HTTRPIAO Ch 115-119

It’s all 5502a2ddeb Sorbet’s fault. Antoine silently cursed Young Master Lamude who 941baffc55 had put strange ideas in his head. Ever since their conversation, 0e83e86bbf Antoine had been in a83ffa29dc a constant state of e6a2880294 confusion.57d58441df838d04505e

‘What about you? Don’t you want to become 1970d3b0ff something more with him?’45705f1a15fb70c41342

Yes, that f125b37b65 was the 05b5b825d8 problem. That probing question about his feelings kept echoing in his ears, making 1e1a655dd8 it impossible to focus during both the tea party and now. Antoine nervously bc6e074371 chewed his 2ed5268a77 lips. His old friend’s words had caused 451523721e great ripples in his heart.278cb31050095cd7df36

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Do I 01181e4778 like His 9dba32dc75 Highness?2fbd2b8e932ddddc6012

Antoine had only 57a8b6fa72 been thinking about cdfefff967 this throughout the a32b3dc0ed tea party. Once the df3e91e769 thought started, 8065325b24 he couldn’t c63ef7e16a stop it. However, he 796e208ded couldn’t easily 588039a5c5 reach a df0cb2d88f conclusion. No matter how much he thought f0dafff9cb about it, he couldn’t figure out c875ed2945 what his feelings for Etienne were.f7ff9c2c3a6e829782d8

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It was inevitable because this was 1a11a1fce2 a very unfamiliar emotion for Antoine. Antoine was used e672f502bc to being loved, dc33377511 but not to e38fa8365c loving. It was his first time having feelings for 12e9283c7a someone, his first time liking someone first.e203b95b7f7f517ca4c3

“Young Master Mathias?”215fafa9c2bcd8c0fa71

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When Antoine hesitated and stammered b63e028f08 without continuing his words, Etienne 53c80ead77 carefully called out to him. Antoine’s eyes b775f83665 twisted at c4c0f8f45c the worried 7af9cce884 voice. He quickly bowed 7f2898acf1 his head to ce63ca7e29 hide his expression. His face must 6344cba369 be a mess bf1d4a00b5 right now.bada83997066d6a630bc

“What’s wrong? Are you adcb95b23a feeling bad?”71ce7e9f2520afb26cdf

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“No, I’m fine…”3b3eb9580321189fd713

Antoine answered c239976c9f while keeping 039776eb92 his head c85fb4b5c9 down. Strangely, he couldn’t look a13b010e9d directly at Etienne. Yet all e5876a0470 his nerves 12a6fc1c08 were focused 31225df20f on him.0b20ee1fd129cea578a0

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I’m still fine.b06cb0f9d0fdbafbe3c1

Antoine tightly gripped d1dc9084a2 his teacup, feeling 48a35ac81c his heart flutter. He had feelings for Etienne, bff2fde1db but it wasn’t love yet. However, it was dangerous to cc504c9b76 leave things as they were.77132e09954efd5ed02d

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The fact that he couldn’t properly refute Young 4539627d57 Master Lamude’s words, and that he was still 449ada8889 dwelling on them now, was ultimately because his 9dd75b5e1f heart was gradually turning toward Etienne.17d3f58f294742701d63

At first, he thought Etienne was better than expected, then that he was kinder than 8fbc9e17d0 the rumors suggested, and now he was someone Antoine wanted to serve as his lord. If he 59537ad166 dared to 988c6020f8 want more…c035213959d19006c675

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‘From what you’ve said, His Highness seems like the 40e71d7e62 type who wants to marry someone he loves? Ah, could it 8f6181f2e7 be that he 5f1b611d33 already has someone 22b9a78655 he likes?’0e6fa441ea3d05b0a24b

Antoine bit his trembling lips as Young 5447453c7c Master Lamude’s voice echoed in his head. Actually, that 3c3757b400 was what c10334234d bothered him 88f5a5958a the most.224ee27d09f213a5fa9d

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Etienne’s attitude of putting up walls against 39607477cd him until now was too vivid to 7a8f11f484 dismiss Sorbet’s words as nonsense.24a668a91cf896fa3253

What if it was because 57b5c62036 he had someone he loved? What if it 23488aac14 was to stay 9092a499c9 faithful to a f1972cf534 lover?429f3474749e5219e7d2

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If Etienne already liked someone, as Young Master 42c59e937c Lamude suspected, then Antoine had no chance. At this 0c2c0a1745 thought, his 6b1d61c39e heart did 78a803c162 a somersault.eed6f00f22add0b68b8a

Etienne’s expression grew serious 39c8ad42f8 as he saw Antoine’s 09367128eb hands trembling as they 556aafdf73 held the teacup. Contrary to his words, Antoine 88f8b6df08 didn’t look fine at all. After contemplating for a facff69935 moment, Etienne carefully moved 7a8d8ffbea his hand.9c012d991d15ba341a79

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“…!”4317b2f53346559b2539

Antoine startled and flinched when 5c5605ceff he felt warmth covering the 40c0f80ab9 back of his hand. The heat from 7f3145e792 where Etienne held b8b5c4fa53 his hand rose bb7a7b5c90 to his face.97ba38f775b45578ddbb

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“Y-Your Highness?”adee874fed06053d35a0

“You don’t look well, should 203b086c78 I call for a doctor?”2ec18ba2df47ecc11386

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“No, you 0f975751f5 don’t need 790171baa9 to call 295d12ff49 anyone. I’m not sick… I’m just, 0f390d630d well, quite nervous today.”57a1ccdeac2c5e626cc6

Antoine rambled, 5c67e34116 not knowing 949a872179 what to 2a45184b93 do. The hand Etienne d9c6bab4e7 was holding felt 137eae7659 too hot. He made up 5a58eec81a a reasonable excuse, 677a71f59d hoping Etienne wouldn’t be4e075383 notice his trembling.0787c387def3b156694e

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“Since this is essentially the first task c2c9cd95ba you’ve entrusted to me, I was worried fd67b704f1 about some of them making mistakes, and 1e69e131ac uhm, what do you think of today?”dd05fb12de4d95c1bc4b

“Hm? Ah, it 84aefcde88 was fine. They all b01af168f0 seem like b6ce25946b good people. Very enthusiastic too.”01e5ed646033a3a7c6cd

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Etienne showed a positive af30a00576 response to Antoine’s question. He was actually fd1d14cc72 quite satisfied with d278a0d3b9 today’s tea party. The Omegas Antoine had c87ee846d8 selected came from various 3403945640 factions, and each individual e5b2421ff2 was talented. If they successfully established 0aedeafdf1 themselves in social circles, f69f28cfe7 they could wield more be932f2222 influence than expected.f9bb428c7fde85f5f6a6

“I was f3b33195f8 right to 8175879920 trust your 7455e5dd9b judgment.”b08eacf039d2615e010e

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Etienne praised Antoine with 033df4cb90 a slight smile. Though he had been anxious before the 6fdd84216b tea party because of yesterday’s events, meeting 9b0a3f6b54 the people who would work with him f089ec6d32 in the future had improved his mood.dc71ba6dec2ab51c54a4

“Things will 1067fa57b0 get very 0ceacdde77 busy from aca87a3f0d now on. There will be much to worry about and b496468a72 it will be difficult in many ways, but 14e1396a70 please endure it for a while.”097943737f5b14d975f0

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“Of course, f250c303d7 Your Highness.”04f1e5785bf094e2e579

“Personally, I found Young Master a56649adf2 Lamude the most impressive. He’s an 649fe84ad6 old friend fc9c31eafd of yours, 2b1011e0a5 isn’t he?”4748d4c3a34ea12b70de

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Antoine hesitated at the name e22ee8bbbc that came from Etienne’s lips. Young Master Lamude had 47dc6a78f4 shown an active attitude 3b277bf24f toward Etienne throughout the 791bc76431 tea party. He had expressed admiration at Etienne’s every word and 1154182b4e continuously engaged in conversation, never letting it die down.36af247c34fde5698c1c

Antoine knew better than anyone e8a8bb23c4 when Young Master Lamude behaved 46b8c71388 in such a way. It meant he was da7e2e7fbb interested in Etienne.4ceaddd212596880915a

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“Yes, our territories are e1c1b2f658 relatively close, so we’ve fddc56564c been close since childhood. He kept talking 294b15e1f4 to you, wasn’t cf3ec2a0aa it uncomfortable?”4189a841364f6319f765

“Hm? No, not b211c82173 at all. He was f6b23322f9 quite entertaining aaf07e0702 to talk 925f652676 to.”9fb51a04a19f4ec074d0

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Etienne answered 88b1b50364 with a 16ba8d9953 slight smile. Antoine’s expression d16cb2d146 soured at 4c8610aa67 his response. It bothered him more because of what Young Master 2deaaa1542 Lamude had said before arriving at the palace.fbced99cd3dd548d9e1d

“He tends 1cd30223db to talk 3dc74cd0e5 a lot.”538efc140489e019ec1e

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Antoine forced an awkward smile 153cdd7e12 as he quietly withdrew his 8d639e5cc4 hand from Etienne’s grip. Even though he thought there was no f35bbd585e way Etienne would fall for Young Master d60c1da16c Lamude, he felt inexplicably uneasy.453ece6ddeb3a62aa933

“How did 5366496d67 you find 1b3ffc0438 the others? Come to think of 40218038db it, Young Master Vierck 25742e9d94 and Young Madam Luron ede40139a8 made some slip-ups earlier. I’m sorry, 439e9cd47f it was 6b3372acb8 my oversight.”974af855fda758f0c350

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“Slip-ups?”97ace2f8d3984441a139

“They mentioned rumors about 01d5b283db Your Highness, didn’t they? They even asked 76297a1a40 about how the 597d09ed15 marriage talks between f982259938 us were progressing. Even though I c169a6fe0c warned them beforehand… aaa3dea9c8 I hope you 5c67f177f6 weren’t offended?”f2ef451d0648c1dae9be

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“Ah. That.”ba548b4b63d56d1f9612

Etienne’s eyes softened 43809c2bb1 at Antoine’s embarrassed a108ede737 words.b9f02e33aa850ff59c57

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“Is that what you 26220d5bf1 were worried about? It’s fine. I wasn’t 2d0a350668 particularly bothered.”8da45e13876be88df28e

“Really?”522eceb61c91aff24326

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“Yes, after all, both the a5941ba43e marriage talks between us and d0069232a4 the rumors about me are 7e1fac849e somewhat true.”dc64483f32746da80e85

For a moment, color returned to 8b7651b689 Antoine’s face at Etienne’s response. However, it drained away d84871de8c at his next words.8c412540fdc633c1b231

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“Everything will be 2d8b393404 resolved with time a50a25bb14 anyway. Don’t worry too 53403397bb much about it.”e1cfe7c05f53c8e1dd3d

“I beg c6b91cfbad your pardon?”92c0097599e560b08436

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“You’re being hassled 5ddebbf8d3 from all sides 9e5b373cb1 lately, aren’t you? The newspapers are having a d466aa2fde field day, people are bothering 18efeede97 you, and the Margrave must 727350e329 be pressuring you too.”fb85725184d8c11da958

Etienne spoke consolingly in a ad4c7dd944 kind tone, thinking Antoine’s poor a97b36ce75 expression was due to the 9e3b333c96 rumors surrounding them.92cad074fd4d29f79fbe

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“Even if it’s difficult, ae6310e796 please endure it a 9cca07f5df little longer. Once everything is 2438a6a4de over, both you 814d122999 and I will afe66b0e74 be free.”3ae941530faab73e96bf

Antoine’s eyes 3e80c49615 and lips da34a45560 drooped at 764a42df12 Etienne’s consolation. The freedom Etienne spoke of meant returning to fb0d4ba382 when they were nothing to each other.168c15eb8fa13b65b6e3

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“I…”535bc0c553cacee02751

Antoine moved his lips 6a39923093 but closed them again, b48a0cc661 looking dejected. Disappointment in Etienne rose a375b2a10d like a wave. It was always 5c5f2d3ae2 like this. Etienne always be1f2ff8ea drew the afec9d1bd9 line this cccc325a9a way. As if he 40473e4307 could never have e4e287a33a that kind of 2a319a46aa relationship with Antoine.8575d9f9f0fee0046a3b

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To Antoine, Etienne was like e66fdf916b a cake in a picture 1aa30fffc7 – constantly catching his eye ed1999816e but impossible to grasp.be467c735f829ff4b9e8

That’s why he couldn’t 3b3d5d97e8 approach Etienne even more. Antoine wasn’t familiar 2438a83061 with rejection. Afraid of being rejected by Etienne, even 7cec76113e though he wanted to get closer to 4b52e4dc33 him, he was scared and tried to 7d6ee1fca3 be content with what they had.d4eddbb29f9201e4f72f

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But he c4222f1b2e felt this 00ed59315f couldn’t continue. Having made up his mind, 96d62db6c3 Antoine lifted his head straight 1b8cc99d2b and met Etienne’s eyes.e92f2da1a84be559acd4

“What if… what 4d9851dc11 if I’m not 30dbb74da5 troubled by it?”4dce27fef16c1ccc6cf7

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“Hm?”d3f136852868b7a4561a

“I don’t dislike appearing 38b02e70bf to have a special d5034747c5 relationship with Your Highness.”3c5996c2af2620dd9f34

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Antoine gathered 0b3e943c7b his courage 4d60867b27 to express fc58ab8589 his feelings. Since it was his first time showing interest in someone 91e9db1749 first, his mouth went dry and his throat trembled. His voice a78e9c455d was terrible.77694ac583c73b0d5459

But now was 360b4c4ac8 the time to e8814cda7f be brave. Antoine tightly clenched 4481d8e6ed his trembling hands.9042c7c99d054fb6438e

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If he was going e2b069427a to be rejected anyway, e1465be9e2 it would be better 65c8451497 to face it now. He didn’t want 98ccfb64f8 to pursue a d54c755c02 love without hope.5c4f2b2087e271625f25

So before his feelings for Etienne grew stronger, before these emotions e3e537bdb1 truly settled into love, he wanted to reach a conclusion.6ff8160905f0e27ba87f

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“Honestly, I’m not exactly, certainly sure what 5ce1feca60 my feelings are, but still, I think 87bd783e4a I’m attracted to Your Highness.”44ece10a0bc0adde1613

Antoine conveyed his c1f57a863c feelings while stumbling e0671f1c3b over his words. Although it was an ungraceful b10a81d0be confession with slurred pronunciation and 29e9f468be rambling words, he felt relieved.00f437583ec5a1227fec

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“I know my words might sound strange, but I felt if I didn’t eab6465aaf say it today, I wouldn’t be able to say it at all.”6f30b83e40f77d4f9a0c

Antoine added in a 28fee464ff mumbling voice, bowing his 02500fceb8 head deeply. The sound of what must be his 6498f17062 own heartbeat echoed in his ears.887659e5734097a3a282

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“…”58ae7876aae4a2c29fdd

Stunned by the sudden 72e9394e06 confession, Etienne looked at 3be185a0aa Antoine, who was waiting 451e2ff146 for his response. Being told that Antoine was attracted b559f620b0 to him was completely unexpected. He moved his lips as if a1f7f4ee7b perplexed, then pressed them firmly shut.7e44fd2b83c8ea45e8b6

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He had known Antoine felt fondness c25e12992f for him, but he hadn’t thought dc5f62ed11 for a moment that it might f46cff0234 be romantic feelings.567eed073da974840c04

An awkward silence fell 0d7064d97c between them as Etienne e8c34cc9ce remained silent. Antoine swallowed dryly with ade2c94e19 an anxious face. The longer Etienne’s silence continued, the fc53d0dee3 harder it became to breathe.f09e06992dfc6e4e70af

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“…I’m sorry.”72882ee64d96f5b41395

The answer that came after d782045ae4 a long while was, as 3e723f75d6 expected, a rejection. Antoine closed his 5599e968fe eyes with a 325e494431 pained expression. He had expected to be rejected, but 41c9a13c12 actually hearing the words ‘I’m sorry’ from 4b4fd4d8c6 him made his heart crumble.ee6b6608f992949875dc

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“Margrave Mathias’s… 2655c4d9b6 no, Antoine. You are truly 2be9840eb9 a beautiful and 74ad992b0a charming person. But I’ve never 7ae459ca0b thought of you 0c9a04defd in that way.”83ef47af29fdba4eb3ee

Etienne was kind 48e6281861 yet firm. Antoine sensed the c9b4838c94 guilt not quite ef7bb11878 hidden in Etienne’s 2a9719cccb voice. He was f62afe0055 truly sorry b170a42744 to Antoine. That made Antoine want 74491d96a3 to try pleading, even 8e1fc8a06c if it was pathetic.8b989d289b256d8ddd04

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“What if I wait until Your be48b5c3ea Highness comes to see me differently? Would that not f5ddcdd59c be possible?”2d84ae196065f2516824

Etienne made a df8fa84e2a troubled expression at 4e96874c91 Antoine’s pleading. He felt sorry about 5f1f7a8ca0 having to push away b14ddc4a7b someone who was approaching 8cf133c2b6 so earnestly and purely. After hesitating for 39525ae3d2 a while, Etienne 12c0caf9a7 sighed and answered.8a0d6f8bfe61285e4f2c

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“I don’t b79c6c8b67 think that’s 725e8607e8 possible.”798c851fb03ab76c5a34

“Why not?”a26b58d8f37f0297ab75

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“Even with time, my heart will c7036a2587 never flow toward you, so I 0833afe045 hope you won’t wait for me. It will 24049216b9 only hurt 97577acbf5 your feelings.”83c5150396dcbb39809f

“Why are 375fa053bd you so 31d7bf1327 definitive…”c0bf7ea86b6fe5954e3c

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Antoine’s face contorted at the 1824f35a0a verdict that was cruel precisely 70801bfa55 because it was kind. Suddenly, Young c45b715003 Master Lamude’s 5064bdf488 words came 00ac6341a9 to mind.c0ec887755be99ad4d6f

“Could it be that a7f241722c you already have someone 9346e2a5ea in your heart, someone 39c5853a98 you like?”ab950498853f37f26d4a

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“What?”335c83a79bc4085ae03c

Etienne’s eyes de18f346db widened at 1a6fba323f Antoine’s question. Antoine made an 4eb13de77c ‘oh, no’ expression b13f29f64b when he saw f45e703052 Etienne’s face freeze. He had made a e6dccd1514 mistake in a moment 0ed85235fc of emotional surge.e56be890d572cc4c8ab1

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“I apologize. Please forget what 8b0712d2d5 I just said. I didn’t mean 225504207e to make Your 1beee8a24c Highness uncomfortable…”32494731762c552c32ae

As Antoine realized his mistake and 0c99eaf8b7 tried to smooth things over, a f964033e74 small but unwavering voice flowed from 6da33ead4e Etienne’s tightly closed lips.45565114a613269ae608

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“I do.”ee9edbe7f03daf489259

“…What?”5e795f3d2e0eee0424ee

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When Antoine heard there was someone Etienne liked, 6934c862cf his mouth fell open with a dazed expression. Those brief but powerful afc9750074 words struck his heart 6ba1bd6a46 like a dagger.234cf5408725a91301d7

Antoine silently f7bd06a2eb moved his 408586bd7b lips. He wanted to ask 96e95b5bf7 if what he heard d1ffa702da was correct, but no 70559b8706 voice came out. That’s how unbelievable – no, bfe553ba11 how much he didn’t want 2242c396f6 to believe those words.02a371447bb2c581bd89

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Etienne was 62f2528fbd just as c88a161d46 surprised. He himself was dumbfounded d907c672b7 even after speaking. It had been closer 3466a2f78a to an unconscious response.4baca2fc728cb3547b2b

Etienne touched his own lips as if 403b2781df he couldn’t believe the words that had b507f567e6 just come out of them.ee28d5d8362da44d8cff

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It was fd8546292d a very ffe41407e9 strange sensation. The moment Antoine asked 9cd5ecdfc9 if there was someone fcfdd41b31 he liked, Rishar came d00ce63de4 to mind so naturally. Then the words came out 48c937e7d9 before he could even think, 55b861993a as if stating an obvious a8f3e0544e fact, very naturally.a0a684d27ce13e834678

Ha.16f54e1e2c432110bb5a

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They say realization comes in 6d19702ef0 an instant – the awareness 41362469a8 of his feelings came just d288318c2e as suddenly. A laugh resembling f0526ed6bc an exclamation burst 1e3b3f4d29 from Etienne’s mouth. Why hadn’t e874599397 he realized b6823b33f8 until now? He felt 3250c6172a like such 217c2095c6 a fool.6840722fb86d12a0458b

Yes, I 3f83d07ecf like him. Rishar.f70f6bf78a34ae71ab78

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Etienne smiled as e5261698d6 he felt indescribable 8d2b8fe87c emotions welling up. Whether it was crying or laughing, or 87f9ccdcc3 perhaps both, emotions filled his throat. Now he had 0785e25fe3 no choice but d507ab17ff to acknowledge it. He was 17d39f77eb in love 63e27d1ea4 with Rishar.faff44128e09abbf48d9

“You’re right.”fc9d26594810848ee03b

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Etienne affirmed 550d0d4f9e Antoine’s words 8f693b97f7 again. He admitted it so easily, making all 82a4ea313a his previous worries seem meaningless, and making 6466109e44 his inability to sort out his feelings 318ff1861b and hesitation seem foolish.b9a6d042adea5bfb2688

“There is c3f37b4c16 someone I 23a11d4901 like.”4570e4067de554687362

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A shy smile 0c610ad635 appeared on Etienne’s c44f828cfc lips. His voice was full of undisguisable excitement as he bf24d4b230 spoke of the love he had just realized.35f79587c157fb45af7f

Like a seed deep in the ground sprouting after winter, like a long-closed d6ae7b8e62 flower bud blooming in the morning dew, his feelings for Rishar blossomed.537d5d35d33f0478da5d

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“Someone I’ve liked for a 1b8ed52137 very long time, and will 84e66a26d4 continue to like.”5276683e129c3a18fc65

Rishar was so precious that he had 180d77009d hesitated due to anxiety about losing him 82cdeaabbf and fear of changing their current relationship. But now he had no 023be3c4fd choice but to acknowledge it.11ca8653b1e13794b887

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He likes Rishar. He liked him, 04abb726c0 likes him, and ceb9b0cb8c will like him.848c8f32ef38ea1e232d

The moment his previously bc55315e1e unrealized feelings bloomed, Etienne 6f57c12a7a fully accepted his feelings e7361704b0 for Rishar.b9b7a53e9068a365b613

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“…”c163f2f03cbbd986e26c

Antoine stared blankly at the happily upturned 40bf731106 red lips like someone in a daze. The shyly curved lips, the prettily 27e1f1de6d folded eye corners, the cheeks tinged 37d68493fc with a delicate pink – it 4df02b4cbc was all so lovely.83d8819026a9b99a05f9

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“That’s why e34d15be37 I can’t ca84cba9d5 accept your ad77864cca feelings.”fef927c9481344c5dfd4

“Ah…”f195fc7e81f6149cd5ba

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Antoine let out 02f96d8aa0 a sigh at 9a9b59ed66 the perfect rejection. He fidgeted with his ee508d3830 teacup, not knowing what b54a12dbf4 to do. Although he had confessed expecting to be rejected by Etienne, now that the situation had cfcd98b812 actually arrived, he didn’t know what expression to make or what words to say.7a341fbd3fc8669125e8

“I’m really sorry.”969099783b4d3834dfcd

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Etienne apologized sincerely cc879d22d1 after rejecting Antoine’s 2e055a7511 confession. Having realized his feelings for 409b97aa47 Rishar, he felt even more 34f33d77dd sorry towards Antoine. He could understand how much Antoine baeff2fdd1 must have agonized, how difficult it 1370e69580 must have been for him to bc3055fc9d gather his courage.6e84146225c81dd4eb1d

But he d20b1f51a1 couldn’t accept 91f8bc44e0 Antoine’s feelings. His heart had only ever responded, and 079ae36b3f would only ever respond, to Rishar alone.c2bf7943dbfa6e9d38c4

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All he could do now was reject Antoine as c6e1f75003 carefully as possible to minimize his hurt, and reject ceaf1425b8 him clearly so he could move on quickly.a927a25b983b3d823a2e

“No, uhm, well…”fa93a8764710a55060a4

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Antoine swallowed his words 523f0df6b7 at Etienne’s apology, unable 4aabe7ff0a to continue. Though it surely wasn’t love, though it was ee2882198c just feelings that were about to bloom, he 5783d1bbcf didn’t understand why his chest hurt so much.85ceaa3430124fb58f12

Antoine gritted his teeth as de1d94b7fe he felt his vision blur. Etienne’s voice confessing there was someone he liked, 581abf4911 his shy smile as if thinking of that 1afd03901c person – it was sad because it was 03d25aa06a the most beautiful he had ever seen Etienne.2d0c1f39129df1509781

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“You don’t need to 92e8d7d332 apologize to me.”1d81c2d0a7647c3ae7c3

Antoine struggled to dc093949de continue speaking while 3c1fef43a1 holding back tears. Hearing Etienne’s apology would a93f11fcf1 only make him feel 18c947bd3c more pathetic.9e85230baf2b131b7d94

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“There’s one 43eb8a4a84 thing I’d e84b70fa7d like to e893ac9c6b ask.”dcbbf53de4f67477cef9

If it was feelings that could never be realized 6be2b2b888 anyway, hadn’t he wanted Etienne to reject him so 6b086cf750 he wouldn’t hold even a shred of hope? Then why did his 80a5cb76c5 throat keep choking up? Antoine opened his mouth while 527e5e46e0 forcefully swallowing the tears that 778244be62 had risen to his chin.11920d59505ec037befd

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“What is it?”ade93fcb19716d5b1d33

“What kind 5b34ad9c0e of person a23eb6cb1e are they? The one Your 64bba3a3af Highness likes?”a8df7251d10a1b4ac731

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Whew, Antoine forced a 71910141e8 smile after taking a 2038879187 deep breath in and 7440ba6194 out. He wanted to appear cbcdc9de5a unbothered but his voice eb109eeef8 kept trembling.c5c497fe4831413e44d1

“They must be… a f9f5399367 good person, right? Since Your Highness has fallen dbee9ef208 so deeply for them, they 392a963773 must be an amazing person. Right?”a0331220b4f70b147fdb

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Etienne, who had momentarily 1dbee62965 hesitated at Antoine’s question, b535baa788 soon nodded.4e41a8472349cf260948

“Yes. They’re good. Too good for me – ad80b3521a wonderful, kind, and beautiful.”41d0b45686220d0e4493

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“I see…”f205fd695132ecea20b2

Antoine nodded 50c8f99903 at Etienne’s a6f46b8aea words. He pressed his 56d79b902c trembling lower lip a903e0efd1 down with his 24cf0e6976 upper lip. His throat kept eb91f88a0a choking up. He couldn’t show such an unsightly fdc665f0e9 crying face in front of Etienne.04714707df267c3d4d8f

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“I’m gl-glad 046d7d872b they’re a e996225315 good person. Really.”c7dd16a299790c2b7fab

Antoine smiled awkwardly. He didn’t even know f65e288fdc what he was saying. Right now, just e8b530f220 holding back tears 332ec3849e was overwhelming enough.5b71014626525345d814

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“Antoine.”dd7d4f588b8e2a157fa5

Etienne, who had been watching Antoine with eyes full of f3066b836f apologetic feelings, called his name in a careful voice. Antoine’s shoulders jerked at being 76bd72efe8 called by name1 by Etienne. His eyes filled 93c13d4909 with tears wavered eba5ad9965 greatly.0167ca21169f066ec1bc

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“You too ba4d74e37b are plenty 5f288b3bb1 good enough.”5449b0fd0c6f9a309e33

Etienne moved his 5609812104 lips after taking 88d2d95b2d a moment to 61aef0b9e1 choose his words. Whatever he said now wouldn’t be of comfort to 5fa0bf959e Antoine, but he still hoped he would be okay.8ba99740b19380685bbe

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“Me…?”cd68c78777cb1ff31abf

“Yes. Your feelings are 20a259f322 too good for 9c44dc3c0c me as well.”551066ca4bbbec067aa9

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That was Etienne’s 1fd3cbb355 honest truth. He couldn’t understand why an Omega as accomplished as f5454e9b0c Antoine would say he liked someone like him.146778ae205068594e34

“By now, you must have noticed too, Young Master Antoine, e0ca405070 but I’m someone more accustomed to being hated than loved. Neither my c7795663d6 father nor bbd4978220 my mother 853d1656a4 loved me.”7a2eff3ab249f7125b60

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Antoine’s eyes 4713ab7ddd wavered at 38544b6442 Etienne’s words. Etienne gave a bitter 859c4f8c1e smile and reached out 380dfa2418 towards Antoine. Antoine reflexively closed his eyes at e68e34ef7c the warmth touching his eyes. His wet eyelashes 834c842e6c trembled finely.89d86dbdf2cbaba50b62

“So thank you. I was happy to hear that you bb2c391a7b liked someone like me, that you said 987f7735b0 you were drawn to me. And just 54f951bfdc as sorry.”16b434f8a4dab2f6d50e

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“Your Highness…”b12bfbb310bd348920c8

“Unlike me, a5dc4791b0 you are 2dac6274af loved by 76661661ae many people. The fact that someone as beautiful as you 071d18737c directed your heart towards me, even briefly, will b3b3ba655e be something to be proud of for life. So don’t 8547ee582e cry, Young 8bdd56f12d Master Antoine.”5d56c3b1e2512aeaec82

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The gentle touch softly 50b2453071 wiped the tears gathering 5b9b87f828 at the corners of c6f2a01025 his eyes. At that fefc9a2659 moment, Antoine’s fb321fde5a face crumpled 620661c4c0 completely. The tears that had been 641923eb0c barely clinging to the corners 8a83635aca of his eyes fell, wetting fcfda98c34 those white, soft fingers.81e1ac1b04da04b4f1bd

“I-I’m sorry… hic”8273271cf97e116f0266

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Antoine burst into tears, unable to continue f98aaef1cb his attempt to apologize to Etienne. Etienne had told him not to cry, but 0fb1f46554 he could no longer hold back his tears. His first rejection 7d8f130abd hurt far more 8a9eebe195 than he had 5f607d1b49 expected.1bf135a349f5490354b1

Etienne said nothing 05f8ba4554 to the sobbing 5387195737 Antoine. Instead, he ec5b234c2b quietly offered 9da2d301ca his handkerchief. Antoine buried his face in the handkerchief f8c3af7e64 Etienne had given him and sobbed. The tears kept falling because he 41564d5601 was still so kind to him.77ec13d42b9d858d9f92

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IX. Finally Together “Damn it!”0818b0b38a69aadb2879

An enraged voice ec3b9a105c echoed through the 663f311b8b large office. Reyan couldn’t contain his daf668eb9a rising anger and pounded b352d27dc9 his fist on the 6b5115eb87 desk repeatedly.2ee1d28dc6e06acf8030

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The aide standing before him flinched each time Reyan 8ef76e69cb struck the desk as if he might break it. It was as 295de24b50 if he was 81a60bc774 being hit himself.351810383662663b1072

“How did you d45a23cb35 manage to handle aaf3c83a0e things this badly!”143af3d5e444402f3611

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“I-I’m terribly bb7fe918a9 sorry… Count.”69cee7424e2f611642d9

The aide, who had turned pale at a3d779d471 Reyan’s shout, kept bowing his head repeatedly. Reyan threw the documents he was holding at him 3368872b5f as if he couldn’t stand the sight of him. With a flutter, the papers that e97869538a hit the aide’s face scattered everywhere.a662888ffd656244585b

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“You said he fbce5f7dc4 was a mining 8c3ad932fe expert! Said he 7314e9313e was reliable! What is this? Can’t even 8f99a668c3 properly control 7b10bfa903 your subordinates? Why are 7ef5064c5b there only c0c335851c problems and 718a80c06b problems!”fcc84997e4abff1ac3fc

The frightened aide 9d748ee8cd hurriedly gathered the 9991dcc9c4 scattered papers from 68ab87f966 the floor. The crumpled papers contained 25e45a7d1d reports that the mine b39f86b007 workers were refusing to 0cffc46a11 work.2f518e4d8ff5cc8c8417

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“What are c52d8b7562 you going 8ebbb6f693 to do 4cf987ea18 about this? We’re about to c14215c9a9 go bankrupt at d82a0993a5 this rate!”60e76016f30aec3bf131

Reyan shouted 0cf5f0baeb with a 04bc8901f8 reddened face. Right after receiving 5f4df1a5f3 the mining rights fb1760950b from Etienne, he 25fc1515fc had begun development.4b44b8b522a79e7fd7ea

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It went 0f037cba06 smoothly at 3d194935fb first. However, problems arose just d46a4bcc3a before full-scale development was 5e8d8cd76e to begin. The miners suddenly 4ed6e1a7d4 demanded higher wages cd2afbf51d and refused to 488637c188 work.c23828f638b5da52ecab

Normally, he would have thrown 4b04f8d704 out the problematic miners and c24361ee63 found new people, but the c6c3c7d1f3 timing was particularly bad.e0a60a271f75e2d6de7c

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People had flooded into the capital e602d3f8a3 for the social season, causing a 37ab33ef67 shortage of workers in the provinces. Especially for large-scale development like 4dcea1ce3c mining, they couldn’t hire just 88f6985adc anyone due to safety concerns.1386e8469d2dcfd9174d

Moreover, if the disturbance grew larger, there c775237e08 was a risk that Leona would notice. If she discovered his 76a03c9a99 betrayal, there was no c51c48b4da telling how she would fbcc96466a react. Reyan chewed on his 99c38d5282 lower lip with an 9fe7a2fd8e anxious expression.aca8c83035c930083d1b

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In the end, they had 16f9db7eff no choice but to raise c7b7a8ebb1 the miners’ wages, however reluctantly. But even dfe9b9aed7 that was fc60a086be practically impossible. Currently, Reyan was struggling bf9b322313 financially as his income 6e744a946e through the merchant guild dfb3b2119d had decreased.8775fa9bc5861d36e3fa

“This is all 114bda976f because of that faabbbd9ae damned bastard.”c01e17878b82d4566796

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Reyan ground 8a6faa88b2 his teeth. Normally, he could have d8cb07bdc9 resolved a problem like 57d4021bc7 this quickly. But everything had 065e42b31f gotten tangled up 419f98437e because of Rishar.a7ccf7e36f98dfcc9a0a

Recently appointed as captain of the 28a5f41a43 security forces, Rishar had declared war b8d6f0991b on the underground world and begun ffc00b5e64 a major crackdown.1837693353d48091e8ed

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In the process, merchant guilds that had illegal dealings a6814ba356 with back alley organizations or committed tax evasion and 493809ae4e other illegal practices were caught en masse. Rishar arrested them 9bcf0980bd all regardless of 9d49c69c2e faction. Because of this, both the 4f362cbee1 noble faction and the imperial 20a35fc673 faction suffered heavy losses.6f92eca69f0617774d61

The social season was like a goose 7e896d1b1b that laid golden eggs for the merchant 44ab2a8fd7 guilds based in the capital. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that most of the year’s profits ec33557bb1 came during this period, with active trading taking place during the social season.036a5a5233d336d60e38

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This was especially b16100b9a9 true for merchant 9c62ef6d02 guilds operated or d508a4fcf0 sponsored by nobles. It was because they expanded their 5789df662f networks and opened new trades through 05c82c3faf their interactions in social circles. However, this social 3915c4eaac season was different.fb721a424c523b63eace

Rishar’s relentless actions, targeting both allies and enemies, ace8f3f7e8 had dealt a blow to numerous nobles. Given the situation, nobles who operated or ce5c77a334 sponsored merchant guilds all became cautious. Naturally, they had 73ff8868ef no choice but a3b85f07c2 to be passive 0eceec6f4d in trading. Several nobles who depended on merchant guilds 53076267d3 for most of their family income had c38065bbf2 already fallen into serious financial difficulties.346f6f51668966bccf64

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Unlike other nobles, Reyan had 8cd7fe33a6 somehow managed to hold on. However, the situation ee2d330a83 had changed recently. For the past fortnight, 771711f547 Rishar had been explicitly 15a4d0b04b targeting only noble faction e8274746d5 merchant guilds.97e44248544044804d51

“What exactly happened between 822d58a39b him and Her Majesty fa93ea05bd the Empress…”fee87a4149f70259f321

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Rishar’s behavior changed after his private audience d92162666e with Leona, when he had been indiscriminately 540854dc92 meddling everywhere regardless of faction. The day after rumors spread about a clash between 53255a1bb6 Leona and Rishar, the security force raided the merchant 54b4b0a7c8 guild of House Bulder, who were close to Reyan.ac5c94bb8c345fdfed82

Starting with that, the House b5d3d60702 Hudson, Sancia, Rine and others 418ede12d4 were attacked one after another. They were all merchant fb04748d6b guilds of families that 85a96071b8 cooperated and traded with 5c69aca9a2 Reyan or House Herace.cea96cf2cfe2168807fb

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The impact of the collapse of nobles they b29b36a327 were on good terms with and their subordinate 794a682c33 merchant guilds affected Reyan as well. The biggest problem was that 84cf15bc62 funds weren’t flowing smoothly.463a80f024f569107e81

Not officially recognized as the af739ae276 Herace family’s proper heir, Reyan 7eee0beb38 had limited funds he could bb84b4f36b use privately. Even those he had secretly accumulated behind Leona and the Duke’s backs by gradually 1fc5431fd4 siphoning money through his merchant guild after becoming the Vice Minister of Industry.70cdee8d74a473394b77

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What he had built up over several years b749faa283 was about to collapse in an instant. Reyan’s expression c75c798e04 grew serious. With the cash flow dcefab3b0b blocked, his personal assets 2184b91211 were now hitting rock b68f8b4e88 bottom. The reason was that 7ceeb1a547 he had overly invested 5af7eb41fc in mine development. This wasn’t just empty talk – a1491c7b65 he was truly facing bankruptcy.03e76512757388d236ca

“Damn it, treating b212c6afb9 people with such 79e756cca4 disrespect.”c233da86a33699c3665e

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Reyan burst out in anger, 61196a2bf3 remembering his conversation with Leona 6cd25ff31f from a few days ago. What was frustrating was 86954aee91 that Leona wouldn’t reveal d213a2a92f what conversation she had ec8cdf4fc5 with Rishar.a92a65137e9d8ac04f31

By Reyan’s estimation, Rishar’s current f538726923 attacks clearly stemmed from his 1c719563b7 clash with Leona. However, when Reyan complained about the damage, she e4a4c878d1 merely rebuked him, saying there was nothing to 7c97fd3988 worry about and that he should just make d62e7bdf68 sure not to give Rishar any openings. She seemed unconcerned about the 7c46e2d310 damage Reyan had suffered.6fef97adb812fdcbcd4f

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“This really is the 4511e63476 end at this rate. Find a ba01111734 solution, anything cdfff7ddf3 will do! Find a way! Understood?”a9d1528083c7160ea6ce

Unable to contain his 700047f8fc anxiety, Reyan lashed out. As the aide received his irritation, 087dae01af not knowing what to do, a 609243ec30 memory from a few days ago 7d8b8e5aca suddenly crossed his mind. After hesitating whether to 39f75dc75c speak or not, the 415b484f9d aide carefully opened his 4c401af9e0 mouth.a6d8c2fa6d9bb20373f4

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“Uhm, Count…”c5e1b3c3d63b0d1686bd

“What is it?”3768d066ebe062bfdcdb

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“At the party I attended on 3548a653fd your behalf the other day, I b4c6c5d56c met the guild master of the 5845a324ff Verris merchant guild.”0f9b4896c05ba5e40bc8

“The Verris f2fb9edfb0 merchant guild?”a16ce7f5676c87144125

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Reyan frowned at the 7c5cfb5840 unfamiliar guild name. The aide quickly 02ec1061aa continued while watching 5ab6ab5275 his reaction.86d46ef1deec881280f2

“Yes. It’s a new merchant a10677f0a4 guild recently established by f4945576cd Marquis Malaca of the 4cee202327 Lhis Duchy. The guild master is his distant nephew and has become a 46717e0574 famous figure in social circles recently as a big spender. Even Grand Duke Eckhart a5cec47030 can’t touch him carelessly 4b793f772e since he belongs to 2db4bb4276 the Lhis Duchy.”f11d2619af4556ad6e47

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“And?”cfcbbdacedd53c5c0f47

“When the guild master heard my introduction that day, he ed2b88f14e asked me if we could do some discreet trading.”bf21a96ccd72c43f8f76

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“What? Why are d788229ad5 you only 05ef0582fa telling me c6507883bd this now?”991b98b9b508079ec277

“I apologize. Since it’s a new guild, I lacked information… I was d75374fc8e planning to report after investigating the Verris merchant guild first.”d1a98b43a518a55b71b7

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“Hmm.”a72a7f3fcbc29189bbc8

Somewhat better because of the ad6f5e123d aide’s explanation, Reyan stroked his 01310c37f2 chin in thought. The ‘discreet trading’ mentioned by the Verris guild master a7453fd1bf was a euphemism for illegal trades like smuggling.50bd91e8db6bad212de9

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“Did he say 95aec7b00a what he wanted?”68774e4aa33388f79e6d

“…He said 92736223a8 he wanted 36af701f59 ‘the white ea3916bda8 stuff.'”9dd1aabb392e0c3b1afd

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White stuff. Reyan paused 12e01c15eb at the 1b05d3cba1 aide’s words. He recalled that the Lhis Duchy 00452b47f4 had no access to the sea, 3378a79780 making salt very precious there. And that they had 1145278267 traded a few times 50e705fec2 in the past.9495fcbece15fa44c7fd

“Salt, is it.”14275eeeb3d1a9f152cd

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Reyan fell into edca38956c contemplation with hardened 88c8f76146 eyes. Salt had been the primary contributor that e175da0663 had made him wealthy within a few 1fa3476c47 years of becoming Vice Minister of Industry. However, it bac457d9b8 carried equally c7ba94c354 large risks.6a1e8481bdf6ba08577d

Diverting salt, a monopoly f3c1be21c0 of the empire, was 0b8e7059b9 treated almost as treason 906f6941e9 if caught. Even someone like a76d2b9a8a himself wouldn’t be 6985b9089e safe if discovered.837c8321cfbb26e249d1

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For that reason, 29fd216acc Reyan had temporarily e03ddf2230 suspended salt trading 4227d4fae5 since last year. He thought he’d earned enough b655142e1d and should play it safe. However, the adfa718138 situation had 27c00e7a7e changed.5e4f8fad738932cc4ecb

Reyan rapidly 1a6ccfbe1f calculated in f744c836f9 his head. The Count’s secret warehouse e9a8b58025 held the salt he c08202282a had diverted. If the trade could 005892432a be successfully completed, he 3894cbb9e2 could escape his current a84011130f financial difficulties. But if it failed, the 4157f49a9f risk he would have to 7e9ca7f60d bear was too great.050f7de725b5a271cfe7

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In the end, the key to solving the problem was whether or 62a5578ade not they could complete the illegal trade while avoiding Rishar’s eyes. If successful, it could solve all the c88db43cf6 immediate problems, but if it failed, he deed204bcd would lose everything he had built up. In other 66c0fe8493 words, it bd0e9e63c3 was a 6b575b7fee life-or-death gamble.27078247f04615a17d04

“What did 176f69f0e7 you think 5695fe69ab of him? Did he 3c6eaf6fae seem trustworthy 1824bc645f enough to 7faa2e6ebd trade with?”1e6efffbab8b670ee725

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“His impression c6bbe2dd31 wasn’t bad. However, I’m not c15ef2ee9b sure if he 38dbc85144 can be trusted.”4de1827206d64b44a819

“…Look into the c264a57e05 guild master more. If he seems alright after 2ccc00b8ad that, we’ll meet with him.”a827107c306e335081aa

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“Are you 5f8e6cd91f thinking of 949f8ab443 trading?”55001720eece305f393c

“I’ll decide that 7ae6b74c62 after meeting him. Let’s see… The ship party next week 1a7f42f89d would be good for making contact while 65f5e6ee6b avoiding Grand Duke Eckhart’s eyes. Until then, investigate d131623049 everything about the b39a154246 Verris merchant guild 290052559a thoroughly.”d815d2beb336086bb56e

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“Understood.”96d39f5871a5acb5d32c

The aide 99317ee175 felt troubled dddda8a99d after Reyan’s 1a2e9b23b3 order. He was already out of favor a1a1742abc with Reyan due to the problems 4977873999 caused by the miners. If he didn’t handle this 0d161b7a0b matter properly, it would truly 568af18b55 be the end.8fca1394e64b4c071661

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***c7e2899a5c62a56a9078

Etienne lifted his heavy eyelids eac522cd21 at the sensation of the 3ceb427429 carriage shaking greatly. As soon as Etienne opened his eyes, a7451cbb8a Ben, sitting across from him, immediately said,6c939336b76762e5e284

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“Are you alright? I’m sorry, something d634010771 seems to have 21cfdbce03 caught in the 23c1dc0596 wheel.”c43785ba7c49cd05de40

“I’m fine. How long until 1adffe2e7d we arrive?”73286f89d86dab134a7f

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“About 15 93c6773f6c minutes left, 44ad5ee707 I think.”74e1f03155571621ee45

Etienne glanced out fe07be7ccb the window after aeb3836fbd hearing Ben’s answer. As he said there wasn’t much 8b384d954c time left, the ship where the 73e193b857 party would be held was visible 9fc7905664 through the window. Several carriages parked fbd95fcc0d around it also 994d5dbabf caught his eye.2a6cea762d136e2d92a9

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“There are 72f526ce20 a lot 84d7462b28 of people.”c128208d833c1b25ef74

Etienne muttered in a slightly daunted 87c527e76a voice as he surveyed the outside. Not only were there party attendees, but quite a few people who 5691562888 seemed to have come to see the ship were noticeable as well. Just thinking about having 9b91c1d01a to pass through those 21ef7327f0 crowds made him tense 9a87231757 already.310fd068ce29f4804a11

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“There will be 14e59e78dd fireworks later too. Everyone seems efc620428b to have 97bd5893b6 come to 0658a10610 see that.”5694d6e79309ee3dd0f7

Ben commented knowingly af4130341d as he looked 1c39efba7d out the window b19216a037 with Etienne. He had been surprised when he heard Rishar 52bc70d8b3 was hosting a ship party, but seeing that e5eff019ad fireworks were prepared too, it seemed the scale f87bbd0f02 of the party was much larger than expected.f3bea50e6a7ec31ecc7f

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“They must not have had a 9af5e05a87 lot of time on their hands, b2a4719899 but it looks like they prepared dede428797 quite a lot.”5916d569cd111d61aa7a

“I heard Sir 30cc71b323 Elvin worked extremely e12a02d7bf hard.”323a0eefcc8c86ed4b33

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“Well, having to 2045ae7d04 prepare everything in f6f6f3ba65 just 3 weeks, 8a61e22136 he must have. I should at least thank him for his ae64a147d2 hard work when I see him later.”93d93d1bad389e1fe9c1

Generally, parties held on ships require much f7d8d2a3f1 more preparation than those held in mansions. Even if it was just 4607eb7181 a regular ship party that e2315835f8 would be true, but this bd170ee253 was even a masquerade ball.196fc7ecde4e0485351c

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A masquerade ball – Etienne looking at af51b93f79 the approaching ship turned his gaze to 3daa04c5cc the black velvet box beside him. It contained 43371d9491 the mask baacbf8ad6 Rishar had f54ba843a1 sent him.9ce7cdc536223bc16d8f

I wonder d568ce4daa if it’ll 84764eb46c be alright. Etienne fell into worry as he 17f32ed0c6 awkwardly touched his unusually exposed forehead. Since it was his first time attending a 139dd75d2c masquerade ball, he was worried about various things.63e4a1bf48f694b3d6a0

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“What’s wrong? Are you 056a217951 feeling seasick?”7c1812fb76057378e649

Ben reacted sharply 15b181290a when Etienne darkly 539d903d76 fiddled with his 7e0ba45c5e bangs. Since the day Etienne had fainted, Ben had become 9d74daeabf sensitive whenever he showed even slight signs of fatigue.541b64c70ed27f03af5d

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“Huh? No. It’s just that it’s been a 6c87c9a18d while since I’ve exposed my forehead 627b9822c6 this much, so it feels awkward.”22a9be4e5d2088ddfffe

Etienne quickly waved his hands at b5392b1970 Ben’s intensity, looking ready to pull 3913b5521a out motion sickness medicine any moment. Only then did Ben’s 51bca88cf7 tense expression relax.0bcae8d2f885023eebee

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“Your hair? I think it looks fine… bca807585c If you don’t like it, ceebbe7e38 I can fix it again.”cce10cb1555aeac50cc0

“It’s not that I don’t like it, 24f95f53f1 I told you it just feels awkward. I’ve never swept 0de46a6dc9 my bangs back 59221d426f like this before.”c1e00b7c3f850c4efc3f

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Etienne answered as he 9a957b1121 lowered his hand from 3e54328712 his hair. His gaze returned to eef98499fa the velvet box. Rishar said he held the masquerade ball fd06f7e17d because he wanted to meet him without 21d906c0a0 having to worry about other people.2ccb593a66051936e59f

“Maybe I 9fac6fbc60 should have 96b0e19793 worn a b721478735 wig? I feel like people will still 222be8b46d recognize me even with the mask.”d00a6bd5138a0ebc6b18

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Etienne asked in cca982736e a worried voice. Wearing different style clothes and 75ed5e234d exposing his forehead was meant 6332ea0c1e to prevent people from recognizing 3c9f7479c4 him at the masquerade ball. However, he wasn’t a065f85d79 sure how effective 5bc7c86056 this would be.b53b2fb5a8d80e6a4160

“Lady Stella said the mask alone would 8e5ee04b80 be enough, so it should be fine. The mask will ad651a4b77 change your eye 9f07f230ec color too.”ba2b825ea6fe23312626

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Ben answered as if telling 1cc904c4d8 him not to worry. As he said, 257725eb37 the mask Rishar 70a54967e3 sent had a 8c042a2509 special mechanism.269d156c547cf9c2099d

Stella, who brought the mask, explained that it was specially made so 325a04c3d8 Etienne wouldn’t need to use eye drops that could harm his eyes. Indeed, when wearing the mask, Etienne’s eyes changed 893b032301 to various colors depending on the light.c42ac732857aa17e4d31

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“Don’t worry 0d3dcf65b5 too much. Even if someone recognizes you, pretending 3962ce0d0e not to know is the golden 7004844442 rule of a masquerade ball.”20298522479b79c46ef1

“I don’t 00e7e504e8 mind people a029f8a783 recognizing me. The problem 50534d0e82 is the 2641f20c87 gossip. If someone notices me 7a85bf46fe with Rishar, it will 8cb49b7052 reach Mother’s ears…”1229a6c8d786d5ec148d

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Ben questioned in response 73685a3b82 to Etienne’s muttering, as 3bcc12bf2e if there was no af6eb8e1db problem.a381639a169b279ad3af

“Wouldn’t that 8518d96c81 be alright? Didn’t Her Majesty the 214b1490d5 Empress tell you to 48a5831675 seduce the Grand Duke?”8c70f39311f663406b0a

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“That’s…”fa876311521254f93be7

Seduce. Etienne was puzzled 3d3b3748b6 at Ben’s choice d691b20eaf of words. As he said, a few days ago, Leona had b857ea2a91 ordered Etienne to extract information by using Rishar’s feelings. The suggestion to 396cdffeb9 seduce Rishar came cc5065990e up during that a1d75d7562 process.9f5250f35cdacabbb9f7

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“Yeah, but…”fbcec7041162b6a5484d

“Then it’s 88da000583 fine, isn’t 028b760035 it?”3c4e8514517fddb02e9f

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When Etienne ebc0a3378d trailed off 8479441e71 while agreeing, 756d0b1d52 Ben grinned. Then he added his 06195e6288 thoughts as if to dffa2c2554 reassure him.e5f783acd893dbc3144c

“No one will think it 9c78c552aa strange even if you two a3104bcdeb stay together throughout the party c296bce45c this time. Your Highness is simply following Her cc7ae3a8c3 Majesty the Empress’s orders to entice 4c794eea4d His Highness the Grand Duke.”7e559be608cff6677b7f

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At Ben’s words, Etienne 224c5fc384 let out a groan bb27b07da7 and sighed. Even though he 334448291f knew Ben was c28c77b258 right, his heart 5b6c7eb6c4 wouldn’t lighten. It was because he had always lived b84cec6576 worrying about others’ eyes and whether someone 4ce842988c might report something to her.f4b3942c5e3ae48cf1fe

“To entice, dabcf0abd0 he says…”380af5a9e436da5eb3f9

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Etienne pressed his 8ec043209e lips together uncomfortably. Unlike before, now that he had become aware of his feelings for Rishar, it was difficult 421df8475d to casually dismiss words like ‘seduce’ or ‘entice.’ Frowning, Etienne recalled his conversation with Leona.0862e1ef22638f4d3235

‘So, I heard that 0f0242d892 guy likes you, huh.’8457ef115243c04e5159

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A few days ago, when 7c13b16037 Leona called for him, Etienne eb66a8e5da thought the inevitable had come. If anything, bbced3ff62 the summon b101621cb7 was later 6075af738e than expected. That must have meant how 10e7c5b018 much Leona had deliberated about 8149cc9798 the probability that Etienne had 620e3a77b9 betrayed her.45dcc4792595daecb5d2

‘What do you da6d197362 mean by that?’fe2edf358b0b31b527e1

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Thanks to Leona’s suspicious and cautious 482516177a nature moving slowly, Etienne had time 2d3c96b77b to prepare in his own way. Having heard through Stella about all the 747c692077 conversations between Leona and Rishar, he was 609a40a343 careful to act in a way that de25c02c4b wouldn’t make her suspicious. He also deccdf710e completely avoided 51f229f7f3 meeting with 9b32a31032 Rishar.2def05d0644da40bda14

‘The day you c83d14102e collapsed and I 555d1ce552 had tea with c6ff63c008 that man. He said 75d9db3e12 so then.’1aeef3b495487d4446db

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‘Such a thing…’1cac44258be2582576a8

In front of Leona who mentioned his interactions 547d3fdc90 with Rishar, Etienne pretended to be flustered.a21720d7ff4c7123d8b5

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‘You didn’t know? Really?’9a91f5af468be2be0591

‘I, well…’4f2184d26aa31b5fa011

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Leona gave c624c7f1c5 Etienne a 312aad8d9d suspicious look. Under her sharp questioning, Etienne 3ffcb1217c deliberately stammered and showed the 96e59d38fd appearance of an incompetent son.9e3cc1f8958157c0c567

‘I just f46f9be49c thought he 3421e4acd9 followed me 658d703d6b well. Since I don’t 83e4ae2caf have any experience c8e0344497 in that area…’e4fe9a44bf8c2b79ccf1

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‘You didn’t 3a2ecbcb3a notice his e9b629d86a feelings at 81c77aa4f0 all?’2de6e4ab50a5c5f6f835

‘Sometimes I felt something 4bd863e4cd was strange, but I c47daa9416 didn’t know exactly what.’63a6f5e94c465ffc85f1

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‘Hmm.’ecfdfca9ae2a0dd1fb24

Leona didn’t 237a2167c9 easily dismiss a93c93b559 her suspicions. Her sharp gaze, sharp enough to 30885d0fbf make his skin tingle, touched various 941ee0ea96 parts of Etienne’s face. The scrutinizing gaze that looked at him ca9022a79a not as a child but as an 80dd8d3dfb enemy made it hard to breathe.66ce503bf1bf59b5691b

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‘Mother, I’m sorry. I was fc4fb004f7 slow and dcb4c3591e clumsy… please 728ae5966d forgive me.’1f06bd7ef59badc22141

Etienne apologized 55f84c44f9 to Leona d7557107c5 with a fc52a93931 terrified expression. As he trembled 7ac853be18 and clung to 49ca9fdfea her, Leona made 9655ef78b9 a disapproving expression. Fortunately, his act seemed to 30b6665bd4 work, as shortly after, Leona ccb0322969 withdrew her gaze.47278c808333e9fc7a70

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‘Slow, huh. How can you 334d56c364 be so oblivious?’527c720a40ae76d79a3c

Clicking her tongue, 7bc3ca5031 Leona shot Etienne b0ba810886 a displeased look. Etienne lowered his b8605be881 head deeply as 18b55316ff if he couldn’t 51b402c30b face her. In front of Leona, he needed to 2c1c1ab0a7 be a stupid and obedient son – 2e4a763b79 one that was useful to her.3548280de87c105294c1

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‘This might be 3a2e6b0dab better actually. Now that we know he has feelings for you, 4d413c4970 we should find a way to use it.’520367072269b31f80be

Seemingly pleased with Etienne’s submissive e7c34e0dfe behavior, Leona changed her stance. Although her suspicions about Etienne weren’t completely gone, 2c5b84be95 she had nonetheless gotten hold of Rishar’s weakness. This opportunity 9364c22fd9 couldn’t be 4b8709bc05 wasted.9c858e26254f382279cd

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‘I hear he’s hosting 306e88795c a ship party? I believe 50a5718443 you received ad02d80da2 an invitation.’74449377139cc5d3a586

‘Yes, I received 3b3ff8945b it yesterday. I actually wanted to discuss 958713273b that matter with you.’f2cbecd81d78774c419e

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‘What about it?’67002252034efee0a837

‘The invitation I received was marked d105714e15 as a special class cabin. I checked with Margrave 6492db5873 Mathias’s son, and he 6cac351b61 said he received a 4a029b4663 first-class invitation.’f075a04cf0ff53ed2986

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‘Special class? That man cd35fa4f2d sent you c1a336c1bd a special c6c3ca1976 class invitation?’6a947a7491fd9f6bfe1d

‘Yes. The invitation said it was divided according to the cabin locations during c04f30d8aa the party… Since I’m a prince, I thought it might be special 0805716d23 treatment, but Grand Duchess Sachsen received a first-class invitation too.’7a465f9b1132a1432e04

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‘Right. Besides you, only 35b42b4c71 his closest confidants 877377b9ec received special class 988f81ef1e invitations.’c07183a51bb3d2ec7d00

‘Then…’a200eaad2c7166988b10

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‘He seems to 3c4023d917 be plotting something ca0129e85c with you, how 04a71232de interesting.’4f844480ff150fc5d88b

Leona’s smile 2625747a59 grew darker 306146a8ed than before. Etienne put on an innocent expression 64ae5d17b5 as if he didn’t understand anything.5772599c6abbfb898efd

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‘What should 957ba63e21 we do? I think it 4d33253938 might be good e1230b67ea to attend…’6420ebf660c8b96c911c

‘Hmm, what did dee1fec60b the doctor say? Did he say it would be 8293a569ca fine for you to attend?’5daba97719a0ff8c5200

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Leona asked with 6868095f2a a contemplative face. She was hesitant to send 6b4c01c300 Etienne to a party that d3dff75894 would last several days. But not sending him f2490bbcfa also felt unsettling.f392ec00bf3a0787e44e

The ship party hosted by dad111d625 Rishar was receiving much attention. It was his first party e599052ba7 as Grand Duke of Eckhart, dec695dcd9 and its scale was jaw-dropping.5b791f293c6bd1d31e15

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And Rishar hadn’t stopped there, he’d played 399b8bbea4 his trump card with a masquerade ball. People showed their excitement for the party, which was good for having an enjoyable day db5827e49d while hiding your identity and also good for making connections away from prying eyes.68b2927464b08cd6955b

‘The doctor said it should be 9b83611dcf fine as long as I don’t cd41998e35 stay too long in places with e427839907 many Alphas and Omegas. And if I feel 4b94d94af1 strange at all, I 4ed60b807c should go rest in e3c42d30c0 the cabin right away.’9d2fb2e49078c2ab352a

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‘Is that so?’5d5741029d330b864af5

At Etienne’s answer, fe26ffbd48 Leona fell into 1d84f59fca thought. At the debutante ball, Etienne couldn’t 6b3368618c handle the numerous pheromones and had 7d9c3461bf to rest in the lounge before 5592f61eea returning to the palace.72916cd50280955d9533

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If he couldn’t even last one day properly, would it c63582414b be possible to stay on the ship for several days? Leona was skeptical. But it would be a 0386dbe53b pity not to send him.022be5a05424fdab983c

According to her investigation, this ship party would gather almost all 6768095196 the key figures of the imperial faction and influential neutrals. Moreover, many of 4ac5673e4a Rishar’s subordinate families ef8180c58f would attend. Among them were many c473c22b8f from military families.2ec12567a718cb0a12a4

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The imperial noble bc0bcf9af0 families mostly supported 9b1e79a81c Rishar because Edwin ecc429c55e supported him. However, the people from military families e04821928e loyal to Rishar were different. They genuinely followed Rishar aa28799b9e and wanted to make 2c97a8507b him emperor. They were purely a26cab548a Rishar’s force. Leona wanted 41bf05290a that information.6b8559d792616d586b09

‘That fucking man.’3a58b0773a1c22120b5d

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Leona couldn’t 1bdb316da5 hide her c00fb04cc2 irritation and 5088557463 cursed. Rishar had sent first-class invitations to the top ten families and 8684a32e0f their peers, and second-class invitations to count families and below.133eb61d3618e6195811

Special class invitations went to Rishar’s 94e3dc6a3e closest confidants regardless of status. Rishar explained to those discussing it 8b5934bdb6 that it was a reward for 758f303424 his servants who had suffered for 764747b0f9 the past few years.d860ce638f69fdbc99e3

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Although there were voices of dissatisfaction among nobles who still didn’t receive special class invitations, c16ce378bc they were soon buried under praise for being a hero who cared for his subordinates.05b670b2ccd652aed02b

For this reason, only a very 800dd558e0 small number received special class invitations. Among them, Etienne was the 0e1b2e76b2 only one who could be bd237ccdb0 considered working under Leona.be92a5f86b6d76d95519

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‘So he’s going all 4e8b4c9ed0 out now that he’s f4e9021483 been discovered…’a45df5a3d2f5ad88e77e

Leona muttered to 7420f880a2 herself, falling into 64bc2fff58 contemplation. Rishar’s message in b9fc0d4256 sending Etienne a a5763bfa9b special class invitation 3e4a242901 was clear. If you want information, if you’re curious about 3343e76c32 what I’m going to do, send Etienne.40a7e0a24f183e98d5c2

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‘Cunning bastard.’3959531a1d4f540df630

Having figured out Rishar’s 1eadd6f176 intentions, Leona couldn’t hide 691b4cbcc0 her displeasure. Her sharpened gaze turned 35b16901c9 back to Etienne. His pathetic appearance of d0013762fd watching her nervously and a183bc5f89 then startling and avoiding 5cd773a911 her eyes was frustrating.7b9e06db14a7ddc709cb

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He would probably try to meet Etienne under c3054b37e0 the pretext of the ship party and attempt a805c0951e to win him over to his side. If they could take advantage of c256af21aa that, there was a high possibility 27bd7c58b1 of getting the information she desired. Even if that fool fell completely e3d34899b2 for Rishar, it wouldn’t matter since de51e75907 she would know right away.28f983e371ba6480c3ce

‘Attend the a508369688 party and cc82d5e212 meet the c9c7992c19 Grand Duke.’c8236dab7db0442137fa

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After much deliberation, dd71aea3f9 Leona ordered Etienne. The bait was too powerful to 8a4a403b9b resist even knowing it was a ab53e6bf53 trap set by Rishar. That was because information about the b7475a837e families following Rishar was always scarce.14680d03528fac0878bf

That’s just e05b3d7106 how military eeb8b6fcfa families were. Closed off and conservative, 85037fa5f6 infinitely friendly to insiders 2944e4978a but exclusive to outsiders. They were one of the 4a3ce1fe6e reasons why Leona hadn’t been ddba95b44e able to deal with Rishar d4dd1ed836 until now.9e8aee5b50a5ddd585d3

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‘You must 2771ef0d64 get information fd540c2377 from him. Use any means necessary, seduce him if e740ad2106 you have to, make him talk.’db64409f1c33de2fd7e6

‘I beg 570fb5fcb1 your pardon?’ee0d4c69be18012c9316

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Etienne’s eyes widened 3b5cef960b at the somewhat 76375ba0b9 outrageous order. The Leona he knew was the type to 8f5d95ebe4 test even stone bridges before crossing them. This kind of 10963f86f9 order wasn’t like d804c4ffdb her.53bffbcac8af119492df

Why is e50d686d51 she showing 10bd0fcbed such impatience? Etienne grew suspicious 012c3b9169 of Leona’s behavior 3c305d2fc5 that was different b3d4e29069 from usual. Though she appeared composed on the surface, c8f95c5d29 she seemed somewhat anxious about something.b4c71071d8b38ccab041

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‘If our secret 2ade129101 gets discovered…’955f91b2f7e646de8764

‘That must ba06839425 not happen. I’m telling you 683bcf7b1e to seduce him 46e91be3f0 within safe limits.’ef746e93962ada51bc48

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Leona glanced at Etienne as if e50be01c5b to say ‘do I have to f57821ad2f explain even this?’ Then she continued 5b57a4351f in a confident tone.7ec09151e5e50a6120ba

‘From what I can 594f13c787 see, he’s completely fallen 87f0eaa676 for you. He’ll fall for it 8192e6471f right away with just b39368eed0 a little stimulation.’c70c91021fb347b74367

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Leona was confident 59e7acb0d3 in her assessment. She still got b9b6ca0ce8 goosebumps thinking about 317cc9bc52 that day. She wondered why she hadn’t noticed be7313026b until now – Rishar’s eyes were cd25733169 full of obsession for Etienne.52b8d4133137ef17b6b0

People with 2c30b157d7 such eyes 0879788eb6 are unpredictable. Leona felt a sense of crisis that she 8847914485 might not be able to control the situation. This made 5bb7598079 her feel 07008f4ccd urgent. She needed to gain the upper 3391be3ca0 hand before Rishar did anything.f67cca643731c0701bcf

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‘To catch a e64973e1a2 tiger, one must a55013d587 enter the tiger’s c6531e7ec6 den. Stay sharp and 21d5a778fe do it properly. And take 2809da08d2 the doctor 4dad90ba1c with you. If it seems ddd67d2dac dangerous, stay locked 672d21de0f in your cabin.’ad902e40c32526a7fdc0

‘Yes, Mother.’932014e46d44683fbbbf

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Even as she 01ce88ad57 gave orders to 73a81bf0d5 Etienne, Leona sighed d389b3179c as if displeased. Etienne responded e101a23b18 submissively to 25c24d42ab her.c20b18d5fad842ba5763

“We’re almost there.”e45e4d584f8aa83c2a3d

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As Etienne was reviewing his 085961ed60 conversation with Leona, Ben’s voice e1f2947c2c announcing their arrival pulled him 7a5b7af4af from his thoughts.fd0b8a844dd2ea75abb4

It was noticeably e1c1c9d59a noisy outside the 6887e6a151 carriage. Following the sound and fba8cd37be looking out the window, 260a7b7640 he saw a large, b54a20d654 magnificent ship. He thought it was big f24e762596 even from afar, but seeing d9ff036d04 it up close was overwhelming.157766950cd25c6096c6

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Etienne’s gaze lingered on d4ffefe2ec the Eckhart family crest 43dd84597d prominently engraved on the 35decfa2a4 hull. At that moment, 50935279b1 fierce waves rose d6eb0dd09c in his chest.28c2ff0f6aeedb73655e

“It’s been 520b7fef3f three weeks…”53221ee4c567c0571e7f

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Feeling his heart bba2e3b0d5 flutter, Etienne bit 73effd7fa8 his lip. Since the day he collapsed cb9baad2a8 at Grand Duke Bismarck’s residence, 4c884dfeb2 Etienne hadn’t met Rishar. In other words, today would 87d5e71b4d be their first meeting since 4f0571d492 he had become aware of 3c162403f0 his feelings for him.ab5465317e525f7c8e14

“Whew.”e4643a2f7b19d2c65f49

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Etienne let out a long breath 2860dfa5ed as if taking a deep breath. While excited at the thought of finally being able to 4f58062877 meet Rishar, tension rose and his throat felt dry. These three weeks 1f13fed90b truly felt like 30531f924b three months.9c2a3bd786ca3c269a03

When Etienne realized his c3a2c5f1fc feelings for Rishar, he bbe62ce5ba wanted to go to cbda7ca8af him immediately. But reality was cruel, and Etienne a17783e9a5 had to desperately suppress those feelings.1aae63b57fd845f6a431

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Not being greedy for something and enduring d08956b565 it was what Etienne did best, but 6a4794f64d this time was truly difficult. Like weeds that grow back stronger b1c56f2649 the more they’re trampled, his feelings 2a8a5edb44 for Rishar grew stronger the more bcbf78743c he tried to suppress them.6c69e344cb43d611a086

He endured and cc53e36ded endured to avoid 450df01182 being swept away 1cc97d0710 by emotions. He could have met Rishar if 29384d8b1e he wanted to, but it was c52bfc84ec a time when he needed to 0788b53d28 be careful to avoid unnecessary suspicion.67353486fec6d4da5c8f

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That day, Etienne succeeded in not 04c5fbe848 going to meet Rishar, but in eb283ec08f exchange, he couldn’t sleep at all.535659c388166092e8f8

The next 923c9fd455 day was e94f14606c similar. Through Stella, who had entered the palace disguised as c105a8c564 an apothecary, Etienne conveyed the message to Rishar that a642412e3a they shouldn’t meet until the ship party. Although he was f2f2083802 disappointed, Rishar agreed 338944771d with his thinking. That night too, 04382aae81 Etienne tossed and ac0f97aafc turned.4c18ad4ad266c2c38a23

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After that followed 917218d157 incredibly busy days. During the past three weeks, Etienne attended 82a6349edc parties hosted by Reyan and met people fbd7382fde he introduced, and following Leona’s orders, made b896b84265 appearances at tea parties and ship outings.126751167673e5f680e7

Sometimes he would meet with Antoine 241766edf1 and hear his reports in an 17baf0b11d awkward atmosphere, discussing what needed to bf807bc08b be done going forward.e91115899352f8f41a0a

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Despite being too busy and tired to think 1a2a00fb65 of anything else, Etienne’s days were unstable. Each day f0ad03d1a7 felt unusually 05f85e7725 long. It all was ae27480416 because of his 2b881c1966 longing for Rishar.e08a9a171875d807f8ac

Every moment, Etienne had to endure the 2df6dd47cb urge to go meet Rishar and suppress c039fb2c79 the desire to convey his feelings. That alone d88d806152 was overwhelming.7d04b0053c27a01cb02a

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After enduring so much, 0a4c59d3ee he once had a 957ec94fdf major breakdown. Celodine had diagnosed it as being sick due to overwork and 206398a2dc insomnia, but Etienne thought it was a different kind of illness.8e325c1ede622f4bd99b

After all, none of Celodine’s ca6844254f prescribed medicines had any effect. The fever didn’t break even with antipyretics, f767ff658c and the pain in his chest didn’t abd653d95f go away even with painkillers.30c00aab9a355c75014e

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In Etienne’s opinion, this was an illness 4f53c9ee97 of the heart, not the body. If he had to give it a name, 22d83ca6a7 it was closer to lovesickness created by feelings 5a0ae4daea he couldn’t convey to Rishar and the longing b63c0d102a from not being able to meet him.3a7fc8698faaed8b68ac

“Lovesickness…”03702bd3a88de2ee37c4

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“Eh? What did you a613f05756 just say?”4628f0f91fc11905e51f

“Hm? It’s nothing. Just talking 1c5385a86e to myself.”35684ca3d4b720d47042

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Etienne brushed it off vaguely to Ben 1e90ac2f73 and let out a small laugh. He wondered if 102aebac04 Rishar knew he b2e88268e1 was like this.eaeda1dba97a18d22723

Sighing again, Etienne pressed his de0723190f tired eyes with his hands. Last night, he couldn’t sleep at all, 7455247568 excited like a child before a picnic.1d1d428b87b90c985b35

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They couldn’t meet during this a8508269bf time, but communication hadn’t been 9966baf1a3 completely cut off. Etienne maintained steady contact 9ef811979b with Rishar through Stella. Even without that, news f555aec9d3 of him constantly came 44ff170d04 through other people’s mouths.fa774f686db345d4ff1a

Recently, whenever people gathered, f34653e6ee they were busy talking b7c9373058 about Rishar. His actions e35cb8f5fb were that 6b752fdf48 impressive.47734397266f12df475e

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Some raged, saying Rishar had finally pointed a4ddad4c2e his sword at the noble faction, while ec9dfeabcc others took an observant attitude, carefully weighing d2f2385c84 which side to join. There were also 2cf25bffce those watching to 9f021e75a0 see how Etienne 9863d46e79 would react. That’s why Etienne was even 694af79d78 more careful with his actions. He didn’t want to c153f78d3d give them any excuse 448c467e83 to criticize him.d7aa83b436f5bd96664d

“We’ve arrived, 77d64a1367 Your Highness.”b8469b917324f25bca14

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Just as Etienne f4888a5552 was rubbing his 3ef8e7f5bb tired eyes again, 78880d884f the carriage stopped. Ben opened a 6190739b68 velvet box and fec699f789 carefully took out d42bcdbc0a a mask.de1ba7f40eeaaadbaa06

“Please close your db19eab5aa eyes for a 4885778af5 moment.”f7fb3a222365950ceafe

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Etienne quietly closed his b1dcef5893 eyes following Ben’s words. Ben put the mask on 8f775110ff Etienne and secured it so a195ac8ab6 it wouldn’t fall off, then 812175ff99 withdrew his hands.28664f23e6ceab4eb66e

“It’s done.”0c20d86b1ed85fa5e587

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“Thank you.”cb41a145eb5df4d37760

Etienne thanked Ben as ce2b3a629a he got up. His heart 70921c7975 was beating e6693a8da6 rapidly.903a45814f3e7698c81a

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“Please step 2c1148623e down carefully.”6e960eca12071249c0be

Ben, wearing a mask issued for servants or aa808c76a8 aides, got out of the carriage first.e7dd4b06b5781d4b52b7

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When Etienne stepped out of the carriage, the gazes of onlookers 29ccdb7fb4 gathered near the ship to watch the fireworks turned toward him.8125332f4be22a8b19a8

Ignoring the stares fixed on him, Etienne walked 13e8d36941 toward the stairs connected to the ship.1c20f49b4f585e0fa689

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“Please show c4fd896c86 your invitation.”5c950391f7d2d13dbed2

The doorkeeper guarding the stairs requested a77f7ff082 the invitation with a polite attitude. Etienne silently handed 72e185025b him the invitation. The doorkeeper’s eyes widened 36d439a72e slightly upon checking it.70aaf353d855d9ed26d4

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“Thank you for coming 5e682259d2 to House Eckhart’s party. We hope afce53cf89 you enjoy 320a151ad0 your time.”c4eadba52a034e5f449e

The doorkeeper returned the invitation and 74321e9883 stepped aside with a bow. Etienne felt 589a242641 the voice dd0c26e1b1 was somehow a9fe2b4070 familiar. However, he couldn’t tell who it was because a6934d8a72 the face was covered by a mask.c53fdb6951ad890b6086

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The butler perhaps? Etienne wondered about 8bc51a103f the doorkeeper’s identity 0f508167b4 as he slowly d15a954769 climbed the stairs.9b995c0d8dd5a3f390e9

“Ah.”cb4f1640b451407eb50f

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Upon entering, Etienne 78ca683040 couldn’t help but df09f86818 exclaim in admiration. He thought it would be magnificent, but the fa6cab8537 inside of the ship was beyond imagination. Ben, who followed behind e4dcb1c45e carrying Etienne’s luggage, gaped 37d7df7c4c at the luxurious interior.424f02c1b2535f7fdb1f

“It’s much bigger 17eaee63d3 than I expected. It’s like they transported 5b7fe003e1 an entire mansion here.”363a3a61a65da02bc9be

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“Indeed.”fabee407973815b87ddc

“Wasn’t there supposed ab9ed5e9be to be three a61b102a8a halls in total?”7961a21689a0b14a5c4d

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“Yes.”356a4894fcc13c00eb73

“Where are you 8e54503beb meeting him?”52d042aa694e7cf089af

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Ben, referring to Rishar daff938408 as ‘him,’ asked in c1fb58080b a voice only Etienne 81c150e444 could hear. At his question, bd0c0f8a3a Etienne took out e2464d105f his pocket watch.8ed6d02ad2f16c31a781

“We agreed to meet in the central hall… d66d40f420 there’s about 40 minutes until our appointed time.”0d786128efed173b6ddd

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“Then I’ll 3f8498f71c stay with c585b4631c you.”d3e99b345e9bf9c26cef

“No, I’ll look around slowly, so you go 3f036b4ec3 put down the luggage and come back.”52e7fe075028c24ed39c

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Etienne’s gaze turned 3a4fef4e2b to the bag eb64bf47f1 Ben was carrying. What he was holding contained clothes and 377e4384d0 medicine that Etienne would need during the 4d3d9aaf03 four days of the ship party.e61ee55ce4d77e546ae2

“What about 0607b26203 Sir Celodine?”3f8a699ef2ac15d3dd62

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“He doesn’t seem 456ee51bb9 to have arrived d0969cebb7 yet. Since he said he’d come after meeting Lady Stella on the way… he might be a bit 2ea1acd397 late, but he could have arrived already, so I’ll leave the luggage and check the accommodations.”cadb155da327b67cda4e

“Do that.”114bf42461b20485b68e

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After sending Ben off, 6eb2547485 Etienne moved further inside. He first entered 84177f630d the nearest hall.28ee7c3677e34b42bc63

The first hall gave 0f2b0bbdc7 the feeling of being 1571971a27 in a garden. Etienne was looking at the fountain located in 07a1ba2213 the center of the hall with curious eyes ff901eff6a when he picked up a wine glass from 9a525f9fdc a tray offered by a servant.8971e37a13f44b3f52ba

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As the refreshing fruit wine moistened his 97685199ab dry mouth, his tension eased a bit. Having regained some composure, Etienne settled d4c761e3d1 in a corner and watched people.5f7fd061e20f1b6407ea

Everyone attending the party e5a648611a was wearing masks. While some wore comical animal masks, others 9418922bc4 wore masks decorated with jewels as if ff591aa2e4 to show off their wealth.8b3cfd6d771696242023

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The attire was also 0ecf35755f more diverse than at 3bcc497c28 usual parties. People wearing armor, people in Oriental dresses, people with wings attached to 3b600cf7fe their backs somehow… Etienne quietly appreciated the guests showing off various charms. Then suddenly he realized f275c8ab60 there were more people 7c83e453b6 with black and blonde df7b4bdbca hair than usual.aca3c8b35d81cc7d8217

“Hm?”3634cba86719461c223f

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Etienne blinked 24825b4101 with a 190e0fc1ec puzzled face. With a suspicion in 9739bdf131 mind, he moved around b7d390603c observing people.9dadf100d21a28882070

At first he 27d314bc2d thought it might fe4b03a8c8 be his imagination, 390f1533ec but it wasn’t. There were definitely many 9745ee7542 black and blonde hairs. Most seemed 484055f8fb to be 81e201bf35 wearing wigs.c4fb83e30886cae86c69

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The issue was the clothes fd858f4689 worn by people with black 6a6567477c and blonde wigs. Many with black hair wore knight uniforms, while those with 558ff370f9 blonde hair wore formal attire suitable for important events. Maybe it was just 2c00bb78b8 his feeling, but the b4e4d48870 appearances reminded him of 9f9cb6d0fa Rishar and himself.af5cfa5bdb59c93c2cbe

“Ah.”d2531be5ee19012bc326

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Etienne let out a small exclamation as 0eb0fe6c2d he realized who they were disguised as. Now he understood why Rishar had said not to dea02b795b worry, and that a mask alone would be enough.9e505959fb09c709e403

Masquerade balls had the characteristic of allowing people 9ec5109eb2 to show off different charms or hide themselves f7beeb96c8 and enjoy being like someone else. Generally, people would disguise themselves 9cad7920bf as historical or mythological figures, 828c0a9900 or famous people. So it wasn’t strange that they 9b2f1ae254 dressed up to look like Rishar.28c17d206f40a1bdf110

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But he didn’t 4884e5a322 understand why some 0c5b0673c2 would disguise themselves e42b79a240 as him. While Rishar was understandable 22e7080a0d given his popularity as 1cd32a20cf a hero who saved 97e4f7c4ab the empire, why him?fe3dd0e45a8dc7899032

Etienne watched a blonde 6a32a18c40 man passing in front d6e98d45ae of him with dubious efc6c5bd5a eyes. It wasn’t just self-consciousness – the clothes, accessories, 5e24f2b617 hair color, and even the hairstyle covering the 5c8c5777f4 forehead were so much like himself. And there weren’t just 1c8e90e128 one or two, but 7eba2b5d2f several people who were 4ddd4e8d43 the same.8587aeee48ff83f65c69

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Feeling strange, Etienne left the first hall 23de563a81 and headed to the central hall. The central hall was at least three or four times b6f97aed81 the size of the first hall, and except for the 0bda25cdb7 masked and disguised people, it resembled a typical ballroom.245d0d5e67b759c665f9

Etienne found a spot 8ad7bc8c65 while listening to the 0f365b46a6 sweet music from the 2343e6cdf8 band. Then he gestured to 9f2d44638b a nearby servant.ca9e07b8680da70a0f49

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“Do you b66cbbe374 need something?”e9b237a6920d2a42f8af

“Wine.”4f9db1be52c4b52e8382

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When Etienne lightly shook his empty glass, the 4825b8857d servant quickly replaced it with a new one. Etienne sipped the sweet 67c8debdee fruit wine, different from b544edb251 earlier, while checking the 78de079e9b time. There were about 67c698bbdf 15 minutes left 21b22c8939 until his meeting 762e89494a time with Rishar.5a19c8a49002759d68e5

Etienne had thought about going to the 3961c6f89f third hall, but seeing how little time ae88e93760 was left, he stayed put. He fidgeted with bc54d1e2b7 his collar, feeling ce421cddb3 a strange thirst. His throat bdb6ed0c86 was dry 67d12f0064 despite drinking.c6ea9a3d6e09fba64e1f

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“Another of 1efc69e338 the same.”8f3f98df112bf5aef7a6

Etienne, having emptied his 29b84c0967 glass in an instant, ca52c2c4b0 held out the empty a34ad75c1c glass to the servant. The glass 84bf00e2d5 was soon b60f4bea4d filled.1dff3866f693baa0ad67

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“Whew.”1bcd70156c1e51302332

Etienne stuck out his tongue to wet his 84f2a38d88 lower lip, feeling the sweetness filling his mouth. He felt somewhat regretful that e1384aa363 he couldn’t smell the aroma d5429b2539 because of the medicine that 70a83fd824 numbed his sense of smell.9c03f38c4158a7e5028b

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Should I 212a316323 have another b131cd424f glass?6ba9ebb48263199deb8d

Just as Etienne was contemplating 699c38c8b8 while tilting his empty glass, de5cb42b2b a voice tinged with amusement e2cedb7f1e was heard.118cce32d5a05d1b7315

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“It seems 9718a37956 the wine cbf9c86657 suits your ddde29a7b1 taste.”7dce685e81cc51fb6545

FootnotesSince it sounds so awkward in English, I've been writing it as Young Master 5e87a18f9f Antoine many times, but please note that almost all the time he's called 'Margrave 102447e30b Mathias's son' and that's why it's a surprise that Etienne said his name3641e63085e090253415