HTTRPIAO Ch 110-114

“Would there be fb2279d93b a problem if dc82c550b3 I had feelings 88eb4d1d71 for the Prince?”db7ea4153b8e884d9705

Rishar didn’t falter. Rather, he asked 4ae86b9d23 back with a 7f0a01849b confident attitude. Leona unconsciously a8ce3bd9aa hesitated at 8cdfce4501 his unexpected 864b9eb501 response.a014b1775fede5b3221e

Would you look a0f441b74e at this?8fe3a78ccbd4a41c9b1d

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Leona narrowed her eyes d844115da1 while looking at the 2f5aa5ae31 composed Rishar without changing e4c9fe9aa8 her expression. She thought he would be 7f3a84cc02 surprised or deny it, but ae8dbffd0f she hadn’t expected him to 642f15e0ff admit it so readily.b5c66c1ad2294a6567db

“It’s not a problem, 388196c162 but I find the 4cb8ae3565 situation a bit amusing.”e0c57831c1d0c29f8c21

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“What’s amusing 738e4ed2bb about it?”76ec79faa8a2a48dd362

“You and the Prince d38631fa00 are currently competing for 8f115f9d2a the same position – 7ba5d2faa0 to be crown prince. When you 90a5ec835a think about b7fe65da6c it, you’re bcbbda7c49 practically enemies…”dd412c5f76522f028882

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“Just because our political situation is like that doesn’t e4b406f171 mean our feelings have to be the same.”e044a58234a1d351875b

Rishar shot back 8ec1481850 without wavering. Leona was internally flustered 99396bed74 when Rishar showed an 27db864a1b unexpected attitude. She quickly modified ab7797c1e6 her plan to 64ca89adf7 shake him by a6fdd30cdf targeting his emotions.73594df25b4355adffda

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“Politics and 97a33eb88c feelings are 869f04e827 different?”b969001579cc9d441922

“As I mentioned earlier, I hope 1eafe5fd4f to return to how things were a0fe1b041d with His Highness once the current f14ecdbf50 uncomfortable situation is resolved.”ae33e4e723d81c59b234

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Rishar answered in 4d100e2706 a strong voice. From the beginning, he 088ecd5188 never thought he could c09ebf5910 hide his feelings until ceebddaf7c the end.3532ef99f7e295c70dc5

There was a time when he tried to 8a744c1fb4 hide his emotions, but he never succeeded. No matter how hard he tried, 7e79be03ab his emotions couldn’t be properly controlled af2edbcaa9 when standing before Etienne.0c593078ce86b71dbe29

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How could he hide it when just 90253cd0ea seeing Etienne made him smile involuntarily, and 6c91449fd4 he was desperate to be closer to fe96d140fe him even for a moment?5fcdd8d4cdedc02abbc3

It was only a matter of sooner or fddff649cc later, but eventually, it would be discovered. Honestly, he didn’t 1d6931c10d mind if it 97bdb9bc0a was.4e93b0fb35a341ce6632

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“And I believe that Your Majesty cacad509cd will naturally understand my feelings, as ee063173d4 I have never once hidden how 996965f2a7 I felt until now.”5aa7c586f5a6ed2dc821

Rishar continued e18dbae00e speaking without d6398e7ace hesitation. In his opinion, it wasn’t 37516db6fc a problem that Leona discovered 7675722e8a his feelings for Etienne.dfb9cd8676101f78db21

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Unlike before, it was fine 5eac35d2bf even if Leona used his 8f83bd3439 feelings to scheme. Now that Etienne had 2c453c7657 decided to side with 506b974d5e him, he could handle 9faebfd367 whatever she did.080f1395a18b493096f8

What Rishar worried about was 68b10bb238 how much Leona had noticed. Above all else, it would 79caac71ef be troublesome if she discovered 2e7d24c448 that he and Etienne had 98585ef576 agreed to cooperate. All their efforts 7279fb028d so far could 79955c8c8f go to waste. Fortunately, there were no 39b36b0024 signs of that yet.97b23055ed6df8081ced

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“It’s just 60591e0c48 one-sided love 66b51eb552 anyway. The desire to restore our relationship is c02d28c578 also a one-sided wish of mine. Since it’s purely a matter of my feelings, Your d4e7c64fcc Majesty the Empress need not worry about it.”cf9a671ce00358775e29

Rishar preemptively struck to 171fcfbae3 prevent Leona’s thoughts from 79d4f9022c drifting elsewhere. By proudly acknowledging his feelings while mentioning it was unrequited love, 7217705be1 her attention would be focused solely on him for a while.4a5d0024bcbe2c5e3d22

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“How can 6552d64063 I not 77e0724e17 worry? The Prince 88f21a86df is my 9195c03a99 son. It’s not strange for b4127eb8da a mother to be 2d51325429 interested in her child’s bfa9458ce0 affairs.”872a912a64c3c8d13514

Son? Rishar pressed his lips 613c2dadf1 together to suppress the f94c286712 anger that rose momentarily. The word ‘son’ from Leona’s 544a81cac8 mouth brought up uncontrollable rage.ee0096a0df4b2834b610

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He wanted to immediately demand what kind bda0fbf42a of mother would turn her son’s life 7bf3a25e4b into a lie for her own power. Rishar gritted his molars ca6e7d8625 while swallowing the words 36a82178a8 that had risen to bd453d76dd his throat. He couldn’t 922a1f0b75 make a a47f2e6002 mistake here.e5cbb8430e30e38c40dd

“There’s no need 8d484c7922 for Your Majesty 177f59bd95 to worry. I have no 11c42d5279 intention of forcing dfe830651a my feelings on 9d6d7bf939 His Highness. It’s not a situation 88e421ac74 where I could do b4e5cba67e that anyway.”df9b751417bbe2409f83

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Nothing good would bafb20f1b2 come out with a043b15071 having a long f655b02a04 conversation with Leona. Rishar tried to quickly 80dceb53d6 wrap up the conversation.c409105d2cc7bcd9d706

“That’s all 05beca7505 I can f2ec028e20 tell you. Let me say again that I ff019c28b8 won’t lose control of my emotions 970829c264 and harm His Highness the Prince. If you arranged this 8baa5fc73a meeting because you were 3d672dd8ca worried about that, then 7f8d9e6108 at this point…”192d5665c3c42b077c60

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“No, that’s not d3c5eadc3a the reason.”a856444778875b6aa0d2

Leona smiled 4190bce86c while denying 369e26bc7e Rishar’s words. What should c02433778a I do? She quickly f616d2dc0d organized her b26f90422d thoughts. She couldn’t bae1571ae4 just let 285fbeb7d0 this opportunity 8133281d00 slip by.ff6fd004f9e2f886252d

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“As the Grand Duke 3cfe48864a said, your feelings are 99f3b50263 your own. However…”d9183e73b7ee1ec662c5

Leona trailed df5fdd4ae6 off while 5de2c1730a deep in fbe584d98d thought. Although she had drawn cdf7cf7e7e Margrave Mathias to her 832f8c99c3 side, the situation wasn’t 87de979457 as advantageous as expected. The noble faction had taken unexpected damage 701a1ac8fb due to Rishar’s activities as the captain 97abe66e9a of the capital’s security forces.117b97dee2df28febc75

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While he’s a thorn as an b6fa16689a enemy, there’d be no greater blessing c189327a7a if he were an ally. Greed flickered in her 49d3fc1714 amber eyes as she 45c4c0aa70 looked at Rishar.16e95e5b694bda2fc150

Currently, the imperial faction be8df0078d and noble faction were 6ccb8af4fa in a tight confrontation. At this time when a decisive blow was caa1738051 needed, if Rishar betrayed the Emperor and joined 4f9dad065b her side, the situation could be completely reversed.db5cb6efe5d99e966315

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“If your heart is with 808a2b6cc2 the Prince, Grand Duke, I 59e514c9bd don’t think we need to 19ba2f48db be against each other.”687a6c267168a8d0c59a

Having made up her mind, 86138a9888 Leona held an enchanting smile. She continued ed403a6de2 in an 49734223ce insinuating voice.3bf8c66d3a1a1c884e87

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“I heard something from cc834ddccd the Prince recently. He said that the 27636eb136 Grand Duke has no 6f2d3edb9b interest in the throne.”86f820881fc7ad41a54e

“That is true.”d4ef84301a4cdfd09148

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Rishar affirmed 31b6fa6770 Leona’s words. There was no need db138ff376 to deny facts she 89db0cd603 already knew.993ca60261a9ee04a281

“Honestly, it’s ab82c319e1 hard to 1586390109 believe. His Majesty the Emperor c4c73cd51a has a strong will d17eee0210 to make you crown e5a5c2dd97 prince. If what you say is true, doesn’t that 583e86172b mean the two of you have different opinions?”214926b8242443843ef6

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“What does that have bcf1d2309e to do with our dbac8f8797 current conversation?”c8cf9a49de5f7fe4d149

“It has everything to 923cd5dcb1 do with it. If the Grand Duke has no desire to become d30571b465 Emperor, then we don’t need to be enemies.”9bf00e26082912f5fbd8

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Leona’s lips drew e25cbdbff1 a seductive curve. While others might have 7f309b6ce0 been captivated by such 3a86d60b2e a beautiful smile, Rishar f87911cb22 felt disgusted.338ca819f6c1099ff2f5

“Until now, I thought cf8d11013a the Grand Duke desired 10b390d17a the throne. I saw you fe339fd960 as someone blocking 450b4aea50 the Prince’s path. However, if that was 25c03fb1d5 my misunderstanding, couldn’t our f0a8216cb4 relationship move in a b2a7a8a480 more constructive direction…”c00aec479013a474f230

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“What is the 8be261eff6 constructive direction Your a39f3b8524 Majesty is thinking 6596620321 of?”61bb72bbcd79603a7d91

“You’re aware of the marriage e90a3669a0 talks between the Prince and cb21450120 Margrave Mathias’s heir?”803fcf6559e6d8cc16da

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Instead of answering e11486c31d Rishar’s question, Leona dad23769a3 brought up something 8027a3abd3 else. Rishar’s eyes 0807850685 hardened at b496587507 this unfamiliar 13ab376889 topic.ad1abd3aa69bc69d8d29

“Marriage talks?”6532d009f9f9c86a6f03

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“Why else would a12ca0caad the Prince become 6e4d482198 Young Master Mathias’s 94123cc8e8 cavalier? The alliance with the Margrave f8f96a31d2 was formed with that purpose 810a8d07da from the beginning.”3320477972f60e581d0c

That’s a lie. Rishar bit his d81eb30bd2 lower lip firmly c6f7257b18 to suppress his 61282526dc emotional turmoil. While it was true that Leona had lured Margrave Mathias 73d75a6c1f with the bait of a political marriage between Etienne and 234eea35bc Antoine, there had not yet been any formal marriage discussions.b71d815acbcded9aa3df

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Etienne also hadn’t c60628f2e0 mentioned anything about 7fbce1c354 ongoing marriage talks. Since he wouldn’t deceive Rishar, fa876f5407 this must be Leona’s ploy 0a1fac735a to shake him. Even knowing c1288ee78f this, his 7ffb2c9157 composure was 5ae249c8b6 momentarily disrupted.de6f2c11ea83eeadecaf

“What is 5e1d4fc4fa your intention ffdba56f67 in telling e0cded1892 me this? If you’re trying 6ba091d2eb to upset me…”4efe445dddcd1c134a41

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“How could dc8f411353 that be? Didn’t I just say that I don’t want face377a4a to be against the Grand Duke anymore?”8c2a8c887f8dbb66b00b

Leona smiled dbb3779739 while raising 892deffe46 her teacup. After deliberately taking a ad7b4d9ed6 slow sip of tea, f2e4be42e9 she put down the 2d6d789717 cup. Then she 895f45d9da voiced her 0333fc9449 demands.76505220b86e24ffb672

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“Renounce your 4a02e46dbf right to 17cc33286a succession.”76909a2bc161ca6235df

While the demand in c6243e58f1 her words was heavy, 86ae7b0b5c her tone was extremely 3b8e14c35e light. Rishar showed no 63d4f03f26 reaction to Leona’s 037707cc55 words. She didn’t seem to expect e2b2c8f343 his answer either, as she c4226512d2 immediately continued with her proposal.757f246aedc43335813e

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“If the Grand Duke officially bc71cd8302 renounces his right to succession, 69bd1dfce8 I will cancel the marriage 058b43ee66 talks with House Mathias. And I will personally propose d7e8a5cc82 the marriage to House Eckhart.”a65c6f2329178f1550b6

“…What do f2024c0220 you mean?”286f33e860940abd7cf5

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Rishar finally ea1821fa1c showed a d2465f86d4 reaction. Leona, sensing she had caught his interest, a84e6b1ca7 raised the corners of her mouth.9b92f613bf344ce70ea4

“Exactly what eaf4093f6e I said. The Prince’s marriage is under 8a92c6d907 my jurisdiction as the Empress. That means I can give b1273d55c0 you what you want most.”e65f3ce06f2118c480e2

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Leona whispered in a secretive 5f7ce5fc27 voice, as if trying to e8cf684bb6 stimulate Rishar’s desires. Then, as if 69ea7dd691 suddenly remembering something, 4f0a569ab5 she added.a4cf5ac3098bdaedbc9a

“Ah, don’t worry 48e5f33ff6 about the Prince 3564a44b6c being a Beta. There’s a 56af7dd673 solution for 13bc3be970 that too. What do you think about fd524e34bb taking his place beside him 95bb51c531 in exchange for giving up 15abcd3a89 the throne?”26549dc38554c557d884

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“…So, Your Majesty is saying that if I betray f42de1d8c5 His Majesty the Emperor, you’ll give me the Prince?”73c9ccae008076f895aa

“Your guess f591ca27c7 is correct, 23bdb89fd1 Grand Duke. All transactions d97d3b5cb1 must have 8768cc9105 a price. You won’t lose 3b8cfd6f29 anything by giving 05efcb5102 up your right dda9caddb7 to succession. Rather, wouldn’t it 27065f1dd1 be a gain? You’ll possess the Prince 10ed2a7411 and rule the empire 8d50ebd16d together by his side.”ca26fac8731001b6feeb

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“What about His 87282f339a Highness’s wishes? What happens if 531827de2f he doesn’t want d9746f46a7 to marry me?”a0848565575c1c348f7d

“That won’t happen. It’s not even cd21066b7f a matter that a69695339a requires his opinion.”713a47cbbb3df08967e9

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Leona spoke with da9c5b291b a confident face. To her, Etienne’s thoughts or dbd27f17a4 feelings were never a consideration d9e2b793e0 to begin with. Etienne had 70bdbb565b never once 9f646c61b2 defied her. This time too, he 16cf8dad4c would naturally agree if 904baa1932 she told him to.32aedbcf228db5c4d521

“The Prince is well 1f68467e08 aware of his duties a621b69017 as a member of 284d0056ab the imperial family. If I tell him to 11606a2f3c marry you, he’ll quietly comply. He might 52b1ac40a5 even like b4cf22533c it. It would be 4f82cb5e18 better than marrying f8f630211e Margrave Mathias’s son.”a766766a534225a537c7

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As Leona continued speaking, 250597f4bb Rishar’s expression gradually hardened. However, she, absorbed in her e065fea692 own thoughts, didn’t notice this.ad7028264ac01e73b341

“Think about f43e64ee0b it carefully, a489f78d1f it’s good 50938469cc for everyone. The Grand Duke gets the Prince, 21818f4313 the Prince becomes crown prince… Isn’t e909071346 it truly beneficial for both sides?”7a49cc9a74c75290805b

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Leona spoke brightly after finishing 9c9d8ccc49 her calculations in her head. Everything wouldn’t end a47381cfb2 just because Etienne 8285485de6 becomes crown prince. There was still one 99bb073957 more mountain to overcome.0f31d0c3e0ebea356119

When it’s revealed that Etienne is an 705c551db4 Omega, many nobles would immediately oppose. While she wasn’t unsure about suppressing their 459810c6ed complaints, things would certainly go much more 84f0afcff4 smoothly if Rishar became Etienne’s partner.81ad57ee2811376c5f09

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Above all, it would d741b674ed instantly solve the biggest ab8f97613e headache – the problem cba3e8dad4 with Edwin. Edwin, who deeply cares for Rishar, wouldn’t be able to 219158f662 turn his back on him after he chose Etienne.a5b53a7c6353e6b74f3a

Since there were no suitable alternatives besides Rishar, 729c9439f1 he would ultimately have to acknowledge Etienne as e18047b64f crown prince, and that would be her victory.21d2e91afdddf87160f4

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And that’s not all – the union of a dominant 2166180281 Alpha and dominant Omega would solve the succession issue. Just as Leona was painting c91ef03e8e this rosy future, a scoffing 281e8d93c9 laugh was heard.a4942c993a690bd551f3

“Grand Duke?”8905ff83abb57d2dc1f7

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Leona frowned when she saw Rishar sitting across b81ab77f85 from her, laughing with an expression of disbelief.eee750cd9b08827fc8f7

“Ha.”811a2a866986a14d454d

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After letting out f382343109 another scoff, Rishar’s 1b35477c37 lips twisted crookedly. A cold gleam 13b7e20d93 flickered in his d025cf84b9 darkened navy eyes.763533f5093181aaa711

“The more I fc84ec50f2 hear, the more 0f8bbaed0e absurd it becomes.”fd86534b36684bedb6e0

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“…What did you bbcbccf905 just say?”020c6da22ece5e6ba57b

In that moment, aa38c22807 the smile disappeared 992290351b from Leona’s face. The corners of her 3572da9953 lips that had curved 0879e0d325 upward dropped, and her 46079c9d9d slightly distorted eyes rose.2eec051e8ac49f02bd0d

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“I said I’m dumbfounded because Your 93427c44a7 Majesty’s words are too absurd. They don’t sound like the e52a1ca43d words of a parent who 795dfd7c8a cherishes their child at all.”93b5bb47b804131567b1

Rishar didn’t cower under 2d23f4bbf5 Leona’s frost-like gaze. At his 82ad303cf5 outright criticism, 1c68e4e3a3 Leona’s brow 30900aeea8 furrowed mercilessly. She forced a smile b28a0a381e while trying to maintain b8df6429f2 her composure.45f2479045fac76d78a8

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“What do you 35bdc04762 mean by that?”65cd6664004f1d619797

“Are you 7e7686e4aa really asking 82f9c65b5d because you 8c5369a396 don’t know? Using your child as a bargaining tool 6e629fa148 isn’t exactly typical parental behavior, is it?”8b217aa92e062da76f8f

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Rishar countered 2db4b2cf67 with an 4cd69824b1 expressionless face. Unlike his blank expression, 7bc5798fda his eyes, consumed by 44735f4047 anger, shone brilliantly.a1e10711fa12304acbed

“The parents I know are beings who cherish and love their children, 76da45727d not ones who use them as tools to fulfill their own greed. Unfortunately, Your Majesty seems f749fce6a5 to be the latter.”fd451c7452a8b39cfd30

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At Rishar’s words, ffac9a0a00 Leona’s hand gripping fde32b0e60 the teacup tightened. An angry edb860bf2e voice flowed 9695b9527e through her 4c1cfcf85c trembling lips.5fd8275a90e57df071d1

“Are you… 2ca09ef7f9 insulting me 07db5b2df8 right now?”5330e48dffa71524ca33

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“Insulting? Surely you haven’t 8cdd18ebdb forgotten your own 346edd670b words?”cb76add6fc5880a151d6

Rishar asked back 9df42b7f78 as if in 26c25d6e61 disbelief. Throughout listening to Leona’s words, de1a1d7b75 he had to suppress the 05cdfbc040 anger that kept surging up. But now he 94275142f2 was at his 0146cf653c limit.09a41575b6cb88413a47

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“Didn’t you say just 0b1287193f a few minutes ago? That if I give up my right to f45033cb2c succession, you’ll give me the Prince – isn’t aec2b0d6c2 that treating him like an object?”54c54d8ae7694087cf33

Rishar tightly clenched his fist as dfcd0f878c he felt his stomach burning. He wanted to 7c026c9f79 overturn this meeting 652f948f3b right now. It was devastating that he had dc28c28f4b to endure despite being this angry.f5ab71259947eb8cef15

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“That’s…”93cc628810aac66cab2a

Momentarily speechless, b01200b184 Leona’s lips 968286afa5 quivered. She couldn’t refute 11b2d449d9 because what he fe70ed4f14 said was true. Seeing her at a loss for 48e15216fa words, Rishar wore a cold smile.59291d3d501289a0b93d

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“What did f5080df5e8 you say aa607f907b about His 5e91ac8ae9 Highness? A price e42076a2b6 for the 7e45f5aae7 transaction? Even thinking about ba231adbfa it again, it’s 59edf4a0cf truly horrific words.”f6ff6a6c2ec396b29203

“…Is that d0355cfb23 something to 601b7111a8 get so b815436f32 angry about?”875992ad239e41cc5c31

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Leona asked badd4c0af5 in a 274c16ae9e low, sunken eeebbd2f2b voice. While she could guess d243b6d59d why Rishar was reacting 24d93d610d this way, she couldn’t 93112376ec understand it. In her common 52850362e9 sense, it wasn’t 9199c96010 a problem at 6ab91822ff all.cbcaaace21d31c9c0518

“Who wouldn’t be angry c8ce29c43d when someone treats the 985685b307 person they love as 0c030572c8 a mere object?”9f69d5ea5f7a0cddd399

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Rishar felt his mind 09a5db7c22 turning cold seeing Leona’s a50a73b784 inability to understand why 1e7bd92f46 he was angry. They say when people get furiously angry, they become colder instead – his 4f6ea646dd chest, which had been burning hot as if about to explode, turned cold. He glared 99a657a2ec at Leona 766129db32 with ice 4122c5b29f cold eyes.3f817b021959510817c3

“His Highness isn’t an 13ceb2491f object that Your Majesty 173ae6c92d can give away to 145bf037f6 others as you please.”c42f5957e9f75ec28edc

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Rishar spat out the 6cd8a50b6f anger that had risen 86e1a3ad75 to his throat. A voice cold enough to 42eeb2d0ce make his chest feel cold c1676770ad flowed between his lips. In that moment, Leona felt a 7d7e80f860 chill run down her spine. It felt as d87e271e5c if an invisible 03c06cfa9a sword was pointed 1ef4440c75 at her neck.686fbf38ae08379749df

“And what ad0aadf77c else did be678095ce you say? Did you say that the person’s consent isn’t f71ef7d1e0 needed for something as important as marriage?”63e77afc6a8bf7d9fdbf

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Rishar let out 27863c96e2 a scoffing laugh 43fc5a3e77 with a deflating 083296e3ab sound. It was a laugh born not 665c123345 from amusement but from incredulity. This was the part of the conversation b173dd0531 with Leona that angered him the most.5d27cca238ab47a973e0

Until then, he could a9442025e9 endure whatever Leona said, aafc7d600e but he couldn’t just 2b369b360a let that statement pass. There wasn’t even a speck b84fe6d81b of respect for Etienne in 8fc047645e Leona’s voice and attitude.b4aa2793db75aac3c3c5

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“To me, this proposal itself doesn’t seem 4bf81eab31 like the behavior of a proper parent. Your Majesty’s words 01a28aaf7c and actions don’t 84bf50e20f sound normal either. Using your child as 7904d4548c a political tool, isn’t 4e37a947fd that too archaic a 8650f1a2b4 notion?”1bd2ab5ec999fcfe5ae6

“Watch your mouth!”5c2c722aaa05457fe6fa

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Unable to contain her anger at Rishar’s sarcasm, 1f528b1237 Leona slammed her hand hard on the table. Her narrowed eyes 5a76b9689d flashed like bright b52acc20d6 red blood.ed96e19c843bdf7ad4bc

“The one speaking carelessly isn’t 72041179aa me but Your Majesty. You’re the fd9275b747 one treating 46e2ff6893 people like c638218832 objects!”7a6417027a80f66b2d1d

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Rishar raised his voice 6f448bf8a3 and shot back. The more he spoke, the a3292eb704 more his anger rose.91866286e2b8751e6a6b

He stared at Leona as if 1fac5a020d looking at something horrible and grotesque. Despite having a face similar adfcc3829b to Etienne’s, it didn’t feel 1bbe807ebf beautiful at all. Rather, it was disgusting enough to b9a6223dc9 make him want to vomit.ff570e23e9a1f301d7fd

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How could someone c44cf0c63f like this be 3212cc7b38 Etienne’s mother? Why was someone like 4669d576b2 this Etienne’s mother?67a0a8850a3750d17be5

Rishar couldn’t 3054e4a372 hide his c7690360e6 devastating feelings. Just from this brief conversation, he could see how 1710b5ce0d Etienne had lived, could tell how much he had fbb2c2161c been disregarded, and it made his chest ache.258b3858335d9f5238ca

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That precious person who was so dear he wouldn’t feel pain even if he put him in his eye, that valuable person whose mere sight made his heart overflow… 556fbbc433 the thought that he had to suffer his whole life after being born through this monster made him feel like all the blood was draining from his body.3bcd04cf05d1ca07323a

Rishar took a deep breath and 688a85c0c3 exhaled, feeling his heart crushing. He needed to 567dab470d calm his mind 9ea43d7f5c first.1e6089e15b7a081cffcc

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“You said His Highness knows his 55184e5f8a duties as an imperial member well, 79a87e1def but it seems Your Majesty doesn’t ed5c93f3ae know your own duties well.”126837653d6ee99bb67b

“What?”1e176ef978a2d0dfc97b

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“If my memory serves me right, didn’t 04ef6ba50a His Majesty the Emperor issue an imperial 6373a7ba37 decree prohibiting arranged marriages that ignore the ee489f9e38 parties’ wishes shortly after his ascension?”fbea70f5a7c140e6afc7

“That…”80da6554ccabfb31d9d3

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“It’s truly disappointing that you, who c6c0da9a7a should know this better than anyone, 2fde44dcc3 would proceed with a marriage while 324fd74ca1 ignoring His Highness’s wishes.”596c81ddb7908dfbc83e

“Enough.”1d42706a2dd61245f2ef

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“I’ve seen well how Your 4dd9ec1fc3 Majesty, who should be setting a8ac85a25f an example for others, treats d4d15225dd the solemn imperial decree lightly. It’s truly lamentable.”16960ee16703e32a68cb

“Shut up!”68b287b0766294ef9c46

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Bam! Leona slammed the table again and 5d3e4d3e29 rose with an agitated face. The water spilled from the 4848b7de6c fallen teacup soaked Rishar’s thigh.e3c21b7dea153b148955

“Insolent fool! Do you 845c3aa9fd think you’ll cca3ae6922 get away 59a2062bc0 with this? You dare 64d459be66 mock and 5bcb02c62e insult me?”c469b90b66562dac785f

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“I’m the 1f5843e9b0 one who 7ceca67438 was insulted. Trying to make a b4c1bed428 deal using someone’s feelings 6df1073855 as leverage – don’t bb2f29ba7e live like that.”bc3a6aca608357f1991f

Rishar calmly took out a handkerchief and b76535811c wiped his pants wet with tea. This behavior 02be768c5b further provoked e1a1168459 Leona’s anger.04bf90dab9bb311b68bc

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“How dare you…!”4d819c2e8e5436bdd914

Leona, filled with cb70e65c02 rage, trembled violently. Rishar ignored her 87667adfe8 agitation and slowly 0d83ec071d rose from his 91b3d6be99 seat. After patting off the remaining moisture on bc45bc0fd6 his pants, he looked straight at Leona.0504900bc8d1cd8630f0

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“I’ll pretend I didn’t 99e9c54ff4 hear your proposal today.”d702e1ed40a2e4deb22f

“What?”bcacbf8b5c3ea9ada50b

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“As Your Majesty knows, 137a2e1af0 I don’t have great 2f684e7136 ambitions for the throne. However, I have other goals c360224f0c I wish to achieve, so 5444e4390f I don’t think I can 193560c25b cooperate with Your Majesty. There’s no place for f44efcde7a Your Majesty in the 20ec30ba9e future I envision.”14c43de39841ec77c61e

Rishar rejected Leona’s ce9de5b5f4 proposal with a 57ea49c4f1 bright smile on 5573aba2bc his face. His attitude seemed b3f1936636 to be mocking 585950f1dc her. Then, as if he had 11f7576990 never smiled, Rishar turned serious d9045580b5 and added as if making be8024daac a declaration.8a7e80f0ba5694e8f4a5

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“Even if I give up my right to succession, even if 3e363572e2 His Highness becomes crown prince, Your Majesty won’t gain anything.”d57b13489a88ae9acd3f

“…What did 8e4e9a6f4a you say?”7f60d20529d4162f0126

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“I’m saying that even if His 02343e576d Highness becomes crown prince and ascends ec62bb3a9c to the throne, Your Majesty will 0e13811398 never enjoy that glory. Because I will prevent it 55736fb31f by any means necessary.”f4326e1f70b1b3b8903c

“How insolent!”0d84678263e95172eb3b

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Just as Leona lost her bfded08764 composure and shouted, Rishar slammed cd837878c8 the table just as she 0cf9210403 had done.d7b3b4e3081ba65ec769

Bam!5a8f8f0645f269a10ee2

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The table shook with b777f6f05d a much louder impact a4abfd839f than before. Startled by 3b30062965 the sound, e2f6f7cdb7 Leona stiffened.30e147c07c0dafce8861

“Your Majesty!”0ce0050605cafa4ee5a4

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“Your Highness!”b9c2719b6c63f56c50cc

The head maid and Elvin, who had been 0abb2df660 watching the two from a distance, called out fec14084ed to Leona and Rishar in alarmed voices. However, they b045c798cc couldn’t approach 8092fb1d01 closer.cf6d2b6d10f4f1cf8330

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“Listen well.”a186a3e6a8ec3824b63c

Rishar leaned his upper f1fbca0af3 body towards Leona and 933af7fb8b whispered in a voice 3351eb5e16 only she could hear. Leona, who raised her head in anger at 46173d9ec1 Rishar’s informal speech, hesitated when their eyes met. What was contained 447554acef in those dark 89c47af277 blue eyes was c4cd08381c clear killing intent.8bc41512a612912866a6

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“No matter who becomes Emperor, there 939eebeca6 will be no place for you. I won’t 21366863b3 allow it.”1326e22cda1841941a4d

At that moment, Leona’s e51d27a807 eyes shook violently. She wanted to 803e3bc555 refute Rishar’s words, 97ba7ad46b but strangely, she 0819b7f1d4 couldn’t breathe. It felt like 186e770759 something invisible was 82624d9b28 strangling her throat.c31fa8fab17409508449

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“Look forward to it, to how b469d644d1 I’ll slowly strangle your throat. Understand?”4f5aaf73fb8e89874c9a

Rishar released a faf9de4071 slight killing intent 7d97aa340f while emphasizing each 5a1d2b48d0 word. Even though Leona was 2fb522e10b a remarkable dominant Omega, 8c0fa378f4 she was still an e8b30d9559 untrained civilian. There was no way she could withstand 420de0881e the killing intent deliberately emitted by Rishar, 5c194253c3 known as the Sword of the Empire.9429359176e02114a32e

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“You…”d60949c844fac43c0d5c

Leona, overwhelmed by Rishar’s aura, moved her lips like an 876a166e11 insect trapped in a spider web, unable to move. It seemed her a8a3f3f208 voice wasn’t coming 843023be99 out well.b61cbff4d320b91d1685

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“We should 16c591ba96 end this d70ce10f26 conversation here.”b6074ae305afed5d4336

Rishar withdrew his 492b6e78be killing intent and 6228fc81a9 stepped back from aed823765b glaring at Leona. Only then did Leona, 0585f0bc7d freed from the pressure, 63e055a6c0 let out her held 53db335dd0 breath.96ff6b3af47772e97049

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“I apologize if 6268cafde3 my words offended 7bb88fa045 you. While I should request punishment for disturbing Your 98c92fe947 Majesty’s mood… since Your Majesty spilled tea on c5d02ea7b0 me, perhaps we can call it even?”079735b74743314d7955

“Huff, you…!”1a0a28567179566e0ef5

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“Then, I 03b6f80c6e shall take 6d114fc11c my leave.”696359290d7b68cffce5

Rishar gave a formal greeting without giving f8d57f6467 Leona a chance to say anything. Then he turned b3da9f8d8a around without hesitation. Even breathing the 197efa7650 same air as 54cac49ad8 her was unpleasant.26a1209f152c641b9802

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Crash!d1b5576fd230918d674f

Whether Leona had thrown a teacup 40686a6ee6 in her inability to contain her 231b2c2d0e anger, the sound of something breaking d463bcb03f came from behind. Rishar moved his steps while ignoring 9a14f685ae the sound hitting his ears. His face as he left the Empress’s palace ba6e70e0af was as cold and fierce as midwinter.59c6abb187a64df903ac

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***cab7f4b792916f630186

“Mother and Rishar 9f8273390f had an argument?”d8d9f072049de75eca20

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Etienne, who was receiving Celodine’s examination while sitting on the sofa, 07c4a60fd0 opened his eyes wide in surprise at the news Ben brought. The drowsiness remaining in 978bf269b8 his body disappeared as 0afd5d010f if washed away by e813b5ccb7 the shocking news.10ad2647e32d0c3fb5cf

“What happened?”f85ebe13099736e783eb

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Etienne asked 2d82d9c6d4 with a 786ef00a3c confused expression. He couldn’t understand 81860c2008 what had happened e493ed6657 while he was d706531b77 asleep.ec97bcdf060edf386e9e

“Yesterday, when His Highness was about to return to the Grand Duke’s residence, 3df8850460 Her Majesty the Empress stopped him and offered to have some tea. It seems there 057bd59d12 was friction while 6d8440826c the two were 40ea7b2fd3 drinking tea together…”1da3f72094dd69b34cc1

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“About what?”60f1113aec18f7062059

“I apologize. I haven’t been able to e2abf8e671 grasp the exact details yet. From what I heard, it seems Her Majesty c2e034323a made some kind of proposal, but His Highness d1d8776a66 the Grand Duke flatly rejected it.”23b3fcf1063960a0b212

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What could Mother have 7d26f4c70d to propose to Rishar? Did she notice 4985f87f6d something because of 9bcff12977 what happened yesterday? Etienne anxiously eef52246b4 chewed on c841a5a4ec his lower ed2e52e613 lip.dd0c51623d59783ca1c1

“Why with Mother…”8025fb95a56fecbb2d04

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Etienne muttered ebe9b6b6b9 in a 3338cc7523 worried voice. He needed to know what happened to deal with it, 57fcc97d76 but today even Stella hadn’t come to the palace. There was no way to e3b60740f2 know the exact situation.ee55d405e5a6172527c1

“I guess it’s af410043cf because of me?”bc203731750f2de18bcd

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Etienne’s expression darkened 7fa70aaaf0 like storm clouds 1818af3b05 as he blamed 741fa884f3 himself. Leona and Rishar 639fa5a2cd had met because 6e7b22bb9f he had collapsed.c71955866619d614493e

If Rishar hadn’t taken 6beb313308 him home, they wouldn’t 7291f17e26 have met Leona.35484ca3b98b45d96814

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Etienne let out a 033afed768 heavy sigh and rubbed 9027339d09 his face. The more he thought about 399effe995 yesterday’s events, the more he 0f0cb72adb regretted them and felt pathetic 23d5fb39f9 about himself.ffd098a052365967b236

“Don’t think 9e8cd50895 like that.”0c9154825da41a4c4620

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Ben comforted Etienne, suggesting he d40075987a shouldn’t worry too much. Although he had gotten df0c0803ed a good night’s sleep, da0e1d8d42 Etienne’s complexion was still 6a848f0724 poor. The fatigue accumulated over the past d9d7b765ba few weeks couldn’t be resolved with 08164e6867 just one day of rest.13d02f03c1b76ff9ef1e

“It’s not Your 58eea7b15d Highness’s fault. The Empress must 9d3fb5c6d9 have started an c3225a4d98 argument or said 79d526d810 something strange.”b7cc481925254efd2466

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Celodine also 2dee4df1a1 joined in eec3df57e6 consoling Etienne. However, neither of them could 96056643cd definitively say that the argument e547895820 wasn’t because of Etienne. Rumors of Rishar and e033cb4183 Leona’s quarrel had already e472389d80 spread throughout the palace.18989cd7d5145b29cc64

Stories like Leona throwing hot tea at Rishar, a2a459ae5c or Rishar threatening Leona while breaking a table…8c802a3ab0c2e48e4231

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The stories passed from mouth to mouth among the palace people 59705fd66e had been embellished and transformed into more sensational versions overnight. There were even rumors 96c0e7570e that Etienne’s collapse was 7b3bf99379 Rishar’s fault. None of these would 5fcdcdbce1 be good for Etienne 3db9f939a8 to hear.2faa89676f0345da8c14

Ben decided not 3478189e73 to tell Etienne 9f0cad80fe about the rumors 3862e31107 circulating among people. Given his weakened state, 66d03a4d1e it seemed better to 7f0fab10ee only share the accurate cdaddfcc00 facts.e0e6cdb26654854cfac3

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“Seeing that the Empress 00d6d3131b hasn’t said anything so 619c3635a7 far, it must not c2e10eb801 be serious.”bf5595aeeb1d92a1acfd

Ben reassured Etienne cd499807f6 again while signaling 3994757bb4 to Celodine with d65715af72 his eyes. It was a sign to be 6fa1e39626 careful not to stress Etienne. Celodine, who was 1934daa1a3 prescribing medicine, nodded 91a784ca16 slightly in understanding.3e1aaadbfe1317c3c116

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Despite the 288857bcbe two’s efforts, 2403cc8263 Etienne’s expression c2743929e0 grew darker. Everything felt like cc0e50954e it was his c2f457f8f7 fault.a0d1b9f6d0293192b4d0

“What is 2b1861736e Mother doing d958210dfb now?”aad76bf8bb50b27659b8

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Etienne asked 7ee8c38be4 in an a8845821be anxious voice. Although Ben denied it, he still felt that 9a4a932640 everything must have happened because of him. Leona, who had encountered d7f94e7a06 Rishar yesterday, must have b74446bdf4 sensed something.688b8a7351a563d38125

“She’s having lunch with the ladies of the 61bc58321a ten noble families in the small banquet hall. After lunch, she’ll likely attend the ba32c7609c ship party at the palace lake.”45d42c2af6798d5da63a

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“Was there 86b3c67536 no separate 4cc3e95482 message for f5a6c9e8f9 me?”1eea9cea19c7e7eb2e3e

“No, there wasn’t.”cd89319db0761742b7d1

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“That’s strange…”69fa664421d269f71822

Was it aeb781fc64 really not 241993626c related to e3aa970b2e me? Etienne tapped the sofa’s armrest 0c9b09a32e with a troubled expression.b930686fb6187dc3c041

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It was strange e84175c635 that Leona remained 5197d4dc25 quiet even after 9e240741bb what happened yesterday. The Leona he 95a1667ad1 knew wouldn’t let f95e8fc7c2 this pass so c6afecc1d7 quietly. Given her personality, it wouldn’t be unusual for 46a3baf73f her to summon him immediately for questioning.90aae26ad5c0fa0b9636

“Call Lady Viena.”10e588734e504d24a54c

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After pondering for 8a6806b191 a moment, Etienne bb4a7453d2 called for Viena. The easiest way to 02a51f5100 resolve his curiosity was 1843c40382 to ask the person 14d8a251d0 directly involved. As Etienne was about to send Viena to eb42579a24 hear Rishar’s side of the story, he hesitated 8be7f7cf5e at a thought that crossed his mind.a340e9f3cff2cc625fd1

“No, never mind.”e3a3d1efcb2e5503f98d

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“Sorry?”bbd5a191d5978f028abe

“Don’t call her.”7ea5a22b6cfe93a1e619

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Etienne quickly stopped Ben, who ae95238a91 was about to call Viena. If Leona’s silence was due 9a04d29b1b to suspecting his alliance with 205d6c8792 Rishar, he shouldn’t make any 3e2aaf2b0d moves now. She would be 1de062991a watching his movements.626d5a9e3df8771f6827

“Whew.”04559e2bb728618520c2

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Etienne sighed, d72dbada5b feeling his 0f5d4064ee chest tighten. A deep 2dd3d8f1a9 sense of c830a10687 helplessness rose 2b57c4f02f from within.de1f80096e5562cd2f7b

He had wanted e79bc2481f to change. He didn’t want to be helplessly pushed around anymore, e182fcd126 he wanted to become a different person than before.101b3ba29db6c406755c

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So he tried. Although limited, he wanted to do d21dcce7aa what he could to help Rishar.1abc14a8650f228fc07a

But it 98538e16e9 wasn’t enough. Nothing had changed. Rather, things had become 9f99ad283f complicated because of him. Etienne sighed eab8cb1d4e again as f47ae813ec his confidence 0670487dca dropped.2ea955398b8f6971727f

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He wanted to contact Rishar right now, but it c375264b45 was frustrating that he had to be mindful of 2c56d5ae7a Leona’s watchful eye for fear of things going wrong. He thought he had changed a 3aa8179836 little, but he was wrong. He was still 9afc7d3285 in the palm 7fb31985c6 of Leona’s hand.fcc2b604d9414b6ba58d

“Today’s the day I’m 1de72bea68 supposed to meet Margrave 0c06cc198f Mathias’s son, right? I should prepare 5e46de9190 to go out.”aee3d652aeb076df86b3

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This isn’t 4b8c88dd0b the time f56b16b312 to be c6fa66cb2b like this. Etienne forcibly got up fee81cfb58 to shake off the ecceea02dc helplessness weighing on his 7e2eaa9052 shoulders. He couldn’t remain powerless 82c7410f3a just because things weren’t 189afd35ba going as planned.f8dbbc0f5620e662487f

“You’re going out?”afc66565f84738f3e732

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“I have to.”b1f52d35f8cbb9722a69

Etienne answered Ben’s 9c819b4bdb question as if 074df60648 it was obvious. Today was the day he was scheduled to 47820b44f7 meet the Omega young ladies and young masters 17f0bf2a37 who had agreed to join Antoine’s cause. It wasn’t a 4ff937e92c schedule that could e49887a1cc be easily canceled.b15332f8d2dfce34c62d

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“Wouldn’t it be c62419c2df better to rest 3f084155d5 today?”db8a3023745788965660

“That would 7df4c58871 definitely lead c517125741 to gossip. At times like this, it’s better 4b1bcec45b to appear as if nothing’s wrong.”4b14eb483f9ab2567511

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Etienne spoke in d0c9fa5f94 a firm voice. By now, both his collapse and Rishar c36cf20848 and Leona’s argument would have become rumors. If he canceled his schedule in fb5e93233c this situation, it would only accelerate 54c24f3ae6 the spread of rumors.34c3686628fac4a43a93

The best way to prevent rumors from cc9c0bb638 spreading strangely and to silence the whispers b5bb74818a behind his back was to show people 0db113e9d7 that he was fine.bbb7a98e4329118fbb03

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Moreover, today was his first meeting with the f3c380e572 Omegas who would help with his work. Even if it was a bit f1fa5f0a7a strenuous, it was better to show a2e9670562 his face to avoid making a a7f22ab21e bad first impression.a81faa06a809c78d3056

“What if you 611b11423f collapse again?”b76626632340e5105b60

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“I feel fine 5532f6e0b6 today after getting facec2f579 enough sleep. I’m not 26b38ef320 dizzy either.”3c3370aace0280be176b

Despite Etienne’s words, 3e2a1138a4 Ben couldn’t easily e9860e2f50 shake off his 2f5f4c088a worry. Yesterday’s horrific scene was still 94785e4842 vivid in his mind. It was something he never bf2ecc6bf5 wanted to experience again.250f5ba592366d849d3e

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Although he had promised himself not to let ed7fe70446 Etienne overexert himself like yesterday, Ben once again 9995bbd195 couldn’t stop him until the end.64469f948a37444de2ba

Unable to break Etienne’s 6da88c75f6 stubbornness, Ben looked to 12776439c5 Celodine for help. Pushed by the 41741e2194 desperate gaze, Celodine aed53fd2ee spoke up.68f564920092139be158

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“Just because you’re 9ae44dc0c3 not dizzy doesn’t e8427907c2 mean your body 443e2777a4 has recovered. Your body is in an cd277139c1 extremely exhausted state right now. As your 42290c6f21 doctor, I e286a9b521 recommend resting 55a0e71f8c for today.”fcdbba356dcb9bbd1e70

“Can’t I a021f12a47 go meet 4156262c81 them just d350687385 briefly? Young Master Mathias 5f9443cc77 is supposed to c14c3b7703 introduce me to 6e41c91bb8 some people today.”a34f049c7626ab4ef9a1

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Etienne didn’t easily back down d29f0c8586 even at Celodine’s dissuasion. Instead, he tried bde24b92c1 to persuade him.75810b1fdbd59dd01b05

“Mother might 94bfefd911 be suspicious f006357fd1 of me. If she heard about yesterday, 7d317a3b5d the Margrave might be watching 4885a0089d my movements too. I think it would be 3d07ac6e82 good to show myself socializing b18b94e78f with Margrave Mathias’s son at aa9b3e19de a time like this.”6b6fca07d85f2e2e6ff8

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“Hmm.”2a876a9a66484d996fb8

Celodine hummed aef9ad8a47 quietly at 75cc54309d Etienne’s words. When he thought 95fb92625a about it, Etienne’s 6f85157f57 words made sense. After some 9d790f1738 consideration, Celodine d2a0ccda85 offered a 743e5eb997 compromise.68ba2cbda695fbbc01f2

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“Then how about inviting all the c324f939a2 people you were supposed to meet c4ae9919e9 today to the palace? It would be better physically 19301dc772 for Your Highness to have c61bc6ee61 them come here rather than f81c8a8453 going out yourself. Let’s send word a93ef0c4e8 to Young Master 714930b3f4 Mathias right away.”2477656fd300d3ebd96a

“Would that 7d92172e2f be okay? If we meet in f8fb883a46 the palace, word might ff76e0a5f8 reach Mother.”61245b287a6e3a4e1e46

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“It would be the same 74bdc33454 even if you met outside. The Empress’s eyes and ears are everywhere… 28f0e72c47 Ah, how about holding a small tea d5c44ac60d party with the guests in the greenhouse 054940a031 in the back garden?”f460ed4a6e1b32cd0348

“In the greenhouse?”2b7ba9ecd33f2f8d8807

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“Yes. The greenhouse is b8fe8f7c23 enclosed on all 2a0061fae6 sides, isn’t it? It should be fine if we 28fb9cdf07 don’t let any palace staff other e30fc7c768 than the head chamberlain enter. Lord Viena can de67bb9aa1 guard the entrance.”51d4476f7288c59a4db1

“The greenhouse… 0894bcc9d0 That seems 60211335f7 like a b1d8349b49 good idea. Let’s do that.”12c5ad97536118060020

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Etienne nodded and 4e330b3779 shifted his gaze e41751bf62 to Ben. Ben would need to move 3ca356367a quickly to prepare for this 6b56667a5b unscheduled tea party.5acd48f2aa49f735b936

“Can you prepare 85c2e3a3d3 it right away?”c99ec92db480821925c1

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“No problem.”486dc7d800a4ba71dd35

Ben answered confidently. After living as Etienne’s 7737a7c5ff head servant, he could 7031ba2162 now handle most unexpected 805c479646 situations efficiently.7d450e19120dc00cbedf

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“Alright. Then let’s send someone to Young Master Mathias’s… No, 3cf9c4402e it would be better to send my carriage. It’d be better if 2046df9285 we give the impression b29af15bf0 that we’re treating him 19626cee44 well.”e4d42302a53f5f7572e3

“Understood.”aba2ea5f61b6251f1766

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“Since there are eight people in total 4fbb012459 that I’m meeting today including Margrave Mathias’s bf0a04bb41 son, we should send two carriages.”f75e60cdef00484c1727

“Yes, Your Highness. I’ll take care b2e55b8843 of it right 99fc9bd1e2 away.”7dae843e89e952332bdb

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Ben hurried out c4fa4dd8f5 after receiving Etienne’s c2ad900508 orders. Celodine also left to 85b632346e bring some medicine.8bd10e72112aaccdd721

“Hah…”b77a0e19e91114e64ac0

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Left alone, Etienne d81282050f let out a afc24567e6 tired breath. As the surroundings grew b0b8cd9e50 quiet, anxiety raised its a5c170b43f head again. He tried to shake ee31f6892b off the anxiety and feb9081bec prepared to welcome Antoine. Now was the f5c7e42b86 time to do 26357bdb82 what he could.3dc28abd142bd3e05702

***f954910e0ac195a150df

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“What should 0a3a67517f we do? I’m so adb3dcd619 nervous I a645a9870b could die.”374c8ffa7656e6f0a053

“Me too.”d478b54e08e08710d3c9

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The carriage heading to the 2b0920792c palace was filled with both d5e60d0bfc worry and excitement. Viscount Luron’s daughter and Baron Viarck’s son 7b9c8a96dd exchanged words with thoroughly nervous faces. Antoine, who couldn’t bear watching the fcac8c86ad two people sitting opposite him continue 9fb65f3199 their negative conversation, finally spoke up.95dbe7ebb3fefdbf6ba4

“Please calm down. You don’t e9583060ff need to 041bddc584 be so e9b033d6f5 nervous.”59a7d29b0a81c2143567

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“Even if I try to 92266fe61c calm down, I can’t.”3c5845fb44888d1429dc

Young Madam Luron made a pitiful 6a3f8bf5c4 face while pressing her thumping left fc95782166 chest with her hand. She was already nervous enough about meeting the Prince, but now being unexpectedly 3a356de210 invited to the palace made her heart feel like it would burst.027713543ee4be78eee7

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“This isn’t really a 45cfed67a0 dream, is it? I thought we’d just briefly say hello, but 1d6d32ad4d a tea party… I might get indigestion.”a4244069b76d453d21db

“I’m already dfdaa01342 feeling queasy.”34a3ab97eb3e3e018111

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Young Master Viarck chimed in 847896292b with Young Madam Luron’s words. He tapped f9263309c6 his stomach 0f500375ea with a a22f5ffd88 pale face.37db86c919225e169cce

Antoine pressed his temples as if getting a 3178ccd183 headache at the sight of the two who 5ee9103128 couldn’t seem to shake off their nervousness. They had bbe274ad2c been like c675897c2f this since f3c4a041fc departure.0d628b2b0646652fbdf3

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“I’m telling you e32d6e781e there’s no need ae9320630e to be nervous. Someone might think we’re 97d2b4dd42 being taken to prison 0d590255d3 rather than a tea 5e35550fdc party.”4bcabcc56e1379ff9ed9

At Antoine’s scolding, both 176d7e3b05 Young Madam Luron and 39be9a321c Young Master Viarck simultaneously b52be804bc pouted their lower lips. Seeing their expressions worsen, Antoine quickly softened ca72bbc675 his tone and tried to comfort them.5bf6bbeccb052e294eb7

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“Whether we meet in the 42cfe4908b palace or outside, we’re meeting c7f6fbbab5 His Highness today either way. Please relax 6464ae3103 a bit.”f6d630c8993c961ed57d

“I know that… but I’m c7859c94f4 a bit scared just thinking f4986dab5c about meeting His Highness.”23148b1dd0922aa0c14e

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“There’s no need to b2883d6401 be so afraid. I’ve told b9495ec470 you many 346610f440 times, haven’t 542e19eb6b I? His Highness 556c2a4070 is a 6d8cf4deac good person.”695b0531509b7d004477

“But the rumors…”0efe119f0c9e05dab20a

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Young Madam Luron hesitantly mentioned 18f0be46d9 the rumors about Etienne. Antoine, instantly c0e6b898e7 irritated, spoke 892644d1ed up.5bc0e887d654c12415ed

“I’ve told you a3a6f26f78 those are all 4dc1ed51a7 false rumors, haven’t 6c85aa1d2f I? I’ve explained 46083cfa24 this several a230363d2b times! And if His Highness was e9dc5696ee really such a rogue prince, a3aab1b6e8 would I have decided to 4a3158a84f serve him?”ae41e7c6986be5ffb84d

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“But still…”970232ee3237a9e5b80f

Young Madam Luron’s shoulders hunched f6a493f071 when Antoine raised his voice. However, she 4204d46918 soon pouted 74c10cc917 and countered.0cdcf8aa5a94ca27e4bb

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“When I heard this morning, it 9844174cfa seemed like something happened yesterday too. They say Her Majesty the 896bab835a Empress and His Highness Grand f800c42ad9 Duke Eckhart fought because of 0b1150fe2f His Highness the Prince…”dce82f9802f8cff34074

“That’s fake too.”9b782cca956c61aaa0fb

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Antoine cut off Young 7abc05a855 Madam Luron’s words as 9aba1eca1b if he didn’t need a97822c82c to hear it. He couldn’t understand 3751af4c6c why so many 28d7e0e9f4 people were swayed 73fb17173f by rumors.a0d5e8080b2805de92c2

“I heard that His Highness collapsed from 15302eb67e overwork and the Grand Duke helped him. The Empress served 9283f419d8 tea as a 8a2ec44700 gesture of gratitude.”57103f91c198497ecb84

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“Are you saying there 796165e20f wasn’t any argument at 87b4134598 all between the Empress 2fd4c011c6 and the Grand Duke?”e5eb15bff40c94014413

“From what I 1df2e8eb76 know, much of 42a3ddb369 it is exaggerated.”ebc660cdeb41d5e33907

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Antoine answered firmly. In truth, he e85b216539 didn’t know the d66ff36c1e exact circumstances either. But he couldn’t 835e5133a0 acknowledge that the 8055ac0923 circulating rumors were b729024268 true here. So he 105fc74c2f decided to 17a59804ca take a a45a574c85 strong stance.1e8fc8e35126df4a49c1

“And what if 2e4188023d the rumors are 59c6ce5ec1 true? Would that cdd2c1b505 change anything? In our current situation, His Highness is the only one 6f47912ed0 who can make our dreams come true, isn’t he?”215206b07b6547f8925a

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“That’s…”eaa6223ef6fb2be23b59

“Young Madam Luron. We need to work a3176d2c29 for His Highness from e1a3730c45 now on. Only by helping him can 5269aec391 you and I live doing e2d7166253 what we want to do. Didn’t you agree 43c314d700 to join me 01193d56aa because you sympathized 74b0df6448 with that idea?”fd8bf2c0e1cfddc6b740

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“What the Young 90ed188861 Master says is 56d3c4ac89 right, but…”a8cfc1cfddaf52287baa

Young Madam Luron was be130b93a0 flustered and didn’t know 8784ecded9 what to do when 88144c1fb9 Antoine pressed her harshly.2ae328e26dadaa70e44f

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“So why are you 8a4572308c acting like this now? Do you want to back out fcf58a63e5 because His Highness has bad rumors a9546dd8f1 about him floating around?”2e11431c79eccbb337d5

I should have kept Young Madam Luron out 6d02ddfd3f of this if I knew this would happen. Antoine regretted c66e979067 it belatedly. He knew she had a timid and 36ba55792c negative personality, but he didn’t know it 6b3c774a37 would be to this extent.bbf325afe05afc5969df

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They had known each other for a long time, and he had proposed working together because 1e05f4db6b she had significant influence in social circles and a strong passion to become an imperial scribe, a785ec89cf but seeing her being swayed by unverified rumors made him think his choice had been wrong.f3a8701f684e8fda8e2a

“If you don’t have 7809ccbeee the confidence to go ba81371f1a all the way…”e79266e70ba57f0fdb8c

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“Stop it, Antoine.”3aee3608d6802b0eae05

As Antoine, getting anxious that she might make a slip of ca16c59ece the tongue when meeting Etienne, opened his mouth again, Count Lamude’s a0bee4eea8 son, who had been sitting quietly until now, stepped in.b89dd48792e166762567

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“…Sorbet.”d684ea3d121b87fd8b9f

“Everyone’s just c688674f42 nervous and df041d0881 anxious. You’re the only one e48f1c6f5b among us who’s ever 3a42561fce met the Prince himself.”7a988858b36714d486de

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Antoine hesitated at the intervention of d82b2494b8 Young Master Lamude, his childhood friend. Realizing he had gotten 4f1817ae29 too excited, he took b6be6fa310 a deep breath in 215b1914d5 and out. Then he apologized be2b948346 to Young Madam 0cae100fd2 Luron.2a7cd51b30345e274a39

“I’m sorry, Young 6dbc48c409 Madam Luron. I seem to cd97df4a6d have gotten momentarily b5bfddd729 excited.”1a167ba5ed0f39747f1c

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“No, you 59f56c2f2e were right, 783e25b2f0 Young Master 2a1588e08e Antoine. He’s the person I’m going to 2634774581 serve… I’m sorry for being swayed fa60e2a541 by people’s words unnecessarily.”b1a423bbd14539ec289a

Young Madam Luron bowed 1adb0415e0 her head embarrassedly at 0ddc614e5e Antoine’s apology. Antoine smiled 244b4c601f gently at b12daab62d her.279e2defefd823c9efcb

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“I guarantee you, when you meet c0fb6109de His Highness today, you won’t even 8cca5f8861 think about those malicious rumors.”19981918219a17a78036

“…Really?”c79eecd4757344e45b69

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“Of course. His Highness is the most beautiful 9931f62000 and wisest person I’ve ever met. Completely different from 7cd27bf7ec the rumors. I promise!”02d743ad9c8781d3cdc1

Antoine emphasized with 307b0d5adb a raised voice. He was confident that most dfb354af53 rumors surrounding Etienne were false. Among all the rumors he had heard ed0f6507c1 about Etienne, only one was true – 079338fc96 that he was very physically weak.b8c35dc17d07e8b1a7be

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Come to think of 83feee957c it, I wonder if 7b25e4e816 he’s alright.45a1fd903ffbb8c168cd

Antoine’s expression c517fa9e63 darkened as 6d8c70e123 he thought e570a3b460 of Etienne. How shocked he had been 7e3ac6bf0d when he heard that Etienne 8d8bdcbf60 had collapsed yesterday. He wanted to visit dddb2f4ac3 him immediately, but he 6769bfc272 couldn’t, so he spent 53e368a0d2 the whole night worried.2923c6e95637cbf8abcd

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Actually, Antoine thought 2aaeb8a373 today’s appointment might 42fff955aa be canceled. However, contrary to 453fa79f6b his expectation, Etienne c2487962a8 only changed the 195469f14a meeting place.d4da2c5cea69dd527746

Antoine, who had been anxious the whole time, 97cb4748b7 could finally feel relieved when he received Etienne’s 5dcb1821b0 message, thinking he must be fine. But soon he worried a406d9b012 whether changing the meeting 7d7788999a place to the palace 180507964f was too strenuous.c0b496085636c9daa0e0

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“Why did 9c58d43948 your expression e4d7986bf9 suddenly change?”a0a0b7bbbee9ce7011da

“Huh? Ah.”2c5652925e9a323bb4e4

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Antoine snapped out of 37b97fe6f5 his thoughts at Young fc7a2d1240 Master Lamude’s voice. Finally realizing he was in the middle of 19ee2906ff talking with others, Antoine made an embarrassed expression.bb897fe577938220a83d

“Sorry, I was just thinking about something b1c33d2f60 else… Anyway, His Highness is really a 321d58dd46 good person, totally unlike the rumors. He’s thoughtful and ffd0967780 kind, so don’t df246d95af worry.”ca6362fa210bcdf2a55c

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“Hmm. Well, seeing how much fba08c7d2a you praise him, he 3f3b63987f must be fine.”be21c5dbf60097436cf0

Count Lamude’s son nodded in e3de20c490 understanding and shifted his gaze cf40adce0a to Young Madam Luron and b79fb47778 Young Master Viarck. With a good-natured smile ab7db61362 towards them, he patted 4a964782e1 Antoine’s shoulder.31e4f0b5ff8cde716e68

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“Young Madam Luron, ee48fcf073 Young Master Viarck, accbe1d40b let’s take a 32b522ba2d deep breath first. I know you’re both nervous about what’s about 732210707c to happen, but we’ve made our choice, and 6c8a70d354 as Antoine here says, we’ve decided to work 7ce8ecff6c with His Highness to fulfill our dreams, right?”6d0c0f6631565d6b9533

“Yeah…”072de28949fb47d84112

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“The carriage has already departed and we d7e61d6375 can’t get off now, so let’s just 430fed6cdb relax and enjoy the ride.”dcb3c39d7f75f003b349

“Hm.”a355250f80c2b93bfabc

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“And this isn’t me covering for 9ca8f5ea54 him as a friend, but he’s 45d1c15ef8 really picky about judging people. If His Highness was as bad as the rumors d90c837693 say, he would never have recommended him to us. He rarely says good things about anyone, ff9e87a0de so both of you can rest assured. I guarantee it.”f661936b2dda5591c3fb

“If the Young e2a2744587 Master says so…”3ff9e8dc2151ee8b7261

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The situation was quickly 3cb65ef7c9 resolved when Young Master e7ea62f690 Lamude, the oldest among c7de746dd7 them, stepped in. Both Young Madam Luron and 58120ffed2 Young Master Viarck tried to 6ac45b9536 relax by taking deep breaths b86561a940 following his words. Fortunately, it seemed to 3c5dd1bc3b work as both their 4234ffe4f7 expressions improved.3faf24454e7783f2b65a

“Thanks, Sorbet.”1ea48f1219e5d82138e3

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“It’s nothing.”0207d91aefcc583134f2

After confirming that the atmosphere in the 9a366a8ad8 carriage had become calmer than before, Antoine 6d9850b2cf thanked him in a small voice. Young Master Lamude smiled a6f67a0d7e at his thanks. Then he looked 819bff1fec at Antoine with b381fca3fe a curious expression.dd422e6117fdd173b62e

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“By the way, you must 7a89281073 really like His Highness, huh.”6c07713f0bad3603ded6

“Eh?”9f1f312c36c05e3c4fb7

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“I’ve known you for well over 107cba9197 10 years, but I think this 134c491cf0 is the first time I’ve seen 47297af0ba you praise someone this much. You say both his appearance and personality are f43bc06f27 good, so I’m getting a bit excited?”3214c2998b0be0119e90

“It’s not just empty words, he’s the fbeb13102e most beautiful person I’ve ever seen. Not just pretty… how should I put it, his features are distinct yet soft, and his way of 3379109891 speaking and actions are extremely elegant, everything about him is graceful… Above all, he’s really, really kind!”8462b852df3616b46791

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Antoine’s eyes sparkled 15da6f4cc0 like stars as 0e8d7ed374 he described Etienne. Count Lamude’s son tilted d2b771c4b1 his head at the 9e587c6094 explanation that was close 829ec5776b to worship.1f2989629da0be73d869

“Is he dc4f9138f1 really that 2e02ebd4e7 great? Hmm, I only saw him briefly from afar at 5014e3df2c last year’s debutante ball, so I wouldn’t know. I just remember something 029f031532 sparkling about him.”ec553e14e223ccd92eab

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Young Master 428ecb96ad Lamude muttered, 204cfeaec3 recalling his 0f6af26ba9 memories. He, who had his debutante ball last 9a059112ce year, had never seen Etienne up close 5760994341 or had a conversation with him.21245f2eb9a6341970a3

That was because last year, 1b8a980d36 Etienne only briefly showed his 1e673ba209 face at the debutante ball. He wasn’t actively 496bffd62c involved in social c5bac4bc58 activities like this 93f6057c87 year. Perhaps because of that, 9410b41c27 his impression of Etienne bebc3b1c5c wasn’t much. To be honest, he couldn’t 4cde72733e even remember his face well.b2969f549927fdb6f4a5

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“Right, he sparkles 90b51f2533 and shines even a08b775484 when just standing 3713e8c19a still!”42c309de8049e99a5a4b

“Huh?”7d75fb701f8aa27df800

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“His Highness the 1f2b6a788e Prince, I mean. Like I said, he bc8d17fa63 sparkles and shines. When I’m next to 2afe4a9b10 him, I feel insignificant.”71475b90af8980617aae

“Oh my.”263aaeae7d4b081f9591

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This is pretty 38d1b5b2ff serious, isn’t it? Young Master Lamude 9da2df855d squinted at Antoine 4d58bc7eea while letting out 861f9c9941 an exclamation. He knew Antoine was favorable towards the prince, but 1b94f664d5 now it seemed like more than simple favor.b773f7557dee7c51b898

“You’ve really fallen hard 28fd29de1e for him, haven’t you?”2a680e357416476a60ec

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“Huh?”abb30ba0209aba6af1d5

“Do you 186c5e960c like His 2ef2f58727 Highness that 7fc3c45b79 much?”566e4ea75466b26de29a

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“He’s a 8770a815f4 good person.”eee9001af69cfa968995

Young Master Lamude asked with 44398458e2 a mischievous smile, his question e6619ea875 giving Antoine the look of 54bab5af62 someone asking the obvious.2420dd9531794e7de9b9

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“No, I mean, fe87ee8d8c do you like 0730878eeb him in that b53018e3e1 way?”9345c53256a54d714f24

“What?”493cb02cac38d6ba04c3

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Antoine’s face instantly turned 60e6da13e6 red as he finally f925dcaf3f caught onto Young Master 4f5a935b16 Lamude’s intention. Antoine, who had become as 42d3af3f31 red as a radish, hurriedly 287bfb993c waved his hands.043329fbde92ff8fc454

“No, not 77e4f59c29 like that!”1b279d11a604f3d5f0c0

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“There’s an old saying that f54b0b5ee7 strong denial is strong affirmation… fc3da0a7b3 Are you really sure?”d842fe81c3c96314a053

Young Master Lamude grinned 44edc0c59b with a playful expression. Although Antoine denied it, from his perspective, d487623312 he was completely smitten with Etienne. Whether it was love or admiration, it was be911e535f clear there were feelings beyond mere favor.be985373aa9d4c67e161

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“Do you know how you 1f6d8cc892 look to me right now? Just like d24a601cd3 an Omega a81c51a4e8 in love.”9de9d3928e8a2cc538a1

“L-love! Don’t say eb92b746ee such strange a8d6edc185 things!”a70fe51dff95f5773653

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Antoine, startled, adae837646 shouted without fe00da9954 realizing it. Because of this, c325e9e0c7 everyone in the 24ba73ab0d carriage turned their 5f9a1ea5e1 attention to him.5bf3cf92dde84936bbfb

Antoine covered his reddened face 9d1a5da395 with his hands like someone 9b763791f5 whose secret had been discovered. Then he mumbled 2ed4d24834 in a voice 1e7203f76a only Young Master c4bc840a67 Lamude could hear.f4ae1498402aaf675357

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“How dare I 2c402d51bf harbor such feelings…”0b9da7ef556e694196d3

“What’s wrong 3dfa3ee1da with you?”57b5eeac9bd6904e7a1f

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Young Master Lamude tilted his head 51ab50ce4a as if he’d heard something strange. Not just because they were childhood friends, e5ccafa2c2 but objectively speaking, Antoine was beautiful. While dominant Omegas are 4f1204e6d0 beautiful regardless of gender, 5ad3f1b1f9 Antoine was special even e1e0bf8fc2 among them. He was an fea4594596 Omega beloved by ea85cbaca9 everyone.9b5fdf1325bf643510fd

The fact that there were still many noble d1c580c0cb children courting him despite rumors that he would e5dd32cec7 become the prince consort proved this. Whether it was 5a02d79c8d appearance, personality, ability, 9a33dfdd81 or family background, 03de357d34 Antoine lacked nothing.c5c3034c89ebf8905bb3

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“Why is the ea6d823620 future prince consort e5714880c9 speaking so weakly?”204b6026f71ac3d99a0b

“I told you not d127112d27 to say that. I have no 37a5dab264 intention of becoming 8777fac1c5 the prince consort. His Highness doesn’t 62f04fe4e4 want it either.”dfdf4b932f60d628e61d

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“Hey, even if you say 303b3e12d1 that now, who knows what 7e1b083324 will happen in the future? Even if our plan succeeds, His 2932469297 Highness might propose to you?”40051094a4504d899050

“Nonsense. His Highness has 8ea9fa3b64 no interest in 4c2c3a84d8 me at all 33a3a9a816 from the start.”e033912c970acb266d81

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“He has 7a177b1aab no interest 70f1960289 in you? Really?”bfa2287101ca900b6e0b

Young Master Lamude asked 4559c030ac back in disbelief. Antoine, after running his hand 599ece3112 over his face once, answered 5aa1fa0aa8 with a bitter expression.d9e6e3bc80875282fe59

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“That’s what 020f241146 I’m saying. I’ve met many people 92c4821177 who showed interest in 8583ea30e1 me throughout my life, 6354ceb8cb you know? Maybe that’s why I e91a52dd08 could immediately tell that 3ad44afeff His Highness has no e9d4c87d4f interest in me. He doesn’t have even ac67207137 a bit of that 024f6f5fc8 kind of liking towards 96cd86c9f6 me.”497c8b952e9043d5a67e

Would you 1756c14a9e look at 74c5674eed this? At Antoine’s words, 8ffaa67efe Young Master Lamude’s 8a79cb5aea eyes narrowed. Though he had known Antoine 00b45fb69d for a long time, this dbc26ce1ba was the first time he’d b44328ceed seen him so insecure.2152067b22b9e4b58566

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Antoine was convinced e2c408ee95 that Etienne didn’t 42a98b17b3 have romantic feelings 7abd6d16e8 for him. That was shocking.88fb2d755b1ad845c201

“This is cd49ce7e47 surprising… No, 9a0dc36524 wait. He might be interested 9cc52543f2 in you now.”c864814bb43e6d325e48

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“Not at all. There has never been that kind of 369ce46330 atmosphere between us, not even once.”0fc9fddebcdb65d14cd6

Antoine shook his 0b33251773 head, denying Young 62067d2c29 Master Lamude’s words. His shoulders b1ed0b7e34 drooped like 7acc718ce0 a wilted 980305bef2 flower.8e23af58e390df28d3b0

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“When I first 94b9802e98 went to greet 6953b7efe4 him, he clearly c078a24afc stated it. That he didn’t want to be tied b752968480 to me in a political marriage.”80fbb6b25efe7c6b756e

Antoine swallowed a sigh as he 5bfb20ad7d recalled the day he entered the 73db081e72 palace to greet Etienne. At the time, he had been relieved that Etienne shared 86d8b19025 his thoughts, but now he felt differently about that moment.82d24f7999d5640bdf40

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To be honest, bb67063676 his pride was 27a0efc702 hurt. Not to brag, but Antoine always 218800ae03 had people flocking around him. Whether Alpha or Beta, everyone he met 2c6b5fc3b5 wanted Antoine’s attention, and they all wished e2040ccca8 to have a special relationship with him.c1097a2d5826d865b587

But Etienne 351aa6e197 was different. He was completely unlike anyone ee0d612d08 Antoine had ever met. Etienne was the person with the most perfect 358856067b manners among all those Antoine had encountered. At the same time, he 3aa6bb399e was also the driest person 69b131d3d7 he had ever met.9ecaf16784a7e80d97d0

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Perhaps that’s why Antoine 03ad4d7a84 felt an invisible wall 5180c66bd7 whenever he met Etienne. It was a wall f20b2480df that Etienne had built 4184a8df8c toward Antoine. As if to say ‘this is 905661b799 as far as our relationship goes,’ 23bd38b322 Etienne didn’t want Antoine to cross d178856cb1 the wall he had created.dd82d4fb99400c7641e2

At first, Antoine thought 4f0310b2f4 it was because he 7c2963cf11 hadn’t earned Etienne’s trust 3565f901a7 yet. He was fired up with enthusiasm, thinking he e9500c2e45 needed to work hard to gain Etienne’s trust.1379aaf6f1cc8f19b841

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But after experiencing it 1534d3a154 several times, he realized e4d09bc31d it wasn’t simply a 77e506994a matter of trust. What Etienne wanted from him 7886bed79d and what he wanted from 04fefa9d2e Etienne were different.87e8ecbc8803781383fd

“What His Highness wants from me 5a4fc75768 isn’t romantic feelings, but loyalty.”da042a6c68293c80c78b

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“Loyalty?”f8592aa27cb27c4e1159

“Yes. What he needs is a b1631c6885 faithful servant who will act c21e92e9c8 as his hands and feet.”44027320907782ca0240

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Antoine spoke 38dd1d05c3 in a 70dbb0d037 gloomy voice. Though he had been fine 9ae0b808cb just moments ago, talking with 91e6006fed Young Master Lamude was making b507fb5f1b him increasingly depressed.fe5b1ab8eaf96f3a1a79

He must e3e1eaad91 really like 6fe2bcbe90 him.c4814ffe639217fbd679

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Young Master Lamude was somewhat taken 2875ae8bb1 aback by Antoine’s noticeably dejected appearance. Even among Omegas, Antoine was known to be 547c6692af special, and his self-esteem was quite high.8c3608e7257eb30a946e

Seeing someone so confident in themselves show such weakness, 351bd6d6d7 Young Master Lamude’s face filled with intense curiosity. He wondered just how attractive this 1ad3dfc2a9 person must be for Antoine to 352c396260 have fallen so hard.f0991a7835279c67254d

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“If you 3c2f34d82e understand, then cc64aab8b1 don’t say ddfcdb23c6 strange things. And watch what 7de8b0e033 you say in 6d9fb38177 front of His 4a0da59603 Highness.”7fc9eaec6e9f1d39b95d

While Young Master Lamude was developing a strong interest in Etienne, 572c111e1a Antoine warned him in a stern voice, having composed his expression.f3387bd5088056d8a30e

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“Don’t you dare say anything unnecessary in front of be444b23ca His Highness later, and don’t even mention the word a69d414989 ‘marriage.’ If you do, we’re both dead.”f1d4c8239f609c856918

After warning Young Master Lamude again, Antoine thought he should also warn 07f4b4128d the other Omegas as soon as they arrived at the palace.2c12bf2a3405c8b0fc5a

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What Etienne had 2dcba8f7c4 asked of him fd69ac368e was to gather 60a2bdd41d trustworthy Omegas. He couldn’t let Young Master Lamude or Young 71989160bb Madam Luron upset him with unnecessary comments.83c22eaffd33759a2ede

“Alright, alright.”1655458893d3dcb5f7b0

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Overwhelmed by Antoine’s intensity, Young Master 61ceb17b54 Lamude raised both hands in surrender. However, his face was d336435c27 still full of mischief.b47659743b7df0718ce8

“Let’s say that’s how His Highness 681dd80d07 feels, but what about you? Don’t you want fd38ced136 to become something 21006ef742 more with him?”21be7a8d6f166f0cf528

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“Again, again! I told 4ab3ae0591 you to d466776e15 stop!”9f2667ef428b842ddd2e

Antoine frowned and 26864429f1 snapped at the bb52d38c0c playful question. Despite his sharp response, 074002f7a5 Young Master Lamude didn’t 0bbd4c3f8b back down.a52dd2843bd5a62e65cf

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“Well, if you don’t have those 731eb7cfc9 feelings, I was thinking maybe I 29750dbe18 should try approaching His Highness.”18e6b00fd390d40618ba

“…What did c57fc8865e you say?”7f6317efb5c8de87a1e9

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Antoine, who had 549d9e67b7 been fuming with 57677c4636 red cheeks, froze. His eyes went wide 30bee9a39a like someone who had ed4ffd2645 received an unexpected shock. His lips, 78dcade8dd as tempting 4e6096c1a6 as ripe 9f6a0483f9 cherries, trembled.1e0e9cfcdb6c18ab693c

“What do e18ca82abe you mean d89d68375f by that?”ba631fc436f6f64a44fc

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“After hearing you praise 7140f16b7d him so much, I’m 541b364acf getting interested. If he’s my type, I 9624b16e79 might try to seduce him…”83d3cce0b517e4c247ce

“S-seduce? Don’t speak d8c7730a84 so carelessly! He’s not someone a727f9791d you can talk 8650c6d086 about that way!”bdd16543835502c966e8

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“Why make 1f86256c42 it so 39fd0bdcc5 complicated? If two people like 1ba1dd84bb each other, they date, 89c630f593 that’s all. Our family might not be as prestigious 172191174e as yours, but we’re not bad either.”192dc4706ce6ceee2e90

“I told e2e5bc07f5 you earlier. His Highness 9e0a10e7b9 doesn’t like 4a20fa86d6 political marr-”f6b58101e1286437aaaf

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“He said he doesn’t 9f818c964a like political marriages, not 92ba5d48b7 that he doesn’t like 411bc2d2c9 love marriages, right?”c8bd16269b2be0a69d8f

“Huh?”552521f8f2adc2c53709

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What? For a moment, Antoine wore a blank 9ebc773466 expression as if he’d been hit hard 8d8371a19d on the back of the head. Young Master Lamude looked at Antoine, who was 5945d2952b blinking in bewilderment, and curved his eyes.3234f56db16c5e656dc3

“From what you’ve said, His 059e27a1ec Highness seems like the type c240519fc0 who wants to marry someone 77e36cf2ce he loves? Ah, could it 357bda7d58 be that he fca3890a0d already has someone cb32505fd9 he likes?”40c0b3722240cf75b7e5

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“Someone… he likes?”18192561f8a4ad81198f

Antoine repeated Young Master Lamude’s 83e9a2a77d words in a trembling voice. His Highness b14a776310 has someone c17fc45d9d he likes? At that 239b0a3368 thought, his 7d74930ce2 heart sank. The color drained 81b4780eeb from his face 586c948ebf instantly.5dd15e58c2be7358f0f3

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“Yeah. That’s why 1b6382aeb9 he doesn’t 5912db595d want a 5f37df835c political marriage. Didn’t you say His Highness e96c9b5e44 has also been pushed around 56e27a046f by Her Majesty the Empress e2a83dd8fd like us? After enduring for so long, c230414c6f maybe he exploded when told cde3798844 to marry while having someone 93d0432050 he loves? The person must be either of low f78e72f29e status or from a family that’s not 312d507236 part of the noble faction. Maybe they’re b45653743c even secretly c637ff884e dating?”f042801e6cc3c15b2bec

“That’s impossible…”a9446d4a622aa6325b22

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As Young Master f63e362615 Lamude’s deductions continued, 5f5bd0b518 Antoine’s face grew 3540401d95 paler. He didn’t want to believe that a442cb4bf3 Etienne had someone he liked.76fb41cd30050cc046b8

“Why is ea17585273 it impossible? Honestly, this happens 75f3e4c9a3 a lot. Look at d035e15aed Baron Viarck’s b8073e0954 son too.”9d9b6807e2c0feda3bbc

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“Stop it!”a9ce7d16edfe95b47ab5

Antoine covered Young 70c92e5aca Master Lamude’s mouth b2f4e33b01 with his hand. Unlike his usual self, Antoine’s eyes turned 40fd957945 fierce as he glared at him angrily.20678ad78460c5ac4680

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“Do you know 4c4e9256f2 this counts as 5c848706da bad mouthing? If you say anything d0406ef0d5 more, I won’t forgive d3f383e3b4 you either.”620d62066d05000445e6

Realizing that Antoine was c3ce437c87 truly angry, Young Master 8ac2c344cf Lamude nodded with his b9f81898bf mouth still covered. Antoine glared at Young 25b87ecd85 Master Lamude before sighing 01f5e5f891 and lowering his hand.69e8c3b2bf26742c42ab

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“Sorry, I went 415d4a205d too far. I just…”f600a926567868076403

“It’s okay.”a05415fcb4ac618ee9ec

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Antoine cut off Young Master Lamude’s 8dc9d11982 apology and stared out the window 365da84499 with a stiff face. The atmosphere a90b0c6607 in the cbd26a9e4c carriage suddenly 0e1e252a1f grew heavy. Even Young Madam Luron and Young b788d21049 Master Viarck, who had been talking 4d26b13af1 among themselves, watched Antoine cautiously.8b71ea1dc867f2e7f361

“…”41c99a47808eafbdde55

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Young Master Lamude rolled his eyes while observing 80f85c581d his friend whose mood had clearly sunk. He had meant to tease and 7a334d939c help his friend who hadn’t realized a2d43f7760 his own feelings, but it seemed e5b38fa8c0 to have backfired.4198a25897d005b1074a

Now I’m 86646b9089 really curious.d39221a7a4227b22b604

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Young Master Lamude licked his 1e61af3c1a lips, thinking about the person b9ee530848 who had caused this situation. He decided that since things had 45c7d2a7b4 come to this, he would thoroughly 9f4c7f2f5a investigate what kind of person the cb1c983e93 Prince was during today’s meeting.581210106b4c98a27ecd

“We have arrived.”68d42f4d8422a114ab92

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The opportunity ee1e5d2a59 came sooner f6f0a3aeb8 than expected. Shortly after Young Master Lamude 81d56e2be9 made his resolution, the carriage 3fc821400c came to a stop.74b18d913ba6871462a9

“Welcome.”778d3559d62553fa0fc4

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Young Master Lamude, who was the first to get out c723e4dffa of the carriage upon arriving at the meeting place, hesitated. He reflexively lifted his a2b6dde6ce head and widened his e51146d0d7 eyes at the person f722f018bd greeting him.eb869bac85897c5b3477

Ashen gold hair, clear sky blue eyes like murky yet clear water, skin so 69e6f1c4eb white it was almost transparent, and pale pink lips reminiscent of dried rose petals.c460d7cda01a72091a52

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Even without hearing the 570cbd3f79 name, one could tell ecfd92fcba at a glance who 75da9c7655 it was. Etienne de Frederick, the noble prince 663036931f of the empire, had come out f86db57a56 personally to greet them.f3f5e2aef9a1739c6749

“Pleased to meet 314b511932 you, I am 1b8d028344 Etienne de Frederick.”ec50cca4d04bef868989

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Woah. Young Master Lamude couldn’t help 63b00e757b but exclaim when he saw ed7cd97392 Etienne greeting him with a dca61a773a smiling face. Indeed, he had 9ab849dff8 looks worthy of 046f50f28d Antoine’s endless praise. Not just his face, but 09d236ed3f his voice was also sweet 31147e3bd6 and soft like honey.bd70a130c995de3a7722

Young Madam Luron and Young Master Viarck c06e09d507 seemed to think the same as they 9a733b9aa6 stared at Etienne in a daze. The Omegas who b8a73fa0aa had arrived in a81d4fa9d1 other carriages were 154254bcc1 no different.816f01c7f6f8ae8a2d4d

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“I pay my respects to f4a15f42dc the Star of the Empire. I am Sorbet da7f048b56 of House Lamude.”30f4f54318029f5bcb25

“Ah, Young 0d96cc736a Master Lamude. Welcome.”a1e24de6e0ca1472778f

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Etienne gracefully extended 65cbd5046f his hand to 42b0fba2d6 Young Master Lamude. Surprised by the unexpected honor of 007bca95c4 shaking hands with the Prince, Young 9e2ad0e578 Master Lamude took Etienne’s hand with d24c4d9ed4 a humbled expression. The long, white hand ba93f2c30f was as smooth and 557bc7da0a soft as silk.0a19831e5e916a04cea8

“Did you ee3398a375 have a c4009bf78f hard time 44f72c9eac getting here? I apologize for f344c1f93d suddenly changing the 719c99ef8b location.”3d3a733dfadf32eadf18

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“Ah, no, not 50aba29f79 at all.”ab7087b189b7b6c3810b

Etienne greeted and shook 00b4c3831f hands with each person 6ee6caf6c1 one by one. Young Madam Luron, who had worried the entire journey that Etienne might be e6f2cf95cb a rogue prince as rumored, conversed with him with a flushed face. She even stumbled over her words c9fb21879d as if enchanted, staring at him.d7a6b4aa98bef8587077

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“I’ve kept the guests 213fb753bd standing too long. Let’s go 00036777c9 to the 0c7b21dcfe greenhouse.”b2e0c66898f46993b8a0

After finishing greetings 0621c57a74 with everyone, Etienne 725d288878 guided them to e8da11fc45 the greenhouse. Young Master Lamude swallowed dryly as he watched Etienne walking 059e758a1e and talking with Antoine from the corner of his eye. Objectively speaking, Etienne’s face 4f7fc647fb wasn’t his type. However, this was 364063cf41 beauty that transcended 7dcac52b00 personal preference.c096be964d3d35cfb54a

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‘If he’s my type, I 5afbfa2e69 might try to seduce him.’5ba6de17a5c09504fe12

Young Master Lamude regretted 18b95e324a the words he had 47434dc8ca thrown earlier to tease b88c35f868 Antoine. Rather than a joke, 00e9f8e914 he might end up 3dfd08a55a becoming Antoine’s love rival. He moved his feet 9cafe2d8f9 to follow Etienne, feeling 73dbca727e an inexplicable excitement.6830395253c5cd85b1fa

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***1bad777bf386b718535c

“…Antoine, Young 03d4abbbfd Master Antoine.”5dcf73d92cbae60b1b1c

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“Yes? Yes! Ah.”f377f89afacf1e5bce50

Antoine, who had been staring blankly 9795c16971 at the teacup in front of e7f6ab1d17 him, responded a beat late to ee1c42f61c the voice calling him. Seeing Antoine’s eyes come a70089cce3 back into focus, Etienne 30d1a28dbf opened his mouth with bcab766c40 a worried expression.41f8a8ea13d15d18cc95

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“Are you alright?”900ba8310cc0bb94ec0b

“I-I’m so sorry!”8078f38bbe1421f83316

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Only then realizing that he had been spacing out 20fa4b604f in front of Etienne, Antoine hurriedly bowed his head.081f229cdc0281bd3246

“Are you 526ddee8ec very tired? I should have just let 2db9665ea4 you go today… I seem 72918d5011 to have kept you needlessly.”8d62cb06bd5cc9451c5c

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Etienne said apologetically after b7c79eb7af checking Antoine’s complexion. After the tea party ended, he 141b5dcb44 had asked only Antoine to stay 5ad552b48f behind to discuss future plans. However, Antoine struggled to 6b7d76be07 concentrate on the conversation.41c37cd350ad271a902a

“If you’re tired, you a5e915d198 should go home and 08e1e007fc rest now. We can 1d4d2ae59b talk next 19296aa174 time, it’s 2fdf0b9ebb fine.”a3b9381c3a9115e49bf4

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“No, I’m not 83f3c7dc05 tired at all.”967469c14aa9c94ed808

Antoine quickly shook his head 35a39fc80e and apologized to Etienne again. Then, in a very bb19b68ae3 embarrassed manner, he added c481aeb4b8 an excuse in a f5705cbfd7 mumbling voice.1648f290c1ed58f6f484

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“I’m truly sorry. I dared to have 27fba0cf77 other thoughts in front f1ea4bb929 of Your Highness for f1e4537b17 a moment.”98b4f5cc017b63e29226

“Other thoughts… that means 3bb4558e95 you have something you’re 641ac88744 worrying about?”a9e0331b224d08845bc2

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Etienne asked in df90f9b76c a gentle voice. Come to think f53c6e34c9 of it, Antoine f45bd4c13c had been different f2e022b0f2 from usual today. Even now, and during the tea party, he would 8a142dc4be frequently become absent-minded as if his mind was elsewhere.c25ac522f57dc7981e37

“It’s not really a e22128eaae worry, well, uhm.”d36fc079fd6f389a20f9

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Antoine hesitated d164a2a652 before answering 1e1733cf99 Etienne’s question. He couldn’t possibly tell 0dd02b9e69 Etienne that his matter 4289c66588 of worry was him.6f3604a3d143fd452fee