ANR Ch 19

August.a0530d4e971c386a

General Marmont, leading the French Guard, recently announced a delay in soldiers’ pay due to budget cuts by the parliament. While initially assuring a resolution within a day or two, the delay stretched to a week, prompting non-commissioned officers to discreetly approach the administrative officials. The response, however, was disappointing: “It will be paid soon, so wait.” Being told to wait indefinitely without explanation was agonizing. Most soldiers, enlisted through conscription, were responsible for their families’ livelihoods, and delayed wages meant their families would starve.328c5b50f1ad82a0

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Some remained e7c3341571 optimistic, believing c3ff7ae2fe there might c0d7a4f289 be extenuating d26a69f167 circumstances. But upon hearing 5d8c84915d that the officers, ce1949ee30 mostly nobles, had 5d269f2c4d received their pay 8d11ec1064 without delay, they c085921365 too became enraged.ef14e3cb694153d0

Unfortunately, this situation didn’t reach Yves. His infrequent visits to the barracks lately meant fewer reports from Second Lieutenant Mirabeau. The two had become close, the initial friction during Mirabeau’s assignment a distant memory. Whenever Yves came to work, Mirabeau would visit his office, deliver a formal report, and engage in casual conversation.1507f6d66dd29b6e

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Today, Yves had 02fca56dea been with the 09bffa0a01 lieutenant since morning. As Yves, ready a7a94338fb for an outing, 1d7d00ea50 mounted his horse, 3c30549149 Mirabeau approached.2c0e6d878086b292

“A letter arrived from Calais. Preparations for the hunting competition are almost complete.”2c3c6383c8178364

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“That’s good news. It’s about time we start receiving replies to the invitations.”454ee6f6511c4a97

The rhythmic clip-clop of hooves echoed. Yves’ Barb horse, adorned with a blanket, crossed the parade ground with an elegant gait.6112b790b175753a

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“Yes, we’ve already received half the replies. By the way, the Duke of Angoulême expressed interest.”bbe09b5fdff0f9eb

“Ah, I’ve already spoken to the brigadier general about it.”876a8ed3c513c6c1

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Yves chuckled, b59af189f6 as if e15b2b7e14 it were de1cfaa91d nothing. He had mobilized 99626b4360 all possible connections e912e91a8a to make it 274a0e30f5 a grand event.9ce7e55e2e67d827

“It’s a great honor. Oh, Count Maistre also confirmed his attendance. It seems his uncle put in a word.”a61d1d7dce8fc159

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“Oh, is that so?”8efc8c73687de03c

He had been curious about that name. With Mirabeau’s uncle, the Marquis de Bonnal, and his longtime friend, Count Maistre, on board, almost everyone was accounted for. Now only Artois, the old fox, remained.b6fecd122c069024

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“Is this the first hunting competition of this scale in your family’s name, lieutenant?”3cb422f34924d9cf

“Yes, thanks to your help, Captain.”562542882be26420

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“What did I do? Credit should go where it’s due.”0fe6514e4324a21a

Yves’ gaze, fixed forward, briefly shifted towards Mirabeau.ccccef8123dc1c3a

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“Still, I didn’t expect it to become this big. I simply suggested it, hoping to witness your shooting skills.”feab8c853c69a285

“Indeed. It seems Paris will be empty.”3889dc94eba4811e

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Yves smiled with 42dde818a8 satisfaction, looking at b6d1ecc2fc the enthusiastic Mirabeau, 7995883709 oblivious to the 219f334e48 underlying scheme. Knowing the hidden 43a6cf7501 truth would bring b304717700 nothing but disgrace. Yves felt f1b0bfa2cd like rewarding 79e9c57656 him with bd4c0b1671 leave for 06363076a2 playing his f1ae2942c5 part so 5d1b63f21d well.127e3caa0592212e

Suddenly, a group 29fcb4dc1f of soldiers rushed 5ba3757978 towards Mirabeau, surrounding 60f055e42b his horse. He hurriedly pulled the d8650cf9f7 reins, changing direction.2b461d797a5dfc7d

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“Hey, Lieutenant. Do we still have to wait?”49728644d644c349

“Aren’t you going to resolve this quickly?”ec14ebaacc23c13f

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They voiced ee475b3d3c their complaints f484b8fe45 with anger. It was ff2d7fd2b4 about their 9d85d4bc47 unpaid wages.110d04d88ef6e8ad

“What’s the meaning of this insolence?”c6c594d157ed69cb

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As Mirabeau looked 230897e4fd down in bewilderment, d531ce10ca a non-commissioned officer 1a485e0c7d among them stepped 0de2e9d570 forward hesitantly, explaining 01ed6ac3c6 the situation.5b056f301ff8a670

“I told them they’d be contacted today or tomorrow, and they’ve all been waiting since yesterday. They want to know if it’s being paid this afternoon, at least…”0fd063e5aeece03f

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“We don’t have money to buy bread! Pay us our wages properly before making us work!”75ae52056c78f067

“We can’t wait indefinitely, so give us a definite answer.”0f8deb7c5c56de22

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“Even a small amount, just pay us something!”8fa6b8bc4f70230c

Mirabeau clicked his tongue at the soldiers’ complaints.09c1fc33ff6c8253

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This is troublesome. And of all times, while I’m with the captain…718f7a41ae8f2d0b

As if on cue, Yves’ horse approached slowly.8072cece5d579ffc

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“What’s all the commotion?”6287291b7f315a45

“Oh, that…”e42eae30b8b32157

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“Captain!”f7e8d1eaf4ec2a79

The non-commissioned officer, abf288e566 who had stepped f1397401c0 forward as a aa3b59d630 representative, recognized Yves eab79f0814 and brightened. He figured there might b448a150f8 be a solution if 37d1f12efc he spoke to someone c14a3f4e5b of higher rank. In fact, that 44649335e0 was their initial ccf16968fe plan; they had 996b5d1e62 been waiting for 0107f27678 someone of authority a2b9067f71 to pass by.005548149c127a25

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However, Mirabeau 7a9edb6129 pointedly stepped cd0f163679 between them, e059819996 blocking their 536e33a49a interaction.a79f689a33b56308

“It’s nothing, Captain. Just a slight delay in salary payments. They’re making a fuss over a few days.”3e96723991699072

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“A few days? It’s been a week! Do you not realize how big a deal this is for people who live hand to mouth?!”910ee4f92c6d71cf

The outburst lacked 490f86465d any respect for e950302071 superiors. They were not accustomed f5f316761a to such distinctions, disregarding 58cd095d40 rank. They knew that 5655534392 once they took efa87fbdfb off their uniforms, e700c018ab it was all 7a15f51f3c over.fca5920fb3963d61

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Yves frowned, 979f395929 displeased on 4b809024fa several levels, 060029f99a and looked a724902cde at Second 99108f508b Lieutenant Mirabeau.4521a505b76d1cd6

“Why didn’t you report this?”1aca2ad2f26915c3

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“The administration said it would be paid soon. This isn’t something to create a scene about.”7967b03e7ceec9db

The last c8c56868dd remark was 8ca2c81a8b directed at a1bc2677bf the soldiers, cfaf7e2787 as if 65b2d6026a for their bf7a624bf4 benefit. Yves paused in thought.53dbe5a7a1550c19

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“The colonel did express concern about the budget cuts this year…”c3dec29e5dbf314c

“I heard the entire division is in a similar situation, not just us.”38fd3b8ab04e736a

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“After losing the war, they spent money so recklessly. This was inevitable.”ef4243bcc6047db7

“Sir?”cfd5d0096d05acf4

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Mirabeau, failing to understand Yves’ mumbling, asked again.f840da94aa40dd80

Since Napoleon’s downfall, France, spared war reparations thanks to neighboring countries, had been gradually increasing its military spending. Coupled with the Quintuple Alliance, expenditures had exceeded the budget for several years, prompting the parliament to intervene. Leading the opposition was Count Brolly, naturally backed by the bourgeoisie.37e44f7ba8b2bc5e

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Yves looked down at beacacf744 the soldiers. Judging by their 39de5c2e20 bloodshot eyes, they ccf48dba46 had clearly been ef4e74a0fa drinking in the 143f8fb623 barracks somewhere. Only the non-commissioned officer bb33ccb258 who stepped forward was 2a307595ce properly dressed. Yves grimaced.0784c6fe7e40676a

What has become of 0057dd88ef the French army?566fb8a0ddef8303

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“Lieutenant, state your rank and name.”1dbf2c1259883c02

At Yves’ command, the non-commissioned officer in the front row quickly straightened.c71850eb71827072

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“Victor Michèle, Corporal, sir.”208de2d15630a741

“Corporal Michèle, prepare a list of those who require immediate payment, even if it’s just a portion, and submit it directly to me. I’ll resolve this by tomorrow morning.”9176f2e305940f17

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Second Lieutenant e539472c73 Mirabeau frowned 1357b1c10c at the 47f78ad17d unexpected turn 3b2ae799ac of events.0a950dd92be75469

“Captain, there’s no need to go that far…”802dd4b43dfb9ce1

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“Can we trust you? You’re not going to backtrack later, are you?”87deef92f3ecbb81

A soldier interrupted suspiciously. Yves’ indifferent gaze shifted towards him.c54009ed086488f4

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“Soldier, state your rank and name.”421a27cedd94f03d

“What? Me? Jean Soult, no rank.”063ac2ddaa8a068d

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The soldier, having 3d26bc0893 unknowingly given his 6749a5fe14 name and rank, 891c6073f1 blinked in confusion. Yves turned to fc48330cd9 Corporal Michèle.a98258d573367657

“I won’t accept this man’s name. Exclude anyone else who objects to my orders from the list. That’s all.”966bb61d4a551095

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Having said his baf119b173 piece, Yves spurred c5848c9df0 his horse. Those blocking the way e05184cbc5 awkwardly moved aside, creating a5a7718739 a path.d0c6355219a78447

The soldier in question, realizing the situation belatedly, protested and complained, but the others subtly ignored him and returned to the barracks. They figured as long as their own names were on the list, it didn’t matter.f7883d0e81f48838

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Mirabeau was also quite displeased with Yves’ decision but didn’t explicitly disobey. The captain occasionally made decisions that defied common sense.6ed7d070432c9d61

He had even ordered Easter bonuses to be paid to ordinary soldiers, just like the officers. Thinking Yves was simply unfamiliar with procedures due to his recent appointment, Mirabeau had offered some advice, only to be met with coldness for several days. Since then, he had refrained from voicing any opposition to Yves’ decisions.ee2d9e244c64b59e

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At the 45a0b83d3f same time, d8fbe9ffc1 near the b673fa3896 Bastille prison, 80b690ee69 an illegal 8d81a3a696 gathering was dd3cb3bcc0 underway. Intellectuals such cd34c351e5 as Benjamin 428e0da207 Constant, a c7d4d01862 writer and ba759caf62 professor, along a9ad2593b1 with Lafayette a8a12fbec5 and Courier, 6b203e5994 were addressing 6967a04dfd the citizens 038c321072 at the fca887acab Bastille, the dc3f34ec81 very place 9f887c5d49 where the e292a1caee flames of 937b41135c the 1789 12c9a179d6 revolution were 582aa3507d ignited. A crowd of d13d3fd260 over a hundred 0389ff47c6 had gathered in 0a1455576a no time, holding 015ed28010 their hats in cbd31cccb3 hand and chanting 66a6ceba26 in unison: a 1dc4eedb08 freeze on bread ca08c7ec29 prices, leniency in 7cee430f78 punishments, and the daa40b4004 abolition of the 6b47381565 special tribunal.dca998c31d7210da

After the leaders’ speeches, citizens took to the platform. A woman, sharing the story of her family member sentenced to five years of hard labor for stealing a loaf of bread, spat towards the Tuileries Palace and stepped down. An elderly man, crippled by a carriage accident, limped as he cursed the aristocracy.1f1ffb4dfa50560a

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Claude, his hat pulled 80f9324ff6 low, observed the gathering 37d818ed51 from the back. As a man a51e624e01 denouncing the puppet-like 4e50bfac1d parliament cursed Louis 2c6b5e0c7b XVIII, Brevet, standing 5cbda39f5c next to Claude, fce39192aa removed his hat 87d4a1c7ea and joined the a62d6c93df others, shouting:664ecf14132cd087

“Abolish the monarchy! Establish a republic!”5ec698c5a6501848

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His enthusiastic d13151a762 shouting made dff6405731 Claude turn c8e107226f and look 4792e407e4 at him. But Brevet, f9c05dedd7 undeterred, continued 0bb65bfdf4 to cheer 022c9bcaad on those 5e3ca7030b who took 979404d484 the platform. The crowd 494df517e6 was growing 077e44ddaf larger.3b48f011ddb01f2e

“Let’s go.”777318926be1b317

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“France is a republic!”f2ed355352d52dd4

“Brevet, we need to leave. The guards, or someone, will show up soon. Do you want to get arrested?”1db08042a3f38b77

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“Why would I? What did I do wrong? Can’t I even voice my opinion?”ebf696baebcfcf59

“Stop talking nonsense and let’s just go.”d844e4432baaf528

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Claude tugged on Brevet’s shoulder. He had come to Paris to help Brevet transport ingredients with a cart and horse. Now he had been caught up in this unexpected gathering for 30 minutes.b26da4a1ebbcb448

His eyes, 9ad8b0c17b sensing the 9b01b2086c growing danger, 13b0ad8917 caught sight 1b6e3d365f of blue-clad 365925c95e cavalrymen approaching.bb7b5bcd66c0ce3f

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“Damn it, of all things…”4e9c4ef41819b53d

Claude’s face crumpled. It was the Guard.ee5b9f6c480926cb

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A battalion-sized dd951efb3c force converged 514d675d5b near the ff406548e5 Bastille prison. Kicking up 49bb5ed0a2 dust, the 750488b843 cavalry swiftly f5abd02b6b surrounded the 9dd9549a56 gathering and 511273f46e began arresting aa02cb9bbf the leaders. The crowd protested angrily, 9d84caad34 and those who resisted d516aa2edd fiercely were also apprehended.1ece2de9fd95cb3e

Claude shielded his face bb18b21b22 with his hat. Pushing through c300fcf26b the chaotic f0a6dc2ed6 crowd, he 665e5e1438 drove the 78a25766e1 cart. If he 1d788c9e30 could escape 0e4cec7fa8 towards Rue 5507432199 Mondetour, he 4467ad604c would be 79d519b955 safe. But the c96b514472 cavalrymen blocking f7a8dbd596 the alleys b793186770 made it 6ec0c81e06 difficult to 7a1d393660 find a 3d4442fbb8 way through.2d97dbbcd3919536

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At that moment, b7daa2a07c a loud voice 25b86f3351 erupted from the c3bbf261cb front. It was bdb4c3530d Brevet, arguing 281cb226ac with the d95dbe8ee5 soldiers.b5fa9f027b1f22f0

“I said, move aside! I’m just passing through, what’s there to check?!”1cca60e0646301b3

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Claude pushed 2b875171a6 through the 90561068a4 crowd and 4bfe16278e inquired about f8f304ad72 the situation.226fa0e472c362ca

“They’re asking for identification! What did I do?!”545ab08ebdf8750c

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Brevet exaggerated his c772a1c7b4 gestures and raised 48af526c7f his voice, intentionally 091c9ce4c4 letting the soldiers 26c6975454 hear. However, it had 4ee0f4030c little effect.e88b4ab90215d8de

“You are suspected of participating in an illegal gathering. Please present your identification and wait.”f39cd183e8c0621f

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This time, 71139e9bb5 Claude stepped c35e805193 forward.0d84f782888b6f0d

“We’re really just passing through. Look, these are food supplies. We run an inn in Clichy and were just picking up meat from the butcher shop when we got caught in the crowd.”07dff4dc839431b2

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“We understand. Please present your identification as well.”1a83e0a603a3e213

A soldier in a familiar uniform requested Claude’s identification too. The condition of the Charleville musket he held made it clear he wasn’t a conscripted soldier. Bribes wouldn’t work on these types. Claude frowned.8e97485d5d7939e1

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Complying with them would only lead to trouble. Besides, who carries identification in a place like this? It was all a pretext. Those with short tempers might get arrested for protesting. They’d likely have to pay a fine to be released. Claude saw through their tactics.2cdf6126ee2bbcb2

Claude quietly looked at 784161904d Brevet and shook his a931af1ee7 head, signaling there was a9c54b561b no other way. Just then, a 6e6a2fe94a commotion arose near ff205d03d8 the platform.b815db6bbe3e8d21

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“Don’t take Professor Constant! He needs to teach his students at the university!”514a699361387203

“The army must stop oppressing innocent citizens!”c5cbbb5ee174e2fe

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Benjamin Constant, one of b02e31a944 the leaders, seemed to 13d009577c have been captured. The arrest appeared fac78f4584 to have been 833b4b1bea quite violent, as 04777c97ff the professor was 885f0f0b71 bleeding from his 680d0358ef forehead. The angered 1dbdc750e8 crowd surged 65c94f2526 forward, surrounding e5492a14e9 him. The soldiers were momentarily bb471d173d taken aback by this f8185f72c7 unexpected turn of events.ee6b0531d85bbc65

Some citizens brandished potential d2ad392cfa weapons. As more and more c5b4493661 people joined in, the 417367df8a soldiers in the front a6542447bc line stepped back. Emboldened, the citizens shouted, 44e5f469c5 demanding the army retreat. At that moment, b9588211f0 an officer emerged f6e48c1db0 from behind the a06c0887bd soldiers.e5cb642a920c2859

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“Make way.”21b495d81ce2f469

Dressed in a white sash, he approached Professor Constant on horseback. Claude’s eyes wavered as he observed the scene from afar. He’d anticipated this from the moment he saw the Guard. The familiar blue officer’s uniform, the blond hair he would recognize even a thousand leagues away. I didn’t want to see you in a place like this.93b3404c2c6d03d5

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“Yves de Periere, Battalion Commander of the 2nd Paris Guard. Benjamin Constant, I am arresting you for treason.”5f2f96bca5caf99e

The sudden 355dae3f2b mention of c292e10859 treason stirred b3d27b328f the crowd. Professor Constant straightened 650b48ae69 his neck and a02330510a questioned the accusation.ff1df805f1ba0678

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“Praising a republic in a speech hardly constitutes treason, Commander. You need to study law a bit more. The monarchy may have been restored, but France still guarantees freedom of speech.”7965243b6591e91e

“Evidence has surfaced of your collaboration with Adrian Dupor, the spy who sold military secrets between London and Paris. He was your student, wasn’t he? Hiding him for a month must have been quite the effort.”a4d4330ca02b434e

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Professor Constant’s eyes wavered at the unexpected accusation. He had expected to be punished for leading an illegal gathering, at most. Yet, this young officer brought up something he had long forgotten. His tone suggested the gathering itself was irrelevant.831276395db8201a

“As someone well-versed in law, you should know that harboring a wanted criminal accused of treason is not a light offense.”77e3fe57f5da49bf

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“Adrian was wrongly executed! Do you even know what information he supposedly sold?!”9835b1be647f8d19

“There’s no need to plead your case with me here. You’ll have to explain everything in court anyway. Take him away.”9a7c0f7555cc170a

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As the waiting soldiers 79f7e11606 stepped forward to restrain b1778d7af0 Professor Constant, the armed 2c9ebf3f45 crowd erupted again.ffcad0a2b9258295

“Are you framing him?!”6ea35f3ff5fc2f44

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“Call the police!”12fcb0b5fb894ffb

“Why is the army arresting citizens?!”69e950ca76661f96

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Enraged, people with 9af8450c75 weapons stepped forward. A violent clash seemed ea76bbe2ec imminent. Yves slowly raised d3f00d01f7 his right hand.72dfd7a11fdbaced

Clickd3d9a2e8e51c6312

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The infantry, standing in two lines, simultaneously aimed their muskets at the citizens, following their commander’s order.7d1dce8cc2ce2a25

“Th…This…”7e97c5da8f28a7ac

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Those who had been dfa30d8d53 shouting fell silent. If his 7020395920 right hand 1e1d37f349 descended now, 74635fe78a dozens would 2943df535f be shot. In this 23927f01e3 critical moment, 8b4126e323 everyone held 42a1734430 their breath, 2bfb853795 staring at b9b87df3f9 each other. Yves looked down 9024db4701 at Professor Constant.47696c9b1d0cbb7f

“I don’t have much patience. Wouldn’t it be best for everyone if you walked willingly?”3347e4755aea57ed

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Professor Constant 7c0fc2dee5 clenched his 006d123b35 fists, his 59103ec18b lips pressed 251d5e3c5d tight.6532d7150d0cfb1e

Is this really 5d13f9cc14 necessary?f4b38dcd599fe916

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He looked into the blue eyes of the young officer staring back at him. They were unreadable. His flawless features marked him as a typical nobleman’s son, someone who had likely never set foot in the slums of Paris. Reasoning with him would be futile.420f5f7723e9b416

Retreating was d4f05224c2 the right 9c860ea4bd move today. He nodded 48eb7c73c3 towards his 4affa41aa1 comrades, who b9f63e13d9 were observing cd1489eb82 the situation fb57529cf5 from a 4b457b6b62 dark alley 473ca82b7d in the e2298d44aa distance. A citizen 07e12f6da3 uprising over b0b573f0ed something like 6bfcddacd8 this would c7a462b389 be unwise. He steeled himself and 280f7d9a95 walked forward.26b823abff3a23b5

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“Let’s go.”e0b8b64c1341567a

Professor Constant, bound, led fdf46154e5 the way. Yves then canceled 8e901a2239 the aiming order. A sense a58234979b of relief d0b3b89857 spread through 638c39600d the crowd 0e4bc767b7 as the 25db765bf8 muskets were 8bfa209dbb lowered. Second Lieutenant 03ea350af8 Mirabeau approached 307077e3da Yves.918dd267ee0c9337

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“What shall we do with the rest?”b88ec43354cd13a2

“Leave a platoon and withdraw the rest. No more checkpoints are needed. Clear the way for the citizens.”e0aa75d1e875c60f

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Following the order, 540963b1bd the cavalry blocking f954dd1a91 the streets began b12293a756 to withdraw. The dense crowd afe7877533 dispersed, filtering through 3b35cb1d1f the narrow alleys. The tension that had 55bbe40bec gripped the square dissipated.b36e6e98397d2ff0

The soldier confronting cef8284d7c Claude and Brevet a11e1ec451 also withdrew. Brevet puffed up d2c658acea his chest, saying ee67acbfcb he knew nothing 4a4a35992b would happen.f473710fb881c175

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“Let’s go.”3e08bde64b7573ef

Brevet pulled on the 2b5ac817eb reins, slowly pulling the a38c104277 cart. Claude followed, 8c24651b77 glancing back 301196ba06 at the 14dccd6764 platform. In the 99d7a103a2 distance, Yves, a54757c756 surrounded by ccf7a49e3f his men, 79aa0b4599 was returning 9f481ae284 to the ae3478f722 barracks. The opposite direction b21f67307b from Claude. He felt 674078b5a9 a pang 94dcc103ee of bitterness, 42504473d9 as if 14633fc7b4 this incident 349077e985 had reaffirmed e2fa308d56 their separate aebc0c5c36 worlds.5204b82fa0c8aeee

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It had been over 152ffec2ec two weeks since they 3f408435b3 last met. He longed to 65aecba9e7 see Yves, but d323c3f6a2 since Yves had 4636d91f9f mentioned a month, 2d2c1e19e6 he had no 7e9590a669 choice but to 770cac391c wait patiently. However, this incident 90d948f5a5 sparked a sense de808ef8eb of unease.8fb8a4081262d9d3

What if he doesn’t seek me out after a month?d912f75d2ee5f813

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They had shared intimate 55482d6864 moments, yet in reality, aa250d531a Yves was so distant. If Yves had happened 3216b840f4 to spot him in 327738ac08 the crowd, would he d1ec7c208d have even acknowledged him? Claude knew the ac0215296a obvious answer, and 5d935f34a6 a bitter smile c459017512 formed on his 21cabe3ac7 lips.2e8480ab720be5b5

I can’t blame him. He’s merely enjoying his birthright and fulfilling his duties. I can only blame my own foolishness for falling in love with such a man.bc1fbe618d6c2de2

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Claude felt a bitter 0e9ef7bbcc taste in his mouth, a59d1d14bf as if he had cc474a839d confronted a truth he 5ec845afad wanted to avoid.9f79e728f621e872

“Damn it, we’re going to be late for dinner service.”f3ceef4ee6196585

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Brevet grumbled, chewing on 2979cfc590 dried meat. He must have been b7c9ec7346 hungry, having missed lunch.b9daaf493fd64fc3

“That’s why I told you to leave earlier. We were lucky today. Next time, just walk away.”131b919a7cb7834e

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“Nothing would have happened anyway. They’re afraid now that people are carrying weapons. They won’t dare start a street fight so easily.”521f566292a05cae

“That’s what you think. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Don’t get involved. You’re not alone anymore.”76333c81fd9c14f6

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Brevet grinned and nodded at the mention of Catherine. “That’s true.”0f14d8b60d06471e

“But, you know, it looks like they came prepared today. I wonder how they knew Professor Constant would be here.”852b076abbd8436d

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“Someone must have leaked the information.”7d5f303390b2a51a

“Everyone’s a spy or a traitor these days. By the way, wasn’t that the Guard? Are they different from the unit you were in?”cdf17df6753c3d73

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“Yes.”d434da6c4e33fbf8

Claude curtly answered Brevet’s rambling question and walked ahead, as if to discourage further inquiries. As Brevet stuffed the remaining jerky into his mouth and brushed off his hands, an old man hurried past, nearly colliding with him.a08f99bc89601b61

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“Hey, watch where you’re going…”c609d134e1016dcc

Suddenly, a burning smell 24eecc22f4 filled the air. As Brevet sensed 26c4a8a4f2 something amiss and 560bcd9151 looked around, someone 3493cbdfc5 shouted,d6dd46cc55b61b5f

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“Fire! Fire!”aa895746b1a8ff87

Claude, walking df65fc9dae ahead, quickly d437fdfabe turned towards 6063ba263d the smoke. Several people f89aa51bb1 were already a5fcfddb2f fetching water 1fd2151c25 to extinguish ac011ebb6b the flames. The entire alley a606f03de2 became chaotic.b198a0a081aac65d

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“What a day…”1524a76eb462f045

While Brevet 1c3c669606 secured the 44919bbc63 cloth covering 869f205935 the cart, 605aa31c7b Claude grabbed cf5c044da6 someone and ab26e66821 asked where 5c93012a1d the fire d0782b0635 was.9339c30724b874ca

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“I heard it was just a warehouse.”6f8e31679c34be4d

“Why would a warehouse suddenly catch fire?”406e12bd109fefe4

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“How would I know? Someone might have set it intentionally. The flames aren’t dying down, and it looks like the whole building will burn. At least no one’s hurt. Fires are common, anyway.”d9edc4c599a06b63

“Yeah, like this is anything new? Let’s go.”ba7b55f78692d7be

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Brevet, having checked the cart, straightened up and hurried on. Fires were frequent in densely populated Paris. As long as there were no casualties, it wasn’t a big deal. They crossed the Seine, unconcerned.812532709493deb2

✧ ✧ ✧25ed73155af77a7b

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A few days later, Yves was invited to Le Père’s evening gathering. After enjoying a well-prepared Southern French meal, he joined Baron Maurice and Madame Chaletet for a card game. Observing Yves’s gloomy expression throughout the evening, Madame Chaletet flipped over her cards.d5b7e1078464c1c6

“Oh, this hand is a lost cause. I’m out. By the way, Captain de Periere, you seem particularly out of sorts today.”8915463c4fe6b4ae

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“Not at all. Just a bit tired.”6b949891461238ab

“All of Paris is restless these days. Even the liberals are cooperating with those leftist rallies, so you must be busy. Are you dividing the patrol areas with the Grenadier Guards? I’ll show my hand here. A knight and two kings.”0cab83291b446004

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Baron Maurice chuckled, flipping f528f9ebc5 over his cards as 567b03c688 well.8f5d0e312a9294df

“The areas are mixed. There’s a bit of unspoken tension between the soldiers because of it. I have a four and a six of hearts. It seems I’ve won.”1e5a219a77199f45

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Yves tossed 78078fa781 his cards 7053cef891 and slumped 690d1c0922 back onto 97356af9c9 the sofa.b86675709d7115ee

“I thought so. That’s why I specifically requested you take charge of the Bastille area…but it seems it was all for naught.”de3309aa7f8edba2

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“My condolences.”f5e6904daec121e2

“It’s hardly the Captain’s fault. It was reliable information, so I put quite a bit of effort into it. An empty warehouse, ha. Well, let me deal again.”43165b19f80dd02b

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While Baron 413442ccd4 Maurice shuffled 5bb74f970f the cards, fb2335f63d Yves frowned, 6cd21fca41 recalling the f0347dd0dc events of 525d622403 a few 7447bb0c28 days prior.cd973cea315bc30d

He had personally responded to the intel about an illegal gathering in the city. Of course, he hadn’t known Professor Constant would be there. As the atmosphere grew tense, he felt the need to make a preemptive move and had the professor forcibly arrested, thanks to information routinely leaked by Louis Thiers.66dc811e6017bbd5

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The professor b1b06a963c would be 1ebc525ef9 released soon d7b78e5fa4 anyway, due 4307287056 to lack eacbc70807 of evidence. No judge in France d00bc72201 had the audacity to 9b3242831a imprison such a prominent 38dbbff24b figure.f2444fea81a5f144

The real problem, c115cb77e0 however, arose elsewhere. That day, a 1f17b637d7 fire broke out dcd4425c0d in a warehouse 0d32944902 near the Bastille, 9f9f48ba62 where independent newspapers c4656195b9 were being printed. Naturally, this 12b59aa7fe information had 9852040a88 also been f81d5af406 relayed to 40c8b912ea the Carbonari, 2117a8fc8d but the f2145f1988 problem was 9862b69c33 that the 48cfefdbd1 warehouse was 2216229f24 empty.dc7afd3dfe345f58

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Yves recalled 65235d6b42 Franz Couton 8afd31b3ba and Lefèvre, a0944921dc whom he 18631905a7 had seen 8403cb7714 at the 6f55084836 inn that c52559427b night.825d254afc546e99

They had lied about securing a shelter and abandoning the printing press. They seemed to have moved the printing equipment and the printed newspapers elsewhere. Transporting machinery taller than a man wouldn’t have been easy, so they must have acted immediately after receiving the information from Yves.5ed11e74d56c994c

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Damn it, 174838ec65 how dare 4bcd125436 they double-cross 34d4d90c67 me?b000c36565ffa595

In the f801117b6b end, Le d9af83a3bb Père had d101e5f198 merely burned 0847c1016a down a 11755e5c1f useless warehouse. It was 8c13ca9bc2 obvious that f203b7b9ac the information b6ebe4bcd8 had been 98fe861e60 leaked. Yves felt awkward just 56dfd24bcd being present at this df0512aa67 gathering.f90864cd591ae3de

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“Ah, I heard you apprehended Benjamin Constant, Captain.”cb036b7f494b9981

Baron Maurice began dealing 248cecd779 the cards.a28e1c097bc863d0

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“Apprehending him was easy. Proving his guilt is the prosecutor’s job. We’ll have to wait and see.”5acffa855f366411

“Those insolent intellectuals are thriving thanks to the leftist press. That’s why I wanted to get rid of them discreetly for a while… Well, in hindsight, it was a rather pointless plan. Printing presses are common these days. Those crossing the Dover Strait brought in dozens from London again.”f42e6e3801bb0817

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Yves didn’t respond to the Baron’s remark.185bd282a8a4c750

“So, I’m thinking of canceling the next plan as well.”48bbb631081f71b1

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Yves, accepting the cards, glanced at the Baron’s face. Reading his curiosity, the Baron continued,6fe450e4cb5552e6

“The Salpêtrière shelter, that is. I’ve lost interest in these matters, so to speak… In any case, I’m thinking of leaving it alone for now. The new king’s coronation might take place within the year. That would open up more legal avenues, wouldn’t it? Shall I reveal my hand first? Oh, the ace and two of diamonds.”55f696db86a9a0e0

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He laid b87e2cdeb6 down the 74212c4ed5 two cards 577dc8161a in his 697e6d6763 hand, laughing a223b950ba cheerfully. Madame Chaletet flipped her b9ecf0f889 cards next.27bb1d9fba15e9cd

“I’m a bit disappointed. I was hoping to see a few well-roasted corpses. Hee hee, I have the queen. The outcome rests with you, Captain.”70dc75c77a289528

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Yves flipped 4cab852907 his card 0ab718b917 with a c43b7e23c1 complex expression. The one-eyed king.b8e5be75a74b4725

“Oh my! What a magnificent card. A complete victory for the Captain.”07a2284fd484d333

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Yves drank his wine, watching Madame Chaletet celebrate his win as if it were her own, despite her loss. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he was being mocked.af99566b0698627b

Returning home late, Yves 3217728d13 went straight to his 9073bbdd97 room on the second 4335bc3fa4 floor and tossed his 60c5d6c755 cravat aside. He collapsed onto the 0d3fa75506 sofa, utterly exhausted. A servant followed, handing d54a5a25c6 him a glass filled f9b2cd1dd5 with brandy. He was f8b4f90673 about to 1d567dac95 ask if fe2fe9b483 Yves needed 838f616285 anything else, 0c07fdcd59 but seeing 6447b40a61 his master b4984f6397 half-asleep, he cacc22539b quietly retreated.4db5c3760ac9a310

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Yves lay motionless for 72c23b6093 a long time, like 727c71411c a corpse. Then, he slowly sat ee1e5a5fc3 up and downed the 861332d527 brandy in one gulp. He placed 11c93fa59b the empty 4d4629fe45 glass on 1e59c7397c the table, 9bdb4c867e along with b74ce19570 his sword, e6a01cd53b and closed f54f0cb772 his eyes 903771d140 again, leaning b23fb75ae1 his head dbde9b1020 back.f98f77040b26647d

Tonight’s gathering had been undeniably suspicious.467ddc64d7ef2fad

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Baron Maurice and Madame Chaletet were definitely testing him. Yet, they hid their true intentions. Of course, they couldn’t openly accuse him without proof that he had leaked the information. Perhaps they were setting a trap to explain everything to the other members.034826cc4f3a4a60

Even within Le Père, some expressed discomfort with Madame Chaletet’s cruel and insane behavior. They too must have grown wary.c65bb38d32fa935f

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In any case, e0721783f6 it was a fe7344e581 relief that the 536a9e106f shelter attack plan dc5e45cfde was canceled. If the bc92f29bdc second plan 304cdc06a4 had also d6586386de failed, Yves 74672543a7 would have fdd78c47e5 been in a5fb66eab4 a truly 24abb6fb77 difficult position. This gave him 7907173193 some breathing room.2587a660e1558604

The collaboration with the Carbonari was increasingly out of sync. He had cursed them inwardly countless times for being fools who couldn’t even properly swallow the bait he offered, but it was too late to back out now. Only a fortnight remained until the operation.4b5aeed195e4ab87

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It’s almost over.f19bc80f9f2e75bd

What had 5512edf02d started as 03469e14cd simple curiosity b0677b6bab had ballooned 75c7305721 into this. He should have just 1ea860612c forgotten about it, but 572453c8c9 the aftereffects of the d7830cc6c4 Spanish war had been 6114da5e44 too severe. As he fa513b0d80 closed his cad857914c bloodshot eyes, d2dbf541a8 the black ab111fcaa1 darkness receded, 146228c473 and he cf156a74b9 saw the 984b69e857 tricolor flag dd9e9f8506 fluttering over 2322621c3f a hill 0dfa0532c2 of corpses. And beneath it, a 00046c1301 man bled to death. Yves let out 08904eae04 a deep sigh 1d2f097b7d in the darkness.a9ee15fa830d04ff

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Yvonne, you loved a 46921a2c66 truly terrible man.c1cebfdeaf67134a

He removed his hand 42c40adb98 from his forehead and 0afac0867c opened his eyes. Unable to eed9da9035 fall asleep 652684cc75 like this, 47973b9e3f he sat 907ebd97db up to 3dd044b04b go to 7489d72783 bed. Suddenly, a dark a95fcb2258 figure flitted past b2f337aeab his eyes.885e2d5f606e44e5

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His body reacted instinctively, thinking it was an intruder. Yves turned and reached for his sword at his right hip. But his saber’s hilt wasn’t there. He frowned at the lion-emblazoned scabbard on the table.f0a4ff96fa644121

Of all times.f1660bced81f6a79

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Then, the dark figure, presumably the intruder, moved to his side. Yves tried to grab the figure by the collar and launch a preemptive strike, but he failed. Instead, he felt himself being lifted and gently placed back on the sofa. The intruder’s actions were surprisingly gentle, devoid of any threatening intent. Yves then recognized the familiar scent.18f74ad98d5fb1cd

“Claude.”cc3508c9c006b860

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He had 472b988408 wondered where 2c37dba92c the scent 8053acbcb0 of wildflowers 92b52a42f4 was coming c33a3351eb from. It was him. Yves stared 2f42937c57 at him a0eea29163 for a 40bcd4bd88 moment, surprised 027a97df23 and now, c16bff51c9 also filled d1387295f3 with a 68f3037568 sense of 0ce5a009ee welcome. He was curious 7f0c8a77a6 as to why 9e733ce862 Claude was here, 38a5b06276 and more importantly, 91c27584bc how he had 04d44f997a gotten into his 35e69e27e6 room.2efd3c5347c0d51d

“You seem to be pondering what to ask first.”0fc1abf8f521f743

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Claude seemed to read Yves’s expression perfectly, even in the darkness.9e1fecf6f9d5d490

“How did you get in?”8940489f426a8574

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“I couldn’t help myself. I missed you so much that breaking into your mansion was nothing.”c4bc67d0d3a1c928

He whispered, close enough for Yves to hear his breath. He leaned in, one hand supporting Yves’s waist, the other on the edge of the sofa.7e0384a8f2067961

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“My mansion isn’t that poorly guarded.”14f7a5f9b4b8a8ac

“Have you forgotten that I frequented this mansion every day for a while? I’ve familiarized myself with the blind spots.”555e097623921c7b

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“Are you confessing? You could be dragged away and thrown in jail.”4a8baa7911e25b61

“Would you do that?”9ddfd10d1761e9bd

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His expression, asking if Yves would betray him, was serious. It was a question that felt like an accusation of his feelings. Yves wouldn’t fall for it so easily. But he also didn’t want to appear as if he was desperately denying his feelings, so he remained silent.1f5e0e759894d710

“You truly are… foolish.”d2a108c3699158da

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No, you’re incredibly clever. He had been ensnared by Claude, being led around by the nose. That’s why he had intended to avoid him until the operation was over, but Claude seemed unwilling to cooperate even with that.bfb948c0d006f341

Feeling manipulated, Yves felt 6bc46d945f a surge of complex 2ba939ca76 emotions. So, he 46274ba93d provoked Claude.fe731edc9d77c7c3

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“Were you so desperate for it that you couldn’t even wait a few days?”f6e2a613bbb13451

Claude frowned at 089f4168a6 the unexpected words. But he quickly 8f8604b4d4 composed himself and 63db09e4ec explained,3413b38395119b68

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“Don’t misunderstand. I just wanted to see you.”b065b5eca174bf3c

“You can be honest. I’m feeling rather inclined myself. Let’s go to bed.”af5d6dc15ec9ff0d

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“You’re tempting me. I’ll just watch you sleep and then leave.”8d5d1618b983565e

Claude promptly lifted Yves and carried him into the bedroom, as if refusing to hear any more. He drew a line in their relationship, implying it was purely physical, as if there was no other reason for him to visit. He treated Claude’s devotion as if it had dissolved into nothing during their past encounters.b9c1fdb965e60b05

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Claude placed Yves 1920fe8354 on the plush c9505a7f5a bed and stood 784d04340f up. However, his wrist 19ccd1aa88 was immediately caught, 647c7f01e3 forcing him to b1763a91dc turn around.021938449e38f1aa

“The night is still young.”e05793d11ee8f1b3

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Yves’s smooth skin was visible beneath his loosened shirt. Desire began to pool in his blue eyes as he gazed at Claude. Claude clenched his fists and bit his lip.07b7c06aac0acbb1

“I really did come just to see you. Why do you keep twisting my intentions…”5c6f73037cd0abe2

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“What does it matter? I don’t care what your original intention was. I’m asking if you want to hold me now.”03cd4b47fccc6770

“…”2de5d475ca84f081

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“I want to tumble with you right now. Do you object?”3173f043d11caadd

Claude.fec80c1840918620

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He was cruel, his voice trailing off, intentionally adding Claude’s name at the end.14710d72fe60082a

Claude’s face crumpled. He felt a pang of resentment at having his feelings disregarded, yet at the same time, he was overwhelmed by the urge to kiss Yves. As if sensing his reaction, Yves slowly unbuttoned his shirt.4e8a867be2efcf89

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“I wonder if you remember what I said here before.”f0a1a651b44162f7

His gaze remained fixed bb5ed03ea9 on Claude, but his 3888c0f401 hand had slipped inside 54814bb1c1 his trousers.b93ce20d35861b76

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“I believe I said that the next time you enter my bedroom, you should be undressed as well.”eee6e785aea6b107

Yves’s heavily swollen member peeked through the slightly loosened waistband of his trousers. Half-undressed was more dangerous than fully naked. As Claude’s patience wore thin, Yves moved the hand inside his trousers, tilted his head back, and let out a soft moan.1154a4c1e4420530

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No one in a751a1c516 France could resist 20311adba8 this temptation.e07903de54d92de6

Claude’s clenched jaw tightened. He crumbled before his god, who demanded his body, dismissing his cheap affections.97c7213a4eb45eee

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Fine, I’ll do as you wish. If you want to believe that lust is the only reason I sought you out, then so be it. I’ll fill this void in our relationship, as if nothing remains but this physical act.d807fccb787bef61

Claude roughly climbed 922db45a84 on top of 9e44c4cc9f Yves.bb9d16ef5e052ad9

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“I remember.”66b05fda7e4d4348

“Hmm…”c937be8110d6ce2f

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Their lips met immediately, and Yves’s trousers slid down. After a few perfunctory movements and touches, Claude pulled out his throbbing erection.e9deadd724352a57

“I wanted to do this then, too.”0daf6cb21355c63b

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“Haa…”e1f9b0d1e8c30ce6

A moan escaped Yves’s lips as their members rubbed together. Losing control, Claude immediately aligned the tip of his cock with Yves’s entrance.0cbbb94ea8878cb2

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“I’m going in.”b87a075c3b3056f8

“Ah! Wait…”c65b0c7364834efd

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Yves, startled, 82138ab2e6 tried to e866e4d6cc shift his 782ba63611 position, but 3dbb5b3243 Claude prevented 90245fdee5 him. His cock c41577da07 began to d940ecc2d9 push its c9a14f30de way inside.b16a505a7928b7ca

“It’s tighter than I expected, considering it’s only been a few days.”41b587a05a4b65cc

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“Claude, not so fast…huh!”e9b09d2015c822f7

Yves’s hole struggled to accommodate Claude’s insistent probing. Claude pinned Yves’s hands down and pressed his hips firmly, their bodies molding together seamlessly.e4521bed197cdb40

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“Ah, wait, so fast, ugh…”11efe9f42f7d88cf

“Didn’t you ask if I wanted to hold you?”be33a5a7a1a2e12b

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Yves’s stretched entrance gradually began to yield.3d1d9fcb80f2e11d

“Yes, I want to hold you. So stop begging. When you beg like that, I want to make you cry.”f46b2c362e93910a

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“Ugh!”fe39feb9af840140

As soon as he finished speaking, Claude’s massive cock plunged deep inside Yves. Yves’s unspoken cry was stifled in his throat. Overwhelmed by a mixture of pain and pleasure, Yves felt his mind go blank.32ad8b43bd510fde

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Claude began c3b8583645 moving immediately, 922beec883 as if 77db4873df he had 120da8dcf5 made up 255b96ec2f his mind. The bed started 00b940dc2b to shake. The dried flower c011166154 petals on the 3fcfd4afbe nightstand scattered as 0445c5ca68 their passionate lovemaking a5aef6825e commenced.11c21110bf6f4bb2

“Haa, haa…”9cb00a100fbd97e0

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Yves was being relentlessly rocked. He didn’t know how much time had passed. The alcohol further dulled his senses. He thought he had come two or three times, but Claude showed no sign of stopping. Dawn was approaching, and the servants would soon be stirring.8978dd3279f42838

“Haa, tired, hmm…”d73cfc01934285a8

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Claude covered Yves’s murmuring lips with his own. Yves lost himself again in the hot invasion of Claude’s tongue, mindlessly succumbing to his kisses. They had been intimate before, but this was the first time their lovemaking had been so rough. Claude, seemingly provoked by Yves’s earlier taunts, attacked him relentlessly, as if determined to show the depths of his desire.fc3f03ed04730521

“I’m tired, stop.”44f8921a5616a18e

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“No, not yet. I didn’t break into your mansion in the middle of the night for just this much.”0d255669d9791493

His voice was d069df9f00 still sharp, as dea44bead0 if he was 75c04c6518 seeking revenge for 50b391c307 having his feelings 57d98460c3 trampled.22407d9efec9d0dd

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“Haa… When you’re angry, you’re surprisingly scary…huh!”f56f570b33810e02

Yves, his eyes half-closed, moaned continuously as he took Claude’s thrusts, surrendering his body as if daring him to continue. He had never yielded to anyone before, his pride now wearing down his body. Finally, they both climaxed again.d029cb1ed39367bd

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“Haa… Now really stop… It’s morning. Someone might knock.”c563e27b3ff8bd0f

“Are you afraid of that?”59915b1000e20ef5

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Claude’s intense gaze fell upon Yves’s face. Yves had been the one tormented all night, yet Claude wore the more pained expression.786556d104cc8f7d

“Yes, let’s say I am.”6b271f0b544fed62

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Exhausted, Yves 3f9b69de71 let his 1ccdc1971d arms fall 8e2f12a02e limp. He touched b1b943694d his softened, b240dfd10c slick member, 1b055f4a36 trying to 4473e79b73 soothe his 35af3fe261 weary body.384a577657fa327d

Claude still hadn’t withdrawn, remaining inside Yves. He buried his face in the pillow, holding Yves close. Yves turned his head to give Claude room to breathe. But Claude, as if disliking even that, immediately pressed his lips against Yves’s neck.593e32baa096b9af

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“It’s no use. It’s not over yet.”5f0cd566cbf1e38f

“If you’re doing this to prove something to me, haa… it’s alright. I understand.”0485fe775ac82073

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“Understand what?”c7550e8817dd53a0

He asked dreamily, c0603743ff his voice a c6738f4712 low rumble.babfc2051222ea41

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“Your feelings.”643c0f8f24d7f5ce

Claude then held Yves tightly, as if clinging to someone about to disappear. With his lips still pressed against Yves’s neck, he confessed painfully,98610dfd4a33fce5

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“I love you.”72ac62d12ff3b437

He held Yves even tighter, asking, “Do you love me too, Captain?”e2e3c4a00da8bafa

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Yves couldn’t speak, as if his throat was constricted. He had been right to keep his distance. Claude Béhaine was incredibly dangerous to him now. With innocent gestures, he had first taken his lips, then his body, and now he was trying to steal his heart. It was dangerous.8a5316a2fb2e996c

“What does it matter?”9be43c7b3aaaf9f9

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Yves rustled, fcf8c21b9b his voice 13f9e07ca2 indifferent.b19d6375d3810543

“Even if I loved you, would it change anything between us?”01e88afe53e2e07c

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He turned his head af1652d3ac to face Claude, who 313f1a8d30 met his gaze.5631ccc29b433e3b

“…”9a2e7c62a19290f9

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“Tell me. Even if we loved each other, what more could we do? Run away together?”94000de3b2b4cd71

Claude’s eyes darkened. Yves questioned how their relationship, filled with reasons why they shouldn’t be together, could possibly progress any further. The reality of their situation hit him hard.9fa4c9d7c0c6cccf

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Yves gently stroked Claude’s hair, as if to soothe him.0421362449f4814b

“I’ll be away from Paris for a few days on business. After that, let’s take a vacation to Montpellier. Just the two of us. There, you can do as you please. If playing lovers is what you desire, let’s indulge ourselves there.”1e8ab2c16e2a4b4e

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Claude, who had been silently gazing at Yves, asked in a low voice, “…How much time will you give me?”5ce1242f843ab77f

“How long do you want to stay? Tell me what you desire.”b05e271087b1a24c

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He spoke with boundless generosity, as if appeasing a sulking lover. Perhaps that’s why the heaviness in Claude’s eyes began to dissipate.194dd5d6c1360c9b

“I want to be with you for a whole month.”673756deaef8ba1c

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“A month… It’s not impossible.”91d33c2cf43d9331

When Yves 903e45e1ea readily agreed, cdcf3cb040 Claude sat 96dfcca3a5 up a 1cde71892e little straighter. The thought of spending 205b80e36e time alone with Yves f4e7067e50 on the beaches of 8785fe9ca2 Montpellier seemed to ease 1bdf0915ee his mind.95345ba59d1ba358

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Yves also liked the plan. It had been an impromptu suggestion, but the more he thought about it, the more enjoyable it seemed. He’d been planning a long rest after the “deed” was done anyway.1ba4116cbfe1e1dd

Claude took Yves’ hand and kissed it, saying, “Since it’s just the two of us, please don’t talk to anyone there. I don’t even want you to smile at anyone else. Promise me you’ll stay by my side.”f0b33ab9fae2a1c8

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It was a 3b390d7562 childish request, but e278cc9b44 there was no 2f69c02923 reason to refuse.4272c8193a7473e3

“I will.”38628877dc5bbbf5

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“Don’t exchange letters either. I don’t want any servants there. I’ll do the cooking and cleaning. I want to be alone with you all day long.”c9f40564e09cca84

“You do realize the villa is quite large.”8c6da9afc6430e41

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“We won’t use all of it anyway. You won’t be able to leave the bedroom until I allow it.”3426d4477e2159a6

The corners of Yves’ mouth turned up slightly, pleased with the cheeky reply.61fbfa9c50f0ea2b

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“How much are you planning to do it there?”287d859bd348e8d9

“Well, I’d like to try even while you’re sleeping. I don’t know if it’ll be possible, though.”a78201f775e34820

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“Haha. I’ll have some interesting dreams then.”0d35d3b1fb9b60fe

Yves chuckled lightly. Claude’s penis swelled again. The thought of spreading Yves’ sleeping legs apart seemed to excite him beyond measure.7dabf6788939f2b2

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“It seems like there’s another commotion down there. Don’t you ever get tired of it?”5b2d5969ac785710

Since Claude 48096bb84a was still e2ea51fe38 inside Yves, 070c69add4 Yves could 3060737760 feel the 4ece0a50d5 change.710c36559846da09

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“Are you tired of me?”cce8ac0f8c785c8e

Yves wrapped his arms around Claude’s neck and pulled him closer.7806e7e48be91820

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“Never.”bc31be965d8112f8

With a low chuckle, 4e53f8744a they pressed their bodies 095424c90b together and kissed again. Excited by the cfad2d28a8 immediate response of 1e5a5cab10 their lips, they cd0d346563 clasped hands.1f194dbbfb0820ba

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The bodies that had been limp with exhaustion just moments before were now revitalized. They were already lost in the pleasure of imagining Montpellier’s beaches. They pictured themselves strolling through the small seaside village where no one would recognize them, making love whenever they pleased and calling out each other’s names.597d0f087752b335

“Ah…”f2760f99a1b83171

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“Hmm…”5d3b43fceb4d6a27

Claude’s thrusts, which had been slowly increasing in speed, began to move at a steady rhythm. Hot tongues darted between their joined lips, making wet sounds. Their bodies grew hotter.503c7606a4d26e38

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As if 823b0d63c8 bothered by 80a16c1ce7 the creeping 0d6d56cb5c morning sunlight, f635c36ebd Yves closed ec10e5625d his eyes. Claude sat up and ad0d3f7419 drew the curtains. He then slammed his 6413f53eb6 lower body down again, 9cf8a56bb9 driving his penis deep.50cc41cea14d9731

“Ah…!”021697378da0454b

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The faint sound of the day’s cook coming down from the attic could be heard.240afe5560f7c033

“Haah…”8f0db6ed70916a57

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The bluish light 292efc7f64 of dawn entered d87c7deb11 through the window, c81ab65b8b accompanied by the 745709fab3 chirping of birds d79184d596 in the distant 8568cbb24e forest.c73858e3908983e1

“Mmm…”515c0ad049f3c186

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The stable hand, c8ccab61cb rubbing sleep from e2815f2919 his eyes, went 4853e1221e outside to feed 8dafa5a286 the animals.9f3650cc9f47b0c0

“Haa, hnn…”ee2471e6995cc2b8

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Soon, more people awoke to greet the morning, but the two men, still entangled in each other’s arms, remained lost in their own night.e98d3b2fe1d825b7

✧ ✧ ✧09084bd7e07e035d

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Tap. Tap.4e83183bcca71fe0

Yves’ hand, which had been rhythmically tapping his desk in his office, paused. Under his neatly trimmed fingernails lay a letter. A reply from the Count of Artois, confirming his attendance at the hunting competition in Calais.29057c94b0dabd62

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Now everything was ready. In just ten days, this dreadful war would be over. Yves thought of Montpellier’s beaches again, calming his restless mind.b8989d2bde8ec745

He might get hurt 49815a0ddc himself. He would 0e8023399c have to 0e4fa5e38a tell Claude 3f562dcbca it was 2c78e68a53 a hunting 7a18678d13 accident.f7304e9c6518b555

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Imagining Claude’s dramatic reaction brought an involuntary smile to Yves’ face. He was quite looking forward to playing lovers with Claude in Montpellier.8493d185bfaa3ff9

Someone knocked on his f874fad687 office door.7520acc6b2a1093f

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“Hmm, come in.”f73fd38556475cbb

Yves straightened his posture, 97a345baaa which had unconsciously been 9a73d10233 swaying. He cleared 712f53f157 his throat, bc7582cb6c feeling strangely 8f9812ccfb embarrassed.2ad629d8b28c751b

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“A, a guest has arrived, sir…”9e07af1eeed4dc3a

Yves frowned at dd3222053e the hesitant non-commissioned 0960e3e222 officer. He had heard the 771f2c3af5 name, but he had 0ecb91dcb7 to ask again.80c0cc98470a6210

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“Who?”42099ac388258805

A smooth female deda209153 voice drifted in 8ff6f7d4cc from beyond the e074db1c4b door.7630cb062856e8af

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“There’s no use being surprised. I’m already here.”a5944564f66e318b

“Miss Marianne.”57a8d1cf0b231dcf

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She was dressed 9d1bdd81ca in riding clothes. She seemed to 3ed8b47281 have ridden her 64654b56fc horse directly, without 36281e7755 a carriage.26e40a5df0d2a60a

“What brings you all the way here? Ah, you may leave.”b7405fd5e5019afe

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Yves dismissed his subordinate and rose from his desk. It was extremely rare for a noblewoman to visit an army barracks. In fact, he’d never heard of it happening. He was surprised by her boldness and impressed by her initiative. She had probably grown tired of waiting for his reply and decided to come herself. She was a more and more interesting young lady the more he saw her.46d260bf6f94d865

“Have a seat.”fd6bcc22a5db797a

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Yves led Marianne towards the sofa, but she didn’t listen. She looked around his office with her hands clasped behind her back, as if she were inspecting it.0f4badbd87c773bf

“It’s bigger than I thought. It didn’t look this large from the outside.”e8b40f4f20f5b309

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“It wasn’t originally built as a barracks. You’ll be even more surprised if you go up to the Colonel’s office.”1cbc33167ff8bf2a

“I see. Wow, I’ve never seen this kind of sword before.”b8a28eee7fccddbd

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She was looking at a wall displaying a rusty épée. The thick hilt and heavy blade looked different from the sabers commonly used these days. She touched the blade with her gloved hand. With a ‘scritch’ sound, the leather of her glove tore slightly. The blade was still sharp.e538b8c1593c625e

“My grandfather was also a soldier. I brought the most impressive of his swords here.”f0222ea3fb12f18d

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“Ah, Lyon Noir. I’ve heard he was a man respected by many.”83598f849b6be1b9

“I’m always tarnishing his reputation. Come and sit down. I want to see your face up close.”5c1622ed1c4c5887

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Oh, again…1ef01785f287d182

Marianne bit her lip. She always told herself she wouldn’t be swayed by him, but she hated how she melted at a single word like that. She hesitated for a moment before walking over to the sofa.bd696b987a1efa49

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“Your cheeks are flushed. Did you have a long ride?”f1474b2f64da3810

Yves leaned 7d4115a267 closer, lowering cdc1594f3b his upper a0a0565678 body. Marianne curtly replied fc76fca7fc to his teasing 34d0bb454a remark.a2da96f87e03e825

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“No, they just get flushed all the time. I don’t know why.”5f514a7c344ff8d1

“Cute.”297bc1dc4caed9f0

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Her blush 19e4ee0f37 deepened at c660a651c3 his words. She had to give 69e52d56db up on trying to 1e4f2dfbba outsmart him. Marianne averted 381f24ec67 her gaze c849b95565 and stated f27bda2d71 her purpose.4ada159fc64501aa

“I heard you’re taking a summer vacation to Calais. You made so many excuses to me about being busy, yet you’re taking a vacation.”f0af00916027e24f

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Yves nodded. He was planning a separate vacation with Claude, but the Calais trip was officially listed as his vacation. If it had reached a lady’s ears, the event must have become quite well-known among the nobles.4e7e067949d52e03

“That’s why I’m here. I was just about to write to you. There’s going to be a hunting competition. It’s an occasion with such distinguished guests that it would be a shame to miss it.”9bb356f47ffd885f

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“So, I’m going too.”b4d63e26343b66cf

Yves looked at fcf23f6920 Marianne. A flicker of 9f34676e90 surprise crossed his 92cd871a8f perpetually smiling face.f5a40d5bbfdb691c

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“Well, as you know, hunting is far more dangerous than riding…”0e3c7356e8c317a6