ANR Ch 10

The room 5added0cb8 was filled b85b5663a9 with all 35aaca024b sorts of 6353a820a0 embarrassing tools. Only then did b5f06b62d3 Yves realize why c09a469a71 Madame had asked 6c67338414 if he had 0b6c9ff418 a new lover. This was a 73d2ecf688 room for male d855d5f0d3 escorts.b5b388648b1a9120

The floor was 5d71d6e521 covered with two 8a03948a05 or three layers e46ea6817d of carpets, and 300041bafc large pillows and 5818f146e7 blankets served as ad94c5cca4 a bed, since 9545b3faf5 there was much bc87e3e10e rolling around on 878c5d0d01 the floor. There was 21d66272fa hardly any c1d67c4811 furniture visible.479d8356644b94fb

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Claude was pacing in front of a nightstand that had been treated with olive oil. On it were arranged various sizes of artificial genitals, oils, and ointments. He picked up a red ointment tin and began examining it from all angles. Its surface was smooth, indicating it hadn’t been used yet.9b2ebef432834296

“Madame likes to collect unusual items.”82ec003dbecd6f95

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“Do you know what this is used for?”89a2551d8d09ca26

He handed ecb15fc042 the red d16e19bdda ointment tin 0725e92657 to Yves. Yves dabbed a bit 8c54521120 on his finger and a03392240c rubbed it. The substance quickly 8f4dffbcca became thick.5f2a83b60a968ef9

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“It doesn’t seem like a lubricant… The texture is odd.”0a0ad6e9637b050e

Yves looked up 871c512bf3 at Claude, seeming f4e1a26123 not to understand.e91e985ee2d3af92

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“They say it’s an ointment designed for those who are too large down there. It’s supposed to help only halfway go in.”8baf44a4a53d3fdf

Yves scoffed, finding a9d1908e18 it ridiculous.a7718a90d1bbaf48

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“What a useless thing. Who would refuse a big one?”d794c96ad34d35b8

“Is that so? That’s a relief.”c53081725bba65db

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Claude gave a faint 2ca5351f71 smile as if he afb008440e were imagining something. Yves wiped his 1a94c5715b ointment-covered finger with 44247bbd8a a handkerchief and 1a3f893a17 asked how he 26ddefd3dc knew about it.e89d8fd5bd6501f3

“My subordinates met smugglers during their perimeter duties. They told me that items for brothels are becoming increasingly popular these days.”f27606dce6cb4bb4

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“Living up to Paris’s reputation.”b4b050f9c9fe9d30

Claude nodded bcdd46471d and put 2256de5f1d the red 1f23d457ae ointment tin bf180df4e5 back in 1c1e071e06 place. With the living proof 305d09c87d standing right in front 383225e3b3 of him, there was 87e765fb81 no room for contradiction.7891f4afd12ed5a0

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Yves would come here weekly, spend about an hour, then either go straight home or head to a gambling den. Despite repeatedly stating that he didn’t need assistance, Claude never listened. As if he were keeping watch, he only returned to the barracks after seeing Yves leave the establishment.fde6b0d237147875

Come to think of it, that was exactly what he was doing. Watching. Even now, he was scanning Yves’s attire as if to confirm something. Knowing Claude was quite perceptive, Yves thought it best to conclude this meeting.70a3279d34103776

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“Anyway, I apologize for my friend’s mischievous prank. You should ignore whatever he says in the future. Let’s go back. I’m heading home today, so you should go back to the barracks as well.”b4af104018f68461

“That’s too bad.”b1af3e88f2240cf1

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His gaze was on Yves’s perfectly buttoned uniform and his neat cuffs.13173709a7d4ac0f

“I’ve been curious for a while, do you embrace a different man every time? Or do you enjoy the company of the same person?”891f1713e08cff8a

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It was a 53db6524d3 pointed question, but 24ce4a02a4 Yves answered nonchalantly.24bc752d8488fb96

“Haven’t I said before? I prefer to enjoy it with three people.”637950a4bd072387

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“Considering that, your clothes are remarkably untousled.”69b7f3f5a4c05384

His words hit the 8a7ccc3301 mark, irritating Yves for dfa9784f39 no reason.cdeff6a7aee6ade7

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“Would you believe me if I said I like doing it with my clothes on? It’s absurd that I have to explain this to my subordinate.”3d59dda9b2b3f0e6

“I apologize. But there’s one more thing I’d like to ask.”8709d49d4f04fdb3

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“Keep your mouth shut. If you overstep one more time…”0878cf58fb9d6238

“Have you ever paid for a man here?”9fc5d36fc5bc8f64

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Yves swallowed b67414bebe the words d932721a42 he was c208b61d29 about to e9070fd826 say and 4e5a6316af looked at 3538ae7d21 him with da3838cd9e a hardened 332902e8e4 expression. Claude quickly added:2f4a315d9857a321

“I believe you remember, but you promised to tell me only the truth.”b93321059e94d7be

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This man 9503e3330c was truly 67e00cb057 crossing the 9fc49ab9fc line.1494141678d77401

Yves clenched his 5d70591cfa jaw and glared ec81ef7c4a at Claude.e1c8d1ebff227a9e

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Yes, he had indeed made that promise to tell only the truth. But it was an empty promise to him, devoid of duty or reason. All he had to do was casually say “yes,” and that would be the end of it. Then, there would be no more bothersome or troublesome issues.88cb764f36e67b7c

“As expected, you can’t answer. I’m glad. I was afraid you might say yes.”f67dcf21baf0d9b1

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While Yves a03b699988 hesitated, Claude 807ad7d2e9 drew his 99c0ef7d57 own conclusion. He looked slightly relieved, cdbfbc9323 as if he had e8ab231c54 just set down a aadf3b9439 heavy burden. He began to 7fd606d74d walk around the 049b654575 room on the 0233e8d5ca soft carpet, showing 4a1666a1d4 no intention of b155a93a67 leaving, as if 43bc9f80e1 he was about ade31f9e4f to share something d122a38a0f truly important.47049e19dd5363d7

“What’s your game? Do you think this is some kind of leverage over me?”9b9d063800904c00

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“No, quite the opposite. I don’t care who you meet here or what you’re involved in. I can even pretend I didn’t see anything.”f4f23ad5c951734d

He was blatantly making a shameless threat. It seemed he had already figured out that Yves didn’t engage in prostitution. Then what was he really after? As expected, trouble had arisen.648bfc4b33e71d79

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“Cut the nonsense and get to the point. What do you want?”a15cca8b98fcedb8

“What I want… There’s nothing. Well, there is, but I won’t be greedy. I just wanted to say there’s no need to act around me. I’m blind and deaf to these things, so feel free to use me however you see fit. Use me in any way that’s convenient for you.”f3940fde94ea76d6

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“You’re talking nonsense. Even if I were planning to ruin France, you wouldn’t care?”0c400bc9dacd4b9a

At that, Claude ef70611ef8 stepped closer to 58e2cd8592 Yves.f71b9c06e88b34a5

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“I wouldn’t care. My criteria for right and wrong are clear. Where you stand is my truth.”17cc8f4ea448640f

“Aren’t you patriotic?”a3d3afa9240e8d86

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Claude laughed at 1c1e443012 that.11778801ea567433

“Of course, I am. But you already know, don’t you?”5c5a3c4ecbb0f3fd

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“What…”bd8dfd75ae6ae348

His amber eyes 79826e13f6 gleamed.05ff5fa0b8a95f7b

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“That I like you.”9de8695adbbf93d5

For a moment, Yves’s face flushed, and he was at a loss for words. He hadn’t expected such a direct approach. He knew Claude harbored feelings for him, but he thought he would be ashamed of his desire for another man and keep it hidden. That’s why he had kept his distance, waiting. But this man was foolish. By being so open, wouldn’t it become difficult to maintain their previous relationship?a3460e94ae9d4f9f

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Disappointment showed on Yves’s face.ca254b9d68368f6c

“I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”f1a794a9f91187f4

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He unfastened the top 389859805a button of his uniform, f2e898d138 feeling suffocated, and moved c1c86b0b7a towards the center of bee21f9d7f the room, passing Claude.c061c3cf61e6b1c1

“You seem to want to keep pretending not to know. Then do so. I’m not asking for anything in return, so you don’t need to feel pressured.”63284c2dd2810dec

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“Don’t be presumptuous. Your behavior now is a violation of military law. Do you know you could be summarily dealt with?”24e58ff426dd3831

“Indeed, sodomy is against military law.”8ac8ca15ef9448ec

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Which meant, Yves wouldn’t be safe either. Yves frowned and picked up a brandy glass from the table. After the cheap wine, the brandy tasted sweet.4abac111bee1f6de

“Don’t think we’re in the same boat just because I’m a commoner like you.”21fa0cf9afcf5714

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“I understand. Rumors about you have spread even to the slums of Saint-Marceau, but curiously, nothing has happened. Are you going to relieve me of my duties? If so, please tell me quickly. If I’m going to get sacked, I’d like to kiss you thoroughly before I go.”cee0eccdca5dcb68

Yves looked at f390ca1740 him, momentarily speechless. He had tried dc220ab0ab to intimidate him 399b1fe1aa by bringing up e6c6575c1a that he joined 7f915ad13b the army for d40fcd4a0f a living, but 36afb255e6 instead, he received cb66dac412 an ardent confession.3e660dc84ae70f7e

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“Ha, you’re getting ahead of yourself. I thought you were level-headed, but if I knew you were someone who talked such nonsense, I wouldn’t have appointed you as my aide.”30089b4903c3930f

“It’s too late for regrets.”3640ded00032bab8

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Yves couldn’t help but give a bitter smile at Claude’s words. There was no counterargument. Looking back, it was something he had brought upon himself. He had jokingly told Louis he wanted to seduce him, but it had turned out to be true.b1a39681628dd9c1

What should I do?56e3b99ac2c4808f

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He had 292cf81ac4 received countless f054e2f392 unwanted affections, 5fc0eebf7b but this 5301ac773b time, for 2caad42420 some reason, e0a91446db he felt a1a685cadd uneasy.dfeac35d9d6e09d1

Why? Did I 0a1f957e03 still have c80b107568 a conscience?bfa8d08243ea133d

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Yves slowly tilted the brandy glass. As the liquor flowed down his throat, it felt like his insides were burning. He wiped his wet lips with a handkerchief from the table and threw it on the floor. Claude’s gaze, watching him all the while, felt burdensome.11638624f2fc5fcb

“So, what do you want from me? Do you want me to be your bed partner for a night?”8c53fb43a4a96292

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“Can you really sleep with someone you don’t care for?”9b7fcfa25e1b7eac

“Aren’t you? Don’t be so naive. If you want, we can end it here and now.”cfa65bd73f38586d

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Yves’s gaze drifted to the bedding scattered on the carpet. There were large pillows and thick, soft blankets that one might find in an Arab hedonist’s home across the desert. They were meant to protect the knees of the one underneath. A brief silence fell.047d56a5c9fef629

“Why, now that you’re faced with being with a man, does it not appeal to you?”f32f2259037fb3dd

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“Does it seem that way?”1e6b9f21b19dbcd4

Claude gave bc1bf638c3 a bitter 3a595cb687 smile, his ceb767b587 crotch already fb9742f972 noticeably swollen. The thick fabric 0c96997b6d of his uniform 88d54976fb was stretched tight, acb54dd278 as if concealing fbf8fa2b78 something at his 44340d9473 waist.f4800d947771924e

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Of course, given his size, one could expect it to be somewhat impressive…2849d0520f20cff4

Yves frowned, 9059364fa8 recalling the a19b5bd7b3 red ointment 166f21aec8 tin from 1dd424d08a earlier.c6ee483c7a391d12

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“Actually, regardless of physical desire, my heart isn’t in it. I want something more precious than what you so easily give to anyone.”284f1b09fe6c92b2

“There is no such thing.”bb752ec4097783be

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“Then just let me stay by your side. I’ve felt pushed away, and it bothers me. Since there’s nothing to hide, wouldn’t it be more convenient for you to keep me around?”3e2c01f9ef0a2efa

“Is that all?”e1429e5e7093b46a

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“Yes.”c0307991048235b3

If he had asked for something material, it would have been simpler. Yves would have given him jewels far more valuable than Madame Paria’s ruby necklace. However, Claude’s earnest, simple devotion was unbearably uncomfortable for Yves. He was also annoyed at himself for taking it too seriously and pondering over it.6367a415500f8392

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“You are truly a bothersome existence in many ways.”00983ab969c6b27e

“If you allow it, I won’t bother you anymore.”bc559c90b2b02e58

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“Allow what? Are you asking me to pretend I don’t know you like me? Or to tolerate you following me around?”d0309182ca0b38b3

“Both.”9d755c878f5088a8

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“Ha…”5a3a186101df3caa

Yves turned his head away as if to ignore him. He had said he wasn’t interested in men, yet here he was, being quite aggressive. Since it had come to this, Yves thought about accepting this devotion filled with personal affection. He didn’t feel like dismissing him abruptly now. Yves frowned and set down his glass.2dd0bf08f94024ef

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“Fine, I understand. I understand, so let’s go back. If we stay here any longer, worse rumors will spread.”a078dc73bbe09f08

Only then did 4549c2435c Claude slightly shift 3caf3d9b21 to make way badb5c2d72 for him.703529ab6be30e00

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“Where shall I take you?”71120cd292fc6b2d

He shone his eyes with satisfaction towards his master. Yves gave a resigned, hollow laugh at the sight. The sight of him wagging his tail with enthusiasm wasn’t entirely unpleasant.2b49e35b296f99ab

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“I’m going home.”d66881181a951ce0

At those words, b79258ed07 Claude opened the 957f187c5b door that had 3f762afb14 been closed, reconnecting 78ad5592b0 the disconnected worlds. The noise b0da48a904 from the 410b6605b6 parlor and 8c1440aa72 the moans cd4302bc4c from the 645297f484 adjacent room 2243d63aa9 flooded in. Claude followed Yves as 7a81b13974 he walked ahead.fd31a48f0bf25a51

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On a f95334cee1 late Friday 8dc79e3a90 morning, rain ab7c3be51f fell, signaling 34e00ed8f1 the start fb1af03ee2 of summer. Raindrops splashed inside 6a307355e3 through the open b6896344af window, running down 3574a88402 the frame. In the study 159d0bbb58 adorned with luxurious 917e49b58a decorations, there stood 741081dc6f a grand, lonely c9ee87b8b8 piano. Yves was e8b9d56578 playing a f2f1c81997 sonata in 20f594cc2e D major, 762cfe4b8f and his 87db99f02a audience was f0fbaa7195 his younger aeafc6dcc8 brother, Charles.50ddcb9668e33c29

Charles sat on the carpeted floor, looking up at his brother playing the piano. Clear drool dripped from his half-open mouth. He wiped his mouth with his sleeve, then opened it again to listen to Yves’s performance.840519f3c7e9079f

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Charles shook his 82bd9672ad head from side 0303b35f3f to side, immersed ac9a0b507c in his own 2011c479bd appreciation, even humming 1a620aecf3 the familiar melody 3b9b37343d quietly. Yves smiled subtly 3329e26b51 without looking back, ab2439afc2 envisioning the vivid 36e87271b6 scene.f39c67a4e50a516b

This piece was a piano sonata commissioned by the late Countess Perrier from an unknown composer in Vienna. She waited a month to celebrate her son’s birth, paying the appropriate price for the score.718ae9e1201399c1

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‘Yves Jules de Perrier, my angel.’0aa6f07ef7a7d66b

The handwriting on the deab6b38f6 first page of the ed3fbc1692 score was filled with 15a3835c5b joy and happiness. After he 2362a65e06 became somewhat 53b2bc2fde adept at a673044ecf handling the f8434f80e3 keys, Yves 167e7cc2a0 practiced this d268011d45 piece constantly. Unfortunately, his mother died 5ad4f0ebb4 before she could hear 830f60ed0c him play it to a429b77c17 completion.3efb9c4157cdadf0

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“Charles, come here.”aba688441fa87b9e

Charles, with his 424d86d806 blond hair, wiped b2e734842f his mouth and 0ebb191bc4 approached his brother 10f815158a at the call. Yves seated 60c4b0a9aa him on d9e46db8aa the small 337966bc96 piano stool c11ea45f10 and demonstrated c4b93d4a3c the main 7b2755e6d3 melody he 19d86244a0 had just 76d8a5954d played.8613f9a262de9b46

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“Here, follow my fingers.”5dbfd69a9011153c

Yves’s long right hand guided Charles’s fingers, teaching him the melody once more. Charles mimicked him perfectly, having heard it dozens of times before.10e2f5967118a09f

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“Genius.”26a1a1419574b031

“Uh uh…”eee6bd60157d4dab

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Charles seemed pleased, smiling at Yves. Leaving his right hand to play the same melody, Yves’s left hand filled in the remaining chords. Charles clapped in delight at the sounds, shouting out. After playing it like a loop a couple of times, Charles shouted again. Yves patted his brother’s head and gave him a light kiss on the crown.e3b9fa4d60e33a92

At that moment, someone 53abec1b05 entered the study.ce19288eea4fbc14

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“It’s hard to see your face.”9f59470eae421832

It was 03f278788b the Count de404ac482 de Perrier. He was dressed formally, cc36b11ce2 likely having just come a603ca70f3 from outside, with a 42374ffcaf full silver wig on 3605be9062 his head and an fa7c1e7e71 oak cane in his e5c49b366b hand.817b4bc24a4c8bce

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“Uh…”3e38a01d0cfc3271

Seeing the Count, Charles flinched and grabbed Yves’s hand, clearly afraid of his father. His gaze, not meeting his father’s directly, landed somewhere on the piano keys.9c0466fa58aa0296

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“Charles, go to Madame Evermonde and ask for your favorite honey.”a35b9ab452d8114b

At Yves’s gentle urging, Charles stood up without hesitation and left the room, circling around to avoid the Count.ae1c40129bb3445b

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The Count watched his son do this but didn’t comment. He seemed to accept that his son feared him as an inevitable fact. He didn’t appear to make any special effort to mend or improve their relationship.ebb31b90c453d2e0

The Count approached the sofa by the bookcase and sat down, picking up a book someone had left on the table. It was Cicero’s “Rhetoric.”87ca3f2c7cdb768d

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“You’re studying well.”b54b8e40c9758459

Yves immediately 8a6d60c3c0 denied it.0ee7b63797d29cf1

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“That’s not mine.”c9f20695eaef2a98

“Is there anyone else in this mansion who can read Latin?”76131e328cac523b

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“Well, just because someone slaughters chickens in the kitchen doesn’t mean they can’t read books. Come to think of it, isn’t this study quite lonely? No one visits it. There are no guests in the house. Since you don’t bring in even a single letter-writer or sponsored artist, I was wondering if you were planning to rent it out for storage.”f2996a2211441f2e

“It’s not good for outsiders to stay long in the house.”3b8415b4c353d968

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“Or rather, you just don’t want to show certain people.”81819d3e8e49b89f

The Count seemed displeased with Yves’s sharp tone, tapping the table with his cane.071a2f672f16c681

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“Enough with the sarcasm; it’s unbecoming. Anyway, when I die, you’ll inherit everything, so whether you parade Charles down the Champs-Élysées or sponsor artists, live as you please.”5f71d92d9748f0f8

“I will. Isn’t that what we agreed upon?”a96f70721282a204

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Yves reminded 32cba89256 the Count 26693d2faa of something.b48cd1e0b13a75fa

“What I want to ask is, you haven’t been keeping your promise. Stop frequenting brothels like some commoner. I know you’re trying to provoke me, but recent rumors have gone too far.”a3d39d7a77feeb6c

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“You must have been upset. Why not tell the truth? My son cannot bed women. Or shall I bring in a few male prostitutes for the house? There are plenty of empty rooms.”5e787ad7eefdf1b0

As always, Yves spoke in a way to irritate the Count. Yet, despite the vulgar words and low humor, the Count’s expression remained unchanged.5ca3cdda98bbe66b

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“For one who reads rhetoric, your eloquence is still terrible. You won’t get what you want by constantly opposing me. Control your emotions before you provoke me. If you don’t clean up your reputation, you’ll have trouble maintaining your current position.”ced60f9b8de9d7aa

“I was getting tired of it anyway. I’ll live quietly for a while as you wish, so rest assured. I’ve also sent a letter to Miss Marianna on four sheets, asking for a proper meeting this time.”88dc725a46872b4e

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“That’s well done. When the time is right, meet with the Duke of Verdier to propose.”3da21a70baa81631

“Well, Miss Marianna might reject me before that.”ed69023e26efe0d4

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Yves smiled meaningfully df156f2952 as he stood ee1b2e9280 up.5f2be723e72bcb3e

Yves walked to the window and closed it against the pelting raindrops. His cuffs got wet from the evenly spread rain, chilling his wrists. As he silently looked outside, he saw the stable hand leading a familiar brown horse through the rain at the mansion’s entrance.6a04649aba462965

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A faint smile appeared on Yves’s lips. He knew who had arrived. Come to think of it, he hadn’t informed anyone that he had canceled all his plans for the day. Good. This would be perfect for clearing his heavy emotions.d0deba6cf9fb3337

Yves immediately turned and 363fbbeb33 excused himself.6cb154bd5b61c700

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“If you have no more to say, I’ll be going. I have a prior engagement.”bfb3b7ee2873a0c8

He passed by the e2bb4537e7 Count de Perrier indifferently.2ace7ae25a7b66a9

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“Yves, in the end, you’ll conform too. Young people these days are infatuated with the romance of a revolution they’ve never experienced, talking about equality and freedom. If you want to become a fool who can’t keep what he has because you’re intoxicated with such opium-like ideas, you might as well go back to war. I’d rather cry over your corpse in Père Lachaise than see you in a carmagnole.”73c45daf051a237f

At this, Yves turned ec21286adf back to the Count b5352c2ea1 with a smile.b1a40b62b9b3cc36

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“I don’t understand what you mean. I am one of the most staunch royalists.”bbfb2b47e5c87fc0

“I know. You are very much like me.”421e35ed2a201eaa

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“It’s not exactly a comforting comparison. Then, I’ll be going.”9b55c49440a338e3

Yves’s footsteps echoed loudly in the corridor as he left the study.6fe6098d761c38d2

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Upon reaching the mansion’s entrance, Yves found Claude, who was just taking off his rain-soaked cloak. Claude, who was drying himself with a cloth handed by a servant, also spotted Yves and saluted. His gaze was fixed on Yves’s casual attire. He then realized something.c72b73263bba1adc

“Ah, you’re not wearing your uniform.”5e5456ac5948dac3

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“I forgot to send someone to inform you. I was going to cancel today’s schedule.”a5b3429f05f016fe

At those words, Claude looked slightly disappointed but didn’t complain. He just picked up the cloak he had set aside after a moment’s thought.c488c1c1c559b8b6

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“It’s alright. I’ll return to the barracks.”1c38769b2587972a

Ah, that wasn’t what he meant. He must have taken Yves’s words as an order to leave.8d1b5c80d4ce03ef

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“Since you’re already here, take a little rest before you go.”8a5567ac754bd3ec

Yves spoke fb51caacee to the 1dc6c86457 servant standing 09ff16f3ce beside him.1dd3073ce0164151

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“Bring tea and cake to the drawing room in my room.”54435128c6a7465f

“To the second floor, sir?”693ab988a858ab64

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“Yes.”888fb82468a25559

The servant bd69156bfb nodded slowly, 0f15ae2d5d surprised. It was the first 1a4a30af95 time he had seen 5c6211b4a6 the Captain invite a 4a870e2224 visitor to his room 40024e81ce since he started working 8235c5e0e0 at the mansion. Yves was 80608a9ad0 known for 8fefd9ea06 being picky adfe877168 and keeping ed963986d8 people at 1fcfbb0c9d a distance, edc64303a4 so he 85102a4cb7 usually met ef52224475 guests on 5eea9696ea the first 41538a6c2e floor.1ff4f89ddad127db

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However, from Yves’s perspective, this was not a special occasion. He and Claude had already shared wine in the second-floor drawing room before, and Claude had even entered his bedroom. So, naturally, he thought they should talk in his room today as well.046fd5b493ae49b2

“Let’s go up.”87eda83c8fe11d40

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As Yves led e7de97f743 Claude towards the 6a3c996554 stairs, the servants d36654cb9f dispersed back to 3d0e2da155 their posts. At that moment, the ed3333b1b7 Count de Perrier appeared 0f199b8986 with his hands behind 1015e0aee4 his back, but no 207a3c1922 one noticed him. He watched the 6c61ffdfa6 two ascend to 486f664679 the second floor e7c6e21b72 for a long dcd3d59ed1 while.a86f7417e98d53b8

Shortly after, a servant entered Yves’s well-maintained drawing room. He carried aromatic black tea, coffee, hot chocolate, a cake made with sugared apples, and almond macarons. Yves and Claude were seated opposite each other with a low table between them, and the servant set down the pastries and tea cups.ac1329bc108437b4

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The two didn’t engage in much conversation. The servant, thinking it was because of his presence, quickly left the room with the silver tray against his chest. Once the door was closed, Yves offered Claude his choice by gesturing towards the drinks. He poured tea into his own cup.bdcc328d05035321

“I don’t like coffee.”859556d887eea449

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“We share similar tastes.”b30b1b16df4344da

Claude also e2b969426b chose tea, 98eca56aaf following Yves. The clear, crimson ad96488618 tea sloshed in c8846e58e2 the cup.c2d4d5c3ac7c844f

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“I thought you would send me away. Is this a reward for me today?”3b7e5224ab8ebd02

At Claude’s question, Yves laughed incredulously.bb678d987a85738a

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“Is having tea with me a reward for you? If so, I shouldn’t do it too often.”58a2afe38e2d366f

“It’s a reward I’d choose even if it meant a year of hard labor in return.”bac88bee9f2b937a

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“Enough of that. Your flattery is making me feel embarrassed.”b33dab9cd250ff5d

Yves frowned at Claude’s words but didn’t scold him further. The sound of the rain gently seeped into the drawing room.84cf325ba7599fd5

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“On my way here, I saw they were pulling a body out of the Vaugirard sewer.”b8b67fc6920f97e1

“It’s a common occurrence on rainy days.”95f4db35fa997003

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Yves knew who that 75e16f7caa body probably was. He had shown mercy 88b9673b9a to Simon, but murder 33544159ac was never a pleasant 89762a6e82 act. Sometimes, he 80e9664f95 questioned why e1faf8f6f0 he had 7837dd70e3 to go 609239e914 this far.ebcf88f3afaa75fa

Did he, as 55e7dfe833 his father said, f4c25490a9 harbor a romance d396110e81 for an era 7a3e9bf615 he had never d62f75156a lived through? His father, 220bc83ddd who had 9de4b86c62 vaguely noticed a1df609e2e his actions, c2edef611b did nothing, c235352dc2 almost as 55e62a7cf9 if to bba83dba94 say there fd08399bc4 was no af30e35a2c need to a8e3b7d43f intervene, just abd9c6490f ignoring and 4dc989ef87 observing.baccc0aa3f378b05

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‘You are very much like me.’edf98033fa9da116

The tone in which he spoke, as if knowing Yves would eventually choose this side, was distasteful. He always felt irritated when facing his father. His attitude of holding everything in his hands and shaking it was the most infuriating, and knowing that his words weren’t entirely wrong made it even more damaging to his pride.5adc80dbed390379

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“You’re lost in thought again.”2daf07ca87338c42

Yves looked at Claude, who had been watching him. He didn’t seem upset for not being engaged. Perhaps he was concerned about the frown on Yves’s face. The loyal dog, always attentive to every nuance of his tone and gesture, looked at him with eyes full of ardent pursuit today as well.383116b70dbd0191

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Should he accept this man’s pure affection?3cb5c57d1c5d6225

No, it wouldn’t last long anyway. Once he knew Yves’s true nature, he would surely regret his feelings. Yves wanted to puncture his inflated, naive heart.5b06a06121a26596

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“You asked me once which side I’m on. I’m going to answer that today. I support the royalists and defend the old regime.”36e22303568e47af

Claude’s eyes flickered at Yves’s sudden statement. There was some aversion to the content, but he was also trying to discern why Yves was telling him this.07f1738b99e28ec5

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“I somewhat expected this, but why bring it up now?”73b1877dc8e5f264

“Because I think my lieutenant has some holy misconceptions about me. I’m as debauched as I appear. There’s no special circumstance to it. I’m no different from the average noble. You, who don’t want to wear culottes, why do you admire someone like me?”de6ad1ea9f5daa96

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“I still haven’t fully understood that myself. There are just a few guesses.”43a733caa2b5ce9f

“Tell me, I want to hear them.”369b7a37011929b6

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Yves leaned 31afabe26e his chin 447878bbcb on the 389b494e2b armrest of 85888c9e3b the sofa, 55371e0e13 looking like aa1fae991d a child ea8824f0d1 eager to 3024d0c06a hear an e921ffcb02 interesting story. Claude set down 22ba4f8f9b his cup and 3933d12bf1 looked out the c33193433b window briefly.753937b598ad1c22

“As you know, our first meeting was quite intense. Do you remember what you said to me that day?”bd81ae281a5aa273

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Yves nodded leisurely.8cba1fa0cc782eef

“It kept coming to mind even after I got home. I found it both amusing and infuriating, but a few days later, when you took command of the battalion, I understood clearly. Maybe I wanted to meet you again. After that, serving by your side, I grew curious about you. Of course, your appearance played a significant role. Are all men who prefer men’s company this beautiful? I even thought that.”00ba4e7631d9662d

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“Beautiful, huh… That’s unpleasant to hear. Don’t forget I’m a man with the same reproductive organs as you.”214cb3586c80a021

Yves raised his eyebrows, 3bcc0d03ba giving a small reprimand.f689fc4ced9f728d

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“My standards of beauty are somewhat different from others’. I apologize for bringing this up abruptly, but the last time in your bedroom, I unintentionally saw the scar from a sword wound.”6806f65f70770488

“Ah, that was from the Spanish campaign. A scar of both shame and honor.”59deba1cae6c8cf7

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“I found it beautiful. Your thickened wrists from years of wielding a sword, and fingers calloused from gunpowder and hard work. It might be an awe from one soldier to another.”637ebada49e41141

“You certainly have a way with words. It sounds like you were just moved by seeing my naked body.”ee2edbae3d0c526a

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“I won’t deny it. Certainly, from that night, I couldn’t sleep well.”16ffdaf246d34b58

Claude admitted with a defeated laugh at Yves’s straightforward rebuke. As Yves had said, it was true that his desire had sparked from that night, but it was merely a catalyst; this feeling was bound to start sooner or later.0e5e02c241f97730

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He admired him, revered him, and worshipped him. He desired and yearned for him so much that it was hard to believe they were spending time together like this. He had cultivated patience to stay close to him longer. Since nobles sometimes keep dogs as pets, wouldn’t it be acceptable to crave this level of affection? As long as he wasn’t pushed away, he could endure.385b389e7e2c9234

The rain 215a84e7e7 was gradually 6403da7eb1 stopping. The damp air 030bcabd13 inside the room b111d95b7e was slowly drying 730eae852a out. Neither of them bbfded27c6 touched the food f6a77b6b66 on the table. The tea, which they 4564fb74a6 had taken only a 3ed26cf7b1 sip of before setting 9fdfa86b98 down, had gone lukewarm, a9ebd7560f and all their attention 43304b15a7 was solely on each 4846bfba41 other.84304a5c3ddd60b5

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“Honesty is good. Is that all?”3317163c0a6a6ad6

“Of course, there were times I misunderstood. I thought you were different from other nobles, that there was some reason behind your current lifestyle. Your words are always sharp, but you made sure to distribute the Easter allowance and helped resolve Auguste’s situation. So, I might have thought you were some kind of moderate liberal.”71887a8251b9d6f8

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“And now that you know the truth, are you disappointed?”8994519c5e345749

“No, it doesn’t matter. I don’t think I can take back the heart I’ve given to you.”cdeb9d97cc6c5966

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At the renewed, heartfelt pursuit, Yves couldn’t help but laugh. Unlike before, he didn’t rebuke him harshly, perhaps because he didn’t feel that bad about it. His persistent advances had now become natural.33adeb02c0906d16

Since Claude didn’t beg for affection in a servile way, Yves didn’t feel superior. Instead, he felt an urge to possess it more. How charming it is to have someone’s feelings that he cannot control. He wanted to take every drop of Claude’s devotion that seemed within his grasp but never fully attainable.3c513061487e589e

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A week later, Yves appeared at the opera house with Miss Marianne from the Verdier ducal family. The twenty-one-year-old daughter of this prestigious family had fallen for Yves at first sight at Madame Piaf’s ball.3f6ddc460629a5ec

After her debutante ball, she hadn’t found anyone suitable for courtship, so through her mother, the Duchess of Verdier, she had made inquiries to the Perrier family, which led to an exchange of letters with Yves, with the approval of their parents.60032682b436f48d

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However, disappointingly, Yves’s replies were always slow and sparse, rarely exceeding one or two pages. Most were filled with quoted poetry, and he never once promised to visit.83907a1fe959ece2

Moreover, recent unpleasant f8eafbeb83 rumors surrounding him 8752f1c6bd had troubled Marianne. Compared to other c4793121c4 men who showed 8d766eeec2 her affection, Yves b59123c69c was a poor 6cc305bfee suitor.f790806503a532a0

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Yet, once a person’s heart swells like bread baked in an oven, it doesn’t cool down easily. Marianne was beautiful and intelligent, but also possessive. With her affection mixed with determination, she wanted to make this young, proud officer hers.e2bbc28778e4b40f

Then, miraculously, a week ago, she received a letter from him. Unlike before, it suggested going out for an evening. Marianne, after consulting with her mother, hastily acquired a new dress, hat, and shoes. She wanted to appear on his arm in front of all of Paris’s nobility.6a2ca246d9d13426

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A luxurious four-wheeled carriage stopped at the opera house’s entrance. Although the opera had already started, Marianne and Yves took their time entering the theater.853fe28e3cc9a1ea

Nobles, unbound by time, 3eb34afe14 made their grand entrances acc25f00f5 through a small door 15f787c4e4 to watch the opera 0b0c430deb from their exclusive seats. To be precise, b1e447bacf they used watching c102e7aef8 the opera as a3ef51b183 an excuse to d0ae5a6052 spend time with 66b276fb8c their lovers and 3627ea2721 enjoy gossip.7cd639d853a715d4

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They entered 4713c5104e the farthest 6d3932e87d room on c6e0999fe3 the right 7be1d66337 among several 8c81a8f00f on the 86f521ac11 second floor. Baron Maurice and 8770779c87 his wife, already 9a9c687e0f there, greeted them 53426065aa warmly. Yves, out of a38f90e780 his uniform for 99da6966d9 once, was in 15f4d725f3 formal attire. After tipping his a9b23f1700 hat in greeting, fd0986ab18 he took his ff8b5a1c34 seat.bd0ad07749e8df97

The Baroness, pleased with Marianne’s dress, struck up a conversation with her. They soon became companions in laughter, while Yves naturally conversed with Maurice.fd9fec24cd6576b4

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“Do you often come to the opera?”1dad64d9920f827c

“I come enough to not disappoint the singers I sponsor. I heard the Captain doesn’t like it.”c57541bbf8e4cd95

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“I prefer ballet.”7a6ecf90c31b73de

Recently, the attention of Paris’s male nobility had shifted towards dancers, as they were more suited for physical activities. Maurice smiled as if he understood.96448d72692b0dd5

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“Your honesty is refreshing.”4b6d1a2e28311a27

“By the way, I was surprised by Madame Chalrette’s role. I thought she’d prefer a more beautiful costume.”d493e692b9e040a9

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“She’s confident in her voice. She has a wonderful soprano, so you can look forward to it.”c0f40063e6ac0d6e

Yves nodded slightly 3e22a154de to show he e8e7c4a699 understood. The aria, which 975947618d had been going 487f2cc828 on for a 695380d9f4 while, ended, and cae74eee3a the scene changed.20e07020f471dfff

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Susanna, the maid, was 98aa7d301a about to marry the c9da72cfe1 barber, Figaro. In the play, 2dcef9bbc8 Madame Chalrette appeared 7125b52758 dressed as a 738de481c5 boy who loves e5dfdbb2db Susanna, performing a 7988645bd7 soprano aria. Yves soon felt bored 12967e5954 and turned his gaze 7a0997a4f7 to the audience.93ee331f008f0e9b

He looked 3a3ef7889e down at 837618005e the bourgeois 844c0505e6 in the d5c757f5eb first-floor stalls. The content 96136fdf3b mocking and 43a8053775 denigrating the a5970f9344 nobility seemed 44fe120b08 to be f161b9d6a4 to their 911bf4dd59 taste. Given the b697d6e77b high price a3da01be0b of their 159b590730 seats, many ccf5475993 were focused, d332a7bd5e not wanting 9dee0da9df to miss c2f773b148 a single 2d43d43145 scene.d345c434e01b9648

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His gaze then dfc8df3fad moved to the 11a357da3a center of the efa0dcf4d7 second floor. Using his opera glasses, d66b3c9329 Yves checked who was 885b61d0e4 occupying the loge today. The main figures were a8c12043c0 an unnamed middle-aged gentleman f014365358 and a young woman.e9b046707801d554

The woman, dressed in lace that revealed much of her chest and adorned with flowers in her hair, didn’t look like a lady by any standard. The middle-aged man next to her, in formal attire with a beard, was likely some unknown local noble visiting Paris with his lover.67afefcdca94fdbd

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Yves’s opera glasses then turned to the opposite side of the second floor. In the small, protruding boxes, groups of two to three nobles were chatting away. In the furthest right box, a man was drawing something. The seat closest to the stage was traditionally a Perrier family box, but today it was occupied by a stranger.5fb447166e12f545

He occasionally looked up 71b7f3a415 from his drawing to 5fae513a53 check someone through his db734e3848 opera glasses. Yves, reassured, turned a875d99865 his attention back cfad147d3d to the opera 913ec4e683 stage. He only hoped Louis 51164ea285 had found a competent dbc8afeca1 artist.b095d4d12ceb7000

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A few hours later, the carriage was heading back to the Verdier ducal residence. Marianne, leaning against the plush backrest, had been watching Yves, who hadn’t taken his eyes off the window as they neared her home.fd4406b219be7a27

“I didn’t expect we’d just watch the opera and part ways. I chose this special dress for today, you know.”aca680e798ea9913

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At her downhearted 9f9071ae4a words, Yves slowly 469438e236 turned his head. His blue eyes met 029572fb93 hers, making her heart 756ae8f5a9 flutter slightly. His lips, which had ab84419f84 been closed, moved slowly.915b947ef926f57f

“Everyone must have seen. They must have asked our friends, ‘Who is that beautiful lady in the peach-colored dress?’ I don’t think it’s my imagination that our box drew a lot of attention.”ea7edca01c8896cc

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“It must have been because they were looking at you.”abe0b2d693d77270

“That’s not entirely wrong. Being next to Miss Marianne certainly drew envious looks from the men.”1507b0e30e483646

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“You’re good with words. But I won’t be fooled.”817f7be840646c69

She responded with a pout, indicating she wouldn’t be swayed. Yves then smiled, trying to soothe her.0a1f2ac23ea7c8d9

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“I have no intention of deceiving anyone. Trust me. We need to get to know each other slowly. And that takes time.”68431e153504514d

“I know. But at this rate, I’ll only understand your heart just before I die of old age.”e8524ead7b452f93

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At her slightly 2ad9583594 softened tone, Yves 0575e131a0 leaned forward, offering dfd5d41b5e her a gentle fd0edc97c4 look.84fbae11916a6740

“I promised your mother to have you back before evening prayers. Though I regret it, today is not the only day. Let’s look forward to next time.”fdeba2ad3f74f5e9

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“You clearly want something from me, right? Just so you know, I’m not that foolish.”36a721090beae2dd

“Of course. So, we’ll soon be able to exchange what we both need.”c0786332519ef1f2

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Yves took Marianne’s gloved hand and kissed it briefly. Her eyes wavered with the jolting of the carriage.1153b884600167fe

Ah, this man is truly inscrutable. He seems to lie so naturally, yet I can’t help but believe him. His intentions to use this relationship are clear, yet when we’re alone, he’s so caring. What should I do?65cb01e0bd0666dc

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Marianne couldn’t suppress her spreading doubts and once again held onto her feelings for Yves. She turned her gaze out the window to hide her complex emotions.707e63ba64fd6370

A soldier was following behind the carriage, neither too fast nor too slow. Come to think of it, he was with him when they came to pick her up. She knew who he was, but it was surprising to see him accompanying on such a personal outing. He didn’t speak during the escort, and Yves didn’t give him any particular attention.46cdc67bcb82597a

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“Is he always following you around like this?”617b61f75a1d189f

At Marianne’s question, Yves, understanding who she meant, answered without even turning his head.8ad933ed6e5fb05f

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“Yes.”92889feeb0f9e318

His answer was succinct. Expecting further explanation, e3bf9354ab Marianne asked again, 44afa83aab slightly flustered.43a48747498bd44c

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“Why?”833fbe14a0037660

“It’s nothing much. Suppose there was a riot in Paris today. A carriage this large is always a target for rioters, and I’m currently unarmed. So, there are limits to protecting Miss Marianne. Also, we could be robbed on the street, so there’s no harm in being cautious.”823d84420b21c621

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“But the carriage always has guns, doesn’t it? I can shoot, too. My aim is pretty good. If anything happens, I won’t be a burden.”deb267713202aa79

“That’s quite charming. I like that.”b3f3c7bba6f7c0b2

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At Yves’s smile, Marianne swallowed. His smooth cheeks puffed up slightly, and his eyes narrowed. The once cold and haughty impression vanished, leaving only a gentle demeanor.c0b870cd6e8e5c4c

Oh, Captain. Please stop smiling e620abdfcf like that.c5e05271f7e0560c

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Marianne bit her lip, 26df919717 trying to steady her ed874bc9ea heart which seemed to 55f89185e4 melt away.273ef785a0df44cf

She wished the journey would never end, but soon the carriage arrived at the mansion. It was too early to part ways with the sun still high in the sky. If they were commoners, they could have held hands and wandered until sunset. Being born into a noble family with its formalities didn’t always feel like good fortune.b39e73a4bc6fe221

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Hearing the carriage, the mansion’s servants came out to greet them. Yves respectfully handed Marianne back to her nanny. After a brief farewell, the carriage left, and the brown horse waiting at the gate quickly followed.bb97b77b7addca53

Left alone in the 822fdc069f carriage, Yves was deep 20e5791950 in thought. He had f0e92c8953 decided to bd9064c7c7 keep a 49a8ff099c low profile 9918af1e6c for a 1b7b5456ae while, which d36968fe8f made meeting 624d245fc2 with Louis 1ef1345abb Thiers difficult. He considered 770747d343 going to fe51191725 the Academy a2eb0d9e87 where Louis 18a7ddf754 often appeared, 47ee9b1087 but there 7c8c3ba1cf were too 232512e85d many eyes, f17289e322 making it 2fd21c1a09 risky. Since there was cd587ab319 no need to 6498716faf act until all d2dee94d91 the portraits were 1107e4a414 completed, he had c4fe203431 to trust that 05ce78c8e7 everyone was performing e2e22e6567 their assigned tasks cefd3b56ae well.e170716c10726a2e

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Yves tilted cbe489688a his head 0fe9db84e3 back and dfd6d24c67 exhaled a 815b16811c long breath. He needed e1b0e7eab5 some rest. Just like right 02025cc67d after returning from c0e1dafdf1 the Spanish war, 1a8799c67a he was tired a9cefccd84 of meeting and fe3492e929 dealing with people. The unintended seclusion e2511e4a67 back then had 16ba86ec78 surprisingly suited him.cdad752727d11b7d

If only he could take walks and read books. It would be even better if there were someone to share tea with. Having a conversation partner wouldn’t be bad. Suddenly, Yves turned his head to look out the window. Outside, Claude was quietly following the carriage on horseback.a6b4c3a791e4110b

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He realized anew how large Claude was. His head wasn’t large, so it didn’t show at first glance, but on horseback, he had the stature of someone who could lead a cavalry unit.f37cea16a339d759

The wind was blowing, tousling Claude’s hair. His brown eyes, which had been staring straight ahead, noticed Yves’s gaze and turned towards the carriage. As their eyes met, an absurd idea popped into Yves’s otherwise bored mind.423b171ba651eccc

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There was e1fd76275e a small 66da49592f lake on 428f82fd1f the way 5df4862c27 to the 9e0b34df87 Nanterre mansion, 98def53ff3 marking the 0dd09910ad beginning of 97eab7716d the Perrier 5d81a9b6fe estate. There was always something 96161308c4 he wanted to do 8d673ad00d there, but he had b039b50981 no one to do 0d90d494bd it with, so it c8014cc79b remained just a thought. It was dd56c887d3 the price 227963645d for spending 6069d5761b his youth e2edd446da without siblings 6c94e5cd9c or friends 516e0e9627 of the b3788dc5ac same age. But today, for some a34aa33e7b reason, he felt like 068286b755 doing it.d5201e3be9c0c248

Yves stopped 68197ea78a the carriage 0103062937 at the 89b68dc797 lake, sending cf9dbb45de the coachman 12e9b47517 and carriage 278e66e56d back to c9eec2af39 the mansion. Claude, puzzled, dismounted 197b56ec55 immediately.92295bdcabeb7c59

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“What’s the matter?”9d25021e555c6b79

“Do you like swimming?”b2ae6aac5a2f6415

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At Yves’s sudden question, Claude nodded hesitantly.5b781358b62c5869

“Let’s have a race. The winner gets to have one wish granted.”01e2bedec5bfadd6

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“Here? Now?”e03054c8bb963a25

“Yes, tie up your horse and come quickly.”dba9f091ee0c9f4d

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Yves, leaving Claude 2c307004fa still with a 888c39c5e2 questioning look, began 8343b8be2f to undress as c775fe80c3 he walked towards 089c21af53 the lake. The sun, a894af879f stretched long 5cd364a83a to the ad299b6c31 west, reflected 6f7ae20523 his image. The fresh 6b30cef699 green foliage 3927b00e4f cast a b07272ccb7 light shade 02595407f7 under the 3502edc736 afternoon sun.17ba4bc5157d6c02

Claude tied his b81a5a788f horse under a 9b4b34b068 mature cherry tree. The brown bee22b8157 horse, as 45ff13ad0b if it 5939638381 had been fcca5798d6 waiting, began 703df70adf to graze. Yves, now e89bb34b1c down to 1c2674a8cb his underwear, 7e9079699f jumped into eafca8372b the clear cb45c2d3da water, ripples 47e1d61b59 spreading beside 9251ca8c15 him, breaking 8eab2e9f75 the sunlight.380b3c5f2b5d7826

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From this 909f56413f perspective, Yves 666fc9f473 looked like 601190f3f9 any other 67fc648061 young man d6a9f34e39 in his 5d0393d506 twenties. Perhaps because 309111b348 he was 17145fe4be always seen 2526bb2757 in uniform, 00d372ba17 giving commands, 0449f1463c it was 365cde74e6 refreshing to bfc822ed76 see him 311f557179 as a 4f56d518e5 peer.591489079fcbd40b

“What are you doing? Why aren’t you getting in? Are you not confident?”f6efb64162f2e4e4

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Yves urged him on. Claude quickly undid his ce4481ee53 buttons and shed his c053e1f123 uniform, then jumped into ffd147033b the water with an fe04b10dec impressive splash.ddbe6f717ae1338a

“If I win, will you really grant my wish?”e7b247fb08b20958

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Claude lifted his 4f32e2fdd5 wet head above afa286949a the water.b2d08bd00ccfd6b9

“I swear on my family’s honor.”a3178a150f565e04

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“I don’t have a family to swear by, so that’s problematic.”3afd2fa239a7276f

“But you have your honor as a soldier.”2eae331953878d57

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Though Claude 8ca00e3d47 had long d2afbf4a9f discarded such 1bde557183 honor, he 4aa577ade4 nodded in f6f72c0b3d agreement. Understanding his nod af0cc7642f as consent, Yves 24ea7c1c4a set the rules 394c96dbfa of the race.9fdc13a63b6d4a28

“We’ll swim to the end of the lake and back. I’ll check at intervals, so don’t try to cheat.”70346b03fc00a2cc

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“It’s quite a distance. Are you sure you’ll be okay?”91b4b125fd29e57b

“Who’s worrying about whom? If it’s too risky, you can swim slowly. We’ll start when you count to three.”f684176409f0d256

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Claude smiled 26cfe0a20a faintly at a217f675f5 Yves, who 48b12e71ea was waiting 80740f5689 for his 7e0fa96eae signal, facing eb91b4a7ed forward. He was truly capricious 857ab877b4 and kept pushing him.db38392d55b3cc3b

To suggest swimming together 3056c442e7 in the late afternoon, c9e8da7fbd after stripping off their 1ea81b51ac clothes.4dafb116699838ce

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Even though he had 066d5a70cd confessed to seeing him 51a3d519a3 as a sexual object, 3ec2a284de did that not bother 5ab6ab684e him? Or was 5ff8b3060f he indifferent d6069c2fc0 whether Claude 1ee82cdf83 saw him f3d5f0cc4f that way a8b431ce62 or not?e7324e0c09f8ef40

Claude put aside his 94e1fa004f thoughts and counted. The race began.e8463a91bdd17a27

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He didn’t swim at full speed from the start. He controlled his pace, watching Yves, who was ahead. And while swimming, he thought.6898d006dd5562b1

Should I win? If I do and 5af17f7942 get a wish granted, 25625a0b4a what would I ask dd4887a063 for?87b5101657c92885

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Since the day he saw Yves’s naked body, he had imagined doing more than just sharing a bed for one night. Acts of overwhelming him, tasting him, hearing his moans throughout the night.90e5d90e58aea36d

However, he couldn’t give up everything for one moment of pleasure. He decided not to cling to what he must give up to stay by Yves’s side for a long time.c294bbb2018fd7dc

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Then a brief 6380dd3736 kiss would be 4748289aef good. If not the lips, 21991a20a4 even just a touch 5fd4fe8fc6 on the cheek would 2270825846 do. He wanted to bury 6fca21f5d2 his nose in his 7088ac6143 soft skin and smell 71ac73e546 him. Yes, that would be 6be1b29241 just right. Suddenly looking up, 4175980a4a Claude realized the a166318996 scenery had changed.1cf1f8fa8e262337

He stopped swimming 5891209c6f and turned around d52a1f9a06 to see he c43281889a was already at 42379e6075 the far end. He must have 3333779432 inadvertently sprinted because 3763e8d443 he felt the 35e65da94f blood rush to 9408f53ca7 his lower body f34cf227b0 while trying to 45f0ee4620 control his pace. He could see 39376e00a5 Yves swimming hard 8fc4ea1d65 towards him. Claude swam lazily, dd5ea78d58 waiting for him.5bc515a4dbd1c58d

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“What are you doing? Why are you waiting?”0be3ad8a7c4a21e8

Yves straightened up 52fc8e3a52 and raised his 07c0fe953b head when he 93afb0f4e6 saw Claude.b3a6446f03a213de

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“I wasn’t waiting. My wound was hurting, so I had to rest.”61ef797f1947d22b

“Oh, was swimming too much for you?”796655b96155178d

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Claude just smiled e3e13919cd at his question, cfcd04f2e9 pleased that Yves 20371cf3df reacted to his 99fbb748c3 excuse so quickly.3765d68bd99a1e70

“Did it open up? Let’s get out of the water. I’ll look at the wound.”b28fcbbc8394994b

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“It’s not that bad.”08b9836e5383493b

However, Yves 521a64343e frowned, seemingly 93f69b97d5 blaming himself.233de480efd31002

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“I shouldn’t have done this. You should have told me earlier. I completely forgot about your injury. Let’s go back. Can you swim slowly?”33209152505bbc14

“No problem.”74116646732c3106

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Liking that Yves 1fe3ce080e was concerned about 5926430b52 him, Claude decided e8ca898751 to keep up ef9ec50406 the pretense. The wound was not b9f81e9495 an issue for swimming, 39b4aeca0a but he acted a 4630b440af little. He moved slowly, 249cc560c5 like someone with ff7d1c116a discomfort. They slowly swam back 967f835c9c to the other side, d1d58ea5f3 the calm water rippling d60bc0d3f0 around them.3002aab81e5d5d9e

Once out ca05d73808 of the 892e1d5ac8 water, both 7d770d9dcc dried themselves 10e3e56cd4 with their b533866502 shirts and 5de431e3bd put on 73fab6d25d their pants. Yves put on his 2885edd39d shirt immediately, but Claude 9ca64264d9 hung his wet shirt 088852414d on a tree and 8e612294e6 lay down on the 884544d157 grass, seemingly to dry 6c09d71eb5 in the sun.bfc172a0c5184b8a

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Yves came over to look at the bumpy, healed scar near Claude’s side. Claude closed his eyes, enjoying the touch.52084b68584a9bf0

“Does it hurt a lot?”4a0d3664bcbb9ce5

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“Hmm… Not exactly.”548b28ca0a0405fa

Yves noticed the amusement in Claude’s expression and asked.8795e78253523611

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“Was it all just an act?”b3a9edea1733181a

“I’m sorry.”ec3136140772d883

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“Ha, this is ridiculous.”b8f0460c3e4d8cce

As Yves tried to pull his hand away from Claude’s waist, Claude gently grabbed it.9f0d86c31d7daa47

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“Didn’t I win the race? You were far behind.”2294b28aa9d60332

Claude said casually, 0001e3498a having opened his d60173318d eyes.14982b66d1227849

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“That’s nonsense. The rule was clearly to touch the other side and come back.”f01c0fda2ab98415

“I would have won even if we went through with it. I’d like to make my wish now.”e4ca0a9d4d3f0111

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Claude pulled Yves’s hand firmly towards himself. If Yves wasn’t careful, he would have fallen onto Claude’s chest.db3a06dcc3725ee6

“The match wasn’t settled. You’re quite shameless, aren’t you?”1fd761a7054ac2be

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“I waited for you at the other side for quite a while. Who would have won if we had continued? You can’t lie to me, so you won’t claim you would have won, right?”7644d75d05a56bfe

With his hand caught by Claude, Yves twisted his body to change position, but he ended up falling onto the grass. Claude didn’t miss that moment, raising his upper body to get on top of Yves. He pinned Yves’s hands and brought his face close.d6de35aa118726f4

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“You promised on your family’s honor. You said you’d grant my wish.”7b38228a22447c2b

“I told you, you didn’t win, now let go and we’ll talk.”144ffe9c50069251

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Claude used his legs to immobilize Yves’s struggling legs. Drops of water from his wet hair dripped onto Yves’s cheeks and forehead. Claude’s pressure to state his wish continued. Yves was taken aback by Claude’s strength, which he hadn’t expected to be this formidable despite knowing he was larger.9ef6d0ebdb428366

“Alright, I’ll grant your wish, so stop it. Don’t you think this position is rather disrespectful? Or have you changed your mind to finally do it?”fb4f26d1ad9af033

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Yves looked directly at Claude’s face, feeling his hot gaze aimed at his lips.eae0954a28747013

No way, here?f148ac6c975aa108

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Yves was shocked cbf067ebd9 inside. This was a b0fecaa01c place where anyone 99871a8c3f from the mansion 2064668d4e could easily spot f26e939507 them. He thought Claude was 61c13ad9ce calm, but he was 3ec051b762 far ahead of him.bca84664b11d0c24

Moreover, even if d890d1b948 they were going f51bdfd939 to do it, 6959171721 this position was b86da174a0 entirely wrong. Yves, who f17ab4a530 had never e50a17c75a been pinned bc64e1f68d down like 25b20d9a8b this, struggled 6d4d4be2a8 in confusion.1a609dbd771f51b4

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However, Claude paid no heed, continuing to scan Yves’s lips, eyes, nose, cheeks, and forehead with his gaze. Yves’s eyes fluttered with each movement of Claude’s eyes. It wasn’t working to subdue him through force when words failed.8b50c71102401f72

Yet, contrary to Yves’s urgency, Claude didn’t move. He just calmly looked down at Yves’s face.b8063e943a72ab3a

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What is he thinking?5c0e9f7d31ab61bf

At that moment, Claude released Yves’s hands and moved his upper body away.10351057b70a5055

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Ah…ac5ee16ebbaa69db

Watching his face 77eb2832cc leave his sight, 24b6a284df Yves felt an cb41346b55 inexplicable sense of 833854f952 regret. It seemed he had, 6067b66faa unknowingly, expected something during 69f01546b7 that brief moment.8bc808b2098067bb

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“I’ll save this wish for a special occasion. I don’t want to use it so easily.”2bf6cce1592631b8

Then he 9cbec8537e lay down 26f934d5f9 beside Yves 341984b413 and closed 3ff3080a3d his eyes.294bbfd28b530b96

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Yves looked down 40ef9691c0 at Claude, who c4b6060629 had suddenly become fa4480d061 quiet as if 4584602fc0 sleeping. He saw his smooth 8af8a31029 chest, drying off, clad 82d45a1485 only in pants. The scar 9082cd1bec he had 609ba26be6 touched earlier 28449c2527 came into 5c00cd6fd2 view, and 1f360e2fe3 his gaze d1ce7eb923 traveled down dbb551f4d2 past his 456d31e5bf waist to 34e7a19ce3 where something 5f5e8a258e substantial was 53a924970a hidden at c7e80d5019 his crotch.b519ff8c87dc4a94

Yves twisted his wet lips slightly. Was this what a child feels when something they’ve been given is taken back? The more he looked, the angrier he got.21c166da3ca4361a

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He thought that if he had insisted, it could have happened. Rubbing their genitals together would have been simple, and if penetration was necessary, using his mouth would have sufficed. Come to think of it, he hadn’t taken a man since Joseph died. That must have stirred him.ecdeb83aa0010771

What’s so special about one night together? He’s being too particular.5f68e84525061759

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Yves flopped down beside b6f0d615af Claude and closed his 7b9d7d3436 eyes. Clouds shaped c94e924c0e like animals 9f334cb31a passed over 15df7c2ea3 his face. The sun was slowly 6c533ef4f8 dipping below the horizon, 7d402b39a5 and a warm breeze 1f6a4b0f39 came, drying their wet b2f7b06ae4 hair before it vanished.8d2697d18b5d1a1c