I only ask that you not take it too personally, should the people of Rosas find no reason to remember you once you’ve taken your leave.”

AH ... check ... and mate . it would seem his defiance has certainly reached its target , if the king's reaction is anything to go by ... for what is it but a man summoning a crumbling composure ? boy , does he love getting under someone's skin ... just for fun . truth be told , he has little clue as to why he's being so foolish . it's not like his own security guards can shield him from the punishment of royalty , wherein the word of magnifico goes above his own , so long as he graces his territory ... but since the king has deigned to grant him such a ... warm welcome , how could he ever deprive him of his sincere gratitude ?

pinche cabrón . canalla . hijo de pu -

wait wait wait . he'd best stop every curse that rattles away in his mind in the musician's mother tongue . whatever it is he's looking for in the king , it certainly cannot be obtained by breaking character . it is no different than stepping into the role of a fool in a film ... this is easy .

❛ tch ... bueno , su majestad , how can i wear out a welcome that's been scarcely given to me ? you know , you should be thanking me . after all , we are not enemies , so you can stop clutching that pretty little crown of yours so tightly . not everyone is out to rob you of ... well , your most precious treasure , ❜ ernesto says , gesturing with one hand at magnifico , a sly little smirk upon his lips .

❛ but . everywhere i go , people want for entertainment and refreshment for their souls . your people are no different , and that is why i am here , aaaaall the way from mexico . you see , i am here to inject just a little bit of life into this lovely little island , which ... may i just say ... is nothing short of paradise . i can readily see why you are so proud . indeed , one has to wonder why a king so proud of his achievements would feel so perturbed by the presence of an outsider ... after all , i am simply a celebrity , señor . a mere aficionado of music and art . ❜