HTTRPIAO Ch 175-179

“What are you talking about? You’ll give up your right to the throne?”7ebe35e74d619308

Edwin asked, unable to hide his bewilderment. Seeing Edwin’s clearly flustered appearance, Etienne also became confused. Edwin’s reactions had been different from his expectations from earlier.c5969dcce6a41bcc

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“Didn’t you tell me before? That you were considering Grand Duke Eckhart as the next emperor. At that time, I agreed with your wishes, Father.”b51e5644c4213d56

“That was…”88e4a7b37d977ba2

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Edwin’s face turned pale as he realized which moment Etienne was referring to. Several months ago, he had approached Etienne and urged him to agree to making Rishar the crown prince, saying it was for everyone’s benefit. And Etienne accepted Edwin’s request on the spot. In exchange, he requested a blank pardon.35eefee32673ff68

“Once House Herace and Mother fall from power, no one will oppose Grand Duke Eckhart becoming crown prince. However, if I keep my right to succession, there will continue to be disputes. Before that…”fe3befad34d1ba70

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“Wait, I understand what you mean. But it seems too early.”7f3fd0424fabbf17

“Too early?”334c152a7d83e757

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“Well, what I mean is, uhm…”728bb431e1409e93

What should I a08f9ff1f3 say?Edwin bit his lower 008a331b97 lip, unable to continue 41a71d2303 his words. Cold sweat ran 12cfb11b6e down his back.7e3df2ed025b0bab

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You idiot, why did 98df3b9acc you say such things cde9250ac2 and create this mess?ff8ffebc2b183fd5

Edwin cursed 3d92a905a3 at his 0c6a5e625a past self eb45788284 from months 003787b430 ago. No matter how he dd1c979c8e thought about it, he 5c4b23a0ad must have been out 3698b7d42d of his mind back ffeb436f28 then. Otherwise, how afa6702f85 could he 3261d622c9 have said 351dde3c28 such nonsense 5777ae0d02 to Etienne?bada0874a9114102

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Edwin let out 5d76044442 a groan, consumed 5d28f69471 by severe self-loathing. His head bc8ddbdf01 hurt terribly. He felt 7b16a9b8ba lost about 1fdd071b61 how to 76963ccfb3 untangle the 2d8f2e69c1 knots that 828ab22c6c had become 0d1b5bc6d7 twisted due 469a7859ce to his aedc2e83e7 own mistake.4a86d381eb544242

“This isn’t something we should decide right now.”bf7aa00bc1b88f84

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After contemplating his words 3950d611cc for a while, Edwin e871f94595 began cautiously. For now, preventing e117892423 Etienne from giving b30d13b4f7 up his succession d1b25f2a9c rights was the 33ee5dbc58 urgent priority.748ea5ead2eb9b83

“Before I give my opinion, let me ask one thing. Does Grand Duke Eckhart also agree with you giving up your succession rights?”4a2e69d1de8fa7e2

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“That’s… no. This is my own decision.”2d2d2b6e318a82bc

“Then let’s first hear what Grand Duke Eckhart has to say. As you know, the Grand Duke has told me several times that he has no intention of becoming crown prince. He thinks you should be crown prince. I understand you’ve had disagreements with him about this matter.”3a7ca58afe7fdb2d

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“That may be true, but…”daf4ab51866c754f

Unable to find words to counter, Etienne’s voice trailed off. As Edwin said, this was the one issue where Rishar and Etienne’s opinions differed. Rishar had consistently maintained that Etienne should become the next emperor.76a80981dfabc603

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Etienne deliberately avoided discussing this topic because he didn’t want to argue with him. He thought it would be enough to talk with Edwin since he was the one who would decide the crown prince.1850ec25245f3131

But now Edwin’s attitude was strange. He had thought Edwin would be pleased when he said he would give up his succession rights, but he seemed reluctant.4e67f00c85312f2a

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“And I, well, I don’t think it would be bad if you became crown prince.”6b3518b79d7e20f6

“Eh?”5606578098bf3808

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Etienne’s eyes widened at the completely unexpected words. The notion that it wouldn’t be bad if he became crown prince – it was something he never thought he’d hear from Edwin’s mouth.61d7e0571cd18d54

“You must be wondering what I’m saying now. I know. That I must seem strange. But my words are sincere.”4e3fde687923fa70

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Seeing Etienne’s surprised expression, Edwin lowered his head like a criminal. He felt guilty about seemingly manipulating Etienne against his will again. But he couldn’t let Etienne give up his succession rights like this.60e517d4ee437e19

“Before, I… didn’t know you well enough. No, it would be more accurate to say I didn’t try to know you. But that’s not the case anymore. The capabilities you’ve shown during these negotiations and the expedition were quite impressive. With a little polishing, you’d be more than capable of leading a nation.”8c088fa67deab4c2

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“I’m sorry, but I don’t quite understand.”05cddb95a6abb42a

Etienne spoke in 98e5c683b4 an unusually low 4ea68688a9 voice, confused. Edwin bowed his head 512800bd08 again, as if ashamed.5f64cd704f281d71

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“You must be very confused, sorry. But this isn’t just empty talk. You have the qualities to become a good ruler.”c5bcb2a1682a1834

“Me?”9e2c4d777bf2d153

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“Yes, the fact that you achieved such results despite lacking administrative experience proves how exceptional you are.”7f0979653b0f0b46

“…”5acdbcf92ce9c412

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“Above all, the situation has changed in many ways from before. Of course, there will be some dissent if I name you crown prince. But eventually, everyone will accept it.”7b29f7d6246de773

Edwin wore an expression of conviction. When you looked at it, Etienne was ahead of Rishar both in the line of succession and legitimacy. Moreover, Rishar wouldn’t oppose it. In Edwin’s thinking, Rishar would be the first to swear loyalty to Etienne if he said he would make him crown prince.d7720b08c03e4909

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Above all else, designating an heir was solely the emperor’s authority. Even if there were those who were dissatisfied, they would have no legitimate grounds to oppose until the end.fd0f030c7c1a6cb9

“I officially withdraw what I said to you before. Please forget it all.”208b43bc6d9704f6

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“Father.”1e38d6a05b1dcbef

“If you’re willing, after everything is settled and stability is restored, I’d like to bestow upon you the position of crown prince… what do you think? I’d like to hear your thoughts.”0a6d6dd2fce76d2e

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“I…”239207392a10ab79

Struck speechless by the unexpected situation, Etienne’s lips quivered. Make him crown prince? He couldn’t believe what he had heard.b090b1894e87f335

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He knew 4c55838f0e that Edwin 6e0ddf641c felt sorry 9014f040dd towards him 3f91c1b423 and wanted e8cc31154e to create 4445baddec a different 6343d400c0 relationship than 32d55ed4de before. It was impossible 3cc8e88f17 not to know. Even the way fb525d4cae he looked at 56192d2131 him was different 86653fea54 from before.08fc7f791255f6a9

But he never dreamed that Edwin would think of putting him in the position of crown prince. Etienne’s expression darkened rapidly upon learning Edwin’s intentions. Although Edwin didn’t know it, he had a reason why he couldn’t become emperor.3c8a033cf9aa2df8

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Should I tell him 888540e21f now?d0049322d9e2a1f9

Etienne swallowed hard while f7db46b449 looking at Edwin, who 6c2c299099 was waiting for his a5aa6c92db answer. In an instant, f0bbbb75d5 his mouth went 85da067ddf dry, and his 838db670c4 chest tightened.72483174ffde690a

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He had planned to reveal that he was an Omega someday, but now wasn’t the time. He didn’t want to reveal it hastily like this, pushed by circumstances. Especially not when he couldn’t predict how Edwin would react.b8e2b4b87fe2d69e

What would happen if he revealed that he couldn’t become emperor because he was an Omega, that he had deceived him all this time?b960b48684b9b9ef

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Etienne tried to imagine Edwin’s reaction. He couldn’t guess how Edwin would respond. But he was certain it wouldn’t be good. No one would be okay with learning they had been deceived for over 20 years.4f3a55d6c89667ef

At first, he d8859b4c46 would be shocked, 93b53cc84e then probably angry. And after that? Would he 1e110aad67 never look 6c1cf2242b at him 3ca2257368 with such cc96b3de6a warm eyes 108f730cce again?6b2243fdce8a64e7

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For a moment, Etienne’s shoulders unconsciously stiffened. His heart seemed to drop at the thought of Edwin turning away from him again.7e2e888e5ebd23cc

Despite saying he didn’t expect anything and wanted to maintain appropriate boundaries, it seemed he had foolishly developed expectations again at some point. Etienne had a bitter expression. Whether it was bile rising or not, there was a bad taste in his mouth.7f7836f4b9462ad1

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“It seems I was a bit hasty. When you said you would give up your succession rights, I became anxious… I’m sorry.”5492e0acd789fffd

Edwin apologized with a gloomy face, seeing Etienne’s darkened expression. Although he wanted to talk more with Etienne, looking at the child’s expression, it seemed better to end here for today.9e81eead352a0dbf

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“You’ll need time to think as well. Since this isn’t something to decide right away, how about we discuss it again when this matter is settled and we have more leisure? We need to ask Grand Duke Eckhart’s opinion as well.”fe804dddb126e6a2

“…I understand.”2170b4654f0ea927

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Etienne quietly felt relieved efa18d52ed inside as the conversation 44afe2ede7 drew to a close. He tightly 59b5cfef5e clasped his f86cc8329b trembling hands ba5084c1cf together. His mind f7969235ed was in 681d1c11b2 complete disarray.c211079cff797857

“You must be tired from your journey, and I seem to have kept you too long. Go and rest now.”3f3f272a933f4184

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“Yes, Father.”a5bf99ca191ece10

At Edwin’s dismissal, Etienne rose from his seat. However, he hesitated as if having something to say instead of leaving immediately.178004a693d73497

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“Hmm? What is it?”90013577e2115e93

“I… there’s one thing I’d like to request permission for.”288dc8dc2ca0c4a3

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“What is it?”3854f307f6041a92

“I’d like to see Mother either today or tomorrow, would that be possible?”1156a9efca8c1fac

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Edwin momentarily paused at Etienne’s careful request, but soon nodded.22f8173ac6310c5f

“Of course. I’ll send word to the commander of the knights, so you may go whenever it’s convenient for you. Just make sure to take Lady Viena with you.”8ede30b8e83b319c

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“I will do so. Thank you.”ec4c62cb4959a9ad

Etienne bowed deeply aab581a25d to Edwin before 389c27860d turning to leave 9cdf4f4170 the office. After the door 4db75c5416 closed, Edwin, left 102e4d602b alone, let out 6cc00f31e1 a heavy sigh.463767c07c5a573b

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***a785e709afae30f0

Click, click.8ba8ff5b01d9739a

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The sound of 53ef612399 nails being picked ecf001ef9b echoed in the b84e22b5b9 quiet bedroom. Leona, curled cb32e24eb5 up on 05b21bfc91 the sofa, a1ff6d2b91 gnawed at 928bef79fd her tattered e3a724620b nails.6755286e07f42b3c

Where did 5f08aa22a1 it all 686c98c8ea go wrong?185369efc916e1d1

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Leona, with 91c4f04985 a face a32372a058 full of 65ff0deb08 anxiety, chewed d5258527c8 on her 1f51a9504c nails, which ee2974c0cf were already 09d1d26a8f in tatters.977c5b13cd740775

‘The situation is taking an ominous turn. I’ll do my best, but…’316e975194146397

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Just earlier, Marquis Sinea, who had taken on Leona’s defense, had visited her. While watching Leona’s reactions, he laid out the ongoing situation. Everything that came from the Marquis’s mouth was negative.cb24d45ba65490d9

“This can’t be, this absolutely cannot be.”978e17a60188b521

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Leona viciously bit her lips with an anxious face. A metallic taste spread in her mouth as new wounds formed on her lips where scabs had already formed. But she had no time to care about such things. No matter how much she thought, she couldn’t see any good solutions.4a3ac59dc64d444a

“Damn it!”13f6012abcc31013

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Unable to bear 1508fd0fcd the frustration, Leona 79eaf8d373 let out a e709f0b21d string of curses. Her face, which had 480bf38baa always maintained composure, twisted 602a77ac1f uncontrollably.b0b1d0b2fe88bbbd

Until now, Leona’s life had been nothing but victories. There had been political crises, but she had never been cornered like this before. That was the problem.3616dca05122cd90

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For Leona, defeat was 8837d61977 a word that didn’t 1f1bbf5704 exist, so she didn’t 13e46a02df know how to handle b5fbd77617 her frustration. She didn’t know how 8cb38ff454 to accept her own f3fa2131e8 failures.9d7696543cb41109

As a result, when 02bb0c9a51 she realized there was c48121913d no escape route, Leona a521e9e378 collapsed rapidly.aa74a4bd35b5c42a

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Is this 2bda9202e5 really the 00aa698792 end? Just like this, so 72bb995ac0 futilely?9d6b0147097b8d23

Deep despair settled on Leona’s face. She had no idea what to do. Just then, a voice came from outside.e4d8bd25427e57ed

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“Your Majesty, His Highness the Prince has come to visit.”2efc0baec4fe57cf

“…!”10ded12208b18686

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Leona’s head snapped up at the voice announcing Etienne’s visit. Her bloodshot eyes gleamed ominously.2df58fe5e08b1da9

Click, with the 8604529f25 sound of the eefb0a5c2c doorknob turning, the 560922c65e door opened. Through it, 010d075a8f Etienne appeared. He easily spotted Leona 810444bccc sitting on the sofa.86de3707157d2559

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“Mother.”314aa569485170a8

“You…!”8f4fbd20aeda1975

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In that moment, sparks flew from Leona’s eyes. She jumped up from her seat and glared at Etienne as if facing a mortal enemy.fbc6c7d87cb7fbec

“It’s been a while.”4deb83b43c2c3314

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Etienne greeted her in a dry voice. Although he didn’t show it, he was inwardly shocked by Leona’s disheveled appearance, which was unlike her usual self.603a1e77f84e6f0f

Perhaps due to being f0981387b3 confined in the palace fd394364d2 like a criminal, Leona 9dfd35c3a0 was visibly in terrible 8b06c60991 condition. Her hair, which 3c548eb86d had always flowed 7208f54c49 with a glossy d679cb725d sheen, was now baa87e4304 as dry as ee1d9b21af straw, and her 7acc29edf8 eyes, which used 9e31c5382a to sparkle like a0f82db52f jewels, had lost f93de5c5d0 their luster and 3c793fc4a7 become dull. Her skin, once 273d5c9e5c full of vitality a5837dd013 like a freshly 00bf601e2e bloomed flower, had d2cc0e5b8e lost its elasticity 096ca3828a and become gaunt.502f3a3351829978

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Could someone deteriorate this 99d88c5f6c much in just a e1af58731f few days?0a8eba59fd100152

Etienne looked at Leona as if she were a stranger. Her face, stripped of its usual confident and proud expression, was rough and shabby like a tree withering in a prolonged drought. Perhaps that’s why she seemed like a different person from the one he knew.bcbed62b3d354cb8

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“You shameless bastard! How dare you come here!”7840cf40aed96fb3

While Etienne 8244e887cc hesitated at 8c59b7535f this unfamiliar 96d5cc7462 sight, Leona 6b8de2ffc6 charged at 7fee2a72ae him with b2bf8b3ca2 a loud b83b5a618e shout. Upon seeing Etienne, 8b9d533e29 all the humiliation 77a6ac80c4 and disgrace she ad0b6a4c65 had endured over c5bcbebf2d the past few 81f9ad31ee days came rushing f14025384a back.bac6e9e73ad15209

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However, she couldn’t reach Etienne. Viena, who had been standing behind Etienne, quickly blocked Leona’s path.c98b5dacbb563a21

“Your Highness!”8362d16a2b597771

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“Are you alright?”ceaa431547e3be83

The imperial knights 511f2a38ac guarding outside the 645c0f4df3 door, having noticed 4424c8ae94 the commotion, hurriedly c433b4caa0 entered and restrained 806e88c264 Leona. Forcibly restrained by the 8a9318e668 knights, Leona struggled with 85d62fe604 all her might.4db2e67ff94ef1ea

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“Let go! Let go of me! Do you know who I am!”b71913836608456c

“Please calm down.”c06d5ac116686057

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The knights calmly dragged 21d5325fee Leona to the sofa 7c0775db3d and forcibly sat her 099cf5f4be down. Her body trembled f3fa688dc3 with the humiliation 111efb946d of the situation.89b3fb00ea8be77b

“Are you alright, Your Highness?”48c3372d28cdbc31

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“I’m fine. Thank you.”5a4e3b7b62eded90

Only after confirming that 60431451e8 Leona was completely subdued 9011f382f3 by the knights did 0c7da80866 Viena turn to check a9c555749c on Etienne. Etienne briefly expressed his 4e85ecdbfb gratitude to Viena for f1a9eecb06 protecting him. Then he shifted f5d4fd3945 his gaze to 8a92cde1d2 Leona, who was d22670c3f5 breathing heavily with 9c5cad6a4c frustration. His aqua eyes 1fa9b65a6a held complex emotions 63db94c08d as he looked 9ba53ae879 at her.9de0520191cbf842

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“I have something to discuss with Mother in private. Would you mind giving us a moment?”c5dfa55046f07444

“That’s not possible. It’s too dangerous.”e3ffcae448e98e80

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After briefly 2893009b83 staring at 4048cc53cb the eyes cedb2b5cfd burning with a370253704 anger towards 9d8bf15c51 him, Etienne 0d80e0776f spoke. Viena immediately 8157c6006a objected to 5404b56638 his words. It had been only f017210d62 minutes since an enraged 6c7c52fd60 Leona had lunged at 4775238d4a Etienne. There was 275a430afc no telling efe208d68d what might 740336c24a happen if c4a9465660 the two 6d8c65fb97 were left c5571532c5 alone. However, Etienne 8182da7fee spoke with a9a3bafa35 uncharacteristic firmness.65ab7a349983ea10

“Don’t worry, I’ll call immediately if anything happens. Please wait outside. I have some matters to discuss privately.”03ae78db17015361

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“…Very well. Then I’ll wait right outside the door.”119d82e3b7b54934

Unable to overcome Etienne’s insistence, Viena reluctantly withdrew. Once Viena and the knights had left, Etienne sat on the sofa opposite Leona. He didn’t want to send Viena away either, but it was necessary. He had to be careful because there was no telling what an irrational Leona might say.d20bb5ce6a064996

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If Leona were a9114f19fe to threaten him c9fa839996 about being an 9ec3aafcbe Omega, it would 813f2c331b be troublesome.147b585f8fff0300

“I understand you’re angry with me, but please maintain your dignity. Weren’t you the one who taught me to maintain my dignity as a prince regardless of the situation?”6829303d7655316b

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“Shut up!”b4a748e5961a5c3b

Leona burst out in response to Etienne’s words. However, she didn’t charge at him like before. She couldn’t bear the humiliation of being restrained by the knights again. Instead, she vented her anger by repeatedly striking the armrest.791f25277d98b9ad

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“How could you! How could you do this!”890d530d7e321524

“Do what?”40315d07cb8ee30d

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Leona, trembling with betrayal, 15c6b2c214 faltered when Etienne responded c07abef464 so nonchalantly.c054f3ac372b72f3

“Useless tools are to be discarded – isn’t that your motto, Mother? I merely acted according to your teachings.”524b8486e2757235

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“What did you say?”35120a0223e6f075

For a 13deecf3a6 moment, Leona e5573390ec gaped with 6cb0be4412 a shocked e95968fedc expression. She seemed unable to 81e6bce311 believe what she had 7d9cd79919 just heard. A trembling voice 45b730948f escaped through her 1f14c859d7 white, chapped lips.5bfeac623754b65c

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“Are you saying… I’m a useless tool?”96cd37d1b22d2c75

“To me, yeah.”6c8f09aee9c62471

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Etienne answered without a moment’s hesitation. Then he curved his eyes into a smile at the shock-frozen Leona. He couldn’t help but find her blank face staring at him with wide eyes amusing.18adb1c2ec0c37de

Before coming here, he had worried about freezing up when facing Leona, about being unable to speak properly like before, but those concerns had been unfounded. He was no longer afraid to meet Leona’s eyes.bbf08a841097d0eb

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“You always used to say it. Show your usefulness to me, or I’ll discard you. That I had to absolutely follow your words to survive in the imperial palace.”a13b32d73f1ba0f8

Etienne looked straight 155142755c at Leona while 5d97c45be8 listing out the 6456e5a5fa words she had ecb0ec9b7f drilled into his fc629c7d74 ears over the d6939bf7bc years. Looking back now, they b0bd281c83 all seemed ridiculous, but b525b33e06 back then, those words a37e754795 had seemed like absolute 3f6f3ebc0f truth. After all, to 90962478a2 a child, a 3e66f8ee9a parent is like 6ba8320fae a god.fc292c3a18ce227a

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Leona had cleverly manipulated Etienne’s devotion to her. She had consistently instilled in young Etienne the fear of abandonment.84e6d2bdfefe7ed2

The fear of being 07f7f4fdf5 abandoned by someone who 79106b8746 was practically his entire 6fa8f39c7b world was an unimaginable add2b36fd2 pain. Etienne was thoroughly tamed 11eb59de84 by Leona, just as 079931e4b9 she intended.2271ae3b32d1f4f6

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Like a bird with broken wings that had forgotten how to fly, even after growing up, Etienne never dared to think of leaving Leona. Because that’s how he was raised.e98eeea9ee343305

Some might point fingers at such an Etienne, calling him foolish and stupid, but he couldn’t help it back then. Until Rishar appeared, there was no one by Etienne’s side. No one to tell him that Leona’s behavior was wrong, no one to show him the love he never received from Leona.a63bd129007de5bf

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“When I was young, no, until just recently, I thought those words were true. I was constantly anxious about when I might be called useless, terrified of being abandoned like others. I truly feared each day, thinking everything would be over if you abandoned me.”f3a4a9e8322dc5fb

Etienne paused briefly and ee6480fc2f took a deep breath ff5a2da11a in and out. The feeling of f3839c26be fear and dread 9e86b28d82 from those times 1b1bc8c4cd resurfaced, making his ed728524c5 chest flutter. After regulating his 11cc818520 breathing with deep 3b06eaa77d breaths, Etienne continued.1fc68ee24c2e7aab

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“But you know what? You’re not the only one who can abandon someone.”07d34f20ad789988

“What?”e42cbe8ebfc36fce

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“You spoke as if you were indispensable to me… but aren’t I also indispensable to you? After all, without me, you cannot become an empress dowager.”e4d0d5ca05f30e7f

“…”410feb54ee733a3d

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“I could abandon you just as well – I just realized it too late.”7300b6ab2dd144dd

Etienne smiled brightly at 07bcf9a76b the person who had 0d344a16b1 deceived him for so d9bb80e6ed long. Seeing this unfamiliar 13edc83fe3 radiant smile, Leona 384b61626e unconsciously lost herself ac00e9b4ac in amazement.e102d32248e12d34

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Is this 44617a06fe really Etienne? Is that kid 5d57737b1f really Etienne?367e2ce11ba645c8

Leona was e1f7427903 thrown into 4ee9a21dde extreme confusion. The Etienne she 3eea7364e7 knew was always 9904d18af5 timid, always watching fcbc7af1cc her every move. When their eyes met, 6cfa5490bf he would flinch and dff3b168a7 quickly look away.be116968035ccd15

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But the 8edb24bd36 Etienne before d3d698a4e2 her now 6c7b167014 was different. He wasn’t afraid of a5465144be her, nor did he acb3edd0ca avoid her gaze. Instead, he looked at 356c3ad76d her steadily.d9be596b1e223480

“So I decided to abandon you first.”d5e8b15dcba823f0

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Etienne calmly bid farewell 44caa170b0 to the ghost that ec0754cfa1 had dominated his past e0de254d44 as he stopped smiling.274f3896b431b16f

The person who had 6004644dd1 arbitrarily wielded control over 0017dbf47e his life and endlessly 4de754b982 oppressed him.2d9a2fc4f8446b27

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There was a time when he had desired Leona’s affection and wanted her attention. Even while being disappointed and despairing at Leona, there were times when he couldn’t let go of his lingering attachment and kept hoping. He thought that no one but Leona would find him useful, that without her, he would be nothing but unwanted trash to everyone.6c60294ca28d4271

But not anymore. There was someone who loved him even though he was an Omega who couldn’t become emperor. There was a precious person who whispered that it was okay even if he wasn’t useful, even if he was incapable, and promised to always stay by his side.698fcf6794e09b40

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Etienne, having 24f94f77d2 learned the 03a40d0624 joy of d1a6d3da86 being loved 29d8a7e3da and the 3c44af9788 happiness of d582f0c590 loving, was 8894531fa4 no longer 36d3096356 afraid of 96541c1b9f Leona. The fact that 91b7efb5a0 there was someone 49cb44938b who would love 20a5e4acbf him even without 65ab7fe1e6 her gave him 7c98ef2b60 courage.3f00732942929e03

“Don’t feel too wronged. I’m only doing what you taught me. Besides, you already suspected my betrayal, didn’t you? That’s why you and Duke Herace plotted to harm Rishar while keeping it secret from me.”5db0485a3e4ee194

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“Rishar?”d8b82356b1f060a2

Leona mumbled the name Etienne had spoken with a blank face. Soon realizing it was Grand Duke Eckhart’s name, her face twisted hideously.d27905e02b4015f3

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“Rishar? Ha! You’ve really gone mad? Yes, I thought something was strange. Since when did you become so close? All this time…”75b118d498d90522

“Well, I don’t think I have any obligation to answer that to you, Mother.”b0d0a14f2f1cdb1f

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Interrupting Leona’s words, Etienne slowly rose from his seat. He looked down at Leona with eyes as cold as winter frost. Perhaps because his mindset had changed, the person who had once seemed like an insurmountable wall now looked pitiful.c03e53a5b5cd9f76

“After today, I won’t be visiting you again. The next time we meet will be in court. As the accuser, I’ll have to testify about your crimes.”0ada83ad191c1744

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“Eek! You, you, how dare you…”9d8751c5c34d9985

“If you admit your crimes willingly, you might end up just being demoted, but if you deny the charges, things will get quite difficult from then on. I intend to use everything I have to expose your misdeeds.”92476c8978b76edc

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“How could you? By what means? Do you think that’s possible?”b3fe98a42f7c3b6e

“It is possible. Do you know how many conversations you and the Duke had in front of me? Although you didn’t treat me as a person, unfortunately, I am a person with eyes and ears. I remember most of it, if not all. What do you think will happen when I testify about that in court?”787e10b5c8bd8521

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“How insolent! Do you think you’ll be safe? This is filial impiety! Filial impiety!”41abd01e0b946a6d

Highly agitated, Leona reached out toward Etienne. Etienne easily avoided Leona’s attack. Not stopping there, he grabbed her wrist and applied pressure.1fbf5daa25077cd2

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“You bastard… let go, aagh!”0ea7a5013067f82e

Though said to bde44d0c68 be weak, Etienne 3b174cdf7f was a man 541534b840 much younger and 4b4cefaa69 stronger than Leona. He could easily ebd6070075 subdue her attack. Leona screamed in pain 42c3ccb0ea from her wrist. The wrist held by dc344df7b2 Etienne felt like it 8b740a3c4c might break.b21262159ccb5331

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“If my actions are filial impiety, then aren’t your actions abuse? A parent who abused their child for over 20 years and a son who finally reported such a mother – whose side do you think the world will take?”75ab96f742af70a3

Gripping Leona’s wrist as if he might break it, Etienne growled while bringing his face close to hers.6877a307450864e4

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“Hic!”4228ec101e118ab2

Overwhelmed by Etienne’s intensity, Leona hiccupped. In his light blue eyes that seemed to devour her, she could see waves of fierce emotion crashing. It was a long-harbored resentment and violent anger toward the one who had ruined his life.d84fc664bbea70ad

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“Answer me, Your Majesty. Between you and me, who do you think will be more condemned? Hmm?”728b5c9f956ea9ad

“You- ugh.”57ee7becbb06a04e

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Leona was overwhelmed 70c60b603a by Etienne, who 26fed57ae1 for the first 6a247eb75b time showed his c14161cb9a raw emotions. Only her wrist ae60877315 was caught, but fdc685ec05 strangely, she felt 6c0366487b like she was 5a530bd047 being choked.acd5bfee2f39d2e8

“Even if public opinion isn’t on my side, I don’t care. Do you think I’ll bat an eye if I’m cursed for being unfilial? All this time, I’ve been called the shame of the imperial family, the empress’s puppet, a rogue prince… I’ve endured all sorts of mockery and contempt. Adding ‘unfilial son’ to that list now means nothing to me.”e37f7a84346ef302

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“L-let go!”b3ab28fd320930c3

Leona struggled desperately to break free from Etienne’s grip. Her contorted face clearly showed fear.07a3416601d0cf96

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Who would have thought f08c0113ba there would come a c8c4637cad day when the one 7fe253589a who always trampled on 67c7de0b94 him would be struggling 09473e6392 in his grasp?a491258949b80daa

Etienne was overcome with 1b5889a82a a strange feeling as 43f884ab66 he watched Leona, who 0c570884a2 was now afraid of a43f29a4fc him. He suddenly realized df2387eb06 how their relationship 4f574b8a44 had reversed. And that made c3981b9549 him even angrier.86d8d3989330d382

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How dare you, who 71413acbb3 would crumble at this 79270e8f60 much pain, who would 9f4be8edb3 fall apart at this 98d12ae54f much pressure, manipulate my a487fe4fa5 life so recklessly?Anger toward Leona made 968230efb6 his head burn.faaaf1b500c24a53

“Let go! I said let go!”3b3611be3beeb5ad

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As the force restraining her grew stronger, Leona twisted her whole body like a butterfly caught in a spider’s web and screamed. However, Etienne didn’t budge. At that moment, Viena, sensing the strange atmosphere, knocked on the door.2819711e45a24994

“Your Highness! Is everything alright?”9912f5d2f6229df4

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“It’s nothing. Her Majesty is just a bit agitated.”a922feb3a59018ac

Etienne stopped Viena, 26f6e9ead3 who was about f424ad9b91 to burst in, 9daecc3751 with his words, c7c08da519 and released Leona’s 3a30e6b059 wrist. Losing her balance, Leona 1d41e66a25 fell heavily to the 03219e43ef floor.af18fa27549d1859

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“You’re showing me quite a lot of unsightly appearances today. I think it would be better to end this conversation before you embarrass yourself further.”2474c75d5b8d3b66

“You damned brat! Do you think f61d12f86e I’ll let this 4d0bb51664 slide?”39f4bd723e7f9a68

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Leona, grinding 99bde34dc2 her teeth, 1427727421 shouted at 88b3c1b331 Etienne. An indescribable sense of a8b7cabcf1 humiliation and shame made c202b78963 her body tremble. But she couldn’t 112c873a74 lunge at him e9ae4b2401 again. She had felt 154eb97eb2 the difference in 88848c813e their strength. All she 49c2520da5 could do 3b1c237086 was shout 49bb3cea76 at Etienne.1313e415aec59013

“I won’t let this slide, I absolutely won’t!”30f47c86af26326a

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“What will you do if you don’t let it slide? Reveal my secret?”d9d555af16594ee3

Etienne asked, tilting 754fe0f2bd his head.Ack, Leona 8741a5bb07 swallowed when 663d7f998f Etienne mentioned 5946850172 the secret a85cf03ec3 first. Etienne chuckled 2d9c5d9aa4 at her 0215b29553 reaction as 94acb93efc if he 0806f36a23 had expected db693c5ddf it.a9fb41e57f5651f2

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“Why are you so surprised? I can read your thoughts now.”3700d5df1895ab57

Etienne spoke with a composed attitude. He had already anticipated that Leona would try to threaten him with his true gender. That’s why he had sent Viena and the knights away beforehand, because he didn’t want his secret to be revealed by Leona.82d1202756bfbb2b

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“But what can you do? Even if you reveal it, nothing will change.”4f2d7f82d660e530

“W-what! Don’t come closer!”24bdead6815f1edb

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Leona startled b39d81b310 and backed d3d4e18567 away as 6c545c242c Etienne closed ac83ccc784 the distance b2c263c376 between them. Her wrist, which had 645a238a3d been grabbed by Etienne 7cc98580c5 earlier, still throbbed.0650d3654a57bbd6

“What do you mean nothing will change! At least I can throw you into the abyss!”5158c4d09b273452

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Leona sneered, twisting her lips. While revealing that Etienne was an Omega might not improve her situation, at least she could destroy him. That’s what she believed.84eb5d2f96eeefa1

“Just wait. When everyone knows you’re a fraud…!”23e40f3b62975b76

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“What abyss are you thinking of, Mother? That I won’t become the crown prince? That Father and Rishar will learn my secret? That people will condemn me?”71cfc81e09b9ea7b

Etienne cut off Leona’s words and questioned back. Indeed, she knew nothing about him. And she was still arrogant. Etienne glared at Leona with cold eyes.1dfd2988ff63cee5

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“Yes, we are accomplices. Although it was due to your coercion and threats, I did deceive people in the end. However, even if you reveal the secret, the situation you want will never come to pass.”bc877ea8bc47d379

“What do you…”6b405e8af12353f4

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“As I said earlier, I’m not afraid of being pointed at and condemned by people. The crown prince position? I was never interested in it to begin with. I was just swept up in your greed.”08561801bbe5d9ae

After finishing his 7a7f0401c3 words, Etienne leaned 5f98c82c81 toward Leona. Then, as b11a14902e if sharing 7131a0845b a secret, 8dbf11242d he whispered 80825182bb in a 0e0eb2324d low voice.01d8f64bf252459f

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“And Rishar already knows my secret.”af0136e16a537108

“What?”ca95d02ea78d181c

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Leona’s eyes widened at the unexpected words. Etienne looked down at her surprised face and tensed his lips. Now came the important part. He was planning to tell a small lie to silence Leona.bc8d9202654160f5

“Father knows this fact as well too. He understood my situation and agreed to help me.”9c504c0bc019defd

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“He’s helping you? Hah, lies! That’s impossible!”ed1611a8d5ad438c

“Shall I show you proof if you don’t believe me?”f076ff5779f9a9bb

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“Proof?”6997367a7d9e4b90

“Yes. This is the proof.”60fda4b9a125098a

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Etienne pulled out the blank pardon he had prepared from his chest pocket. Leona was shocked to see the Emperor’s seal clearly stamped on the pure white paper.0c38e6ccf8cbf433

“Th-this can’t be. How…”cc3e634f2fd208af

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Leona muttered with a dumbfounded face. She knew that Edwin had joined hands with Etienne, but she couldn’t believe they were close enough for him to issue a blank pardon.4c23a468ee99dd50

This was because Leona knew that Edwin genuinely despised Etienne. Even if he had politically allied with Etienne to remove her and House Herace from the map and make Rishar the crown prince, it wouldn’t be easy for his feelings toward the son he had ignored all his life to change. Unless Edwin truly regretted his actions.cbe917c5e50b6d07

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“This can’t be, overnight, such, such a change in attitude? How…”05454586b08aa5a8

Leona stammered, shocked. After being so uncomfortable, after not even treating him as a son all this time, now suddenly everything was fine? Understanding and forgiving that he was an Omega and had deceived him? No matter how she thought about it, it didn’t make sense.568f3cfe71fcb768

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However, it didn’t seem like Etienne was lying right now. Even he couldn’t forge the Emperor’s seal. The blank pardon before her eyes was real. Leona’s eyes crumpled as she stared at the pardon.cffd4ac46bb13d55

“You don’t have to believe it if you don’t want to. Feel free to reveal my secret if you wish. It won’t lead to the ending you want though.”30851cc385ae85d5

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Good.Etienne was certain his b46abc3ef8 plan had worked when e959ea7221 he saw Leona completely 7a5f40a678 broken. He drove 5477f0914d in one 799f8db8f7 more wedge.1033f9410de68efa

“Whether you reveal it or not, I was planning to reveal it myself once this matter is settled. So do as you please. I’m not afraid of anything.”b0de6e7443129b5c

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Leona made no response to Etienne’s words. She dropped her head like a puppet with cut strings. Etienne briefly watched her trembling hands clutching her dress skirt before turning away. Further conversation seemed pointless.91b66d8618e2962e

“Your Highness!”3fc7bb66793a1cc2

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Viena, who had 5b7854c5d2 been guarding the ebcd25e089 doorway with Ben b9b521669d with a worried 19aaa994b3 expression, brightened up 2266f58872 and approached as e39709606d Etienne came out.cff3c3a88b2cd764

“Is the conversation over?”975458c717390c39

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“Yes. I’m sorry for being stubborn earlier.”aac4314996915460

After apologizing to Viena, cbf4dd3f12 Etienne shifted his gaze 7b952aff5f to the imperial knights 18f1d12d80 standing in line.860b69cefc52322f

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“Please take care of Her Majesty. Contact me immediately if she shows any strange behavior.”b888f10988454e31

“Leave it to us.”edf02ea3124bff60

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The knights bowed their heads respectfully at Etienne’s order. After making one more request to the knights, Etienne left the Empress’s palace. Ben and Viena quickly followed behind him.6e0ef995c98e6a0f

“Will you be returning to the palace?”43c6b53bbdb81741

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“No, I’m going out.”4ff86ce4107eb135

“Huh?”eff2426b37f6f93b

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Ben’s eyes widened at Etienne’s declaration of going out. The sun’s setting, ddad68f4cb where could he 2661112ebc be going at 9e9925e798 this hour?Ben was flustered.7ef02a35616f000d

“Going out? Where…”90e2d1ce8ccbc179

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“To Grand Duke Eckhart’s residence.”ff167d6ad30204cf

Etienne answered ca9997baff without letting 61b8d00ec1 Ben finish 2718eeb4bd his question. Ben was a422457da6 surprised once 7f1333221d again when 05f3760cc2 Etienne named 5def332494 his destination.0bc6fa612981fd3f

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“There’s no need to be cautious anymore.”8d63089fa778d41c

Etienne smiled with 4bd73ac2f3 an unburdened face 29098373b1 at Ben, whose a3f19a3031 eyes had become 7cdf16b4b2 like those of 77849caa00 a startled rabbit. Is this 35608fcaad how a e9fe968cb3 bird feels a48f1655f2 when it f775f38ced leaves its 20c8d439c8 cage? An exhilarating sense 729ddfbcc5 of liberation welled 2d0615bfa8 up in his 7136845ca5 chest.159815b91b2387b5

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Until now, he had to be careful not to arouse Leona’s suspicion and not to make others think weird things, but not anymore.f52c0c080299020e

There was no longer any need to avoid people’s eyes or be mindful of Leona. If he wanted to see Rishar, he could go meet him anytime.6fcfd302cc1fe7f7

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“Ah.”575b7a8c09be712c

Ben let out a small exclamation at Etienne’s words. Soon, a smile bloomed on his face too.01e27cba32aa880c

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“I’ll prepare the carriage right away.”7b2331b6ae5c32d3

“Please do.”a3d20997ec01d946

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While waiting for 031d4d1ebc Ben to return 15c486c88d with the carriage, 17a6925605 Etienne looked up 484d44ca62 at the sky 6364377245 that was beginning 110cca40e7 to darken. Seeing the sky 7b7bc78946 dyed in darkness 9bfd8eb41f like a night-fallen bf1e47a150 sea made him 6e36e39b80 miss Rishar even ef67af70de more.0fbda6cf384b4738

“Haah…”0cc89cdf7e64f816

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Etienne slowly clenched and 86429dae14 unclenched his slightly trembling 676496bfc3 hand after letting out 09b51c76ed a long breath. His palm abbbadb89f was damp e6910e03a6 with sweat. His heart was 67051ed1f8 pounding as if c50cd70991 he had been 202df2c1c8 running. He had ceb79ad848 put on 0d847a8d9c a brave 480a4df364 face in 9c578e11ac front of 5fa37e67c3 Leona, but 28bb64a64d it seems 85f1c2fcca he had c3a69c8799 been nervous 3466c64db6 after all.028867577896a7b1

I want feee0cd2b4 to see 395229c661 him, quickly.ac0deec2795ce890

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Etienne tightly clenched his fist as he felt his body that wouldn’t calm down. Only Rishar could stop this trembling.3713e121903d26f4

***b6c50ef018c025ce

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“Young Master Miles has disappeared?”fa5ce66e0a1616c7

Late at night, Rishar frowned at the urgent message that arrived at Grand Duke Eckhart’s residence. Elvin, who brought the news, bowed his head apologetically.5e095b17d7b3fab7

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“I’m sorry.”9f1e25a6335f463e

“What happened?”1502dfc0577f5bef

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Rishar asked with 6cbadb7d09 a furrowed brow. As if reflecting d278fd6f95 his displeasure, his 5b0125c3b0 previously relaxed eyes 5ff56a5034 tensed, and his 5ae354d125 voice grew sharp ccc41d23ee at the end.2d04353c357ef16a

Currently, Theodore was released 1de27ae18d on the condition that 6137e0bdc8 he remain within the a1bf9bbf76 Miles mansion. Accordingly, security adb81397ab officers took 5d9b08c354 turns guarding bafb873f31 the mansion. This was to prevent e60cbd7033 Theodore from violating his 8fd35392aa bail conditions.45ac589b8660838c

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“A short while ago, some distant relatives of House Miles came and caused a disturbance. While the security officers were subduing them, the young master disappeared.”8dbedfe0b21ae4b7

“What were the knights stationed outside doing?”5597ff635ecf379b

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“They were guarding their posts at the main gate, back gate, and side door, but none of them saw him leave. We’re wondering if there might have been an exit we hadn’t identified…”e46fc8b50fcfdc35

Rishar’s expression hardened further at Elvin’s response. Concerned that Theodore might try to approach Etienne, he had assigned additional people to monitor the area around the mansion. Even though Theodore was an exceptional knight, it wouldn’t be easy to escape through double surveillance.27fef398ed660c37

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“A secret passage.”e871f1378d6dca42

Rishar muttered in a ef45fc808b low voice. After Theodore was released 4545d1be6d on bail, he had 80492abc06 ordered the security officers e740c619de in charge of monitoring e6d551fa2a him to identify all eb835eee94 secret passages in the f27c9b1ca7 mansion, but it seemed 21da6a88fc they had missed some.6ff16199a30270ec

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“What’s the 8f0e9a8689 likelihood of a1797a08a1 collusion with 1532431153 the distant 14fd1bfd33 relatives? Could they 267ccd5125 have caused 38661064f1 the disturbance 0a32f222ae on purpose?”0333ec958e3ebc0f

“That needs to be investigated. The distant relatives might have targeted Miles…”5f9f30073fcd9e35

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Elvin trailed off uncertainly. After the sudden death of Marquis Miles, Theodore had been locked in a power struggle with the family’s collateral branch. The collateral branch, seeking to gain real power, argued that Theodore was unfit to be the next marquis as he had tarnished the family’s honor, while Theodore stood firm claiming legitimacy as the direct descendant. Given today’s disturbance at the mansion, the possibility that they had harmed Theodore couldn’t be ruled out.a41d75dc98862376

“For now, search the surroundings thoroughly and find any traces of Young Master Miles. Someone must have helped him. Have all the people from the collateral branch been captured?”fb145d0b187d19ff

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“Yes, they’ve all been detained in the holding cells without exception.”5118f3f7a2b40761

“There might be someone among them who joined hands with him. Interrogate them.”35a7c5d40dfba2bb

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“I’ll take care of it right away.”d9b9d9cd6d465c2f

“Has the mansion been closed off?”e405dc55537f0466

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“Of course.”93ba14376291bd62

“Investigate everyone from the mansion’s servants to the families of his vassals who support him as the next head. Dig into what they’ve been doing yesterday and today.”f5fe575d9bb4af43

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Even with 86e52df90f a secret 78a2141cf7 passage, it ddd2d31679 would be 0b1ba3f9dc difficult to 887e85818d move alone df70dc589b without help. Someone must have ad50dc0167 assisted Theodore, either 40e48205b9 from the outside 2c10bef63d or inside.Having finished his thought, 304044c8ed Rishar issued orders without 362ad2e31a hesitation.6ef7265b2861f56d

“Ah, also look into the nobles who are close to Young Master Miles.”a27c05a79aeb88d2

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“That too? There’ll be a strong opposition.”c46736fe31c28269

Elvin showed reluctance at Rishar’s order to investigate nobles who were friendly with Theodore.285de24c49e1d779

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“You’ll have to 1585610364 handle that. Use my name c5edbaffdb if you have 53b387c60d to. Tell them to take 5fb06c8f16 it up with me 2a37e961ff directly if they have 32624c713d complaints. That’ll shut them 2e131b72cd up.”6dc5ae30d7ac0d09

“Hmm, understood.”9b884e181085f207

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“Good, then I’ll step out for a bit.”eb037f34077adffa

Rising from 02347621f9 his seat, 07dff7412f Rishar grabbed 09780d172c his jacket 342f4f89b4 that had 8b40eb9419 been draped a995084cd0 over the 990b80eb89 chair with ddaf0c6508 somewhat hurried 71cf1fc10f movements.1a9301cfc2d3aeab

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“At this hour? Where are you going?”bf3cc4d6c6c5e668

“I need to go to the imperial palace. Hyung-nim might be in danger.”66b83048b927fec6

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Rishar answered with a stiff face as he headed toward the door. Theodore was obsessed with Etienne. Moreover, he had caught Etienne’s pheromone scent. If someone was helping Theodore, Etienne could be in danger. With growing urgency, Rishar roughly turned the doorknob. Just then, he came face to face with Albert, who was about to knock.b2abd5488f006445

“Oh.”f5fc101189cc1882

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Albert, who had unintentionally blocked Rishar’s path, let out a surprised voice.0b97c3337d042853

“What is it?”13c8f5d2c97b37ed

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“Ah, well, a visitor… His Highness the Prince has arrived.”abbb6821f8d3be23

“Hyung-nim?”afe3faefd1735daa

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Rishar’s eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected visit. It was the first time Etienne had come to see him since his heat cycle.dd6bb0f152af68e8

“Where is he now?”e14442e4a6a4b027

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“I showed him to the reception room.”d5b21a288a0fbe57

“Alright.”2418b206b405fc03

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Rishar moved as soon as he heard Albert’s answer. His steps were hurried as he descended the central staircase. Arriving at the reception room in an instant, Rishar passed right by Ben and Viena, who were greeting him, and went inside.90966c23038bce5f

“Rishar.”a16c2c8afe856414

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Etienne, sitting on fa7e36baf6 the sofa, greeted 6242cb36d3 Rishar with gently 1e5b42e491 curved eyes. Rishar found himself 6611d5aeed frozen in place b2f7584fdc at the sight aba669467b of Etienne smiling 730dff1115 brightly at him. Finally gathering his 5943e7a597 wits, he gave 4a247eba89 a small cough. While it 6a974466b0 was good a743a9783b that Etienne b64fde10be had begun 492b166e45 to smile 6c3942dcd0 more often 4acaa2d240 than before, 948f9000ad it would 845e554934 take quite 57c658b9d4 some time 1b73e6ac3b to get be9c731db6 used to 29c8e89767 not being a0a10fa259 dazed by 06358bd62a his smile 43c03b8d83 that bloomed 302c203e81 like a be0962e140 fully opened f48cb6dc75 flower.6f305ae782954240

“What brings you here?”4652c1f4d5112d5b

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“I missed you.”7bbc094a811a1ef8

Etienne naturally fell into Rishar’s embrace as he approached him. Rishar, caught off guard, blinked as he found himself holding Etienne. The small, slender body fitting perfectly in his arms, the sweet and delicate scent—it was unmistakably Etienne. For a moment, an indescribable happiness washed over him.1b2bef5ed2877dc8

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“Is this a 173d61375b dream?”d2a1510910840b42

“No.”84908e15b0d58f08

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“Did you d271fc9aaf really come ae50833b52 to see 8b9b97e3cf me?”52046810a00b645f

“Yes.”0e6b7841a21de6ee

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Etienne answered while leaning 2b8eae5193 against Rishar. Burying his face in 9c8628e894 the firm chest and 36a03af820 taking a deep breath, 5cf3774c11 the refreshing body scent 581c621c2a tickled his nose as b92d15708b always.ec0991fd8d3d206a

“There’s no need for us to hide anymore. Most people have probably figured it out anyway.”e590ddc80f2d4268

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“That’s true.”3de5996e34c1092a

Rishar gently stroked Etienne’s hair. Unlike what was known to the public, this expedition had revealed to everyone that Rishar and Etienne’s relationship was extremely close. Some perceptive individuals had noticed that the two were in an unusual relationship.0cb8400f72cf9c8a

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Since the political situation was chaotic due to Duke Herace and Leona’s matter, it was still only being discussed below the surface, but it would surely come afloat with time.eccf051bde959dd2

To those who thought 5569a29430 Etienne was a Beta, 003511ee02 his romance with Rishar f83e862a12 would appear as an 92dae7bebd irresponsible act that abandoned aced5adede his duties as a d567368ef7 prince.0d166c55490684bc

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It would be better to reveal that I’m an Omega before then.991003de52906a50

Etienne’s expression darkened significantly. Just thinking about it was already giving him a headache.5481a579020d297b

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To prevent unnecessary confusion, revealing that he was an Omega as soon as possible would be best. However, that wasn’t a perfect solution but rather a method that would create new confusion. Either way, there was no avoiding the eventual uproar.d1af9d99dbe1b0ca

Etienne let out aa675b8610 a small sigh 348a29cc04 as he tried eaf94d757c to gauge the f791059f2b social impact of a2d0bbe6a5 revealing himself as 7c961fbe3f an Omega.a8e869058f7d1595

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“Is something wrong?”b8db8be61ca8cf42

Rishar, sensing Etienne’s mood dropping, looked down at him.7e79d172ad8bc2d9

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“Nothing’s wrong, I told you I came because I missed you.”5345649bc1c924b9

“Why did you miss me?”364223045311d921

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“Huh?”f8f1003545adc79e

“There must have been a reason why you missed me.”b9ed772a230103df

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“Does missing someone need a reason?”2439f1c981159676

“Are you saying you came here in the middle of the night without notice just because you missed me terribly, with no other reason?”cb89cdf1e90bc176

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Rishar asked, meeting Etienne’s eyes. More sensitive than anyone else when it came to Etienne, Rishar quickly noticed that he was worried about something.ad0417bc41ad155b

“Did something happen at the palace?”6c6b0136e12b2713

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At this sharp question, 4a7b4139cd Etienne momentarily lost his 21e21c382e words. He had 753ab2b00c planned not e8bd96db2d to show 5c9c932287 anything to 3952ce894a Rishar until f97cd1cca4 his thoughts 76fb2ee750 were completely 8b49e382b2 sorted out, a3f2b91125 but apparently b1420788b1 it had 9b2a0e97f3 shown through.bd4d5af1a8ddba11

“Well, it’s nothing really… just.”c649e05298638191

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“Just?”14d4c717da5ba328

Rishar persistently 6db3f95bc4 pressed on 79206d417a when Etienne 399f3c908d tried to 8699152bbe brush off 77edb4e055 the answer.9a808522dca2abb5

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“I met Mother today.”974eebfedd9ee01a

“The Empress?”ae2d01c56ddc4b23

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“Yes. As expected, she was furious. She demanded how I could do this to her, so I asked her what the problem was. I told her I only did what I learned from her.”09faa8723134d0c3

“Well done.”10de63f9305f7b55

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Rishar immediately praised Etienne. While smiling with satisfaction, 38ab90b557 he knew better than def00bfd76 anyone how much courage 4de60057ae it had taken Etienne 6f49831b48 to do this.3a30366dccb59fc7

“The Empress must have been incredibly shocked, right? I wish I could have seen her face, what a shame.”427cf14d8c1d6698

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“Haha.”2ff5a2db78073dc5

Etienne laughed out loud at Rishar’s genuinely regretful expression. He could feel the trembling in his body that had been bothering him even on the way here gradually subsiding. Coming to Rishar had indeed been the right choice. After hesitating for a moment, Etienne struggled to speak.b47d244126c2964a

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“And… Father asked me if I had any interest in becoming the crown prince.”2b6a38d5cca1a04d

“His Majesty did?”f1465a0fee3eed0b

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Rishar asked back with a slightly surprised voice. Though he knew Edwin’s feelings toward Etienne had changed from before, he hadn’t expected him to offer the position of crown prince.747cd66d8894608f

“What did you answer?”4b1e6cefbfde4eca

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Rishar’s eyes sparkled at this unexpected good news. Regardless of how surprising Edwin’s change of heart was, it was ultimately good news for him and Etienne.fec4b10d7479c2f2

“I couldn’t say anything.”908ff006b7972b00

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“What? Why?”86eaf6297b9d24a2

“Father still doesn’t know my true gender.”c92d9ddd10c02f72

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“Ah, right.”b24552ac9a5bc96d

“…Do you think he’ll be angry when he finds out I’m an Omega?”add7394a4b2401b0

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Etienne voiced 48631a185b what had f896d8e434 been weighing 6d97cb809f on his 91edcf9d66 mind since 58d08caf45 his conversation b7c0298e33 with Edwin.cd83e8ad8ec921b2

“Well… personally, I don’t think His Majesty will be angry with you…”e14d107d69e41d6d

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Rishar reflected on Edwin’s reactions and attitude so far. Edwin regretted not protecting Etienne from Leona and not taking proper care of him in the past.9fc1f596f8c614a6

When Etienne’s secret is revealed, and when he learns how Etienne had to live to keep that secret, wouldn’t he feel even more sorry? It was questionable whether Edwin even had the right to be angry in the first place. What right did he have to be angry at Etienne for deceiving him?c556e6bd4f0b14cf

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If Edwin had acted as even a formal father to Etienne in the past, if he had paid just a little attention to him, Leona would never have dared to hide Etienne’s gender. Edwin was partly responsible for Etienne growing up as a Beta rather than an Omega. If he had any conscience, he should apologize a hundred or thousand times rather than getting angry at Etienne.d7da2aba15221a18

“Based on His Majesty’s personality that I know and how he’s been treating you recently, I don’t think you need to worry too much.”741edaabbf14bc83

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“I don’t need to worry?”ef92aa99a0aab8a9

“Yes. Right now, His Majesty wants to apologize to you. He’s also regretting how he ignored you in the past. Considering the guilt His Majesty feels toward you, there’s actually a greater chance things will work out well.”03fd1f394b1b7560

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“Hmm.”7f8c3fde004eb8f7

Etienne hummed with a half-believing expression. While it would be perfect if things turned out as Rishar said, he kept wondering if it would really go that smoothly. However, it was difficult to outright deny Rishar’s words. After all, Rishar probably knew Edwin better than he did.eacc828f01f78284

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“Anyway, it’s great that His Majesty has pointed to you as his successor. As I’ve told you before, I think you’re more suited to be crown prince.”4518140e4b6c2039

“But I can’t become Emperor…”09d32f766e5a75bb

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“Laws can be changed.”1177cb711b6cb10f

“What?”6cb6f51dc5ed681b

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Etienne’s eyes widened in surprise at the new direction Rishar proposed. Although Rishar spoke as if it were easy, amending laws was never a simple matter.9cc92d0cfb6a74f1

“Do you think it’s easy to change or abolish laws? If it were possible…”e5a0a4ac61bd557f

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I wouldn’t be living like this.Etienne forcefully swallowed e838590aef the words that 3a0b5af120 had risen to 7e9b4303af his throat. To change a law, 96d3816ff7 it required approval from 5ecf772766 two-thirds of nobles ranked dcdf396699 count or higher who e69b59700a could attend the state 953d33efc9 council, and more than bf091d3757 half of the elder 9f53894a6f nobles, including the head b62b7240df of the senate.cf8f8dad6ef6f8ae

In particular, legislation and amendments related to the imperial family were even more complicated than others. Beyond the basic procedures, it also required approval from imperial family members within the top 10 in the line of succession. Thus, changing an established law was extremely difficult. That’s why Leona chose to hide Etienne’s gender instead.a61b93afd3898332

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“It won’t be easy. But I don’t think it’s impossible.”d80af597f9dd66fe

Rishar spoke in a strong tone. He didn’t want to argue with Etienne, but this was an issue they would have to face eventually. He expressed his opinions freely to persuade Etienne.6b9ca12bf22295b0

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“Honestly, it’s a ridiculous bad law. Just because some Omega emperors were tyrannical, Omegas can’t become emperor? By that logic, weren’t there any tyrannical Alpha or Beta emperors? Even if we agree that ‘Last’ was the worst tyrant in the history of the empire, other Omegas part of the imperial family shouldn’t suffer because of his misrule.”ce318d410417b601

“That’s true, but… there will be strong opposition.”aa0be4e2210e7906

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“That doesn’t mean we can leave it as is. For your sake, and to prevent other victims, this kind of law needs to be abolished.”a638945183760dd1

“You’re right. For the future, such laws should disappear… but is it possible?”c77333dbb2bcc907

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Etienne showed a skeptical attitude while agreeing with Rishar’s words. Though he hoped there would never be another person like himself, customs that had continued for a long time and the resulting values and social atmosphere couldn’t change overnight.8afef851a526edc3

In Etienne’s opinion, revealing that he was an Omega and him becoming crown prince as an Omega were issues of different dimensions. The nobles were sensitive to power dynamics, so they wouldn’t stay quiet.215ced4114e3ca64

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“It’s possible- no, now is the perfect time.”ab7732cb698f1dbf

Rishar expressed his opinion strongly once again. He recalled the preparations he had made in case Etienne being an Omega was revealed. Originally, he had planned to proceed slowly, but after learning that Edwin’s heart warmed to Etienne, he thought it would be better to move quickly.74c43268e41fd7b8

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“Once we deal with Duke Herace and the Empress, the power of the noble faction will decrease, and the imperial faction’s power will increase. Naturally, imperial authority will strengthen too. At that time, if His Majesty declares you as crown prince, and I take the lead in advocating for the law’s abolition, I think it’s entirely possible.”f743ac9c061081a8

“If we make a mistake, there could be even greater opposition.”36892e847f782ee8

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“We’ll have to shape public opinion so that doesn’t happen. Public opinion about you is very good right now, so with a little guidance, it will flow in a positive direction. Actually, preparations for that are almost complete. As for abolishing the law… well, there will be some people against it, but what if many people agree and welcome it?”571e27e19e51aa15

“How do you know that?”b3e0f02c5007383e

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“I’ve done my research for your sake.”eaebc6fbf6e8e4d8

Rishar answered with a 05fc6a2dab confident voice. After deciding to be508f0ae8 make Etienne crown 30ac2c2c02 prince, Rishar had 4c29fc1a35 moved in various d70cd041fd ways to find 676cec9614 methods to help 881d837e45 him. One of these d6de4f2590 was finding cases 449ea422dc where Omegas were ebdb3cee79 discriminated against because 056e859b52 of the succession a42f647667 law. To argue for the 6ae98ad8e3 abolition of the national 6851c25f2a law, there needed to dfca7f6020 be evidence that it b149aa9f73 was a bad law 04ab62782a harming everyone.a07c3e42f46c6f0b

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“When I had Elvin investigate, there were quite a few cases where conservative noble families used this law as an excuse to remove Omegas from head of household positions or exclude them from succession. There were more related lawsuits than expected, and even academic papers about it.”319d25f0eb640100

“That…”988cde3c87f0fd8a

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Etienne opened his mouth in surprise. Suddenly, he recalled Stella’s story about how she almost couldn’t become her family’s successor because of her younger brother, an Alpha. Also the stories of Antoine and Sorbet, who almost had to give up their dreams because they were Omegas.c7f9a2aaf5c3e87c

“I knew such things happened occasionally, but I didn’t know they were so common.”b94ed4b805fbc55d

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“Since there’s no law specifically stating Omegas can’t become heads of households, they can’t do it openly. If it became known, they would face criticism from everywhere for discriminating against Omegas.”68703b8c83fbdf1c

“Makes sense.”181eebab3cecb201

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“And wouldn’t those who were denied becoming heads of households despite their abilities, just because they were Omegas, sympathize with your situation and support you? There’s actually even a group that helps with lawsuits when Omegas are unfairly discriminated against in inheritance matters. I’m thinking of requesting petitions from them when we formally discuss abolishing the law.”1086cc131de6329e

“When did you…”1e4109bf6d32ac10

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Etienne’s eyes wavered greatly as he watched Rishar explaining his prepared plans without hesitation. Feelings of gratitude and guilt rose together. Although he knew Rishar wanted to make him crown prince, he hadn’t expected him to be moving this much for it.c2f378c46eff5b01

“So don’t worry too much about revealing the secret or what comes after. Everything will work out well. I’ll make sure it does.”49047441eda16eea

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Rishar tightened his arms around Etienne, completely enclosing him in his embrace. Then he gently stroked his back. The slight trembling of his body since earlier was concerning. After a moment’s hesitation, Rishar carefully opened his mouth.4bf13fdfe5bdf7a5

“So… what about you?”b5b7a24cbcf9e1ad

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“Me?”3e7f465dd7163c58

“You said earlier that you weren’t sure, but I want to know exactly how you feel. That way I can figure out how I should move forward.”080b40b492a55698

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Rishar pressed his forehead against Etienne’s and met his eyes. He wanted Etienne to become crown prince, but he didn’t want to force him to do something he didn’t want to do. Etienne’s will was the most important thing. To proceed with what he had prepared, he needed Etienne’s consent first.8200add9a8e2856b

“Don’t think about anything else, just consider your own feelings. Don’t say you don’t know, be honest – do you really have no desire for the throne? Do you not have even a slight wish to become emperor?”18e434e1530c1093

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“I…”c143af14f7239e93

Etienne’s eyelashes trembled as he faltered, seemingly unsure what to say. He bit his lip, feeling an inexplicable sense of being at a loss. Rishar waited patiently for Etienne who had fallen into contemplation, without rushing him. After a long while, Etienne raised his eyes again.1a8d12948406079b

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“…Why do you think I should become emperor?”2d4b00c90c6c07e5

“Because I think you would make a good emperor.”686046c14dd999b0

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Rishar answered without a moment’s hesitation as soon as Etienne asked the question. His voice showed not even a slight tremor, as if completely certain of his opinion.0c03c53d6fb4e95b

“Me?”360207509574a562

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“Yes, I always thought so, but I became completely convinced during this expedition. You suit the position of crown prince better than I do.”424b26f1347a7609

“Why?”85644dcc400d512c

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“Hmm, I’m not good with words… how should I put it? Soft charisma? You have that. First of all, you handle matters meticulously and carefully, and you’re both kind and strict with your subordinates. Ah, your insight is also exceptional. Thanks to that, we were able to lead the negotiations in our favor. And when you meticulously dissected the opponent’s weaknesses based on evidence, it was truly impressive…”36d63b3d6816d96d

Rishar listed his praises of Etienne one after another. When it came to discussing Etienne’s abilities, even a whole night wouldn’t be enough.65d9a9df9ddabe3d

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“During the expedition too, you noticed things that others couldn’t, like the artificial tunnel. And your ideas about solving the water supply problem and transporting the wounded that you mentioned to me on the way back to the capital… Although I’m a bit worried about your workaholic tendencies, it’s a good trait for a nation’s leader.”ac1203f7013ef0cc

As Rishar continued, Etienne’s expression grew increasingly awkward. Not only was it unusual for him to receive praise from someone, but since it was coming from Rishar, it made him extremely embarrassed. Etienne pressed his lips together tightly as he felt his cheeks growing hot. He didn’t know what expression to make.f1ce49094e2e8199

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“Oh right, your quick thinking is so good too. I was really impressed when I heard about how you arrested Duke Herace. To maintain a poker face in that situation…”f3dad724f239e286

“Enough, I get your 6bc9b08e27 point. Stop.”03ca045feb53578b

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Unable to bear the overwhelming embarrassment, Etienne cut off Rishar’s words. If he kept listening, his face would turn bright red and might even explode. He rubbed his flushed cheeks, embarrassed.a4ab934f5a8034fd

“The point is, I’m not supporting you just because I like you. I want you to know that.”0d08d3db08eabc5f

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Rishar finished his words, showing signs of regret at Etienne’s interruption, as if he still had more to say.55b345db65a7c21a

“I appreciate that you think highly of me, but… isn’t your blind admiration too extreme?”533515da025e9d3e

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“I know your skills—I’ve seen them firsthand and experienced them myself. This isn’t just blind admiration.”44045c807bb8fb75

Rishar suddenly lifted Etienne up. Startled by the sudden action, Etienne reflexively grabbed Rishar’s shoulders.7bfae65026d34656

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“Rishar?”47bb497c459c5e6b

“You will surely become a good emperor, so…”ac10d30b67a02e9d

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Rishar knelt on one knee after setting Etienne down on the office desk. Then he took Etienne’s right hand and brought it to his lips. Soft warmth touched the back of his hand, followed by sweet breath tickling his skin. Etienne’s fingers twitched unconsciously as he looked down at Rishar kneeling before him with a surprised expression. He couldn’t understand why he was doing this.acb6636defc36815

“Prince Etienne de Frederick.”527579016523c268

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Rishar looked up at him with a reverent expression, his lips still pressed to Etienne’s hand. His eyes, like the quiet night sky, sparkled with a multitude of stars.c33f5e5d47c24c16

“Would you grant me the honor of becoming your sword?”7868767310016078

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e3d7c7c19b4fbdbe