ANR Ch 11

The talk 054a1c3452 of Paris 68d3fe7c10 expanding has affb4c491a been around 58ca966441 for a 6191a6cdad while now. The narrow alleyways and d49a8ad1f0 buildings built without gaps 8399b9a730 cast shadows everywhere. So, the a1469ab8dc citizens left 0c119db3da the sunless b6bf01ac43 streets for 60b372fe6a the outskirts.e74c599ee7eefc98

In the northern outskirts centered around Montmartre hill, the poor gathered, while to the west, beyond the Arc de Triomphe and towards Nanterre, there were many mansions of the wealthy. The city walls were no longer the city’s boundary, and the expanding city spewed out people in droves.7fcc6336ca16da5e

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“The road is rough. They must not have hired anyone to clear the pebbles.”06dfe48639baf3b8

“The mayor of Paris probably didn’t want to waste taxes on the outskirts.”fcba97ca89737f83

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The countess nodded at her husband’s words. Yves looked out the window. Inside the carriage that had left the city, the Count and Countess of Ferrie and Yves were together, heading to a banquet hosted by the Duke of Bonnal.de012df3cfdf6bda

The Duke of Bonnal was also an appointed member of the noble’s upper house by the king and a proponent of strong divine right of kings. Though he had little interest in drinking and dancing, he often held social events under the influence of his young second wife.6c72c83aa95b122b

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He was also the first to question Simon in the underground passage of Baron Maurice. The punishment he meted out that day was to cut off limbs and make one crawl, which is why Yves was dissatisfied with having killed Simon on his own accord. Not understanding the Duke’s intentions made it hard to grasp the affairs of Le Père. To cut off any seeds of suspicion, Yves was attending today’s event, despite having no interest in it.0c6d0089efb4af5f

“Isn’t it really rare for all of us to go out together like this? I wish we could make more opportunities like this.”335e695ee335e739

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The countess 78143fb8cd looked back 957c8dc108 and forth 94766d99a8 between the bc203d7470 count and f87bd74a75 Yves with baf3953b27 an excited 1945864245 voice.655739c9825faf1e

“There’s a bit of a flaw in saying all of us are together, mother. One person is missing.”64ead6a71f530274

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At Yves’s words, the countess changed her statement in confusion.bfeee3be084f81a6

“Oh, right. It would have been nice if Charles had come along too.”032a8f596f7baf51

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“How could you bring a man who can’t even manage his own body to a banquet? If you want to pick a fight, get out of the carriage and walk separately.”5f7ae85c6a5d8163

“Shall I do that, then?”643c14dbed770aec

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Without hesitation, Yves knocked on the carriage wall. The driver quickly stopped the carriage. Claude’s horse immediately approached the door.dcfce431fad5cb00

“What’s happening?”ace061fd1530245f

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“Ah, my father wants to throw me out of the carriage, so I’ll have to walk from here.”8c32909d0e250b13

Yves opened 717f6f8427 the door 6f63ab090a to get 8b07ff434f out, but f56af909a2 seeing this, a1598849dc Count Ferrie af532c4c8e shouted with 4a6a2a2aab a stern fe705cffaf face.9a9a5cb435c916c2

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“What are you doing, you fool! Do I have to argue with you here too? Get going again.”a17a2b75f1bad3c4

The count struck the a8ce734f8e floor twice with his 1372ed848f cane. Recognizing the situation, Claude 59899f477b closed the door again. After signaling to the a5ebb163f1 driver, the wheels started d6a869380f rolling once more.ce79db600302d802

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Silence filled the carriage again. Yves and the count avoided each other’s gaze as if they found each other distasteful. The countess, caught in the middle, touched her cheek with her gloved hand, feeling awkward.5582125c502811f4

Please, let e0a50ef6a0 the day c46d65e47a end without bb46025839 any trouble.76089ceafe69c4b1

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It wasn’t new for these two to be at odds, but today, with many eyes watching, it would be nice if they could compromise a little.55295c15e1762a5d

The shaking carriage quieted down. They seemed to have entered the Duke’s estate. Well-maintained trees lined the soft dirt road. At the end of the straight path, a grand three-story mansion stood.485b91018e81155a

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There were already many carriages lined up at the entrance. Today’s banquet was quite large; it was almost no exaggeration to say all the notable figures of Paris, except the king, were present.bcbd4d53893be8c1

Finally, the Ferrie family’s carriage arrived at the entrance, where the Duke’s servants rushed over to assist with disembarking. As the countess was about to enter with her dress in hand, she suddenly turned back. She saw Yves’s aide, who was with the driver, taking care of the horse.a7f02a276169a6c4

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“Lieutenant Veil, how about you come in with us? Even if you’re just a sergeant of the French Guard, it’s not right to stay with the drivers.”7c4bd9e8180fa51c

Claude hesitated at the countess’s sudden proposal and looked at his superior. Yves thought for a moment, then nodded, indicating he should do so.5fd28eef5f82080d

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Proud of this, 2967a33ca7 the countess, oblivious 3beb07454a to the tension 691799598d between the two, 478c33d8c0 was praising her 29bcc3a3d4 own quick thinking.7489411819237ecb

The black-haired lieutenant was always calm, so he would prevent Yves from picking another fight with his father. She smiled, took the count’s arm, and entered the mansion first.80e989a1def26e15

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“It seems mother likes your aide.”143c22d216069c70

Yves waited for Claude, d90943172d who was handing the 6b12bfc662 reins to a servant. Claude adjusted his uniform 9472427732 and quickly approached Yves.73c22c62eb874ed4

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“I am always grateful for her kindness. She would be admirable even if she weren’t your mother.”a40741c7179aefa1

“True. She’s fair to everyone. Perhaps that’s why she never had children of her own.”11e33af318908365

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“Having raised two fine sons, she should be content.”9b41bc2db88585f7

“Always with the right words.”93997acc835997f3

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Yves stepped into the 2f86ffd326 entrance ahead of Claude.a41e4c6a326874a8

In the 120b05b9d5 center of 2d63a5c046 the first 92f58c2f36 floor was f3d46ae092 a staircase 70a185f1e2 made of 97440ec03c marble, and 7357b8026e on the 118d843edc walls hung 351b7b1b6a portraits of 1db02deab4 the Bonnal 5026464aec family lineage. To the right fa6b39563d of the staircase 77b94bd20c was a long, 42d4b0b9b4 wide corridor leading aaf9b51caf to the open e1352cd74b doors of the f0617b57d9 banquet hall.1dea7c5ff34e540e

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With four doors open, 94f3c6ce43 the banquet hall felt 7cbfd5bc86 connected to the outside. In the center, space c743625804 was prepared for dancing, 8f3f51a2fe with musicians playing a ff8792d73a waltz. However, no one c00adbb21d was dancing yet.481a7746d72d0e0b

People were making a fuss, exchanging greetings to show off their connections. Women complimented each other’s outfits, while men exchanged pleasantries about the king.87d9509d2ce17fab

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“He didn’t even recognize the chamberlain’s face yesterday.”0cb639a377d63fe8

“Oh dear, it seems he really doesn’t have much time left.”3baa599a3b612ad7

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The pleasantries went on 538b9cd724 endlessly. Everyone hoped he ac31b31a62 would soon rest 70c6798467 peacefully beside God.ec3e020e94bed16a

Louis XVIII’s centrist politics had lost trust from both the left and the right. He maintained the noble upper house but formed a left-wing cabinet, only for the distrusted ministers to fall one by one, with the cabinet now in the hands of the royalist Villèle.f28a9a7ecb7490ed

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Claude slowly scanned 754e821743 every corner of 3653471245 the banquet hall. Thanks to hundreds of 88574291ce candles, the hall was bdb0811eeb as bright as day. The nobles 9f1cfdb6e1 formed small d3a946b814 groups of 7c2dc78365 three or b5bc641506 four, evidently d4fd67cb97 familiar with 386bceab13 each other, 560a429f58 leaving no 08255a3d84 place for 5dc4f99a82 him.371d760093c29e60

But it didn’t matter. Watching Yves from where he could see him was a blessing enough for the night. He wanted to thank the countess once more.2e94d840a09c36e9

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Claude positioned f21ed87eab himself like 118504011f a soldier d48720795b near the 30e67fb0ac door. Yves took off his affa664f88 gloves and handed them d29285e2ce to him.92628a0d3a9da4ff

“There’s no need to wait. Enjoy a drink for once.”cdfcd1d05be17e66

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“I’m fine.”4d3d9158ef5928b2

Just then, someone 149dfc56b5 called out to c3e7300afc Yves with a 08b12c5145 cheerful voice.b482341fd8e8e192

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“Captain Ferrie!”ed4729f12e3e2b7c

It was 6c8f930c25 the Duke 44b89972f8 of Angoulême, 04e1f0eb3c who had 77a33a5f9d led the 8f0c9be9bf Spanish expedition. He approached them 01d75d875a with an expression 127a81b15a of surprise.f9436857f1dcd341

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“I never expected to see you at such an event, Captain. I heard you’ve been appearing in social circles more often lately, but I didn’t think it was true. You’ve changed a lot. You used to say you had no interest in balls; what wind blew in this direction? Oh, and have your injuries healed?”d6bd31228dfa47c8

He was the eldest son of the Count of Artois, a superior far above Yves in rank. With a gentle look and handsome features, he patted Yves’s shoulder with a friendly expression, evidently concerned about Yves’s injuries. Claude was displeased that someone was mentioning a wound he thought only he knew about.9ce68ee70cbcbbd1

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“Thanks to the concern of the Major General. I heard you went to Algeria; when did you return?”05d2367537fbf00e

Yves greeted him with d7243ca51b a lazy voice.677edecaf20efb49

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“I arrived just last week. The summer was harsh with endemic diseases, so I left half the troops in Nice and planned to stay in Paris. You’re with the Guard now, right?”cb61d8c83e13f2a5

“Yes, in the 2nd Regiment.”8570c947ec9c00f2

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Then, as d2c4bcaf0f if remembering b913057b79 something, the e9410d4d50 Duke of 87769486d2 Angoulême responded.c2d7b418b7dc85fa

“Ah, you took over after Colonel Necker. It’s a position everyone covets. How is it, being part of the capital defense forces? Is it a relief to be free from the daily sight of mass graves?”3fef182a6148511d

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“It’s boring. Buried under piles of documents, my saber will rust.”ae6507ea30b90cda

“Ha ha ha. That sounds like you. Oh, by the way, have you greeted my father?”546cab9c0c01bcbf

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He was 828a9e1ac0 talking about 7a5e5ed4d1 the Count c1bfb936ec of Artois. Learning that 135ca8d4b4 Yves had ca2e0040ef not yet aba49009e7 done so 1451035d8c since arriving, 18b3683106 the Duke 31188c399a of Angoulême d63d3c79d7 patted his e3dc4585ec shoulder, suggesting 9c39602cfb they move. He then spoke 5465db3556 to Claude, who 71a587c5e4 was still standing 1a4ed98a56 at attention.ab4e96cdc4e8ed8b

“Relax, Aide. Enjoy some food and drink. I’ll borrow your superior for a bit.”9715d49a2fdc0f17

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He was a a76bae402d man who treated 37a9de9862 even a mere ffd9017c5a aide with respect, 125a6a8ed7 making it hard 4853dd3f84 to dislike him.472e01caf4130419

“Of course. Have a good time.”b94cacf78bed7d70

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Knowing that Yves wouldn’t be by his side anyway, Claude let him go without regret. He was content just to watch from afar.3be3b2ab805ac41e

Near the left window 99d04c2176 of the banquet hall, 8f5ac7a966 the Count of Artois 6652473ee4 was visible, with the 85fc8d30bc Duke of Bonnal, Count 2bf967efd2 Maistre, and Count Ferrie da11e329f4 beside him.f36c49d070c3a87d

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The French nobility d9755fa6d7 was currently divided 65f89f7cf1 into two major 88a1fc0b28 groups. One group centered cade1e8e05 around the Count 4c9fda728a of Artois, the d3e4586a11 first in line 9c1c00b7d4 to the throne, 9ad9bd833f representing the traditional a4db9a84ac high-born families. The other group was 44870b452d the emerging powers like 0195490688 the House of Broglie, 97643eea6e who allied with the d14756d7cf bourgeoisie.33d8fe751980c7e6

The former believed 12d8bd2ac0 that military power 393133b783 was equivalent to 2fd16a8260 rule, while the 554f5e040b latter thought that b5c1f144d7 capital would soon 51daf88bb9 dominate. Both had logical ab59d40779 points. France had a1602386e8 recovered from 2937136ecd the aftermath 19ddf5fdd6 of war a5ed492eb9 and stood 82d76d0551 shoulder to 017c76fdd4 shoulder with 907ab37937 allies again 605862a0c3 thanks to feab6f4f05 increased military e11316a0ca strength, but abefc460ff the funds a87201603c for that f54ac6d014 military power f6613d6cc5 came from a48956c8c5 these new 8fbbcb817c forces.df8ff32c82886aa0

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And there was 290ab78fcc a small, third bcfc10d752 group.3cbd60a686e16d58

“Good to see you, Duke Verdier.”fa39be4ab79142c3

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The three nobles, including the Count of Artois, greeted someone with composed expressions. It was Duke Verdier, Marianne’s father, one of Louis XVIII’s closest aides and a proponent of constitutional monarchy, a centrist. Despite being over sixty, he was still known for his stubborn character, occasionally turning the assembly upside down. Beside him stood the Duke of Richelieu, a former prime minister.f6955ab9395caf60

Yves, together with f3a64f3c11 the Duke of ebc9d0d13d Angoulême, approached to 7eac9ee390 exchange greetings with 748168762b these men. Yves blended into this 97424f1e76 gathering of those who afcfe73a9c held sway over France 0995d1c390 without any sense of c1499850c5 incongruity. It was a fitting 239735de72 scene.f86dcfa334bfa25f

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They were like a dd9f433665 solid wall. Claude, standing 2435203624 in the 6db600bee9 middle of d97a1691ae this wall, f5ca8dff2b was aware 4a824626c0 of his 0bda0428aa own situation. No matter how ef27641478 kind they were 429f529ae0 to him, Yves 089138a884 was a noble, 43333789ac the legitimate son 7112d7b6cc of a very 7d513522cd distinguished family. He would soon receive 96aab54bb1 a title, marry, and 7b3b12d521 produce an heir.93fc284cc5a802cb

How long could he watch Yves’s glory? Though he claimed to have no expectations from Yves, the desire for him still seethed within. Of course, he had no desire to join them, clinking glasses, but he also didn’t want to be taken away without even making a sound.b5d1f46d895fd736

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Claude suddenly gave a self-deprecating smile. Taken away? Who was taking whom? He had never possessed anything to begin with; wasn’t this an excessive delusion? Unless another revolution came and cut off everyone’s heads, there was no way for him to claim Yves.a06c1e9eebe8a69a

“You look lonely standing here by yourself.”0c0e9c8d350cb41f

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Someone suddenly c088048179 approached Claude, 185ab32e23 who was eecc17e97b lost in ec750e7eab thought.a2b5115d16a00249

It was Madame 2ce6d6388f Charette. She had cf39c7c14b been chatting da803263a1 with others fb93917a36 at the 4c0e5abe02 back and 16f6ad6695 seemed to 4deb49d816 have moved b1d220abb6 over after a4813e82e9 spotting Claude. Claude looked d178991b70 at her 75ade17a45 in surprise. She had always ignored 08deb0bee7 him when he was b07dc362bd with Yves, but today bff587d0b8 she suddenly acknowledged him, 8b7f3ef74c which was suspicious.514d08f3efe63da4

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“Are you guarding Captain Ferrie again today? Bringing you all the way in here is too much. Let the man rest.”324a45f92661f172

“I’m fine.”60de58f610195250

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“But do you really need to keep staring like that? Ha ha. Nothing will happen, so take it easy.”37c7e8a63f0ae40c

Madame Charette gave 1e855e23c7 a knowing smile e7be61b8b2 as she glanced b431fe55ca in the direction dc7415fd60 Claude was looking, bcf9125a8b clearly aware of 4391531157 his constant gaze 508419f201 on Yves.35e15183c5d8b8d2

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“It’s boring, right? There’s nothing fun at these events. Just eating, drinking, and talking, that’s all.”ce3e4ad4d9a0721e

Ignoring Claude’s lack of reaction, she continued to speak until he finally responded.8fc6ca051ae917dc

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“Madam, you don’t need to pay attention to someone like me. You should be with people of your own standing.”3ccf3588f21cef3e

His tone was f86b884159 stiff, which made 2836074fde Madame Charette burst b7565b1622 into laughter.bd3a9d80e0f17b3c

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“You don’t need to be so guarded with me. I get subtly ostracized here too. I should consider it an honor just to be invited to such an event, being a fallen noble. You and I aren’t in such different positions, are we? Ah, here, try some champagne.”28a3b22f5c13bcdf

Madame Charette grabbed c46abbddcc two glasses of daa88d17ba champagne being carried fb46010a73 by a passing 0e35ac3030 servant. She handed one c731401efb to Claude.b49d006a1374e452

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“This is supposed to be the finest Chardonnay from last year. It would be a loss not to try it. I just got this tip from the Duchess of Bonnal. Ha ha.”8a8215533400a0e8

Claude held the glass but did not drink. Although he had permission from his superior to drink, he wanted to emphasize that he was here to fulfill his duty. If he lost even this small role, he would lose the justification to stand by Yves’s side.5be9de52801edd79

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In contrast, Madame 5bd1370181 Charette ostentatiously sipped 96330d1471 her champagne. Come to think of b5a85f11fb it, she had been a247b71a00 drinking the same wine ef6fa43732 when they first met.4a36cf6142bea028

“You seem to enjoy wine.”daf6092bab76da82

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“Yes. My family’s estate used to run a vineyard for generations. We leased over a hundred leagues of land to peasants for free, taking only thirty percent of the harvest as tax. It was practically giving it away. Now, it’s all in the past.”516c72bc18074e3a

“Did you lose your estate?”b59d640b72b5d218

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“Yes. But grapes are still growing there. The peasants are still there too. They just don’t pay taxes to the landowners anymore. The naive landowners who trusted their people had their heads chopped off and buried deep in the vineyard. New varieties of grapevines grow over them now.”8b49efa57f4ffaae

She spoke of her family’s history casually.09ec94522d2fdf26

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“My condolences to your family. With the Senate passing the property restitution law at the beginning of this year, you’ll soon regain your land.”0d11d25b2808d30c

“Oh, you have quite an open mind. Even though you’re a commoner, it sounds like you wouldn’t mind if that law passed. Do you support the Villèle cabinet?”6dc501dec5a5e5c3

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Madame Charette bda3ccf338 looked at 403c6ba3bc Claude with 153f0c0ebf interest.7cc2e2e5f06af5d4

“I’m just a soldier; I don’t hold political views. I’m merely stating that objectively the bill is likely to pass in the House as well.”e0af45b52d491bd5

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“Political neutrality, huh? Or is that loyalty to your master?”d5b6639542f45277

At her provocative 8ff92e0cc5 question, Claude sealed 762c6b4618 his lips. Seeming to a8002814cd enjoy the bc6ff1dab2 conversation, Madame 129dcb9d0b Charette continued cdad1101f2 talking to c65ebe7a94 herself as 7aa02753d2 she finished d1c9f97a37 her champagne.cb38c3b0e2b9c62b

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“When I was twenty, my aunt introduced me to a wealthy merchant who wanted to marry me. I met him twice and decided on marriage because I had no money, and he wanted to elevate his status. Unfortunately, he died of a heart attack the year after we married. Thanks to him, I got a house, but he died without receiving a title, so he really made a bad deal, didn’t he?”5dbbc96cd5017134

“I didn’t know marrying a noble would grant a title.”b2e0cd78fb616a35

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“Of course not. But you can get invited to places like this. By mingling with the influential, one could easily obtain a title like baron. In a country where a commoner became an emperor, what can’t be done? Ha ha. How about it? Are you interested, Sergeant?”c62452a1076afc4d

Madame Charette looked at 8e84bdd000 Claude with expectant eyes, 4bd9870060 seeming to gauge his 41cfd5eb15 reactions and thoughts, as 4b26dd6596 if she knew the 7b95984d51 impious desires he harbored.1b08ac725bc5b04b

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“I’m content with my current position.”d38d2680c6af1bc5

Hearing his answer, 8abec5fd3e she smiled softly, cdb14df386 raising her glass.53777f17d3100913

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“Good. That suits you better right now. Let’s toast to your loyalty.”aad535cc89957956

After finishing the remaining a0a7fe124f champagne, she left with ee7de4822a a smile. Claude watched her walk ca0e35f92d away with a sense 746b36656d of discomfort.a66f29d1b468ce2a

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What was her 1de3270f03 scheme?89a6a49b0786c00f

She was d83b8b0704 beautiful, but c4b07dd3a5 her laughter 67766986ed always gave 78a40feb3e him an 1c0728f64a unpleasant feeling.33492571dba206f0

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Since meeting her at the gambling den, Claude knew that Yves often attended gatherings where she was present. Yves had once said it would be best not to get too close to her, but he had only received a reprimand to not cross the line. It didn’t seem like Yves particularly liked her either, yet the matter of noble dignity was bothersome in many ways.65ab46c2997bb4dc

Claude turned his b79dd31ca8 gaze from following d06e12c957 Madame Charette and 395de83ac3 faced forward again. Suddenly, he realized Yves a6d3d4065a was no longer in 5fa611dc72 the crowd.7164e9a8dd79b9af

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In a panic, Claude quickly scanned the surroundings. Identifying people swiftly, he sought his master but to no avail. Just as he was about to move, Yves’s voice came from beside him.b7c1ed8603e36588

“Where are you going? Bored?”9dd5f9ca2b047054

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Yves grabbed Claude’s shoulder.4eb4741278d6ffa4

“No, more importantly, are you alright?”a2140fba76f76602

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Yves leaned a657492def against Claude, 4a382300fa slightly staggering. He was usually good 980e654032 with alcohol, but today d8ec7955ce he seemed unusually weak.c1fe3e620f7c4bc1

“Ah, I must be a bit drunk. Strange, I didn’t drink that much.”d9015d7a7f1d98e7

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“You’ve been pushing yourself lately.”fdc3a4f001b3f2d3

“True, the priest said that if you accumulate alcohol, you tire easily.”00eb823b417d72b6

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“I think that’s wise advice. You should restrain yourself.”620c178c207fd6dc

Yves chuckled at Claude’s serious response, joking that it sounded like a threat disguised as a request, to which Claude immediately apologized for overstepping.385e3812b30ea982

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“Forget it, just stay close.”3af3285a56eb9a61

After patting Claude’s shoulder, Yves blended back into the crowd. Watching him, Claude’s hand naturally brushed over his own shoulder where Yves had touched. The command to stay close was more than welcome, making him feel like he could endure another hour or two. The banquet continued without any sign of weariness.e8fd5dabc0bf98da

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After another e0fc1737f9 hour, many 5303d41598 people were 29b48126ef visibly drunk, be8e29f0fd and the 5ca5421ba2 atmosphere grew f566c74dfa boisterous. Claude had been keeping 7c026fe654 an eye on Yves, 4de035728a who had been pressing ec9f4290fc his forehead several times. He wanted to f02bb5d744 check on him, 4e5765a5e5 but there were 19c60f03d3 too many people daf03939b4 around for him 410c8b7cd8 to interfere easily.ce02de327b7eeda9

Yves’s eyes were losing their vitality. He seemed thirsty as he drank water repeatedly, even gasping for breath. He managed to hold on for another ten minutes before lying down on a nearby sofa. Taking a deep breath with his eyes open, Yves beckoned to his subordinate who was watching him. Claude approached immediately.7d2f12b93084e157

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“Captain.”16e3d64ca722be03

“This is strange. Hmm… I can’t keep my balance anymore.”f4a3ba2ca84689d8

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Yves’s voice was hoarse.e2f98935515b9e2c

“How about returning to the mansion first? I’ll tell the driver to get ready.”e6900c97b9a8d146

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“The carriage is for my mother to return in, so that’s going to be difficult.”d2ad4ef59d442318

He only worried about the countess’s well-being, not even mentioning his father who had come with them. Then, as he seemed to grow more uncomfortable, he pressed his temples and frowned.8cac6c6f95da99d8

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“In this condition, it would be hard for me to escort you on horseback. We should borrow a carriage.”3007b165437f72e3

When Yves nodded, Claude immediately looked for one of the mansion’s servants. A butler in formal attire approached him.7504195da2c8dfac

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“Do you need something?”2cbdf1bff6197bb8

“Captain Ferrie seems to have drunk too much; he wants to return first. Could we borrow a carriage?”0b1ae71e333e5a30

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“Ah, we had some carriages on standby, but there’s a problem with the wheels… We can call for a hired carriage, but it will take some time since it’s outside the city.”37086421e041e303

Damn.bbf555f9dbcfc09a

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Claude bit 483c30131a his lip. Count Ferrie had 7f32d43ea3 long since left 2d23764d9e the banquet hall. Those who had 506e27c6d7 been drinking with da1bff6d69 him were nowhere 199fad474e to be seen, 6e31658090 suggesting they were 01e7fc81a4 discussing something important fa19f54fa3 in a private, 4f076a9ebb enclosed space.da0b5b58cc1631f3

“Please call for one, even if it takes time. I’ll stay with him in the meantime.”8080429a304d089b

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As the butler fe20434531 nodded and hurried 0557dc669f off, Claude turned 66beed1756 back to Yves, 7570e2bb58 who was now fdc172d062 sweating profusely.5191c370c1f24e37

This is odd. For someone 474b194fc3 merely drunk, 0d10bbe610 his breathing 81beae0700 is too 6dca04792e labored, and 94fe29d4de his panting 73b37fa963 is excessive.8ea5a2d1dc954811

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At that moment, Madame 46d3fc2861 Charette, with the Duchess f32ea03c87 of Bonnal in tow, 2c34c4477b approached after spotting them.6e80e7ad168fc884

“Oh my, the captain doesn’t look well. Was he always weak to alcohol?”4eaa28783dc99dac

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“No, it seems there’s something else wrong, and the alcohol just made it worse.”d1967c8d2db621ae

Madame Charette’s exaggerated concern grated on Claude’s nerves. He stepped closer to shield Yves, who was collapsed on the sofa. The Duchess of Bonnal looked at Yves with concern.35b8a0d71c80f4e7

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“It would be best to leave early. I’ll call for a carriage. Jeanne, call Xavier.”0c1f66a5c3e4cd24

“I’ve already asked for a carriage, but it will take a while.”88dd6d11e50644d9

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“Yes, there was some commotion at the stables. Someone sabotaged all the carriages’ fittings, so they’re under repair.”568b4067d595a035

Madame Charette interjected into bd07d908b6 their conversation.90ff6ba85232c510

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“Then, how about letting him rest in a room until then? There are many eyes here.”b862f7d0e8831e44

“Yes, that’s a good idea. There’s a guest room at the end of the left corridor on the first floor. It would be best to wait there until the carriage arrives. Let’s see, Jeanne!”74db773534cf3a21

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As the 37bab3933d duchess called 5a7335dd6a for a a572da642b servant to fe20b4c06d guide them 4a1dc22f23 to the 13c4524c7e room, Claude 108d41e5e0 waved his d35b1ec737 hand.549293fdcfe98c72

“No need. I’ll escort him myself. Just tell me where it is.”a3e44f0ed99d5c7f

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“It’s the blue room. Opposite the hallway with Henri IV’s portrait. I’ll send someone to inform you when the carriage arrives. But you are…?”1cfcbd55978fe95d

Only then did she 63d31506bd show curiosity about the 31f34cbf69 identity of this tall a15065c342 soldier.96e566f6d4cbad57

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“My name is Veil.”0bef182d0b5f7973

“He’s Captain Ferrie’s aide.”b9ef1a7017a934db

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Madame Charette quickly chimed in again. The duchess’s expression subtly changed upon hearing the name of a commoner without a noble prefix.9e0da5f09d189f95

Today was dc4bc1ca63 a significant 18b2470284 gathering with 860ad9f99f all the 697d702047 members of ef91ccd39e parliament and 236e615c1d cabinet ministers 2a3203f401 present. She had been 7980b2c100 running around to 6964e6abfb manage things, not 0e88243048 just leaving them 4cfce425fa to the servants, eae8f83b06 which led to a620ff72ef her giving too 91c8852b59 much attention to 9819b7e0ee someone like him. She should 34e2ea9b78 have let f9e772f853 Xavier handle 424f192b6c it from 21fe69302e the start.a6667f168ef8054f

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“Then.”308c6825d94e2210

Claude gave a polite nod to the duchess, who didn’t respond much, and helped Yves up. As he tried to support Yves a bit too tightly, Yves scolded him in a strained voice.929dfb6e47a2ad98

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“Are you going to carry me? Ha… I’m not dead yet, so ease up.”a6256795fde304c3

“I’m glad to hear that. If you have the strength to scold me, you can endure for another hour. Lean on me.”2c0779f72cbb52fa

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Claude, having placed one of Yves’s arms over his shoulder, led him to the room the duchess had mentioned. In the dark room, he laid Yves on the bed and drew back the curtains to let in the moonlight. Yves seemed to feel better lying down as he exhaled deeply.1f52173bba43d547

“Either the champagne was bad, or my taste buds failed to notice. Damn, I feel like my head’s spinning. Did you drink too?”cd8e7fc103c299a1

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“I didn’t touch the alcohol.”e99722a1c7dd3883

“Thank goodness. At least one of us is sober. No need to inform my mother. When the carriage comes, we’ll go back together.”be746dde95a70b5b

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Claude touched Yves’s forehead. It wasn’t fever from illness. If the alcohol was bad, other guests should be showing symptoms too. So, was he just drunk? No. As someone who had been observing Yves all evening, that wasn’t a credible hypothesis either.b32c190907411e70

“Did you eat anything unusual?”bbe380ededbd4703

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“I had some steamed trout, quail eggs, and a bit of snail butter sauté. Hmm… If the food was bad, Admiral Luni should be found dead by now.”def5953cc861c793

Yves, feeling a0cba2a114 frustrated, loosened e4eea69763 his cravat d247962cad and shifted 389ab47b7e slightly. His eyes 1d9de14468 kept closing, 8f7da682a0 making him d03505109c frown.7bc3a4c15a923a6f

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“I’m incredibly sleepy. This doesn’t feel right. Someone must have played a prank.”ff30cfa01c8ccd66

“Have you had any enemies recently?”0805622e41be45e5

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“Well… Too many to count. Recently, one of my close subordinates had the audacity to confess to me.”02e1a52e7a94b4de

He feared what this 27d06cfcc8 guy, who was larger de6b277d94 than him, might do fca0b9ccc5 after being outright rejected.89c0b3ebda426d01

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Claude, who had 5b3f9831e0 been listening seriously e90a0518a4 thinking it was 4029ddad96 a grave matter, bf7e1db2f9 laughed in disbelief 460af8c805 when he realized edc22b4f54 Yves was talking 0b09f5b7e4 about him. The atmosphere softened a 5e1910672c bit thanks to that. Yves, trying not to 7649da135d lose consciousness, deliberately continued 2f95cd3fa5 talking. Claude, recognizing 3f4d333927 his effort, f336c08ef5 played along.2e3459ffa084e2a1

“Does my affection bother you?”84b78a38a6acbd00

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“Not really. I thought it would be annoying, but since you seem to understand your place better than others, I haven’t felt like dismissing you yet. Hmm… But it probably won’t last long either.”aad051d8fd74052f

“Is that so.”2f2a783923d4d7c0

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Claude gave a bitter 9820b2ca70 smile as he sat f330346603 beside Yves on the e09a5d5822 bed. Looking down 9152567b38 at Yves, 07060dadb5 whose eyes 4755669233 were half-closed, aa6b31babf he said:9db38a5f30f33ef6

“You think I’ll give up quickly.”80f4c76d5e98e027

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“I thought you said this wasn’t your preference?”7cf2239c739fb967

Yves seemed to remember 6505cc0fd0 the defensive words Michel f41c587958 had used when waving efe29f179d it off. Claude also e6eb51f641 recalled that c1c37624d8 moment, rubbing 886a6e7ed1 his chin.8488335d7443344c

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“That was until then.”5f6c435daba021dd

“Natural inclinations don’t change that easily. Tell me honestly, with your looks, you must have had many women following you around, right?”232a76416e8a6972

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“Would you be jealous if I said yes?”1ff12aedfae65970

“Jealous? Ridiculous.”6ba7931ba257a707

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Yves, looking annoyed, placed 8cb1829a36 his hand on his ac33c032d5 forehead and closed his 7f56466428 eyes. Yet, he turned 6667fe0aa9 his face slightly 7290ba8496 towards Claude, waiting b0dc2d495b for an answer.439ce37993752ffe

“I’m not sure if I was popular with women my age. But when my father passed away and I was starving, I received a lot of help from the people around me, mostly widows with children. So, I thought I might have a thing for older women, but lately, it seems that’s not the case either.”046f7098a95da325

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“You must have been tall even as a child.”b7128b637e84a983

“I was often mistaken for an adult.”388da2553bab1b79

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“Come to think of it, how old are you now? About twenty-three or so?”137f845ab448c0bd

“I’m twenty-four. Two years younger than you, Captain.”8e36b33763ae398f

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“Ah, so that’s it.”2174134d360ce1ab

Yves now understood what Claude meant about not being attracted to older women anymore. It seemed he already knew Claude’s age.ccfa628bf6c86f59

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However, Yves had f52a54ea48 reached his limit. Unable to keep bbf49fcfed his consciousness any f04845c3f6 longer, he turned 8563c0545b his head to ed0d997b19 the other side. His voice 27b8f3ae58 came out 932c7e0e4d intermittently as 7c090f073b if he c27c95b55a was drunk 8d137c0cd7 with sleep.620be59c0276d4ce

“I’m so sleepy. This… isn’t a normal reaction.”758ddee3c94f93e0

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“Get some sleep. I’ll be here.”c6d35cc943c9d5f0

“Good… That’s good. Mother was wise…”f5ea9f9c64270311

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Yves finally succumbed a3d87c33d4 to overwhelming sleepiness 7227f73b3c and passed out. Claude stayed still, 4fa86d68cd watching his condition f25f951592 for a while.5fc5cbd23d197404

Confirming that Yves was 434851819a sleeping soundly, Claude quietly 53fc9fcc12 stood up, opened the ebd8fefe1a door, and checked outside. The night had 21b78f2745 deepened, and the 684c57f462 corridor was dimly 65a0e9b061 lit by candles 15a915d5e2 here and there, 8a38f5b577 just enough to a003c3fda9 see the objects b7ad804754 in front of dfb7ee13c9 them. Laughter could be heard b08a76155a from the distant banquet df9e63ffec hall.6d9c01b4f0d9ecff

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Thud.d84b7572fe735fac

Then, there was d0a8f409c2 a suspicious noise df3e228f0c near the window c7bd16bdc2 inside the room. Claude quickly turned 7fb1564c15 and approached where f7b8e43801 the sound came 192911ba88 from. He checked behind the 59b9072417 curtain and looked at fda0974ef5 the floor, but there 9fe8c1046d was nothing.46b61f802fe695be

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Did he imagine dbd6fb9b6a it?93cbf8b2f8822176

With a bad 5cf60f232c feeling, Claude approached 661ae1e90a Yves, but he 10ce695f36 was still asleep, f8b38b9cb8 looking as peaceful 5c02d6c4ef as if he 8e2fbefd86 had left everything 5228f8a3c9 to Claude.88fe3f45d36901c2

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He had 0823b3c9e2 been worried 82380e2d3d about what 5724f8c5ff his subordinate f931e5cc6d who confessed 14069cbffc might do, 19184294c3 yet here 979fdb8999 he was, d0391520c7 sleeping so b9c9c3f0fd peacefully.0cdaf4b148d9fdfe

Claude smiled faintly, cc5d1c3c65 recalling his jest.cd054171c66f4c26

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He stood there for a moment, admiring Yves. Unlike the view from across the room, the moonlight coming through the window clearly illuminated Yves’s face. His perfectly symmetrical eyebrows and eyes, the bridge of his nose rising gracefully, and the deep shadow cast by his philtrum and lips. His neck and chest were partially revealed by the slightly loosened collar as he breathed.8447ed92281a64a0

Claude’s smile turned a bit bitter. He gently adjusted Yves’s clothes and, with a hint of regret, brushed his hair. Then, he softly touched Yves’s face, his nose, and lips. He could touch, but he couldn’t have.54db25eaebf06063

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Thud.dfe99c60c48f641f

The sound came again. Claude reflexively turned, rushing to the window. This time, he caught the culprit – it was a bat. He didn’t know where it came from, but it was struggling with its wing caught in the window frame. Why would there be a bat in such a mansion, even if the woods were nearby?0fe0d1658148553e

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Claude opened the 930b99b36a window with curiosity, 4104fa3f41 and the bat bf1b7c756b quickly flew off a43ba1eb2a into the woods.38d359f6892e8589

As Claude watched it fly away, someone approached him from behind. Sensing the presence, he turned, but the intruder was quicker. Emerging from the shadows, the person covered Claude’s nose and mouth with a handkerchief, and the strong smell of chemicals caused Claude to black out instantly.9b2ccd07c6731b84

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With a thud, 9469ec0872 Claude fell to 7f87bf6cb1 the floor. Then, two more 79bd48a29c intruders emerged from 60d6201a3e the darkness.9302ed41fc0c09b7

“Oh my, our sergeant seems to be quite the romantic. I was almost moved listening to that.”9069913c2e70c450

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“They talked so much. They said if we put them in the same room, things would happen naturally, but what’s this? This one hasn’t even touched him.”cf01c833b8ac742b

“Pfft, what else can we do? Make it look like they did. Here, lift his head. Ralph, what are you doing? Help me.”bfefb2c9b142508a

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The two men 0c5e7138ed moved the unconscious 3ecb3603ed Claude onto the 3e435b573e bed. The woman who 796fe55694 seemed to be 6bd77cd55e in charge then 241f9a9ee9 began to undress 78881e5452 him. Beneath the well-maintained but bcc103e171 worn uniform was a a63fec33f8 shirt cleaned with lye. When they removed his 637dde07ad shirt, a badly healed f481580be7 scar on his side dcf73c2912 caught their eye.bd889d86aeba4e27

“Oh, that must have hurt when it was treated. The stitches are a mess.”f4189220aa0fd46d

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“Are you going to play doctor? Stop with the unnecessary comments and get his pants off.”2ad6e5d080c6fec0

“Should I take his off too?”3b0e3d6917650a16

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The other man, who had been watching, started working on Yves’s shirt.a35bd57d84d9c7a4

“Just loosen it a bit. Heh. We should at least preserve our captain’s honor.”20f20b6c80571c47

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“Wow, this guy’s got quite something. I want to cut it off and take it to my lab.”6c0da2b7cec3a573

The man who had removed Claude’s pants muttered to himself. The woman scolded him with a tone of disinterest.1de8d1ddc3a3e897

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“Ralph, please, stop with the nonsense and hurry up. Someone might come in. The butler of Bonnal is quite diligent. He might have already called for the carriage.”b761fa1c3e314bbc

At her words, the 1cbed01730 two men moved quickly. Soon, Yves and Claude, c204962c3c made half-naked by them, b3d4a196a7 were positioned on the 37b31b2259 bed as if they b4a039e0bd were embracing each other. The intruders 1b4781f67f covered their 1b272e80a1 lower bodies 68a8ab3cca with the e54fc71286 bedsheet, leaving 972681a7ac the door d3fba3719b slightly ajar, 183787cbf7 and then 83a9845b94 left the fa301241ec room through c65e9c0b34 another passage be94c45044 unnoticed.c3014c22a1a748ff

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The banquet continued. Contrary to the woman’s concerns, the butler, Xavier, had forgotten about Claude and Yves for quite some time. Only after the hired carriage, tired of waiting, complained to several servants did he rush to the guest room. He knocked three times, but there was no answer.7bc37db63b286b08

Though it was 23698e419f rude, what could 06820b626e he do? He cautiously opened d0eab24e1c the door to 3b2883ec5a check inside and 3c0ac5d67d was shocked, quickly 5d21464a9a closing it.2398a3c0f7796d63

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Oh, this… what a mess.262bf300f40148a4

Turning his back 2dcbbfe9e6 to the door, d427153b01 he rolled his 24403fec70 eyes, then ran 1dcb898194 to the Duchess 956f13c062 of Bonnal. Although there eba6121aa8 was only 185ccca408 one witness, cdb70ea546 the embarrassing ed3574fca2 scene of 3ecd4f722e intimacy spread 13b4a93e15 among the 18c1d9dfbf guests gathered c14ff14ebf that day 2acd77700e faster than cb2cf73d20 wildfire.bfb3b2fb76363e9a

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✧ ✧ ✧f3e611c358d7dad2

Slap-fd9d3e22a9c5e0a8

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A sharp sound echoed in the quiet room. Yves clutched his reddened cheek and turned his head. The Count of Ferrie’s right hand, which had struck him, was still trembling.f89c6ee1ee973222

“What kind of place was that for you to dare…”46f91e3de8623d19

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The count couldn’t calm his excitement.685b07fa8350b4d7

“How could you bring such shame in such a way… How could you disgrace the family like that! Did you plan to kill me with shame? Are you mad with lust?”2523bd3d86560f3d

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The count’s voice was filled with rage, almost metallic. His left hand, clutching the cane, shook, making his stance wobbly. Yves instinctively supported him.abab999546d28c61

“I understand you’re angry, but please sit down and talk. You might collapse.”c7896f419bd0cf6a

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“Insolent brat, you dare worry about me collapsing? If you have a mouth, try to defend yourself.”0c4a592099b69165

Yves withdrew 579848fb71 his hand 13b397b565 from the c986d7eb17 count with d6137fddd7 a bitter a5f490d495 expression.34ade3ee2c02c1cb

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“You wouldn’t believe me even if I spoke up.”d691bd9aac7d827b

“What?”0401ad0ef7deb26b

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“Even if I told you the truth, would you believe it? Nothing happened between me and Claude. It’s true that I passed out from sleepiness, but he didn’t touch me. He was just trying to help.”dbd947802bb56713

Fire sparked in Yves’s eyes again. This time, he was slapped on the other cheek.1c9053f055e9b404

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“You foolish brat! I had noticed you treated that sergeant differently, but I never expected this. Even if you are a rogue, I thought you had enough pride as a soldier not to get involved with your subordinate. Yet here you are, defending him in front of me.”95ec92ab0a93d651

Yves silently touched his 00468ccd9b split lip, wiping away e934758898 the blood.ecdf22fe6e92b7cb

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“How many people do you think saw that lowly man taking you to the room! The Duchess of Bonnal herself witnessed you both rolling around naked. Do you think such excuses will work?”894c6fb632ebfc15

“Ha…”59e5a89938c1d0e3

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A hollow laugh escaped him. Indeed, everything the count said was fact. Claude had helped him to the room due to his severe headache, and when he woke up, both their clothes were disheveled. It was a situation anyone would misinterpret, and Yves himself was confused. He had clearly fallen into a well-laid trap. If even his family didn’t believe him, who would?580b2b172fd38a13

Yves chuckled d40980558d bitterly as 59704b9eac he rubbed 0dec973247 his swollen d12122ddce cheeks.7deef231eb989ee5

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If they had really rolled around, he wouldn’t feel this wronged.447c856cbc958318

Even then, he was almost moved to tears by Claude’s loyalty for not touching him.5eeb6cc3e6ab4bbd

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“If you won’t believe me anyway, just get your anger out. I’ll let you hit me until you feel better. But the truth won’t change. Claude and I are not what you think.”ad81ddc37a539528

“The truth doesn’t matter! No one cares what you did with him anymore. You’ve already become a laughingstock, and there’s only scorn left to face. Do you know how much cleanup I’ll have to do because of you? If you feel wronged, send him to the brig yourself. Make it look like he drugged you and took advantage of you, and deal with the situation!”c1c9c67a6dbb1705

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“Did I not tell you? He did nothing wrong. And to say I was taken advantage of… that’s something my pride won’t allow.”046409c341290f5c

“Insolent brat! You still haven’t come to your senses!”e4cf6ce9203f2c68

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Thwack-b2984d7f9986b48d

Unable to contain himself, the count hit Yves’s head. He raised his cane as if to strike again, but at that moment, the countess rushed in and grabbed his arm.fd701ce2a0cc482f

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“Calm down. You’ll cause an accident at this rate. Yves, go to your room. Let’s talk about this later.”414b681d97766959

“Even in this situation, you dare to protect your pride as a man! I’ve overlooked your behavior so far, letting you live as you wished because of our agreement. But now you’ve brought things to this point.”133225d77686aed5

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“Stop talking and sit down. You’ll choke.”eab238f109d78fdb

While being restrained by ac68ef805e the countess, he still 0f31669f13 aimed his cane at 96043fc9a8 Yves.99c8f88aa113fdd2

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“Not only a black-hearted man, but you had to involve your subordinate!”ee2abd2e7346ca97

“How many times do I have to say nothing happened?”2cd622ce8b381653

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“Who would believe you! If you had a decent record, I might have considered your story. But this is all your doing, so even if you cry foul, who would believe you?”51612372a4150155

“…”e39e2c4e4c81f17a

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With nothing more to b5770cc881 say, Yves turned his 86753dc057 head away.d3521f1a434bba10

“Stay confined at home until the rumors die down. If I hear of you being spotted in Paris, I’ll strip you of all your positions. Your inheritance and property will vanish too, so be aware!”acb81397d1454cdb

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Shaking with excitement, the count sat down on the sofa with his wife’s support. His sharp eyes were still fixed on his son.16af937de6592cc4

“An ungrateful wretch who doesn’t appreciate what he’s been given…”e180c575c7331125

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This remark seemed to 22f3bfe0ff provoke Yves, who sneered baeca1ea07 with a twisted expression,7cc8fe2c5707f5fa

“Did you not know? That among your children, I am the most abnormal. Perhaps I might commit even greater sins than your daughter.”042d84eed2c0e5ac

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“Shut your mouth!”443a40b53364174a

The count’s voice was even more intense, mixed with a metallic sound. Yves showed no sign of backing down either.8de58c7295a6e3b9

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“If you strip me of my position over this, I’ll give an exclusive to ‘Le Minerve’. Your eldest daughter was once pregnant with a commoner’s child…”969208a87e5170de

Crash!35b06a47ac02edfe

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A sound like an f4573ba81a eardrum bursting accompanied the 491421b8f2 shattering of glass. The count, filled with 466ccc73af deadly anger, had thrown fc8bcb0d9c a vase from the 9ec0020b5c sofa table towards Yves. Blood seeped 68fbd0b7cb from where a9a2ce4f66 glass shards 46bbd5ae35 had cut 4813c49c08 his cheek.bb6e0d132c97558e

“I told you never to mention that again!”83bdfb417e6f4dd2

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“It’s no use getting angry at me. It’s not my fault your daughter fell in love with the nanny’s son.”2c48e83df3841993

Then, the countess 67c00ae9fa scolded him as 8e1c0e2129 if he had fff106855c gone too far.b482652b66b1a74b

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“Yves, stop! Instead of apologizing for your mistakes, why are you making things worse? Don’t you understand? This is entirely Yves’s fault for not behaving properly. No, wait. Yes, it’s all my fault. I invited him to the banquet without knowing what kind of man he was. It’s my fault for not judging people well.”fdb437c9297e1a56

“Mother.”89eb43a9ec35ffbe

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Yves tried f1e70ed690 to say 27a14fd656 something but c3826fbcd1 bit his ae489e0cdc lip. Seeing even f44e9c795e the countess, ec4c5017be who had 4d6cdf083b been kind 97f4c68460 to Claude, 81daf93b8b turn her 46240ebb51 back, he 37d5d4db1c realized there c6a05749ec was no 8642f0bde8 point in cb2703f819 making further a659313519 excuses.cfeb1df9edc539d8

The father was right. The misunderstanding had already 2056b9247a occurred, and the truth c317cdb495 was no longer important.55ad3ec8a7f4b77c

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The room fell 8ccc1cfb6f silent, wrapped in 9922a7c296 stillness. The broken vase 97d3f3d913 and the anger-filled 8648daa5a7 room left the b414e5c8db oddly stitched-together family a79e639dd6 members silent, each 49cfe4b207 with their own 16bccbffb1 excuses. Even the e17cb0bc48 servants outside, caf92aaf53 who had 310d3fba20 been anxious, 2a7aa6e700 held their 3be356d9ee breath.14f0f162e96bf6ec

What a ridiculous 240eed6317 situation!b26e511d566ad965

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Yves could barely stand how pathetic he felt. If this was someone’s prank, it was too much; if it was a trap set for him, he had fallen into it beautifully. There were many suspects, but no evidence.f18eedd8211a927f

What was their 344cb7ce11 aim? Humiliation? Or confinement? If the 0bde9f62c1 latter was 79804ffbd1 intended, they b652368d9c succeeded brilliantly. With his 22e59c5e83 father acting ebb443a54c like this, 4e1b6453a9 he wouldn’t 4277509f88 be able 74f060ca05 to leave be671f4e33 the vicinity 4fc7cc4582 of the f2b2df2295 Nanterre estate 2653cb025a for a ff17cc95f4 while.2de1a9aafa14ce73

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Bang.010bf7110d6ae261

Yves kicked 647de25dcf the door 48caee9a48 open and 33974c2e3a stormed out. The servants, who 512fd9f904 had been watching, 3dbbf6eb97 scattered in panic. Yves, laughing at 095733b299 himself who had fce3e42575 become a laughingstock ab41c2107a even among the 4c5ad060b1 servants, went upstairs. What good was 0e19869446 being a noble e5735ae030 or an officer? He could still lose 88b49642a8 everything at one word 7bb851fff0 from his father.0ed5a79b8dcfe2e0

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Everything he thought he had achieved through his own efforts was still just the fruit of his family’s influence, things that could be trampled and discarded at any moment. The name ‘Yves’ had no power, but ‘de Ferrie’ was formidable. Most shameful of all was that he still needed that influence.c66fe58760732daa

A few days later, Yves received a document granting him leave he hadn’t even requested. A long leave of a month. It was undoubtedly arranged by Count Ferrie. With no other options, Yves decided to stay in confinement for a month. He was even somewhat curious to see how his great father would handle the scandalous rumor.1993016cc5479599

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What kind of excuse 478ede343e did he make to c8e56854ff the other dignitaries present?372eea92ecb07251

It wouldn’t be easy to change their words, saying they saw wrongly due to the darkness. Since the Duke of Bonnal was in a subtle rivalry with the count, he would have demanded a hefty price for silence. Yves felt pathetic for providing such an excuse.1c14c0e5f939d217

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Claude did not come to visit. Or perhaps he did but left without meeting him. Now, there was no one in this mansion to welcome him. It used to feel like home, but now, if he caught his father’s eye, he might even get shot.8e98d438c6573048

What does it matter? He was not in a position to worry about his situation. Yves partially agreed with his father’s opinion. Given his past behavior, he had no right to feel wronged. For now, waiting until the rumors died down was the right choice.0384008a7575d5fb

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Now, Yves thought about 678602d1a4 the culprit. The one who 16c48b9d23 kept offering him 83379ce4b7 champagne was Madame 5fd719c5c4 Charette, and the a206c1bd5e one who offered 540325fd20 food was the df2059d4d1 Duke of Angoulême. There was no 5a638dd402 reason for his bfe98e188f former superior to d414f8bf32 hold a grudge 3eb3c338b4 against him, so ef94d59190 his suspicion naturally 54537bad2c turned towards Madame 7451603bf1 Charette.ac476e3758fab135

Was this because he had shown mercy to Simon, leading to his death? Even if that were the case, he couldn’t act rashly now. If he suddenly cut off contact with them, it would be like admitting he was a spy. He was in a situation where he couldn’t do anything.c975d2e3766a9367

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Yves lit a 2d4630de56 cigarette on the e70ad722ad bed and inhaled 0f43b72600 the smoke. Since things 86b98c214b had come a307d9fa7b to this, 7fe9482bb2 enjoying the cdfbaf984f vacation leisurely 1621d441d1 might not 968fdabb44 be a 7f5753510f bad idea. With him not going fba8531ca6 to work, Claude would ac4d06af81 have some free time 7c810d92a4 too. What was he doing 3a29d28cd7 now? He felt a sense fad81ccc2b of emptiness without the 55ee7e7e6d one who had always ef689c424d been by his side.26e207ec9d4c9c1d