SAME TREE, DIFFERENT BRANCHES. Life goes on in the annex branch of Café Moriartea. Maviel resumes her apprenticeship under Sigmund. Landice is still reading books at the barista's corner. Nikolai is still making sure that the shop is squeaky clean. Everything is going well . . . until the annex branch staff chances upon a case involving the staff of the main branch. A dormant rivalry heats up the same way a cold pasta is reheated in a microwave oven. Coffee isn't the only thing brewing between the two branches of Café Moriartea. * * * * This is the sequel to my 2017 story MORIARTEA. Read that story before reading this one.

["PLAY THE KING" IS ACT TWO OF THE "PLAY" SERIES. PLEASE READ "PLAY THE QUEEN" FIRST.] It's been four months since Priam Torres, the once unpopular president of the Elysian University Student Council, assumed office. Thanks to his chief-of-staff Castiel Seville's ingenuity and Fabienne Lucero's cooperation to play as his first lady, his approval ratings are up. Everything is looking good for him and the council, and reelection is now viable. However, Priam's presidency is at extreme risk as one of the college student council chairpersons will attempt to dethrone him and bring down his administration. It's now up to Castiel and Fabienne-along with their new ally-to prevent the worst case scenario from happening. Players will make moves and countermoves. Chess pieces will dance on the board. Kings will clash-and only one of them can wear the crown and sit in the coveted throne. The play resumes.

☆ 2023 Watty Award Winner ☆ ☆ Wattpad Webtoon Studios Entertainment Prize Winner ☆ Cutthroat campus drama and politics with make-believe relationship mixed in! Due to his serious attitude and intimidating aura, Priam Torres has become the most unpopular University Student Council president to date. To improve his image, USC chief-of-staff Castiel Seville initiates "Oplan First Lady." The goal? Find a likeable pretend girlfriend for the president. Fabienne Lucero is a Theater Arts student and a theater actress who's desperately looking for a way to continue her studies in the university. After being offered to play the role of Priam's girlfriend in exchange for a scholarship, she accepts and is soon dubbed as the "First Lady." Trouble ensues when a nosy campus journalist takes interest in them and tries to expose the deception. Will the First Couple be able to keep their fake relationship? Or will they be exposed as frauds to the student body? The curtain is drawn and the play begins.