ANR Ch 11

The talk of 2f935e0ec8 Paris expanding has 4b3ba466cc been around for 0d09613b64 a while now. The narrow alleyways 9f4c0de47e and buildings built d776a60d9a without gaps cast 4f0e070147 shadows everywhere. So, the citizens 294ecd6850 left the sunless 5e4b702da2 streets for the 2d3d3b2ec1 outskirts.dd3fa425bb1c8900

In the northern outskirts centered around Montmartre hill, the poor gathered, while to the west, beyond the Arc de Triomphe and towards Nanterre, there were many mansions of the wealthy. The city walls were no longer the city’s boundary, and the expanding city spewed out people in droves.94c8ac25ac669c03

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“The road is rough. They must not have hired anyone to clear the pebbles.”debb72a8135f865b

“The mayor of Paris probably didn’t want to waste taxes on the outskirts.”d17e11e341e02f2e

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The countess nodded at her husband’s words. Yves looked out the window. Inside the carriage that had left the city, the Count and Countess of Ferrie and Yves were together, heading to a banquet hosted by the Duke of Bonnal.718e53bbe39fe428

The Duke of Bonnal was also an appointed member of the noble’s upper house by the king and a proponent of strong divine right of kings. Though he had little interest in drinking and dancing, he often held social events under the influence of his young second wife.bbff30d9fb4b31f3

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He was also the first to question Simon in the underground passage of Baron Maurice. The punishment he meted out that day was to cut off limbs and make one crawl, which is why Yves was dissatisfied with having killed Simon on his own accord. Not understanding the Duke’s intentions made it hard to grasp the affairs of Le Père. To cut off any seeds of suspicion, Yves was attending today’s event, despite having no interest in it.7810b6ac94f8af47

“Isn’t it really rare for all of us to go out together like this? I wish we could make more opportunities like this.”3aeb17da4f900a81

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The countess looked back c9792a18a6 and forth between the 002d6693a7 count and Yves with 76b7fa64bf an excited voice.a0836ad485e346da

“There’s a bit of a flaw in saying all of us are together, mother. One person is missing.”b9190c868bedd335

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At Yves’s words, the countess changed her statement in confusion.893be23bd0de23b8

“Oh, right. It would have been nice if Charles had come along too.”eb5949a2fca4af1e

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“How could you bring a man who can’t even manage his own body to a banquet? If you want to pick a fight, get out of the carriage and walk separately.”c3a829457a1aeb4b

“Shall I do that, then?”5bae34b2f3f3ed48

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Without hesitation, Yves knocked on the carriage wall. The driver quickly stopped the carriage. Claude’s horse immediately approached the door.8e3b6790c0961ea0

“What’s happening?”072dd210a9c1bd46

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“Ah, my father wants to throw me out of the carriage, so I’ll have to walk from here.”5cccd36c80050f7d

Yves opened the door ae556b79ca to get out, but 63ca42c761 seeing this, Count Ferrie 5b0d68a969 shouted with a stern c392bd01e9 face.935eb5d8f0c56e75

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“What are you doing, you fool! Do I have to argue with you here too? Get going again.”a02b593891e756e1

The count struck the 29264431b0 floor twice with his db71c844c9 cane. Recognizing the situation, Claude 55c598cf27 closed the door again. After signaling to the 61e128e9b1 driver, the wheels started 9a681705de rolling once more.84fc075a6be1833c

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Silence filled the carriage again. Yves and the count avoided each other’s gaze as if they found each other distasteful. The countess, caught in the middle, touched her cheek with her gloved hand, feeling awkward.2f3a0b68e57996da

Please, let d337cbcc2b the day c06a916410 end without 1c4b293448 any trouble.0ef6e0192850c6bc

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It wasn’t new for these two to be at odds, but today, with many eyes watching, it would be nice if they could compromise a little.7ec70db417889ce9

The shaking carriage quieted down. They seemed to have entered the Duke’s estate. Well-maintained trees lined the soft dirt road. At the end of the straight path, a grand three-story mansion stood.f1ee78fe5e952a39

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There were already many carriages lined up at the entrance. Today’s banquet was quite large; it was almost no exaggeration to say all the notable figures of Paris, except the king, were present.4202cf8432c7de4d

Finally, the Ferrie family’s carriage arrived at the entrance, where the Duke’s servants rushed over to assist with disembarking. As the countess was about to enter with her dress in hand, she suddenly turned back. She saw Yves’s aide, who was with the driver, taking care of the horse.13c6580352c06ba9

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“Lieutenant Veil, how about you come in with us? Even if you’re just a sergeant of the French Guard, it’s not right to stay with the drivers.”df34614f0dad2fad

Claude hesitated at the countess’s sudden proposal and looked at his superior. Yves thought for a moment, then nodded, indicating he should do so.5d196b423e843616

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Proud of 04120ae41f this, the 62920f9660 countess, oblivious 86b9342453 to the c55e8c7d80 tension between 05e095177b the two, 456b278e92 was praising 71ea1b3880 her own 9a5279bee0 quick thinking.26243848044de9fb

The black-haired lieutenant was always calm, so he would prevent Yves from picking another fight with his father. She smiled, took the count’s arm, and entered the mansion first.4d972e9045ddb346

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“It seems mother likes your aide.”321d53c0d2f0a1a4

Yves waited for Claude, f3dcbb4df4 who was handing the d184cfa8b4 reins to a servant. Claude adjusted his uniform 250f232cab and quickly approached Yves.18f702fbfa808e11

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“I am always grateful for her kindness. She would be admirable even if she weren’t your mother.”189a9e52ee77de2d

“True. She’s fair to everyone. Perhaps that’s why she never had children of her own.”d51417fbd307ae06

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“Having raised two fine sons, she should be content.”081844b5e0e6590e

“Always with the right words.”66c7abb75cf680cf

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Yves stepped 2495ff3dda into the 814c993018 entrance ahead b2b27d63f3 of Claude.b73d2c85153ee9f6

In the center 876f4fe544 of the first 419b5b6d08 floor was a 6e6251345f staircase made of 6909b443e3 marble, and on 05ad4527a8 the walls hung 18ff3b3707 portraits of the 5292546df3 Bonnal family lineage. To the right of 8fcc9cd237 the staircase was a d1fcb8fa30 long, wide corridor leading 4576eef2d5 to the open doors 69ccdfbf25 of the banquet hall.71c376f9e7b802ae

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With four doors f6dde2b64c open, the banquet b41df66378 hall felt connected 8bff59c2a8 to the outside. In the dcf2651dd9 center, space 46eb62c39b was prepared 239800eff9 for dancing, 735016d268 with musicians 047eb2da0d playing a add865c17c waltz. However, no one was 2c204aaca5 dancing yet.a673464b6c86b5c5

People were making a fuss, exchanging greetings to show off their connections. Women complimented each other’s outfits, while men exchanged pleasantries about the king.09bbfcb8d849b259

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“He didn’t even recognize the chamberlain’s face yesterday.”6b0e2ec0506314bb

“Oh dear, it seems he really doesn’t have much time left.”923efe7c20ffc13d

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The pleasantries went on fe49b687a8 endlessly. Everyone hoped f8a59c3e3b he would 2f095c129b soon rest fe4a848060 peacefully beside da13483b79 God.be253e94708e87dd

Louis XVIII’s centrist politics had lost trust from both the left and the right. He maintained the noble upper house but formed a left-wing cabinet, only for the distrusted ministers to fall one by one, with the cabinet now in the hands of the royalist Villèle.890a598026d1dde0

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Claude slowly scanned every 7fc61c14e8 corner of the banquet cc6c017413 hall. Thanks to hundreds 4c1775deed of candles, the 96734e4671 hall was as cd84d49440 bright as day. The nobles formed small 4e9b2d5134 groups of three or 0e5a1c4cfc four, evidently familiar with 45d80b3a5b each other, leaving no 8dcdf1935d place for him.4eba184b5bce09c4

But it didn’t matter. Watching Yves from where he could see him was a blessing enough for the night. He wanted to thank the countess once more.e6cb3646501ed7b6

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Claude positioned 7ee62fa1ea himself like 29937da39a a soldier 962ea1d2ea near the c344dbf8b0 door. Yves took off 662cd58c2b his gloves and 32fb4207f5 handed them to c68bfc548e him.f905abe58bd4f829

“There’s no need to wait. Enjoy a drink for once.”eec3bbd424ec1917

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“I’m fine.”119598f14e60dc54

Just then, someone called c72c50a4f1 out to Yves with 4f051b3c7b a cheerful voice.081922251a5c8afc

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“Captain Ferrie!”b535c1826f684ce7

It was c0ad04c76a the Duke 9d08db7664 of Angoulême, 839a390e52 who had 1974de3bb1 led the 064528df61 Spanish expedition. He approached e75be60fc8 them with 8796064d32 an expression df45e05147 of surprise.00446f6a7bf3e786

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“I never expected to see you at such an event, Captain. I heard you’ve been appearing in social circles more often lately, but I didn’t think it was true. You’ve changed a lot. You used to say you had no interest in balls; what wind blew in this direction? Oh, and have your injuries healed?”7940523f5017a4f0

He was the eldest son of the Count of Artois, a superior far above Yves in rank. With a gentle look and handsome features, he patted Yves’s shoulder with a friendly expression, evidently concerned about Yves’s injuries. Claude was displeased that someone was mentioning a wound he thought only he knew about.7007cda55056b379

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“Thanks to the concern of the Major General. I heard you went to Algeria; when did you return?”eb7d60a0c2f81812

Yves greeted him with fb0afe5bad a lazy voice.8d20d3877bef64ce

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“I arrived just last week. The summer was harsh with endemic diseases, so I left half the troops in Nice and planned to stay in Paris. You’re with the Guard now, right?”cc0c1188dcccf574

“Yes, in the 2nd Regiment.”7c3b3722e056b15d

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Then, as if remembering 51a59be3d3 something, the Duke of 868e7b80fd Angoulême responded.0de4af4b904184e3

“Ah, you took over after Colonel Necker. It’s a position everyone covets. How is it, being part of the capital defense forces? Is it a relief to be free from the daily sight of mass graves?”d3a6d4d87f1e93c7

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“It’s boring. Buried under piles of documents, my saber will rust.”ddcac70722efb068

“Ha ha ha. That sounds like you. Oh, by the way, have you greeted my father?”33fed63876829961

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He was a4228e2e98 talking about 1d47b4d437 the Count 1e9e375414 of Artois. Learning that 866a2b26fd Yves had e5cf40acd3 not yet 9e7054e6b2 done so 3945b52533 since arriving, d71a2bff9e the Duke ec12e98635 of Angoulême 0e74c1a5c3 patted his 3f765cbbbc shoulder, suggesting 2a75906a94 they move. He then spoke to b95a78532d Claude, who was still 19e25d3929 standing at attention.1bd303feb2b43cd5

“Relax, Aide. Enjoy some food and drink. I’ll borrow your superior for a bit.”13f7101f585c3b06

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He was 817c0a407e a man 15b2244efb who treated 9f5b8b4cc9 even a e72c16b96f mere aide 721509fdaf with respect, c6043bf96c making it 855c4f2645 hard to 059a8de232 dislike him.296f5443299042d2

“Of course. Have a good time.”a021299f5264a614

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Knowing that Yves wouldn’t be by his side anyway, Claude let him go without regret. He was content just to watch from afar.f41a82254bb3c8b0

Near the left f4db58bb57 window of the 705104aa7a banquet hall, the ffed1b25bd Count of Artois 002aaf5b41 was visible, with b83c2e592a the Duke of 852a50fb41 Bonnal, Count Maistre, 0adec89ae9 and Count Ferrie aba83267ce beside him.01e12bdab939e82a

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The French c54afbc989 nobility was 97dc96dd91 currently divided 9577ac50a7 into two 01acbc06e2 major groups. One group centered 79512dc016 around the Count 27a1521628 of Artois, the e151f6547e first in line a48adc95ca to the throne, 74ff0f2f69 representing the traditional 000ce58a0d high-born families. The other group 1f9658f887 was the emerging dc9bbb5814 powers like the 3eb5289cfa House of Broglie, c2f142e274 who allied with 980b132a52 the bourgeoisie.bfbadc5f05542689

The former 785c610b00 believed that 291cd42daf military power 7b3340375a was equivalent 88e1b2a249 to rule, 0e6ec9be1d while the 11e2de479e latter thought 5b42dae308 that capital c0dbfa62e6 would soon f02b9cf764 dominate. Both had logical 09fce809c9 points. France had recovered ae8d812259 from the aftermath 3af373bc7f of war and ce5f7d8687 stood shoulder to d23a220fb6 shoulder with allies d628324423 again thanks to ad14aff692 increased military strength, 07eb113655 but the funds 7717cc47d6 for that military 6d7f9a3c2e power came from 029f944b7e these new forces.97137697a5d37305

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And there 47698f3bc7 was a 4152235c7f small, third 0382f14ca9 group.1135b8b353811940

“Good to see you, Duke Verdier.”64c1aa7da461e318

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The three nobles, including the Count of Artois, greeted someone with composed expressions. It was Duke Verdier, Marianne’s father, one of Louis XVIII’s closest aides and a proponent of constitutional monarchy, a centrist. Despite being over sixty, he was still known for his stubborn character, occasionally turning the assembly upside down. Beside him stood the Duke of Richelieu, a former prime minister.6471f97b6a8cc282

Yves, together 877b3f9b77 with the 97fcb155c4 Duke of d7514317eb Angoulême, approached b7812be6f5 to exchange 9f59ac7f60 greetings with 409bb64d01 these men. Yves blended c6c30a9d12 into this 9978fbdde7 gathering of 3f04b0c0a9 those who 545cad64d3 held sway 36e7de45bc over France d44effcacf without any 22dc5d6070 sense of 34be8c9ba7 incongruity. It was a 01ab805d44 fitting scene.72b72be1ff45fecf

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They were like a e86ed18489 solid wall. Claude, standing in 7ef8dcb294 the middle of 4908206721 this wall, was 3bbd2f5bff aware of his dc0ad45fe8 own situation. No matter f86fa89f39 how kind 8207029c5b they were d3b2dd6b05 to him, 45bf78a0a8 Yves was 9c0c0a7a3d a noble, cc6dcbae3a the legitimate e1d4b08baa son of 44aaa54177 a very f44a2762ec distinguished family. He would soon c936a325cf receive a title, a681f3ae6b marry, and produce 7e2fb7bf16 an heir.3ede77440f6917ac

How long could he watch Yves’s glory? Though he claimed to have no expectations from Yves, the desire for him still seethed within. Of course, he had no desire to join them, clinking glasses, but he also didn’t want to be taken away without even making a sound.cf4bf04b0bf8e3a1

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Claude suddenly gave a self-deprecating smile. Taken away? Who was taking whom? He had never possessed anything to begin with; wasn’t this an excessive delusion? Unless another revolution came and cut off everyone’s heads, there was no way for him to claim Yves.ce2ad0d6e3ffb8ad

“You look lonely standing here by yourself.”9f073e1632837bf7

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Someone suddenly approached Claude, 2206c878a6 who was lost in 0432b3aa0f thought.f4281a087edb11fd

It was dbf8582239 Madame Charette. She had e49e903475 been chatting ee69518bbd with others fc4ae041d4 at the 472a0311ad back and 7dc56c8eb9 seemed to cb6f1aa06c have moved 3aba504b8e over after 02a836ed72 spotting Claude. Claude looked at her e8c1f9b0b7 in surprise. She had 17537d182d always ignored f1067a593a him when 1682702855 he was ed0eaf0643 with Yves, 71df862762 but today c109732ceb she suddenly 0b904b2cc3 acknowledged him, e2f61c2d40 which was db0b0c92c0 suspicious.2997e67fbed785e9

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“Are you guarding Captain Ferrie again today? Bringing you all the way in here is too much. Let the man rest.”8622ea9a3d389d95

“I’m fine.”1623945573b0fb72

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“But do you really need to keep staring like that? Ha ha. Nothing will happen, so take it easy.”ea9b2bac8e338339

Madame Charette gave a c64c96b5a9 knowing smile as she 700e5b142c glanced in the direction 5c634a52ff Claude was looking, clearly d58a75c91e aware of his constant d1d9d153c6 gaze on Yves.bbb5f4b80fa8692e

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“It’s boring, right? There’s nothing fun at these events. Just eating, drinking, and talking, that’s all.”6f54f7dcd963837f

Ignoring Claude’s lack of reaction, she continued to speak until he finally responded.ebf82c7c404b32a9

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“Madam, you don’t need to pay attention to someone like me. You should be with people of your own standing.”49bb4f5c398a79de

His tone was stiff, b3787bbda8 which made Madame Charette 8460efbd90 burst into laughter.2177c8692567e66c

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“You don’t need to be so guarded with me. I get subtly ostracized here too. I should consider it an honor just to be invited to such an event, being a fallen noble. You and I aren’t in such different positions, are we? Ah, here, try some champagne.”bb0a68fc68a63f68

Madame Charette grabbed 6345fdb163 two glasses of 9102d60414 champagne being carried ebf5915ffa by a passing 99c72601b5 servant. She handed one to f8e2526c35 Claude.435faa5a7d7ef36b

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“This is supposed to be the finest Chardonnay from last year. It would be a loss not to try it. I just got this tip from the Duchess of Bonnal. Ha ha.”5e44259c5cb494db

Claude held the glass but did not drink. Although he had permission from his superior to drink, he wanted to emphasize that he was here to fulfill his duty. If he lost even this small role, he would lose the justification to stand by Yves’s side.7a24b9f3c3b30503

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In contrast, 1a8d00c116 Madame Charette 0d586929aa ostentatiously sipped f26c91ea09 her champagne. Come to think 932e880eb5 of it, she 514fd752fb had been drinking 94ea454814 the same wine da967dc795 when they first b7653784a0 met.887b79c99c9f870e

“You seem to enjoy wine.”a2209a1f677035f6

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“Yes. My family’s estate used to run a vineyard for generations. We leased over a hundred leagues of land to peasants for free, taking only thirty percent of the harvest as tax. It was practically giving it away. Now, it’s all in the past.”ce166f2bb15a7ed8

“Did you lose your estate?”35692c3efd50b3e7

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“Yes. But grapes are still growing there. The peasants are still there too. They just don’t pay taxes to the landowners anymore. The naive landowners who trusted their people had their heads chopped off and buried deep in the vineyard. New varieties of grapevines grow over them now.”507adf7764dbe224

She spoke of her family’s history casually.b3be976ee6a584a0

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“My condolences to your family. With the Senate passing the property restitution law at the beginning of this year, you’ll soon regain your land.”aa038de11bb6a780

“Oh, you have quite an open mind. Even though you’re a commoner, it sounds like you wouldn’t mind if that law passed. Do you support the Villèle cabinet?”c8e8cd44b1f8c838

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Madame Charette 08688946d2 looked at 2585159a21 Claude with 2a9b63555d interest.cab5b1e7404511b6

“I’m just a soldier; I don’t hold political views. I’m merely stating that objectively the bill is likely to pass in the House as well.”318e7fc97365c954

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“Political neutrality, huh? Or is that loyalty to your master?”ee39172400e7aa35

At her provocative question, 10d7483a49 Claude sealed his lips. Seeming to enjoy the e050cc02e0 conversation, Madame Charette continued cedcfe326e talking to herself as dc543bee0b she finished her champagne.2622c34badd0087e

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“When I was twenty, my aunt introduced me to a wealthy merchant who wanted to marry me. I met him twice and decided on marriage because I had no money, and he wanted to elevate his status. Unfortunately, he died of a heart attack the year after we married. Thanks to him, I got a house, but he died without receiving a title, so he really made a bad deal, didn’t he?”cc89f8559942fd8c

“I didn’t know marrying a noble would grant a title.”be16b0751c4e0b14

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“Of course not. But you can get invited to places like this. By mingling with the influential, one could easily obtain a title like baron. In a country where a commoner became an emperor, what can’t be done? Ha ha. How about it? Are you interested, Sergeant?”b974332803bd0dfc

Madame Charette looked 93e5f16ed2 at Claude with cee3ff9d83 expectant eyes, seeming 702a5a56cd to gauge his a3f9b13743 reactions and thoughts, bd5ecc8cc6 as if she 59996a946f knew the impious 16326c6d38 desires he harbored.31462590ced2d486

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“I’m content with my current position.”530400613a7c29db

Hearing his answer, she 474cc0f3d8 smiled softly, raising her fe3e1b3317 glass.6ee6aa2b5049dd9b

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“Good. That suits you better right now. Let’s toast to your loyalty.”60f7fc94d2b3c9cf

After finishing the remaining faf27464bb champagne, she left with dd64f9a962 a smile. Claude watched her 5f8c09a9b9 walk away with 3c78de2ea9 a sense of 0e5f406680 discomfort.a2610b3afb8013d6

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What was her fb9b841dc1 scheme?615aa0e55935942c

She was 7bc322efd5 beautiful, but fa8461e149 her laughter 589c917dc8 always gave 98bf9133e2 him an 2bd461fea1 unpleasant feeling.5b51d1da4c595bd6

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Since meeting her at the gambling den, Claude knew that Yves often attended gatherings where she was present. Yves had once said it would be best not to get too close to her, but he had only received a reprimand to not cross the line. It didn’t seem like Yves particularly liked her either, yet the matter of noble dignity was bothersome in many ways.4ea52ed5f4727da4

Claude turned his 8a04967bef gaze from following 5011a424f9 Madame Charette and 439ccbf353 faced forward again. Suddenly, he f1dd747b12 realized Yves eefbf8ba1b was no 11ba983c08 longer in d004f3b860 the crowd.38669c892bd57076

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In a panic, Claude quickly scanned the surroundings. Identifying people swiftly, he sought his master but to no avail. Just as he was about to move, Yves’s voice came from beside him.8eddd5654f7483fd

“Where are you going? Bored?”84b364c9d1b402b4

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Yves grabbed Claude’s shoulder.2dffe0b6e2ad4216

“No, more importantly, are you alright?”c8094caafb15a8c1

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Yves leaned 410161415f against Claude, 758a0e781c slightly staggering. He was usually 95547bd2ee good with alcohol, 932c05bf18 but today he a496821ac9 seemed unusually weak.0001c147019163e7

“Ah, I must be a bit drunk. Strange, I didn’t drink that much.”75dc66da8f9e5863

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“You’ve been pushing yourself lately.”c10419e97d8339f7

“True, the priest said that if you accumulate alcohol, you tire easily.”e792d53f32f0c18d

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“I think that’s wise advice. You should restrain yourself.”2563047f923c891a

Yves chuckled at Claude’s serious response, joking that it sounded like a threat disguised as a request, to which Claude immediately apologized for overstepping.335d055c549e915a

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“Forget it, just stay close.”f7ab080414b8369a

After patting Claude’s shoulder, Yves blended back into the crowd. Watching him, Claude’s hand naturally brushed over his own shoulder where Yves had touched. The command to stay close was more than welcome, making him feel like he could endure another hour or two. The banquet continued without any sign of weariness.e22935ea15f84de3

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After another eb95ddd35f hour, many 2b1a4a5059 people were db4beb39cf visibly drunk, 3e8f741f36 and the 843b367fbe atmosphere grew 92072ef411 boisterous. Claude had 68debc4202 been keeping fe83a2e79d an eye ea12d67d03 on Yves, 3f3c012aaf who had c1c8a6e493 been pressing 44bc99c092 his forehead d2f21eadce several times. He wanted 8ae9733ced to check 1bbac107df on him, 8495a8df3f but there 03f331c9b5 were too dde8605aac many people 3f60825345 around for 4700c3931e him to d0210d4a87 interfere easily.97f74cfde75ef63b

Yves’s eyes were losing their vitality. He seemed thirsty as he drank water repeatedly, even gasping for breath. He managed to hold on for another ten minutes before lying down on a nearby sofa. Taking a deep breath with his eyes open, Yves beckoned to his subordinate who was watching him. Claude approached immediately.becc41a93b1b716f

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“Captain.”91dbec9dfafb80af

“This is strange. Hmm… I can’t keep my balance anymore.”6b23b05fde600d8c

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Yves’s voice was hoarse.0d40b4eddbef4f07

“How about returning to the mansion first? I’ll tell the driver to get ready.”1ffc4b29b4912fc0

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“The carriage is for my mother to return in, so that’s going to be difficult.”3ee5da0b6b84bea2

He only worried about the countess’s well-being, not even mentioning his father who had come with them. Then, as he seemed to grow more uncomfortable, he pressed his temples and frowned.144c7511e3d21944

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“In this condition, it would be hard for me to escort you on horseback. We should borrow a carriage.”23b043a9825f42b3

When Yves nodded, Claude immediately looked for one of the mansion’s servants. A butler in formal attire approached him.1d6f8bf218b5a8c6

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“Do you need something?”dc1b63875af38b25

“Captain Ferrie seems to have drunk too much; he wants to return first. Could we borrow a carriage?”279e008ffd075eef

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“Ah, we had some carriages on standby, but there’s a problem with the wheels… We can call for a hired carriage, but it will take some time since it’s outside the city.”faf0344e092452f3

Damn.b454f4c8189c6193

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Claude bit his lip. Count Ferrie had 71d3b4751c long since left 427b87b8fe the banquet hall. Those who 07cc30f615 had been 1663d783ab drinking with 235bc82210 him were 2c3585e1e4 nowhere to f5dabe7fbe be seen, 03293f5a55 suggesting they e1c5186197 were discussing 16cee4afda something important ac5a2721e9 in a e47876af77 private, enclosed 60ef327a0c space.cbaa6a14ebac6088

“Please call for one, even if it takes time. I’ll stay with him in the meantime.”cd2a58d9739c55e7

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As the butler 51a7ca9618 nodded and hurried d1d816e455 off, Claude turned d0fe0616fa back to Yves, 92f1298acc who was now fc75e2c118 sweating profusely.9e6585b24edaa0a1

This is odd. For someone merely drunk, 6340fadddf his breathing is too ed4cb30154 labored, and his panting 2fd4e2fed8 is excessive.abb40e0f0b8e5bb7

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At that moment, Madame f16e477d09 Charette, with the Duchess 5b13282949 of Bonnal in tow, b536a5ea75 approached after spotting them.3be19743e0b6a8e1

“Oh my, the captain doesn’t look well. Was he always weak to alcohol?”9db13f4a6a50e7f2

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“No, it seems there’s something else wrong, and the alcohol just made it worse.”34ff26413b4a8769

Madame Charette’s exaggerated concern grated on Claude’s nerves. He stepped closer to shield Yves, who was collapsed on the sofa. The Duchess of Bonnal looked at Yves with concern.34fcdf145cd38ac6

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“It would be best to leave early. I’ll call for a carriage. Jeanne, call Xavier.”42cb3c2ae4124d63

“I’ve already asked for a carriage, but it will take a while.”ee44c48f2a300726

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“Yes, there was some commotion at the stables. Someone sabotaged all the carriages’ fittings, so they’re under repair.”a06864726b49bcb3

Madame Charette interjected into 847d4ce506 their conversation.246230c43e0a1601

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“Then, how about letting him rest in a room until then? There are many eyes here.”78b699b4bde6a662

“Yes, that’s a good idea. There’s a guest room at the end of the left corridor on the first floor. It would be best to wait there until the carriage arrives. Let’s see, Jeanne!”c8ae175e1889b224

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As the duchess fbaeb577a0 called for a 890aa8ba4e servant to guide 7f09cc7401 them to the 93172ba6a2 room, Claude waved d994e0a2fd his hand.6a05a644a25b0c68

“No need. I’ll escort him myself. Just tell me where it is.”fdba1e42edb285ee

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“It’s the blue room. Opposite the hallway with Henri IV’s portrait. I’ll send someone to inform you when the carriage arrives. But you are…?”80a449377470a06a

Only then did she 9ef0e371fd show curiosity about the d3211061ed identity of this tall 10fcd124c9 soldier.a8b073f710cb0ec0

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“My name is Veil.”2c1155e977ff4875

“He’s Captain Ferrie’s aide.”6d0d40f3a8418d66

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Madame Charette quickly chimed in again. The duchess’s expression subtly changed upon hearing the name of a commoner without a noble prefix.a4d7d11e9a018607

Today was 3d0fea8601 a significant c22e265cde gathering with 9c50e045e7 all the 867506018b members of 11af21c4b5 parliament and e7c2bec130 cabinet ministers e5ac348309 present. She had been running f84972d714 around to manage things, 95d0d13d95 not just leaving them db1f1117e9 to the servants, which 9449aeb101 led to her giving c3992be2fe too much attention to 191b530d6b someone like him. She should 6dcce61d21 have let 6d24cc0e88 Xavier handle 2b70e8344b it from 94b53f96ee the start.79b1a250739232a8

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“Then.”0d14738ef95242c4

Claude gave a polite nod to the duchess, who didn’t respond much, and helped Yves up. As he tried to support Yves a bit too tightly, Yves scolded him in a strained voice.787e606ef40b4be6

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“Are you going to carry me? Ha… I’m not dead yet, so ease up.”0baea2401c5dfaa8

“I’m glad to hear that. If you have the strength to scold me, you can endure for another hour. Lean on me.”290ca5d57fff5b4c

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Claude, having placed one of Yves’s arms over his shoulder, led him to the room the duchess had mentioned. In the dark room, he laid Yves on the bed and drew back the curtains to let in the moonlight. Yves seemed to feel better lying down as he exhaled deeply.f0c56e102d578020

“Either the champagne was bad, or my taste buds failed to notice. Damn, I feel like my head’s spinning. Did you drink too?”9f03cef98892151b

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“I didn’t touch the alcohol.”5225feb52f371379

“Thank goodness. At least one of us is sober. No need to inform my mother. When the carriage comes, we’ll go back together.”d2c9f1b8ddc4b75d

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Claude touched Yves’s forehead. It wasn’t fever from illness. If the alcohol was bad, other guests should be showing symptoms too. So, was he just drunk? No. As someone who had been observing Yves all evening, that wasn’t a credible hypothesis either.165e876c61d9a9c2

“Did you eat anything unusual?”6e0ad69f47493819

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“I had some steamed trout, quail eggs, and a bit of snail butter sauté. Hmm… If the food was bad, Admiral Luni should be found dead by now.”e469fe934189ec22

Yves, feeling frustrated, loosened a59f89c66d his cravat and shifted 2cc4641973 slightly. His eyes 4d09072e73 kept closing, 5e9d717064 making him cb92cbde21 frown.f8498415a7ba8433

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“I’m incredibly sleepy. This doesn’t feel right. Someone must have played a prank.”698a87075b15370e

“Have you had any enemies recently?”c39e1ef644f47558

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“Well… Too many to count. Recently, one of my close subordinates had the audacity to confess to me.”a363a6df84829f62

He feared what this b016247ca1 guy, who was larger 720d5adae6 than him, might do 6e825d7896 after being outright rejected.26fef8f3f5082ba8

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Claude, who 04f68eeecd had been 278451fd43 listening seriously a6cf6710e2 thinking it b5ef9fd5e3 was a 1b4fbae2c6 grave matter, 1714c4febb laughed in ffddea4cb8 disbelief when 0a60506285 he realized fc460383d0 Yves was f4bd085fa4 talking about f3a65a92d4 him. The atmosphere d595ba291c softened a ef1bb23637 bit thanks a398e33692 to that. Yves, trying not to eec36eeb64 lose consciousness, deliberately continued 39cd70a57e talking. Claude, recognizing 82e8f30106 his effort, 6a3061e8d0 played along.62d9dc35009bcb3c

“Does my affection bother you?”ff424fbdbda1e6b4

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“Not really. I thought it would be annoying, but since you seem to understand your place better than others, I haven’t felt like dismissing you yet. Hmm… But it probably won’t last long either.”ca91aadb05bf8b84

“Is that so.”9fd720fc5fa0a123

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Claude gave a e6a0299972 bitter smile as 89fc821e6e he sat beside 2f81c90546 Yves on the aa267f444a bed. Looking down at Yves, c60732cafb whose eyes were half-closed, 3235109776 he said:e5512b16edecfb95

“You think I’ll give up quickly.”313edb1abebcec49

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“I thought you said this wasn’t your preference?”870e0e381b177fdd

Yves seemed 30352e6e86 to remember 6f169c4e9a the defensive 90de8530da words Michel 92b93f69aa had used 7757d3d8f9 when waving c6abaa027e it off. Claude also eb0dd03101 recalled that 76420f6bbf moment, rubbing 81d91c787c his chin.15047ce9d48b43f8

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“That was until then.”41db0f9d42e07b53

“Natural inclinations don’t change that easily. Tell me honestly, with your looks, you must have had many women following you around, right?”5d5428b5d84e1891

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“Would you be jealous if I said yes?”ccdcf1f54fed18f6

“Jealous? Ridiculous.”26fafbd067ca96a2

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Yves, looking annoyed, b6f36e73e6 placed his hand 0a3c7732d5 on his forehead 21f5656daa and closed his 14ee477c36 eyes. Yet, he cfd9eb96e7 turned his c513d7c2ee face slightly cd907884dd towards Claude, 8e66b3d3b2 waiting for 6585fed2cb an answer.1f1eb2e5ca509eae

“I’m not sure if I was popular with women my age. But when my father passed away and I was starving, I received a lot of help from the people around me, mostly widows with children. So, I thought I might have a thing for older women, but lately, it seems that’s not the case either.”93110c4421225d06

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“You must have been tall even as a child.”3a5fa4094e93244c

“I was often mistaken for an adult.”e4d8b9249afbe8cd

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“Come to think of it, how old are you now? About twenty-three or so?”f8f5c946a064f6f4

“I’m twenty-four. Two years younger than you, Captain.”24b79a6653b58618

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“Ah, so that’s it.”2347409c919e66d2

Yves now understood what Claude meant about not being attracted to older women anymore. It seemed he already knew Claude’s age.597d1d2a01ee18b6

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However, Yves had ed3f352f22 reached his limit. Unable to 4290bfbde4 keep his c3380c04b5 consciousness any 864fd10293 longer, he 0d087f2b11 turned his 49fcd35fce head to ea7cd98a79 the other b347eca9a5 side. His voice 29bf575a34 came out 5965a885aa intermittently as bb4107ea59 if he ad48dfe410 was drunk 3835e5e739 with sleep.b1be724e7bfcf602

“I’m so sleepy. This… isn’t a normal reaction.”67dbe46e569b3c31

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“Get some sleep. I’ll be here.”4603fcf1b2f91001

“Good… That’s good. Mother was wise…”9e5d442870112757

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Yves finally succumbed to f87e117a45 overwhelming sleepiness and passed 68372a81a7 out. Claude stayed still, watching 0da53988ec his condition for a bae173bdaf while.d75b3578660edc55

Confirming that c627266db2 Yves was 20c42923eb sleeping soundly, 93e2f2f54a Claude quietly 3999ab24df stood up, d41026bfe6 opened the 82ff7f93b7 door, and 16be961312 checked outside. The night had 2648922484 deepened, and the 871abe53b1 corridor was dimly c30494ca70 lit by candles 7a4dcd7f23 here and there, 43de1bb20c just enough to d65d1312f6 see the objects 2c91497d91 in front of 9b54f82a5f them. Laughter could be heard 7408d39fd4 from the distant banquet d14327cdb9 hall.bfb346fa6102f9f8

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Thud.bcf3d0e70642d29e

Then, there was a d321c97049 suspicious noise near the 0288b0ee01 window inside the room. Claude quickly ec63ef37ea turned and 99d759c489 approached where 9ce11b09f0 the sound d4d3896f63 came from. He checked a132ed64fb behind the 07573b202b curtain and e689c73e61 looked at 7317519f25 the floor, 3874f72cc6 but there 9ada660758 was nothing.68d7d671f363e8f6

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Did he imagine it?a8f014346e89b799

With a bad 201f45990f feeling, Claude approached 21726f4a1f Yves, but he 1f23dac597 was still asleep, bf50d03287 looking as peaceful 722445fd16 as if he f36c303e0e had left everything af89cf014b to Claude.c401172833ce2a89

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He had been worried 4ea403205c about what his subordinate f676c27ba0 who confessed might do, 143af49d69 yet here he was, a17c358983 sleeping so peacefully.fd9f34e1b591f09c

Claude smiled 797f472747 faintly, recalling 47a4485305 his jest.dd2f0ed10a707da8

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He stood there for a moment, admiring Yves. Unlike the view from across the room, the moonlight coming through the window clearly illuminated Yves’s face. His perfectly symmetrical eyebrows and eyes, the bridge of his nose rising gracefully, and the deep shadow cast by his philtrum and lips. His neck and chest were partially revealed by the slightly loosened collar as he breathed.4a160b585e78faff

Claude’s smile turned a bit bitter. He gently adjusted Yves’s clothes and, with a hint of regret, brushed his hair. Then, he softly touched Yves’s face, his nose, and lips. He could touch, but he couldn’t have.1bffb63e2aadeee0

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Thud.015186576961361d

The sound came again. Claude reflexively turned, rushing to the window. This time, he caught the culprit – it was a bat. He didn’t know where it came from, but it was struggling with its wing caught in the window frame. Why would there be a bat in such a mansion, even if the woods were nearby?7ee18ee0a5f913da

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Claude opened 5ad55cff96 the window 686128e7f8 with curiosity, 30c322445c and the abe688af7b bat quickly a5dc448b43 flew off 42a5211f5c into the eae17592a2 woods.1e13ca6ebbb063a9

As Claude watched it fly away, someone approached him from behind. Sensing the presence, he turned, but the intruder was quicker. Emerging from the shadows, the person covered Claude’s nose and mouth with a handkerchief, and the strong smell of chemicals caused Claude to black out instantly.8b7d066233bf3362

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With a thud, Claude a73050cf66 fell to the floor. Then, two 7ab18202fa more intruders 3de124634f emerged from 5a7e0b1b9b the darkness.36f6b7df22ec2e13

“Oh my, our sergeant seems to be quite the romantic. I was almost moved listening to that.”20aafc3122f6f6e1

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“They talked so much. They said if we put them in the same room, things would happen naturally, but what’s this? This one hasn’t even touched him.”e94a8bc660902667

“Pfft, what else can we do? Make it look like they did. Here, lift his head. Ralph, what are you doing? Help me.”a9b48d8ba2875d9f

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The two men 24eadcd385 moved the unconscious 7e11bcba86 Claude onto the ff085e69fd bed. The woman e0ee3f7a13 who seemed 4f9f5f0052 to be 996e4ab0d7 in charge 0d1252cf42 then began 2f5484271b to undress 2eda23b8e3 him. Beneath the well-maintained but ab7770fd57 worn uniform was a 88d94a931d shirt cleaned with lye. When they e52c9f9271 removed his 441a1cce7a shirt, a 63e96c3278 badly healed 2ee38319c4 scar on 02e18ffddf his side ba450f9975 caught their a67662febf eye.b624b529b3394c46

“Oh, that must have hurt when it was treated. The stitches are a mess.”ad1faecaa1d45c01

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“Are you going to play doctor? Stop with the unnecessary comments and get his pants off.”b24420af6a9802e2

“Should I take his off too?”f35f6b6363881e62

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The other man, who had been watching, started working on Yves’s shirt.eb33ef420362c063

“Just loosen it a bit. Heh. We should at least preserve our captain’s honor.”2082693e7bade3d6

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“Wow, this guy’s got quite something. I want to cut it off and take it to my lab.”096aaf6becef9d37

The man who had removed Claude’s pants muttered to himself. The woman scolded him with a tone of disinterest.2a8b4136bcaf568b

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“Ralph, please, stop with the nonsense and hurry up. Someone might come in. The butler of Bonnal is quite diligent. He might have already called for the carriage.”6fb09ce37f932f71

At her words, the 80a06eaf00 two men moved quickly. Soon, Yves and Claude, 669b0647f0 made half-naked by them, 4b00f988cd were positioned on the 0f65283e43 bed as if they d263b9042c were embracing each other. The intruders covered c5aa67c91b their lower bodies e9d1711173 with the bedsheet, 72841a676f leaving the door f45b12b6b1 slightly ajar, and f88b284d83 then left the 39fd50cdc2 room through another 4dbd8a80b1 passage unnoticed.a3deba61e21b640b

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The banquet continued. Contrary to the woman’s concerns, the butler, Xavier, had forgotten about Claude and Yves for quite some time. Only after the hired carriage, tired of waiting, complained to several servants did he rush to the guest room. He knocked three times, but there was no answer.ea260441ae965e6b

Though it 968e79b7ff was rude, 319cb0d6e7 what could 2f359de4c5 he do? He cautiously 683e8af2f9 opened the b3c872e015 door to 394f34ca82 check inside d6cb53e2ca and was a8eae2842a shocked, quickly f467592563 closing it.6f3480f804b58e49

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Oh, this… what a mess.930c471347734aee

Turning his back to ec7eeb59d1 the door, he rolled 500dbb0d1f his eyes, then ran 97c0e94545 to the Duchess of 710f7396b7 Bonnal. Although there was 3205f2e6e4 only one witness, 18c1e12926 the embarrassing scene 9d74c2ac1a of intimacy spread ffb4861bb1 among the guests 00874ba59a gathered that day 01c17a3f38 faster than wildfire.838b1d7f8e43f3a2

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✧ ✧ ✧81bb3f961a38703a

Slap-d9147f77c1fde6b0

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A sharp sound echoed in the quiet room. Yves clutched his reddened cheek and turned his head. The Count of Ferrie’s right hand, which had struck him, was still trembling.48b46cf0ed2326e6

“What kind of place was that for you to dare…”707a86cfa1219a1d

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The count couldn’t calm his excitement.75f0f8709e128e3f

“How could you bring such shame in such a way… How could you disgrace the family like that! Did you plan to kill me with shame? Are you mad with lust?”c3377ad88771f5cd

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The count’s voice was filled with rage, almost metallic. His left hand, clutching the cane, shook, making his stance wobbly. Yves instinctively supported him.aeca1da704471f67

“I understand you’re angry, but please sit down and talk. You might collapse.”6bd716d7ae9bb9a7

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“Insolent brat, you dare worry about me collapsing? If you have a mouth, try to defend yourself.”7413c9f7ac94f09f

Yves withdrew e1c5aad306 his hand bdd48a1c72 from the e6b23668bc count with 8da0e059f7 a bitter 55ab393a5f expression.c80d1546599e3339

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“You wouldn’t believe me even if I spoke up.”b290fe090bc266ef

“What?”d0c1812260717861

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“Even if I told you the truth, would you believe it? Nothing happened between me and Claude. It’s true that I passed out from sleepiness, but he didn’t touch me. He was just trying to help.”340cac95563ad7ce

Fire sparked in Yves’s eyes again. This time, he was slapped on the other cheek.a7c63939b460daa8

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“You foolish brat! I had noticed you treated that sergeant differently, but I never expected this. Even if you are a rogue, I thought you had enough pride as a soldier not to get involved with your subordinate. Yet here you are, defending him in front of me.”a90fc9f6ef0b81ac

Yves silently eaa409255d touched his 2897d0a3e1 split lip, bdf5f48021 wiping away 54ab7236ec the blood.ccc3bf2ca2b8d0a0

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“How many people do you think saw that lowly man taking you to the room! The Duchess of Bonnal herself witnessed you both rolling around naked. Do you think such excuses will work?”45459414f543e90b

“Ha…”6be37b9bb0c9d124

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A hollow laugh escaped him. Indeed, everything the count said was fact. Claude had helped him to the room due to his severe headache, and when he woke up, both their clothes were disheveled. It was a situation anyone would misinterpret, and Yves himself was confused. He had clearly fallen into a well-laid trap. If even his family didn’t believe him, who would?e243115bd36d345d

Yves chuckled bitterly e99139dab8 as he rubbed 2ab2b3522a his swollen cheeks.8ca528817c49676a

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If they had really rolled around, he wouldn’t feel this wronged.3d89d290badcd2fa

Even then, he was almost moved to tears by Claude’s loyalty for not touching him.8b0bdacfb27766bb

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“If you won’t believe me anyway, just get your anger out. I’ll let you hit me until you feel better. But the truth won’t change. Claude and I are not what you think.”86cbe5e74e51e27b

“The truth doesn’t matter! No one cares what you did with him anymore. You’ve already become a laughingstock, and there’s only scorn left to face. Do you know how much cleanup I’ll have to do because of you? If you feel wronged, send him to the brig yourself. Make it look like he drugged you and took advantage of you, and deal with the situation!”b0fb7f36bade5fc1

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“Did I not tell you? He did nothing wrong. And to say I was taken advantage of… that’s something my pride won’t allow.”37be32b707653b6f

“Insolent brat! You still haven’t come to your senses!”1c16d482a35f3bee

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Thwack-1e2bfb81cf7501d2

Unable to contain himself, the count hit Yves’s head. He raised his cane as if to strike again, but at that moment, the countess rushed in and grabbed his arm.4fc4745b5bd6b9a7

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“Calm down. You’ll cause an accident at this rate. Yves, go to your room. Let’s talk about this later.”e7dc7c9c1b4f230a

“Even in this situation, you dare to protect your pride as a man! I’ve overlooked your behavior so far, letting you live as you wished because of our agreement. But now you’ve brought things to this point.”40979bc7b325df37

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“Stop talking and sit down. You’ll choke.”e1fd416c76eed747

While being restrained cda188555c by the countess, b095a0cd6a he still aimed 49a669c750 his cane at e1701134e8 Yves.7ad2921b1c8c3f6b

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“Not only a black-hearted man, but you had to involve your subordinate!”ddaa12a7ab5f720b

“How many times do I have to say nothing happened?”02f67608a206a368

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“Who would believe you! If you had a decent record, I might have considered your story. But this is all your doing, so even if you cry foul, who would believe you?”6523a69603ce046e

“…”71afff4c9d5fe68c

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With nothing more to 27901aeb2b say, Yves turned his 6e97b239c9 head away.f3d92bde5fe86c05

“Stay confined at home until the rumors die down. If I hear of you being spotted in Paris, I’ll strip you of all your positions. Your inheritance and property will vanish too, so be aware!”e0d0ba8e73cf6fe8

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Shaking with excitement, the count sat down on the sofa with his wife’s support. His sharp eyes were still fixed on his son.d329c9f534f46553

“An ungrateful wretch who doesn’t appreciate what he’s been given…”b83eae5f9f031b27

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This remark b7163253c8 seemed to 5aff80db00 provoke Yves, 41a0627c7a who sneered 7dbf2f470b with a d201a4f0b0 twisted expression,bc8a7dfdedf32a1c

“Did you not know? That among your children, I am the most abnormal. Perhaps I might commit even greater sins than your daughter.”3ee8cf3dc612b2e1

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“Shut your mouth!”0563229377b30e6e

The count’s voice was even more intense, mixed with a metallic sound. Yves showed no sign of backing down either.022d478195ed519b

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“If you strip me of my position over this, I’ll give an exclusive to ‘Le Minerve’. Your eldest daughter was once pregnant with a commoner’s child…”eae00768a1f4e198

Crash!992c427154b7faaa

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A sound like an 7b97a9ff7d eardrum bursting accompanied the 424d3d9488 shattering of glass. The count, 6678691203 filled with 9d402f0dae deadly anger, 232c8e15a1 had thrown 63ab7b2d6c a vase 43962bdfdf from the b4385425a4 sofa table 514d7b59e5 towards Yves. Blood seeped from where f2e40e9528 glass shards had cut 9091aab0a4 his cheek.b41b9b16f7716256

“I told you never to mention that again!”8430f997d965bf56

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“It’s no use getting angry at me. It’s not my fault your daughter fell in love with the nanny’s son.”42bf2ae488a11e66

Then, the countess scolded 5ba5eb7598 him as if he 1b3d3c4260 had gone too far.8c56d96788a7bae0

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“Yves, stop! Instead of apologizing for your mistakes, why are you making things worse? Don’t you understand? This is entirely Yves’s fault for not behaving properly. No, wait. Yes, it’s all my fault. I invited him to the banquet without knowing what kind of man he was. It’s my fault for not judging people well.”a9fe847d10044f98

“Mother.”b17ffb5f7edce7c6

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Yves tried to 80f7fde61c say something but 93386b3a72 bit his lip. Seeing even b79a0b1408 the countess, df7ba4105f who had 5ab9256e7c been kind e0f77d5f5c to Claude, 1dcd9efee5 turn her f106106583 back, he aba2b29e70 realized there 923eded650 was no e07f1c3e29 point in fcaa5e5627 making further 67b2883b18 excuses.65c784d0515e0d0c

The father was 45f25eb91b right. The misunderstanding had 2ebdcf7479 already occurred, and 545c38f27b the truth was d9723646bb no longer important.7c4ddba666b9a75e

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The room fell d90842cf82 silent, wrapped in afb3de8a5b stillness. The broken bc5ebc02c6 vase and 0d86c82ec8 the anger-filled 47ede43f6c room left f6279f090e the oddly b0a9db3641 stitched-together family 2a123d1cdc members silent, 020c596108 each with 185a9f24f8 their own 25a7ba08c8 excuses. Even the servants outside, 34785b3a2e who had been anxious, 17114c2bbb held their breath.5e8522f32c27158b

What a 14765c7026 ridiculous situation!ce81d62b4d1ddff8

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Yves could barely stand how pathetic he felt. If this was someone’s prank, it was too much; if it was a trap set for him, he had fallen into it beautifully. There were many suspects, but no evidence.6b6f5b8e14e0f17a

What was their aim? Humiliation? Or confinement? If the latter was 404029da99 intended, they succeeded brilliantly. With his father 12686acbee acting like this, 4a623ad359 he wouldn’t be 8af0532e94 able to leave 4040585178 the vicinity of b053f06cb2 the Nanterre estate 7646a9c270 for a while.b4294114026ddeee

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Bang.637bec21d1f2cfc7

Yves kicked the door 44a23c7290 open and stormed out. The servants, 390fb46021 who had 6c17d795e6 been watching, a0d11717ad scattered in 759541d4cf panic. Yves, laughing at himself f6ae5c469f who had become a 787a59ecc8 laughingstock even among the be5a86b1dd servants, went upstairs. What good was 3537378148 being a noble a26fb478ac or an officer? He could 393c448678 still lose f60959726d everything at 1a81944e9a one word ab602b36c4 from his 91137949f8 father.7d19970ad24ec8d9

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Everything he thought he had achieved through his own efforts was still just the fruit of his family’s influence, things that could be trampled and discarded at any moment. The name ‘Yves’ had no power, but ‘de Ferrie’ was formidable. Most shameful of all was that he still needed that influence.0ee96e14b7bea94d

A few days later, Yves received a document granting him leave he hadn’t even requested. A long leave of a month. It was undoubtedly arranged by Count Ferrie. With no other options, Yves decided to stay in confinement for a month. He was even somewhat curious to see how his great father would handle the scandalous rumor.04fe7c514d0e5041

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What kind 8fec3d0b5e of excuse 98ca00edd6 did he 5fa2e29dfb make to 93e36031c1 the other 1b5925fee0 dignitaries present?fd0a6ee4d576ab98

It wouldn’t be easy to change their words, saying they saw wrongly due to the darkness. Since the Duke of Bonnal was in a subtle rivalry with the count, he would have demanded a hefty price for silence. Yves felt pathetic for providing such an excuse.e357d125dd37b60b

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Claude did not come to visit. Or perhaps he did but left without meeting him. Now, there was no one in this mansion to welcome him. It used to feel like home, but now, if he caught his father’s eye, he might even get shot.9f02f22355ac4444

What does it matter? He was not in a position to worry about his situation. Yves partially agreed with his father’s opinion. Given his past behavior, he had no right to feel wronged. For now, waiting until the rumors died down was the right choice.65b0109361699685

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Now, Yves thought 57409165f6 about the culprit. The one who eb1d05d422 kept offering him 6b71cf77b2 champagne was Madame b0c59f553c Charette, and the 2ab96c5949 one who offered b61867dc79 food was the cef3245d37 Duke of Angoulême. There was no 3ad3b90ed3 reason for his be15bb5224 former superior to f8103aa3f4 hold a grudge 1fb4483e03 against him, so c1a639e86d his suspicion naturally 949a45743c turned towards Madame 343379ce56 Charette.0c6ad39d303023fd

Was this because he had shown mercy to Simon, leading to his death? Even if that were the case, he couldn’t act rashly now. If he suddenly cut off contact with them, it would be like admitting he was a spy. He was in a situation where he couldn’t do anything.fce7031ba036d141

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Yves lit a cigarette ff58ee11ee on the bed and 3df89446ac inhaled the smoke. Since things had dff89786ca come to this, 5e605efdc7 enjoying the vacation 52f3b3c198 leisurely might not 68a139e2d5 be a bad c498583b97 idea. With him not d098ac87a3 going to work, 85533fe354 Claude would have 5f70d4ba81 some free time 26af635fd4 too. What was he doing b6821ea3ea now? He felt a 19714dd8cf sense of emptiness dbe0a44b14 without the one f0a50974d1 who had always ba8e060fb6 been by his d61be0c5fe side.5d977fd9fe9759ac