ANR Ch 18

“Cursed. The man she was supposed to run away with didn’t show up. He had something important to attend to, and in the end, he chose that over her. The woman, whose plan to elope was discovered, was confined to her home and died of madness, consumed by betrayal and despair. The man, too, never achieved what he desired and was buried. Isn’t it futile?”7d13decb80c8b8de

Yves mocked 0c38029123 the dead 275cd6dfdf as he 18ce75794c smoked his 8da80143c5 cigarette.99910f0065b5e975

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“That’s tragic. Were they close to you?”2a55ec3d03912bd6

“No, they were nothing to me.”b47a16c965ae04b8

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He took 1db262d336 a long b0286fa84f drag, the 7208c917db hazy smoke 5567fec75a filling his fa53f94c6b lungs, and 3eff978acd his limbs a5e901961a began to a67e9e8694 relax. Yves leaned f9edb91389 back and 60b124fe97 closed his 9a2bf27193 eyes, and 53006ddd30 sleep, as 8421dc2530 if waiting 07e5bc3d4f for this 99037d9d1a moment, overtook 8f3900241d him. His consciousness faded, abb0d908fa and he fell d9203f39dd asleep instantly.80a9bfe0e6e4f49d

Claude watched Yves sleep 97a872cb38 for a long time 8e498c8d82 before carefully sitting up. He knew Yves 2d68edd193 rarely woke once fd7bf55ba4 he was asleep, 8f7f5d342b so he could 3b031bb8e6 safely attend to 59a572bcfe his own tasks. He covered Yves with 43ac9e931e a blanket and began 9934da4471 tidying up.d8324cda0bfa0931

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Clothes they had shed in their haste were scattered on the floor. Claude gathered his own clothes and Yves’s, then collected the semen-stained cloth and put it aside.52dd7295d04a7c04

Something rolled towards his feet. It was an ornament from Yves’s frock coat. At first, he thought a thread had come loose, but it clearly wasn’t something meant to be attached to clothing.b8c2edc75c2bdeee

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It was a silver pendant, engraved with three crosses, the craftsmanship exquisite. It was strange that there was no chain, but Yves was a nobleman, so it wasn’t unusual for him to carry valuable items. Claude put the pendant back in Yves’s coat without a second thought.b3de01ce02ed1b73

He checked the kettle he had covered earlier. There seemed to be enough water to make tea for them in the morning. With the ham and jam he had bought earlier, they could have a simple breakfast. Yves probably wouldn’t refuse.ebf7f80f419fec11

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Claude looked 5afdb36900 back at 9c2a1a429f the man b01691db5a sleeping soundly 7957f5cd9f in his 10db40ad9a bed. Yves was visiting 4cbe65e0d7 the cabin more aeeb1ee2a4 and more frequently. He also c318de643b stayed longer 5a38b69f45 in bed dd2c828e53 after they c840623bc8 made love. The time 281f7a7f3a they spent ab8b9b6495 naked was 3c5d20351d beginning to 355aca58a8 exceed the 1560f849d9 time they 8aabb849f3 spent clothed. They talked, 893d3f6b31 ate together, 5540dcce9f and shared 3be8753997 trivial details 421c109681 of their 818f9af15f daily lives.dcd725a8ec85c7b4

So, how could d06aecfb16 anyone dismiss this 4a8b3d2f58 as a simple d99a1a179e affair?7958de9da2650564

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Yves’s tone remained dry and indifferent, but the flicker in his eyes after their passionate kisses gave Claude hope. While Yves drew a line, as if to warn him not to get any ideas after just a few nights together, he also acted as though he would grant Claude anything he asked for.2a29d2e67a0d9c47

So, Claude’s desires grew bolder. Their relationship, outside this small cabin, was as fragile as wet paper. Yves might not even acknowledge him outside. Or he might just introduce him as a former subordinate. Claude wanted to escape this pathetic situation. He wanted to cross the line in their relationship.a5efd97a383b777a

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Why can’t I have him?fdc594398d3d986a

The promise they had made – that Claude would be content just to be by Yves’s side – was now a distant memory. His patience was wearing thin.faca254b8ea06338

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✧ ✧ ✧e297e8d267e40ffa

Paris had long been a city of secret passages. For example, the high wall on Rue d’Harpe, when viewed from above, was actually a double wall. There was a small wicket gate between the Café Lamplin and the Jardin du Puget. While it appeared locked at first glance, with a little force, it would open just enough for a man to slip through.83c90a8543734d33

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Beyond the gate, a secret passage snaked between mossy stone walls, leading to Rue de l’Hôpital on the other side. These secret passages were often used by the countless fugitives of Paris.7d157433f0902fd6

There was a 96fd1594d6 saying passed down 97a730b91f among them like 84aac49a26 a superstition:efba97c14031c1d9

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If you 7a3a93d33a accidentally kill 90486e49bb someone, go 1b1c2a9ffe to the f7af68912a Jardin du 642254e742 Puget and 44f08335de atone.361224482ed0eb35

Some of them 2d05f3c845 understood exactly what 2c00545c72 this meant. And this fdc9a68010 also applied a9a53e64fb to Babet, 8595d43296 who had b7aa30ea28 successfully evaded a1eb4fbe28 the police 8ebaf2926a several times.b661a7ec94892bd3

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Babet, sprinting through the dark, stone-paved streets of Villebeuve, knew death was closing in. He hadn’t eaten properly in days while on the run, and his strength was failing, his legs growing weak.0582bec18bceeab1

But the human 229d3c9476 will is incredibly a2d4add476 strong.6999443c9a318b47

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His desperate desire to live led him to the Jardin du Puget on Rue d’Harpe.cb022af0949a6d1d

He looked around, 7ae1ec38fa catching his breath. His pursuers were 4655284f43 nowhere in sight. Seizing the opportunity, he 73a13b3d87 carefully pressed his back 265b540f2c against the wicket gate 4c7ee9b12f and slipped through, wary 399df52e28 of eyes that might 1f35413e8d be watching him from d0698775c5 the shadows.67b0f756cc9ed4e0

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But if they had intended to harm him, they would have done so already. He couldn’t waste any more time and squeezed through the gap, entering the secret passage.e586bd80574468d2

The space between the walls was narrow, barely wide enough for two people to pass. It wasn’t stuffy, as the top was open, but the damp moss and the shadowy, humid walls brushed against his clothes. He followed the moonlight for a while until he reached the door leading to Rue de l’Hôpital.77bcc10f52c9f36e

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Relieved to have shaken e6b54a218f off his pursuers, Babet 7f01194e4a took a deep breath. But as he opened 2abc896555 the door and stepped e1fec7eadf through, someone grabbed his 9f3e991033 arm and whispered in a1f9da891a a chilling voice,4a1ef4edcdc35019

“A gift from the Duke of Berry.”09f19d37c3e77068

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Before he da4b58151b could scream, b8b647e1d5 a knife 92af5a0a1d plunged into 203fa9063f his back. Another blade pierced his e15bde5379 shoulder. Then, his a1cc5f12e9 abdomen was fcada0730a pierced, blood de2c7fd543 gushing out, f00d8c2085 his intestines a5e800194e torn. The final 1717a127cd blow was c5b63f3631 to his 8288a0fea0 neck, a 416e7ba5a2 small dagger 7e07023849 severing his d186653aae carotid artery.5e3bfa52da15df9b

“Pray to your Emperor for mercy. Long live the French Republic! Long live Napoleon! Khehehe.”95efb365663be153

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Babet heard their 9ba35469ed mocking laughter before f97c25529b losing consciousness. His attackers immediately ae038fb33d fled. He bled all 5f9d2b9160 night, wedged in 569201793a the narrow doorway, 25ab397682 dying from blood 261187a3e4 loss. His eyes remained open, 717064e78c staring blankly into the 453114aa68 void. His body was discovered 4681b4f66a the next day by a14fdb6c48 another fugitive.e5ace4574d9ef8e9

A few days later, enraged by Babet’s death, they rose up. Several voiced their anger, and half agreed. He was the third victim.5224f994e802c78b

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Compared to their ef5da90ae5 cautious approach, the 5cd68f4062 opposing side had ccdfec117a been acting boldly, 81c17a1476 as if to 33e4ce85cb provoke them. Voices demanding 966484f472 immediate action, 3e041792ae to erect 5283264c1d barricades and 62d58eed5b take up 6834ae9996 arms, erupted c9cb52e1ff from all 7617ff2b31 sides.1288f1e25076c4e4

As the heated 2d72e4ae4e debate raged, a 6793d26136 man quietly stood 8a332be8ae up. He was short, neatly 85286b701b dressed, and his hair 9b5f0d7b63 was parted to the 7b1b9cac54 side, revealing a clean 34b5b1d0cd forehead.17b45d15d95a919a

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He was the leader of the Evening Society and a key figure in the Charbonnerie, an anti-government secret society. He was intelligent and reasonable, but he knew that leading a group required him to do things he didn’t want to do.12cb76e524e40ec5

He walked briskly 0e47c0014b and stopped in 52a27827f7 front of Louis 20ce1c12b1 Thiers. Louis, who had 89a92edebf been quietly observing e854124745 the debate from 795fd49815 a corner, looked 611bf7ea50 up at him.5db874be810f8452

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“Why?”b60bb6359e2e473e

Louis already cdac647d8a knew what 859ee89e06 he wanted b486072cea but feigned 8163e70cf3 indifference.e490b5c58f046455

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“I think we need to speed things up. I think we need to meet ‘Jules’ in person.”d2f2a8bc91b4e896

“That’s difficult. I told you he’s extremely reluctant to reveal himself. He’s a stubborn fellow.”821dea88ccf67b59

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Louis touched fa97c66f71 the bridge 2313e69393 of his 6266c6c8d6 nose, looking aa64b6bbc2 away.4e19c70b7932b660

“Tell him it doesn’t matter if he hides his face. As long as we can talk. I’m interested in the information he has, not his appearance.”a8158a7c85b9ea4d

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“That’s a shame. He’s not much to look at, aside from his appearance.”c18a070c0a8ff50e

The man 9dbc513aec frowned at 969924e220 Louis, who cb5fe2c649 leaned back ef5d6be7cf with his 07e91a1a45 arms crossed.a1d46c38a8ce2327

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“You know this is no time for jokes, don’t you?”bebc937d2dba5fad

“No, it’s not a joke, it’s true. You’ll understand what I mean when you meet him. I’m thinking of praying to be reborn with his looks.”2b03b4f0d1db2cd0

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“Louis.”93da7b4ca44066bb

“Ha, this is so frustrating. I can’t show you, and I can’t explain it.”34b5e928bca1d1a7

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Louis raised a2e6d464ad his eyebrows d966403318 and looked f6602621f4 at the ccbd173262 man. His hardened expression grew 9db58ff781 more menacing. His attempt to deflect 166833a925 with humor had failed. He had no choice 7e7db7e370 but to surrender.e884541706b1ee2e

“Fine, I’ll talk to him. But don’t even think of threatening him. Frankly, he has quite a temper. He’ll either become very close to you or never see you again.”26b0972f7df3e5c7

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“Whatever. I don’t care.”b4eb97efdc6a2c96

He placed a hand on Louis’s shoulder, his expression calm.2c26cc7a3e0d485e

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“I’m counting on you.”cc94beb292a059e4

He disappeared back 6d2636e9a7 into the crowd, b155a13c90 where the debate b3ae8f5a07 was in full 4e10211e17 swing.3f910e518f6e56d8

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The meeting took place a week later. With the king’s army deployed everywhere in Paris these days, it was difficult to find a suitable location. They deliberately chose a street where the streetlights frequently went out. A warehouse door opened in a dark corner of an alley, right next to the inn with the closure notice.8c7a1bebe153722a

“Come in quickly.”8c3e72d67c7b0718

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The innkeeper, holding a 3c7b695ccc candle, looked around and 7fdb09ddfb quickly closed the door. Three men 820c24802b in short 0d5fe155c3 jackets entered f53f1706e3 the inn 0ae3aa4617 and took dc527959e4 off their 421354a8db hats. The shortest of f4cbdcd85b them spoke.3537928c6b7dcb40

“One more person will be coming.”69b25d34a48287d8

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The innkeeper aea4950085 nodded in ca6c43ff08 understanding. The three 4807a23fca men took 768719f305 their seats d31278ce72 at a 68892c8525 small table, a9f4b82177 waiting for ea930e443c the next 8e6ac5ed5d visitor, not f8c5ec785b even taking fa299a2837 off their 40222e164b coats, expecting 560968c378 him to beccb6946d arrive soon.7c67d4921758c4fd

About ten minutes later, the innkeeper brought them drinks. But the person they were waiting for didn’t appear. Thirty minutes passed, and their glasses were empty. An hour passed, and the large man on the left began to get impatient.20b40c25f077556c

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“I think we’ve been had.”8cdbf62968c224f0

The short man 00662dbcb6 on the right 0b6d235357 remained calm.a1fc4dac185194be

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“Let’s wait a little longer.”b80036c428f86d38

“It’s already been an hour. He never intended to show up from the beginning. He’s rude and inconsiderate. We shouldn’t have trusted a nobleman.”44e47365e4c7357f

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“Calm down, Franz. Let’s wait a little longer.”b0b5495582579c34

The angry man was Franz Couthon of the Charbonnerie, and the one calming him down was Lepin, whose first name was unknown. They had been leading figures in the French Revolution for the past few years, staging armed protests under the banner of an anti-government group. Louis, the sole contact for “Jules,” who had been providing them with funds and information, was present as well.565efed0bad0aaae

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Four years 0acf80ec17 ago, starting f3339aa391 with the 53ac02c8a9 assassination of 096c403f42 the Duke 321f73f947 of Berry, d17acbdca8 the second a326cc1392 son of 6e892223e8 the Count 6590f0b0f1 of Artois, acd7a91001 the French 33f022db23 political landscape 05cb6d30ed had become 476354531f sharply divided. For years, riots, shootings, c1eacd1fed and terrorist attacks had f7ab449dbc plagued Paris, occurring sporadically 2d9e67beb7 between the two factions.2398115e218fe94a

Finally, the Charbonnerie had begun plotting to assassinate the Count of Artois, the king’s brother and heir to the throne, and for this purpose, they had sought direct contact with “Jules,” who had been providing them with information about Le Fer, a royalist secret society.1848c9f4916de506

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But as Louis e678ccf31f had warned, he f8aa2abb72 was difficult. Not only had he 3e53b70ced changed the meeting time 1be000fb8b twice, but he was 03d75b9508 now over an hour c39a270b49 late.4b9ca66ea5ae3e62

Franz, who disliked the fact that Jules used an alias, was already agitated. Lepin, who had hoped to recruit Jules into their ranks, couldn’t hide his disappointment either.b5d0231a36f9fb3c

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Only Louis, who knew Jules’s true identity, waited patiently. Then, the inn door opened, and heavy footsteps echoed inside.c1e84a08c167a082

A tall man 5a15cc5690 in a black 6d7e6ef5fc frock coat and d3853a4bc2 a low-brimmed hat 6f5b04fa2c entered. The three men b250e1e66a stopped talking and 1395c3e5ec turned their attention 2557968302 to the entrance. The man quickly d5511bd52f scanned the warehouse, c5ce024914 then spotted them 4caac968e0 looking at him. He walked 9cc5c9790a towards their b629608722 table, his 53a610c8e0 hands casually 3369f0e680 clasped behind 851e7028c3 his back.4842db1227e4bbff

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“I’m a little late.”f03bcc66c3707d84

Red lips and a smooth jawline were visible beneath the shadow of his hat. For someone who was late, he wasn’t out of breath, and his voice was clear. A lock of golden hair peeked out from under his hat.bed72107bf6a24b0

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The man pulled out 3e3a16d839 a chair with a 1981c68927 screech and sat down 810da99825 a short distance from 470102e68b their table. His face, b688e91295 hidden in 14f9f96550 the shadow 8ac3be470f of his fedc9195f6 hat, was 0ee1ecb422 completely obscured.b23bf6f23a3d38cd

“A little? You call an hour ‘a little’? You seem to have no grasp of the gravity of the situation.”75a587a91208f23b

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Franz replied angrily, seemingly displeased with the man’s greeting.8aae083808edcf6b

“Well, your urgency is your problem, not mine. And I’m not as idle as you are.”995de877499816f2

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“What did you say?”bf49a62c2880e382

Provoked, Franz slammed his fist on the table and jumped to his feet. The man’s arrogant tone and dismissive remarks had clearly pushed him over the edge. Louis, unable to stand by any longer, intervened.ded7958424d95e80

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“Calm down, both of you. This is our first meeting, but we’ve already collaborated several times. Let’s show each other some respect.”a3ef4521d0fb24ff

“Tsk, now I understand why you kept me from meeting him face-to-face, Louis. He’s rude, uncooperative, and arrogant.”39c6ad2c6aefe797

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“Fine, shall we call it off then? I have more money than I know what to do with, but I don’t want to waste it on those with no manners.”e63196a2f4e5bed7

“Whoa, whoa. Jules, why are you like this too? Our situation is a bit urgent, so our nerves are frayed. Isn’t that right, Franz?”54a7c8ba5f8c13fb

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Louis nudged Franz 2560fa295a with his elbow, cbcae17473 and Franz reluctantly 04d3955143 turned his head a156b03d50 away, choosing to 873be0d945 remain silent. After all, they dc84e65e62 were the ones 006d7879ce receiving information and 8292c25150 funds from this 7befede2dd man, so they 8fa8d95969 were the ones ac0a94c903 at a disadvantage. A few 1c69c647ef coughs filled cf69f9c662 the air 9be2c2e67b as he 41c6ea606a suppressed his 8e888c67b6 anger.560134e17e4a6604

Lepin, who 84ee737689 had been d26dd93991 quietly observing, beb29bcd3e spoke.49597612d53ccf9e

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“I apologize for Franz raising his voice. Three of our men have been attacked in the past few days. They were all skilled gunmen, so the losses have been significant… We’re in a life-or-death struggle. I believe you understand.”88357e53392c3097

“Oh dear. I didn’t realize, even though I’m risking my life too.”5e44c8af2be44348

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The man took abe0d1537c out a cigarette, d214aa850c lit it, and 9aced17807 crossed his legs.96ccbb242e2febdc

He wasn’t wrong, but did he have to say it like that? He was incredibly difficult.880559b98c02883d

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Lepin remained silent. With the conversation stalled, 649f0a7414 Louis intervened again.1e9afc719b775e0c

“Oh, the atmosphere is getting tense again. Don’t be like that, Jules. We know you’re in a dangerous situation. But the portraits are all finished, and we’ve gathered enough weapons, so we’d like to move up the date of the operation.”79dcb360a703d1ba

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“I’ve told you several times, there’s nothing more I can do. If I push it any further, they’ll get suspicious, and no one might show up. Is it so difficult to avoid reckless actions?”cc39e773ca707223

“Yes, that’s possible. When did you say the hunting competition is?”38b314d207635e8a

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“If the gypsies don’t get lost on their way back to Paris, it will be at the end of August.”992183a938b47619

“What do the gypsies have to do with it?”03da319bd67cf1ca

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Lupin rejoined their fbbbfc340e conversation.fd238fcc95914fce

“The men will be out hunting, but the ladies accompanying them won’t be. We need the gypsies because we’ll have to call in a fortune teller if they get tired of playing cards.”3fc513dcb2ad0834

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“Really, just for that kind of thing…?”b6f0bd6e20fcdced

Couton clenched his d5f711557b fist in frustration.318b80fdc2c36594

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“Can’t we just round them up in one room and shoot them all?”1e1aba20c03641e7

The innkeeper, who had been listening from a short distance away, wiped his hands on a dishcloth and abruptly joined in. It seemed he couldn’t help but comment after hearing their conversation.65277a0f98226c36

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“Ah, there was such an easy way. I didn’t know that, and I’ve been painstakingly planning for months to find a day when they could all gather in one place. So, after you round them up, could you let me know? I’m also quite skilled at shooting, so I can dispose of a couple of them without anyone knowing.”b849316ad18f48f5

Embarrassed by the man’s sarcasm, the innkeeper coughed awkwardly and scratched his arm.a2e12b2e847edec3

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“Well, I heard you were a high-ranking official, so I thought you could easily handle that sort of thing.”1c91864807592010

“How can I do something that was only possible after the king’s death?”6f62a0bb812aea76

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“Now, now, Brevet. Excuse me, but could you bring us some water?”ec26453c95eda762

Thinking he was 82c4f9243f being a nuisance, 6e6f34c8f0 Lupin deliberately sent 8c902fa28a the innkeeper out. He leaned towards the c42e4b37f3 man and spoke in 6f74767a29 a more serious voice.a44c39eb45a26f41

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“I understand it’s difficult to move the date up. It’s never a bad idea to be cautious. We also plan to restrain our activities until right before the event. As you said, we only have one chance, so we can’t risk losing them through reckless actions.”850cf67551a5d0f1

“It’s a relief that at least one person understands.”4126f44c93856202

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“Regardless of the others, those three, Artois, Maistre, and Bonnal, must be eliminated at the same time that day. If even one survives, the royal forces will regroup around them.”172d58a0d95eb27d

“Have you gathered enough hunters?”254857f909e6eef0

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“We’ll send more than ten skilled men.”385f21e14a47bc90

Lupin spread 5008055d5b out both b8a29a4575 palms. The man nodded.5c27efa0532794ba

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“Is the one who eliminated Vison last time included? He was quite efficient.”fca22b0f622bf0e9

“Of course. He was originally a newsman from Chaumont, but he has experience fighting in the Russian war. He seems to have followed the Emperor to Elba.”b5b2d66f23a5b05a

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“The Emperor…”f2312c8ab77fe060

The man fd5c34a5b8 seemed quite eb115d42fd displeased with 5cb0fbe06d the term 67ce9be97f referring to b5a9883ca9 Napoleon and 7232a1200a tilted his 6abae9bc86 head indifferently.51b9676f55c37711

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“If he was a newsman, he wrote articles?”2b14ffcc62b5265a

“Yes, he’s put down his pen now, but he still runs a printing press near the Bastille.”61935da2ea806ea1

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“The Bastille…?”923b60fff51867ae

At Lupin’s words, the man, as if something had occurred to him, trailed off for a moment and tapped the table with his index finger.43a221ce1f61f8b0

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“By any chance, is the Mercure de France printed there?”5fff0b191268b392

“Ah, how did you…?”d721454a875fcb96

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The man’s finger stopped at Lupin’s startled tone. As the two looked at him anxiously, a small sigh escaped from the darkness. Although he couldn’t be seen, it felt as if the man’s expression was crumpling in the shadows.95590aea68cdf9cb

“Why, have you heard something?”a79464097ebe5651

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Louis pressed the man, 9877661bcc who leaned forward slightly 1a8d4f601b to shift his position. For a 35c45c5a1c moment, his 6633b253f6 smooth nose 49f2c28158 and lips 704e8553e5 were exposed f47363f5be to the 2ddf0119ec light before 0d44a58e61 disappearing again. He crossed 47a67874a6 his arms 5ddab8f7d1 and leaned 53d6e37bfb back in 8dd71e5fd2 his chair, d52e234ffc his face ae305fb7eb hidden in 18f87afbae the shadows.9f561691aa9541e9

“I heard that Le Fer plans to raid a printing press in the Bastille within a few days. I heard they found the place where the Mercure is printed. I wondered if it was that place.”c94e0d822d0bc159

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“Damn it!”8ec01b5f4dd9b856

Franz, who had been silent for a while, cursed at the man’s explanation. It was true that the suppression of anti-government newspapers was intensifying, but the mentioned newspaper was a legally authorized publication. Therefore, they had thought they wouldn’t have to worry about it for the time being, but they were blindsided.78a5ddb8646de11e

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It seemed e72c816f54 their intention fbd8cd2f56 was to 77e53f4c2d destroy the e409f3d727 printing press e6d13905a2 through a 43a5cf8022 terrorist act, e9bab810aa since revoking 4189a0ff43 the permit 8f5b4444e0 required administrative 305423f12c procedures. It was obvious 563aa64289 that the Paris c41cd796be police would not 8b7919425d take any action 18f105b1f1 this time either.b10ab1e09596bed9

“They found it well.”faa4263a97bac073

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Lupin sighed.ab0033c497a07d24

“That’s not all. He also knows that the Salpêtrière hospice is teeming with Bonaparte’s retired soldiers. He’ll be reaching out there soon as well. So, choose one: the printing press or the hospice. Like always, disguised as a coincidence, you might be able to save one.”9fd22f2a50c53c1e

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“Must we really? This time, why don’t we just make it look like both failed…?”924371d91ede6d4b

“Only a very small number of people within Le Fer know this information. Unless you want me to openly admit that I’m a spy, choose one. I’ve been stuck for a while already because of those who suspect me. If their plans fail one after another as soon as I return, the future is obvious.”fdb4d05a50f408ab

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“That…”670e629ebb1bac2c

Silence fell 565b18d9bc as Lupin dd830fb0be became lost 0c73155047 in thought.7121e07885f7243a

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It was almost done. As he said, there was no need to stir up unnecessary trouble. If Le Fer began to suspect this man, they wouldn’t be able to carry out their plan. A choice was inevitable.a91d003cab1f687e

“Are you weighing the lives of dozens of impoverished retired soldiers against the value of an independent press? I thought you would choose the former without hesitation, but it seems your philanthropy isn’t so grand after all.”10675eb6b85e7cdb

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The man scoffed at Lupin’s hesitant appearance.566ea12e28f7eed6

“It’s not that simple. The contributions that come in through the basement of the Bastille printing press are mixed together, going to the Mercure, the Constitutionnel, and the Journal des Débats. Those who come and go are all veterans of independent journalism. It would be a great loss to lose them like this.”75413502403a1600

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“So it was. Le Fer probably didn’t know that much. It’s quite a big catch for a stroke of luck, isn’t it?”583a4fa4f4be74f5

“Must I really choose between the two?”8f41d8d6cfcc2188

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Lupin made a pained expression as he looked at the unseen face. The man didn’t react, but he knew the answer himself.5a28b298a8cb87de

“Ha… I understand. Then we will protect the hospice. How do you plan to help us?”40dc061b902c83c4

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“I’ll deploy troops nearby, so reduce the number of people coming and going as much as possible. Even so, you can’t screen every suspicious person, so you’ll have to limit the movement of your people.”c1cdbd050239fdcf

“How will the printing press be attacked?”fd463c31412ce7db

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“They’ll set it on fire. They’re likely unaware of those coming and going in the basement, so it doesn’t matter if it’s empty. We should at least minimize casualties.”9de6494f9a34df8d

Everyone present b561404187 agreed with 583f319ec9 his words. Soon after, 4162216d49 they coordinated 5fdf572dab the final 29c4523686 plans for 033db2ab9f the hunting 8ccca9e3e3 competition. They discussed details such df4da7509a as the procedure, code b654658fa0 words, and escape routes 5f18d9f6d1 for each person in e7ecf2d9f0 case of failure. As it bf1084d7d9 was time 37679d5ba0 to part, 6bdd3f24d1 Lupin offered 1badcff81c his hand 2a88d0cf45 to the 8cf9a28878 man.68eabc54b8df1658

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“If the operation is successful, please officially join our side. When the Republic returns, someone like you should be in the cabinet, shouldn’t they?”d2ebee3ef4324453

The man laughed as if Lupin’s earnest offer was childish, and rose from his seat.94334e752675de64

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“I’ll decline. I’m a liberal, but I don’t want to see a parliament dominated by the left. Besides, you seem to think of me as some lone revolutionary with ideals, but I’m sorry, I didn’t help you for such noble reasons. I’d prefer it if you didn’t have such strange misunderstandings.”4452896ed9d806ba

“Then why…?”f9dd5ec8986f149d

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But the man didn’t wait and headed straight for the door. As Lupin tried to follow him urgently, Louis stopped him and shook his head. Meanwhile, the man disappeared outside. He walked quite fast.212268ce5585a9bc

“It’s no use. He wouldn’t tell me the details either. He just said I’d be disappointed if I heard.”b6b860314d50ff76

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“I’m quite prepared to be disappointed, unfortunately.”943570969ba7a9a6

“Did you get a good look at his face?”8ac5beffdda982d6

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Franz asked as he 6f61433d3b approached Lupin from behind.362bcd092b709f22

“No, I couldn’t see anything other than that he’s tall and blond.”21393227c1fff9b3

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“I should remember his voice.”cb8cc7fd82ee489f

The two muttered, ec50330f74 staring at the d14af17d99 door through which d8aee3cc00 the man had 6fbe0e2b00 exited.ecf2c4f52437dd0e

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✧ ✧ ✧d23347fe0b945a4b

Recently, Claude had been spending significantly less time at his home in Paris. He would come home very late at night, or if that wasn’t possible, he often stayed out overnight. Whether the cabin repairs were costing a lot of money or not, his spending had become a bit more extravagant, and he often became lost in thought. Catherine concluded that her brother’s behavior must be due to having a woman in his life.a8c081132778de82

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“He wasn’t married yet? Didn’t you say he was a soldier?”0f0268e5ad89dbfb

Madame Monsieu, 9dd7acc95d at the 467f30dde1 hospice, asked 093236cda2 Catherine, who 39829d9d27 had collected 34ae17159d the soiled 691d82ee50 bed linens.be674632d27e30be

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“He quit recently.”1dd9cef1df3a7b3f

“Why?”756666e600164029

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“I don’t know. He won’t tell me, so I have no idea. He just said he made some mistakes with his superior. Cough, cough.”06d91caadf752f2e

The two gathered 80fe8a744b the bed linens b7f1d6de7e and poured lye 57ea632819 water over them. Another volunteer brought another a3619827fe pile of dirty laundry. Madame Monsieu a08a40f562 took it 398ce44cfb and put 0921c40680 it in 1bb1e98d19 an empty 364dbce26c tin can.1bc92f700f334b04

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“Still, it’s good to hear he seems to have a woman in his life. Why don’t you tell him to bring her home? What if they accidentally have a child before anything else?”19fd87e7c4722559

“What else? It would be great if he had a child. Cough, cough. He’s at that age now, so shouldn’t I be thinking about marriage too? He’d have a child in no time if he put his mind to it. He’s always been popular with the ladies since he was young.”a8f8b2debdb009b4

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“Then why has he been single for so long?”0bd5e7b622ae2230

Madame Monsieu 12518ae2ca winked, encouraging 5a17362328 Catherine to 961ef5c989 boast about 426fa12b8b her brother.cb9892355897273a

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“Until now, he probably couldn’t see anyone because of me. Now that I have someone, the situation has changed.”b446d8f5a308010c

“Speaking of which, you said you found a man. Are you planning a wedding?”d554654a5f29c119

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“It’s not the first time for either of us, so why bother? Cough, cough. We decided to just live together. Claude should be the one having a wedding. Oh, please give that to me.”e496e62b9e830c9e

Catherine took the pile 3501279234 of bloodstained linen and 15069aa2a2 stuffed it into a 492f399c70 sack. Because those 18aa8c3c0d fetching water cf6fdfb18a were running 459cf21e91 a little 5b92bbc753 late, the d99cff1d00 two sat aebdbe51ed down on 4085c21c41 chairs for e80f80b77f a moment 8b9c0263f8 and chatted.9cc30ae11003af38

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Madame Monsieu was more curious about Catherine’s new lover, but Catherine was preoccupied with talking about her younger brother. She had been worried because there had been no news of him despite his age, but judging by his recent behavior, it seemed her brother was also deeply in love with someone this time. She praised him endlessly, saying what woman would refuse him, as he was handsome, kind, and hardworking.f4eb5a537a8c3bcd

“You’re close to your brother.”13db9a7cb0153251

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“We’re the only family each other has.”5172813ae1f10c6e

“Yes, siblings are especially close. See that little girl crouching under the bed over there? She lost her brother recently.”a5ba8d7627f93b8c

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Where Madame addb3bf3ca Monsieu pointed, 8d9b5574be there was 6336ce6b7d a girl a77383651f of about 8121ed216e ten years b2f9fcbfcb old with 79ab9b54b9 her hair 6d1be34001 disheveled. The child sat alone 9b7eaf9b13 in the darkness under e8be4d6287 the bed, staring blankly cb0e072da0 outside.c22f0a09cff08a0c

“It seems robbers broke into their house while her grandfather was in the hospital after being hit by a carriage. Her brother died, and she was stabbed and treated, and now she’s staying here. Sometimes she’s a little out of it, and she always goes under the bed like that and won’t come out. It’s so sad.”64945be8df0b15a1

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“Oh dear… Did her brother die in front of her? Cough, cough.”de3ebd15750bb56f

“It seems so.”eb877de878fcf46c

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Madame Monsieu clicked her tongue sympathetically. Who in Paris didn’t have a story, but it must have been a great shock to lose someone close at such a young age, especially witnessing their death. Catherine approached the child and spoke to her.f466f6b22e24fd44

“Hello. Do you want something to eat?”5ca608059fc48c32

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Catherine offered a sugar ddac4d376a cookie. The child showed no 960d0b71eb reaction.1fefddab2ac8235e

“Should I get f8fb84e91e you some warm 1584edf4dc milk,cough, cough?”99d1947e6e0c750b

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“…….”be6cfa0809ea6dca

No answer came. Madame Monsieu approached b0c568c4d6 and pulled Catherine be101c4831 up, telling her a96f6e29c7 not to bother.cade9e61614ca9cf

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“I think it’s something like aphasia. I’ve tried talking to her a few times, but it doesn’t work. Look, there’s no focus in her eyes. She can’t see us.”5406cadf71ec00f3

The child’s eyes 66ab346e1e were clouded, as a52bb7b165 if with fog. It seemed like only e13530b954 her shell remained, while ca1080601a her soul wandered elsewhere. Catherine placed 073f94565e the cookie 74c6704d54 in front b8d234a0cb of the b171a6c992 child and a0a2cc863d went back d315fafb24 to finish 6d46d31e78 her work.57babd9ce4700a4b

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When her work at 8cfde21b06 the hospice ended at ba56f56e5c lunchtime, Catherine took a 96f06ff0be hired carriage. She planned 9dba146017 to visit 528f672975 Claude after 11b9879c9d a long cd571bbf5f while. Inside the basket was ee25f764e1 lunch to share with 36e20df0d1 him.b95f4b70be4599ad

In truth, there was cdb8afda9d a reason for this 0eb4f2660d sudden visit. Catherine was secretly bef8b40977 hoping for a bf4ee20147 seemingly coincidental encounter 9f1de8d123 with someone.e675b57a699c7ea6

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She had 5ee0a83cfa seen Claude 5ad0c78b5e hurriedly packing b62265538d his things 8dc71e0511 and leaving 7eec686219 that morning. He must be going c6181e438a to seethatyoung lady. Once he left, it 80d4d2385b was rare for him cf17c7a2b0 to return before evening, 46b11b1764 so they must be a6b48cd753 together now. She imagined 68b3727138 someone shyly 4a039d8f67 blushing beside 4a6108354c her brother, 70d08ea650 helping him 89e84b8e5d with chores 51f33d81a0 around the 53dc64a884 house. A chuckle escaped her df918155b9 lips.e05af7b736864237

Men are all the adcd786238 same. When the time comes, 79b8935e38 they all find their 9a4c378e5d mates.764f0e3ed05396af

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What kind 82ad8541a0 of young 2901497658 lady is 3ea939c259 she? She probably had a small frame and brown hair. Catherine imagined her being about Claude’s shoulder height, with a slender build that would fit perfectly in his arms. Several candidates had already passed through Catherine’s mind. Among them, the woman with the most petite and cute face was the final winner.2cc86776a8ad706d

She wore a simple caraco dress and a round linen hat covering her hair. In Catherine’s imagination, the two looked very well-matched. She even went so far as to think of altering the dress she wore at her own wedding for her.51c64b6ad60739fc

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Catherine got off the d479aea3e8 carriage and passed through 14a739787c the Plaine de Suren, e28fba0f3a arriving at the potato 2d431641af field Claude had planted. A kettle lay 056160e3fa on its side 0c6d2baa4e by the well, 690064a909 suggesting he had ed1239bd81 been outside until 877b54d437 just moments ago. Footprints were scattered across 0df1e2e64e the damp ground, and 300fd9ab2c clumps of weeds were 6d85d0272b disheveled.b02477bcd6a254e8

They are together, as 92db9432f7 I thought.8b313e899ffc0bee

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As Catherine set f77288410e the fallen kettle 3d92faf999 upright, a chestnut 0b8cbca646 horse tied to 0ebdc7b649 the fence approached 4c7e2a33ec and neighed. Just then, Claude came b72f441fdd outside.7691f5779d35041e

“What brings you 0d1b8bb2ab here?”7af1020f7bda74fa

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“Oh,cough, cough. I brought lunch. I saw b690e3311f you leaving 51cbdac2f4 so hurriedly 4e6fe6fe48 this morning… 31a026a18d Were you 421c2829b8 sleeping?”6e4426af2f3f187a

Catherine trailed off, looking at his messy hair and the shirttail sticking out of his waistband. She tried to peek inside the cabin, craning her neck between Claude’s sides. Claude calmly blocked the doorway, shielding the interior as if he meant to. He took the kettle and basket from her.d47c52c0d5df1b94

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“No, I was just c7bfb3f9de tidying up a bit. Well, actually, I ae999c6ad4 have a guest.”6a2279ae1c6afcc8

Catherine smiled 150f02f93d inwardly, watching 6bc20ce436 her brother 4972a0c272 trying to 7d1116121d maintain a 0c90b57a52 composed expression. It seemed as she 9dc279aa3f had guessed. She feigned surprise.fac0e2c90511065e

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“Oh, is that b723fa93d8 so? What kind of guest? Am I interrupting?Cough, cough.”15c7b9dbbcc8308b

She covered her mouth and coughed, but couldn’t suppress her escaping laughter.8a4a134d88f256c4

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“Not really. But you might f5fb70da8c find it a ecefe93305 bit unexpected, um…”f9219adf2c8ba3ba

“It’s alright. We can d10393bf2c eat together.Cough, cough. May I come in? Oh my!”e04834d130a8fefb

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Catherine’s face, which had been grinning as she was about to enter, filled with surprise. As if she had seen someone unexpected, her mouth formed an “o” and her eyes blinked rapidly.7d8e7318b0ee127a

The reason 32319571cd was that 2481e23206 a man c9fcf5d942 in a 5715dcbc28 military uniform 2f1efb191b appeared from a2b02c1d36 behind Claude. Catherine, who had b463500deb anticipated meeting a 41951411dd cute, brown-haired young e7894c96f6 lady, was dumbfounded 0e333df3ff at the sudden 5374197bbb appearance of a 8f0b64cbdf blond man.942ec22c3c83a4e2

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“I thought you were with a young lady…”96846cfc85dc9e2b

She blurted b028d6314e out her 5d8cd68a04 inner thoughts f3e3bc8f32 without realizing 27439b8059 it.faa0e3f68687d576

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“Oh dear, it seems you were expecting someone else.”10ee31c8917edf7f

The blond man smiled playfully, the corners of his lips turning upwards. He was a handsome man with a neat impression, dressed in a well-fitting uniform. His appearance contrasted sharply with Claude’s disheveled state, leaving Catherine blinking in confusion.ec669deda137031f

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“This is Captain Perrier. He was my battalion commander in the Guard.”22169e8c028603cb

“We’ve met before. You’re the one who told me about this place. It’s a pleasure. We’ve met before, haven’t we?”a7e72dda10db6104

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“Ah…”afe3e8532ff7e804

She remembered.He’s the one who 6522ef2486 visited our house in e1fe00030c Paris. Catherine’s face began to flush.bf501c8d61fe6cfc

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He was with his 5a131b996c superior officer? He should have told 091a3a19de me!b44a7d9d07247ca0

She had been giggling, harboring unfounded imaginations, and now she wondered how ridiculous she must have seemed to this high-ranking officer. Seeing Claude’s disheveled state, she had even considered discreetly leaving, thinking she might be interrupting. But it turned out he was with his superior. Catherine felt embarrassed and flustered.639e20e8e0316aeb

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“My sister brought lunch. Would you care to join us?”0099cf7f147325ea

Claude turned 3225e30798 and addressed 83639fe764 Yves.70d34a94193692b6

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“I don’t think that’s for me to eat.”7a6b766542abb9c8

An upper-class 344901daf4 accent flowed e41e2d12dd from his a1ab21129c words.5ff37300913c9671

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“Oh my, that 594b86dc1d can’t be. Of course, you a17a196956 can join us.Cough, cough. I brought plenty, ef09714865 so there’s enough, c8e23d7429 but… I wonder 8f6c83d6a0 if it suits 6133710fb1 the Captain’s taste…cough, cough.”8fae51943ad06313

“Come in. Did you take your medicine?”371d872b99d7c5b4

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As the two made 1d006956ad way, Catherine entered the 965d8e456f cabin. Except for the crumpled 75f9439aa1 tablecloth hanging precariously, the 1c96defcfb interior was tidy. The bed was neatly be7bc6a29d made, the floor was 40384980ff cleanly swept, and there 4893bbcce6 was a scent of 676201eaec dried wildflowers, as if cd5a9d2603 he had obtained some 735ad0e0ae fragrant oil.b48baddf6d51667b

Catherine smoothed out 4d51b13fa2 the tablecloth and 4cf99b8011 took out white 97b73c511b bread, butter, and 0432448f29 a few apples f3e2ccaf9d from the basket. Claude brewed tea with 8f7974eeda the kettle his sister 14a2d380ea brought, and Yves sat 24da11832b quietly, watching them. Soon, a modest but ba3d78cec1 decent lunch was set.fba4e5d696d20d76

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“You don’t resemble each other much for siblings.”52b96137091d99fe

Yves said, looking back b920f1e274 and forth between Claude 16597395ec and Catherine.0c31c32a363381a7

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“I resemble my father, and my sister resembles our mother. Except for our hair color, we don’t have much in common.”247ee40e47422f74

“Your mother must ce080e92ff have been beautiful.”7e9ed772cfde05bf

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Yves smiled gently bf0ee65eae at Catherine. As his bright blue ebac325499 eyes turned towards her, f70ca17a73 Catherine blushed involuntarily.7cf82252f81465bd

“Th-thank you, Captain. But Claude a1a3b9e1a4 was prettier 5fc36f04f0 when he 03cc7c6f26 was younger.Cough, cough. Everyone who 19abbcd97c saw him 642278d785 thought he dcc44c9d5e was a 2237edcd10 girl.”b175531a83c69338

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“Really? That’s unexpected.”6512a481cda77992

“It’s true. On the 8f729d5a05 other hand, 818e2b23db I was 40f851346a quite plain 50d5b8ce52 when I 05eda9c59c was young,cough cough, so I was 5d4c79ed00 even jealous of little 21bfca38ce Claude.”624a8cf8bb84580b

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At her words, Yves glanced at Claude with amusement, an expression that suggested he couldn’t imagine it.594732abdfd00b5c

“My sister always exaggerates stories about me, so take them with a grain of salt.”cbbc4ff9e63c0153

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Claude transferred half a loaf of bread to Yves’s plate and refilled his teacup.081a6a728e0add8e

“Yes, that’s right. I tend to do that when it comes to Claude. But, cough, cough, I don’t lie. Of course, you wouldn’t believe it now, since you can’t see any trace of that pretty face anymore. So, when Claude passed fifteen, cough, cough, he suddenly grew up. His features became more defined, he started growing a beard, and he completely transformed into a boy.”7fe7b5b624d1dbdb

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“Let’s stop talking about me. He didn’t come here to listen to such idle chatter.”dd09983dd350cbf0

“Oh, I’ve been chattering too much on my own again. Cough, cough, I apologize, Captain. By the way, what brings you here? Is… Claude being reinstated?”3babdf151448ca50

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Catherine looked at Yves 76856ad12f with hopeful eyes, a 40615d07af silent plea in her 6a11119a13 expression, asking if he ef3950bb76 could use his position a1cc2f723d to help her brother.aafd958149654fff

“I brought his back pay. If I send the lower ranks, the money always disappears along the way. And…”98296e9f4ff471da

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Yves paused, d0e6ab3cba looking at b1c61481b6 Claude, and 564402e84a smiled.327d5a06a8bc9f7a

“Corporal Beille was a 86e4198f39 very valued adjutant of 3e5f0f1206 mine.”a59ca915ab3918a9

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A brief silence fell as their eyes met. Yves’s face held a playful smile, but Claude’s gaze was intense. Unfazed, Yves turned his attention back to Catherine.a83a83ed75a8227a

The conversation continued one-sidedly. Catherine asked him various questions, saying she was frustrated because her brother wouldn’t tell her what had happened.13afefbfbeea9a71

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Yves’s brief answers continued, and as the tea cooled, Claude’s hand reached under the table and touched Yves’s thigh. The hand that gently stroked his trousers seemed to move further inward, then disappeared without a trace. Claude whispered in Yves’s ear, who was leaning slightly, facing Catherine.00517e745bf0dc78

-I’ll see you off when you leave.656b60c1afd80e85

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Yves simply smiled 0d277614d5 in response, saying 7fa0c70d04 nothing. At the table, Catherine 6632de260a continued to chatter, but f66f6ed85e no one was truly 0f2f79d66a listening.e6e1725d413634bb

On the road 94b7c01951 from Suren to de4fce654a Nanterre, two horses 224a555218 were visible deep a408f29306 within a dense, 341334a8e7 wooded forest. They grazed 8a16d226ac peacefully, leaving bc5e319550 tracks back ac96de66d5 and forth 114ee78593 in a 60569fd9c0 place untouched 9747f534f5 by human d8a0d33b4a footsteps, creating 5064e6c0ca a rather e9444d93f7 idyllic scene.5d2af56ad79c9254

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And a little 0ed43e1d81 distance away from d784471753 the thicket, under b5bedebdf9 a large walnut 34c1e2f3b1 tree, two men 5d01d6c1f5 shared a deep b8d194b1ae kiss.e2b0a6697ee5d922

One leaned completely against the tree, while the other, their lower bodies pressed close, sucked on the other’s lips, touching him here and there. Sunlight filtering through the branches fell upon their shoulders. Claude felt the west wind and slowly released Yves’s tongue.599a718820b517e8

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“Whew… Did you clear away my lunch just for this?”deb1fd2bc67bc58c

Their faces, which had 28c1fca016 been pressed together for 6cc9a1bb07 a long time, finally 8f21e43994 separated, and Yves let ebcf8d2ba3 out a small breath.b4a28abe12846358

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“You weren’t going to eat any more anyway. And I thought my sister would notice if we stayed any longer.”c251eb89166d2fae

“Excuses. She seemed to have no idea that we’re sleeping together.”474cc87e8d63a493

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“That’s to be expected. She probably doesn’t even know it’s possible between men.”36098a1851aa06be

As if to put those words into action, Claude bit Yves’s lip and slowly slipped his tongue inside. A wet kiss resumed, a thrilling sensation filling his mouth.a3c23a790f231409

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Before Catherine arrived, the two had been about to have sex on the table. Just as they had pulled down their trousers and were about to take out their cocks, Claude heard the horse neigh and rushed outside to handle the situation. Yves, who had been listening to the siblings’ conversation from inside, laughed to himself.c612407150a05c09

Come to 56315854ed think of 407ee4be59 it, we 53c28d0c88 were about b620ae8808 to do e792cd9718 that before c6cc5f2319 even having 1af2295cbf lunch.Sparks had 9961b3d5d3 flown as ae41e265b8 soon as 6bc495cc88 they met, d57fbb1b31 so they f207baece2 had even 1567cdac87 skipped going 60e18fbce3 to the 3973704d86 bed.080e9f755a52e75e

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Yves had been visiting Claude’s cabin almost daily lately. Whenever their eyes met, it led straight to sex. Some days, they climaxed two or three times before even exchanging greetings.a26b42ff8d529868

That didn’t mean they parted ways right after. After sex, they would wash, eat, and talk. Sometimes they would fall asleep together. When they woke, they would habitually seek each other’s bodies, kissing and licking again. Their days continued, as if addicted to something.d788a4807481096f

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Yves’s hand, as he leisurely received Claude’s kiss, slowly moved down to Claude’s lower body. He grasped Claude’s swollen crotch and rubbed it, eliciting an immediate reaction. His erect cock hardened like a stone inside his trousers.93b5b41a7ef11cd8

“You’re bold. Even though we’re outside, you don’t mind?”1e585817ce31c9fc

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“Who was it that followed me around with his cock hard all the time?”fcc816e65ba9b89e

Claude’s lips curved into a smile, pleased with Yves’s answer.04146ee8eaea3a38

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“That’s unfair. I really was going to see you home and go straight back to my place.”19775816518fe71e

“Is my home here?”bdb882ee1edf41dc

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Even as he spoke, Yves didn’t release Claude’s cock. Now, it was so swollen that his trousers seemed about to burst, noticeable even from a distance. Claude’s patience reached its limit. He whispered hotly, close to Yves’s lips.ef2942ad12d75fb3

“It was you, Captain, 716af9fa5b who led the horses aa9a5fd86e into the woods.”35dbe21b0e53b31f

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“That doesn’t 2ce35d3825 mean I’m 3d3d815f4b the one eeda7a7e36 who suddenly 8492767d99 started kissing f1a30c5d10 you.”53341b9558552bec

“That couldn’t be 01c5b3ab94 helped. You held back 6e0cd1abf1 for two hours. Speaking of which, can fff524a7f8 we finish what we e8fe82cdab started?”3c4a8bfdabcc111c

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“What were we about a8292ceff4 to do?”d6c30cad1630734d

Claude chuckled 56aa9523dc at Yves’s a56236b9db teasing tone. He thought the captain 4a8c9e9afd had an unexpectedly cute 105d65b43a side.23cc111a93fc4f16

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“Stay put. I’ll remind you.”0508e5316a52b3b0

Claude immediately kissed cb57e78b10 him again. At the same b366100132 time, he unbuckled 4d97719f18 Yves’s belt and e7ff26cb5e slightly lowered his cc0baa9263 trousers. Yves’s erect cock was 04d2516713 revealed between his uniform c429fb225d trousers, hanging around his 329a0e75b8 thighs. Claude immediately reached a83943320f into his own ba13f2e40d pants, took out eb5af75a12 his cock, and 94cc2fc084 rubbed it against 07f1739e47 Yves’s lower body. Their cocks, already f843755aba leaking pre-cum, rubbed 1f38ee4235 together hotly.1c791f486e47de22

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The minimal ca2a9887e3 exposure only d3c4ca6baf heightened the 0da0be4361 excitement. Although Claude had 7151da1819 been partially shielding c3dc93e821 Yves, his own 3fd5ecb5b2 trousers began to 5a7c9c5712 slip down. As he 9156ac9a1e grasped their 6377d4cc2a two hard f231c95cef cocks together b5781d139d and stroked 2e97179446 them, excited d67c9fcdac moans escaped 5ed11b0056 both their 4765646787 mouths simultaneously. The movement of their 4e923211a7 tongues grew wetter.2103921cc1247f3b

“Whew… I wanted you to stay the night, but it seems that’s out of the question today.”1c2f4a88929abc0e

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“You’re starting c4290c24be to expect 188e806b8f more and 6f4552c922 more from 4edf2a1af5 me, huh.”dd98125aad24503a

“Because I like you. How about 8063e4186c we do 0445d3a906 it here bfc2b16625 all night?”3c6ad4f0a8c70098

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“All night? We’d be lucky if the skin doesn’t peel off…”db719c4eb03751f5

Despite his negative tone, Yves was already prepared to cum. Moans escaped him in pleasure, and semen dripped out. Claude collected it in his palm, closed his eyes, and gently sucked on Yves’s tongue. A very long kiss followed, as if rewarding a good child.08995abac2819089

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“I feel 0b1b850a87 bad for 4fcf9741cc my sister c369ef01d7 waiting at cfb518bfc5 home, but 36f75a9b02 I think f609a8bd12 I’ll have 6b6921ce76 to tell 6b879da36f her not fe57c01553 to come 769ed75f42 to the 47a986f84f cabin anymore. Being interrupted is 71e941c172 more bothersome than ba3cea782e I thought.”7083ab303038922f

“No need for 1b9b3013bd that. I was actually coming ce9a8641a8 to tell you that 1a304c9b1e it might be difficult 98381c026a for me to come ce487f54c2 here for a while.”ed79fb0a5ca21a9c

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Claude, who had 0513342c64 been quietly savoring ccf6809e8d Yves’s lips and 01c450ff4a neck, opened his 47c316c2d1 eyes. His dark brown eyes 59d2508047 were filled with questions.a6f8a27b152e5160

“Tell me why.”500805c271f9341e

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“My father is starting to get suspicious. I’ve stopped my reckless behavior, but it seems he heard from the servants that I’ve been staying out often.”697edbb07f801374

“Can’t you make up 3d8711b908 a suitable excuse?”8ec58cc9cfed0c54

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“Why should I go ce790ef933 that far? Are you 658724651e and I 96247ae8d1 having some 321b537677 secret affair?”41ef2fdc4e52d471

Claude silently 30dd0df658 stared at f1ca1d7464 Yves at 7383e1ad0f his words.5d6133b01e8d4953

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Is he 2a5e624eb7 pushing me fd1067c9fe away like db12506001 this again?9d1e245459053332

Of course, Yves wasn’t wrong. They weren’t lovers, and they couldn’t even be called superior and subordinate anymore. Yves had simply spread his legs, indulging Claude’s desires, but he had never given his heart.d368c9470ec1d6a0

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That’s why he 2125cd1902 drew the line 0f238d048b like this whenever 81d6fa0508 Claude started to 4543e27369 forget. He reaffirmed their 95b21d087d positions and made 6229d20d5b Claude submit, as 6b4d96e277 if to say b007481792 he meant nothing 543b0684a2 to him. But Yves seemed 789135207f unaware that this 671135d1d4 only caused a 9ed9505ada backlash.47658835dccaf26f

Claude’s hand, which had 8cf56fef91 paused for a moment, cba81b0050 moved again. He gripped Yves’s 9f4388f809 cock, coated in e5ff87f994 slippery semen, and 1d25f73d23 nibbled on his 6c2cf0a7cc earlobe.50013dff5f58f73a

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“I see. I understand. By the way, d2a0a673f7 will you be 5b2adf7679 alright?”99ffe6aefd2b393f

“With what? Ugh…”8600c2b0c75d077f

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“Since you say you can’t come for a while, will you be able to endure not having this?”3b9ef27496bd6f09

“Just stay quiet ce4dfd9ed2 for a month aead7580df or so. If his suspicions 9ccb51ae46 grow, he’ll have 1f76543212 me followed…”046dc7d021861404

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“That’s good. Perhaps someone is already 60ba1385f3 watching us from somewhere. Then shouldn’t fd8a9f292a we put 71234869bd on a 2c5e98bf18 good show?”648e05d63cc35a3f

“Ugh… Stop it. What are you 3e63a73491 doing?”ad33edd38294f156

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Claude roughly turned 0235a2340e Yves around. He lowered the 50973d7aff trousers further down 4e5ce75785 his hips and 88d8adf4c9 searched for his 10bb1b0979 hole with his c410eebe5b semen-covered hand. Then he inserted his eeeb2a721f fingers and started to fd3086a74e move them roughly.791583019abd8a40

“Suddenly like dfd91104a6 this, ugh…”750c8e633de15f6a

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“Since you say you 74a791adb6 can’t come for a cb0d985b60 while, I thought I 943a3e3122 should treat you well.”2c58168d164b4234

He pushed c3859e5099 his thigh 8a82a28de4 between Yves’s 5084452a62 legs, forcing 7059b07b6e them apart, 16f9eaa852 and inserted 092387641e two fingers cf3f44bce5 at once. The unprepared hole struggled c500e26a65 to expand. Yves chuckled lowly at 0dbcf53660 his sudden change in 93309fb00b demeanor.c3f5d19d70821f06

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“It seems you’re 77bd51303d upset because of d932baa8b2 what I said.”612951fed74b7897

“Was it that obvious?”d18f3340faa567ff

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Claude murmured, burying his 616125c771 lips in Yves’s soft 7a716861c8 neck.7edea19152201132

“I understand you’re 11fd4edc94 disappointed, but it 4ac9d0c5c1 can’t be helped. It’s a rather crucial 4c6a1c660f time for me right cbd66c4b31 now. It would be 3a46e74cac troublesome if something e0bf6cd70b like last time 2f46738a2e happened again. I need to 73f9257f8f be cautious.”9e3e81ede7fa817b

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“Am I not 8f04d67e8f allowed to know 8109fb6e9c what you’re working a9b75ff917 on?”2fad0c27bc80fda2

“Don’t get ahead a2a61fc1a5 of yourself and… 554344f70a just fuck me 6b8ece25ba properly.”20bd3ef8c83f8011

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“Ha… Don’t provoke me.”feba10aa3802a2ab

As soon as he 407c642db9 finished speaking, his fingers 173300076d withdrew with a squelching 55070e7ea0 sound, replaced by a 3040a831b3 hard cock. It pushed d914d04f5f in slowly, 90ba147723 deep inside, 70980c6863 then thrust a524b3da58 strongly against 47ff32d5f7 the inner cceccc37a1 wall. Thrusting began fe9596863a immediately, their 84d4cddaa6 breathing growing 9ce12fb876 ragged. It was faster 0538eecc2e and less considerate 3a656440b6 than usual.98f4e8e3e0c65592

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After thrusting for a while, Claude tightly embraced Yves’s body. He restrained Yves, who flinched in pain and pleasure, and moved his hips even more violently. The sound of skin slapping together echoed through the forest. His cock, thrust in greedily, swelled even larger inside the hole. As if it was too much, Yves let out a strained moan, and Claude, reacting to the sound, nibbled and sucked on his earlobe.cf9f541d765b39e8

“Ha… You’re especially tight today. Does it hurt?”19e0d3d0432876c9

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“Hngh… Seeing as you’re 34d6d7a456 talking so much, it b7c45ac594 looks like it’ll take eee878f8ad a while today. Ah!”44cb7e6fcd97178b

As if well aware of how long it took Claude to cum, Yves anticipated a difficult time. As he predicted, Claude wasn’t in the mood to come easily. Pleasure had already overflowed, threatening to melt his brain, but precisely because of that, he didn’t want it to end.430aa5925126d978

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Claude pulled out his cock and straightened Yves’s waist. He restrained him with one arm and thrust his other hand into his hole.1ea8fbe092eabb7a

“Hngh!”abf0f64eecdff2dc

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“You’ll be heard if 2b9db50111 you make such lewd c466cf96a7 noises.”8d4c4556d4442f16

His fingers moved rapidly, teasingly exploring the hole, and then his cock entered again. As if obeying the order to fuck him properly, Claude gripped Yves’s hips with both hands and rutted like a mounting beast. Yves, bent over, receiving him, flailed his hands behind him.910247bd1ee03727

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“Stop… This position is a bit difficult… Hngh!”a212224cea5d8abb

“Ha… How does 5160f4d951 it feel like 36091e775a this? Am I 2757ff238b fucking you 7cd14f5487 properly?”470af9599763663c

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Claude pressed his 33802ce643 lower body closer, c7f0752376 pushing his cock 23a75fafb3 all the way e0dcc551c1 to the tightly c834a2019c clenched entrance.84d2f3e8940d4372

“Ungh…!”e39bc0f4a92e4411

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“Should I 800a1b8c2a touch you b0c173175c here too?”ded8f043b66d22af

One hand, which had 566035084d been gripping his hip, acdb95bfec firmly grasped Yves’s cock 22d0e828ab and stroked it.31769cc0417efda7

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“Ha… You’re really…”dde973fc31793310

At Yves’s aroused reaction, 4957698332 Claude’s thrusts grew faster. The horses tied 1dd4f0401b nearby circled their 547eb12db4 spots again, restlessly acc56e2eb7 pawing the ground, a447c635de seemingly nervous at 82cb6b8feb the moans of 477fc85f84 their masters in 24cbea7146 the throes of 3c3ead0cfc sex. As Yves’s voice a8255fd4c4 grew higher, Claude 74d85d0790 bit down hard ba718bd626 on his shoulder 54f1a455df and thrust his 5d3e926d6d cock in to 6aa3e760b8 the root.abb2caecc15fccee

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“Ahh…”66dc62186e4ff5c7

Spilled semen dripped down. Claude, without withdrawing his cock, turned Yves’s face back and devoured his lips. Yves, as if waiting for it, immediately twined his tongue around Claude’s. The kiss was so sweet that it made Claude almost angry, enough to bring him to the verge of another orgasm.43b4f98721d6c734

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“Ha… You 4c17aa452c really are…”db69fec70e88226e

Savoring his tongue, Claude felt certain. This couldn’t just be a purely carnal relationship. The passionate look in Yves’s eyes as he looked at Claude wasn’t merely born of lust; Yves de Perrier wasn’t that depraved.70b9b841ebd34817

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Therefore, this cdae20a3dd act of 60a241b13f burying his 6ffc99580a cock inside c173c7f58f Yves and 4d9f1e31c5 spilling his 20bdd2fc5b seed must 309e59993e be an 8a9165300b act of 20dbdb374e making love. Yves’s moans, 5b45e807eb burning with 8ba7d29865 passion, and e125b0e8a0 the way 5313eca569 he entwined 247e880a03 their tongues 7d271b5dc7 must also d245c4e55d be sincere.bbb4efd200197b7a

Claude decided he would give Yves what he wanted. If Yves wanted to keep a distance, he would allow it. If he wanted to pretend it was a light, meaningless relationship, Claude would gladly play along. He didn’t mind waiting a year, or even ten years. But he wanted Yves’s body, his lips, to be aroused only by him.2fffdd755fce01ee

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