With his costume already on, it’s time for Allan to rehearse with his co-stars, Fabian and Aoi.

It’s Aoi’s first time in a leading role, and acting alongside a superstar like Allan has her extremely excited.

Fabian is excited too, but as a more experienced actor, he knows how to hide it better. He also knows that, for the time being, he has Allan’s undivided attention, which makes him feel very self-confident.

Allan: Er, all right, where do we start from?
Fabian: Where you say: “So, here you are”, and I answer: “Yes, milord”.
Allan: Okay, let’s get started… “So, here you are!”.

Fabian: Yes, milord, her majesty the queen notified me that you wanted to see me.
Allan: Cut the formalities and answer me. Are the rumors I’ve been hearing true?
Fabian: Excuse me, what rumors?
Allan: Don’t play dumb with me, Edward, the rumors of you and the queen cheating on me.

Fabian: But that is a lie, your majesty, you know I would never, ever betray you in that fashion.

Fabian: I have never deceived you, my king, I have always been your most loyal servant.
Allan: Don’t try to get smart with me, Ed. I know you better than anyone, I can tell when you’re lying.
Fabian: But I’m not…!
As a beginner actress, Aoi admits that Fabian is very good in his role. Hopefully with time she can get to where he has gotten to.

And hopefully someday Allan will look at her the way he looks at him, although whenever he does that, it always makes Fabian nervous.
Fabian: But I’m not… Oops, I forgot my line again.
Aoi: “But I’m not lying now, I swear to you, my king”.
Fabian: That’s right, geez.
Allan: No problem, baby, let’s start over from the beginning.

Fabian: Thank you. I’m… I’m sorry.
Allan: That’s okay, hon. You’ll do great this time.
Sometimes they are so obvious! Which is torture for Aoi, because, like Fabian (and all of Allan’s co-stars, frankly) she’s got a crush on him.

Fabian: But I’m not lying now, I swear to you, my king!
Aoi: (To Allan) Could we give our dialogues a once-over too? I need some reassurance.
Allan: Huh? Oh, of course, love.

Aoi: I mean, as your queen , my part has a lot more relevance than Fab’s, don’t you think?
Allan: I think every part in a film has its own relevance.
Aoi: Oh, that’s so true.

Now that Fab is busy going over the lines he forgot, (and to piss him off in the process), Aoi gets flirty with Allan. What does she have to lose? Sure, Al is married and all, but a little flirting never hurt anyone and could take her a long way.

Aoi: What I am saying is…
Fabian: (Acting) Milord, you know I will do whatever you ask me to do, as always!

Fabian continues with his dialogue in a rather exaggerated manner. Somehow he has to regain the attention Aoi has taken away from him, but she’s not willing to give ground.
Aoi: Er, Fab, will you move over, please? Allan and I are trying to have a conversation here.

Aoi: Anyway, I’d like your opinion on my performance. Do you think I can aspire to a Starlight Accolade as best actress?
Allan: Sure, or do you doubt yourself?
Aoi: Oh, no, but your opinion is important to me, so…

Aoi: I was wondering if after the shoot, we could go out for dinner so you can give me your impressions on my work? I know a terrific place in Windenburg.
Allan: Yeah, that’s an excellent idea!

Fabian: (Tell me she didn’t just ask him out on a date).
Aoi: Oh, thank you, Al. Seriously, you don’t know how important this is to me.
Allan: No thanks needed, it’s a tradition to go out all together after the shooting. It’ll be fun for me to hang out with you and Fab to discuss our scenes over a nice dinner.
Aoi: (What?)

Aoi: You’ll pay for this.
Fabian: Sorry, I was here first.
Aoi: Fine, whatever, I get to kiss him on stage.
Fabian: I’ve already done that, several times.
Aoi: On or off stage?
Fabian: That’s none of your business.

Allan: They’re both vying for my attention. So I’m not that old and overweight after all. I haven’t lost my touch! Now, dating just one of them would be too much of a temptation; if I go out with the two, maybe they’ll end up taking an interest in each other. That would be salvation for me… and my marriage.
Oh, okay, now it’s Allan the matchmaker! 🤔

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