It’s all Sorbet’s fault.Antoine silently cursed 1f2b0c731a Young Master Lamude 935cee1cc6 who had put e58c4609f9 strange ideas in ed6b03f314 his head. Ever since e3e4eeab48 their conversation, 07d910da19 Antoine had b96a37e475 been in 2fe19a7cce a constant 4f6663e4e2 state of 8901c99138 confusion.9e5b4b9c9bbbd56e

‘What about you? Don’t you want to become something more with him?’0d534c37c21bf162

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Yes, that was the problem. That probing question about his feelings kept echoing in his ears, making it impossible to focus during both the tea party and now. Antoine nervously chewed his lips. His old friend’s words had caused great ripples in his heart.639fd7b030916dec

Do I like His ca13c40028 Highness?6ae06598861f4a34

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Antoine had only been thinking about this throughout the tea party. Once the thought started, he couldn’t stop it. However, he couldn’t easily reach a conclusion. No matter how much he thought about it, he couldn’t figure out what his feelings for Etienne were.29f1b9932e4d84c9

It was inevitable 68c5e25e67 because this was 70a0996425 a very unfamiliar d6ef15667e emotion for Antoine. Antoine was used a135362576 to being loved, e967c0bfa6 but not to 8f36ad5cc7 loving. It was his first ab03e91a72 time having feelings for 7f3228eea7 someone, his first time 660af5618b liking someone first.3f3f71bab6523d01

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“Young Master Mathias?”f30671c50ecbc34d

When Antoine hesitated and stammered without continuing his words, Etienne carefully called out to him. Antoine’s eyes twisted at the worried voice. He quickly bowed his head to hide his expression. His face must be a mess right now.743882ff832fd652

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“What’s wrong? Are you feeling bad?”8a1d17b52f4546ee

“No, I’m fine…”3e85c43d8aefc39c

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Antoine answered while keeping his head down. Strangely, he couldn’t look directly at Etienne. Yet all his nerves were focused on him.6f16c0998bd47106

I’m still fine.8506ead3cf34f40b

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Antoine tightly gripped his teacup, feeling his heart flutter. He had feelings for Etienne, but it wasn’t love yet. However, it was dangerous to leave things as they were.4ff81b7d69c76ff2

The fact that he couldn’t properly refute Young Master Lamude’s words, and that he was still dwelling on them now, was ultimately because his heart was gradually turning toward Etienne.9a578a56c6839195

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At first, he thought Etienne was better than expected, then that he was kinder than the rumors suggested, and now he was someone Antoine wanted to serve as his lord. If he dared to want more…f1461d3d5905fc27

‘From what you’ve said, His Highness seems like the type who wants to marry someone he loves? Ah, could it be that he already has someone he likes?’c8d5c05aed6f1df1

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Antoine bit his trembling lips as Young Master Lamude’s voice echoed in his head. Actually, that was what bothered him the most.267f7e841721fdab

Etienne’s attitude of putting up walls against him until now was too vivid to dismiss Sorbet’s words as nonsense.0dc5769ba622b757

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What if it was 34c3887add because he had someone 61f2dcd06a he loved? What if it was bc0607328f to stay faithful to 406a3ec2dc a lover?b161a9b595b624ee

If Etienne already 026ed625ab liked someone, as 8e4ff986ca Young Master Lamude 037c4f6d79 suspected, then Antoine 9c56f49cea had no chance. At this thought, his 3fbe86aa3d heart did a somersault.dd4d933c0d9e2f6a

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Etienne’s expression grew serious as he saw Antoine’s hands trembling as they held the teacup. Contrary to his words, Antoine didn’t look fine at all. After contemplating for a moment, Etienne carefully moved his hand.8865a3cbe99bc97f

“…!”425d82cb4c032d0d

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Antoine startled and flinched b78b3e324d when he felt warmth baa2dbc093 covering the back of 0e0eede5b6 his hand. The heat from e548a7b540 where Etienne held ba43859be2 his hand rose 9086e1ed1a to his face.28908baff036362a

“Y-Your Highness?”7ac6e9ba79862518

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“You don’t look well, should I call for a doctor?”1c7d189c0502aa00

“No, you don’t need to call anyone. I’m not sick… I’m just, well, quite nervous today.”a5cabbab4e9e1844

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Antoine rambled, not knowing what to do. The hand Etienne was holding felt too hot. He made up a reasonable excuse, hoping Etienne wouldn’t notice his trembling.4bec6f4dc24df755

“Since this is essentially the first task you’ve entrusted to me, I was worried about some of them making mistakes, and uhm, what do you think of today?”86923c13248247ea

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“Hm? Ah, it was fine. They all seem like good people. Very enthusiastic too.”817175400b8686a9

Etienne showed a positive response to Antoine’s question. He was actually quite satisfied with today’s tea party. The Omegas Antoine had selected came from various factions, and each individual was talented. If they successfully established themselves in social circles, they could wield more influence than expected.31dd9b1c1e09effa

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“I was right to trust your judgment.”29e76d140c950dcb

Etienne praised Antoine with a slight smile. Though he had been anxious before the tea party because of yesterday’s events, meeting the people who would work with him in the future had improved his mood.3e10fbeb44d32dc4

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“Things will get very busy from now on. There will be much to worry about and it will be difficult in many ways, but please endure it for a while.”60de661120b828b7

“Of course, Your Highness.”a676564c146c5314

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“Personally, I found Young Master Lamude the most impressive. He’s an old friend of yours, isn’t he?”ca7c90e05c90437f

Antoine hesitated at the name that came from Etienne’s lips. Young Master Lamude had shown an active attitude toward Etienne throughout the tea party. He had expressed admiration at Etienne’s every word and continuously engaged in conversation, never letting it die down.a3e901276806555a

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Antoine knew 0a86452369 better than 2cf8c5fe1e anyone when 175f8b526d Young Master 447fd97b49 Lamude behaved ca4bfb20cd in such 8d99778377 a way. It meant he was 000a45a86f interested in Etienne.a07f4fa9e746284b

“Yes, our territories are relatively close, so we’ve been close since childhood. He kept talking to you, wasn’t it uncomfortable?”3dcda0a1415b682e

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“Hm? No, not at all. He was quite entertaining to talk to.”190d1ec010698225

Etienne answered with a slight smile. Antoine’s expression soured at his response. It bothered him more because of what Young Master Lamude had said before arriving at the palace.2ff8a73736310946

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“He tends to talk a lot.”efb495c4f1005a3d

Antoine forced an awkward smile as he quietly withdrew his hand from Etienne’s grip. Even though he thought there was no way Etienne would fall for Young Master Lamude, he felt inexplicably uneasy.62e9454da4993134

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“How did you find the others? Come to think of it, Young Master Vierck and Young Madam Luron made some slip-ups earlier. I’m sorry, it was my oversight.”a73606648be1d8d6

“Slip-ups?”353d5458f7aeb306

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“They mentioned rumors about Your Highness, didn’t they? They even asked about how the marriage talks between us were progressing. Even though I warned them beforehand… I hope you weren’t offended?”ebb6abb25d7a49c0

“Ah. That.”7a5fabab365e204a

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Etienne’s eyes softened at Antoine’s embarrassed words.942fd9905566b8f6

“Is that what you were worried about? It’s fine. I wasn’t particularly bothered.”a2feb93c8f2dceaa

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“Really?”0ce6c53227cf1f88

“Yes, after all, both the marriage talks between us and the rumors about me are somewhat true.”df7cec53bf060fc4

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For a moment, color returned to Antoine’s face at Etienne’s response. However, it drained away at his next words.f4c8363704897c90

“Everything will be resolved with time anyway. Don’t worry too much about it.”7b404210ab0c16be

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“I beg your pardon?”c219e0150b74de0e

“You’re being hassled from all sides lately, aren’t you? The newspapers are having a field day, people are bothering you, and the Margrave must be pressuring you too.”d4ee97200eaac7b3

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Etienne spoke consolingly in a kind tone, thinking Antoine’s poor expression was due to the rumors surrounding them.e9c8e13ddb65f5d2

“Even if it’s difficult, please endure it a little longer. Once everything is over, both you and I will be free.”8278105cb677f09f

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Antoine’s eyes and lips drooped at Etienne’s consolation. The freedom Etienne spoke of meant returning to when they were nothing to each other.b1b1f5c8bac7eea6

“I…”fbf1d1adcd130a06

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Antoine moved his lips 4f7785c1af but closed them again, a46281b12d looking dejected. Disappointment in cacadf64c9 Etienne rose 1cb2ecbe00 like a 8e00595271 wave. It was 5176f8347a always like 0815186357 this. Etienne always 0af2562ec7 drew the 61e2e658fb line this c04a9328be way. As if 735719fcc4 he could e9842c2252 never have f6e5dbb8ca that kind 3f23044e5a of relationship b68cf47504 with Antoine.042834d50b70a412

To Antoine, Etienne was like a cake in a picture – constantly catching his eye but impossible to grasp.a88d16ea0732671b

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That’s why he couldn’t approach Etienne even more. Antoine wasn’t familiar with rejection. Afraid of being rejected by Etienne, even though he wanted to get closer to him, he was scared and tried to be content with what they had.af6dd7dbdd97d04d

But he felt this couldn’t continue. Having made up his mind, Antoine lifted his head straight and met Etienne’s eyes.cb57fb83cf8d4141

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“What if… what if I’m not troubled by it?”ea477342a64ef9a5

“Hm?”2544c9485bb6dd33

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“I don’t dislike appearing to have a special relationship with Your Highness.”b20c9b8dffdb6541

Antoine gathered 2a12f51ee6 his courage b952c9c4b2 to express 79640a0ffa his feelings. Since it was 954dfc46a1 his first time ce74e2040c showing interest in 129d5e79a1 someone first, his 76dfb89322 mouth went dry 39593fcca3 and his throat 0cbde6a440 trembled. His voice was terrible.6b4486c6e9b13c2e

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But now was the fda47ff22e time to be brave. Antoine tightly clenched c9b2375d06 his trembling hands.eb430a1456c69c0f

If he was going to be rejected anyway, it would be better to face it now. He didn’t want to pursue a love without hope.20f8aff207503758

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So before his feelings e0a9346f58 for Etienne grew stronger, 794f2a4641 before these emotions truly 498f298755 settled into love, he d34a320236 wanted to reach a e87d5ac11f conclusion.cf7fb070e6ad2cb1

“Honestly, I’m not exactly, certainly sure what my feelings are, but still, I think I’m attracted to Your Highness.”58ef86b9a529f818

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Antoine conveyed 5808706f03 his feelings f74e907152 while stumbling c37c1bfdc6 over his 32cf1aec43 words. Although it 855f2cfaa5 was an d8d0672cdd ungraceful confession fd760f364c with slurred fea560866a pronunciation and 6b15222842 rambling words, e0a5407361 he felt e907e38eb8 relieved.59d4577e267b1342

“I know my words might sound strange, but I felt if I didn’t say it today, I wouldn’t be able to say it at all.”e2189fc7fd4677dc

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Antoine added in a17bf72552 a mumbling voice, 6f39dd94ef bowing his head 9111a695df deeply. The sound of 39022bc1f4 what must be 9b3d0e082e his own heartbeat cf430ee19f echoed in his 136373ca81 ears.022ea6ca64856d71

“…”da6cd9b01dcc369c

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Stunned by the f89bcf3d2f sudden confession, Etienne f3dc6035b4 looked at Antoine, 7f430c665d who was waiting ca5002e19b for his response. Being told 2fe6f81538 that Antoine 86aeffbe1c was attracted 930140154f to him 3c9cec8442 was completely a72ac55eb8 unexpected. He moved e35b9c972d his lips b7f9820cb5 as if 2e5cb194ff perplexed, then cf56fb8c60 pressed them 7dd538c444 firmly shut.dcf6957ee2e9967b

He had known Antoine felt fondness for him, but he hadn’t thought for a moment that it might be romantic feelings.adaa6f4e6f589e66

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An awkward silence fell between them as Etienne remained silent. Antoine swallowed dryly with an anxious face. The longer Etienne’s silence continued, the harder it became to breathe.a24e797fa130a740

“…I’m sorry.”6cd60eafa8e448eb

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The answer that came after a long while was, as expected, a rejection. Antoine closed his eyes with a pained expression. He had expected to be rejected, but actually hearing the words ‘I’m sorry’ from him made his heart crumble.378957b81a1c8878

“Margrave Mathias’s… no, Antoine. You are truly a beautiful and charming person. But I’ve never thought of you in that way.”5e80e8e2f523984c

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Etienne was kind yet firm. Antoine sensed the guilt not quite hidden in Etienne’s voice. He was truly sorry to Antoine. That made Antoine want to try pleading, even if it was pathetic.33dfa4e4c16a4e75

“What if I wait until Your Highness comes to see me differently? Would that not be possible?”d1c612a3edbe9b47

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Etienne made a troubled expression at Antoine’s pleading. He felt sorry about having to push away someone who was approaching so earnestly and purely. After hesitating for a while, Etienne sighed and answered.e2a01e74a9fa900d

“I don’t think that’s possible.”a91b97a19d62fe9e

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“Why not?”67585b8eb99144a9

“Even with time, my heart will never flow toward you, so I hope you won’t wait for me. It will only hurt your feelings.”868dfa0988635825

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“Why are you so definitive…”aee2e4be7e058684

Antoine’s face contorted at the verdict that was cruel precisely because it was kind. Suddenly, Young Master Lamude’s words came to mind.79d4dd00c0a7ad41

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“Could it be that you already have someone in your heart, someone you like?”0dfd03c3ab46dfba

“What?”893a4cc066976389

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Etienne’s eyes widened at Antoine’s question. Antoine made an ‘oh, no’ expression when he saw Etienne’s face freeze. He had made a mistake in a moment of emotional surge.07bf420681c20357

“I apologize. Please forget what I just said. I didn’t mean to make Your Highness uncomfortable…”ccb4636b593b21f1

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As Antoine realized his mistake and tried to smooth things over, a small but unwavering voice flowed from Etienne’s tightly closed lips.e78a1c8820f3aa9f

“I do.”a541399e72fe68d0

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“…What?”4ee7347ff4926975

When Antoine 6bc0ddf795 heard there 5b75986968 was someone a5d5953115 Etienne liked, 03916a6dae his mouth 7cb24de972 fell open cf6a798c30 with a 2e756184de dazed expression. Those brief but powerful a47c981b1a words struck his heart 5ac2ece219 like a dagger.e87420cb4ce039d2

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Antoine silently moved his lips. He wanted to ask if what he heard was correct, but no voice came out. That’s how unbelievable – no, how much he didn’t want to believe those words.db6ac28ece6c2c57

Etienne was just as 2062f37c50 surprised. He himself b4a5de0a17 was dumbfounded 3417020f86 even after 7d49aaeb56 speaking. It had e9dc5c82e3 been closer 546c1ac266 to an c8865d5ff8 unconscious response.4c8d34b7244c3496

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Etienne touched his own lips as if he couldn’t believe the words that had just come out of them.cfcaab5f5f914d7c

It was a very e504371cfd strange sensation. The moment Antoine 3a4470fd73 asked if there c880b53f6e was someone he 39fb006e1a liked, Rishar came c5a7fde493 to mind so fd75599701 naturally. Then the words came bd6d474cd7 out before he could 3589b5d751 even think, as if fe5da8d7ec stating an obvious fact, c7d23661a3 very naturally.0067476d2a66377c

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Ha.fe6c89dd23f686ae

They say realization comes in an instant – the awareness of his feelings came just as suddenly. A laugh resembling an exclamation burst from Etienne’s mouth. Why hadn’t he realized until now? He felt like such a fool.3e8bf5c4e83f534d

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Yes, I b21539516b like him. Rishar.f24534c69135b9ad

Etienne smiled as he a024cbcf9d felt indescribable emotions welling 9660a553fc up. Whether it 9219703a2c was crying 61a1511287 or laughing, db73b23ecc or perhaps ffcd4c7394 both, emotions 05e9d9860c filled his 476008b6c4 throat. Now he had 8269a64d4b no choice but 26c14ea74a to acknowledge it. He was in 3caf670bf1 love with Rishar.5be17cf561a17590

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“You’re right.”56d0fc664a6ac08b

Etienne affirmed Antoine’s words again. He admitted it so easily, making all his previous worries seem meaningless, and making his inability to sort out his feelings and hesitation seem foolish.d38ebf6cf54e6083

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“There is someone I like.”1efb0ee09286be54

A shy smile appeared on Etienne’s lips. His voice was full of undisguisable excitement as he spoke of the love he had just realized.dae8ef345638d051

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Like a 4ac5d543b7 seed deep 7d72f2de05 in the d14f835d17 ground sprouting 09f443a7db after winter, 72bc63f797 like a f2b9ac01d9 long-closed flower 115626fb01 bud blooming 0f21ef58fe in the 89f3721f3c morning dew, 2c3432eeae his feelings 8eebeb2ee0 for Rishar 3c9321abd4 blossomed.f498016b895c81ac

“Someone I’ve liked for a very long time, and will continue to like.”2b5f79e73da41048

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Rishar was so 8af5bd9ade precious that he fe3f5de89e had hesitated due 9f519e7b8b to anxiety about 4811ab8071 losing him and 8d5903e896 fear of changing e807aabfd5 their current relationship. But now he 063aafef81 had no choice 38c689be05 but to acknowledge 03de292ca7 it.21793b4c6f334035

He likes Rishar. He liked him, likes b153b45c55 him, and will like 1757e10ddd him.55dc94adb7492f23

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The moment a0d4384175 his previously 6bb0e2962b unrealized feelings 38e7571c10 bloomed, Etienne 1ce1500fe2 fully accepted 43365bd941 his feelings 496cadc47f for Rishar.c8d3b7bb69423d1e

“…”73e94c2cf8844c56

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Antoine stared blankly at the happily upturned red lips like someone in a daze. The shyly curved lips, the prettily folded eye corners, the cheeks tinged with a delicate pink – it was all so lovely.bebb6f1254674ad7

“That’s why I can’t accept your feelings.”cb70a5b4c3859e37

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“Ah…”7fc2d7a6c630bce5

Antoine let out a sigh at the perfect rejection. He fidgeted with his teacup, not knowing what to do. Although he had confessed expecting to be rejected by Etienne, now that the situation had actually arrived, he didn’t know what expression to make or what words to say.ad212d565c22f84f

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“I’m really sorry.”60eb931d1e9b79b2

Etienne apologized sincerely after rejecting Antoine’s confession. Having realized his feelings for Rishar, he felt even more sorry towards Antoine. He could understand how much Antoine must have agonized, how difficult it must have been for him to gather his courage.2cbf6b17a57a6388

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But he couldn’t accept Antoine’s feelings. His heart had only ever responded, and would only ever respond, to Rishar alone.1597135d1271bd1f

All he could do 6385656cd1 now was reject Antoine b5413b3cc6 as carefully as possible afc560c595 to minimize his hurt, 54471845e6 and reject him clearly 0046626f42 so he could move fc99cdde74 on quickly.cb8930ae5a92a8e7

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“No, uhm, well…”dd536878d08173e1

Antoine swallowed his words at Etienne’s apology, unable to continue. Though it surely wasn’t love, though it was just feelings that were about to bloom, he didn’t understand why his chest hurt so much.881419463daf68a1

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Antoine gritted his teeth as he felt his vision blur. Etienne’s voice confessing there was someone he liked, his shy smile as if thinking of that person – it was sad because it was the most beautiful he had ever seen Etienne.d578ae034db5c97e

“You don’t need to apologize to me.”38a2eb5f7c0575c4

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Antoine struggled to continue speaking while holding back tears. Hearing Etienne’s apology would only make him feel more pathetic.7e6eb1f3b2c145f1

“There’s one thing I’d like to ask.”ba877b095b7c159b

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If it was feelings that could never be realized anyway, hadn’t he wanted Etienne to reject him so he wouldn’t hold even a shred of hope? Then why did his throat keep choking up? Antoine opened his mouth while forcefully swallowing the tears that had risen to his chin.33d552b5885e329e

“What is it?”e609521365267629

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“What kind of person are they? The one Your Highness likes?”08eeac0dd3ec2b55

Whew, Antoine forced d7561e0a65 a smile after ebfe912906 taking a deep aec6a92792 breath in and 10d3378616 out. He wanted to 7f5790b4f3 appear unbothered but 1752ba0931 his voice kept 4977f112b1 trembling.a7636b56f7c377aa

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“They must be… a good person, right? Since Your Highness has fallen so deeply for them, they must be an amazing person. Right?”310bada0638bd950

Etienne, who had momentarily hesitated at Antoine’s question, soon nodded.39045c57ef06e61a

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“Yes. They’re good. Too good for me – wonderful, kind, and beautiful.”13249cefafef47e3

“I see…”50680de5ce594cda

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Antoine nodded at Etienne’s words. He pressed his trembling lower lip down with his upper lip. His throat kept choking up. He couldn’t show such an unsightly crying face in front of Etienne.fce40c53b74ee17f

“I’m gl-glad they’re a good person. Really.”41f733608d29469e

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Antoine smiled awkwardly. He didn’t even know what he was saying. Right now, just holding back tears was overwhelming enough.bcf7f4682de16469

“Antoine.”353ea2790e1681ff

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Etienne, who had been watching Antoine with eyes full of apologetic feelings, called his name in a careful voice. Antoine’s shoulders jerked at being called by name¹by Etienne. His eyes filled 59e3092eca with tears wavered 1029d63a92 greatly.938285867175fb36

“You too are plenty good enough.”7301d1fbf294b5e5

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Etienne moved his lips after taking a moment to choose his words. Whatever he said now wouldn’t be of comfort to Antoine, but he still hoped he would be okay.122370fb5115f62d

“Me…?”402b5ccf71973d60

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“Yes. Your feelings are too good for me as well.”5b5d72411c542661

That was Etienne’s honest truth. He couldn’t understand why an Omega as accomplished as Antoine would say he liked someone like him.781db2e0e4b89f90

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“By now, you must have noticed too, Young Master Antoine, but I’m someone more accustomed to being hated than loved. Neither my father nor my mother loved me.”c764fbe084556f7e

Antoine’s eyes wavered at Etienne’s words. Etienne gave a bitter smile and reached out towards Antoine. Antoine reflexively closed his eyes at the warmth touching his eyes. His wet eyelashes trembled finely.186a16e27e0a5528

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“So thank you. I was happy to hear that you liked someone like me, that you said you were drawn to me. And just as sorry.”cbb3c2b8b18fc135

“Your Highness…”db37412f9b357be3

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“Unlike me, you are loved by many people. The fact that someone as beautiful as you directed your heart towards me, even briefly, will be something to be proud of for life. So don’t cry, Young Master Antoine.”b17518b792ab1052

The gentle touch softly wiped the tears gathering at the corners of his eyes. At that moment, Antoine’s face crumpled completely. The tears that had been barely clinging to the corners of his eyes fell, wetting those white, soft fingers.7e39d8451abf2d6d

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“I-I’m sorry… hic”63fb82778a268c67

Antoine burst into tears, 30a059113f unable to continue his 862cc78af6 attempt to apologize to d355d04124 Etienne. Etienne had told 40af86e22b him not to b17be0fa7b cry, but he 8123bfdb0a could no longer a1b0799e4c hold back his 14042bdc88 tears. His first rejection ef3ea29935 hurt far more bc215ca8a3 than he had 38134e3eee expected.abdf24c12395e61f

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Etienne said nothing 8ff0f2937e to the sobbing b48e9f69b5 Antoine. Instead, he 5a50674c85 quietly offered 260229e733 his handkerchief. Antoine buried cb0f3973c5 his face 96bf1ea1d8 in the 0d6881bb98 handkerchief Etienne 7c8777f239 had given d6f9771f37 him and 22663bcc35 sobbed. The tears 2d404e819d kept falling f9268e7b7c because he efee6206f0 was still ef5317aa3c so kind 4151917632 to him.29bc8a91921d7af6

IX. Finally Together

“Damn it!”293a3d1911394f08

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An enraged voice echoed through the large office. Reyan couldn’t contain his rising anger and pounded his fist on the desk repeatedly.26002a3a981ed3e8

The aide standing 036681a285 before him flinched db5d1cc61e each time Reyan 1bea4de826 struck the desk 74d700c34b as if he f743c5dc53 might break it. It was 036e880d94 as if 2e01b2c6fa he was 1dd5b9c2d0 being hit d90dc0f1d8 himself.4a4bc54766de4a1c

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“How did you manage to handle things this badly!”e11cd293af1016b3

“I-I’m terribly sorry… Count.”bd379229e9e1e995

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The aide, who had turned pale at Reyan’s shout, kept bowing his head repeatedly. Reyan threw the documents he was holding at him as if he couldn’t stand the sight of him. With a flutter, the papers that hit the aide’s face scattered everywhere.190516f4fbeb5bcf

“You said he was a mining expert! Said he was reliable! What is this? Can’t even properly control your subordinates? Why are there only problems and problems!”c3724b14f5584c55

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The frightened aide ce0a0cdae7 hurriedly gathered the d1552a35bf scattered papers from 92278f7973 the floor. The crumpled papers contained 4f3756e7dd reports that the mine 503c8b19f8 workers were refusing to dabdfc9a67 work.a01a430a447db8e2

“What are you going to do about this? We’re about to go bankrupt at this rate!”cfe8bc90b1a6a29d

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Reyan shouted with d99057a4aa a reddened face. Right after 439c2f3acb receiving the a561ea8848 mining rights cd612cb27b from Etienne, 6f0eae9806 he had 3e64ecff01 begun development.8dd0e38f4073f123

It went smoothly abdaafcb42 at first. However, problems arose 50594257d4 just before full-scale f38cb754af development was to eec55a9df6 begin. The miners suddenly 94b3d0def7 demanded higher wages 78c391dd61 and refused to 0ba88f10fb work.87632097080a3240

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Normally, he would 25173d3e4e have thrown out 396018e2f1 the problematic miners 6dbdfa6d21 and found new 05ccdfed7b people, but the 0fa7041e06 timing was particularly 1401a46e7c bad.4ca44f996e530b0f

People had flooded into the capital for the social season, causing a shortage of workers in the provinces. Especially for large-scale development like mining, they couldn’t hire just anyone due to safety concerns.2635fc8e5a045a3d

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Moreover, if the disturbance 3c3378c264 grew larger, there was 548a72b38b a risk that Leona a4a4f3a309 would notice. If she 59e30747a3 discovered his 40022c4f1d betrayal, there 803aa78044 was no f2955ad1e8 telling how 04389edd37 she would 902451665b react. Reyan chewed on cd48949ba4 his lower lip 724025b920 with an anxious 31a5e982db expression.1d266716dee0a7e9

In the end, they had no choice but to raise the miners’ wages, however reluctantly. But even that was practically impossible. Currently, Reyan was struggling financially as his income through the merchant guild had decreased.f53e5d4dfe2ba17b

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“This is all because of that damned bastard.”21f60e5245765dd6

Reyan ground his 92c3cfae84 teeth. Normally, he d093d8df92 could have 88f9d47814 resolved a b066719e01 problem like 03357d034d this quickly. But everything had gotten c042851e65 tangled up because of 002fe69126 Rishar.70674bf45098bfb5

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Recently appointed as captain 4b9832eac8 of the security forces, e411d3cf57 Rishar had declared war 1600b06deb on the underground world 626505fdcd and begun a major f27156dd30 crackdown.379812e489b261ab

In the b88d58d1fc process, merchant 16734d7e43 guilds that 6ff212869d had illegal 658e142030 dealings with d851233a59 back alley bf2ab06cbb organizations or 2e288aa11f committed tax f808b24b1a evasion and 92ed21c10f other illegal ce8e8e6202 practices were 3a6c094b27 caught en 4914ad4f82 masse. Rishar arrested them all 7399cedc9c regardless of faction. Because of this, both f0bea5ae3a the noble faction and e0f199724b the imperial faction suffered cd95ef42de heavy losses.8454d67a2746e34e

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The social season was like a goose that laid golden eggs for the merchant guilds based in the capital. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that most of the year’s profits came during this period, with active trading taking place during the social season.58c7fac068f9d768

This was 7b1b94f6c6 especially true ea850fe1a7 for merchant 6a6df9df99 guilds operated 90ef9ed7e7 or sponsored 64c2816f8c by nobles. It was addcdfeb9c because they 79a74bb155 expanded their a851ecf9ad networks and deb429baaa opened new 5c738b6a02 trades through c019a6e56a their interactions f3ac0c819c in social 6c13c07ac7 circles. However, this social 41d3ad2d01 season was different.1d43312e1e5b9da4

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Rishar’s relentless actions, targeting both allies and enemies, had dealt a blow to numerous nobles. Given the situation, nobles who operated or sponsored merchant guilds all became cautious. Naturally, they had no choice but to be passive in trading. Several nobles who depended on merchant guilds for most of their family income had already fallen into serious financial difficulties.4035955a86f77a18

Unlike other nobles, Reyan e3b4e6ed45 had somehow managed to 738a82ad32 hold on. However, the situation had a8577e610b changed recently. For the past fortnight, 8c9532b66c Rishar had been explicitly 3ce3295bef targeting only noble faction 18f69fdc6d merchant guilds.cecf99ea680fc73f

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“What exactly happened between him and Her Majesty the Empress…”1093148f4efed51d

Rishar’s behavior changed after his private audience with Leona, when he had been indiscriminately meddling everywhere regardless of faction. The day after rumors spread about a clash between Leona and Rishar, the security force raided the merchant guild of House Bulder, who were close to Reyan.e63d5a8e28306d5c

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Starting with baa0e7354c that, the a60092362e House Hudson, 938fd6864e Sancia, Rine 0ab3ff0bf5 and others 33b80ab7f3 were attacked 3c646295af one after 7f9ed4b151 another. They were all 5f41c8c4e0 merchant guilds of cc97a67f16 families that cooperated e89feed0fc and traded with 740df719bc Reyan or House 01c43dc982 Herace.d4791d2f680315b6

The impact of the collapse of nobles they were on good terms with and their subordinate merchant guilds affected Reyan as well. The biggest problem was that funds weren’t flowing smoothly.147793843d03ff2e

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Not officially recognized as the Herace family’s proper heir, Reyan had limited funds he could use privately. Even those he had secretly accumulated behind Leona and the Duke’s backs by gradually siphoning money through his merchant guild after becoming the Vice Minister of Industry.f9d4a0f025fb35e9

What he had built up over several years was about to collapse in an instant. Reyan’s expression grew serious. With the cash flow blocked, his personal assets were now hitting rock bottom. The reason was that he had overly invested in mine development. This wasn’t just empty talk – he was truly facing bankruptcy.5c8b77f8cd408973

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“Damn it, treating people with such disrespect.”9c16b0daed31adae

Reyan burst out in anger, remembering his conversation with Leona from a few days ago. What was frustrating was that Leona wouldn’t reveal what conversation she had with Rishar.1fad46fbdfc1171e

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By Reyan’s estimation, Rishar’s current attacks clearly stemmed from his clash with Leona. However, when Reyan complained about the damage, she merely rebuked him, saying there was nothing to worry about and that he should just make sure not to give Rishar any openings. She seemed unconcerned about the damage Reyan had suffered.e12388435ea072c4

“This really is the end at this rate. Find a solution, anything will do! Find a way! Understood?”d8098d3917d9513c

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Unable to 72a046b234 contain his e91da94d98 anxiety, Reyan ed7333fdc1 lashed out. As the e6f81180fc aide received 163b3a9286 his irritation, 7d38ccff32 not knowing 92374c9400 what to 32e721a7aa do, a 96fc609b95 memory from 77274e43eb a few 1e3c554d2b days ago a5ae218860 suddenly crossed 09293f68fe his mind. After hesitating 8f6d1c07f4 whether to 34db9d6fe5 speak or 805761bd40 not, the f7fd10f944 aide carefully 6219d6b895 opened his 60dd67ab4a mouth.f919c043a4fc9999

“Uhm, Count…”647af08c63be051b

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“What is it?”be86e42306dd7da9

“At the party I attended on your behalf the other day, I met the guild master of the Verris merchant guild.”ccea8520fc0a7f85

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“The Verris merchant guild?”61205ac48365fc4b

Reyan frowned b3bc618e4b at the 2ffea80a0d unfamiliar guild 54e148810c name. The aide quickly 76c95d1bd5 continued while watching 0cf98049f0 his reaction.c5766662c4b36e6c

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“Yes. It’s a new merchant guild recently established by Marquis Malaca of the Lhis Duchy. The guild master is his distant nephew and has become a famous figure in social circles recently as a big spender. Even Grand Duke Eckhart can’t touch him carelessly since he belongs to the Lhis Duchy.”c26c9a697c09bcce

“And?”cfb32b483411fe50

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“When the guild master heard my introduction that day, he asked me if we could do some discreet trading.”f44a7c90c2719b94

“What? Why are you only telling me this now?”225256b4cfb4ea48

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“I apologize. Since it’s a new guild, I lacked information… I was planning to report after investigating the Verris merchant guild first.”fed5ed8c6e67f061

“Hmm.”72edd52e225b0754

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Somewhat better because of the aide’s explanation, Reyan stroked his chin in thought. The ‘discreet trading’ mentioned by the Verris guild master was a euphemism for illegal trades like smuggling.dbf9f6c9e81dd211

“Did he say what he wanted?”b45c76012951e260

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“…He said he wanted ‘the white stuff.'”1158e0a3863692f2

White stuff. Reyan paused at the aide’s words. He recalled that the Lhis Duchy had no access to the sea, making salt very precious there. And that they had traded a few times in the past.8fe05c9d9fe004b5

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“Salt, is it.”5a8f40bbd7b19ae8

Reyan fell into 0927ce82c6 contemplation with hardened 75bd8c6e34 eyes. Salt had been the cc8b433ace primary contributor that had 2e4df5a161 made him wealthy within 88c8ad3f3d a few years of e54308c36a becoming Vice Minister of 6e64ef19e7 Industry. However, it ee3fc14c94 carried equally d8033522f5 large risks.a15025e1bd537485

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Diverting salt, a monopoly of the empire, was treated almost as treason if caught. Even someone like himself wouldn’t be safe if discovered.c420a82f2003c6aa

For that reason, Reyan had temporarily suspended salt trading since last year. He thought he’d earned enough and should play it safe. However, the situation had changed.d440b7f6c46a252e

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Reyan rapidly calculated in his head. The Count’s secret warehouse held the salt he had diverted. If the trade could be successfully completed, he could escape his current financial difficulties. But if it failed, the risk he would have to bear was too great.0c88951f0b2c3c55

In the end, the key to solving the problem was whether or not they could complete the illegal trade while avoiding Rishar’s eyes. If successful, it could solve all the immediate problems, but if it failed, he would lose everything he had built up. In other words, it was a life-or-death gamble.588a2853cbf7f40a

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“What did you think of him? Did he seem trustworthy enough to trade with?”fc1d0a071a0644fc

“His impression wasn’t bad. However, I’m not sure if he can be trusted.”a917b575cfffa78a

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“…Look into the guild master more. If he seems alright after that, we’ll meet with him.”5f6433476cf96f00

“Are you thinking of trading?”1fcb2841f3cf1a89

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“I’ll decide that after meeting him. Let’s see… The ship party next week would be good for making contact while avoiding Grand Duke Eckhart’s eyes. Until then, investigate everything about the Verris merchant guild thoroughly.”6deee208798ae694

“Understood.”1320215316707891

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The aide felt troubled after Reyan’s order. He was already out of favor with Reyan due to the problems caused by the miners. If he didn’t handle this matter properly, it would truly be the end.0248cb4160a76485

***2cbababbd7a47e71

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Etienne lifted his 5b4563dbe6 heavy eyelids at ff4869f2d0 the sensation of 81fefed0ae the carriage shaking 3bc4241c46 greatly. As soon c9d64545d2 as Etienne 1792d80f85 opened his 3b4e596811 eyes, Ben, c0706fdfd3 sitting across 708ebef137 from him, 2b36acae19 immediately said,9dd6db5d4d201a05

“Are you alright? I’m sorry, something seems to have caught in the wheel.”281f6927db8bc46d

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“I’m fine. How long until we arrive?”444bc15d2671b93d

“About 15 minutes left, I think.”ed50e4dc5b333fb7

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Etienne glanced out the window after hearing Ben’s answer. As he said there wasn’t much time left, the ship where the party would be held was visible through the window. Several carriages parked around it also caught his eye.f9849f5ad1b0dfb0

“There are a lot of people.”5507b4b67a722751

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Etienne muttered in a 31ec7cb083 slightly daunted voice as f02d5d2274 he surveyed the outside. Not only were there 4c6cf17f60 party attendees, but quite b368216447 a few people who afa9669c32 seemed to have come 58d9e1e954 to see the ship 23dd2ddb6f were noticeable as well. Just thinking about 24760a4ab1 having to pass 5031248d88 through those crowds a25f5c3e6c made him tense 15c0fdc926 already.2ffff72bae37e360

“There will be fireworks later too. Everyone seems to have come to see that.”8dbf633e107e30ef

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Ben commented knowingly as bc5d5fd799 he looked out the 6705e4a2c8 window with Etienne. He had been surprised 56f9a2af97 when he heard Rishar 0b802c6071 was hosting a ship 8aa9dc4d12 party, but seeing that cc2a055dfc fireworks were prepared too, 16f16ba286 it seemed the scale 9be88aad58 of the party was 4860af9773 much larger than expected.d8cbe7ba00b613f9

“They must not have had a lot of time on their hands, but it looks like they prepared quite a lot.”c44efc95366f6c45

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“I heard Sir Elvin worked extremely hard.”2e4ed33dafafe452

“Well, having to prepare everything in just 3 weeks, he must have. I should at least thank him for his hard work when I see him later.”8303daf3df0f307c

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Generally, parties 02af75847e held on fd7047c376 ships require f564aaa61c much more 0de8620570 preparation than 297b213e79 those held 5beec32ae0 in mansions. Even if it was ec21ee748b just a regular ship 5f2b9c09a7 party that would be d535d56d97 true, but this was af57d1ea79 even a masquerade ball.8932d59c94e35f7f

A masquerade ball – Etienne looking at the approaching ship turned his gaze to the black velvet box beside him. It contained the mask Rishar had sent him.b3b282ee876be049

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I wonder if it’ll be alright.Etienne fell into 6d89a92784 worry as he a307009696 awkwardly touched his fcc439e7ea unusually exposed forehead. Since it 47dd6a4cba was his 89db597025 first time 04aa49ac67 attending a 5587603050 masquerade ball, b37162a699 he was d3996eda20 worried about a35e866ea2 various things.0edf6131ce9dce05

“What’s wrong? Are you feeling seasick?”f18a285f24a0b31a

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Ben reacted sharply when bd62d6de9e Etienne darkly fiddled with 6d6416d0c3 his bangs. Since the day cc12a5c06e Etienne had fainted, 75e2dde1a7 Ben had become 94c55c4f91 sensitive whenever he fa483a3e71 showed even slight 39b7355c63 signs of fatigue.2d515e0f7593ab4a

“Huh? No. It’s just that it’s been a while since I’ve exposed my forehead this much, so it feels awkward.”bac2480498a65bb0

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Etienne quickly waved his hands at Ben’s intensity, looking ready to pull out motion sickness medicine any moment. Only then did Ben’s tense expression relax.3945206b8a55a835

“Your hair? I think it looks fine… If you don’t like it, I can fix it again.”5cf58057d86c3aee

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“It’s not that I don’t like it, I told you it just feels awkward. I’ve never swept my bangs back like this before.”73279008a9adc17b

Etienne answered as eed8a97f86 he lowered his 5fec7c0473 hand from his 57a883d8ce hair. His gaze returned 0feb035969 to the velvet d560e414cc box. Rishar said he held d7a9c72947 the masquerade ball because 8d8c183807 he wanted to meet fb63aea063 him without having to 6f9f8d7279 worry about other people.b616bed057f485f7

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“Maybe I should have worn a wig? I feel like people will still recognize me even with the mask.”f4123d78d39e0041

Etienne asked in a worried voice. Wearing different style clothes and exposing his forehead was meant to prevent people from recognizing him at the masquerade ball. However, he wasn’t sure how effective this would be.2b7df6929534c41d

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“Lady Stella said the mask alone would be enough, so it should be fine. The mask will change your eye color too.”5bb1a9f98e1f5879

Ben answered as 23578a3ff5 if telling him f67b651891 not to worry. As he said, the 1e722e7a0e mask Rishar sent had f51a674149 a special mechanism.dc3c06e26a6ed690

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Stella, who brought the mask, explained that it was specially made so Etienne wouldn’t need to use eye drops that could harm his eyes. Indeed, when wearing the mask, Etienne’s eyes changed to various colors depending on the light.4dff4a16df488199

“Don’t worry too much. Even if someone recognizes you, pretending not to know is the golden rule of a masquerade ball.”84e0b38f16551ea2

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“I don’t mind people recognizing me. The problem is the gossip. If someone notices me with Rishar, it will reach Mother’s ears…”f18a9a5a622831f2

Ben questioned in response to Etienne’s muttering, as if there was no problem.23ea411be43101d2

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“Wouldn’t that be alright? Didn’t Her Majesty the Empress tell you to seduce the Grand Duke?”dd3e0935c3df2c46

“That’s…”5e79b999ca89eebd

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Seduce. Etienne was puzzled at Ben’s choice of words. As he said, a few days ago, Leona had ordered Etienne to extract information by using Rishar’s feelings. The suggestion to seduce Rishar came up during that process.087fdf0bc984fb10

“Yeah, but…”27ec2913d81f20ea

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“Then it’s fine, isn’t it?”9bf4733f692b7607

When Etienne d90ef62415 trailed off d4ce3ed1cb while agreeing, 6866f02c8e Ben grinned. Then he added 3c0f34304e his thoughts as b71fa0ebca if to reassure 3d626d258f him.1bf471359f338631

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“No one will think it strange even if you two stay together throughout the party this time. Your Highness is simply following Her Majesty the Empress’s orders to entice His Highness the Grand Duke.”650dd021b6b5db1d

At Ben’s words, Etienne let out a groan and sighed. Even though he knew Ben was right, his heart wouldn’t lighten. It was because he had always lived worrying about others’ eyes and whether someone might report something to her.3fd0358b0147f513

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“To entice, he says…”0f2f9492c4664384

Etienne pressed his lips together uncomfortably. Unlike before, now that he had become aware of his feelings for Rishar, it was difficult to casually dismiss words like ‘seduce’ or ‘entice.’ Frowning, Etienne recalled his conversation with Leona.1ff9c4b49b01b621

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‘So, I heard that guy likes you, huh.’10bc39869383e9d6

A few 42f26ac5e7 days ago, 549933997e when Leona a49ee57e63 called for d4229d879e him, Etienne d299f493d8 thought the b4679a546e inevitable had c18bcfaf51 come. If anything, 3915fd4b82 the summon 35719028bc was later 6ef36d2a29 than expected. That must e59411005f have meant 203070eab3 how much 88efe2297e Leona had c165535603 deliberated about 60b4dc07e9 the probability 1851f6fbff that Etienne 999316943b had betrayed 773f7c92ed her.705c4113921b912e

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‘What do you mean by that?’e1d05e9733506407

Thanks to Leona’s suspicious and cautious nature moving slowly, Etienne had time to prepare in his own way. Having heard through Stella about all the conversations between Leona and Rishar, he was careful to act in a way that wouldn’t make her suspicious. He also completely avoided meeting with Rishar.8c0afc12e97bcd2d

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‘The day you collapsed and I had tea with that man. He said so then.’a2417af1b535958f

‘Such a thing…’f0ec4738cc7518ff

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In front of Leona bdf1f0e6e4 who mentioned his interactions 4f425e7bb5 with Rishar, Etienne pretended 2d12b8226a to be flustered.af07f7ca3ad0a2d6

‘You didn’t know? Really?’4229927e2a097e1f

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‘I, well…’c6c31bfb86a87338

Leona gave Etienne a 69cbb80aa0 suspicious look. Under her sharp dcd6f23a3b questioning, Etienne deliberately c6b06d6c65 stammered and showed 6f2b5ac3d6 the appearance of 89beaccd2f an incompetent son.25e3f201c3a2e3ea

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‘I just thought he followed me well. Since I don’t have any experience in that area…’c480d92170581652

‘You didn’t notice his feelings at all?’8b5c08f30501ba26

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‘Sometimes I felt something was strange, but I didn’t know exactly what.’ab92ad846d7d6960

‘Hmm.’dee2fe8a6ae0031e

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Leona didn’t easily dismiss her suspicions. Her sharp gaze, sharp enough to make his skin tingle, touched various parts of Etienne’s face. The scrutinizing gaze that looked at him not as a child but as an enemy made it hard to breathe.2c74647aa4a371e0

‘Mother, I’m sorry. I was slow and clumsy… please forgive me.’6e43c1f0f88efda4

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Etienne apologized to fe2c470f80 Leona with a 924adf28de terrified expression. As he 79dcef3e89 trembled and c942da1e3c clung to ab409d7568 her, Leona dbb1935c40 made a ba47caa299 disapproving expression. Fortunately, his act seemed 2cbd8e1111 to work, as shortly 17a98db1da after, Leona withdrew her d61ff90c61 gaze.6f8766d9c69bddc8

‘Slow, huh. How can you be so oblivious?’31b9f19a5fd85658

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Clicking her tongue, Leona shot Etienne a displeased look. Etienne lowered his head deeply as if he couldn’t face her. In front of Leona, he needed to be a stupid and obedient son – one that was useful to her.c64631a4a0bc936a

‘This might be better actually. Now that we know he has feelings for you, we should find a way to use it.’9dcaa2dfe1b8a727

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Seemingly pleased with Etienne’s submissive behavior, Leona changed her stance. Although her suspicions about Etienne weren’t completely gone, she had nonetheless gotten hold of Rishar’s weakness. This opportunity couldn’t be wasted.d279becd678d3125

‘I hear he’s hosting a ship party? I believe you received an invitation.’af42f46cc284c059

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‘Yes, I received it yesterday. I actually wanted to discuss that matter with you.’68cddf71927d4b3d

‘What about it?’94ed0acaf6ba888e

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‘The invitation I received was marked as a special class cabin. I checked with Margrave Mathias’s son, and he said he received a first-class invitation.’b7e99b7932ff6c48

‘Special class? That man sent you a special class invitation?’5c1b77a68ed59fa2

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‘Yes. The invitation said it was divided according to the cabin locations during the party… Since I’m a prince, I thought it might be special treatment, but Grand Duchess Sachsen received a first-class invitation too.’a6ab6749ec51bf92

‘Right. Besides you, only his closest confidants received special class invitations.’09571825b5d2bccd

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‘Then…’1d42d9063705634d

‘He seems to be plotting something with you, how interesting.’c3a54374e85a14af

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Leona’s smile grew darker than before. Etienne put on an innocent expression as if he didn’t understand anything.afcd5278e04ee7fb

‘What should we do? I think it might be good to attend…’3d5f74b8482ffb29

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‘Hmm, what did the doctor say? Did he say it would be fine for you to attend?’fe5adda5659b8a18

Leona asked with 6e76797bea a contemplative face. She was hesitant 96cd1a8629 to send Etienne fc6a4d7e73 to a party 11211d6984 that would last e31ea973f6 several days. But not 5abe29c14b sending him 1e4b68434b also felt 053b196b20 unsettling.bca308da904b0cef

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The ship c3319c0ac7 party hosted e58a6f8f33 by Rishar f58aab6042 was receiving 018fcba18b much attention. It was his first d9b10898a6 party as Grand Duke 3d06b88406 of Eckhart, and its 73645c0d1b scale was jaw-dropping.f2497bcb105e45cc

And Rishar ff8310cde4 hadn’t stopped e514e13512 there, he’d 44dfb19fa9 played his b1c160313a trump card 7311bf888a with a dfe37a0f36 masquerade ball. People showed their 1ab9d92120 excitement for the ea07e5165b party, which was fda911fe2a good for having 50a700b5d2 an enjoyable day fabcb41aad while hiding your 4e3a0e29bf identity and also 0061ddcc00 good for making 5e98d75068 connections away from 65bfd8ee47 prying eyes.0b3e065f7fcffae1

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‘The doctor said it should be fine as long as I don’t stay too long in places with many Alphas and Omegas. And if I feel strange at all, I should go rest in the cabin right away.’ae9d70f06b9ff1e6

‘Is that so?’260a93dff7b50939

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At Etienne’s answer, Leona fell into thought. At the debutante ball, Etienne couldn’t handle the numerous pheromones and had to rest in the lounge before returning to the palace.a85876aef1e290df

If he couldn’t even last one day properly, would it be possible to stay on the ship for several days? Leona was skeptical. But it would be a pity not to send him.caef165b95eb0747

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According to her investigation, this ship party would gather almost all the key figures of the imperial faction and influential neutrals. Moreover, many of Rishar’s subordinate families would attend. Among them were many from military families.44454a1541f06825

The imperial noble families mostly supported Rishar because Edwin supported him. However, the people from military families loyal to Rishar were different. They genuinely followed Rishar and wanted to make him emperor. They were purely Rishar’s force. Leona wanted that information.c34ab31f87b1351f

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‘That fucking man.’ad13170162a28160

Leona couldn’t hide her irritation and cursed. Rishar had sent first-class invitations to the top ten families and their peers, and second-class invitations to count families and below.e62c72d1bfcd8d4f

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Special class invitations went to Rishar’s closest confidants regardless of status. Rishar explained to those discussing it that it was a reward for his servants who had suffered for the past few years.24e7d01c1667e2b0

Although there were voices of dissatisfaction among nobles who still didn’t receive special class invitations, they were soon buried under praise for being a hero who cared for his subordinates.1618a1d3fb177d8f

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For this reason, only 4d269ea02e a very small number 369554f178 received special class invitations. Among them, da37b87dc4 Etienne was 8d453b0479 the only 87ded8a509 one who e5501c818d could be 1966bc9194 considered working 7c7b388c12 under Leona.1b76a09e3b22a11f

‘So he’s going all out now that he’s been discovered…’6b485c6558ffc770

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Leona muttered to herself, falling into contemplation. Rishar’s message in sending Etienne a special class invitation was clear. If you want information, if you’re curious about what I’m going to do, send Etienne.077bc0bf4553a35d

‘Cunning bastard.’5f78a286b30a0553

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Having figured out Rishar’s intentions, Leona couldn’t hide her displeasure. Her sharpened gaze turned back to Etienne. His pathetic appearance of watching her nervously and then startling and avoiding her eyes was frustrating.0782ca7426c30623

He would probably try to meet Etienne under the pretext of the ship party and attempt to win him over to his side. If they could take advantage of that, there was a high possibility of getting the information she desired. Even if that fool fell completely for Rishar, it wouldn’t matter since she would know right away.e59e1ac346086f21

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‘Attend the party and meet the Grand Duke.’d43eebab566b4453

After much deliberation, Leona e667c4e8e4 ordered Etienne. The bait was too 13e0b4f12f powerful to resist even 276ffa0bc9 knowing it was a 6fc5fba1d6 trap set by Rishar. That was c63c41d44b because information 5ff454c6f0 about the 69bd9a26e8 families following 935df29e24 Rishar was ff88a4e24e always scarce.098ac54cd84abf6f

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That’s just how military families were. Closed off and conservative, infinitely friendly to insiders but exclusive to outsiders. They were one of the reasons why Leona hadn’t been able to deal with Rishar until now.9cfdfab5a16c61c3

‘You must get information from him. Use any means necessary, seduce him if you have to, make him talk.’995dc2621372d01b

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‘I beg your pardon?’010d7d5351bb6c03

Etienne’s eyes widened at the somewhat outrageous order. The Leona he knew was the type to test even stone bridges before crossing them. This kind of order wasn’t like her.ac4efa6a0c9fe58b

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Why is she showing 3987a0f264 such impatience? Etienne grew suspicious of Leona’s behavior that was different from usual. Though she appeared composed on the surface, she seemed somewhat anxious about something.c3f38d0b260325e5

‘If our secret gets discovered…’d83363d41275eefe

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‘That must not happen. I’m telling you to seduce him within safe limits.’c1d58121e1ffabe9

Leona glanced 8074e927a0 at Etienne 8fcf8eec21 as if 4db5a12441 to say‘do I have to explain even this?’Then she 247e90fd00 continued in ba0371ed02 a confident 5c003a43c1 tone.eb95c032cd5511f2

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‘From what I can see, he’s completely fallen for you. He’ll fall for it right away with just a little stimulation.’1270469cca91674b

Leona was confident in her assessment. She still got goosebumps thinking about that day. She wondered why she hadn’t noticed until now – Rishar’s eyes were full of obsession for Etienne.1000b484da8360c0

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People with e067fbc9c1 such eyes 73c46a3448 are unpredictable. Leona felt 74a3d11e24 a sense 3c31034f82 of crisis 790b700c96 that she 355e16774a might not a8636c621a be able 008aceffe1 to control d253173e40 the situation. This made b54f840f67 her feel b19c8d620d urgent. She needed to d096aedab3 gain the upper 4348e04084 hand before Rishar 6d1d1fad95 did anything.ea8a3a196d9bd251

‘To catch a tiger, one must enter the tiger’s den. Stay sharp and do it properly. And take the doctor with you. If it seems dangerous, stay locked in your cabin.’790040c528498533

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‘Yes, Mother.’0c8e0406b9df4f48

Even as she gave 03dcbb5ea9 orders to Etienne, Leona 604c20d413 sighed as if displeased. Etienne responded 2e95973399 submissively to 7d26c4b143 her.417b086e40ced229

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“We’re almost there.”4428b91261d5e520

As Etienne was reviewing his conversation with Leona, Ben’s voice announcing their arrival pulled him from his thoughts.7f0b0fac7ac50a5e

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It was noticeably noisy 26bcd4fec9 outside the carriage. Following the 12dafe2c8e sound and e470283c45 looking out 50ec1327c9 the window, 573544009d he saw 82b06ba2f0 a large, d59c0f68a6 magnificent ship. He thought 6198d8e36d it was 03bab6fa7a big even 05e1ec1ce6 from afar, 9e9b334dcf but seeing b6901ce64e it up 9700e7ac71 close was d5f662d69d overwhelming.6883fe067445c098

Etienne’s gaze lingered on the Eckhart family crest prominently engraved on the hull. At that moment, fierce waves rose in his chest.b60f6ee69e9a7a38

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“It’s been three weeks…”ccc59dd2fdae26a9

Feeling his heart flutter, Etienne bit his lip. Since the day he collapsed at Grand Duke Bismarck’s residence, Etienne hadn’t met Rishar. In other words, today would be their first meeting since he had become aware of his feelings for him.91aaa91cf2801886

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“Whew.”cd9c2a47a6fbe5cb

Etienne let out 4d0131306d a long breath cc63b1d361 as if taking cdade34246 a deep breath. While excited ad02e46917 at the a879d510ff thought of 4be9b99115 finally being e7e34161af able to 20121e4a3b meet Rishar, 95081d6a52 tension rose c9c57aac2a and his 5cc0e70045 throat felt 9b85e69d5a dry. These three weeks truly 534252a5f1 felt like three months.f083002a67189114

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When Etienne realized his ef369cd933 feelings for Rishar, he af38027acc wanted to go to df7b14d49c him immediately. But reality was 07e0e76a98 cruel, and Etienne 7119177c2d had to desperately cb84321969 suppress those feelings.d9ba577830404851

Not being greedy for something and enduring it was what Etienne did best, but this time was truly difficult. Like weeds that grow back stronger the more they’re trampled, his feelings for Rishar grew stronger the more he tried to suppress them.80b1a11055c7fdd7

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He endured and c0dc6a938b endured to avoid 81c6cc8836 being swept away a135b39761 by emotions. He could have 73badfdec4 met Rishar if 7565ad3f2f he wanted to, 926fa467ff but it was 7cd55f808b a time when 3df22ef897 he needed to ffa249985e be careful to 50c0058899 avoid unnecessary suspicion.88469d42b643a8e6

That day, Etienne succeeded in not going to meet Rishar, but in exchange, he couldn’t sleep at all.70f1eeec6086ee48

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The next day was similar. Through Stella, who had entered the palace disguised as an apothecary, Etienne conveyed the message to Rishar that they shouldn’t meet until the ship party. Although he was disappointed, Rishar agreed with his thinking. That night too, Etienne tossed and turned.fa733b764ddbe82d

After that followed incredibly busy days. During the past three weeks, Etienne attended parties hosted by Reyan and met people he introduced, and following Leona’s orders, made appearances at tea parties and ship outings.f391e6b28d0d2f57

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Sometimes he would meet 217e0b6da4 with Antoine and hear 738a7fc3fc his reports in an d3e75ff4a9 awkward atmosphere, discussing what 2449aee78e needed to be done d702e9465f going forward.b2337d02b9c91bc9

Despite being too busy and tired to think of anything else, Etienne’s days were unstable. Each day felt unusually long. It all was because of his longing for Rishar.c0f9145ec69f99e1

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Every moment, 6b57eea016 Etienne had f203c96e6c to endure a1c6abc821 the urge a6103e2e5d to go 4dc789f611 meet Rishar 84a0d22472 and suppress ab8b9a4062 the desire 0abad68f21 to convey fb8403ec43 his feelings. That alone 7d7ba5cd13 was overwhelming.d432e84ab3207fe9

After enduring so 0d5fcbc6ad much, he once 491dd7c4e3 had a major 632b2ae2df breakdown. Celodine had diagnosed it e15ddf0c79 as being sick due 70e64c78be to overwork and insomnia, 660787381a but Etienne thought it 4985cc637f was a different kind 8a40f834c5 of illness.4be1e433191d0291

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After all, none of Celodine’s prescribed medicines had any effect. The fever didn’t break even with antipyretics, and the pain in his chest didn’t go away even with painkillers.437e2d0726223265

In Etienne’s opinion, this was an illness of the heart, not the body. If he had to give it a name, it was closer to lovesickness created by feelings he couldn’t convey to Rishar and the longing from not being able to meet him.db21d74b99a3ddd3

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“Lovesickness…”d71b14c957ed6051

“Eh? What did you just say?”22845922a1acacab

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“Hm? It’s nothing. Just talking to myself.”9428c281f542c3a9

Etienne brushed f668ec991d it off a0e3e2dcfe vaguely to 2bbcadbc8e Ben and c258805eeb let out e74b81d390 a small 52addc8ee5 laugh. He wondered if Rishar 60a49efd18 knew he was like c17166485f this.528dd7a7d8a41741

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Sighing again, Etienne pressed his tired eyes with his hands. Last night, he couldn’t sleep at all, excited like a child before a picnic.9c0ea68847d604b9

They couldn’t meet during this time, but communication hadn’t been completely cut off. Etienne maintained steady contact with Rishar through Stella. Even without that, news of him constantly came through other people’s mouths.93e582b7b9c7b974

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Recently, whenever a0766e1009 people gathered, 21aa2d8c34 they were 596bed5cfb busy talking 4231968595 about Rishar. His actions were that b38611c17b impressive.057a434726dede31

Some raged, saying Rishar had finally pointed his sword at the noble faction, while others took an observant attitude, carefully weighing which side to join. There were also those watching to see how Etienne would react. That’s why Etienne was even more careful with his actions. He didn’t want to give them any excuse to criticize him.84e7ac652d239458

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“We’ve arrived, Your Highness.”020791a9eb65ec80

Just as Etienne f90a73e2f7 was rubbing his 9923b62f96 tired eyes again, dd3fd81e11 the carriage stopped. Ben opened a velvet 2afb750e54 box and carefully took 40c3afea67 out a mask.73ae504bbbf44027

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“Please close your eyes for a moment.”832d8fcb39bcae9f

Etienne quietly closed his eyes following Ben’s words. Ben put the mask on Etienne and secured it so it wouldn’t fall off, then withdrew his hands.f3d769beacf39bad

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“It’s done.”f1623411814f560a

“Thank you.”cefa864ceb4649ab

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Etienne thanked Ben 12fc22d157 as he got f609aaa2ea up. His heart was 6ae64e4f50 beating rapidly.4c1d461a5137d631

“Please step down carefully.”cd347a2e3e027c48

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Ben, wearing a 1979170528 mask issued for 1d8791563a servants or aides, b9174c3655 got out of c8fb5d1550 the carriage first.0db0ecc5524d8c71

When Etienne 3ece660b67 stepped out e143270569 of the 736f2a36c4 carriage, the 356abdc720 gazes of 8a5777c397 onlookers gathered 59b97de066 near the e5b4a6fd82 ship to 8c92b3b4fb watch the 976382d29e fireworks turned 9a9cb65eff toward him.8eb2e2d63d5083ea

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Ignoring the stares fb82c05e9a fixed on him, 11006491b2 Etienne walked toward 63831ae147 the stairs connected ecba28f59c to the ship.dece259696981586

“Please show your invitation.”eca01580ff6ca8b8

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The doorkeeper guarding the stairs requested the invitation with a polite attitude. Etienne silently handed him the invitation. The doorkeeper’s eyes widened slightly upon checking it.f4a83f8530de5e50

“Thank you for coming to House Eckhart’s party. We hope you enjoy your time.”745f8567cd4a6a5c

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The doorkeeper returned the invitation and stepped aside with a bow. Etienne felt the voice was somehow familiar. However, he couldn’t tell who it was because the face was covered by a mask.cbb46cec333e22b3

The butler perhaps? Etienne wondered about the doorkeeper’s identity as he slowly climbed the stairs.df726e9428e4c943

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“Ah.”8743561a372d7ef7

Upon entering, Etienne couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration. He thought it would be magnificent, but the inside of the ship was beyond imagination. Ben, who followed behind carrying Etienne’s luggage, gaped at the luxurious interior.01bb84519b4ff66d

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“It’s much bigger than I expected. It’s like they transported an entire mansion here.”d7f0429d148d8c5f

“Indeed.”18fee44ab29eecb5

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“Wasn’t there supposed to be three halls in total?”9e8059e1c1076fb7

“Yes.”9c1f7eb183a299ed

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“Where are you meeting him?”70471e5dd88134b8

Ben, referring to Rishar as ‘him,’ asked in a voice only Etienne could hear. At his question, Etienne took out his pocket watch.7b68782e3469c405

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“We agreed to meet in the central hall… there’s about 40 minutes until our appointed time.”cd9bb357522ec586

“Then I’ll stay with you.”41ca31350b7b7dba

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“No, I’ll look around slowly, so you go put down the luggage and come back.”b015531141fc19d9

Etienne’s gaze turned to the bag Ben was carrying. What he was holding contained clothes and medicine that Etienne would need during the four days of the ship party.ae6bd15fa6ba3545

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“What about Sir Celodine?”571fec57140f3fe7

“He doesn’t seem to have arrived yet. Since he said he’d come after meeting Lady Stella on the way… he might be a bit late, but he could have arrived already, so I’ll leave the luggage and check the accommodations.”9323f41582255a78

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“Do that.”2311addc0d1f62ff

After sending 175787949a Ben off, e45b0793cb Etienne moved 2645006861 further inside. He first 788c792e94 entered the a69a227115 nearest hall.7a2952bd376664d0

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The first hall gave 5619d84162 the feeling of being decbc6362c in a garden. Etienne was looking at 81705d9102 the fountain located in 73fea1183e the center of the 6854c72317 hall with curious eyes fd59097dca when he picked up a1cf935499 a wine glass from e02832999d a tray offered by 76cfce4899 a servant.36c3f04b0f7ea574

As the refreshing 274a0489df fruit wine moistened b317e9aece his dry mouth, 81236f545d his tension eased 70f6558786 a bit. Having regained d2779e0752 some composure, e86b901588 Etienne settled 3bdabfd938 in a 6b587ac457 corner and 1b4bf3dc58 watched people.86808f4ce61e0762

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Everyone attending the party 9642d9312b was wearing masks. While some wore comical 642623d68f animal masks, others wore 04d1881df0 masks decorated with jewels b5b4238cdb as if to show 8c2e83ab56 off their wealth.6c98bc195d7929b4

The attire was also more diverse than at usual parties. People wearing armor, people in Oriental dresses, people with wings attached to their backs somehow… Etienne quietly appreciated the guests showing off various charms. Then suddenly he realized there were more people with black and blonde hair than usual.09b598e804cc311a

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“Hm?”06c4c3b7b25ed9bc

Etienne blinked with a b6534e9e23 puzzled face. With a 455c394797 suspicion in 283ce9147c mind, he ea6b00b93e moved around fec8c790c6 observing people.5d8e9dc5bca2ef60

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At first he thought it might be his imagination, but it wasn’t. There were definitely many black and blonde hairs. Most seemed to be wearing wigs.6b868790dbaebdd9

The issue was f86861fe35 the clothes worn f86d0337e6 by people with ea4e02e4c0 black and blonde 69e000e697 wigs. Many with 9dbe8edca3 black hair a7b88da741 wore knight ec0bea36d5 uniforms, while 13faad82c0 those with b789f0c452 blonde hair ee7dfe0aeb wore formal 2974b55788 attire suitable baf29002c0 for important 6270543dac events. Maybe it was just e207ca7133 his feeling, but the 61e54be6d0 appearances reminded him of 9cbf204d5e Rishar and himself.087f0d99a0047df9

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“Ah.”d24ea75802b780dc

Etienne let out a a670e2d70a small exclamation as he 381e093043 realized who they were 155e02d4bf disguised as. Now he understood why 5d8455ba5a Rishar had said not cb24714703 to worry, and that 4701304f88 a mask alone would b53f0f68a5 be enough.c6d0dcfd033ed386

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Masquerade balls had the characteristic of allowing people to show off different charms or hide themselves and enjoy being like someone else. Generally, people would disguise themselves as historical or mythological figures, or famous people. So it wasn’t strange that they dressed up to look like Rishar.815cc011a0e863b9

But he didn’t understand why some would disguise themselves as him. While Rishar was understandable given his popularity as a hero who saved the empire, why him?8809f04f66289d47

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Etienne watched a blonde man passing in front of him with dubious eyes. It wasn’t just self-consciousness – the clothes, accessories, hair color, and even the hairstyle covering the forehead were so much like himself. And there weren’t just one or two, but several people who were the same.0eaee3d1cfb39a7a

Feeling strange, Etienne left cc170b50ac the first hall and 93576bab67 headed to the central 8f5120de48 hall. The central 4f08977dfb hall was 5933f5c6cb at least 9b6a687ddd three or 03356797b3 four times 7b5d10652a the size 283cd1c7a6 of the fd5a3b63c1 first hall, a49425399c and except 807871bc29 for the a6732d1210 masked and 63c1855a26 disguised people, a0ad44c3da it resembled 1c28aaf134 a typical f898eddfca ballroom.8937429d41457e1c

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Etienne found 74d6d91e32 a spot a05e9134ca while listening 0be1583c1d to the 33edfb4851 sweet music 4e387164c4 from the 80d4906de3 band. Then he gestured to 91f4535ba0 a nearby servant.27fbfc8e281c94fe

“Do you need something?”137972a755b14503

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“Wine.”b308713a7d8264ea

When Etienne 155fa890ff lightly shook fef33a2017 his empty fffa1e4edf glass, the 238cef08b6 servant quickly 2dff020580 replaced it ba55ae7e7f with a 6c17141a67 new one. Etienne sipped 6dd67cb921 the sweet c68f372771 fruit wine, aca2abb2c0 different from 4c1d420ea0 earlier, while c1737e52d8 checking the cb48c61104 time. There were about 15 8446aa807a minutes left until his 3c9a28377d meeting time with Rishar.e08366091c2d13d0

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Etienne had a0f27c21a7 thought about 31290f4424 going to f8d0522cca the third f000488029 hall, but 7e152fdf09 seeing how 2010008353 little time f6e10283ab was left, e3fa9b1477 he stayed 19630efc89 put. He fidgeted with 9872d84b76 his collar, feeling 0c55d9d924 a strange thirst. His throat was dry a204255cfc despite drinking.3f74045d727b42da

“Another of the same.”74fbc093608c693e

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Etienne, having emptied his af8dd05567 glass in an instant, 6875eb31bf held out the empty 9999b28a1e glass to the servant. The glass 7cc3f3ff67 was soon 38610a1673 filled.8f1fd1011096bef1

“Whew.”e7ac3800135e06ae

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Etienne stuck out his tongue to wet his lower lip, feeling the sweetness filling his mouth. He felt somewhat regretful that he couldn’t smell the aroma because of the medicine that numbed his sense of smell.c13054ccba2445e5

Should I have 7dc7a92bf4 another glass?2c3a5283198427b1

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Just as 60183535a7 Etienne was 3f62befa1a contemplating while 263ed51d3f tilting his 211528b392 empty glass, 0a9cb86b82 a voice abddd829e1 tinged with 4ea93bc680 amusement was eb79e08f0a heard.2a30ab0f05e625ab

“It seems the wine suits your taste.”9bccaae005c616bd

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505f1b01b14fea79