11 Results in the "TMC" category
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Life as a court jester is grueling. Every day, I cater to the whims of corrupt nobles, bear the brunt of His Majesty’s temper, and now, I find myself walking a tightrope between two princesses. My eternal liege, the eldest princess. And the second princess, still so young and innocent. “I’ve never imagined a life where I am not the king. I cannot allow…- 2.7 K • Dec 19, '24
- 2.9 K • Feb 4, '25
- 2.4 K • Feb 7, '25
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Chapter
TMC Vol 1 Prelude
PRELUDE I am the fool. With no name, I am inscribed on no list. With no voice, I may say anything I wish. Unseen, I see all. Already, foolish grins begin to bloom on the faces of the nobles. They think little of letting my words drift by, convinced they have heard this opening line a dozen times before. Were they to listen closely, however, they might sense the brazen boast in my tone. I live here in this palace, basking in a rare freedom. Just today, I commented on a…-
23.5 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
TMC Vol 1 Act 1.9
I am often considered the most inconspicuous of jesters, likened to a mouse weaving quietly through the castle's many halls. This skill, however, wasn't a natural gift but one acquired through years of diligent effort. Except for His Majesty the King, I retain the right to decline any entertainment demands from mere nobles. If it's not at a grand banquet, there’s no obligation for me to brighten their day. When I say 'decline,' I mean preemptively avoiding them altogether, ensuring I’m never…-
23.5 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
TMC Vol 1 Act 1.8
The bell tolls from the tower, announcing the arrival of noon. I wander near the castle gates, hands clasped behind my back like a deeply contemplative soul, though my mind is as blank as the early white hairs on Duke Ansley's head. The time for a decision is drawing near, isn’t it? What should I do? Surely it would be wise to follow Princess Verona’s orders, right? Then why, pray tell, am I standing here awaiting Princess Lux’s arrival? Aunt Gertrude once said that while I may seem clever and…-
23.5 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
TMC Vol 1 Act 1.7
I must confess. Although I feel so guilty that it’s almost like carving my own heart out, I couldn’t help but feel a thrill that I tried my hardest to hide while I was with Princess Verona. After all, what felt like a sudden shock to her was, for me, an unexpected but welcome piece of good news. Princess Lux is coming back! That adorable little baby princess! Six years have passed, so she must have grown quite a bit. I wonder—does her face now resemble Queen Catherine’s…-
23.5 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
TMC Vol 1 Act 1.6
The shadow of the poplar trees sways in the moonlight. How long has it been since the night has been this silent, without the noisy chatter of nobles or the blare of raucous music? Everything feels gentle, distant. The only things moving are a lone jester and a few crickets. "Hey! Jester!" ...And Duke Ansley. "Ah. Oh." "I didn't even touch you." "Apologies, it's... a habit." "Foolish fellow." "Why have you summoned…-
23.5 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
TMC Vol 1 Act 1.5
If I were to describe the royal palace in a single word, I would call it a colossal fish tank. There's His Majesty, the white shark with a feeble, weakening figure but still imposing in size. Beneath him, the smaller noble sharks swim with dignity, yet are quick to converge the instant they sense blood in the water. And then there are the small fish, mercilessly torn apart by these predators. Now, if you think I belong among these small fish simply because of my lowly status, you…-
23.5 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
TMC Vol 1 Act 1.4
My chaotic boyhood passed by somehow, and I became a young man of twenty. While one’s limbs might grow just by eating and sleeping, the skills needed for jesting must be cultivated with care. One must be ever-attuned to the court’s shifting tastes, mastering the language and preferences of esteemed individuals. Despite growing craftier by the day, I didn’t go out of my way to shake off the label of the ignorant jester. No, it was precisely because I’d become shrewd that I…-
23.5 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
TMC Vol 1 Act 1.3
Finally, His Majesty commanded me to leave. Shaking like a dog kicked by the village kids, I left the king’s chambers. My appearance was so appalling that Lord Ansley's eyes widened in astonishment. My makeup had melted off, my hands and clothes were soaked in blood, and I was even limping. “What on earth… Did His Majesty do this? Goodness… I never imagined he would go this far…” “He seems to be in a much better mood now. You may go in.” The…-
23.5 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
TMC Vol 1 Act 1.1
ACT 1 Six years ago, when I was just fourteen, I’d like to share with you what happened. I was a fresh recruit, newly arrived at the royal palace. I was a boy with unruly curls, dressed in a loose robe of colorful patchwork, and clumsily applied makeup. In short, I was a naive child, not knowing who was who, or even what was where. I had, in fact, first seen the esteemed portrait of His Majesty, King Tristan V, on the hallway walls of the palace. Looking back now, I can hardly…-
23.5 K • Ongoing
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