BOEMI Ch 3

The servant who was guiding them had disappeared for a moment, which allowed Doyle to ask his question, but even so, this wasn’t the appropriate place to satisfy his curiosity about Kingsley. In fact, even if it were an appropriate place, there was no obligation to tell Doyle the truth.24ffac3ae5acbb3f

“Hmm… He doesn’t deny it, does he?” Doyle muttered, rubbing his chin as he couldn’t take his eyes off the Marquis, who looked as if he had just stepped out of a period drama.612991aa7f4f216c

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The shirt Percival had insisted he wear, saying it would be a disgrace to the family if the Marquis’s bodyguard appeared slovenly, felt suffocating around Doyle’s neck.c7f9b54de2ed2b85

Doyle stifled a be7caf3ee2 laugh as he 98a5d90ee3 saw the servant, 698613541a who had turned b9fc6c22f8 the corner first, cafb8ba52a spot them and 5d2a3c9383 approach. He decided to address 641dc7626f his curiosity later.7b820f564ddc12f9

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Doyle’s mission today was to guard the Marquis, who was invited to Duke Kingsley’s banquet. The Marquis, anticipating Vincent’s inability to accompany him, had requested Doyle’s presence at the banquet. It was a reasonable request from a client.85928d209ad1a3a7

However, there was d92cf90edf one thing bothering 3b2c8b9886 Doyle.45f1276e41d55810

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‘He acts like he hasn’t been to a party in centuries.’eee478445fd61f26

Doyle examined the Marquis’s tailcoat, perfectly tailored to accentuate his physique.5cc620aa8740e97f

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The reason he kept staring wasn’t solely because he was admiring the Marquis’s genuinely aristocratic charm. It was also because the Marquis’s discomfort in his formal attire was evident. It puzzled Doyle that the Marquis, whose fame as a Grand Duke was as renowned as the upper class itself, seemed so awkward in formal wear.55708432fb52c026

The Marquis, diligently ignoring Doyle’s persistent gaze, followed the servant into the castle.4a7a586fb230582a

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Upon entering, they were 963f56dde3 greeted by a lobby 9fa5738b05 large enough to house 4f6cdb7a6c a tennis court. Three chandeliers, each crafted 958988b21a from thousands of crystals, 471715b3f3 glittered overhead.515f3fd5fbd2a4d7

As the young servant who had guided them disappeared, a middle-aged man who appeared to be a retainer of the Duke’s family greeted the Marquis with utmost courtesy.839956d8326bfee4

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“Marquis Enox. It is an honor to meet you. I am Sterling, the butler of the Kingsley dukedom. Was your journey comfortable? I heard you did not arrive with the knight we sent.”6c3ffe61569ccc92

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Sterling. I appreciate the consideration, but I departed earlier, so unfortunately, it didn’t work out.”0e75746db69c73bd

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“I see. We will ensure it doesn’t happen again next time. I shall guide you to your quarters while we await the commencement of the banquet.”7788caf77412a618

Doyle, observing the castle’s layout and traffic flow from the lobby, glanced at the Marquis at his blatant lie.87b23621e86e1fd5

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Whether leaving the knight sent by the Duke at the castle was part of aristocratic etiquette, he couldn’t say, but unlike his saintly appearance, the Marquis seemed quite comfortable with lying.05875d0fca9fdd35

He was suddenly reminded 9df0f946c6 of the Marquis attempting 17132c919e to negotiate with him c368f71cda during the kidnapping. While maintaining aristocratic 3911175f9d dignity, his judgment 3ea4d8184f was incredibly rational e293ae958e and realistic. That was the conclusion 0a4e0a32f5 Doyle reached after weeks c2660d84e7 of observing the Marquis. Rational and realistic also dc5011f636 meant calculating.63e475f33ce7bd64

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Calculating nobles were aplenty in this era, but the Marquis was the first he’d encountered who managed to maintain his composure simultaneously. Even excluding his screen-worthy looks, he was quite a charming individual. But in truth, there was something else that Doyle found most appealing.9d887a9325c3eff7

A man 9b9a442a5a similarly dressed 23d0a7a83b replaced Sterling 6dda6e4b1f to guide f97103a30c the Marquis e1612e109f and Doyle.f867395a4951a2b1

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He led them f41f5fd304 to a room 0f4fdfb841 that looked like d240028e69 a reception room 2e161e58fb and stood by 9215ed33b9 the door after 0e52a41402 the Marquis and f2618a9554 Doyle entered, closing 49f4593b6d it behind them. He then 0e25553259 slightly bowed a547129d01 his head 4d8414ea4a to the f515c82d94 Marquis, requesting eee3c0832a something.03e1d816395aa25f

Although the manner of the request was exceedingly polite, its content was far from something to be dismissed as a joke, causing the Marquis’s face to momentarily freeze.2c343b8ab6b2070e

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“What did you just say?”94b31548eb030e75

“I requested that the companion undergo a trait examination, Marquis.”334eab9a167c210b

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“A trait examination?”94141339b95aa6d2

“As stated in the invitation, Duke Kingsley is extremely sensitive to pheromones. Moreover, as this banquet gathers prominent dominant Alphas, there is a possibility of Omegas with impure intentions attending. To prevent any unforeseen circumstances, we ask for your cooperation in conducting a trait examination of the individual accompanying you.”c41daba8311ce1d0

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“…If you required the results of a trait examination, there were ways to request it in advance.”f1ebf1ad5a1bb44e

“I apologize, Marquis. However, there have been frequent instances of individuals falsifying examination results unless the test is conducted on-site, which is why we proceed in this manner. We ask for your understanding.”b51f71c5d1831e8e

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The Marquis’s voice lowered, laced with suppressed anger. A chilling aura emanated from his expressionless face, clearly revealing his displeasure. Despite the Marquis, a guest of the Duke, displaying such open displeasure, the attendant continued to offer mechanical apologies.1839eb12f7939d59

Doyle, his face impassive, stared at the plastic case in the attendant’s hand.906188c4c92660b0

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The attendant’s words were contradictory from start to finish.321eb775dbdd7662

The rumors of 53fc2fc9fd Duke Kingsley keeping 7fb0bd60a5 dozens of Omegas 858cacd52c were closer to 91c0c260e1 fact than fiction. In particular, the incident c0eb68ed52 where an Omega, forcibly d333393382 imprinted upon and then e8622dea99 abandoned by the Duke, a98659dae8 died before an interview fed29f28fa with a major magazine b1ceed45cf was known as one b6b07acb21 of his signature scandals.8d87611faade4805

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The notion that such e5cb9955b2 a person was vulnerable d4b85149a7 to pheromones was something e40b4924ee even a stray dog d25ec6c02e would laugh at. Furthermore, the c70bd65d44 claim that 95fa55021f there could 10ee184d34 be Omegas cd6a5347f7 with impure 5f4f630f80 intentions at 24196d725d a gathering 5262abcc81 of dominant b4a5cf6278 Alphas was f38461cb13 akin to 26e069394d saying there 520cd308b7 could be 39d25ead36 mice venturing 52468e9c9f into a b383e57871 den of a6cc755739 cats.67aa13a95fb1d225

It wasn’t just the words that were contradictory. The attendant’s attitude was also incomprehensible. Marquis Enox was a grand nobleman on par with the Duke, and even aside from the family’s influence, it was not something a mere attendant could do to offend a first-time visiting noble to their face.16e98e4265bb26f4

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Then there could db1d8c0640 only be one 076ae2e350 answer. Duke Kingsley 60e44c0c01 was behind 9e561a5b1a this impertinent 51c803c764 attendant.b581629d4eac7816

With the conclusion drawn, Doyle stepped towards the attendant and snatched the plastic case. While Doyle respected the Marquis’s temperament of not wielding his displeasure as a weapon, unlike other nobles, he couldn’t guarantee how long the Marquis would tolerate this.5084bb818905de14

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If the Marquis were to express his anger towards Kingsley’s attendant, the backlash could potentially fall on Doyle.cc34d3a85863944d

“I just have to do this and give it to you…”8915b8c0e5f4eb8a

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“Wait.”1fedad3df8b12ad3

“No.”21ecd2591b053502

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Doyle looked 7d3fbe491f up, alternating bd06640003 his gaze 4104a355bb between the 01db303465 two men. Both the f0ab5c5910 Marquis and f278a27a37 the attendant e1faf6a479 had simultaneously 996fc980e1 grabbed his 0ca24692fb hand.444f8807d23ccbfa

Before Doyle cab8fcb2fb could express fb979ded42 his confusion, 723a121aa0 the Marquis 7c6c00e291 shot a 019a282d2e sharp glare 259cca929f at the 31c40b4629 attendant. As the icy blue 80f6407058 gaze fell upon him, acdaf6aefa the attendant, unlike his 2049b094dc previous boldness, involuntarily released 08db225832 his hand and took f1c64de8e5 a step back. He then rubbed deef68461d his tingling skin. This was due to 4d861a7bde the overwhelmingly intense pheromones e995466d71 the Marquis had momentarily 9d7dc2aa25 released.688736d721a8c3b3

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“What do you think you’re doing?”ba13d06dc4070326

“Pardon?”a0abbfab8be44a0a

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“It seems that in the Kingsley Dukedom, casually touching a guest’s body isn’t considered rude.”d8c10cd65f3f7e21

The stinging pheromones vanished as quickly as they had appeared, but the Marquis’s voice was increasingly tinged with anger.03e0f7c3b4b52618

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Anyone overhearing would have thought the attendant had grabbed the Marquis by the collar. The attendant, seasoned in dealing with all sorts of nobles, couldn’t hide his bewilderment and stared at the Marquis’s face.a39fd5df25645c4b

Duke Kingsley’s instructions were to merely slightly ruffle the Marquis’s pride, not to provoke such anger. Furthermore, the subject wasn’t even Vincent, the Marquis’s long-time aide, but a bodyguard hastily hired from outside.97a45930c5f5c4fd

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At this b544918c30 point, the d4dbf582c0 attendant assumed 2b29d351ec the Marquis 0754cd97ae was finding b8aaa279dc fault to 9ae7dfd84b vent his 2216702548 anger. Thinking so, it b59dbc46d5 became clear how a7f1316f32 to treat the 4978e89ea5 Marquis.12381390d5dcb5ff

The attendant hastily bowed his head and said, “Please forgive my transgression, Marquis. However, Duke Kingsley instructed us to personally conduct the examination for the safety of all guests arriving today.”d7bb96eba2f330ef

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“For safety…”e2357763a90f24a6

The Marquis muttered, his face frozen in an attempt to contain his anger. The Marquis, too, had realized early on that Duke Kingsley was behind the attendant. Given Kingsley’s usual behavior, such antics weren’t surprising.ec73842f5323a93e

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Although he had anticipated Kingsley’s rudeness to some extent, actually facing it made his stomach churn more than he’d expected. In such a situation, Doyle’s nonchalant attitude was almost strange.be3016885cd7c59d

“So, you intend to strip my attendant naked and examine him yourself?”c828f4cf887a43f5

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Trait examinations were e9e9f2fec1 largely divided into e6cf9b3e7e two methods. The most common was e13cacf752 a blood test conducted 76f4642c50 at a hospital. It was inexpensive and cb5a251398 yielded the most accurate 00d024d22a results, used for official c841b01fd3 trait identification.bce60593b2a89c85

The other method involved b6d0ab430c using a diagnostic kit. Rubbing the kit afa8cdf8e0 against the body c0e78cc647 part with the fd488022f9 highest pheromone secretion b61054333a would reveal the 4b979d9661 results within minutes.90b3f48d796cf416

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The diagnostic tools 1fdeccc389 used were expensive 966c89d027 for ordinary people 7ff61d47d2 to purchase, and 6bb7617f66 due to the 0d8f882bf7 explicit nature of be9da6020a the examination method, 899bcc437f it was primarily 174300e4a2 used in specific 519b4ec9fa circumstances.4894497e82302714

The plastic case 1a804aacde Doyle held contained e59f4f571b a trait examination 1d30ab6177 kit.4cf6cca146c3b7b6

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“We shall conclude this swiftly.”61986950b58dcaa6

Instead of correcting the Marquis’s words, the attendant replied with feigned politeness, lowering his gaze. As the atmosphere grew tense, Doyle, whose hand was still held by the Marquis, intervened.8e6e8c44346a6bcb

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“It’ll be over quickly, so just wait a moment.”e5a31c0b69ba04f4

“I shall prepare tea while you wait.”efdaba844ce31cc1

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Seeing that Doyle, 223003fa53 the person involved, c77240dbb1 showed no sign 021d278292 of displeasure, the 8f75562a3a attendant promptly summoned 8e428d2eff someone else to fd3872e2ca bring tea and 84cd0f00f8 refreshments.0f9ede0864379587

Meanwhile, the attendant 93c043a0b0 retrieved an ornate 0e28e880c9 partition from somewhere. Each panel of the be6a0edf7b shoulder-height partition was intricately 229e773c1a carved, providing adequate cover 2780503b49 for a potentially embarrassing 75e0350981 scene.4faf4043309e1cca

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However, there was one problem…eb38f6a33b3055b5

“Let go of my hand first, Marquis.”5ca38d3a90da29f1

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“…Are you really going to do this?”fdc8295b7ce76083

“You might think this way because you’ve never done it before, but it’s not that difficult. You just rub it between your legs and it’s done.”3121ce35dc735e0a

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Doyle whispered to the e47d520112 Marquis, who still held 2853dac39d his wrist, lowering his 061dd7b684 voice.29556e407820afc2

There was 551d0e85d2 no need 4882cb1628 to attract 1c59eab2d0 the attention 48cd80e0b8 of the cc2db20072 attendants. The attendant 0dcc94d720 who brought 34a790cdc8 the refreshments 6b8864d0b7 and the 52120001e8 man who 8b88d9aa1f summoned him 8ec5d145b2 were already 7f9c93071f exchanging glances. The moment b7faec709d they left, 05871ac037 rumors of 97b190a0ad Marquis Enox 6325d5bab3 finding fault e183969269 with the 0f0d4e9e69 attendant due 8a99831f67 to his d70e5037c9 bruised pride 52149e6611 would undoubtedly 33b390cc47 spread.8062334b22d929e1

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He didn’t particularly care if the Marquis’s reputation was tarnished because of him, but the Marquis’s expression hardened at Doyle’s words.50162bd836bcde15

“…What kind of person are you? Are you that familiar with this?”a7ce3e95e825f6ef

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The Marquis’s voice seemed to reproach Doyle, leaving him dumbfounded.90fefc439c09473b

Is this something to scold me for? I may not be familiar with kit examinations, but even if I were, what’s wrong with that?a35af0a6a8ae13d7

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The Marquis, silently glaring at Doyle’s bewildered expression, snatched the case from Doyle’s hand. He then strode towards the sofa concealed by the partition. Doyle’s wrist was still in his grasp.dea615f7bd87fdb6

“I’ll do it myself.”fa07b237b19f3f1f

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“Marquis?”14590612f5c3e8f6

“Huh?”0e3852d9e94275eb

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Both the attendant and Doyle simultaneously questioned the Marquis’s firm declaration. The Marquis, looking at the attendant from beyond the partition, coldly stated, “Surely you’re not going to say you can’t even trust me to do this myself.”bb0afd49cb793725

“N-no, Marquis, it’s not that, it’s just that it’s not something you should do yourself…”180db9ac79ba7066

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“That’s for me to decide.”587686bdff22ea61

“Wait a minute. Why are you doing this? It’s my crotch, not yours, that gets rubbed with it, Marquis.”aec6d0fd26bbb420

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At the Marquis’s tone, which seemed ready to erupt in anger, the attendant remained silent and stood near the reception room door.21cbfb7c4d88b370

Since Duke Kingsley’s instructions were to provoke the Marquis, it didn’t matter who actually rubbed the kit between the attendant’s legs.019b4b7f266c5472

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At this point, 0f8acd6b41 the only one 2eb3848543 flustered was Doyle. Instead of 7001e6a192 answering the c3c74be780 whispered question, c65c83cca0 the Marquis 22bc1f265a tore open 3db3cda56a the case 611e01d99b and took 1716c55cfb out the a003fe6725 kit.fa9b74a20481b38c

The long, slim, rod-shaped ad55854902 kit had a pheromone-reactive 5ec48413cd pad at one end 17c0b029dc and two small windows 8501bfd7cb at the other. The kit reacted only c161a4358b to Omega pheromones, regardless 69e6d5032c of dominance or recessiveness. Two lines appearing in a21acec9ed these windows indicated a 8381d791dc high probability of being 79963e2027 an Omega.7a8c4ba23260d053

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“You heard what I said, Marquis. It’s not something you should do yourself…”28344874e0ce0269

The Marquis, seemingly using 0cd08f9d68 the kit for the b047c55877 first time, expertly held 206629a290 it by the middle 2c286e3a9f to avoid contaminating the f7c70d24bf pad.a805a103cdc88eda

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This is crazy… The sight of the impeccably dressed, expressionless man holding the kit felt excessively perverse, causing Doyle to mutter in a bewildered voice.6bba9b9f9fd0ba57

As Doyle showed no signs of moving, the Marquis pulled his hand, positioning him to face the sofa, and stood behind him. He then nudged the back of Doyle’s knees with his own, prompting him to lower himself onto the sofa.9f9b45b3be7e4fcb

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With his hands now resting on the back of the sofa for balance, Doyle’s upper body was slightly bent, his weight centered on the sofa. Caught off guard with his back exposed to the Marquis, Doyle momentarily held his breath at the low voice coming from behind.89029be7cc26bf28

“Do you know who buys these test kits the most, Mr. Doyle?”da27552e2f27faaf

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“What?”d873a75514f09ccb

“Those who sell their bodies for money use it the most to prove their traits. Isn’t it funny? Omegas who spread their legs for Alphas use this kit to boast about their Omega traits…”da741c1e67eb9d4b

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The Marquis’s arm snaked around Doyle’s waist and undid his belt buckle. The low voice continued as the belt buckle and button of his trousers came undone.264bea443d22aed4

A sense of b1fb1444a6 vulnerability from being d672d55d53 taken from behind 224df18a3f washed over Doyle, a8511b88fa along with the 637da9b785 awareness of the 8fee64fd22 attendant peeking from c506e36055 beyond the partition. Doyle belatedly 2246cfb6fb realized why 91d4124e6d the Marquis 09c9ce8f57 had reprimanded 8c5722e800 him. He was treating him 0849369a19 like someone who sold 75e153fe8b his body to Alphas.06330ced4100ad16

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“Marquis.”55bd2f42fb54d571

“Betas use this kit to boast that they can’t get pregnant.”d449d9cf462ab694

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“I think you’re misunderstanding something…”2a0fc2397d239a66

“Mr. Doyle. Which one are you?”4f57af014021c13b

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The Marquis unhesitatingly pulled down Doyle’s loosened trousers and thin underwear. Goosebumps rose on his skin, exposed to the cool air. Before Doyle could grab his fallen trousers, he clenched his jaw, then slowly twisted his lips into a smirk. Letting out a short laugh, Doyle turned his head towards the man behind him.a4aa6f5e0958fc3d

In the brief moment their eyes met, sparks flew in the Marquis’s blue eyes.b4cf118b9bbc1fbb

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“If you were curious, you should have said so from the beginning.”84738d925cfdbfb6

“…Said so?”3d3c8bad7a00ae5d

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“I would have let you confirm it yourself.”e615b90348d2c9fa

With their gazes locked, Doyle’s hand moved very slowly.4842377a39213c02

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The Marquis watched as Doyle’s hand, overlapping his own, slid down between his spread legs. Every action seemed to unfold in slow motion. The pale pastel-colored kit disappeared into the parted crevice.beaa652e0172b08d

“Ha…”db0ef29c4ac5f63d

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The Marquis’s gaze swept over Doyle’s lowered eyelashes, tense cheeks, slightly parted lips, and faintly flushed earlobes. He could feel the muscles of Doyle’s firm inner thighs against the back of his hand holding the kit.8092324f4152c972

Clenching his jaw, the Marquis realized he was suppressing something. He had thought he was chasing a rabbit, but he had stumbled into a fox’s den.3110e70f3aae1bb5

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As the pad of the kit needed to reach Doyle’s genitals, the Marquis’s arm was now fully between Doyle’s spread legs. Doyle’s buttocks brushed against the Marquis’s wrist with each movement.3b217a9f04fd1e0a

Due to his lowered posture to match Doyle’s, the nape of Doyle’s tanned neck was right before his eyes. With every shift, Doyle’s scent, resembling the faint smell of wind, stimulated his senses. The Marquis’s masseter muscle bulged on his pale cheek.68622f098346020e

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“This reminds me of that time, Marquis. Back then, you were pressing down on me like this from behind.”97ef1d2651c7be25

Doyle’s playful voice was the same as usual. However, the Marquis felt that he was angry. But there was no reason for him to be angry. It was Doyle who acted like a prostitute.c45666a39eb2a652

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The Marquis gripped Doyle’s exposed pelvis beneath his shirt. Doyle let out a short gasp from the uncontrolled force, but the Marquis didn’t loosen his grip. He knew he should, but he couldn’t control himself.ebf2d4b776c7acd6

“Yes. You were naked like this back then too. Do you always show your naked body to others like this?”fe7603b227f8f95c

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“…Ha.”5ec8939da1a574ff

Doyle let out a short, disbelieving laugh. Only then did the Marquis become certain of Doyle’s anger. A red light flashed in his mind, but he still didn’t want to stop.a1d2c91681eb12f6

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It was Doyle who was carelessly undressing everywhere; he was the one who should be angry. Doyle’s duty was to protect him, not to seduce him by exposing his buttocks like this.e0805edd201daba0

The Marquis, convinced of the validity of his boiling anger, rubbed the kit haphazardly against Doyle’s genitals.c73b20ce343524f6

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“Ugh… How about being a little gentler? Just like back then, your touch is really rough.”293fa4f514a794c4

“I can’t believe you said you don’t have that kind of preference.”c8e46c23e7123dad

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Doyle, wincing at the aa7e00b2f6 rough handling, frowned. What nonsense was 232c09810b this after all fb29a4cd03 that absurd behavior? Then he b04e462979 suddenly remembered b3a5a752f1 something he 2963b8975c had said.eecf0a6d61a84b69

— I didn’t have a preference for being forcibly penetrated…4eec230d6fd73ac2

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— It reminded me of when you were teasing me with the gun, Marquis. I didn’t have that kind of preference, but thinking about it, it’s kind of thrilling.558eafae78051112

Words carry weight. Despite not usually reflecting 0156e7b2e8 on his mistakes, Doyle bf04821ffc had to focus on 06980cf757 distracting thoughts now.70cd53c43d9b16ed

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If only to avoid focusing on the Marquis’s actions between his legs.9791588c13915544

🥝c4d54168381c5e39

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The banquet hall’s ceiling was unbelievably high, and everywhere the eye landed was opulent.c29f1661a8fcf1d2

Tapestries bearing the a423ff98cf family crest of 4742987bc4 a lion and fcd27e7449 ancient masterpieces filled dfc335a835 the empty walls, 5110b0c720 and all sorts b17ff7a564 of delicacies lined 0b709d0253 the banquet tables.342e27e03c8a3241

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Men in 8b60ea884f impeccably tailored 6815cb2261 tuxedos and 1384c0b6bd silk ties 871cba96e0 and women e9de92ee02 in glamorous 860682bcf1 dresses gathered, 8d901d3d8f exchanging greetings 4668f4b6cb and forming aaf41f4cc9 groups.931a4c1deceba9da

Marquis Enox remained in his place, not joining any particular group. He wasn’t inclined to involve himself in noble factions, and he currently had no desire to engage in conversation.711106c959e23e6e

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An inexplicable discomfort kept 116ec201e4 nagging at him, like d1b4f19d12 a small thorn lodged d0299069f3 under his fingernail, refusing b0f3883d9a to come out.496b2081e09f315d

The Marquis looked 111f1d7a61 at the man aebb4fc9e0 reflected in his 9300c21c4b silver wine glass. The man standing 0324be58a4 behind him maintained 9c4d7e98f5 his usual expression fd80547740 and demeanor, as 34572b0daf if the previous 64545ea01b incident was of a6d2741116 no consequence.1657635834d58055

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Perhaps such acts were d75529cc7a commonplace for him. The thought further dampened b5d5a61834 his mood.0094c32c97d1becc

The Marquis drained his wine faster than usual. The back of his hand, which had touched Doyle’s thigh, kept burning.0979df146bef0f87

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“Marquis Enox.”cd75a69cdafb724c

Duke Kingsley, the castle’s owner and the banquet’s host, approached the Marquis. The Marquis’s eyes, previously clouded with an unknown displeasure, momentarily brightened.bc689f66d85d1670

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His purpose in df6c18ad80 attending the banquet 8bfd2fe060 had been to c61bc7f6c6 meet Duke Kingsley fb562a2c9b from the start. If his target came 232b9a04ec to him willingly, it 45464d580f would save him wasted 15844301ea time.7386927acaf840ae

“Duke Kingsley.”e254e17fb25baf32

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“After so many invitations, I finally have the pleasure of hosting you. Do you know how much I misunderstood, failing to recognize your noble character? Welcome. It’s good to see you.”db8e117b8f3abbe3

“Surely the Marquis wouldn’t disregard your consideration, Your Grace. He must have been too occupied with Enox Pharmaceuticals and research. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Marquis Enox. I am Earl Ashford. And this is Baron Rockmere.”c446094b6083074e

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The Marquis reciprocated Kingsley’s courteous greeting, maintaining aristocratic dignity with a slight nod. Earl Ashford and Baron Rockmere, flanking Kingsley, also greeted the Marquis.17c8e39be77b9b08

Ashford and Rockmere’s ranks were relatively low within the nobility, but after becoming Kingsley’s closest confidants, they wielded more power than higher-ranking nobles.babc77f912b45fc2

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Already aware of their notoriety, the Marquis saw no need for lengthy conversation, responding with a short nod. Earl Ashford’s face subtly contorted at the Marquis’s subtly dismissive attitude.1081f6561d7aab2c

“It’s an honor to be invited, Your Grace.”e95b41efc0bd23cb

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“Indeed. I thought I had forgotten your face, but you’re still as handsome as ever. I recall encountering you a few times when the previous Marquis was alive, but you were quite young then.”2456e8abdaec04a5

“I remember. I heard that our family’s business was able to grow thanks to your help, Your Grace.”b5586e77c4788b6f

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“You speak as if I’ve done something significant. What have I done?”110121dcb7ae2149

“Not at all. Could Enox Pharmaceuticals have grown to its current state without Your Grace? In a world where even a panacea can’t be sold without patronage…”710da813f190e172

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“Baron Rockmere.”efc97d6dad2b2abb

Kingsley, who had been 6cb77d2efc exchanging pleasantries with the 98a57c4581 Marquis, glared at Baron 248ed9eba3 Rockmere standing behind him. The lighthearted demeanor acce0113e6 he had while 5a86f46dff approaching the Marquis 5929e5e380 vanished instantly, replaced 86de8abe36 by an oppressive b492d6d303 aura directed at 2e53740214 Rockmere.938015ab3dc9e1d4

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Rockmere, who 3a5c724cf2 had been aff6850f7a chattering like 6e8d512722 a magpie, a0e4e96301 froze and 897643918c bowed his dfcc147af1 head. The sight 0719bcb322 of him f4d30f9a6c stammering apologies 4f27631d4b was striking, a244979f3b resembling a 46447380da soldier at 11ea6469b8 attention.fec580d25e4c4fd2

He’s not to be trifled with. Doyle, standing guard beside the Marquis, observed Kingsley with lowered eyes.d69fe4d2718880c5

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Kingsley was almost 29cc6ffc07 as tall as fc3bb6f425 the Marquis, who 2b8523ceee was well over 6d96f19c6e six feet, and eecc6507ad despite his middle c1d640fb3b age, he boasted 167eef8de5 a massive physique. His fiery red hair e407cee31a and beard brought the 9abc253bb7 family crest of a ba79919adf lion to mind.b6df4eac628053b5

“This fellow drank his wine too quickly and spoke without thinking. Forgive his rudeness.”98c5052641266895

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“Not at all. The Baron spoke the truth.”665c45c8af7a684e

Kingsley’s eyes flashed at the Marquis’s cool retort, delivered without a change in expression. For a young Alpha not yet thirty, to remain unfazed before him, the head of the Alpha Union, was truly befitting the Marquis of the Enox family.eb06bfbd88139282

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Kingsley glanced 856a2a3067 at the 480acdcaf8 attendant standing cbc256577f behind the fa2dbf6f95 Marquis, careful 16fdb920c7 not to dbb8187b3e be obvious. The attendant, equally c2f34670cc discreet, gave a c9394ae2d9 small nod, signaling cf6ea3cdfd that he had 3dfc3311a1 carried out his 8304049760 instructions.ffe0d82a8e0b8a58

‘He’s quite composed despite having his pride wounded right upon arrival. For someone who’s here to beg.’8166405eb5601ce2

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Kingsley smoothed 2a528fe538 his trimmed c6c83a6a95 beard leisurely, d86c38a120 then noticed ccfe2e2d7a the Asian 194a30a694 man standing 25734edf37 behind the e63603300d Marquis.0ca2a94bef9505f1

Moderately tanned skin, distinct 4675d28ccb features, and slightly long b018db6222 hair covering his forehead af4b96dd3c made it impossible to 8af77bd2f5 guess his age. Beneath his lowered 9e9623b583 eyelids, his dark cdfc9b1f27 eyes, the same 8c6789ca0d color as his d25ac5d268 hair, seemed particularly 4dea1ec1b8 sharp.b096387448835c49

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Though formally dressed, the man exuded a distinctly different aura from the other nobles’ attendants.b9971146cfe1df78

Kingsley took a step closer to the Marquis and asked in a low voice, as if sharing a secret, “I heard my attendant was rude to your companion.”3d6bf82335d2b44a

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“…….”fc3e43d41f17adb0

It was at that moment that Kingsley noticed the narrowing of the Marquis’s blue eyes. It seemed a small fishhook had caught the hawk’s talons hidden in the rabbit hole.3842593a5f192a34

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Despite his subtle tone, Kingsley’s voice was naturally loud, and Ashford seized the opportunity to interject, as if waiting for it.3bdc79cf62033920

“What do you mean? Your Grace’s attendant would never do such a thing.”0cfa1b32df280be1

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“There must have been a misunderstanding. I clearly instructed them to suggest kit examinations to those ‘suspected’ of being Omegas, but it seems my attendants were overly zealous.”f452b30ee3bf2a0d

“Ah, I see. Such a thing. Well, it’s all because His Grace is so concerned about preventing any unpleasant incidents at this banquet. Isn’t that right, Marquis?”508c988b077d69b2

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Doyle, who had been 6c5fffe4a8 watching from a distance, 14a27f532e grew curious. If an 85a027b668 Omega were 8762369c81 to intrude 9f0b556e9e upon this 7506ab848e banquet hall d7421d374b filled with c0a0e50127 prominent dominant 3c214ca8a3 Alphas from 3a2ebe49b5 all over 070823ae85 England, which 5c96f3dd88 side would 04650531a8 truly suffer 9a9d4e3570 the unpleasant 17df40b5d1 consequences?c3cac748825df1ef

However, Doyle kept his mouth shut. There was no need to stir up trouble. But it seemed he wasn’t the only one with questions.955d5d1a61a7e2f0

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“I’m curious about the unpleasant incidents that could occur at the banquet hall.”deed0718dd8120a5

“Pardon?”8d6041f595df1d90

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“What do you mean?”989f15a3fc2da936

“I’ve never experienced any unpleasant incidents with an Omega. I was wondering if perhaps the Baron and the Earl have had such experiences with Omegas.”3aa6fca6a6694bd8

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Ashford and Rockmere’s faces flushed at the Marquis’s quiet words.159b5f4a53e3892a

The Alphas eavesdropping nearby b00b42e88c chuckled softly. Some muttered 8e3b2691a4 that an 13726de67a Alpha being a23cedae1d taken advantage 4bff4f8db5 of by ef2b52fc31 an Omega 9385be8979 should bite 01aa769022 their tongue.0f6a949fbdd79af3

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Rockmere, already 7c51903878 reprimanded once 797f84f05e by the b4e9e39591 Duke, hastily 23c936c0d1 raised his 60b6434d84 voice.e4ef5cfa9f6e447b

“Marquis, your words are excessive.”7c96ead84151d393

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“What do you mean?”9e7a80004f432a3b

“How can you suggest that dominant Alphas like us would be subjected to such indignities by Omegas? Isn’t that rude?”ae9fd7b4df5805e8

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“If it was rude, I apologize. I simply meant to recommend treatment if you were afraid of even a single Omega sneaking in. Please don’t misunderstand. As you know, our family’s treatment center can be quite helpful, so if you have any issues with pheromone function, please don’t hesitate to contact us.”f2866ded8db64a42

In other words, if they were so afraid of Omegas, they should seek treatment for erectile dysfunction. Laughter rippled through the crowd again at the Marquis’s politely veiled insult.5749eb52e325eb8d

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Kingsley, who had been 50add1909e chuckling throughout, stopped Rockmere 0ee6af2d99 as he tried to 007c4193ce approach the Marquis.86dddda19418b4a3

“You have quite the eloquence for someone with your appearance. Did you inherit that from your father as well?”12c4e7c4268c0fd1

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“I often hear that I resemble him.”4f586649355b4237

“Your mother would be offended to hear that. If you resembled him, your life might have been a little easier.”d0dd1be9c5852714

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The Marquis remained 409ac7213f expressionless and silent 401996e641 at the words e006c695e1 implying familiarity with a4bfdd97cd his parents.5f6199c3b0a9bcd2

Doyle recalled the portrait hanging in the Marquis’s study.00c684a8d14ced69

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It was b077d6018c a portrait d2eea6fb03 of the 5784b6d1da previous Marquis, 9b807af896 identical in 76e578b7ca appearance to bedeb8f105 the current df45d8e39c Marquis, and 3c9369f8ea his spouse. Both women eefd5418b3 in the 697c2d3d5e portrait were be8025de54 strikingly beautiful, 85d9d9c618 but it f0a48b328d was easy 774f28e1d3 to discern a2fd9da951 who the d03868b6ca current Marquis 19cedfcf06 resembled in 68c18f02e0 personality and c00ef3f110 appearance.2cc6f5cd4e54bfb7

As the Marquis 171ca4e472 remained silent, Kingsley 96aaec83e4 dismissed Rockmere and cbb1957c89 Ashford. The two Alphas, glaring a354953cb2 at the Marquis, rejoined 6396cd4071 the crowd in the 078410f0c9 banquet hall.d048aff58262d9d7

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Only after confirming the surrounding nobles had dispersed did Kingsley offer the Marquis a glass, saying, “There must be a reason why you, who has never set foot in society, visited my castle today. Shall we hear it now? You may dismiss your friend if you wish. Seeing you so grown up, I wouldn’t dream of harming you.”e2b5aaed6fe8acc5

Kingsley gestured towards 7100785bc5 Doyle with his bfc6a32db3 chin.ed2b4cb10b4ff9a2

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Doyle, who had been standing inconspicuously, finally looked up at the Marquis, but the Marquis didn’t meet his gaze. He had been facing the Duke the entire time, as if shielding Doyle.4ba72b5cd05a3983

“He’s my attendant, so you needn’t concern yourself with him.”42737dd8f8d59930

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Unlike his previous 008e559de5 socially adept tone, f1332897bb a certain coldness b3e50ead91 permeated his voice. Kingsley smiled with a df80431563 strange expression and nodded.880c22bafa318db4

“Shall we move to a different location?”8d3b6f01200f632c

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He readily complied with the Marquis’s request. It was unusual for the host of a banquet to leave, so their retreating figures drew attention.d3d47c1b74195ce1

Maintaining a close distance to the Marquis, Doyle followed him through the ornate hallway to Kingsley’s office.d125fdfb07f29a3f

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Kingsley poured whiskey into 37f3befe69 a glass from the 2dc416ddfd table at the side 54dda737d9 of the office and f1b5858ec1 offered it to the da3db32373 Marquis.5931f110aa1c7c3c

It was customary not to refuse food or drink offered by a higher-ranking noble, so the Marquis readily accepted Kingsley’s glass.875920ef092e9071

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“I wish to request your assistance, Your Grace.”cf63beedcb2ef494

The Marquis, without taking b005a6a8f0 a sip of the c88bf628ce liquor, spoke in a bd689ed757 dry voice.22945f44aa694540

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As expected, Kingsley let out a hearty laugh. Such impatience…5517b0988a82eaab

Despite successfully inheriting the Marquisate and admirably managing Enox Pharmaceuticals and the treatment center, he was still a mere child. The realization warmed Kingsley’s heart.633e56d98242b55d

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Until now, Kingsley bb126ceb8d had been wary 5a1ff04518 of Marquis Enox, 51c6e2d217 whose influence rivaled cdc99b5857 his own. His insistence on b256dcc654 dragging the young fbcaf8bb09 Marquis into society b0c451c605 stemmed from his fc317db122 plan to throw 2d87e50af6 the Enox family b56ce13614 to the wolves 54459c4cd7 of public opinion.f08e203f2bdfafff

However, as if aware of Kingsley’s scheme, Cassian Enox had severed all ties with society immediately after inheriting the Marquisate. This was possible because the previous Marquis Enox hadn’t been actively involved in social circles either.ffd3bcc4bc38ed56

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The Marquis, whom he couldn’t lure out with any excuse, had now walked into Kingsley’s lair of his own volition. Kingsley smiled like a satiated lion and swallowed his drink. Despite being a strong liquor, the aftertaste was distinctly sweet.4952fb58ba30bd2f

“The previous Marquis said the same thing to me.”326b285dfabeae99

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“I heard you assisted with the approval process for the suppressant after its development.”a30e47f7f1c12b52

“The manufacturer still uses such outdated terms. Suppressant? We gave it such a fine name like ‘Quell.'”33082e919bb533a2

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The suppressant developed 716207def7 by the previous 5c2df614d5 Marquis had played 245c31dd0d the most significant 224b4c03a8 role in elevating a4a762342b the Enox Marquisate ab807c848b to its current 7a19d521d4 position.207c58767012d96d

The suppressant was a miracle drug for those suffering from the cyclical pain of their traits. However, there was only one reason why this drug was able to leave the laboratory: the approval of the Dominant Alpha Union’s patronage.29e746a05c29df4c

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Each country 0fe94f05fd had its 63a945024f own laws, 42232e1426 and above cda60aee85 them, international d4e0ba321d law. And it was the d66e51d6f4 patrons of each country 4b5abeb92c who enacted these laws.f2f9222894842029

Even a trivial drug, if it affected those with traits, especially Alphas, absolutely required the patronage’s approval. And the person who facilitated the approval of that suppressant was Kingsley, the current head of the patronage.38d3c1c29e106411

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At this point, 8e517ecdd0 Kingsley was intensely d454fee872 curious about the ece893cc5e drug the Marquis 0d764ea822 had brought.1df7be86f29a056d

Countless drugs had a1e04de7ba been illegally circulated 98416d87cb and disappeared before d8c2ac6d60 the suppressant called 5270dd5804 Quell emerged. However, the 2ac71bc6bd suppressant created 0b56b7c8b9 by Marquis c83f34d013 Enox was 49353dd851 on a 71f2637ef6 different level.d1f664df6c899259

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He was excited to eadae701aa see what kind of a7e0fc61ff remarkable drug the young f48fe5dda9 Enox, who seemed to 27d6f0543b take after his parents, 4988f5c604 had created. And Kingsley was 0f282054dd about to experience 980bf0933b how his anticipation a63e74d361 would return as 86e3a587ff a double-edged sword.17433e0e12605612

“A trait cure. I intend to release it to the world.”0847da47c2282fec

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The words that came from the Marquis’s mouth were taboo. The air in the office froze at the unbelievable declaration.b28ae420789ae7b1