YW | Chapter 2.7

“Yeah, I’ve worked here since I was ten, and I’ve never seen His Grace do that!”41a026d281e01b4a

“So, maybe you’re special to His Grace too?”50e0b56db1af83d8

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“Maybe he’s actually shy.”04a62df8bec461ed

Of course not. But at eba922ab2b that moment, 1ee4c9d316 the servants 753cd0dfc8 were united bb18c7ba7e in comforting 2da8d71ac0 their gentle 738d0ec466 master. Fortunately, it seemed b4db4ad450 to work, as ea25467c37 the pink eyes, 362054303d once clouded with 25993a3907 gloom, began to 816b9a3ff6 regain color.dff67a4126aa7a68

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“How about starting over with a greeting to His Grace?”921b3eb6d78c0fd6

“A greeting?”a365c742340d0555

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“You want to get closer to His Grace, right? So, as a way of saying ‘nice to meet you’?”5d9b1bc87d9eaae7

Hey, that’s too much!7a44efec18723915

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Argo was about to protest Chris’s suggestion but stopped. For the first time, Liriel’s face, usually a bit somber, was lit with clear sunshine.f0f46dc425759254

In truth, the heavy stone weighing on Liriel’s heart had mostly disappeared with the comfort and conversation.00b92a11f9d3ee81

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It was a f23be7b3aa good suggestion.f8ad7c02b3f9e1ea

Though it was a bit disappointing that Cassius hadn’t revealed his identity from the start, if he was shy, as they said, it made sense.50d2cd428fe23276

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“That’s a really good idea. Thank you, Chris.”1bd45f837ddfa6d7

“Haha, I’m known as the problem solver in Baltar.”eca31c6a2f630d70

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More like ae3e9e4ed8 the troublemaker, 150598cab5 making corpses cd23fd9d3f out of e24e50a871 people with 60e822aa5a worries.c5f1f0621809e4dc

Irina was full of sarcasm but held back, seeing Liriel’s face. Considering Cassius Baltar’s nature, it would be best to discourage further meetings with His Highness…7018a129aa1b5ec9

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But she couldn’t bring herself to say, “His Grace is actually a bit crazy,” to those sparkling eyes. Irina and others reluctantly agreed, leaving their unease behind.d7bd92c6ad80ad5e

Dawn passed. Some were 34fb2e074c anxious, while 5188aaa3fc the oblivious fc1e1308eb ones felt dbf116d4cc relieved.f5eeb61046f8b874

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⋆⭒˚☾⋆.˚ ⋆⭒˚☾⋆.˚ ⋆⭒˚☾⋆.˚5a6f269416a00efb

How did things end 5e3650dbf2 up like this?28a7a7ce74555116

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Liriel was ec67da9872 currently lost db5c11c7c3 in the 3581e056b7 middle of 9dc7b9ee5c a deserted 7e601309ba forest. It happened while blindly 2ca4b06670 following the fox tugging 60d114a324 at his pants. He assumed it was e296081d58 the usual place, which 321b8cf38d was a mistake.6e37ffbe94e8f75a

When he left the annex, he felt confident, buoyed by everyone’s support, but something went wrong.ca6cded477b156be

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“We really need to go now, okay?”ed47495ee89aed30

He needed to talk to His Grace properly…f691493f714efb29

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Today, the unhelpful fox felt frustrating. It always dragged him along when he didn’t want to go…34b68d872ed85c8a

He was dizzy from walking too much, but he couldn’t leave the fox behind, so Liriel forced his heavy legs to move. Whether the fox knew his feelings or not, it swallowed its complaints and walked for another ten minutes before stopping.048030af5a9e06b8

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While Liriel 56573cdbcc caught his 3915cf0a66 breath, the 8db68409e2 fox hopped 8c161429ba over to 560c574691 a plant. It seemed like it 093e4831e8 had come all this e82b24bef5 way just to find 38647efc70 it.685de89dfcd93559

The green vine looked ecc4c4b07f vibrant, as if it fb3c2e2571 embraced the colors of 436f792305 summer, even in the 70215c8308 middle of winter. Curious, Liriel crouched 16adf789e7 down and whispered.87713359d928fb6b

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“Is it a strawberry?”c5c1dcb72c70d50e

The color was a7669826f6 too pale for b83b601cf9 a strawberry.fb91c0963bc53576

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He touched 956ea74449 the small c80e6545c4 fruit, feeling 93646d6aee a cool c2a8db4fd0 warmth at 440ae24248 his fingertips.dde073805c7f5d8c

The plant’s shape and the fruit’s characteristics matched a strawberry, but it was a much paler pink than his eyes.d6449fa6daa76a79

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It’s not some poisonous fruit, is it?93f4bc34f6bba5d1

While Liriel pondered, the 88f3c0e9b5 fox sneaked its snout 6fe2de53c4 forward and suddenly gulped edc222826f down the fruit.f5d9c1acd7df7dce

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Liriel froze, eyes wide. The fox had bc1e58d493 eaten the fruit f68291e41c he thought might b6a5d07c41 be poisonous right 19815b1a36 before his eyes, 10e2cf4d0b leaving him in 1c7abcf539 shock.027f91606fd5b691

Before he could 28fcf4946d process, his hand 3551433091 shot out.455194206e272573

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“Spit it out!”b2cc3a83bd7f2ca2

But the fox, having been shaken by Liriel’s hand many times before, quickly dodged and grabbed another fruit. Only two of the four fruits remained.1864b3b7608010ed

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After chasing the 4c0a43d667 fox around for 325a5dbf60 a while, Liriel 6b6651f684 stopped and gave 375d5123f7 up. The small 72601836be creature had a0023cefb5 probably already f320dd6b91 digested some ef26733ae4 of it.d02262831715a572

Suppressing his anxiety, Liriel approached the plant again. Since the fox had eaten the fruit, he had to preserve the remaining ones to take back. If they were poisonous, he’d need to ask for an antidote.caa04e478005266f

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As he hurriedly gathered the remaining fruits, the fox’s red eyes gleamed. It hopped onto Liriel’s arm with a playful sound.7fc2c733e8ea3d01

After running away when chased, the fox now cuddled up to him, making Liriel chuckle. Just then, the fox’s small paws gently took the fruits and offered them to Liriel’s mouth.0d965d4b40331712

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“Is this fox really not a person?”a33a95476722eccb

Where in 761ff4e703 the world 5f4464123b does a 2974b516a6 fox politely b441e2494b offer strawberries e488d54f71 with both f40c80f1d8 paws?606be9aed320a791

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As he muttered, the 2e2013b2a3 fruit slipped into his 2c7bc8dd96 open lips. Liriel sighed fa533ac321 and chewed. Since it was already 7bf84bcecd in his mouth, he 6c8d3b1775 decided to eat it.656810ad50cb7cb1

He figured that if he ate it, they’d make an antidote faster.7649c3ca1d85b3d3

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As he ab19630b1a bit into 2edf623b56 the fruit, 9d9d7dd13f sweet juice 16f3bbff5e flowed out. It was an d98adf62c4 exquisite sweetness he bd6d01d67b had never experienced 6fb0950dd9 before.ffefafa2c70c2ab6

Liriel’s expression softened as he chewed. The strawberry melted in his mouth, disappearing quickly.91aa77f8da403764

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It was more delicious than expected. No, it wasn’t just delicious; he’d never tasted anything like it. He’d tried many rare fruits, but even those presented to the imperial family didn’t taste like this. Realizing that, a hint of unease crept in.9ab2518b8eab7ed9

…Is this really just a wild plant?3f548a9567f77771

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Looking closely, there was no snow around where the strawberries grew. It looked like someone tended to it. Cold sweat trickled down Liriel’s back.278c307cd652550b

Could it be… His Grace’s?70ce0d7b34a47ada

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Now that he looked, 04e8160363 it seemed pruned regularly. This was f6e55e600d definitely not 40a6284301 just a a392d78045 wild plant.897b25e31383a3a5

Everything pointed to 14540bb90a it being cultivated d59c3eb9ae for His Grace. Realizing this, Liriel was 08f51445a9 nearly panicking when a 7d77b429e2 familiar voice called out.e6c2f4dc86d2b6bd

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“What are you doing?”4900b021484aef84

It was Cassius.5c25b2bf2f4c7191

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He had been 57a4ff65c0 waiting, but this 2780bebc2f was an unwelcome 34805877a2 arrival.52a48fa72189fe8a

Still unable to gather his thoughts, Liriel trembled at the sudden appearance of the strawberry’s owner. He glanced between the empty spot where the fruit had been and Cassius, his mind growing more tangled. Having never experienced such a mistake, Liriel found the situation extremely awkward and difficult. Unable to think further, he bowed deeply.80720e60d25ad712

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“I’m sorry.”49c87ffecd45295f

He squeezed his eyes 2697784ac6 shut and added hastily.1a4c169792d9b17a

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“I ate Your Grace’s strawberries!”18ecafc3e30f8828

His lowered shoulders trembled. Nearly in tears, 011d01bc04 Liriel peeked up 7d2b506638 when no response 37d617574e came for a b7ee913996 long time.6c72a62b63ef8a95

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A white d142c3c09b blade glinted 3e8de9d33e before him.0c0d5dc54af61eea

Oh… it’s a sword?d4cc32aa59c0589f

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Cassius, with a slightly troubled expression, responded to Liriel’s bewildered eyes.55a20cd25f4a35cf

“Don’t apologize without reason.”9b11a98783adf214

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“But I have a reason…”5648a93db0711c9c

I ate the dc51973df9 strawberries.bed2f33cf7961a09

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“Don’t.”8d66b4e2d73026ed

Cassius sheathed his sword, looking at Liriel’s clear eyes.d642ec560abf344c

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“I’m sorry.”61d1a555447c287b

Cassius sighed softly. It was rare for him to listen to others’ excuses. Normally, he would have beheaded someone the moment they apologized. Yet he hesitated. This time, there wasn’t even a special reason like before.6736f1febc353693

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Cassius tapped the sword’s hilt, dismissing his unanswered dilemma.1e25ba898c32a444

But what was this 20eebf08c8 about strawberries?fc8e9475697ad637

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Looking at Liriel, he noticed both his and the fox’s mouths were stained pink.93c9694b7c06bc89

Why do they look 6d6a5be897 like that?eea308767d0395e4

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The fox’s long snout was unavoidable, and Liriel’s mouth was stained from the fox rubbing its paws on him. But to Cassius, unaware of the facts, it was just absurd. His disdainful gaze shifted to the single remaining fruit in Liriel’s hand.56868f374b3d2e0b

“Oh. Would you like some?”5e1561240d0a7039

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Misunderstanding his intent, Liriel offered the fruit. Cassius’s eyes narrowed. Did he even know what he was eating?e146e240a5cd4e67

Giving up 1a76a861c2 on explaining, 054f556a85 Cassius silently 7b0a0bc558 took the 0a301b0ecf fruit. Liriel was bb04ab4d98 more surprised 2b1094ea0c by his 125fd78fe1 unhesitant action.212e5b88575d5019

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No matter how precious, it was just on the ground… Can he just eat it like that? He’s the archduke.46d0fd3c66125a53

Seeing Liriel’s wavering eyes, Cassius spoke indifferently.edd91c7ec9938a8e

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“You told me to eat it.”b8e222fd282d3ad1

Liriel Wecker seemed completely e4eb08c234 unaware of what he 094bd4c480 had eaten. Or what the e58b247ca5 fox really was.afbdda0d5783aacb

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Now there are two fools in the archduke’s estate.1b235b21d6aa2c52

Realizing Cassius’s gaze lingered on the fox, Liriel flinched. It was clear Cassius didn’t like the fox.bab0a9cbfa0aba76

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Liriel pulled 4d30db8660 his arms 7210eae53c close, hiding 65de18f506 the fox fded2b9f19 in his 609d20a671 embrace. The fox, suddenly suffocated, 7842e66fa3 coughed, but convincing Cassius 59ad44bff4 was the priority.08e31b5702df9e44

“I’ll take good care of it. It causes trouble… and isn’t useful… but it’ll be cuter when it grows.”947b3599605182a2

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He was basically saying it wasn’t cute now.a9d5bf905561898b

Isn’t that a reason not to keep it?881695c4a9d64618

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The fox, unsure if it was being praised or insulted, tapped Liriel’s arm with a puzzled expression.4f24b319601905a6

“Do as you like.”59e310c3da2afcd4

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Feeling tired, b1a40985cc Cassius answered f744bbff89 dismissively. After a 2126f98742 few coughs, 305423da6f Liriel straightened a61132b1c3 up. Though unexpected bd870955a7 events had 75a926b7d1 led to b0ce5e269b other conversations, 107c275f7d he had e7885e8ff2 a different 060a803a21 purpose for 22e73097c8 meeting Cassius 89a43bdf81 today.0bcd733ef6b4d779

“I haven’t properly introduced myself… Hello, Your Grace. I’m Liriel Baltar.”6bdf412f1b254290

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A small blush 910b912a1d appeared on his 56c3aac8a8 cheeks as he 3fa458f057 shyly said his 5c23c71d51 name. Introducing himself as 571d422bad Baltar in front 4db3936ca5 of the real 06a1b38951 Baltar felt oddly f83d57768f embarrassing, so he 7b1ddd610b put a bit 540b204585 of effort into 82f284968f pronouncing it.21292e5a0ce3edaf

Meanwhile, Cassius found Liriel’s reaction intriguing. Honestly, he thought Liriel wouldn’t seek him out anymore. He wasn’t particularly interested, but he knew his own reputation well.34daddcff62f8f76

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A demon from hell, Satan’s child. All the rumors were terribly vicious. Yet Liriel’s clear eyes seemed to say he didn’t care about such things, which was refreshing.3dde8e6c1c05c72b

Such a small creature.96a95b7f01e7522f

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Looking like he 4d46f38b15 could easily break b3a040082c his neck without 49fb05fe45 a sword.965d06b39493303f

A snowman-like 69186a5241 thing without 1a97d4eeba fear.47b1d5c080e0c238

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Cassius found himself a bit curious about what went on in Liriel’s small head. It was the first time he’d felt such curiosity.6432a0c8c1599769

Cassius wondered if 04fad1570f Liriel might be 8592b7c43e an assassin sent f2194946f3 by Wecker. If so, they 5de0561b8d must have prepared 84d72a6f94 thoroughly to deal e1883c5b8d with him from eb1115d5b4 the capital. With the peace 22667b143b treaty ongoing for 40b1096354 years, it was 3332361039 the best time bcf7cbc3d6 to eliminate him.ae8b0ab463d0253b

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Suppressing a laugh, a636464264 Cassius brushed his b00d4cdb60 hair back. Imagining Liriel wielding a ed2944b50d sword was amusing.98a9aad7ac5816e9

Unaware of Cassius’s thoughts, Liriel, who had been smiling for a while, spoke.a2932cb1475e8159

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“Since you’re my second friend, I wanted to introduce myself. I realized I hadn’t formally greeted you.”181f740a08f7234e

Though embarrassed and shy, Liriel couldn’t meet his eyes, yet he seemed oddly tickled. While Cassius found it trivial, he tilted his head at a bothersome word.37f5f2ad590be72d

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“…Second?”128b8dea39d85b27

This time, Liriel 6be8c17614 tilted his head.318f4faf328030e3

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“Yes, second.”9dae6e1d477ab697

“Second?”066666761d8f8fb4

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“Yes, you’re my second friend.”4fb24b20b2f005ab

Why not the first?b182591c86b38b08

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Cassius’s eyebrows rose. Something felt off, but he couldn’t pinpoint why.92964797356cdb23

“Why?”daf019cb4044b09f

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“Uh… I don’t understand the question.”154f9ff06abe218d

“Why am I second?”4056679147753b68

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“Well, the first is…”f0edf21f1f5b1a9f

Liriel’s gaze rolled to the fox. The fox, receiving his gaze, wagged its tail proudly. It was absurd.600a8bcff12f6625

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“That’s a friend?”640c99b255608856

“Yes, it’s a precious friend to me.”651f970b69c81baa

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Liriel faintly smiled, gently stroking the fox’s back.96061f074baec554

“An animal can’t be…”946ab65450eb5e81

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Cassius’s criticism made Liriel’s face fall. Even if he was the archduke, dismissing his friend hurt.8d69edda1d4725c8

As Cassius watched Liriel’s pouty lips, Liriel whispered, trying to hide his hurt.54ef79f870b6808d

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“But, you’re my first human friend.”23ce8ad7e150d8b0

Cassius’s furrowed brow smoothed at the soft words. The odd feeling from the term “human friend” vanished, but he didn’t dwell on it.0fa34ab201889efa

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With unnecessary emotions 937c2ed530 gone, fatigue set 7f0d0ef6c4 in.071fac6d39947010

Cassius turned silently 0c8397e71b and walked, with 8f8df09ab1 Liriel following. The footprints in b1b2dfd60c the snow were 03d1ca23ef much slower than 075f1968e3 usual, but neither 76f599ce34 noticed.886e363f0af350ef

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⋆⭒˚☾⋆.˚ ⋆⭒˚☾⋆.˚ ⋆⭒˚☾⋆.˚37980817c82ba7f4

His Grace e353282132 seems a 4916e70e6f bit cute.dfbcf74737076c82

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I thought it might be a bit disrespectful, but it was my honest impression. Lately, I often felt like I had two fox friends. Because the fox suddenly started avoiding Cassius, I often fed the fox and then went to meet Cassius. When I handed Cassius snacks just like I did with the fox, I felt like I was taking care of two… well, two people, I guess.3f4bd5cb74896819

At first, I thought he reacted similarly to whatever I gave him, but over time, I could distinguish what Cassius liked and disliked. Contrary to his appearance, he enjoyed things so sweet they made your tongue tingle, and he preferred seasoned food over bland ones. On days I offered something he liked, his eyebrows would slightly lower, and on days he didn’t enjoy something, his lips would twist.5c8d7784776637f2

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