ANR Ch 2

Yves was perched on the desk in his reception room on the third floor of the officers’ building, taking off his gloves. The light expression he had shown at the inspection was now gone, and fatigue was etched on his face, having taken off his hat.dc513d69a5395e39

“Haa…”8b7c4e6e5af070a2

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He had participated in the Duke of Angoulême’s suppression of the Spanish Revolution two years ago and had not returned to the military since then. He had been holed up in his house for a year, not engaging in any outside activities at all, so people thought he had been injured or was suffering from aftereffects.022a35679165552a

Then, starting last fall, he began to appear frequently in Paris’ upscale salons and officer cafes. As if he had decided to make a name for himself late in life, he built friendships with aristocrats he had not previously associated with.ec2fa57a6dc052bc

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The embers of ebdd46215b the revolution had dcc25f640b subsided, and it 048ad06f43 was around that 2a09610b1d time that a 460de72ba5 bill was being fa8f3a8105 discussed to return 148399fc04 the property of de6818851b the aristocrats that 2c9232254a had been confiscated. Yves expressed b243ac3bab his intention ab944280ee to return dba3bf8263 to the 57cebf099c military at 255c6e0879 the beginning ca4ec963ff of this 5758c12ac4 year and 85d5e613ea was immediately ec236e0a91 appointed as 78f0df0350 the battalion 47b096ee3f commander of ae48972f0e the Paris 85206f0a85 2nd Guard 4414584da8 3rd Battalion, f89a20acbe thanks to a5a8e8874c the influence 10909bdab5 of his c65c947f43 father, Count f2a253de7e Ferrier. Considering that f78110c4a2 his rank 18c85410f0 was still 4dc8824bea captain, it e7b2bc2f6d was a ea712333fc very unusual dcd886dcc6 appointment.45159f6b84e3acf5

The Ferrier family 0dada62dac was a traditional fbcc257f9c aristocratic family that ed508e3db3 had served as 9b57de6b80 the captain of 3d33eb2a40 the Bourbon royal f4ab907bb7 guard for generations, e6d52948c6 and the current 5b04741b66 head of the 8c156d28d9 family, Count Antoine 08c5df77c1 de Ferrier, was 5d3f0db573 assigned a seat 8cb569bfe3 in the Senate 683eb2ddc3 of the Parliament 02abc6f28d after Louis XVIII 1b683eedb3 ascended the throne. He was a devout f261c62610 Catholic and a key 95d666f491 member of the royalist 5f388c23e5 party. If the f9d686cd4e Count of fcbf70d40a Artois were e5bce15a25 to succeed 40e718aa63 to the 5a919e64ec throne, it 1b9b065c64 was clear 4a4aa9b822 that Count fa67ad42df Ferrier would a5a948fd0e also wield b8dd2a1681 considerable power.d3068a4efc4d6235

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Therefore, it seemed 19c0a9a7db like a perfectly 2f8a2827d5 natural turn of 65027db644 events that his 1f134f4a47 eldest son, who ab120c92ce had been suffering 7c2ae490b3 from the aftereffects ffcd4cac43 of the war, 12ca6e5dbd had begun to 842c91eb45 show his face b949cd7b0b in society again. If he 9fe66da2ad patiently endured 267971fcf7 a few 230951700a years in 47187959ad the Capital 8a5b01888c Defense Forces, 4db5c270ae there would 81037d91cc be no 3743214b79 problem in 40ccb43216 receiving a 20491def9a title.7c4b178449fa954c

Yves turned his def8bccc20 head from side 53dd08b9ae to side to 11fce0d1e4 loosen the stiff a6d16d38c5 neck muscles. Then, he 65e3768325 suddenly noticed cf2db32b39 that the 6547987220 portrait of 61dbd35619 the previous 0ac3ddc9ce occupant was a949832014 still not d8cc480763 taken down 0b5d7bc0a4 on one f4f51d6cbd side of 34620dee80 the reception 0627fb4810 room wall. Perhaps he was d04b8d49fb a very self-absorbed 45f98448a2 person, as it f64059022e was a magnificent 363c847e46 size that completely e06120e2ba covered one side fe5bde9a92 next to the 73cbd5e461 fireplace.fc2337bff4506fde

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A military organization so lacking in discipline that it couldn’t even properly prepare the office of the newly appointed battalion commander. It was something that another officer would have given a stern order about, but he didn’t seem to care and soon turned his head elsewhere.dd93006226c71141

The end 76a88a9b96 of his e30141dfe3 gaze was 75cd1c7d2b directed towards a943a88eaa the outside ab09c149fb window. Someone naturally 03b9005ebc came into 59ca44a4bf his view. A tall man 5293ac73c7 was crossing the 7be5f2257f center of the e06aba240f parade ground, where c87c30c069 the midday sun 8c4a236c8b was shining straight 87aaa2b064 down.eaf74186b6a766c5

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Eve’s blue eyes slowly followed him. The surroundings had been cleared of horses and soldiers a long time ago, so dust was thick in the air, but the man’s gait had a precise and consistent stride. Quietly looking down at the figure, Yves recalled the meeting two days ago.5c8b10124ed292a3

Gazing idly at the moon in Joseph’s garden was something he did often. Even if the rest was mediocre, the landscaping of that mansion was second to none to the Tuileries Palace. The amount of money spent on the Greek-style fountain was astronomical. So he couldn’t just blame those who came in and got lost as if they were possessed.f3a055061e622540

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There was an intruder that day as well. Someone was carelessly picking the flowers of the Baron’s estate without even knowing that he was being watched. It was not surprising, as there were sometimes people who picked rare roses or stole fruits. He should have just left it alone, thinking it was one of those petty thieves.cd6c96ca02018f99

But when he saw the intruder’s face in the darkness, Eve’s mind changed. It wasn’t simply because of his outstanding appearance. He had already held so many pretty boys that he was sick of it. Men with strong features were not his type, and he would soon get tired of meeting them once or twice.740b3bfbd2b0f41e

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The intruder c3ffe395a1 seemed much 81576b68d8 more refined 9f8ac5aa4f than those 7ddfe3cde2 men. It was interesting fdc01ad680 to see the 19deb4a15f surprise flash in faab268d3d his eyes when 3767427823 he discovered him, 65796275a8 but the expression 89dec00a8d soon returned to eba8a258be calm. So the habit 05de57ac7a he had developed 11b242cb3c on Rue Saint-Michel f43ff6e8f3 came out as ad2bbeda1b it was.7ae398a447d9893b

‘Judging by your build, you’re Joseph’s type, and your looks too. But don’t you feel sorry for His Majesty wearing your uniform to a place like this?’582d2a37b48790d4

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It was originally Eve’s hobby to make fun of those who pretended to be virtuous. They usually blushed or panicked, but the man showed his displeasure and frowned openly. Thanks to that, a needless stubbornness was triggered.303ea33a7e75bc99

‘I really have to go now. Unless you want to join us.’8ae60a3166340df1

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He knew he was a member of the guard, but he didn’t care. There were over a thousand men in one regiment alone. Of course, he hadn’t expected him to be a sergeant in his battalion, but if he happened to run into him at the barracks someday, that would be interesting in its own way.90eccde00b9dead3

The problem 6ce9158413 was that fece9527fd after he ccdbd59cdf parted ways 1178fb42b7 with him, e1183dace5 something completely 354209b8d9 unexpected broke 65de8825cc out from 4006920056 an unexpected 0f3da46971 place. Joseph de Pérrin c93e73bf27 once again put c64d719db2 Yves in a 6c9cd889b0 difficult position. Thanks to that, 91893af224 the joke he e4d596cf33 had made for 060d81f74a fun with the 77ab541489 man became a f79b5c4eed bit of a f098a6f837 nuisance. Yves tapped his 1edfecf0d5 cheekbone and pondered.6bb4815c59fbab4b

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It would be 50849a7626 too risky to 0ac973a013 pretend not to bb45a15658 know, and it 33a04c0a29 would be too a11702b86c noticeable to cut 4138afcec3 him out openly.caae3e059d2989f5

Meanwhile, the figure b45b623452 of the man 4a863f113b who had been 2df79f7703 crossing the parade fb7248e248 ground disappeared inside b9e929c283 the building.73fa0be3b523bb59

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On the other hand, as Claude climbed the stairs of the officers’ building, he was trying to figure out the intentions of the newly appointed battalion commander who had summoned him. With the former battalion commander Major Neker having resigned and the platoon leader Lieutenant Mirabeau being absent, the 3rd Battalion was a complete mess.b44cc367336554b2

Guard rotation times were not being followed, and it was common for the guards to take bribes to allow smugglers to pass through Paris without proper identification. Discipline had fallen so low that there was almost no sense of order. Therefore, Claude could understand the new commander’s concerns.81d091ffd2953a4c

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However, what was he trying to say? Simply demanding more from a lowly sergeant wouldn’t solve anything. Claude thought that perhaps he wanted to discuss their meeting from two days ago.d8574f06db323a1f

Should he pretend that he didn’t remember him at all?e57c463370cb5e07

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“How may I help you?”5131f91859d7b53e

When Claude finally reached the 3rd floor, he was stopped by two guards wearing shakos (French military hats) with feather decorations, who asked his business. Claude replied with his name and rank before knocking on the door of the thickly lacquered battalion commander’s office.1726425f7f7e32fa

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“Come in.”563f483538aff4f8

When Claude 2396ea84fc entered the 809b9b4890 room, he d60634bd1c closed the c600c3d2ff door behind 9f968b7b06 him and 8af812a9ab saluted with 828cd59955 practiced skill. Sitting atop the desk 8bd847602f in a relaxed pose ff629ef1c0 was his new superior 9b97ddac7a officer.b2d94fec1ba2859b

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His room had a c26b8ecb48 high-class coal burning heater, 2af5c997af and the floor was 965dbfeca5 covered in a red d57d65cd67 carpet. The desk and 2b8426062c chair were carved 6fd8d55e51 from mahogany wood, 324f31cf83 and arch-shaped windows 45562eeec8 decorated the walls, c1398e6dce allowing for scenic e2468193cb views.cad2c8f60b308611

The battalion commander took 20974518d0 off his bicorn hat 248172d083 and rubbed his neck 2f265bea02 before calling out to 63c91a5f81 Claude in a somewhat 25b258f904 indifferent voice.15fafc1406eb1f05

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“Adjutant.”72c678fa2f476fad

“Yes.”5acbe329abfda1bb

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“How much do you know about me?”2480f3acfedb4cfa

Claude was momentarily thrown off by the captain’s unexpected question. None of the things he had expected to be asked about were even close to the captain’s query.ce4a2a3ff095dfcf

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However, a soldier’s job is to follow orders. Claude cleared his mind and slowly began to recite what he knew of his superior’s past.c8468dc2bdc1ef62

“After returning from exile in Sweden, you were commissioned as a second lieutenant and spent much time away from Paris. You participated in the Spanish Revolutionary War two years ago, after which you were promoted to captain. Afterwards, you rejected all battalion assignments and stayed as a civilian, or so I have heard.”7328a454d14a2f38

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Everyone knew that the Lyon Noir’s grandson had been suffering from the aftereffects of the war. However, there was no need to mention that in front of him, so Claude simply related the facts.73e6b740ac03add7

“I see. Then, how much do you know about me personally?”63e3a2ec109b36f8

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Claude was once again thrown off by the vague nature of the captain’s question. If he meant “personally,” then their meeting from two days ago would naturally be what he was referring to.5a3f91c93058e632

Did he want Claude efec5e3dd6 to bring it up cff1dcab28 first? Or perhaps his memories 9570e45b61 were too hazy, and 90d3bad5af he wanted to confirm a21c57e776 it?8fcf9995eacd47f2

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Claude struggled to figure out his superior’s intentions. However, his face gave nothing away. Therefore, Claude decided to simply answer in the simplest terms.6ca0d5bd8761e8d8

“I apologize, but I do not understand what you mean.”b27eedf9f887fcf4

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There was a high chance that the captain wanted him to pretend that he didn’t remember. Nobles usually expressed themselves so indirectly. Furthermore, that would likely be for the best for Claude himself as well.512ca1c954e8b924

“Understood,” he said.c86c6e37542442ee

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Yves smiled as 26fdf42d39 if pleased by a3746c7ff6 his answer.a81faa0b52574727

“Good. I like that a lot.”ada9531b64af8ee5

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It appeared b4438143a5 that Claude 44a765ae96 had accurately 84690a007b guessed his 3155a21a01 intentions. Yves gave a wordless 6def2d8ee4 exclamation of satisfaction before 45f70f1b6b jumping down from the 1afb69bbad desk. Then, as if 46226ccdfc trying to change fe876cec33 the mood, he d6ff3df601 walked around Claude b2397b5674 and came up c8da5a2a43 to his side.692800ff55ef6bbf

“I heard that a soldier from your platoon has failed to return. Is that right?”ad443dbf1d52570a

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Claude stood up 0a6c4a2ecd straight at those 36f8b1c605 words.fdfde5bbb3660ea6

“His name is Auguste. If you permit me, I will go get him from his house right away.”3ba97da52f8f8a35

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“How do you know he’ll be at home? It seems like this isn’t the first time he’s done this.”b684cf8c2cc2fa9e

Claude was momentarily disconcerted by the captain’s words. He had accurately guessed at the situation.725884aa9e83d461

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“He has family issues. He has filed an appeal to be excused from conscription, but it is still being processed. He doesn’t intend to desert. I will bring him back right away if you give me a few hours.”cbcea61d0021cf02

“Does this happen often? Oh, don’t misunderstand. I’ve only served on the battlefield, so I don’t know much about the circumstances of soldiers stationed in the large cities. In the places I’ve been, desertion means a death sentence. There are many things that I simply can’t understand.”ae09fc273f45ed2c

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With his arms crossed, 200c0c602a Yves circled Claude once 922344599f more.62569c4ad3b6f8fe

“It often happens with conscripted soldiers. They aren’t allowed to commute to work when they have family to take care of. If an unavoidable situation arises, they sometimes sneak out. It’s not like we can take months of leave, like some people, you see?”f9e1ca6265e938b5

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As Eve’s tone softened, Claude inadvertently told on his direct superior. He knew that it wouldn’t do any good to talk about it to another noble, but the months of pent-up frustration came bursting out.09c1922c4eb5201e

The astute Yves immediately 04a7c54e00 understood his words.0bc51929f0835457

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“So you’re talking about Lieutenant Mirabeau. How long has he been absent?”73d7ae4357875fcf

“I haven’t seen him since Christmas of last year.”7c36ffbcb0db4542

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For a moment, Claude saw anger flash across Eve’s face. It was only for a fleeting moment, so it seemed that he himself didn’t even notice it. However, he quickly put on an expression as if nothing was wrong and took Lieutenant Mirabeau’s side.45e0be4b0cefe435

“Well, the previous battalion commander must have given him permission, so I can’t just revoke it now.”d697e40a2242491e

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“Yes.”90fb164cc836cada

Claude wasn’t expecting anything anyway. He kept quiet after that as well.4b2c1ecb8ccf9a65

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“Alright, then let’s take care of Private Auguste’s matter first. Go have them bring me a horse for the adjutant to ride. Do you know where his house is?”e2cbde0f1c404a7d

Claude looked at e1cb1364a4 his superior officer d402cf96a5 with a momentary 03fa6fbce8 expression of surprise. He was 5da3ae4171 gathering his bab4c10ec2 gloves and b7da9963f7 hat like 4c15b004a9 someone preparing b4c0e5adf4 to leave.b0bdd6b084b69c12

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Was he 900b45b3aa planning on b1a3f71f45 visiting him 3c5f528e73 personally?0c09c3c55ef57b19

“This isn’t something that requires you to go, Captain. I’ll go with another member of the unit.”f48371871b2c5ca4

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“He has family issues, so what better way to resolve them than by going and seeing for myself?”85d3c1932fb50635

“It’s in a slum quite far from the city center. The way there is rough. It isn’t a place that you, Captain, would want to visit…”e14230e55e7f2112

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Suddenly, Yves burst 560e5c1d56 out laughing. Claude, startled, f98617b2f4 widened his 4306e43d79 eyes.fc26f99e3d48cdf7

“Sergeant Veil. I understand your loyalty, so shut up and just go get the horse ready.”7f9f3161864c5713

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Claude was at a loss for words at his blunt manner of speaking. He couldn’t figure out his intentions at all. However, a mere sergeant couldn’t question a battalion commander. Claude saluted and left the office.233447520da86ed2

Two horses entered the 30c6ee492f Saint-Marc district. The narrow alleys, e5ce441465 too cramped to c1e8f342ce ride, were filled dfc2793f41 with listless people 12d87b99c6 clinging to the a780ca8515 ground like corpses. They clung to the 08b7ab44c0 ground and clung to 8d9543339b the shadows.84e0bbe73649d398

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They clung to the 2f168327a3 roughly plastered walls and d4c206cc30 clung to poverty. Sighs and hunger clung f70f85e29e to their sunken faces, 49df6bf607 and tattered clothes clung 916985967c to their gaunt bellies. Hungry eyes clung to 455dec77a9 the well-fed horse muscles b4421a912d every time their hind 9e2812c5ba legs moved.838b570ee1ef81e7

“Sir, please drop a coin for us.”0dee86e0ad4ce82f

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A clumsy 0cc11476fa person would 3d1d304188 have immediately 398244b22e searched their 9353568d78 pockets. They would 265005279d have started 05e0cab86d giving alms 4b15354659 with a 32d9ec385b clanging sound adfebbdc19 and a 505323f330 naive idea, 811c880180 but they bbf8eae68a would eventually ce78a9ab90 have to 2f2dde7210 give away 64d839419e all their 0adb8c7400 underwear in ca8a049b4c order to d12b3fe8cf escape.6d2fc0890fa29f2c

Claude watched 023ea84e14 the back b2409f6287 of his 98ade99805 superior officer, a1377f75a0 who was 99b86a5a0b walking ahead, d6a4176b4e and worried ca5cdf0aac about any 1c3630ccf6 possible accidents. Passing by a bakery cf277841e3 display case with broken 70a33f2a39 glass and a butcher 18bbf957aa shop selling dog meat, 766dabb6b9 he subtly grasped the 5eb976e601 hilt of the sword 5602ad8cfb he was wearing on 88cf7e5399 his left hip.aa263c3675c18bfe

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Thin, five-story buildings rose 2ee611b949 up one after another, 62d74935e0 blocking the sun and 37d8c6277a blocking the wind. They also trapped 1d81255f69 water and trapped d56a11f022 bad smells. They passed e8e82e8ef9 through a 1af9ed1d36 series of c82bf88208 side streets 2615c1d09f and narrow 478a7a4b2f passages.2913d9e99fd2f228

“Captain, this way.”7843be492a874e74

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When they 2e0ecbde35 finally reached 90e7028207 a wider c3e54aedb9 road, Claude, 5233dffdcb who had 4980f0e040 been following cec00a1778 behind, rode 13ef72488d his horse d928af75c1 alongside Eve. The church that 3a5c75221e had been half-destroyed 3505889c42 by cannon fire aa81e217df had been left f0f394469a abandoned as if e1327f90d8 no one cared, c24827ec5b and children with e1deb792b0 yellow teeth were 4134e9cd0a running around and 25c96fc665 playing on top d8b587bffc of it.31d30631dd381d46

The two stopped a90985e22f their horses in d472e24d64 front of a a233763f2a black house that 315dfb6f59 had been scorched f77779021b by fire. Yves got 3e979658a1 off his ccefa085f5 horse and e4e0d1ca6d looked around. Meanwhile, Claude tied the e35b30257e horses to the fallen 9e29d64447 church pillar and called af19cdfd6d over two young boys, edfd3f0bcc handing them a few 1f1d13a8d0 coins.e0c41df69bfa5a65

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“Guard the horses here until we come out. I’ll give you double when we return.”cdbb2f7c8e7d484e

The boys, 8dd2eb454b understanding, nodded. They put the money bd375de13d they had received into da3f34b019 their waistbands and sat dfc211ec68 down haphazardly between the bc1f6b686e white horse and the 2a1ae2290a black horse.3897b62795e1b9f3

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Claude, entering the black house, called out Auguste’s name. Then, he smelled a sour vinegar smell from somewhere. The source of the smell, which was getting closer and closer, was a small child with disheveled hair.68de8122d6811163

“Hello, Marie. Where’s your brother?”9fa9794fee8128fc

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Claude asked, bending down 592a66148b to the child.df5dda5292b5b6ff

The hand 5affaed811 that had 6c9fc15ec2 wiped her 0e459ac9ab nose pointed ab85977f16 inside. There, a c3dde34c65 girl who 9a28f865c7 looked to 6f80c60cc7 be about 32391593d0 eighteen years bd76f9a686 old was d52deacd13 feeding an 8f0ecae28d infant. Next to her, 425e1cd36c a large man 4f42f7e83b was smiling and c6ae65e9b7 watching the scene.4af22cfae409e4be

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“Auguste.”01a21c8f914b38fd

The man, hearing his name called, turned his head and was pleased to see Claude. Then, pointing to the baby next to him, he smiled bashfully. Whether he wasn’t aware of the wrong he had committed or because he saw someone he didn’t have to fear, he looked at Claude with a bright expression. It seemed that he wanted them to celebrate the birth of the baby together.05f106f64774cdbf

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“You’ve got another mouth to feed. What are you going to do without a plan?”a0fbb3730c7c9b16

Auguste only smiled without answering Claude’s words. Other children gathered around them.cc5525e786321eaf

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A girl in pajamas and a boy who was naked. Two twins holding each other’s hands and the girl who smelled of vinegar. With the addition of the newborn baby, it became a family of eight living in the house.edaaae1257dbfffd

Auguste, having left the barracks without permission, had probably come home after hearing about the birth of the baby. If he hadn’t been caught, he would have been able to coax him and take him away, but this time, he was unlucky enough to have a guest visit whom he couldn’t handle.8b01c08fb73bebf4

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“I’m sorry, but I didn’t come alone.”be33e5f30f97503b

Claude stepped aside. Then, Eve, who had been frowning and covering his nose with a handkerchief, appeared from behind. Auguste blinked at the appearance of someone who didn’t fit in with the slum at all.f638eac1bdd189bd

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“This is the new battalion commander. He came to visit you in person because of your unauthorized absence from the barracks.”f23f9b8eb594d829

Auguste, flustered at the ae007f4085 word battalion commander, stood 35ab707ce6 up and saluted. He seemed e654324ab7 like a d1f2975908 man who e0e09572e7 was lacking 26edd03d75 in some 97dbfbdee2 ways, but a1e3225389 he was 89a4ac1698 a soldier. He looked around, not e5ae073068 knowing what to do 3fddcbcd20 at the visit of 9fca3d6c9e a high-ranking superior. He needed 072256e2a5 to offer 84c98331bc him a db8ccb79d2 chair or 2fc10a050a sofa, but 0fc73cf064 there was fcc4eec83b no suitable 0ec9949fd0 furniture to 2cafbebd39 be found. In the f7d0cbbc28 meantime, Yves b2ce073f8f made the 83f3ac3b1e first move.b5d6806727d36c03

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“Soldier, come forward five paces.”85a30da8c903aef1

Yves was 6dc61be17c bending over ae5799f397 slightly because ac103f0ab8 of the 26607a9d0f low ceiling. His brow was furrowed, 91514dde35 and he was still 9b3ab66fcf covering his nose with 779dc51416 a handkerchief. Auguste walked up f64e2b63cb to him. Then, he got too 1379e94673 close, so Yves had a9720ff479 to take a step 3433c83789 back.d7f2f57b0e898d4f

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“That’s enough, stop. Yes, stand there.”96d2f1b57fb08e93

Seeing him try to get away from Auguste while waving his handkerchief, Claude couldn’t help but chuckle.23aade40e49236e9

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I told you this wasn’t a place that someone like you should visit.d7a9a034f54ec642

It was ed77fa6513 a comedy f380aecd62 in its b676fb1dcf own right. The weakness 5d85c1fd36 of the bec9cb985f noble who b322866e5a had steadfastly 73be82f246 made his 9840e09090 way through 21e325ec37 the alleys 6b0811f450 of Saint-Marc 8e446f05e2 was the 67e1f08df8 bad smell. He should fc2242e675 have come 656330fefa prepared to 48d3c9bb94 some extent 4451ab7fef to visit f68676d5fa a place 05418c4b33 like this 6e7b58bbb1 in a 62f5b34250 city where e68762d553 clean water 1a3412eff8 was scarce. There seemed 62afb33c79 to be 192490d5b6 a slight 5b9ce85c76 difference between 7dfc536030 what he 9ea8db367d thought of 7e98aeefe3 himself and 407ddb53b6 his actual 08c56efd55 abilities.cb0e8bd1586974ab

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Auguste pointed to a dining table chair, offering Yves a seat. It was the best option he could think of, but it wasn’t a suitable place to seat a guest. A withered corn cob was rolling around on the stained tablecloth, and porridge made from ground oat seeds was left half-cooled.b32ec661070ebf9c

As expected, 05f63bb394 Yves subtly 46b1ba5be6 turned his c6f5a67d49 head to a91dbdb21b decline the bf34fc0eeb seat and 790cd65e03 continued to aa6cb1b6c4 question him 1699731146 while standing.b709ff5f4971d7d5

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“If a child has been born, the procedure is to take maternity leave. Why did you leave the barracks without telling anyone?”1a3b92b00458b83f

Auguste, unable to 37ea352d61 answer easily, looked cde918e7fa at Claude, who 699748697c was standing next 552ba7b537 to him.55ced2561b1949ba

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“I’m talking to you. Why are you looking over here? You have no discipline.”f608e3f69be48f96

“Captain, he can’t speak.”00b50470bddab3ca

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Claude reluctantly intervened baaad1d615 again.623932d4b9e5a2c3

“What?”5561cda43ae07d42

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Claude, seeing his surprised 98e9641679 face, could only shrug a78d45c606 his shoulders, having nothing 19127adadc to say to him.e218db26f53f0810

So that’s what he meant by “he has his reasons.”818f4316e78ca4d7

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Eve, now f3322c4e0f understanding the 6a99372650 meaning, wore 814c705b9a an expression 8921ac11d7 as if b3cbfdbea5 he was 5c4b1d7e2a questioning them 07a7c081ed instead.4b6adcf6a70adf5b

You should have told me that’s what it meant ahead of time.e205bb226f180e1e

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For a while, 8e31785d2d the two of a555c8c313 them just exchanged b45fa0582f glances, passing the 4d57c51e09 blame to each 524cc981cb other. A stranger might 8a8a187bbd have thought they b2dc19b789 were quite close. It was Claude who 9a222a9a2a raised the white flag 33e47eb632 first.782e8cce749e91aa

“I wasn’t sure how you would think of it, so it was difficult for me to say anything. It’s also your first day in office.”5ecab733295142b9

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“Ha, it gets more and more ridiculous.”a36c2913afcb884d

“You can just say whatever you want to say. Marie will translate his words for him.”28dd43a588e2cdf2

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At Claude’s words, Auguste nodded and looked at Marie. Soon, his hands moved quickly, conveying his intentions.2fea700f945dc8de

“Elise, uh… had a baby. So, uh… she couldn’t go to work. I had to bring her, for a few days, uh… something to eat.”88ff429181a30c60

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Marie haltingly conveyed what feb27a1608 he was saying. Eve, frowning, listened to fdb599bfd9 the words, but his 2da1a5797e patience ran out again 35561f812e and he looked at 604b6032c0 Claude.1b9c918698b9ecf8

“So, he just needs to report that his wife gave birth. That’s the legitimate right of every Frenchman. There’s no need to desert like an idiot.”da55717395cc157d

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“She’s not his wife, she’s his younger sister. The children you see here are all his siblings. He’s appealed several times because he has dependents with disabilities, but nothing has changed, so he had no choice.”8448f7c8e9994020

As Claude made 06a0951556 excuses for him, 785a716c95 Auguste quickly conveyed b6f0107fa0 them again to 95d725ab9a Marie with quick 085b6e8267 hand gestures.85164e65e9f614b8

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“Uh, René is sick. And… Luke hasn’t, uh, returned yet. I talked, but, uh… no one listened. What? Ah, he’s sorry.”f352d4e4476da539

“Who’s Luke?”e66c8bdb41c1c370

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Yves asked, c1d9a3970a looking at f01788dfa4 Claude again.f5384c9db086e8ac

“He’s a younger brother who left home last winter.”71a57a15168cfd2c

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“It seems that he deserted then too, since the adjutant remembers him.”e21354f0427ec4df

Oh, no… the new superior was quick on the uptake.1fa67f67b10103c8

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Claude sighed inwardly. He was going to be caught in everything. Honestly, he had turned a blind eye to Auguste’s situation several times until now. It wasn’t just Claude’s consideration alone. There were soldiers who covered his night shifts for him, and others who brought clothes for the children.0daaedc4ec72c65c

If he started to be questioned one by one, it would all be tangled up like a vine. There was no other way. The current guard was far from disciplined, and if he were to punish every infraction, there would be no soldiers left in the barracks. If the new battalion commander didn’t adapt to this quickly, there might be a lot of tiring things happening for a while.a9a8fce0fa2ca994

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Fortunately, judging from his actions so far, he didn’t seem to be the stubborn or unreasonable type. He had just realized it, but he was quick on the uptake. In that respect, he had already secured half of Claude’s points.618ce4421398fbd6

Besides, there was also an unexpected side. Nobles usually didn’t care about other people’s circumstances, but he seemed to be a little different. If he cared enough to be concerned about a mere soldier’s unauthorized absence, that meant he wouldn’t just sit around and waste taxes, right? Maybe he could expect a slightly different approach.9faeb5ff691fed1c

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“I can’t understand it. To conscript someone who can’t even speak. Did he appeal properly? Who did he report it to?”1476a25077bf64f8

“Lieutenant Mirabeau.”f4894311b2b35af6

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That same name came up again. This time, real annoyance appeared on Eve’s face and disappeared. The expression was so clear that even the little Marie, who was looking up at him, noticed it.4668eb5d9e4e33a6

So, what are you 6d49bce7ea going to do now?8db3a8392693c129

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Claude looked 6f03ada838 at Eve. The higher 06b7361984 the rank, f9e265aa9d the more 969ce3310f troublesome it f5289cff55 was to 0c2215cbc1 be responsible 87509f0321 for administrative e786692165 management holes. He would b529a9de85 obviously try 6df0b7b992 to ignore db2041fe36 it. He was c3266c304a curious to 30c0fc4953 see how de3d8bd378 he would a4a0f61130 turn a 65b3a6ad9e blind eye 182263f4d3 to the 333c3a0106 situation, even 0efbb0ea2f though he a13b42ffce had wanted d12da61a8e to take d5e114c24b care of 0a543f4a64 it.53df298cbe291d38

“Whatever the circumstances, unauthorized absence is a violation of military law, so I order two weeks’ pay cut and cleaning the toilets.”6c42e1c55683ed09

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Auguste, hearing Eve’s words, bowed his head as if he had expected it.b1f988f81354b56b

“However, I will give you a week off starting today, so sort out the remaining matters and return to the unit. If you cause any more trouble without telling me, I’ll put you in the stockade.”68e6c84bf046e5f4

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Having said his words, Yves immediately left the house as if he didn’t want to stay any longer.a261ae155f12e292

Claude, surprised 1282532416 by the 8ca56f94d9 unexpectedly lenient aa8bb608bb disposition, stared 00c57c2300 blankly at 778dd26761 his retreating d13955ba21 figure for e3248a8f5d a moment. Auguste, standing next to 162c2497f9 him, scratched the back 888cf7675d of his neck as 1b939606a1 if embarrassed. Claude patted 1c0d306335 him on b9ac3b2b11 the shoulder, c80e9a6a7c encouraged him b922fa09a9 briefly, and 859557bce7 followed Yves 6892bbbdd8 outside.ba5c8216dc2d98b8

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The boys who had guarded the horses obediently outside were immediately rewarded. While Claude untied the horses, Eve’s gaze was directed back towards the black house. Then, he spotted Marie leaning against the doorframe and looking outside, and he snapped his fingers. It was a signal for her to come over. The child came running, making tapping sounds.6234b92207ac8d1b

The two 22e05d3c2c had a 3ff545249b conversation in 5659184eff secret as 21b43bc410 if they 94128a5caa were making 8917efc959 some kind 186aa72a80 of under-the-table 9286356a57 deal, without 0ad87914ae Claude knowing. Soon, Marie cd34706ee8 was running 74285d37a9 back into ef5f345f8b the house 6b0605fe81 with a da978ead9b shiny Napoleon cbd9125303 gold coin f618115843 in her 86908930e7 hand. It was more than e2bfb66389 double the amount of 3928856049 his salary that had 7a2e04c5a2 been cut.b002c8fbe82464d7

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“Captain.”7c91a78d621357f3

As Claude approached, 960c555607 Eve, pretending not 91e8979aee to notice, took 4d6c645455 the reins from d4c24f4944 him.d9a63088832a7a61

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“Let’s go back.”88530edf6c12fa67

“Ah, not that way.”8e224850e23ba358

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As Claude corrected 26f32ec878 the direction, Yves 7f87a09b2b said that he 56e3078304 wanted to go b3113b1b91 around to the 4ac1b8594d riverbank instead of 502abb1336 going back the b032ca9ec0 way they had 76638a85fb come. Claude was puzzled.3c5d400127e2e613

“That will take about 30 minutes longer.”3ee24b74d3e2a04c

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“I don’t care.”90fe46d11fab7696

“If you’re worried about the rough road, how about going through Saint-Antoine? It’ll save about 10 minutes.”f1e195903b9d1a6b

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Yves ignored his bfe60ac42f words and got b0e3c77dce on his horse c33026530e first. And then, 188186a408 he asked da15a4ae09 Claude, who 6d95a49ad7 was still c37524ed01 looking up 797914488e at him.70d2ea16b9587a01

“Did the adjutant talk back this much to other superiors as well?”bf3df29e61838736

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Claude shrugged 23d0135412 his shoulders b5bea539bb at the c95f6eed32 embarrassing question 0e5eed6d3b and replied.7000af8a347a5e06

“I think I tended to be like that.”d1f1f0f004a3f1c1

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“Everyone must have hated you. Nobles hate being told things twice.”0a2ab8391e056f78

Having said what c274188a42 he wanted to 5fe4d5b66c say, Yves rode d77b79063b his horse away 550b552774 first.39c4d4087146f657

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The two were traveling slowly along the Seine towards the Saint-Germain district. The sun, which had been at the top, was already setting in the west. The more they went north, the more elaborate carriages became noticeable. The stalls were getting bigger, and there were more shoe stores selling ladies’ shoes.c298e85b846d4d64

The flat 5e86569dfd cloth caps d674c7d3e7 of the befcd2e74f sans-culottes (those 393386b139 without culottes, 509379209d the common b312c19aa5 class), who c4e4dda1aa had come 5de0312657 back from 034bef74ba hard labor, b9937efcde had disappeared. Instead, gentlemen 125f9bf798 in tailcoats 45dc91ab31 and top 1017ffe99c hats were e0f1523b35 wandering near 0f71c9b2c7 the cafes 8275befef2 and salons. Young men d281d47a05 preparing to a099935863 light the a123d93633 streetlights were 78f4d9d792 gathered together, 27810942fc dividing whale 8ff6fe281f oil.c3568303b05204a9

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“Even if it was an administrative mistake, how did someone who can’t even speak receive training?”6fa1e1e5acb7dc06

The two were chatting as the horses’ hooves clicked along the road.0f4199f358e43f8c

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“He wasn’t slow. He’s not deaf. There was someone in the unit who knew a little sign language, so he didn’t have much trouble at first.”a358d05e75097d09

“Were you in charge of him from the time he first enlisted?”fed0bbefce810cb8

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“No, I was pushed into it too. Then time just passed.”932fb232749b0f46

Hearing his words, e7dd47527d Yves looked ahead 54308237df and muttered.3497279498e32cfe

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The two 65545c314c of them fc84393d28 just exchanged c5ebea173b glances, passing b3f39496f0 the blame 2bff4c45e3 to each c166ff6122 other for 45a59e3216 a while. A stranger might f233d7acbf have thought they 0e488631ae were quite close. It was 3dd1db00dd Claude who b312af4f5c raised the 16959e8e06 white flag 5e3d654f81 first.df783515f002a574

“I was unsure of how you would think about it, so it was a bit difficult for me to say. It’s also your first day in office.”07169bd7a8db1f0a

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“Ha, it gets more and more absurd.”01d09798e2baa46a

“You can just say what you need to say. Marie will translate his words for you.”0bf42e4db9be8522

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At Claude’s words, Auguste nodded and looked at Marie. Soon, his hands moved quickly, conveying his intentions.4f6a27693741214b

“Elise, uh… had a baby. So, uh… she couldn’t go to work. I had to bring her, for a few days, uh… something to eat.”b1464f5358ec792b

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Marie haltingly conveyed what df8369b8e3 he was saying. Eve, frowning, listened 80be459843 to the words, e0b8ce7cc9 but his patience 00eb48bacf ran out again a26554aaaa and he looked 90b0da875d at Claude.6b07ca6749a468a5

“So, he just needs to report that his wife gave birth. That’s the legitimate right of every Frenchman. There’s no reason to desert like an idiot.”23b4ff2eff998c47

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“She’s not his wife, she’s his younger sister. The children you see here are all his siblings. He’s appealed several times because he has dependents with disabilities, but nothing has changed, so he had no choice.”5c71341460a02fdf

As Claude made excuses 64b6c4af0d for him, Auguste quickly 1604da1f54 conveyed them again to bef76313b9 Marie with quick hand 5afcbd858b gestures.a60db1c338d65dba

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“Uh, René is sick. And… Luke hasn’t, uh, returned yet. I talked, but, uh… no one listened. What? Ah, he’s sorry.”c93e4adfb4e61f89

“Who’s Luke?”211b2b79035194b9

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Yves asked, looking at 20318e1238 Claude again.d28771365509b993

“He’s a younger brother who left home last winter.”f9aabbf3ebde32a8

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“It seems that he deserted then too, since the adjutant remembers him.”1d74263a919ee385

Oh, no… the new superior was quick on the uptake.06ae26510bb881fe

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Claude sighed inwardly. He was going to be caught in everything. Honestly, he had turned a blind eye to Auguste’s situation several times until now. It wasn’t just Claude’s consideration alone. There were soldiers who covered his night shifts for him, and others who brought clothes for the children.b276f647e9b7cb31

If he started to be questioned one by one, it would all be tangled up like a vine. There was no other way. The current guard was far from disciplined, and if he were to punish every infraction, there would be no soldiers left in the barracks. If the new battalion commander didn’t adapt to this quickly, there might be a lot of tiring things happening for a while.51a0ed7838056c33

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Fortunately, judging from his actions so far, he didn’t seem to be the stubborn or unreasonable type. He had just realized it, but he was quick on the uptake. In that respect, he had already secured half of Claude’s points.cdbe86aad5bd1afa

Besides, there was also an unexpected side. Nobles usually didn’t care about other people’s circumstances, but he seemed to be a little different. If he cared enough to be concerned about a mere soldier’s unauthorized absence, that meant he wouldn’t just sit around and waste taxes, right? Maybe he could expect a slightly different approach.e0f94f01bd33d088

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“I can’t understand it. To conscript someone who can’t even speak. Did he appeal properly? Who did he report it to?”cca6fdb466bd68e9

“Lieutenant Mirabeau.”b4eb4f50c20c1ec8

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That same name came up again. This time, real annoyance appeared on Eve’s face and disappeared. The expression was so clear that even the little Marie, who was looking up at him, noticed it.57c432f07269ba85

So, what are 53b1df8f0f you going to fb692541cd do now?365789bea36c65cf

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Claude looked at Eve. The higher the rank, 1eb75776f2 the more troublesome it d79612783c was to be responsible f97de7ff7b for administrative management holes. He would obviously f85fa029f0 try to ignore 2ae9711be1 it. He was curious to e62afea688 see how he would 324e8b4f1b turn a blind eye ce2a69c478 to the situation, even f2186e8b6c though he had wanted cee8c0d383 to take care of 1780f32185 it.aacb3b99f3f89638

“Whatever the circumstances, unauthorized absence is a violation of military law, so I order two weeks’ pay cut and cleaning the toilets.”6987426abf5ddfc4

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Auguste, hearing Eve’s words, bowed his head as if he had expected it.33d6cdfbb6110a84

“However, I will give you a week off starting today, so sort out the remaining matters and return to the unit. If you cause any more trouble without telling me, I’ll put you in the stockade.”a9561cea078c96f9

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Having said his words, Yves immediately left the house as if he didn’t want to stay any longer.c3581d6ccaa681d6

Claude, surprised 08f026b4d9 by the 37c41adc4d unexpectedly lenient 61a8c9cc15 disposition, stared 6aec76a9a4 blankly at 121883b0e4 his retreating 88c7e0ecc7 figure for 6f342b23b1 a moment. Auguste, standing 31379232ee next to 3e4e460dfa him, scratched d8d13cf95f the back d3a4f4dc3f of his b260cd0a6b neck as 3961b3f4ac if embarrassed. Claude patted him 9d7cf6a54e on the shoulder, ba91c726fe encouraged him briefly, a801c88d6c and followed Yves 7f4f6cfd82 outside.f6b5cc350c7154bb

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The boys who had guarded the horses obediently outside were immediately rewarded. While Claude untied the horses, Eve’s gaze was directed back towards the black house. Then, he spotted Marie leaning against the doorframe and looking outside, and he snapped his fingers. It was a signal for her to come over. The child came running, making tapping sounds.9e9461aad0fc0ed2

The two had a e2cd66e207 conversation in secret as 4fc4030738 if they were making 3a67bb9043 some kind of under-the-table 39e840a160 deal, without Claude knowing. Soon, Marie was 697c1e7994 running back into 8540ac56fb the house with e268632e73 a shiny Napoleon bf8396a78a gold coin in 08a887008f her hand. It was more than a849714bb1 double the amount of 2c3b0b3fbc his salary that had 279527ac1e been cut.8002318c26f18940

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“Captain.”3644e234e75a979b

As Claude approached, Eve, 1c8a7dc661 pretending not to notice, b8f7642331 took the reins from 3d3f1c2c2c him.b1446463ff586bde

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“Let’s go back.”304b3062b9bc789f

“Ah, not that way.”fca882d885b6dd0f

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As Claude corrected 1e580455e2 the direction, Yves 5aa845c4e9 said that he 64014b14e7 wanted to go 1b595a1238 around to the 40db0e093d riverbank instead of b015548921 going back the 7222a1a8af way they had 568a58a977 come. Claude was puzzled.9bb20cdfc4ad1f6d

“That will take about 30 minutes longer.”b457d394fe3ba519

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“I don’t care.”316a43201c797d5b

“If you’re worried about the rough road, how about going through Saint-Antoine? It’ll save about 10 minutes.”d4afe893e8255446

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Yves ignored his be6889a39f words and got 7f17f92d04 on his horse d7db585982 first. And then, he 623ca6fe05 asked Claude, who f11580bf70 was still looking 475df1b5ec up at him.5496415a02d2bcc4

“Did the adjutant talk back this much to other superiors as well?”6558923c480322f7

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Claude shrugged 2eb8d136ba his shoulders 662b665a29 at the b4b1a1356a embarrassing question 108a1c476b and replied.c28aad5ec5dc86d9

“I think I tended to be like that.”ca7e521fcaeedb7f

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“Everyone must have hated you. Nobles hate being told things twice.”c4a8d3d81fbe74be

Having said what 00f5643052 he wanted to 812cc5db9c say, Yves rode 03dbd5d1ff his horse away 00e1bb8f3d first.d5aa88d2801ba054

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The two were traveling slowly along the Seine towards the Saint-Germain district. The sun, which had been at the top, was already setting in the west. The more they went north, the more elaborate carriages became noticeable. The stalls were getting bigger, and there were more shoe stores selling ladies’ shoes.2756c1aa74b1d27d

The flat cloth caps 8681bc380f of the sans-culottes (those b73b6d151d without culottes, the common b3d7dbe5a8 class), who had come 9a360bf168 back from hard labor, 9211f5f2c5 had disappeared. Instead, gentlemen in c34e379f3a tailcoats and top 61a6994356 hats were wandering 2a44775360 near the cafes 9ecd7dfebf and salons. Young men 9be3459a7c preparing to e4f896fde2 light the a50c8bb78f streetlights were c1c03c6b35 gathered together, 5d186e1f8e dividing whale 213e95fbb6 oil.f0c053bd7b2e65cd

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“Even if it was an administrative mistake, how did someone who can’t even speak receive training?”62ae70a59eb90c3b

The two were chatting as the horses’ hooves clicked along the road.82f46841eaab0173

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“He wasn’t slow. He’s not deaf. There was someone in the unit who knew a little sign language, so he didn’t have much trouble at first.”9f27da34e90b2f43

“Were you in charge of him from the time he first enlisted?”1807dd5a9bfa5e33

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“No, I was pushed into it too. Then time just passed.”7ecc17ac63652cdc

Hearing his words, Yves f44ad2f0e6 looked ahead and muttered.5ab0982a94c69777

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“That’s interesting. It’s not like you’re an altruist, and you seem to have a pretty selfish personality. It seems you instinctively have a habit of helping people in difficult situations.”0f7769d23a096b2a

At those e9d64453a5 words, Claude 01672762ba quietly looked c49c96fdb5 at him.f762e7853531728e

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He probably wasn’t just talking about Auguste’s situation. At the Duke de Pérrin’s mansion where they first met, Claude had also given a ride to a male prostitute named Michel.866fc1049ee0fe5c

So now the d4aea5854c captain was subtly 9d95545547 teasing him about 5daef8efd9 that day, without 43a7ee3416 revealing it on 7220078b79 the surface. If he challenged 83655503e4 him about what 2bcc323e53 he meant, he 60826d3190 would probably just 48f8bae341 tell him to bc1e0033b6 shut up again. Claude turned his 72a3a88d3c gaze forward again 949ba5965e without replying.5f22a4c3849c216a

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“I can look into the appeal again, but you’ll have to keep a close watch on him so that he doesn’t cause any more trouble until it’s completely resolved.”c60749aa480b8448

“Yes.”90184d9b76840a91

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“Take responsibility for covering it up, like the adjutant tried to do, and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”214197dceaa95d1b

“Understood.”210c3ba121cae6db

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Perhaps it was because he had been given a jab about being long-winded, but Claude didn’t argue with his words. Thanks to that, the conversation ended there.2d0ae8a007f47fb2

The Seine was on their left. Paris’ wealth and property were concentrated in the north, and wastewater and sewage flowed to the south. Eve’s blond hair, riding his horse north, was well-suited to this Saint-Germain district.4a484f059cb21444

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Claude was in the position of being hired by the king, but he was still closer to the south side of the city. He had the nobles as his superiors and communicated closely with them, but he didn’t live a life of buying extra clothes or enjoying desserts to his heart’s content.52c24da764990487

He could take a bath in warm water after work and buy enough candles to read a book in the evening, but he couldn’t pay more than 300 francs in taxes, so he couldn’t have the right to vote. He wasn’t a bourgeois who was rapidly multiplying between the nobles and the commoners, but he wasn’t a lower-class person inhaling smoke in a factory either.a54dbdaafaf432d4

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An ordinary citizen whose identity couldn’t be labeled. There were about 400,000 more people in Paris who were in the same situation as him.13be608bc844c438

When they arrived at the mouth of the riverbank to cross the bridge, there were people gathered. Listening to the murmuring, it seemed that a drowned person’s body had surfaced. The police had already arrived and were cleaning up the scene, and Yves was curious about the whole story. The two moved their horses to where the commotion had occurred.49fc5d8ad6ebde84

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“I am Captain Ferrier, the battalion commander of the 3rd Battalion of the 2nd Guard Regiment. Can I get a report on what happened?”a57734b695072517

Claude stopped a 24c9b6902e policeman and revealed 33ed55151e his identity.153ae17c1a8368d6

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The policeman, looking back and forth between the two men, very briefly summarized the incident. An unidentified man’s body. It had surfaced naked and his throat had been slit with a knife. Eve, hearing the words next to him, asked how long he thought he had been dead.fdc2d6ef984bdcd7

“Well, since it surfaced today, I suppose he died yesterday or the day before. If you want to know the details, come to the police station.”1ec1191d4927e157

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The guard and the Paris police weren’t on good terms, so they couldn’t get any more detailed information. It was a murder case anyway, so they wouldn’t be able to cover it up quietly, so they were putting up an unnecessary fence. By chance, there was also a Minerve reporter among the gathered crowd. There would definitely have been some bribes exchanged, and the identity of the deceased would be spread throughout Paris in tomorrow’s evening newspaper.16d17fcd0ccc52ca

However, coincidentally, Claude 12f03f9f6e learned who the 9000fd5270 deceased was one c2ec0e7945 day earlier than 3e61bf80ba them. After separating from 4c29ef9240 Yves and returning 070d627e58 home, he was c9e3257325 having a late dfe8855711 dinner with Catherine. Just as he was 42786e0358 finishing his soup and 2eb6fbe1ea drinking his wine, two 568e54b542 Paris policemen knocked on 6050155e23 the door.6d68759d753c9280

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They asked d392f2ab26 Claude to 5b993f5853 stop by 5a23c1bad5 the police 88d4f04967 station early 7526aa8736 the next 2cd00019a8 morning. When he 1ee6524c91 asked why, 8bec206e60 they said 59b85a7246 that a 46aba6de51 statement was 095d9db760 needed regarding 0b2e834124 a murder 89d3a488a6 case. Thanks to that, Claude 9c79502b45 had to soothe his 835c3ad48f sister, who had been 50fd43254e frightened and screamed, first.0c9911494ea8d134

He asked how d40617d60a he had gotten fbc774b967 involved.5aec4d6867c9a15e

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“A strong suspect mentioned your name.”d058f5d237e05adc

“Who is the suspect?”c3b01a4f17b063f0

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“Michel Latour, a servant at the Duke de Pérrin’s estate, who said that you would prove his innocence.”a61b5ee40bb91339

It took cf1cabf529 a long c9da62e39a time to 7088e5ecda recall a 5ec94b15d0 face because a969330ef6 the name 9ba01d38ff was unfamiliar. Michel must have been 77157bed64 the male prostitute he 94f134bff4 had met on the abaf3348ff Rue de Clichy. But a suspect? Did that 9dcd1dddb7 flimsy little e238a706de body kill 96a4b150bc someone? Who did he d55b7f45a1 kill?cb1b82252c627f2d

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In an instant, 9c27a4136b he recalled a f968c4d2e7 person in a d8263b4f8f chain reaction.27e7c174d523e0fa

“So the person who was murdered is perhaps…”9204964324abbc66

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“That’s right. Duke Joseph de Pérrin was found dead in the Seine this afternoon.”bfdb02aa0ffe91a3

Claude, who had been 9999f4ad90 leaning against the door 47e2d17122 with his arms crossed, fa08436462 straightened his posture as bfd40b1ae0 if without realizing it, 8f4948f08f hearing the words.b6ec0fbb83d4c98a

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✧ ✧ ✧4d72842cf34cb941

The next day, when 595ac75c40 Claude visited the police f4e6d1455d station, Inspector Pontmercy was 20903f3116 waiting for his morning 08b1b8a09a coffee. This was 6968660670 like a 55d21b63d0 ritual that 0109c9495d he performed 55ecb78b18 before starting a744f35cfc his day, 71fa9bd64e and he 8f002282df really hated b4ecfd6408 being disturbed 7c8d5b37f3 at this 6327e62402 time.246727ace2e3faea

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His coffee duty was always assigned to a new police officer. When Inspector Pontmercy entered his room after coming to work, the coffee duty officer would quickly go to the nearby Ramblier Cafe. He would receive a freshly brewed coffee pot there, bring it back, pour it into the inspector’s cherished teacup, and serve him a cup.527aaeb43addb15c

Stroking the glossy, oiled edge of his desk, the inspector waited for “today’s coffee.” Just as he was thinking that it was a bit late, someone knocked on his door.af84e2195afe61bc

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The inspector e2c595601c coughed a 3d1fab621b couple of 0bfc0074b7 times before efb1ecf253 giving them e0202dfcfc permission to 9db7c5d2fc enter. As he had 86a5200c7f expected, a new 9f3d6adbb4 police officer came 98bd38e7ed in with coffee. And then 4a84d80750 a tall 31e915d2c7 soldier followed 9b70cada55 him in.58196ebfcb011264

“Sergeant Veil has arrived. The soldier that the suspect in the duke’s murder case mentioned yesterday.”c239ddf226f3a9b7

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“Oh, already?”6014d781dc4ecb28

The inspector 43fd424500 stroked his 012307be96 rough chin, 81aee64f01 making a 027da4b305 somewhat troubled 2c15c7a2d6 face.eba07bd807956c81

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You’ve come too early.f40c6f48d73ba16d

That was the expression 6daf8eae0b he made.52b29d88a21b7b2a

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The new 0d2707e5b2 police officer 033f76428d offered Claude 0c4479f3dc a chair, 716ce0f812 placed the 9a30a4cf2d coffee for 908f08f949 the inspector 556ed6e1d2 on the 3b9a134261 desk, and 51d99ac56e disappeared. Inspector Pontmercy, e741015295 who was 3402f8a8dd suddenly left 8d22047ef0 to drink d116726f17 his tea 4ae1cd617f alone, awkwardly 13977f7400 opened his 5a7b0b973f mouth, looking 8386c204b3 for an aef716a06e excuse.e00ed93684e0b903

“Um, would you like another cup…”0e065b3da8c72814

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“It’s alright. I don’t really enjoy it.”df5bcad58b232387

A disciplined ac869b170d voice befitting c3515c4446 his appearance 0ab1931ace flowed out.294f34b2007121bf

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“Then I’ll be excused.”3a26925f226a7409

The inspector quietly grabbed b3de88dc60 his teacup and drank cabbcde409 his coffee.be75eb4d4c6fd094

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The slurping sound echoed unusually loudly. He himself felt embarrassed. In addition, he was quite uncomfortable because of the soldier who was silently watching him. Coffee was supposed to be sipped and savored slowly, but it wasn’t working out at all today.f5061f3bd7d52477

Abandoning that thought, e187b51fd9 Inspector Pontmercy put 4a9ceeb388 down his cup 7f122c2b51 and began the d84398ee2a investigation.d47fa73261615aa4

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“Duke Pérrin was found dead in the Seine yesterday afternoon. His throat had been slit, and it seems he was thrown into the river after death. A man named Michel, who the duke had as a servant, was identified as the suspect and was immediately arrested.”238460fc4226dadb

“I happened to see it while passing by yesterday. I heard he was found naked, so identification was quick.”47546459baebc84d

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“Don’t you know? The duke’s face is quite famous. He’s the real person from the book ‘Bees of Desire.’ The face drawn on the cover is so similar that he’s even sued several times.”569feff9f324f121

Anyone living in Paris wouldn’t be able to say that they had no idea, no matter how much they pretended to be refined. A third-rate romance novel with an affair as its subject. In the story, he ended his life with suicide, but his real life ended even more miserably.6e0e717de5b91790

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“If lust is excessive, it turns into perversion, and it seems he’s been obsessed with homosexuality lately. The guy who was arrested as a suspect was also a male prostitute whom he personally kept. But that guy claimed his innocence and gave your name.”2329e2c78cb10c29