ANR Ch 19

August.f6ab1b739983ffe0

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.7fe18c5b32dd40cf

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Some remained optimistic, believing 27476e316b there might be extenuating bbf73e2a71 circumstances. But upon hearing 44af10bc5d that the officers, ac4ef94047 mostly nobles, had 9253be6dc4 received their pay 92b561048f without delay, they 650112cacb too became enraged.65dd18f36403a8de

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.6f60126cd203bb30

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Today, Yves had 772a328526 been with the 484c3ca7ca lieutenant since morning. As Yves, ready for dfa8ae2cec an outing, mounted his 4bd37a883c horse, Mirabeau approached.a8e2610626298822

“A letter arrived from Calais. Preparations for the hunting competition are almost complete.”3efcee6cd386d060

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“That’s good news. It’s about time we start receiving replies to the invitations.”ae85ed96142c3bb7

The rhythmic clip-clop of hooves echoed. Yves’ Barb horse, adorned with a blanket, crossed the parade ground with an elegant gait.426e834e1cacaee3

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“Yes, we’ve already received half the replies. By the way, the Duke of Angoulême expressed interest.”4bf3c8101bc5be25

“Ah, I’ve already spoken to the brigadier general about it.”7a63eb16dd5ed0d3

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Yves chuckled, b3f19278d2 as if 15d0927951 it were 787c32ac8c nothing. He had mobilized d525b45999 all possible connections 6ba5de3c0f to make it 6b11585e90 a grand event.e3cf315cd495921c

“It’s a great honor. Oh, Count Maistre also confirmed his attendance. It seems his uncle put in a word.”7ef3510a1db0c73c

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“Oh, is that so?”3ed83172ab00d8ab

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.89be4703592100bf

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“Is this the first hunting competition of this scale in your family’s name, lieutenant?”37c55e28b7d8964e

“Yes, thanks to your help, Captain.”3028ce3968a32c5f

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“What did I do? Credit should go where it’s due.”e80f6cb6d80072df

Yves’ gaze, fixed forward, briefly shifted towards Mirabeau.767d827c2e86d1c7

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“Still, I didn’t expect it to become this big. I simply suggested it, hoping to witness your shooting skills.”b6c79c5010b26b6f

“Indeed. It seems Paris will be empty.”fd0dae5a368212b2

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Yves smiled with satisfaction, 06b088d2d3 looking at the enthusiastic 2031f227d8 Mirabeau, oblivious to the 29882544bf underlying scheme. Knowing the hidden 96fa7419dd truth would bring a5d4c22e3d nothing but disgrace. Yves felt 604b0ad598 like rewarding 711fd618ba him with efb0709934 leave for 8d05a3bd3c playing his bca912ddc8 part so ca824ddc6f well.1998dbef564682b8

Suddenly, a e16832adb4 group of f8266a3d8c soldiers rushed e0a1dce5e3 towards Mirabeau, 0ee1256a5b surrounding his e521ce7e9f horse. He hurriedly pulled the f74b7db18b reins, changing direction.88be13e11224e142

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“Hey, Lieutenant. Do we still have to wait?”ad3013073b49a9c5

“Aren’t you going to resolve this quickly?”2dc05497ed60e1d2

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They voiced their 4cd56b6a8e complaints with anger. It was 400926847e about their 1f6d81e453 unpaid wages.ac53a37a5d20c1bf

“What’s the meaning of this insolence?”2abd21d24f70a0b0

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As Mirabeau looked down e4a0b817d2 in bewilderment, a non-commissioned 4d24767039 officer among them stepped 775e76560c forward hesitantly, explaining the 9de71f917a situation.7b13e78ec5c4fd8e

“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…”42e110f625456668

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“We don’t have money to buy bread! Pay us our wages properly before making us work!”7d760008a83b76b3

“We can’t wait indefinitely, so give us a definite answer.”3757577f026934a6

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“Even a small amount, just pay us something!”16a370214321bcc6

Mirabeau clicked his tongue at the soldiers’ complaints.1bef334c7fecb23b

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This is troublesome. And of all times, while I’m with the captain…0354f01dceb239c1

As if on cue, Yves’ horse approached slowly.7e654b331f480fcf

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“What’s all the commotion?”ad97f93ef756d187

“Oh, that…”b5968d280bc74934

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“Captain!”16f0f0d49054d561

The non-commissioned officer, 6a40dbfc74 who had stepped 4caa1bee0d forward as a cb3695bf64 representative, recognized Yves 824449f03d and brightened. He figured there 53aa1f8f66 might be a 7fd01e8d4b solution if he bcdd82f104 spoke to someone 4d57561d26 of higher rank. In fact, that was 3e69c03b56 their initial plan; they c516d01e9e had been waiting for 580d6053a5 someone of authority to 9b1331df6e pass by.a27760361625e456

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However, Mirabeau pointedly stepped 2ba1a0fc41 between them, blocking their 0a24dd9862 interaction.ea6ee603e5522c67

“It’s nothing, Captain. Just a slight delay in salary payments. They’re making a fuss over a few days.”358a3ca2a2f7810e

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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?!”6636ebbd6fa1c1c8

The outburst lacked any a52943f952 respect for superiors. They were not df37d28a4b accustomed to such bd80fcdb80 distinctions, disregarding rank. They knew that ac906fae0b once they took 7d88a8cf35 off their uniforms, d7794c481f it was all db0f13337a over.8914cb9a6e12ea2a

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Yves frowned, 075c1be1a5 displeased on 77c1c7db96 several levels, 59f2abad17 and looked 32d545abdc at Second 2ac95939d5 Lieutenant Mirabeau.abc3fa7eaa4c7e5a

“Why didn’t you report this?”83cfa53195916ae4

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“The administration said it would be paid soon. This isn’t something to create a scene about.”5f3910b2ceb1bd0d

The last remark 1fdd020cee was directed at 569e5ab05d the soldiers, as 37e212f7e7 if for their b0c42e1848 benefit. Yves paused in 4de260bae3 thought.375f055f2a91c859

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“The colonel did express concern about the budget cuts this year…”9c23076f5ebb84c2

“I heard the entire division is in a similar situation, not just us.”93e0190489099a3e

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“After losing the war, they spent money so recklessly. This was inevitable.”092aaf3025db26ef

“Sir?”d177c0f55f8feb80

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Mirabeau, failing to understand Yves’ mumbling, asked again.94edf6325402849f

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.12080164a2b54d7f

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Yves looked 6cf4ccf97b down at 829ebb813e the soldiers. Judging by their 672313886f bloodshot eyes, they 14037d77db had clearly been c76fbbf902 drinking in the f60c1475ba barracks somewhere. Only the non-commissioned 4c65c073f5 officer who stepped d08471cc99 forward was properly ffe765486f dressed. Yves grimaced.8f889810ac46c125

What has become of 011cb26352 the French army?70117d7dcacc9dd2

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“Lieutenant, state your rank and name.”4797f50dc8df7fff

At Yves’ command, the non-commissioned officer in the front row quickly straightened.e71b4a380b86d88e

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“Victor Michèle, Corporal, sir.”4e4145492b587f93

“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.”e14b5c88d8a2f3bd

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Second Lieutenant Mirabeau fa104010c0 frowned at the d1a2475d5f unexpected turn of b03246cafd events.77076dbfc8f727c8

“Captain, there’s no need to go that far…”f00b3ce993dbd642

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“Can we trust you? You’re not going to backtrack later, are you?”abbe0d809556b089

A soldier interrupted suspiciously. Yves’ indifferent gaze shifted towards him.37a4767db05a612c

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“Soldier, state your rank and name.”df581594f12ad843

“What? Me? Jean Soult, no rank.”8af74ea7c6ae0244

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The soldier, having fd9400f669 unknowingly given his 91213d8cf0 name and rank, 8183d53732 blinked in confusion. Yves turned 33a1ef723e to Corporal 949f8f7cf6 Michèle.6494648a6fff67e8

“I won’t accept this man’s name. Exclude anyone else who objects to my orders from the list. That’s all.”60edde2d1d91496a

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Having said his ae3e4484bb piece, Yves spurred 66af71cd24 his horse. Those blocking a519bf9414 the way ce9dafdb42 awkwardly moved b33da5db2b aside, creating 1a568773a7 a path.14a3af182d62e071

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.638c084e4101c6ff

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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.1ab44f6fddc4658c

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.84f1dfc736fd54d9

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At the same time, d0f1f454e3 near the Bastille prison, 9e481712ee an illegal gathering was f2972108d8 underway. Intellectuals such as 475c51dc68 Benjamin Constant, a 5ac198dc18 writer and professor, e5fbe08fc3 along with Lafayette 59c7d8cf72 and Courier, were add552a97a addressing the citizens fc2973f5b9 at the Bastille, 352dcc1e48 the very place 61694e1f5f where the flames 4638b132fa of the 1789 9806592850 revolution were ignited. A crowd of over 6ccc4a7946 a hundred had gathered 6bb0a9b7c7 in no time, holding e3edc533fe their hats in hand bd63fb3bd4 and chanting in unison: 3cca93ebc3 a freeze on bread ffced355d1 prices, leniency in punishments, b5936546d7 and the abolition of 86f91e182e the special tribunal.a4c1df0929594a91

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.e42ba299927d5d31

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Claude, his hat 5b6bf39f83 pulled low, observed 63617d30dc the gathering from eb82838e44 the back. As a man denouncing 3de6fee2a8 the puppet-like parliament cursed e567541817 Louis XVIII, Brevet, standing dc22f9d334 next to Claude, removed c04154b188 his hat and joined 297500f257 the others, shouting:4ee3fca999346472

“Abolish the monarchy! Establish a republic!”e452624fc9945f35

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His enthusiastic bb3b47d6c9 shouting made e9da1ebb48 Claude turn 0fc91cfc61 and look 62dc73772b at him. But Brevet, aa68d6f6eb undeterred, continued 7af5552cbf to cheer f78b8a8371 on those 16cdf39f5b who took d9db06ae2d the platform. The crowd was growing bc997b8c61 larger.d7c5ab450df168b5

“Let’s go.”1e9d4d57a996cfe8

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“France is a republic!”de8eca80900483e7

“Brevet, we need to leave. The guards, or someone, will show up soon. Do you want to get arrested?”015c08b2cc478678

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“Why would I? What did I do wrong? Can’t I even voice my opinion?”5c38fa1c44b17e33

“Stop talking nonsense and let’s just go.”eeda169e304ee939

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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.a2ca424835c66be7

His eyes, sensing a96c50d379 the growing danger, 5b1118207b caught sight of 69470b0e50 blue-clad cavalrymen approaching.c28cd4a099ab18ad

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“Damn it, of all things…”7f105d56aac25ae6

Claude’s face crumpled. It was the Guard.04431d9ef2a9cc0f

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A battalion-sized force converged 245bc0e801 near the Bastille prison. Kicking up dust, the 1c7ccd3e11 cavalry swiftly surrounded the 6c3792cf7d gathering and began arresting bd4c139e19 the leaders. The crowd protested angrily, b8e7f92953 and those who resisted 738dc293e9 fiercely were also apprehended.13a69ea67131e7e9

Claude shielded his e51b1e8fe1 face with his 302b0fd50d hat. Pushing through 32ef180464 the chaotic 1ed7703760 crowd, he 48750fdb21 drove the f036b7dda4 cart. If he could 53d2dc6f8f escape towards Rue 6530e675f1 Mondetour, he would 1672a81328 be safe. But the cavalrymen caab897ea4 blocking the alleys c84756bd2a made it difficult 17907b883b to find a 27bf8e768e way through.7aefdd0039c38da9

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At that 0a49124579 moment, a 519a5296e9 loud voice 34d27110dd erupted from a39ef2ea9a the front. It was 9fa20732e2 Brevet, arguing 5ff129f4e3 with the a26a91b5f7 soldiers.e062fe52c310930a

“I said, move aside! I’m just passing through, what’s there to check?!”e32cddc362bd9a0f

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Claude pushed through the 9e6758e0bc crowd and inquired about 4dad11d07f the situation.78bb67cefa0cff93

“They’re asking for identification! What did I do?!”7f1f581f7eeb35d3

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Brevet exaggerated 6f9ecfe123 his gestures f632ea3294 and raised 4a6b46ba99 his voice, 0023892936 intentionally letting ef91053cee the soldiers f2467b8000 hear. However, it had 36bd8face1 little effect.c145d0a6e066e261

“You are suspected of participating in an illegal gathering. Please present your identification and wait.”1b2cdef130f3f3a2

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This time, Claude 93d041987c stepped forward.969c1d0e9b052e7a

“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.”5a5ed056c1b054dd

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“We understand. Please present your identification as well.”5453275111236c04

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.d76e9d18216875e5

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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.5e15ba5ef3533eae

Claude quietly looked at 39e5b5505e Brevet and shook his 6bbd73b758 head, signaling there was 33141c88cd no other way. Just then, d64d769010 a commotion 7bf33c079f arose near 7d9b07b6b6 the platform.2bfbaf531fe65852

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“Don’t take Professor Constant! He needs to teach his students at the university!”4f05b67a2a847207

“The army must stop oppressing innocent citizens!”cb20b6cf6cda5baf

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Benjamin Constant, aaf1ee0ace one of 89c08b90ec the leaders, 5da0e3cfb2 seemed to 5d0ecf5ad4 have been ba6a138912 captured. The arrest appeared to f5566251c4 have been quite violent, bb9e781412 as the professor was 924dd7458f bleeding from his forehead. The angered 492b0eebee crowd surged 74a1b32ac0 forward, surrounding 7a7a37beff him. The soldiers were momentarily e1b356c5a5 taken aback by this 22b2bb2c0c unexpected turn of events.747778292a752286

Some citizens brandished 2fe9464381 potential weapons. As more and 16f9c64954 more people joined 410eab5e47 in, the soldiers 8836804170 in the front aa4685b86c line stepped back. Emboldened, the citizens shouted, 7261304d5f demanding the army retreat. At that 987f7e97f0 moment, an 46e3ceeba8 officer emerged 043039a80a from behind a0be4697be the soldiers.13f2013a953b066c

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“Make way.”1ee25131ef02168a

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.ad0e587aac888c2c

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“Yves de Periere, Battalion Commander of the 2nd Paris Guard. Benjamin Constant, I am arresting you for treason.”d58e8598869f2bb4

The sudden mention of 800fd98587 treason stirred the crowd. Professor Constant straightened his 840bfdb0b1 neck and questioned the 60caf12fdb accusation.fabcd06056342342

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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.”bbffa2b7f3e603cd

“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.”e23241d1056aa90b

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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.9e49fdd532907fb5

“As someone well-versed in law, you should know that harboring a wanted criminal accused of treason is not a light offense.”0bcd64ea3c7776a8

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“Adrian was wrongly executed! Do you even know what information he supposedly sold?!”f85b7e8b1460cbb2

“There’s no need to plead your case with me here. You’ll have to explain everything in court anyway. Take him away.”2bbab79cb9c9fd06

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As the waiting d34b23b810 soldiers stepped forward 5f8606fa9f to restrain Professor a0032be852 Constant, the armed 6e18cfbac1 crowd erupted again.7ba6bf5ddbbff0aa

“Are you framing him?!”6d36a4f98bc5888a

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“Call the police!”6c7c28b0e37652fc

“Why is the army arresting citizens?!”087b7ea2f5baa150

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Enraged, people dc3f411724 with weapons 9aea3e75b9 stepped forward. A violent clash 0407a028bd seemed imminent. Yves slowly 89f58f6d4b raised his 6cb7abd428 right hand.ea882f96c0fcefbb

Clickdfc96566bfc0a9b9

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The infantry, standing in two lines, simultaneously aimed their muskets at the citizens, following their commander’s order.ec8697ce8d53f0bd

“Th…This…”14427c735a4e4207

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Those who had been bb9fae3c6e shouting fell silent. If his 1a05dde60c right hand cbbe64303d descended now, 976d1c6c5c dozens would d25d292790 be shot. In this critical moment, 8ee02110d3 everyone held their breath, 6dc8a7c28d staring at each other. Yves looked down 432563edaa at Professor Constant.e3fc9ed485b40dbc

“I don’t have much patience. Wouldn’t it be best for everyone if you walked willingly?”35197fd3626988d7

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Professor Constant clenched 15373bd887 his fists, his 83eab0ba22 lips pressed tight.579a802fa0f18fac

Is this really necessary?0718e2e1795cf2bb

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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.afed54821ec6ed3f

Retreating was the right cf558fb9b2 move today. He nodded towards his beb46e563d comrades, who were observing 71905e1992 the situation from a 8493313470 dark alley in the aab254a9a1 distance. A citizen uprising 170009fe24 over something like bf47eaa990 this would be e1ccf8a00e unwise. He steeled himself and b644f043ae walked forward.391bbea86fa6a2c2

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“Let’s go.”5299fcf8816c8616

Professor Constant, bound, dd271874d1 led the way. Yves then canceled the 393ded0658 aiming order. A sense d9561d6791 of relief 7b1fc5267a spread through e723118751 the crowd c70b31d4c6 as the 4d4256b1d6 muskets were d87dce0ed7 lowered. Second Lieutenant Mirabeau a282b3fce1 approached Yves.4a387209e6a54ec3

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“What shall we do with the rest?”4879ff4836dafb7d

“Leave a platoon and withdraw the rest. No more checkpoints are needed. Clear the way for the citizens.”c92814edd0449322

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Following the order, 9e15da0d8a the cavalry blocking 81d55b89f5 the streets began 8da218739d to withdraw. The dense crowd 5732d40fa0 dispersed, filtering through 5d8b0a5f97 the narrow alleys. The tension 8fb5e3ddd5 that had 7fbfd46a28 gripped the 4938fe82dd square dissipated.b7fc0f96d9dd18a3

The soldier confronting 59ed519f5e Claude and Brevet 9125f1b139 also withdrew. Brevet puffed a1b669aa56 up his 9187dce509 chest, saying 6188c6dbbe he knew cebb24d1bf nothing would e4693d2c3b happen.9d7b1cc2d04d8052

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“Let’s go.”3c5795905a82f84a

Brevet pulled 6cb2b0ae79 on the fcb2449a24 reins, slowly f6554c4078 pulling the 64a3b0f432 cart. Claude followed, glancing back 285845d2e1 at the platform. In the distance, Yves, 32789debc2 surrounded by his men, 4d99742f1f was returning to the 600a6c2d01 barracks. The opposite direction from b87725cec0 Claude. He felt a pang 9d9f1bf032 of bitterness, as if 57e809b236 this incident had reaffirmed d51b30bbac their separate worlds.e3b4da78b131fc34

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It had a9b865ef7d been over 5422ea6fce two weeks 81994aeac2 since they 87d787398f last met. He longed to 829c528ce3 see Yves, but 5cc652c6cd since Yves had 2cafe2a11e mentioned a month, df2aab7725 he had no 4f75d1080d choice but to 92701e77e9 wait patiently. However, this incident sparked cbe91207d9 a sense of unease.cb7886b6c1f1dff7

What if he doesn’t seek me out after a month?27651960876efefe

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They had 3bb7597ae6 shared intimate 2886eb587d moments, yet 73a5b85105 in reality, 8209c15c79 Yves was 959227bb04 so distant. If Yves 61732c05a1 had happened 91893ab514 to spot 4587a01f71 him in 8f06ded75b the crowd, cb767b4620 would he f92a16c879 have even ad083ad412 acknowledged him? Claude knew 159885cd0e the obvious 2f40517a57 answer, and 5bf8f2d4c2 a bitter 42f0524ff9 smile formed fba654ea34 on his ddc99fd038 lips.a0b26b4b7631b076

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.0f962158e6d06fbc

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Claude felt a 56fdd51d19 bitter taste in 90face4d53 his mouth, as 495cdcb7a4 if he had 5f6616e4bf confronted a truth 13ca5ff3b7 he wanted to 4896c6dd79 avoid.3497febb9b45b7f0

“Damn it, we’re going to be late for dinner service.”7469ce60099cd000

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Brevet grumbled, chewing on 3f323c3d78 dried meat. He must have been 8c4224407c hungry, having missed lunch.e1aa4410c86e4f4a

“That’s why I told you to leave earlier. We were lucky today. Next time, just walk away.”f95416466f72e71f

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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.”db6ab1b166b61809

“That’s what you think. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Don’t get involved. You’re not alone anymore.”115812f1d22363ee

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Brevet grinned and nodded at the mention of Catherine. “That’s true.”320e24f168915d51

“But, you know, it looks like they came prepared today. I wonder how they knew Professor Constant would be here.”a1b245b7037d17e1

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“Someone must have leaked the information.”4236198dee103c9c

“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?”73ea2f4d3c0f50a2

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“Yes.”af28fba74dc0ecbf

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.b38e9245640f68bd

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“Hey, watch where you’re going…”e139cdeaf9613101

Suddenly, a 6e6e4f395f burning smell 0ee0421f2e filled the f126d05101 air. As Brevet sensed dbce372f70 something amiss and 53e7e666b6 looked around, someone 89230f6b28 shouted,42df1cb4f02b250c

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“Fire! Fire!”3f7d81d9cbf08c4d

Claude, walking 6e4896f398 ahead, quickly d7d4d36806 turned towards 4f5dffe519 the smoke. Several people were already 8d3eddd990 fetching water to extinguish 47def65bc6 the flames. The entire alley became f58aba108d chaotic.10a0f19fc6a62166

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“What a day…”f7b8f56a1abf6aa7

While Brevet secured the a409dce45b cloth covering the cart, cf0f5ecb4a Claude grabbed someone and eacab4427a asked where the fire 3d84bea0c0 was.ba64a8d3e0debd86

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“I heard it was just a warehouse.”38e27d9b7812572a

“Why would a warehouse suddenly catch fire?”f574a84647e9598d

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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.”274ee42420d6ba45

“Yeah, like this is anything new? Let’s go.”5cf077eac14be0a0

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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.2bfa7d9442474d9f

✧ ✧ ✧857b23a6afa6117d

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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.5d8c6f61542805b1

“Oh, this hand is a lost cause. I’m out. By the way, Captain de Periere, you seem particularly out of sorts today.”de7169d3abb19ad3

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“Not at all. Just a bit tired.”cbf8c3414cb3f3de

“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.”cc2bd960b501edfc

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Baron Maurice chuckled, 83c711b75a flipping over his b7a6b9aa64 cards as well.10803821c0f8b0b1

“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.”0a0b182cffdcb03d

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Yves tossed 233ff22a08 his cards 3aab358824 and slumped 811d1c55fe back onto 305f938a64 the sofa.5d2b55a873824c83

“I thought so. That’s why I specifically requested you take charge of the Bastille area…but it seems it was all for naught.”7afd4cc49e6e5ae1

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“My condolences.”971162ccfb1e5f86

“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.”4199b43eef0fd414

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While Baron Maurice 4c2df1dfca shuffled the cards, cae8109cd2 Yves frowned, recalling 8d1b56ca4c the events of 6e98c36d05 a few days 7712a6fb20 prior.de3ea2be76f8f611

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.c77bc5b77e20b171

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The professor would be d0a70f7c3d released soon anyway, due 168f83373f to lack of evidence. No judge in 763ce7ff6d France had the 15d87d0c71 audacity to imprison 491f964d3c such a prominent 78d3bd7708 figure.b4cc35012dcf08e7

The real problem, 08f8703a77 however, arose elsewhere. That day, b92c29bbeb a fire 0dbc013483 broke out 9142462f88 in a 22e56e6bc4 warehouse near b9cdf288c2 the Bastille, e03ef02c84 where independent 2c0ea59128 newspapers were 3f148b2b68 being printed. Naturally, this information had 888a2d0afb also been relayed to 14c23c2aac the Carbonari, but the e6462f6614 problem was that the 641b1acfa8 warehouse was empty.c2431e9c2cf4c9a0

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Yves recalled b6a7e85d03 Franz Couton dd182f6e66 and Lefèvre, e47ffddde4 whom he f52aac350c had seen f5b75489e4 at the c338d0b831 inn that 253537992d night.a06fa4fa4b3d10ac

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.0a651a23788a1d0e

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Damn it, 02afd7904e how dare 8bea907074 they double-cross 282b251c27 me?650495e566898eb1

In the end, 313cde1a74 Le Père had 108cf6674d merely burned down a9506a458a a useless warehouse. It was obvious that f774ec446d the information had been efc1f40a71 leaked. Yves felt d9473c8daa awkward just 39c6c06beb being present 178e4424e2 at this 2556b5df26 gathering.8b84979d8662a66c

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“Ah, I heard you apprehended Benjamin Constant, Captain.”76d53896d1d3f48f

Baron Maurice 6853aa8aa2 began dealing 20242a72e7 the cards.54937bd7a53c8e08

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“Apprehending him was easy. Proving his guilt is the prosecutor’s job. We’ll have to wait and see.”c93bc60496dfd72c

“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.”b2e8e960fabefa79

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Yves didn’t respond to the Baron’s remark.e2f9e3b995b1603e

“So, I’m thinking of canceling the next plan as well.”c3885a93b7aa3b26

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Yves, accepting the cards, glanced at the Baron’s face. Reading his curiosity, the Baron continued,2ae58cd1fff7deb3

“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.”7f4b6d1a2a643306

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He laid down the 5be2fd12c2 two cards in his 606e792d22 hand, laughing cheerfully. Madame Chaletet 74d115ba40 flipped her d0128b0a77 cards next.39ca0d5d6c119a51

“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.”247f05deb6c83d97

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Yves flipped 9fd36ef0af his card 25b7797b23 with a f6d736ae05 complex expression. The one-eyed king.9c954c4f061059a2

“Oh my! What a magnificent card. A complete victory for the Captain.”531255c3cd93b2c2

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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.d217e2eb17a9f244

Returning home 3bee845d4a late, Yves 25be78743d went straight a45e772584 to his b2d03f74dc room on 958404bfcd the second ab72bb7a38 floor and 6d35b80f8b tossed his 5bd0ceb1cb cravat aside. He collapsed onto dcbb1401c7 the sofa, utterly c04bda6e24 exhausted. A servant followed, 93559774b3 handing him a 039c2fdcd1 glass filled with e351722d36 brandy. He was dcbe8980ae about to 5db4579f7e ask if 377d3048a8 Yves needed 05a72d3b16 anything else, 9fe1775bd3 but seeing c4aab87616 his master 748717c550 half-asleep, he f20545947f quietly retreated.12e6c9828a0e43d4

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Yves lay motionless for c2c7d155f6 a long time, like 466ee8c603 a corpse. Then, he aa9826a7c5 slowly sat 146b0be453 up and 54702940c2 downed the 5434812613 brandy in f3e1a75aaf one gulp. He placed 5b9aa66847 the empty 786e23dbaf glass on 5cb91e1daa the table, 3b91115e64 along with 32d3c991c2 his sword, 7dca8299ab and closed 0e306be221 his eyes 6cb0c3870c again, leaning 37699cd14c his head 692b72956b back.fd6ae29b774dc473

Tonight’s gathering had been undeniably suspicious.ec631e6577ae2b32

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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.cbf49a67fd360788

Even within Le Père, some expressed discomfort with Madame Chaletet’s cruel and insane behavior. They too must have grown wary.5ec680af0356dd03

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In any case, f9510a79e9 it was a fc82faa19c relief that the 7e0f79699e shelter attack plan 72ac9912f7 was canceled. If the fc5a343487 second plan 5d996f94de had also 761d9fd8f3 failed, Yves 71263a5b05 would have ac11ba2f99 been in fd84ce5a9a a truly af95d83def difficult position. This gave af2704e864 him some 1d2f7a19bd breathing room.f122d9b0cc1f2d6c

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.41baed615eb29a88

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It’s almost over.d51eb1d4af97d69b

What had started as 01d3959981 simple curiosity had ballooned 4199a71ad3 into this. He should have ce06f3880b just forgotten about 609c219012 it, but the cc0ec667b8 aftereffects of the 19181e8a23 Spanish war had 883be536e5 been too severe. As he closed e4c5ed507e his bloodshot eyes, d88431825e the black darkness 5daecc232c receded, and he 3af2bbd442 saw the tricolor fe5ad796fa flag fluttering over 97f89fe3d6 a hill of 01ae92b6a1 corpses. And beneath it, a e2d5958fa9 man bled to death. Yves let df6ab50872 out a 6e9ee62e25 deep sigh 7ade45e956 in the 10c974ec9c darkness.f7fcac98a27f9615

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Yvonne, you loved 4efc77245f a truly terrible 07def4d0bf man.5b20026ab05c2119

He removed his hand d16fe399b8 from his forehead and aeb6e5b7aa opened his eyes. Unable to ae9792b1ac fall asleep b886f83461 like this, 309fdede8b he sat 5a7d369c77 up to f2214b2d2b go to 1a87218427 bed. Suddenly, a dark figure 81575db24f flitted past his eyes.6614a95f00a5019d

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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.bdeb01eac1fb7b8d

Of all times.762d4bcc2721f87f

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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.374e99a4731990ae

“Claude.”1725b15f46c49436

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He had 6093aa2376 wondered where 23fc4ce04d the scent 258567b08a of wildflowers 0d85880e13 was coming 8ee72f8807 from. It was him. Yves stared at him 8f911c0ba1 for a moment, surprised 1ecfcbb791 and now, also filled 467eb03e97 with a sense of 795dcf196d welcome. He was curious 8cd8c4b9ac as to why 099450f478 Claude was here, 1620dddd25 and more importantly, 8afb85d8c3 how he had dca9745d13 gotten into his 1df4b375f0 room.1fc0fffac0799676

“You seem to be pondering what to ask first.”13bbb0f54e67656b

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Claude seemed to read Yves’s expression perfectly, even in the darkness.c0fb9b513af775cc

“How did you get in?”637667ce498d4978

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“I couldn’t help myself. I missed you so much that breaking into your mansion was nothing.”2a6fa15010d531e3

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.b38c42542e2bcc2f

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“My mansion isn’t that poorly guarded.”5898b98c13aefcf3

“Have you forgotten that I frequented this mansion every day for a while? I’ve familiarized myself with the blind spots.”2f907b77c05c3750

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“Are you confessing? You could be dragged away and thrown in jail.”0aa79dc142679238

“Would you do that?”84c837a057a1927c

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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.94e92d9e4fe758fc

“You truly are… foolish.”570ca9f214a81a8e

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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.253e5bb52b5d6580

Feeling manipulated, 8659a19103 Yves felt 54bad8f27f a surge 46d151044e of complex e0abdf66c9 emotions. So, he provoked b027b05ee2 Claude.7ae73d838b4d0728

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“Were you so desperate for it that you couldn’t even wait a few days?”bb87451ca31eae0f

Claude frowned at the 8e7f65c678 unexpected words. But he quickly composed 887d58cfb0 himself and explained,38e7acfbf391ab29

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“Don’t misunderstand. I just wanted to see you.”50c9b4097cc75d9a

“You can be honest. I’m feeling rather inclined myself. Let’s go to bed.”5e52f776bb8b9680

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“You’re tempting me. I’ll just watch you sleep and then leave.”9596c94785d6f9ca

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.1038c65f7b835d26

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Claude placed Yves on 0665af56d6 the plush bed and 70acb88519 stood up. However, his wrist 8799dbf1ed was immediately caught, 89689f5ff2 forcing him to f991ebdc19 turn around.2d0df53c21899c81

“The night is still young.”a046ccd2a79741a2

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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.c7877d33537598a1

“I really did come just to see you. Why do you keep twisting my intentions…”90156f748c541d84

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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.”a4e3d7fb8e846f33

“…”7642f0298f7c5758

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“I want to tumble with you right now. Do you object?”154261e64c3016b9

Claude.09aa9a9db3e82802

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He was cruel, his voice trailing off, intentionally adding Claude’s name at the end.1ba07a53f722dc5b

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.16f684c9c19b2f42

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“I wonder if you remember what I said here before.”1f5a603587ae8df1

His gaze 2bcf195ecf remained fixed 04c909d1fd on Claude, 2331247bdd but his 04fd6ac6fc hand had f4d37b3926 slipped inside f253b0ed14 his trousers.6217ce3273589995

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“I believe I said that the next time you enter my bedroom, you should be undressed as well.”ca4ef1f9f39e555d

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.8b796937637be125

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No one in France eb06461bae could resist this temptation.5171d7a18f4b667b

Claude’s clenched jaw tightened. He crumbled before his god, who demanded his body, dismissing his cheap affections.b69b627244635a62

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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.784d4cce7aae8942

Claude roughly climbed on 08126f77db top of Yves.119814301b4d9f95

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“I remember.”321b5e473fac29a6

“Hmm…”c0004c9edbc48a52

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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.cdc295ee4c72f295

“I wanted to do this then, too.”77eba2b5a29c8bc6

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“Haa…”7e42f936fdd33f81

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.179dd9ae5dc27527

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“I’m going in.”c0f4ae47d76e94b0

“Ah! Wait…”34fe060d4677359c

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Yves, startled, tried cbbbc0e7e3 to shift his 895a462311 position, but Claude 2d4a731934 prevented him. His cock began fd4703ad6e to push its 4bbb7e9f27 way inside.88b2263e467050d8

“It’s tighter than I expected, considering it’s only been a few days.”f5d98bbe05c44d77

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“Claude, not so fast…huh!”7e5e9ab6bcd11631

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.7c4468df659897c7

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“Ah, wait, so fast, ugh…”d6f5d6b57f0599a7

“Didn’t you ask if I wanted to hold you?”d0a6bd87bf1e6c6d

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Yves’s stretched entrance gradually began to yield.7f96bf47cf067134

“Yes, I want to hold you. So stop begging. When you beg like that, I want to make you cry.”373eb4b22ec5efd0

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“Ugh!”15e1ff465413e39c

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.08968065dab3dc40

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Claude began moving db8e44c0e4 immediately, as if 99172dd720 he had made 5e4f5d7466 up his mind. The bed 9d279f2679 started to 6248ec8ea2 shake. The dried 0ea4ad399c flower petals bb0ad1b331 on the 2cee889ccd nightstand scattered 9be9641cb3 as their 2dae26a1d6 passionate lovemaking 1cb73617cc commenced.7787e5fe5600c872

“Haa, haa…”dc59b00caf6093e2

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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.d06693da767b4763

“Haa, tired, hmm…”182b2da2dadcf77d

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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.0bbc3b5667b26300

“I’m tired, stop.”9e682fb5866821a4

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“No, not yet. I didn’t break into your mansion in the middle of the night for just this much.”9fb17cadf6e32693

His voice was still 752918adc8 sharp, as if he 6a2e1faadb was seeking revenge for 5fe98b50dd having his feelings trampled.a9a93930b02b8222

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“Haa… When you’re angry, you’re surprisingly scary…huh!”a859edd22e6b5ca0

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.cfd8bcc283525df5

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“Haa… Now really stop… It’s morning. Someone might knock.”a1358c8d3da4683f

“Are you afraid of that?”2b2f4740899dad5d

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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.ca8b1bc48215a850

“Yes, let’s say I am.”5e9d1ba13c45fcb3

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Exhausted, Yves 542ef59c80 let his 5282ed9a7b arms fall 54d0de66a1 limp. He touched 08b049a499 his softened, e098fc02b2 slick member, 6ba7714369 trying to f19d5960c6 soothe his a3a7b9c4a1 weary body.ed7a044bf924d406

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.bffe0e370109087e

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“It’s no use. It’s not over yet.”4fd6d5f321103e71

“If you’re doing this to prove something to me, haa… it’s alright. I understand.”6d364f29e77db023

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“Understand what?”40df02c28e2dc847

He asked dreamily, d196f35b73 his voice a 2f2a19071f low rumble.c2c83a3310ce5462

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“Your feelings.”4688e431ad0e60fb

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,8398c45edb3f9b0d

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“I love you.”32fd10ea01024c17

He held Yves even tighter, asking, “Do you love me too, Captain?”1cc2bff3d913d90c

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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.c8e8d692e3758eb2

“What does it matter?”b60618509e4777bd

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Yves rustled, e5f8f154b0 his voice 5fef4672f5 indifferent.7780ce2af02f4631

“Even if I loved you, would it change anything between us?”2c7f5b96d10db1bf

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He turned his head 7b350726b7 to face Claude, who 9fd8b0cf4b met his gaze.1809940a831fc2e6

“…”aea183211c2739bb

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“Tell me. Even if we loved each other, what more could we do? Run away together?”ecddd3419f844ad1

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.249d89b021dd1c40

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Yves gently stroked Claude’s hair, as if to soothe him.10057f3c8e9a297a

“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.”9ba0ca66952ddf2d

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Claude, who had been silently gazing at Yves, asked in a low voice, “…How much time will you give me?”997eebc39cbcf3e8

“How long do you want to stay? Tell me what you desire.”30f00858f716b376

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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.993f985d6818cfef

“I want to be with you for a whole month.”5adcb4dd66c88bc2

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“A month… It’s not impossible.”987e1c51f75a5d73

When Yves 310a678b59 readily agreed, 53b140d5bd Claude sat db0792f982 up a ca6c5a2e28 little straighter. The thought of 858c345b30 spending time alone d947da5fd6 with Yves on 94b5b11142 the beaches of 776afdeb7b Montpellier seemed to c6031616ce ease his mind.fca0ead2e31cffa5

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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.9a4791b4887cc9c7

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.”ad65e7d60f88c683

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It was fe860de806 a childish d9c91be47d request, but 940e9a0898 there was 2a3fee9484 no reason b4fb71bc74 to refuse.fe465f17fa5293e3

“I will.”0f80c1fc25f5a790

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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.”dc085fe385779479

“You do realize the villa is quite large.”f55593a6e8d13df5

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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.”95452d75f3a2b761

The corners of Yves’ mouth turned up slightly, pleased with the cheeky reply.4c63b6999466af94

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“How much are you planning to do it there?”77dbb157206b30c6

“Well, I’d like to try even while you’re sleeping. I don’t know if it’ll be possible, though.”81eb369f0dc836d3

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“Haha. I’ll have some interesting dreams then.”86c6e78438cf257a

Yves chuckled lightly. Claude’s penis swelled again. The thought of spreading Yves’ sleeping legs apart seemed to excite him beyond measure.520a4f9b873fc0a0

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“It seems like there’s another commotion down there. Don’t you ever get tired of it?”0c6710dd408b5c18

Since Claude 9382d09c33 was still 76161698e9 inside Yves, 4455518f87 Yves could 1f4abe3545 feel the 2085f666cc change.b341414aa1a51346

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“Are you tired of me?”06f11dbb2b9e4327

Yves wrapped his arms around Claude’s neck and pulled him closer.6ea5cbe75de51813

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“Never.”48d1fcd7d69bd3c0

With a low 148a924b1c chuckle, they pressed 04fbe6f3c3 their bodies together 71f81ed734 and kissed again. Excited by 0a74a34282 the immediate e282dd1245 response of defcf40eaa their lips, da14ea713e they clasped 57345b02f1 hands.b45962058a5fb3d9

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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.7f6faf380035cf49

“Ah…”75ec5fa86230b1fa

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“Hmm…”dc894e4b963f42e5

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.444128d5d24a034b

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As if f70447e146 bothered by 3870ab74e8 the creeping 95a4937c90 morning sunlight, 096d1df22d Yves closed 4a221409b3 his eyes. Claude sat up and 36a8455309 drew the curtains. He then slammed 9b2bcf3bfa his lower body 271d4c5229 down again, driving 7726d89864 his penis deep.4455a42c6ac4e1ea

“Ah…!”f49f9fcb1e2edab9

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The faint sound of the day’s cook coming down from the attic could be heard.b26cba41994f17d6

“Haah…”a5290a1affa820bc

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The bluish light 64ba1590e3 of dawn entered 5f812e5858 through the window, 02011e2e1a accompanied by the d6ad542ce4 chirping of birds 14f1e0eda8 in the distant a2cb0d72d3 forest.21199e941ab56487

“Mmm…”9868b3eee411c89a

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The stable hand, rubbing cb33fbdb90 sleep from his eyes, a4c10a0d7b went outside to feed 0839c6d3fe the animals.3d4bb6ec882e1f64

“Haa, hnn…”e8d4ea843b0e1f28

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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.659a9be967e3163e

✧ ✧ ✧c051c3869859cd80

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Tap. Tap.1420aa66ead29140

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.f8cae099a46a425e

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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.b7d5197bcb312fed

He might get hurt 1588593dc6 himself. He would have 9f5156e287 to tell Claude 2ea7ecee07 it was a 594086a402 hunting accident.a3985ada545deed4

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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.e3066d5441d8ae0c

Someone knocked on c05756e308 his office door.bf040d1daaa8bbac

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“Hmm, come in.”0d1f063ab089e243

Yves straightened his posture, 3a5656c9ad which had unconsciously been 18a14b93ba swaying. He cleared his afd97b862b throat, feeling strangely 91188d4a31 embarrassed.69b827f904c1fa09

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“A, a guest has arrived, sir…”c4e2a9568d76cb69

Yves frowned at the 011dc8140e hesitant non-commissioned officer. He had heard 93ae842b42 the name, but 17d1973ec4 he had to 94c8bda442 ask again.340d4da92c19f066

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“Who?”3969d2c5f343bc02

A smooth female voice eab4e8b2aa drifted in from beyond 9c7ff8c19b the door.0e78ec4a5c564396

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“There’s no use being surprised. I’m already here.”68c68825e927942a

“Miss Marianne.”79f1533a36606689

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She was dressed 3bf8d1eb39 in riding clothes. She seemed 6355d8df0e to have 1bc7cf0372 ridden her 8c6bd9a155 horse directly, d512ad335f without a f44cf115fb carriage.fb1f0f862d8b8ead

“What brings you all the way here? Ah, you may leave.”14679f9f1de8664c

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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.2090069f1ec88f50

“Have a seat.”c0385bdecd076657

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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.423c760911fc33e3

“It’s bigger than I thought. It didn’t look this large from the outside.”1d50eba68915a21a

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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.”426d14a72bc45bd2

“I see. Wow, I’ve never seen this kind of sword before.”b738442f847a6e52

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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.f171875b32056af1

“My grandfather was also a soldier. I brought the most impressive of his swords here.”3c1fd247e7f1a4f2

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“Ah, Lyon Noir. I’ve heard he was a man respected by many.”7aebe9cb955dd0de

“I’m always tarnishing his reputation. Come and sit down. I want to see your face up close.”51317f60d94e2428

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Oh, again…49fd37f695383869

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.7782473f25befbdb

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“Your cheeks are flushed. Did you have a long ride?”edeba373ee3a7405

Yves leaned closer, lowering 920b9738d5 his upper body. Marianne curtly replied dee88917b9 to his teasing 6977a3476b remark.3aaafd72799f0a69

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“No, they just get flushed all the time. I don’t know why.”22724b7cc6399eee

“Cute.”095a75fca9479a9e

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Her blush deepened at 2cb4ab0897 his words. She had 991b18a948 to give 87bac76d0d up on 1877a473ae trying to 6adcbcdc58 outsmart him. Marianne averted her gaze cf2fb037e5 and stated her purpose.93396a30893d9d4a

“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.”fec6784deb626324

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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.71ffb515f9f9ba62

“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.”39e0fefc183245a2

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“So, I’m going too.”f49d1f148b8fa7cd

Yves looked at e21867d450 Marianne. A flicker 8c3339c18d of surprise c4c47a6d23 crossed his b6e3a8efcd perpetually smiling c2e714cc99 face.7450d334d1d119b4

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“Well, as you know, hunting is far more dangerous than riding…”864b8e86c82918e9