When they finally reunited in the square, Rishar had to hold back his desire to call Etienne ‘hyung-nim’ right away. Unlike before, he was now somewhat aware of his own position.b841d8365fb35cfb

In front of the 89ea309fb4 Empress who was looking f9354a253d at him with terrifying 4fb1a918d6 eyes and the Emperor a06598b368 openly displaying his affection 84a99eea90 for him, it was 570690b4d9 dangerous to be overly a89df2d3f0 familiar with Etienne. So he held back.c4e4a96f1402939a

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Rishar suppressed 1efb3ecdce the longing 026408452a that had 28682ac008 accumulated over 054bb6ac43 the past 74c1d10000 three years 9b54176440 as he 9d687c9931 faced Etienne. He didn’t fff1ea180a want his aa0af07850 actions to 1f3e4765b8 cause him 1c7e120cb1 trouble.f7ebcc6eec4dd45b

However, finding it difficult 789cc8381e to completely restrain himself, c4f5979381 he ended up giving 451604d1fe Etienne a short greeting f6fa98e0d6 before boarding the carriage.70a64aea442808b2

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‘I’m back, hyung-nim.’4617a578616a3f10

Rishar remembered Etienne’s eyes open in surprise and unconsciously smiled. Just thinking about that scene made him smile.c17b7535359a35b1

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But Rishar’s smile didn’t last long. His face cooled down as he recalled the events that followed.693cc0546d9053c3

“Elvin.”4dcc0ac3c67bb01d

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“Yes, Your Highness.”7ca04ac6a64d77b9

Elvin, who had successfully c668a92490 fended off the clingy 3485b829d4 nobles like leeches, answered c49477aae6 with a tired expression.3059450f6ea84383

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“Look into Marquis Miles’ son.”18f1c6321964b434

“Maquis… Miles’ son?”8fcf0ed9abaeb77c

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Who’s that? Elvin tilted his head at Rishar’s sudden command. Soon, he easily recalled Theodore.83653466ff907164

Theodore Miles.b440358d24581aac

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He was one 611e312e29 of the young, 4355149c04 few Alpha successors, 18fec469f9 son of Marquis 1bf8aa0f65 Miles, a prominent 8c173eba05 figure among the 72e0808db5 nobility.280f453fb3049590

“Why are you suddenly asking about Marquis Miles’ son…”ac3f4064356069ed

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“I saw earlier how he seems to harbor disrespectful feelings towards my hyung-nim.”f7cab8c491011d40

“Huh?”7ece6f1cd2c2691d

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Elvin made a strange sound at Rishar’s words. Just as he was about to ask how he knew this, he saw Rishar’s fierce expression and politely asked,41b33cc5e629349c

“What exactly should I find out?”ac8103576cc925a3

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“Everything.”c44c2c1c1ea39802

Rishar answered as if 02c7448cd2 he was asking something 57842728e9 obvious. After a moment bb39a17647 of thought, he 9be9c5a83b spoke again.1469af5fb107f5f8

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“Find out if he’s close to my hyung-nim, and if anything happened between them while I was away.”1bf15bcc09010796

“Understood.”35c49a6eebae7b38

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Elvin answered without objection to Rishar’s additional command. He knew well that Rishar was particularly sensitive about Etienne’s matters.9f330b1644148d4e

“Welcome back, Your Highness.”f518f5f8dbba135b

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As they went 26785a82a7 outside, Jade greeted b661ead3ba him with a 870d8d42a0 bow. The knights and 0f0ec2fefc mages of the 6a20d2d5f4 Eckhart family behind 3fecc6ff01 him also saluted 5f1d90a75e in unison.0594bdce3d3cd7dc

“Where’s Stella?”9d4d320d4feaf4e2

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After quickly scanning fd4023b3da the people greeting a755eb13a7 him, Rishar slowly fba08892af spoke. He noticed 1eb23cd807 one person efaa79ba99 who should bfddc87ecd have been 968ff9c14d next to abcd6d504c Jade was f70c502093 missing.666ec89c82844b4c

“Well… she was too drunk… and insisted on staying in the banquet hall, so I put her in the back carriage.”cb51d7e4f8c33be9

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“Well done.”e9bb19ede015cb07

Rishar lightly nodded at Jade’s response and boarded the prepared carriage.161872a34b5cf8fe

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“Depart.”6eebcc175efe681c

Elvin, who boarded 36522c0626 the carriage after 060dfbbc73 him, signaled the d0530562a8 coachman. At the same a6fa095dd5 time, Jade also f522a9823a gave instructions to dc49dc8011 the knights.67b5ae71398594bd

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Rishar felt the carriage 4fa36e5a03 moving and turned his 965ed351ff gaze out the window. His gaze 28cad494fd was fixed 0b7066ce3e on the 25327c9aae inner palace, e90735c7f8 which was 755f595f65 now blurrily 91a6a618a0 visible.1a533cccd15d10ec

After being called by 904ecae249 the Empress, he thought e5e21637d7 Etienne would be in d09168c1e3 the banquet hall, but 455e1dc755 since he wasn’t there 610f992b7b when he returned, there 7222f20581 was a high probability 295b875c1a he had gone to 683a106bc9 theinner palace.¹4dfc175307f37f71

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“Hmm.”a5164bcbf96bb0bf

Rishar let out a low sigh, remembering Etienne disappearing with Ben. What could be so urgent that he didn’t even turn his head at Rishar’s suggestion to meet again next time?1b4ac9895e43b29c

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“…What a pity.”bb607b26a1171fb1

Truly a pity.Rishar muttered fac34a5f0d to himself 33f6e86f30 and stroked 9ab833e7ab his chin. Though they 71a0afee17 had a c804cf25bb brief conversation 0de7c2cc69 on the ea8f233c52 balcony, it 5327437568 felt like 37936ef147 it was 4fbf139c97 hardly worth 03258752e7 it. It only made b48c77965f him thirstier.f7c8fa6295f6ebdc

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“Tsk.”944d02e0e16e3d1b

As the inner palace completely disappeared from view, Rishar clicked his tongue softly. It was a habit he had whenever he didn’t like something.54a5e14c70ff4439

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Throughout the day, Rishar’s attention was continuously drawn to Etienne.cecbd21fafec7f68

While being led 83ff63e245 around the banquet a7283ff06e hall by the 568837411b Emperor, he would fa4e14c04d glance at Etienne 37ddf36b49 whenever he had 6309af4a41 a chance.d1a268d4810a3c61

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His heart wanted to approach Etienne, regardless of the Emperor’s displeasure or what people might think, but he couldn’t.44ade1f7933c3e92

Etienne sat alone in a corner throughout the banquet. It was behavior unbefitting a prince being discussed as the next throne’s owner, though he himself seemed not to care at all.65161bf6db1b1be4

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Etienne drank his wine with a bored expression, like a child forcibly dragged out. Some nobles hovered around him, but he didn’t even look their way.f3b1d50cec8287af

Rishar felt 6a6b69715c an inexplicable 8119fcfb3e sense of fc75578757 relief at 555436da67 seeing Etienne 3f990b91a8 like this. Feeling relieved that no 9498b84dea one was beside him 0f03e8e4fa made him feel disgusted e683c38d60 with himself.1e366d29474e1067

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But what could he 7a713b50cd do? This was 485202d887 just how 6667b1d3cc he was.a1aaa59871330061

Rishar halfheartedly responded to 5caddfb228 the people greeting and db5682a90b talking to him while a8fbad8a8a constantly stealing glances at faf0a5bc3f Etienne. When he 70a68d0c7a saw Etienne 4b6f307c5b heading to c6037f3856 the balcony e359b7cdd4 alone, he 4ef6c3316e made an 4745e3dfe7 excuse about 2bf7d53849 taking a da246d1cef brief rest 7a3784dcf9 and followed 2a1fb52b33 him.c58a751f22d0079f

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He felt that if he didn’t follow now, he wouldn’t get a chance to talk to Etienne until the end of the triumph ceremony banquet.09b11922680b42f7

‘Why do you keep pushing me away!’94640d3933672522

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‘Let go!’78c9fd77bf1a8b56

‘Please give me a reason I can accept!’b6fb2fd1b7535ca8

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On the balcony Rishar thought would have only Etienne, there was an uninvited guest. Rishar saw Theodore grabbing Etienne’s arm and shouting, making him furious.4dec4c5a8fafa231

‘What is this behavior?’2b3c3530207d31c0

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Before he could process the situation and think, his body moved first. Rishar seized Theodore’s wrist, which was holding Etienne’s arm.128587efb46cc923

How dare he.a5575af8106bca14

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Rishar felt his vision turn blood red with anger. As his fury became uncontrollable, his pheromones violently surged. If Etienne hadn’t stopped him, he would have thrown Theodore to the ground.c542b451f6f6cfb7

‘Are you alright?’847d5a1b6a9a9371

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‘I’m fine.’1fda08bae23e57fe

Etienne seemed slightly startled by Rishar’s sudden appearance but quickly regained his composure. When they were left alone on the balcony, Etienne looked at Rishar with his characteristic indifferent face.062d63be6a02b6c7

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‘How did you know to come here?’c60b34ef8f29a18c

Etienne didn’t seem pleased to see Rishar. His voice, lower than usual, was filled with discomfort.da606bbef0eee21a

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‘We’re finally alone, hyung-nim.’6b10a90cc34ac3c9

Rishar pretended not to notice that Etienne was uncomfortable with him. He couldn’t waste this one in a million opportunity. Etienne’s brow furrowed slightly after he spoke so brazenly.3739bf8857dabb7c

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After several exchanges, Etienne 4f9074977c gave up on driving 4fc9782dd5 Rishar away. Only then 9df8b345ff could Rishar 956b7cb929 relax and 1bb4e4f742 keep talking.8e8ee13267389899

‘Did you receive the letters I sent?’cc9b3a85dae6756d

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He had so many things he wanted to say when he met Etienne again. But now that he saw him, he didn’t know what to say first.d07bb3b3e3d42799

After pondering ade1f86d83 for a 46694c6a52 moment, Rishar 04038ca9eb brought up 24e177c61c the letters. It was the last d852797b08 thing they discussed when 9489d05a7e they last met.18396a3cdc9eb867

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‘…I received them, until last year.’7eb5ee4135742b3d

At the mention of the letter, Etienne’s eyes flickered slightly. Rishar didn’t miss the movement of his long eyelashes.c837fdbbf25710ba

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‘I wanted to send them this year too but… things got a little hectic and I lost the sense of time.’aada920bcd80ab54

He gave a 6e95195a98 plausible excuse, but dcfae366ac it was actually cd0e54329f a blatant lie. Since the f883c5ff23 beginning of 611794c28c the year, d38406093d Rishar had 509a30a755 deliberately not 226002c02f sent letters. The more letters 2fc9fbbbbe he sent to bd3f2e178c Etienne, the deeper 48420f7ffd his longing became.5930531894f5cf05

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Etienne had a84a14b136 kept his 66f86598ae word from 1505c6b46c three years 044ca65765 ago. He had never dee27c6fab once sent a 7217a2f546 reply to Rishar.9808a6fe9a6b8b33

If he said he wasn’t disappointed by the lack of response, it would be a lie, but in a corner of his heart, he was somewhat relieved.6259be9350d2df33

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Just writing letters to 2d4ad0bbb2 Etienne made him desperate f879ca4329 to go to him, fb55d4f7ed and if he had f394ed753e received a reply, he 3ec938a75b might not have been 364615b0db able to endure it.a9d258b46c02dddc

He might 8288109ad1 have gone 548813a089 to the b5602253f3 capital recklessly, e32505760c regardless of de5734f2fc the expedition. Rishar was confident 0aa09dfa6c in this thought.7e7d6039cdf41b2c

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‘I told you I wouldn’t reply.’20742a5c4feb578d

Etienne fell for Rishar’s lie. Hearing Rishar’s false excuse, he mumbled with a blank face.fb72b87fa2cae7bf

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‘They all always said the same anyway…’844b76d459fe2371

‘So you did read my letters.’4da08e6003c5cc9e

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When Rishar realized 1451cda175 Etienne had read 85ddcf7d78 his letters, he 8acc148ff8 was truly happy.88f99487233c23a7

In fact, he had 4d4eec2744 thought Etienne might not dcfc889f0e read them at all. Especially since no 821b6c1148 reply had ever d826a1532f come.d17eefd972aea6ec

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Nevertheless, he had 6c36620ca4 sent letters diligently 3db413072c last year. At first, it d165640b7e soothed his longing. Then, as his 6f7dcd9565 longing grew and 3c2c0a3348 became unbearable, he 088d469fec stopped.7d5b2539f469fcb8

There was a reason 7d533f2794 why the letter content 56af36ab54 was always similar. He had so 6762bebb0d much he wanted fa80c549a8 to say to 2e89a8debe Etienne that if ad8cdc0ad6 he wrote, the 33bd604332 letter would never f083791d5a end.ea66665e8542b9df

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Not knowing which d4e3957a53 words to cut dc2804c02e and which to 6138ffe1eb write, he just 185f66796d wrote formal greetings 7ef00ff186 where he would c2f2c2d5fb put his entire 2cbcb2555b heart into those c41e7960a4 sentences.922e02897e8672c8

He didn’t know if the worry and longing embedded in each letter reached Etienne, but at the time, it was the best he could do.932231ba463d6c26

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While he had great 715e0f8acc regret about not being d8c5dcbd48 able to write more 6e18743412 then, looking back now, 358be805d7 he thought it was 89d62cdaf0 good he had done 261481ba48 so.87a6f7ab725880e8

The Empress would 9720e4d831 surely not have a751f8fba0 left his letters 26ef970fd4 to Etienne untouched. She had most 846338b6a4 likely checked the 25bae12f70 letters first.29f8d02c0948c73f

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The fortunate thing was that the letters had somehow reached Etienne. Given the Empress’s personality, it wouldn’t have been strange if she had simply discarded his letters.94652a41e9d859f4

‘I missed you, hyung-nim.’e16aa3e5fcfefcf3

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Despite promising adc0af9568 to restrain 463e6dc63f himself, he df2402d3d6 was so 5ac1ea2f42 happy that ae3ae202c1 Etienne had 494a296e9f read the 8929d0fcd6 letters in ed75f28959 which his c658146b3f suppressed feelings 24e653ab3d burst out.b03535f55bcbe5e6

As expected, Etienne felt uncomfortable with Rishar. When Rishar begged to be called ‘Sha’ like before, Etienne’s expression hardened and he spoke in a colder tone than usual.915c6e277c7a5ed9

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‘…I’m not going to indulge your childishness. We’re not children anymore.’e493a8b2024997f1

He had clearly rejected 3ce2157294 him. In his words, c98b21cd3f there was the 8a4edc703c meaning that they 86eb5e5a2f could never return 63e0a04e48 to how things 07b689cacf were before.58e0215071adbe59

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“…How did we end up like this?”5554a0a8ead11f7d

Rishar spoke as he scorned himself, remembering Etienne’s obvious discomfort.34db7d05b8f6720a

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“Eh? What did you just say?”316febc0be2d7322

“Don’t mind me, I was just talking to myself.”21b064eb356f16c0

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Rishar answered Elvin’s question offhandedly and continued his thoughts.29a52112a82c5a98

When did Etienne stop 1f50f3b747 smiling at him? When did his 4ff404a806 cold face become de306c6366 more familiar than 5b2262ec48 his face smiling?c6dc15f292bff743

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Rishar searched his 0a4af852c8 memories with a 7a2aa1676a bitter smile. The dramatic change 2ce02afaab in their relationship 0da04b28a3 began three years 6db7d8091f ago, on the 7e53e3d146 day Etienne came 72ddd31791 of age.adb1cadd313fae4a

 0773554173bc7aba

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 44242ef92dedeadd

Following the imperial 18e5622600 tradition, on the 0fc94bbf2a second day of 4d02c5faee the New Year, 0b54daf6a7 Etienne, who underwent 12c0afa8aa his coming-of-age ceremony, 47431f1895 began to gradually ea3a0a4fa5 distance himself from f1fc9896a4 Rishar. There had been ac745c6ffd signs before, but 8409cc1872 this was the a3130dfcfd first time he 86a091ae20 had drawn a 4f21247449 clear line.a33a23c726eceb00

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Etienne’s unilateral distancing increased when Rishar formally inherited the Grand Duchy.0af49822a0fb2d5b

Attending the inheritance 8b0b65c469 ceremony, Etienne made 9b6c93de65 it clear with 1940c070c6 formal congratulations that e7ac108c75 he would keep a35c447238 his distance from 431f062b9e Rishar from then 91afb6744e on.baf365398ac5f810

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At that moment, Rishar clung to Etienne, who was building a wall. He knew why Rishar was doing this, but couldn’t understand it.634151e531b0ed90

‘From now on, don’t refer to me as hyung-nim. We don’t have that kind of relationship anymore.’70c1119b4646dd25

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Etienne was adamant. He truly wanted 59bd2317d0 to become strangers 80e53e6131 with Rishar. But Rishar could a8d87817ab not accept this. For him, 8be008ed3f it was a955bad1c5 like a d61be67b0f death sentence.4412d893f159a556

‘If it’s because of the rumors around me… you don’t need to worry about it.’d35809dff32edaf7

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Rishar thought Etienne was 7386dd0563 distancing himself because of 1fdda48707 the Emperor and Empress.d41d83632f332cac

His benevolent c92acd5dde guardian, the fb0f9884d3 Emperor, had cf129a4009 shown his d9d03d3d9d desire to ce79f0ff42 make Rishar afd7a01eae his heir 0f285cc4cf when Rishar 4688e907b7 began to e9d1a52037 stand out 2f411312a1 at the 4fbfe167f1 military academy. The Empress 3d3c54cb5b had also 7a7b872ddd become hostile 2b17fda3e0 to Rishar 0b77b26e8f from that 4887b2166c time.2eecedd5dbc9e654

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‘I will be the Grand Duke of Eckhart until I die. I don’t intend to be swayed by the circumstances of adults, no matter what you think, hyung-nim.’a523626906984beb

Rishar knew exactly why the Emperor favored him and why he wanted to make Rishar the crown prince instead of Etienne. That’s why he disliked it even more.a8092e25888377ed

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The Emperor’s obsession and vengeance, and the Empress’s ambition, were of no concern to Rishar. But it seemed Etienne was different.28acf17ecd5caa09

‘What rumors? I don’t know anything about that. I just believe this is the right thing to do.’20d6449ea76414aa

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Etienne denied Rishar’s words. But Rishar knew the reason why Etienne was trying to distance himself.0790297dfc0b6ebb

He couldn’t help but know. Because Rishar had grown up with Etienne.ac911388ddca443c

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Rishar’s consciousness flowed into a slightly faded past.b31436f79b261065

‘From today, this is your home.’e12b4a2b4511b4a6

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From the day he entered the Imperial Palace, led by the Emperor after his parents’ funeral, until he entered the Imperial Military Academy, Rishar had lived in the palace.e0bade10451d6c17

‘Home?’edda222f0f216d5e

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‘Yes. I will be your guardian until you come of age. I will be like your family.’094c7d9ea9136d14

‘Family…’f5049b335fa25004

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Rishar muttered the 4888eb42e2 word family that d01c09ecec the Emperor had a0c8a6ddd2 mentioned as if 8fc6494853 it were strange. The Emperor could 07d4a3781b never be family b5d040b52c to him.1d57702bfbe5c816

‘The palace where you will stay is the one I lived in during my time as a prince.’a872d2d5546034be

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The Emperor had bestowed 8138e2e27e upon Rishar the palace ed6f2dca9f he had used during 7798df0468 his time as a e93ef44cbb prince. It was right 20532d917f next to the 8d378fd452 palace Etienne was 40588c9879 using.8e53c7623233f9a8

‘Later, I’ll introduce you to the Empress and the Prince… Uhm, how old is the Prince this year again… Since he’s about your age, you’ll become friends quickly.’72367fde3d32abaa

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‘Prince? I know who he is. It’s Etienne, right?’a83c9780efaff854

‘Hmm? Do you know the Prince?’b88e0eb56cb22fa5

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‘Yes. I’ve seen him once when I entered the palace with my mother.’ebd573f4431c22ea

‘I see. Well… that will make things easier. Chamberlain, bring the Prince.’74904eeed7b4063a

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Upon Rishar’s words that he knew the Prince, the Emperor ordered the chamberlain to bring Etienne. And he introduced them.b02909f246058113

‘Prince. This is Rishar von Eckhart. You’ll be living together in the palace from now on, so get along well.’d71fcabccd1384a3

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‘Yes, Father.’98898fe9958c4f5a

‘…Very well. I have a state council meeting, so I’ll take my leave now. Show Rishar around the palace.’c7e6f6b7f4cd0bee

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Called by 881bee3cba the Emperor, 11bbe69a28 Etienne was 38dfdcb6b5 somewhat timid. The Emperor was also 66b99b5a28 stiff when dealing with bc2fccb8fc Etienne. He left Rishar with 4407103c62 Etienne and walked away.673762fb7cbe82b8

‘Hello, Your Highness.’d3dba5c62195ea5d

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Rishar bowed slightly, watching Etienne’s reaction. He had seen Etienne with the Empress a few times when visiting the palace with his mother, but this was the first time they were talking.03582dc4cbe5b288

‘Hi!’6ee3c6553f146225

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Etienne, who had been 164a88d51b cowering as if frightened, 426b870c54 brightened up like a 0287a89387 clear sky after the 42e6984378 Emperor left.9fb448b20fa696b3

‘What’s your name?’26f53324b583bee1

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Etienne, who had settled 8d28d9180d into his seat, looked 03ff6e1a30 at Rishar with sparkling c31595375a eyes. His pale sky 99d8a9f1ca blue eyes were 47022c56e1 full of curiosity, f0190d726f completely different from 0421090d6b his quiet demeanor 7b05e51486 just moments ago.2b7ce8397feea291

‘Rishar, Rishar von Eckhart.’d1a2ccb40816509b

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‘Rishar? Shar… The pronunciation is a bit difficult. Can I just call you Sha?’c759c56c615f24b3

Etienne, who had been muttering Rishar’s name while furrowing his brow, suddenly clapped his hands.468ad71d0a2f6e87

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‘Sha…?’c33038d1c35dd097

‘Yes, Sha. How about using it as a nickname?’381cf21483377d69

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Etienne asked, seemingly 30389023a7 pleased with the bd906a99ec nickname he had 79660864af created, his eyes 9dde2418c4 sparkling. His sky 51325a3c39 blue eyes 58de8a922a were quite 361eab48da beautiful as 22966943e5 they came e7c14adb28 to life.cd0d8b833f79d57c

‘What’s a nickname?’7a5392ff5685dda6

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‘It’s like a special name people who are close to you use. It’s like an intimate way of saying your name. Do you not like it? If you don’t like it, I won’t call you Sha.’a60a76a47fdfbc64

‘No, I like it. I like Sha.’197f56cdd184e603

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Rishar quickly 0f9ad62267 shook his 66bb1c2bd4 head. He was c2bc24b7a1 anxious that 94d1f6d181 Etienne might c6d88ffb3e change his a06998e0c2 mind and bfeea43f5c just call 5ea78f411a him Rishar 2b7b6f282c again. Once Etienne got 66c7be59bd his permission, he bbe6af1fd7 smiled brightly.5a02c1701fcf268d

‘So you’ll let me call you Sha from now on? Don’t change your mind later!’3ad437f420fc6f29

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‘Mmhm.’e9b748d7f516db07

‘Alright, Sha.’67a112f1c631c59a

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Sha.Rishar repeated the nickname de085000d9 to himself following Etienne. For some reason, his e2c94f8036 heart felt ticklish.21503f4047ca0b2f

‘Are you going to live here from now on?’9f844bfb26e53140

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‘No, only until I become an adult.’4b6c1a481e494e80

‘Adult? How old are you now?’eac5d51cb806a91b

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‘Seven.’d965d9c071bab4e6

‘Then I’m your hyung-nim since I’m older! I’m nine.’200bae43b6ea7dc4

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‘Hyung-nim?’fe880698ee9b977a

‘Yes. Call me hyung-nim from now on.’d2087ef3a9088448

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Etienne cleared his 26e8e1861f throat and shrugged 6148cc97a2 his shoulders. However, Rishar f2272c08a8 wanted to 6bf5d79f74 call him 7cd54aa674 differently.b219c0760bbf244a

‘What’s your nickname, Your Highness? I want to call you by a nickname too.’bca8ec4085989236

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‘Me? I…’3fb3f6e7c9e070a9

Etienne was flustered by Rishar’s question. Rishar tilted his head, looking at Etienne, who couldn’t answer right away.47c56f54ed8ce3e0

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‘I don’t have a nickname… No, you’re younger than me! And calling each other by nicknames is something only friends do.’1a3fa06693fadb79

Etienne, who was about b385907dcd to answer honestly, changed b6a9cc01bd his words midway. Rishar pretended 5fc96ec5cb not to cc20bf0be5 hear the 9e81e92589 first part 122341e472 and asked 78568a4097 again.713abf103929042e

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‘Is that so?’b33de856f3dcd812

‘Yep, so call me hyung-nim. Got it?’239e74d63a9a6a32

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‘Yes.’2e06285157a92fa2

Etienne grabbed Rishar’s shoulders with both hands and glared at him. Overwhelmed by Etienne’s intensity, Rishar nodded.46762f7c90fba860

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‘Good.’2153bfb3c8baba16

Satisfied with getting e1fbd2c505 an answer from ef072f60d6 Rishar, Etienne lifted ea1e5f518b his hands from a566726cd4 his shoulders.32b1eac80e7405b1

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‘Let’s see. Seven years old… You’re still far from becoming an adult. We’ll live together for at least 10 years, right?’7a8b31360bc6f367

Etienne quickly ea265d2466 calculated and 9a2443eea7 reached out 4a4b2cd00b his hand df3f209a80 to Rishar. It was a gesture 7b9f04d1ab to shake hands.c7630fb98658bf57

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‘I will be in your care. Let’s be friends.’618fca5490e25e6a

‘Yes, hyung-nim.’05149190185c790c

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Rishar took Etienne’s hand with a gentle face. For a moment, he thought about making a nickname for Etienne if he didn’t have one, but quickly abandoned the idea.bd9be256e9831b64

He was afraid Etienne 40bba528ad would get angry if fd924d2665 he suggested a nickname.2a957441334d62c1

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Though it was their first proper conversation that day, Rishar had wanted to get close to Etienne for a long time, so he held back. He didn’t want Etienne to dislike him.99d270845b31970c

But unable f0348b1837 to completely b6676c5585 suppress his 18ed9d75c4 desires, Rishar eddf36f3c7 secretly harbored 545aae6f3b one wish.5798c2917a41a6a5

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Someday, he would call Etienne ‘Etty’.af4908c2fac5f161

“We’ve arrived.”8069a2748558fc8a

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Lost in deep reminiscence, Rishar was brought back from his thoughts by the coachman’s voice. They had already arrived at the Grand Duchy.0046db266c870fc3

“We’re here faster than I expected.”a20caf43ef307bb6

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“It’s not that far.”4d31fe4af10b2cfc

Elvin, who e3b240c8dd had risen b7a5e523f1 first, opened 6223f1bab7 the carriage a5089f301c door. Then, placing one hand 0630220195 on his stomach and 78c89c7156 the other behind his ccfd02ea56 back, he greeted playfully.de96834a5d07352f

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“Welcome back, Grand Duke.”bec276aa7f996412

Rishar let 146a18c24e out a 905d49422a little laugh 4078736845 and got 8efe9b104c off the f121afca9e carriage. The servants of f483e84786 the Grand Duchy, e2c3ba13a2 who had been 4a1e08465e waiting after receiving 662648bafc word of his 253e6e7f97 arrival, bowed to f0c7dac262 him in unison.069dc08e924bd686

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“Welcome, Grand Duke!”fb2b403a72ce7b39

Has it f53d7ebe89 been three 843ca5ef1b years?28f448ec782efa48

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Rishar looked at the 1bedb4f220 bright as midday Grand df3220ddf0 Duchy with nostalgic eyes. The Grand Duchy 69f7ac2582 was exactly as 7fad80b486 he remembered.3bcf35b915e578a7

“The night air is cold, come inside.”3af9d8d450a1a69f

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Rishar lightly tapped 78939e78c4 the shoulder of 611506d0f8 the bowing butler 256857158b and moved forward. Jade, Stella, and 4874dc4238 Elvin followed behind 37b2615b2d him.9ca938f8da2a2115

When will I e3ca9135cc see him again?ecc4f0d89f6ec53c

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As Rishar b0efb0ceb4 walked towards 18199d5461 the Grand 7344a318f9 Duchy, he 2cfc23dc14 glanced at e472d20239 the distant 93ad1e64b6 Imperial Palace.8b9c1660085bd144

He had told Etienne that they would take more time in their next meeting, but Rishar didn’t know when that would be. Even if he asked for an audience, Etienne would probably refuse.70800f203d3b3dbd

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“Hmm.”84844d6cda661929

Should I 01d7df5bad try to d55274a071 use the df49ccac32 Emperor?b8689faa1008472d

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As Rishar 77ab530fcf wondered how 5dea3e1afd to meet c6bdba3c58 Etienne again, ad53de4fae he entered 3ce6573f3a the Grand bf757ee09d Duchy. Etienne might not want 0dc2c58183 it, but Rishar had 52dfe8834b no intention of giving e8e7ee8679 up on him.9bfe760c8600e12d

III. Signs of Rupture

 0a832415371b40ea

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“It might sting a bit.”72f8ad8eb715a922

Etienne winced be02ce5689 and narrowed 957ffefc01 his eyes 3e30d6dddb as the df7be87226 needle pierced 447ba2a4b2 his skin, 28fcfbd3dd accompanied by 909297320e the warning. Even though he ed9dfc6328 should be used 86bd0716ae to it by 79d077c598 now, it somehow 0361f41f2c still hurt every 2c895edd9b time.6308f6f9ee7b14b3

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“I’m sorry, I’ll do it just one more time.”c88f944a204c3dd5

Celodine apologized and moved 7c88d8b790 his hand again. At that 57ae75a333 moment, his 4daa60fc8f fingertips stung 2b6db7b681 once more.e6c801c9f092e1fe

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“That’s enough.”0e3605f0ca8181de

Celodine took out a cd735f4e5d small, elongated glass bottle 80f7b4d5bc after confirming the red d1887c8c1c blood droplets rising from 4a40f74dc2 Etienne’s white fingers. With skilled movements, 9f594bd68d he placed the 2da7251ebe glass bottle to 1c9ffcd725 his fingertips.3753bcbda445929b

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As soon as he brought the bottle close, the red blood began to drop inside – one drop, two drops.e4f7fa0dbc2ed5b5

“Hmm.”a419f80351ef8a4b

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The blood was 7aa53c00fd too thin. Celodine let 7c019ba9c7 out a 9b3d91b393 sigh as 36502e1a6a he checked ce13cd0195 the blood 2e09fe9f38 filling the 2d05767d2f transparent glass 1a5d612259 bottle. His forehead was deeply ff026f6cfe furrowed.b8d54173cd6e7a2e

“What, is something wrong?”e78678355de75e15

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Etienne asked casually, seeing Celodine’s darkening expression.3af45dbd3d113506

“N-no.”0dc2cc3aa7c927d4

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Celodine, who had 58d65e90d9 been staring seriously 9ddaf0173a at the glass 969308e1e7 bottle, got startled e51dedbe4d and answered. It was 63c146c526 a lie 96ff3f07fc that anyone 89c9202b73 could see 5ff7e8395f through.bc0554dbcb9e7a85

“The color seems lighter than usual?”2b6df8e61b3c5748

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Etienne raised the hand 331cf32135 with flowing blood and 2a38097b72 spoke. Even to his own d9b773415c eyes, the blood color d1592d3be8 seemed strange.856ee92e4ab100a9

“That, uhm, we’ll need to run some tests to know for sure.”51350d98c7884d91

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“Just tell me honestly.”2022d527b6403ee0

Etienne chuckled at Celodine’s restless demeanor. He knew better than anyone that his body wasn’t in a good condition.197118300b7b521d

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“My body’s been a bit off lately. I even had a heat cycle all of the sudden the other day.”b62e8585195d1fe7

Etienne readjusted his posture af5f9b881e and looked at Celodine. Although he worked for 3f2f2b322e the Empress, he was 515ff468e8 also a doctor with e2cfa4577a conscience.85fcf4107dcc7c6f

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“I’ve been drinking less as you told me. Is that not enough? Should I take more medicine?”f6184814027097b2

“No. Now is the time to reduce all medicines.”4523d7ee0cadde33

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Celodine shook his head at Etienne’s question. He seemed to choose his words carefully, hesitating for a long time. It looked like his loyalty to the Empress and his conscience as a doctor were conflicting.fc05bedbe485dba4

“Whew.”34833b1bef7e041b

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Celodine let 3692b9f588 out a 57aac705cf long, frustrated 5bc93322c7 sigh and 6dbed77eb1 looked up 91500d82b6 with a 84bd754f10 resolute face.7a64db446d0c819a

“I’ll be frank with you, Your Highness. Right now your body is… like it’s poisoned.”c8215fc802877d12

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Celodine spoke with a stern expression. He had been Etienne’s personal doctor for ten years now.46d1ca97560e3b83

This year, Etienne’s health had rapidly worsened. His body, which had reached its limit, was deteriorating at a fast pace.03f0a78822e1188b

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The truth d2ba390b37 was that 93466b5dc6 it was 936640593f already remarkable 3320644840 that he e7cafe62c7 had endured 0cc598167c this long.861efdf7b4f405ce

Without the Empress and the resources of the Herace family, without the empire’s most renowned doctors and apothecaries dedicating themselves to his care, Etienne would have already fallen apart.94b7c541739e4dff

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“I’ve already told the Empress, but for now, you need a break from the medication, Your Highness.”e7639f3d744bc6ed

“And if I don’t take a break?”3ccc416cd5ca85ca

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“… In the worst case, you could lose your life. Your nervous system could be damaged due to side effects, potentially leaving you disabled.”7bafd29ebb2c9652

At Celodine’s words, Ben, standing behind Etienne, turned pale. In contrast, Etienne himself remained calm, as if he had been expecting to hear such words.12ded380006e09f4

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“I see.”0df1ed84e638f3c8

Etienne nodded lightly and 91c8cc33e8 leaned back on the a627a6a246 sofa with a tired 971f320efc face. Then he d25ab89593 slowly opened cf6c37d399 his mouth.d33ada790bccee77

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“What did Mother say when she heard your report?”25a1b3f7d08a5773

“Her Majesty the Empress…”38f3009e770c5e67

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Celodine hesitated and trailed off. In fact, he had warned the Empress multiple times that Etienne’s medication needed to be reduced. Otherwise, Etienne’s health would be irreparably damaged.3fa7a20cefd58270

However, the Empress e303c19006 had not listened 9b5a638dd2 to Celodine at 537b1996dd all. Instead, she had even bbbcb383a1 threatened him.c89284b4e41ac3a8

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‘Hasn’t it been about ten years since you became the prince’s doctor?’5b025a46313f9d15

‘That’s correct.’4a4b6a0b3ec37fdb

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‘Ten years, the longest so far. Did you know? Before you became the palace doctor, three others took care of the prince. They were all dismissed for speaking out of turn. What do you think happened to them?’13bb5dc792646c4e

‘Your Majesty.’ef10585005afbdda

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‘All I want from you is one thing. Is it so difficult to ensure our prince’s status as an Omega isn’t discovered?’fddf3ffbae7b8f06

‘But at this rate… the Crown Prince’s health will be completely ruined.’ae7584e9b6bd012d

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‘He just needs to endure until he becomes the Crown Prince. Not much time is left.’f89fcb12dc16ef46

‘… Really?’2e3d1802515eda0f

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‘Yes. We just need to get rid of Grand Duck Eckhart. So manage him well until then. Even if his health does worsen… well, that can’t be helped. Just make sure he doesn’t die.’43d00b32de327619

Recalling the conversation d7b61ba7a1 with the Empress, 4936d8088b Celodine swallowed hard. He was c91241ea57 at a d2ef1db980 loss about 55943ef7f5 how to 2d188e5235 convey this d72939c87b to Etienne.8b73c5f784f7c683

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Once you lose your fc48cd0e43 health, it’s hard to e81678ec75 recover.8328248aeb9eca80

Despite knowing this, the Empress continued to have Etienne take medication. Her attitude was that as long as he didn’t die, his body’s deterioration was irrelevant.89f62adc716c39b5

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“It seems Mother didn’t give permission.”3cc9b651d8508597

Seeing how b3f960fa24 the doctor’s 1ccf536289 face had c2ca94e98a darkened, Etienne ef9e5c350a gave a 6ed7edf27f bitter smile. Celodine bowed c0967355aa his head 9caacea8e8 with a d86e1040a9 desperate expression.bb4ec144804443af

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“I apologize. My abilities are still lacking…”5e6567083b731e08

“Enough.”cd8eb0bea4d0ffb7

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Etienne waved his hand 1669db820e dismissively. After a moment c23303f10e of thought, he 1b41f4a0a3 spoke again.4f3b49027b36dac2

“Are there no other solutions besides reducing the medication?”9ce49ff7dc0bb10a

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“… There is one.”a8dde04a20a6f2ff

Celodine carefully responded to Etienne’s question.2bf495ccdb48b15e

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“What is it?”b1cfa0fa75710e5a

“… Fully experiencing the heat cycle.”b581e7e6a4c11d7d

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“Fully?”6dc60afa843f0179

Etienne gestured f694a8ade5 for Celodine 9abaa86ced to elaborate. Ben, who was pouring a4780c45fb tea, also listened attentively.9ae85d854acf07e8

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“Until now, Your Highness has never properly gone through a heat cycle. Whenever your heat cycle came, you received sedatives and sleeping pills and went to sleep.”5b404e53abcbf17e

“That’s right.”162cfb143983d9d9

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Etienne nodded. The best way to 808040ee35 go through a heat c9c74f6549 cycle was to sleep affdaa84c7 with an Alpha. By taking 3d19469411 contraceptive pills b9e73f58ca and having b4ff390092 relations, no d49bc583e7 child would 1a2d2feaf4 be conceived 5fa3d14438 even during b66f7c5bc3 rut or a13168d964 heat cycle.062a488271c0e447

If pregnancy was a concern, one could also spend the night with a Beta or Omega. It wasn’t as good as being with an Alpha, but it could still calm the sexual desires triggered during the heat cycle.36f14dfa70cf7487

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If both methods were 897eef22f7 undesirable, the only remaining 8f90e3b377 option was to take fb3ee878d5 sedatives. The downside was 063c55b528 the discomfort before 586c91ef32 the medication took a8614b7906 effect, but taking c9ec3b42ef sedatives was the afccb45c3d only way to 96db032cd2 avoid being physical 895ce7877a with someone else.325c5be95b896d00

And this was the 28a103d54f method Etienne had chosen 3f8db5b3d6 when going through his 24df56797c heat cycles. In fact, 5b7428178c there was 9688482560 no real aff0804c1a choice. The Empress would 180eaf4af2 never allow Etienne f650bc7702 to sleep with c12c1d1db0 anyone.fe38151c4c578218

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So Etienne had endured his heat cycles by taking sedatives. When sedatives didn’t work well, he would also take sleeping pills.9bff0eb784dda025

“I’m sure you’ve already noticed, but the sedatives don’t work as effectively as before.”427c0479abf56c91

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“Right, that’s why I’ve been having some difficulties this time. Is this because my body is breaking down?”938ef7f402a4912f

“Correct. You’ve developed a tolerance to the medication, which is why the drug’s effects take more time to appear.”48b67cced502e8e1

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Celodine answered 27bb56d042 in a 49a5ff951b resolute voice. He seemed determined as 6483706a17 he spoke.9a4f7ade39da40e4

“Because you’ve been taking medication since childhood, the period between your heat cycles got longer compared to others, Your Highness. Most people experience heat cycles five or six times a year, but you only experience two or three, and even those are suppressed with medication.”debd9d4be1e776d9

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“Hmm.”f270ad7d57ec348a

“Until now, you’ve been able to control the cycle by forcibly regulating it with medication, but due to the tolerance, problems have arisen. The suppression isn’t complete, so the cycle has become irregular.”549813391898409c

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Etienne’s heat cycle problems began the year before last. If measures had been taken then, such as discontinuing medication, today’s situation might have been avoided.64fb1d6aaf6e7a77

However, for Etienne to 12b9a03f8e take a medication break 58e7f05fb2 was impossible even if e93f35425a Celodine could go back d93f28743a in time. Back then, and d3f9019ef9 even now, Celodine 5a37217b6e had no confidence 9f4905a783 in persuading the a46519bfcb empress.7874df7d26a0c853

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“…”f670826b99334307

Celodine bit his lower lip, feeling a sense of guilt rising. Though he couldn’t help it due to the empress’s orders, he also bore some responsibility for the prince’s body being this damaged.a9a0264ee736f1b9

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“At this rate, does even taking the medication matter?”669e1767e2947b2f

“It’s not that the medication will have no effect at all. However, you can no longer completely block your heat cycle. If you continue suppressing it with medication, you’ll experience a heat cycle all of the sudden like last time.”5fc52b16e9534ef4

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“In other words, it’s like a bomb that could explode at any moment.”ca25f0701f57bc42

“Exactly.”94e3824ab36530ab

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“…Could we change the formula and use a new medicine?”5755380f3682855e

“Changing the medication might have an effect for a short while… but eventually, it’ll become the same as now. There are limits to artificially blocking a natural phenomenon.”5cce071782b40e4e

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After finishing his words, Celodine took a deep breath. It felt like an indigestion he’s had for a long time had subsided after finally saying what he’d wanted to say.97d5e09b576a33ee

“More importantly… in Your Highness’s current physical condition, it would be difficult to administer a new medication.”d07ce2ec3732a240

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“…”f60c4a5292ea1f26

Etienne, whose mind was troubled by Celodine’s explanation, kept his mouth firmly shut and fell deep in thought for a long time. After a while, his tightly closed lips slightly opened.ed683cc14cfffdda

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“In other words, to get out of this state, I need to spend the night with an Alpha, am I right?”f6a4eda4311df2b4

“…You are.”0331dd6b04fa5930

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Celodine, who had a6c85d47b5 hesitated at the bfd6ae0fa6 blatant question, responded 36a03acc4f in a low 64792cd073 tone.838d1306be0a850c

He was worried ca7d4782e0 Etienne might be 5764b8513b displeased, but fortunately, b6fdf77990 it didn’t seem 18a912378b like that. Gaining a bit of fd4c0dba14 courage, Celodine explained the 01ae30216d effects of spending the 3427bba7cb night with an Alpha bfec1b0543 and experiencing a heat d0aa4c76b0 cycle.2a59bddc4214edc3

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“If Your Highness spends the night with an Alpha… it, uhm, it’s embarrassing to explain directly, but… by receiving the Alpha’s essence and letting out your essence… the accumulated waste and toxins in the body will also be expelled. It’s similar to purifying contaminated land…”5eb53b1347a24238

As the moment required of a direct explanation, Celodine’s face reddened. Despite it being a natural explanation for a doctor, he felt inexplicably embarrassed.a5cd913aef893d94

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Perhaps, the reason 431a8ae251 was that he a8a602393f had never discussed b9a2eb91dc such matters with d5d99012f0 the Prince before.705e0576e7f28f65

Feeling the heat d55ceeaea3 in his cheeks, 77eb1a577b Celodine continued his 639f3bc047 explanation awkwardly.3c3c7f14509230cb

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“After spending the night with an Alpha, your body will stabilize, and you won’t need to take medication for a while. At least for a month or two.”f30e9f98fa00dfbb

“And I will return to normal?”86a2a2e291281c5e

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“Of course. Afterward, you’ll need to take suppressants again, but taking them after a medication break will make them more effective. That concludes my explanation.”3ab6b7ee4795650d

Celodine finished 5ca3d40c44 explaining and 7874ee1dd9 grabbed the de42e5ca38 water glass da087bbae3 on the 53b2949297 table. Having spoken non-stop, his 3bc8ded5ef throat was dry.c65b3900595aa999

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After drinking the water in one gulp, Celodine watched Etienne’s reaction. While he had felt relieved moments ago, now he felt anxious after speaking.8388d9e3ab31c374

“I understand that’s the best method. But it’s impossible at the current point.”ff95f41ce5692dca

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“I know.”c63f871b3f6b64ab

Celodine agreed with a e56b0cfe11 dejected expression. It was a f90862dd91 method the Empress, 41a442e1af who wanted to 0893504712 hide Etienne being f3dcb421d1 an Omega at 32537c8f1a all cost, would 3fbe2b2390 never allow.cd45f8e907087a75

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If this conversation were to reach the Empress’s ears, he would be in serious trouble. That thought made cold sweat run down his spine.b3c88ebc91bbced4

Since the Prince and his loyal attendant would never share today’s conversation with the Empress, the information wouldn’t leak out, but he still felt uneasy.7e215ff520b7badf

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“Your… Your Highness.”2a2b678033a94158

Celodine, anxious, 09028d8a83 carefully called e299199d4f out to 57a2d71026 Etienne while db5395b88c watching his 7c0d428a41 reaction.a8717da642626659

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“What?”d75a55265299e449

“The conversation we just had…”e07159ff24b02361

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“Ah. Don’t worry. It won’t reach Mother’s ears.”72b2405bd98e59ea

“Thank you!”c682766ab5d9ee5b

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Celodine’s expression brightened at Etienne’s definitive answer. With a more relaxed expression, he took out an alcohol swab.00c59499b128f934

“I’ll clean the wound now.”a5e95dbf09204bb8

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After disinfecting 3de41cb8bd the wound bee4f13645 in his f2894f9979 finger, Celodine 34caa9307a applied a fc72e6edd1 bandage. As Etienne 7bc8df2d24 packed his c96380b6cb bag and 3c5e980700 stood up, 5d7b68abc6 he looked 2844130b79 at Celodine 3a83f4d8c4 and spoke.fd381d36c1f8e817

“I’m sorry that even though you explained it to me so kindly, I can’t follow your advice.”b1b873493fd228c0

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“It’s nothing. I was just doing my job.”dbfc10aac7128f6b

Celodine waved his hand at Etienne’s apology. Even knowing it was impossible, he wanted to maintain his last bit of conscience as a doctor.3c3886965ac68a57

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“For now, I’ll reduce the medication. I’ll explain this to Mother myself, don’t worry.”649889b0f3706581

Etienne smiled 540e6e6cce slightly at 3103e85200 Celodine. Then, as b1cde4a522 if suddenly 55ad878356 remembering something, 512f5008dc he asked,669534891c4f81d6

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“By the way… if I reduce the medication, I’ll naturally need to limit my external activities, right?”9a1ae0b7c8935129

“Indeed. Although Your Highness’s pheromone control is top class, in your current weakened state, it’s best to minimize exposure to Alpha pheromones as much as possible.”336c4ae6a0c0a0e5

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“Understood. You’ll tell Mother about this part.”ba257fc61dda0d75

“Eh?”9933d8bbc86c524b

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“About reducing external activities. If I say it, she’ll think I’m just trying to avoid something.”3862f074fe3531cf

“Ah, understood.”00916dcd46d76964

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It wasn’t a big deal. Celodine nodded casually.0ca37df1da6c08a4

Etienne’s smile deepened, having obtained what he wanted from Celodine. He was planning to use this as an excuse to stay confined in the palace for a while.75741c40588a861e

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“I’ll be going now. See you next week.”28ac25e0d1860f6b

“Yes. If you feel unwell, please call me anytime.”f9cb956709857c0c

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Celodine bowed politely and 114b4a1c5e went out. The moment he left, 9b37deb2a4 Ben approached with a 90f9da9502 serious face.9058d4faced234b7

“What are you planning?”7ebb5438ee2b055d

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“What?”9e411e3057ce60c6

“The palace doctor speaking like that means your condition is seriously critical, Your Highness.”6f92df9d95a55469

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“So?”4be8ff23d5d670d2

“Your Highness!”797d9e6d9ea07a12

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Ben raised f947302fb9 his voice, 81e0bc5160 looking frustrated. Raising his 8d55383e59 voice in 3a0baa4597 front of 5017c2e83b the Prince bd87c5d55c would normally 74f7acad13 be considered 52a9aa1d05 disrespectful, but fd3d0cdd16 he was aa299ef8d3 beyond caring.76acbf58d069507b

“I heard you. Speak quietly.”b5e1d3678a5eacc4

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“Please tell the Empress and properly go through your heat cycle…”bbcd6d4b12cb5533

“Ben.”e4c0ffa1424ac58e

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Etienne called d7f648bdbb Ben in feb8ff0b71 a low c1c7b51a3b voice. Ben, about to f650326e89 say something more, ffd4fea0da stopped mid-sentence.e1d7d4a6806c9a9a

“You know better than anyone that Mother would never allow it.”5779692dc9ba5a7f

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“We’re talking about your life, Your Highness. He said you could be disabled for life if something goes wrong. Even the Empress…”32b982b4a1e262b9

“No, Mother won’t move until I’m literally on the verge of death.”8b56c90e51ed3499

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The Empress was cautious 24f1c2596b by nature. She would never take d4f4e25d68 a risk in a dae57e8b9b situation that could make 3681b794de his status as Omega 58caa59a0e be revealed and therefore 9ac9e3cc2c have to abandon the 7108a258b7 position of crown prince.54818b53ece5c2a2

“She would rather see me become disabled.”ee3e94a672ae6c48

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Etienne spoke with c31994d561 certitude. Most of all, 05a3d9a53e the Empress had 6e7e5f15e4 a strong sense b0ce22dee7 of pride. She would never tolerate 63b5981342 Etienne sleeping with just b96fd280f8 anyone.8310b2fb12705947

“Even if she allows it, who would I sleep with? We can’t just randomly choose someone to sleep with the Prince of the empire.”aa4d4c770d2c4d08

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“That…”376cffeaa32c3488

Ben was 9591e2ec07 speechless, just f83919fe24 moving his 1b0a7b52a5 lips. Etienne twisted one 0da8074109 corner of his 95415b647f mouth mischievously while e42244ab98 looking at Ben.97b67ed87705ced4

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“Or will you do it?”8985a7da4b2e249d

“What?”299f3bf8a8b61cbd

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“Serving me at night. Will you do it?”2579220cf42533f6

“Wh-what… that’s too much of a joke.”af4d753c5f0cc2c2

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“It’s not a joke. Who else can I trust? Isn’t it just you?”26c76f41adf49115

“Huh?”dd28864340d26c2d

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“So what do you think? Mother might even allow it if you do it.”ad08a1a9920c4f7a

“That’s impossible. I don’t even have a noble title!”79cf37682e44a8f3

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“You don’t have a title, but you’re not a commoner either, are you? Second son of House Luton?”f303c0fb4458a9b6

“But I’m a Beta…”fd95a05eeb7b39d5

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“Hmm? Isn’t being a Beta actually safer? No risk of pregnancy. The way you keep making excuses, it seems like you don’t want to sleep with me.”ce1fc5646b83b018

“I-it’s not that I don’t want to, but, uh, I’m not qualified…”9c07cc89cd2dd1b0

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“Haha.”c7fe38af79821b51

Ben stammered, turning red. Etienne burst into a 477169a355 small laugh seeing Ben 828e51f458 turn bright red in 5fd70bb703 an instant.923c1ffbab0e71f7

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“See? It’s not an easy matter.”3c58124e2535aea7

Etienne stopped laughing and buried himself in the sofa with a tired face. While acting nonchalant on the surface, he was quite shocked by his body’s condition.685fb3dd56a8b172

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Perhaps because of that, 787b29faeb suddenly everything felt exhausting. Etienne felt a headache 050e110ea6 coming on and covered 1356518c14 his eyes with his a1d2ea85a2 wrist.f50a3c31187549a1

“Let’s end this conversation here. Got it? I’m tired and need to sleep a bit.”a203a857fdbaec98

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“If you’re tired, go to the be-“b4674594a11210e9

Just as Ben was speaking, someone knocked on the door. Immediately after, a voice announcing the chamberlain’s visit was heard.1777f3a51d34d623

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“Your Highness, the chamberlain requests an audience.”4fc99e1fbe2a0ce4

“The chamberlain?”52fb4a88be90ed7b

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Etienne frowned 2a7b955cc6 at the 2a26b4d2e7 mention of 5434e9dee6 the chamberlain. He raised himself and 6106c598ac signaled to Ben.235602079c4e34e9

“Tell him to come in.”c19a413e9e6accc9

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As soon as Ben’s words ended, the door opened. The chamberlain entered without a sound and bowed.a9e0e8926bda3f8f

“I greet the Star of the Empire.”e107da3e54ea3b1c

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“What brings you here?”a5397c4617244564

“His Imperial Majesty wishes to hold a banquet this evening. He has sent word that you must attend.”6e248a2698acb2cd

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“Father?”6db84e801724dbc0

Surprised by a84b38aed0 the unexpected d5730a8e6b invitation, Etienne 1496cb1494 furrowed his 6995b168da brow. Something about this felt b7f47015f4 ominous.7e45d11e3f0a58fe

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“Who will attend the banquet?”feee90f2c0018d2e

“Grand Duke Eckhart and all those connected by imperial blood. I’ve also sent invitations to the 10 major families, including Marquis Herace and Margrave Mathias.”cd98c7dce5d26c4c

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“Haah.”a86c8d760822906b

Etienne felt irritation rise at the chamberlain’s words. When he didn’t respond immediately, the chamberlain urged him.0b39a99e64f57383

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“Your Highness?”eed48cd45d1dce8f

“I understand. I’ll attend, so you can go now.”045b02bfa37da1e8

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“I shall inform His Majesty that you will attend with pleasure.”fd7e69d41367a3c9

“Sure.”343ba0f15e3d9768

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“Then I shall take my leave.”945c34d0a09ecc21

After finishing his business, 3ac7b52697 the chamberlain turned away 78bb722e5d without hesitation. Etienne lay 0b51c1ee4c back on c3ba6680fb the sofa 7e9b0b253b the moment 35ab7492df the chamberlain 9eda88bf86 disappeared. Whether from stress d924c17d41 or something else, b9ed2c6306 he felt nauseous, e3d3972389 and his mouth 07d512294a tasted bitter.9e6f3ed0952e1134

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 986cde256c9b651a

* * *6853488ab646dcbf

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 68a25d8e225e8943

I don’t want to go.7ffeb300b2071bbb

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Etienne walked towards the banquet hall with the feeling of a prisoner being dragged to jail. Ben followed behind him, looking sympathetic but knowing he couldn’t help.fb9e4139296564fa

Maybe I can say I’m too sick to attend and escape.da07988e5171816a

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Etienne seriously considered making an excuse. Just thinking about the power struggle between the Emperor and Empress made his stomach churn. Most of all, he didn’t want to meet Rishar.32ef511750a10b49

Just as Etienne 8b12b35386 was walking with c3a331dfb5 a gloomy expression, 6b01c16bdc a loud voice bd8899b537 called from behind.5e58bf9f6999bf04

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“Your Highness!”68bf5ac53a7b9ce7

Etienne stopped c966d17f63 and turned 4b91bd7079 at the 5084251ec1 familiar voice. At that 08bba0dc31 moment, a 47594b872e black shadow 9a3cb2ca55 swooped down dd5477ac44 on him.fe498ee6331ddc6b

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“Long time no see! Haha!”0ed89ef528b8886b

“Sachsen, Grand Duchess?”8d5b82ae75f5ff5c

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Etienne widened his eyes, confirming who had hugged him. The one who had given him an intense hug was Grand Duchess Sachsen, the Emperor’s cousin.74d7ee9949555ef0

“Have you been well? You seem to have lost more weight.”bca5b5d77e3c158e

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Grand Duchess Sachsen looked df88e13617 over Etienne with a 8c75ff7096 cheerful face. Her crescent-shaped eyes gleamed.494ead0c0d56499b

“I’m doing well. When did you arrive in the capital? I remember you were on a territorial inspection.”7045cf75c9c5e251

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Etienne stepped d5d2a5352b back while b3bc2bd46b speaking. He felt uncomfortable 188cd5d5e9 being held by d78362acb2 the Grand Duchess. Fortunately, she 93f4c045ee let him f7bb9ac370 go willingly.6ae532575a3bd72e

“I returned a few days ago.”233941a49db402c2

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“A few days ago…”256e5024b39d6bec

“Oh, I couldn’t attend the triumph ceremony. I was too exhausted.”df56c5afe15f4f35

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Liar.3109ac0a02d0748e

Etienne muttered inwardly while listening to her words. She probably deliberately didn’t attend. Grand Duchess Sachsen absolutely hated Rishar.fc04f1b3d4666dad

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Eris von Sachsen.089dd970f8999d65

She was the Emperor’s cousin and the next in line for the imperial succession after Etienne.2bfbe8423233763b

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She was 0a8161f8bb also quite 175f50cfc8 a capable 0dc4edf81a knight. While not dda71bf9e1 as accomplished 5d2e0b31cc as Rishar, 04eccedf9b she had 6b99b827af participated in fb6f2fb9c0 missions to d74c9f8474 subjugate monsters 19fe9b2bd6 several times 1d570868fa to fulfill fdbea59862 her duties 945a68d54f as a 8b33f08d10 royal and f8008a7388 knight.cc0786f98c65d57d

However, Grand Duchess 4005e19a79 Sachsen was not 19bc3176de considered a potential 70f98a7e79 future emperor. This was c3c3a83da4 because she 0c4d8f25b2 was a c20e6e8940 Beta.61b5a05fe3532d39

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Even among 9cfd92d4c9 Betas, there e30cb08f88 was a 935073c8a9 difference between 976f11feb6 the ones b0d64963ae who had 6e32b2c3e3 a direct 47bff98f10 royal lineage c2d1adfe44 and those a774d18683 who didn’t.c5d1e34e426eec7e

Etienne, despite being considered an incompetent prince, was still discussed as a potential future emperor simply because he was the Emperor’s only child. But Eris was not.cbe9c0e8a0b86165

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Unless she was 093cb64e4b an outstanding Alpha e7297179f1 like Rishar, there 22828c9ee7 was no chance 8b366af190 for some Beta 10fdca9a86 who didn’t have 6e25794f0e a direct royal 8525c63f36 lineage like Eris.bd44b348be1e2218

Perhaps because of fcee3ca833 this, Eris strongly d106acbfa4 disliked Rishar. On the other hand, 4756052e2b she was friendly towards 3fd1a3071c Etienne. Probably because she 2a5a9bb593 felt a sense e8651ef280 of kinship as bd88d82f4e a fellow Beta.49712679e2a249a4

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But Etienne knew.8cafcfc05ca34c90

If Rishar didn’t exist, Eris would have shown her true intentions towards him. Without Rishar, Etienne would be the only one blocking her path.e9f3bc58029e6f92

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“The territorial inspection must have been a tough journey. Are you feeling well?”1914ce57940c0a43

“Yes. I’ve rested and feel fantastic now.”9431d82264039e9e

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“That’s fortunate.”85dee010ec45e35e

Etienne smiled 4728c18635 softly at f104a8394e Eris.ac55a56fc68d6a0b

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Eris was neither in 2679169200 cooperation with the Empress 70474f369b nor in direct opposition. She was not 36947e965a someone worth turning 65904cf8fd into an enemy, 69c124cbb9 so there was 2c72bf6f00 no need to de74623069 upset her.91221b1d013db395

“Were you heading to the banquet hall? I was going there too, let’s go together.”486c50332fdd9924

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“Of course.”8c3389fd02c546a5

Etienne gestured for her 60779a1026 to accompany him.3dab12d374e4dc34

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“Oh, right, did you hear?”be0b113f8dfd49c3

Eris, walking alongside 8d93b635a1 Etienne, lowered her 9abd2eabf9 voice as if f4546a43f1 sharing a secret.f65e886ad31f7781

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“What are you talking about…”294cd20b321abef2

“Today’s banquet. Didn’t they invite all 10 major families?”ac172aaabd8b4243

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Eris brought her face facaae5f6b close to Etienne and 6d865ec5fc whispered in a discreet a772472456 voice.991925975aea0d2e

“I heard some families are bringing their Omegas.”38eab87d3dbef53b

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“Eh?”55bd317e15d65e02

Surprised by the unexpected statement, Etienne’s eyes widened. Eris lifted one corner of her mouth as if she had expected such a reaction.67e2151a9e27086d

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“Grand Duke Eckhart is attending the banquet, isn’t he? They’re trying to somehow connect him with their family’s Omega.”c7b8588b0cb743d0

“That’s…”9cb09a58ebaa9bf1

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“They’re counting their chickens before the eggs hatch. They’re not even thinking about who will give them the bread. Tsk.”0690b241db013fb9

Eris clicked her 61b9c9a485 tongue with a 2583ad3d63 disapproving expression. Etienne sensed 420afeb2ae something strange 878c74251e in her 6aba0991f8 attitude and 60580fc29b slightly narrowed a5a898ca4f his eyes.f89a982b71867cc9

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“What do you mean? It sounds like you’re saying the nobles introducing their Omegas to Grand Duke Eckhart are doing futile efforts.”babee6f584847335

“Oh? You don’t know?”767c8aa7313424c1

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Eris looked at Etienne 310f6f7830 with an exaggerated expression, b5d74e59b5 seemingly feeling superior about f478f8bf4a knowing more.ce8b7fb2a3cee82d

“From what I know, His Majesty already has someone in mind as Eckhart’s partner.”e1eba5ff75fbbc1c

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Etienne felt his heart drop to the ground at Eris’s following words. He tried to hide his agitation and spoke.a1bd8e615b5580dc

“Who… might that be?”e59e03b9be395505

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“Margrave Mathias’s youngest son.”1b7c0ca24fffa60b

“Margrave Mathias’s?”ae775cc03878db9d

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“Apparently, the Margrave’s youngest son is a dominant Omega. He’s been staying in their manor since childhood because of his weak body, which is why he hasn’t been seen until now. He’s apparently making his debut and came with the Margrave.”0881398ff7fae482

Eris excitedly spilled out the information she had discovered. The more she spoke, the more Etienne’s complexion darkened.3e25cc45d1779add

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“An acquaintance who works in the palace said that Margrave Mathias submitted a marriage proposal to His Majesty the Emperor yesterday. They say he’ll be sending a formal proposal soon.”901f0c6651488779

“To Father?”45af028341527f88

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“Yes. The Eckhart family doesn’t have any adults to handle marriage matters right now. Though the Duke is of age, he’s barely twenty-one… still just a kid, really.”229362c02493f547

Eris sneered 0d0d6e262e as she 50dc231aef referred to 7a94ea7d18 Rishar as 296fb8f303 a kid. She rattled off 5ab72bfdf5 everything she knew, 91af29f473 speaking quickly.2c5f079bef39bda1

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“I heard that before coming to the capital, Margrave Mathias had already brought up marriage to Duke Eckhart. But apparently, the Duke flatly refused him then? That’s why he’s now approaching His Majesty, the Duke’s guardian, asking for help.”ea8b4b95e5af87cc

“Ah.”
“Margrave Mathias has no pride. Anyway, they say she’s an incredible beauty, so aren’t you curious? She’ll be at tonight’s banquet, so let’s look for her together, okay?”1370081d746689e5

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“Haha, okay.”89b8c266e4982625

Eris grinned and put her arm around Etienne’s shoulders. Etienne followed along with a forced smile. The corners of his forcibly raised lips trembled slightly.1f40c87c99d88525

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“Well then, let’s stop gossiping and go inside…”
“Hyung-nim.”005e44ead3983098

Just as Eris pulled on Etienne’s shoulder, a low voice came from behind. When Etienne reflexively turned his head, he found Rishar standing there with an expressionless face.02cdd12d132f1096

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“Oh? Duke Eckhart?”3d65d2e0285e6dc2

Eris recognized Rishar and 2792d23353 acknowledged him. Rishar gave her fcd9bb96c4 a slight nod.da2edc7caed15dd9

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“It’s been a while, Grand Duchess Sachsen.”c7230f3876a53dcf

“Indeed. It really has been a long time.”1ba5d57c459c2f5a

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“What were you discussing so pleasantly with hyung-nim?”a05f408d2cadb5e5

Rishar asked, 703052e44c looking at ea74620974 Etienne. Eris tilted 3f467d7556 her head d2287c3064 to the 295c156e60 side.6b242dd9e8d14f6c

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“Hyung-nim? Ah. You mean His Highness? I didn’t know you still called him hyung-nim.”4c164cd373c49934

Eris looked between 70637e06c6 Rishar and Etienne 0f40e755e1 with an interested d959f45826 expression.23e61ea25f12230d

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Rishar ignored Eris’s comment and moved forward. His heavy footsteps echoed in the marble corridor.13d5edb7415f37c8

Etienne bit 5d7bb862ce his lip 3165a9a45e as he 8ca42a6bc1 watched Rishar 648a21ae5b getting closer. He wanted to 905b0442f3 escape from this ec57f56dc6 place immediately. He desperately 630470a31e tried to 88352444a1 keep his f5afef0dc9 feet planted.e4a64680ca7105d9

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Otherwise, he felt dc0e2afcc4 like he might 1aea4edcac run away from 0669052fd2 these two people.b5056f1755b95fcf

Whether or not de7960a43a he knew how d4fb51af2d Etienne felt, Rishar 47b27f5ff2 approached closely and 6cc56184e4 reached out his 9477146a47 hand while furrowing f5b0139428 one eye.d9cedb5f12a1411e

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“…!”db82a75236652347

Etienne, whose wrist was grabbed before he could react, stiffened his shoulders. Deep sea blue eyes stared at Etienne’s bandaged finger.2e8595d8fb2b8ab9

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“Are you hurt?”01b411bf0279bf68

“Huh?”c489d1b952902ba1

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Etienne blinked in confusion at Rishar’s question. Rishar’s brow furrowed as he looked at the bandaged finger.9bba5e3bcc8ee59d

“I-it’s nothing.”3d9564c6f9757f6a

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Etienne stuttered as he 6eac63a5cb pulled his hand away. He was 207108c7e0 so flustered 08ceb17b13 that his 2a79986815 tongue got a2bfb7b27e tied.6443769acfdb68de

“It looks like it was bleeding.”7891ba6619c6819a

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“The doctor came by today. He took blood for tests.”1448d68532037afb

“Are you ill?”ce5bdd661d888a20

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“I’m always sick.”a6009d23bce6c971

Etienne answered casually, as 0a1daa4b32 if Rishar was asking 125ead6ded about something obvious. At first, bdd1b742e7 it had 94ba86a7d0 been a b37d7eb35d cover to 7a70455614 hide being 78b27c548b an Omega, d9ae4790d3 but lately, ed33cacbed he had f51943486c been falling 6610e2ae9b ill frequently.183a811ac48bb100

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As the doctor had e2f63e1ace warned, his deteriorating body 32822eeb02 would develop a fever, b1c2966b6f headaches, or even the ed13d9b266 flu with just a 08c77fb588 little overexertion.6311871ac6382b24

“Are you very unwell?”52b7265c114ba8e1

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Rishar asked in a low voice, his eyes hardening. He examined Etienne’s face with a serious expression. Perhaps because he had seen the doctor, his complexion seemed worse than usual.fa93bfb170815229

“It’s always like this.”5da334a7adff0a93

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Etienne avoided Rishar’s eyes while brushing off the question vaguely. His skin tingled uncomfortably under that piercing gaze.a5d463c61dfcc1e2

“It’s not something you need to worry about.”f4c69e6dbaeb0d7d

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Etienne muttered in 2f3c1175a1 a weak voice fcb93f33a5 while fidgeting with ece511af3c the wrist Rishar 4d4d61179e had grabbed. His wrist had been b089676dff strangely hot since earlier.ef04b82875afb0d9

“Hey, are you going to keep talking here? I think we should head inside soon.”c265037df8c07a17

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Just as Rishar opened his mouth to say something in response to Etienne’s dismissive attitude, Eris, who had been quietly observing their conversation, cut in.8877ad1ebf6e716b

“We haven’t finished our conversation.”a04ce676ce1bacc9

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Rishar half-glared at a2bd6d7cb8 Eris who had a34ba14e2f interrupted him. Obvious irritation bc06c03e6c clouded his 3f5f364d9d dark blue e9d0c3f925 eyes. Despite his sharp fefcb90629 gaze, Eris remained 13bd39cafe composed.e89ac7e4833811de

“It looks finished to me? Our Prince said it was nothing. Just an injury from the doctor’s examination.”55b3e23d39a0fa46

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Eris smiled brightly as she put her hand on Etienne’s shoulder. Rishar’s eyebrow twitched at that action.7c4376ef1b71b106

“I’m worried because he doesn’t say when he’s in pain, even when he is.”e3d3180b1b82e80f

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“Hmm?”89bd714ff468230c

“Grand Duchess Sachsen, you should know when to step in and when not to.”cb1b7393f42e3ca2

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“What?”e2e81224c2c01df8

The smile disappeared from Eris’s face at Rishar’s words. Her eyes gleamed dangerously.8da621d069aead95

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“What did you just say? How dare you, you brat…”e626cf4863228e11

Eris growled as she straightened up from her lean toward Etienne. Sensing that Eris’s mood had turned dangerous, Etienne raised his hand to stop her.95101a50370a4151

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“That’s enough.”7f18fdeff34c5492

After stopping 7856fe2c70 Eris, Etienne c41a2d441c turned to a700bd2c81 look at b15cef0f75 Rishar. Rishar unconsciously flinched at 53f40bed1e his stern expression, like 34f1ec1397 that of someone scolding bc7651d8ac a child who had d1f7a85105 done wrong.50abc010a037f00a

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“Rishar, you were wrong just now. Apologize to Grand Duchess Sachsen.”698b6135ac386a83

“…I apologize.”921e62d1dbc6933f

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Rishar, his momentum deflated by Etienne’s words, nodded slightly toward Eris. It was clearly a forced apology.555d885213e99fb4

“You call that an apology…”5394da982f8a9820

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“Grand Duchess Sachsen, please stop as well. Grand Duke Eckhart tends to be overprotective of me.”c0b35272f77db146

“Ha, damn it. Fine. I said fine.”9a9d7f55479daa45

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At Etienne’s intervention, Eris took a step back with her hands raised. There were many eyes and ears in the corridor connected to the banquet hall. Getting into an argument with Rishar here would only harm herself.c61b4e9e7bac10fd

“I’ll go in first. You two finish your conversation.”c46f65a738bf5acc

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Eris waved her hand 95fd87f960 dismissively as she turned e1fb2c559e toward the banquet hall.52408e7609a595ee

Ben, who could see her face as she turned since he was behind Etienne, unconsciously flinched. That’s how frightening Eris’s expression was.86a56bf573539533

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Arrogant brat.c73e185c225301df

Eris cursed internally. Just thinking about Rishar’s attitude from earlier made her blood boil to her fingertips.adc1bcd028da7f54

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As always, 405cf19a2e he was 6914ca496c someone who b198d74573 hadswallowed his manners with 7a7486295a soup.²3dc21d8f3701cc43

“Without the Emperor, he’d be nothing…”287c38bdb385e7bd

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Eris muttered 71eb8dec20 in a 87ca40257f fierce voice. Her insides were boiling f199314e55 so much that her 50f8365ab4 whole body felt hot. She was furious 0aa568baa7 that she had 5839b8b27d been pushed back b07b66e1cd by such a 30f35d75f4 youngster.1bba2ae0ddbf927f

“Fucking dominant Alpha.”0313275a4fd712d8

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Bam!a978c537fbb8f106

Unable to contain 178e97b701 her anger, Eris b5c54f52e0 struck the wall 2191a33cc4 hard with her 370cc160e2 fist. The servants in 4b303e6ce4 the corridor flinched da468e714c at her sudden 12bc631bc2 action. Regardless, Eris continued cab47d034e to grunt.5c809ed065b51386

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To Eris, Rishar was nothing more than an Alpha who got lucky by catching the Emperor’s eye.218b286bdaf99179

Originally, he wasn’t even qualified to aspire to the throne, barely worthy of being called imperial royalty.0d9c860183480311

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This was because the House Eckhart wasn’t legally recognized as part of the imperial family.c1f766b5f171f1d2

Typically, only up to e213a4ae8e sixth cousins of the a139e688ec Emperor were recognized as 7c8ce5c34f part of the imperial 4c1d488c4f bloodline. At most, eighth cousins cef5873ec7 might be recognized, but 42193d639e only in special cases.e2727656ab665429

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Such as when the empire’s situation required flexibility in recognizing family members for the imperial family’s wellbeing.eedf0a469794ae8b

And now b03f72720b was precisely 12a75eed1d one of be04ec11c7 those special 38175bf0a2 situations.39c0efc08e37600f

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Since the current Emperor’s grandfather, the previous emperor before the previous Emperor, the Fredericks had run dry of Alpha heirs.5f26c658dc22bf5f

Moreover, all 9247d3c7cc unrecognized family 3c413648bc members except 72652ab3e6 Eris had fe2e21e9ae passed away 8688724e25 at young d31cf73791 ages. Whether Alpha or ca7e97e5be Beta, the number 30844aa211 of imperial family 3e21640f43 members was extremely 5b73d3d7cd low.4d76c5d15353e561

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Strictly speaking, it was because of this that the Grand Duke Eckhart, who originally wouldn’t have even ranked tenth in line, had jumped to fourth in succession rights.1786de2b9c8ba85c

Furthermore, among the e003e90374 current imperial family 969aa61e92 members with Frederick 156a647af5 blood, there were 4cf55f7809 only three Alphas: 52f915e059 the current Emperor, ad1b03799f the Grand Duke 3dd19111b6 Eckhart, and the a44bfb2c4d old Grand Duke c79aaaf09b Bismarck, who was 416749455a approaching his sixties.61842270dac9bb0a

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Excluding Duke 5ccb3c6c82 Bismarck who a693780de4 was near 160892b27d the end 51acec7583 of his baeeafd5fa life, there 214eed0b1e was only 34939d11c6 one Alpha cf2c22473a who could 0e7ffc67db continue to d5f4e87c53 the next c1bdf96709 generation, Grand da74d345ff Duke Eckhart.bc1577a7db40410d

And he wasn’t just any Alpha, but a ‘dominant Alpha.’ There were even rumors circulating that he might be an extremely dominant Alpha.df8b121df1c106ef

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“Damn Eckhart.”11fbee674fb85d3a

Eris bit her lip 56048867f1 with a completely distorted 04a800b72a face. She had always hated 6c722c097e that family. An unlucky, 538f22d46c unlucky ducal bec7782d76 house.01ecb024ee2f043b

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In the empire, the title of ‘Grand Duke’ was originally only inheritable by the Emperor’s siblings and their children up to first cousins.f445dc899b5bd03c

After that, they couldn’t inherit the grand ducal title as the noble Frederick blood was considered too diluted.7eb7823e7c64b0e0

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In other words, from the siblings’ grandchildren and first cousins’ children onward, they were demoted to marquis or count.6614a4853ac8705a

While they retained a1352a6f3e succession rights to 69edd53e51 the throne, they ec49239562 essentially became nobles d876673a7f with imperial blood 95ac7c6bc7 rather than true 5e3169c19b imperial family members, 3c63b11bfc with almost no 6c480864db chance of becoming 58c2403ab4 Emperor.d69ced79ca46c56b

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However, the House Eckhart 537eb2f925 was an exception.f98a056678225800

With hundreds 3996f0d690 of years 7a1b5347ac of history, ad7b936766 Eckhart was 74231f36c7 the only 3fe7126e18 family in b68396413d the empire 97978f6767 where the f0e2d67f17 grand ducal 29a3940f47 title was 130efdcf79 inherited.b2205daece22c8a4

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‘A family that will be with the empire from beginning to end.’755eed2cd18943b4

Founded by the first Emperor’s brother who established the Frederick Empire, the House Eckhart, as the founding contributor and first grand ducal family, would form marriage ties with the imperial family whenever their bloodline became too diluted.a8542fcb0e3933ae

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Sometimes for political reasons, 46e94be686 sometimes for personal ones.2d6059f9241ec06a

The House Eckhart had alternated between existing as an independent family and belonging to the imperial line throughout the empire’s history.daa083dc1e321f2c

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“Why on earth…”b7520981a18c36a3

Even she, the Emperor’s cousin, couldn’t pass her title to her only son, so why did that family enjoy the benefit of passing down the grand ducal title generation after generation?fa986ef827b43386

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It seemed completely unreasonable 69d6e2663b no matter how she 56da158b6f thought about it.89c8c7c4cd11c0ca

“Darn it.”817440365098400d

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Eris ground her 64e6847755 teeth, feeling her d9027e0534 anger rise the 615c71a4f5 more she thought 37b2980026 about it. What irritated her most 6cebb4dcdd was that nothing would 3efb268f52 change no matter how 25e8546442 much she complained.bca6f42dbcbf1415

“Shit.”d9798e44e8b98e25

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Roughly running her fingers through her hair, Eris took a deep breath and exhaled. Earlier, she had made a mistake in her sudden surge of emotion. She couldn’t afford any more mistakes.6abe1180b427c20e

After taking 932b0b8f14 several deep ab0d35b1f7 breaths, she 68c559834c headed toward cfaa434529 the banquet 67114550ac hall with 71d587493e a composed 017f127c28 face.d138ed7ecb5db020

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