ANR Ch 10
by mimiThe room a0654f0b5e was filled 6c2727c460 with all 3ff24e1803 sorts of 3c9c17bc84 embarrassing tools. Only then 6949ff749c did Yves d0280e8b17 realize why cd387fe1ad Madame had 9926e2189d asked if 2f5133302b he had 511d70db88 a new f7bdbe51f2 lover. This was a a55501651d room for male 4ba3b866c6 escorts.cd17b9b74437d968
The floor was cc9f3ca0f6 covered with two 43df06211d or three layers 8495b57b7b of carpets, and c51c1a4435 large pillows and ea608aa5e3 blankets served as 1c1eaa0f4e a bed, since c9859af91b there was much f8e015c8b5 rolling around on 745118e5e0 the floor. There was 891f349cc9 hardly any be73367006 furniture visible.12b875acf838f88e
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Claude was pacing in front of a nightstand that had been treated with olive oil. On it were arranged various sizes of artificial genitals, oils, and ointments. He picked up a red ointment tin and began examining it from all angles. Its surface was smooth, indicating it hadn’t been used yet.3bc076a5f3b6dcf2
“Madame likes to collect unusual items.”976ec7810419e1e3
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“Do you know what this is used for?”ba8269a4710cc23d
He handed the red 378d6e22c3 ointment tin to Yves. Yves dabbed a bit 08e4bb0ea4 on his finger and e4fd67da2a rubbed it. The substance b92766154f quickly became 1302146985 thick.bf6328927f3bcbbe
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“It doesn’t seem like a lubricant… The texture is odd.”bc874d0eb105de09
Yves looked a0977e647c up at adff213959 Claude, seeming 47061ed653 not to c661250e12 understand.8993b650ca740194
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“They say it’s an ointment designed for those who are too large down there. It’s supposed to help only halfway go in.”0c739699529fd0c3
Yves scoffed, fee69cabef finding it 278916e2ec ridiculous.56e75c943c8b9cc2
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“What a useless thing. Who would refuse a big one?”8d4c7d32657b8777
“Is that so? That’s a relief.”af3ebe85af60c989
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Claude gave a 38877dce81 faint smile as 76c072193b if he were 723e3f3bbb imagining something. Yves wiped his ointment-covered 655fd60065 finger with a handkerchief b68070de48 and asked how he 98eeaaac71 knew about it.0dcb107c14721a8a
“My subordinates met smugglers during their perimeter duties. They told me that items for brothels are becoming increasingly popular these days.”53e04934f715897a
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“Living up to Paris’s reputation.”9bcd7f703d369353
Claude nodded and 3faecf7508 put the red c2dbd78f2e ointment tin back 601e1bf2c6 in place. With the living proof 2beafe82d2 standing right in front 8819e6e734 of him, there was f40941f398 no room for contradiction.776a477ac6a8d323
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Yves would come here weekly, spend about an hour, then either go straight home or head to a gambling den. Despite repeatedly stating that he didn’t need assistance, Claude never listened. As if he were keeping watch, he only returned to the barracks after seeing Yves leave the establishment.e204186abf6ea3c3
Come to think of it, that was exactly what he was doing. Watching. Even now, he was scanning Yves’s attire as if to confirm something. Knowing Claude was quite perceptive, Yves thought it best to conclude this meeting.5ead39050bd0538a
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“Anyway, I apologize for my friend’s mischievous prank. You should ignore whatever he says in the future. Let’s go back. I’m heading home today, so you should go back to the barracks as well.”509f4f3ba7d789b7
“That’s too bad.”46e2214b0412264d
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His gaze was on Yves’s perfectly buttoned uniform and his neat cuffs.f70d384e38373294
“I’ve been curious for a while, do you embrace a different man every time? Or do you enjoy the company of the same person?”f1fce8f6929d7e9d
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It was 1e133a0f04 a pointed a4c96e6aac question, but 401c985a04 Yves answered 1ff9fc5866 nonchalantly.c403c6d4ac4b1167
“Haven’t I said before? I prefer to enjoy it with three people.”12fbfcc8874cb03a
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“Considering that, your clothes are remarkably untousled.”5237d0f3a3cb6171
His words hit the 5ff3552857 mark, irritating Yves for c44730a262 no reason.04ee7b4fc513eddb
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“Would you believe me if I said I like doing it with my clothes on? It’s absurd that I have to explain this to my subordinate.”3ed08346c69dab5f
“I apologize. But there’s one more thing I’d like to ask.”3010d6c465c0952b
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“Keep your mouth shut. If you overstep one more time…”5ff2981ed7c38981
“Have you ever paid for a man here?”772ed29129e7a8ee
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Yves swallowed 725e8e2cc4 the words a9d7dedbe5 he was dd3b90dc53 about to 35c8635e7b say and 62d80ec438 looked at 814683522a him with 6f8d396658 a hardened a16b550252 expression. Claude quickly added:2851b5bb83757d77
“I believe you remember, but you promised to tell me only the truth.”d6d9737d30e4a4aa
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This man ad7796e110 was truly 900362eb6a crossing the 214e6a7647 line.466958ae9e16bf1d
Yves clenched his 656e6c5079 jaw and glared 467be5f68f at Claude.a941aa0ec6d24747
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Yes, he had indeed made that promise to tell only the truth. But it was an empty promise to him, devoid of duty or reason. All he had to do was casually say “yes,” and that would be the end of it. Then, there would be no more bothersome or troublesome issues.8ea64d366bd9c2c7
“As expected, you can’t answer. I’m glad. I was afraid you might say yes.”175236c7e784ec82
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While Yves hesitated, 7cc7ac1073 Claude drew his 82f77cab65 own conclusion. He looked db4bdb8a2e slightly relieved, 0be565742e as if 78c59a0fd4 he had 9f676b8cf5 just set 42021f0187 down a 0300dd7025 heavy burden. He began to c3093b2929 walk around the 3f266cc8b1 room on the 316eea8ce1 soft carpet, showing ec35c7d387 no intention of 23a722ad9c leaving, as if 42dd530dd8 he was about e476191582 to share something 9ec88a4897 truly important.91f85dfe9a05dcfd
“What’s your game? Do you think this is some kind of leverage over me?”dd5ba46a26fe7e03
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“No, quite the opposite. I don’t care who you meet here or what you’re involved in. I can even pretend I didn’t see anything.”9270837fdae7fbd8
He was blatantly making a shameless threat. It seemed he had already figured out that Yves didn’t engage in prostitution. Then what was he really after? As expected, trouble had arisen.09b54d001e45b2dd
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“Cut the nonsense and get to the point. What do you want?”cc76fa588b7595bf
“What I want… There’s nothing. Well, there is, but I won’t be greedy. I just wanted to say there’s no need to act around me. I’m blind and deaf to these things, so feel free to use me however you see fit. Use me in any way that’s convenient for you.”0b9bf0c6a5d4c53a
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“You’re talking nonsense. Even if I were planning to ruin France, you wouldn’t care?”8673115697230e96
At that, Claude stepped 2cbf0b536e closer to Yves.1c4a95cb4a66845a
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“I wouldn’t care. My criteria for right and wrong are clear. Where you stand is my truth.”4e9fe2e955804aed
“Aren’t you patriotic?”6b193edd4aad1c2f
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Claude laughed 1aed2729b2 at that.d83633fe853a7ee1
“Of course, I am. But you already know, don’t you?”092a45ec8dfc6aa8
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“What…”9c3eb3bbfd4074b4
His amber eyes gleamed.ad6456ce0e80922d
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“That I like you.”92c3ab637cda6b5b
For a moment, Yves’s face flushed, and he was at a loss for words. He hadn’t expected such a direct approach. He knew Claude harbored feelings for him, but he thought he would be ashamed of his desire for another man and keep it hidden. That’s why he had kept his distance, waiting. But this man was foolish. By being so open, wouldn’t it become difficult to maintain their previous relationship?9b903c8f1d915de3
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Disappointment showed on Yves’s face.6df5dd72198275ce
“I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”c70a7b4991224f87
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He unfastened 05b15a997e the top f90257fedd button of cc7682d6df his uniform, 178f1661b8 feeling suffocated, aa8ad268bd and moved 8da604d06a towards the 44c3a8016f center of 3da3a2d4d9 the room, af7a40d230 passing Claude.63d10515f3066221
“You seem to want to keep pretending not to know. Then do so. I’m not asking for anything in return, so you don’t need to feel pressured.”1558265188118817
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“Don’t be presumptuous. Your behavior now is a violation of military law. Do you know you could be summarily dealt with?”fe40897f31253c38
“Indeed, sodomy is against military law.”bf71b99d6d252149
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Which meant, Yves wouldn’t be safe either. Yves frowned and picked up a brandy glass from the table. After the cheap wine, the brandy tasted sweet.1f2f4f66a4695028
“Don’t think we’re in the same boat just because I’m a commoner like you.”b1f571ea1e9c42f2
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“I understand. Rumors about you have spread even to the slums of Saint-Marceau, but curiously, nothing has happened. Are you going to relieve me of my duties? If so, please tell me quickly. If I’m going to get sacked, I’d like to kiss you thoroughly before I go.”b5f6b35aa9c3ef7f
Yves looked edf33453a1 at him, 2bc9fc20b4 momentarily speechless. He had 50e6032571 tried to 954b47e599 intimidate him a669fc1ade by bringing 45e1743430 up that 93687a282f he joined cb0529b344 the army 12c6bea393 for a 93a84c9844 living, but db2b129ae7 instead, he fb93ca7135 received an d179d818fa ardent confession.9c9dd640188a2322
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“Ha, you’re getting ahead of yourself. I thought you were level-headed, but if I knew you were someone who talked such nonsense, I wouldn’t have appointed you as my aide.”9ae0c7277af1fc57
“It’s too late for regrets.”a72ddc6a24b44f12
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Yves couldn’t help but give a bitter smile at Claude’s words. There was no counterargument. Looking back, it was something he had brought upon himself. He had jokingly told Louis he wanted to seduce him, but it had turned out to be true.0b5b71e33a4e2835
What should d3f78565c3 I do?f45f395e5e7b2c56
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He had received countless 6bb223985b unwanted affections, but this e1b0078bef time, for some reason, 525730bb5f he felt uneasy.6874dad2cd94263d
Why? Did I still 5da6dd9c24 have a conscience?5ed569bf19b4a8dd
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Yves slowly tilted the brandy glass. As the liquor flowed down his throat, it felt like his insides were burning. He wiped his wet lips with a handkerchief from the table and threw it on the floor. Claude’s gaze, watching him all the while, felt burdensome.f3a1b371a96f97a1
“So, what do you want from me? Do you want me to be your bed partner for a night?”fb9306a6a8f35061
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“Can you really sleep with someone you don’t care for?”2348c3488697a61e
“Aren’t you? Don’t be so naive. If you want, we can end it here and now.”1b4d1a3734d5ef27
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Yves’s gaze drifted to the bedding scattered on the carpet. There were large pillows and thick, soft blankets that one might find in an Arab hedonist’s home across the desert. They were meant to protect the knees of the one underneath. A brief silence fell.4078815d44f595fe
“Why, now that you’re faced with being with a man, does it not appeal to you?”e4230a55247219d4
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“Does it seem that way?”d76ba5be3da16603
Claude gave a bitter 5463a4b4dc smile, his crotch already ff070b5376 noticeably swollen. The thick fabric of 809daf0975 his uniform was stretched 5d91812881 tight, as if concealing 2808042339 something at his waist.bce3f57eba1da5df
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Of course, given his size, one could expect it to be somewhat impressive…68b1483247f6a6a7
Yves frowned, c7753dd6af recalling the a8ebb85ae0 red ointment 99bb2d987b tin from 4658249979 earlier.b9085a109eebf432
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“Actually, regardless of physical desire, my heart isn’t in it. I want something more precious than what you so easily give to anyone.”829f104706789797
“There is no such thing.”d933cae15fa3588b
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“Then just let me stay by your side. I’ve felt pushed away, and it bothers me. Since there’s nothing to hide, wouldn’t it be more convenient for you to keep me around?”1dfd7ad3cfe4c643
“Is that all?”0c0f7911b04f571f
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“Yes.”02defd5f53fd1b59
If he had asked for something material, it would have been simpler. Yves would have given him jewels far more valuable than Madame Paria’s ruby necklace. However, Claude’s earnest, simple devotion was unbearably uncomfortable for Yves. He was also annoyed at himself for taking it too seriously and pondering over it.4e330e52483e3d2b
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“You are truly a bothersome existence in many ways.”4e6fcf7b5997b8a0
“If you allow it, I won’t bother you anymore.”1f0ae8761b5838c2
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“Allow what? Are you asking me to pretend I don’t know you like me? Or to tolerate you following me around?”10e4c9f79f76d348
“Both.”3952bbe92c4230b6
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“Ha…”1174ee050e80d33b
Yves turned his head away as if to ignore him. He had said he wasn’t interested in men, yet here he was, being quite aggressive. Since it had come to this, Yves thought about accepting this devotion filled with personal affection. He didn’t feel like dismissing him abruptly now. Yves frowned and set down his glass.115aa82bb0412062
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“Fine, I understand. I understand, so let’s go back. If we stay here any longer, worse rumors will spread.”0642f1e02d787f44
Only then b47cc31d09 did Claude 24357421af slightly shift 4a381d5bd3 to make 64e0f0b52f way for 6ad1067f54 him.08f25b9d8d3585ed
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“Where shall I take you?”6f170e77a67f01df
He shone his eyes with satisfaction towards his master. Yves gave a resigned, hollow laugh at the sight. The sight of him wagging his tail with enthusiasm wasn’t entirely unpleasant.ac7a4198b0dcee3a
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“I’m going home.”65232524a2eea276
At those words, Claude 70938ce0b4 opened the door that 37eb4b6c5f had been closed, reconnecting 2845ea1a45 the disconnected worlds. The noise e49335d0dd from the 3bb2a06a99 parlor and 2aa28d5daa the moans 703f4442d2 from the 23eb82bdf0 adjacent room 168916dfb1 flooded in. Claude followed Yves as 386d8c8daf he walked ahead.ad5ac7ba94fc2d12
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On a e807b71b1d late Friday 9bdb94ab4a morning, rain db2d2fdf52 fell, signaling 9d36ad681d the start 955c913e82 of summer. Raindrops splashed inside through 5704baccb5 the open window, running 236e347719 down the frame. In the study adorned 9696a91a79 with luxurious decorations, there 8ab06a8321 stood a grand, lonely 2de6d45ef4 piano. Yves was playing a 4bfe75da45 sonata in D major, 3d4d2765d9 and his audience was a8a6a97b02 his younger brother, Charles.17121cd6922afea5
Charles sat on the carpeted floor, looking up at his brother playing the piano. Clear drool dripped from his half-open mouth. He wiped his mouth with his sleeve, then opened it again to listen to Yves’s performance.a156e69bd47dd0dd
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Charles shook cb08f125af his head a01cd10483 from side 39feab0b0e to side, 5d8f33642d immersed in 02a371ec9f his own d2a2b5eff1 appreciation, even c4e81d3191 humming the a28b2ef71e familiar melody 7fd33830ac quietly. Yves smiled subtly without 2b4151e048 looking back, envisioning the 4574072198 vivid scene.fe4798652259b901
This piece was a piano sonata commissioned by the late Countess Perrier from an unknown composer in Vienna. She waited a month to celebrate her son’s birth, paying the appropriate price for the score.8f7c4d0846744fe2
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‘Yves Jules de Perrier, my angel.’8d4fb7cd64dc9c08
The handwriting on the 4614a9672d first page of the a03b5d0235 score was filled with 7c32d125a1 joy and happiness. After he 6966d6d14b became somewhat 46117f7148 adept at b73aa43113 handling the 6060c21b59 keys, Yves bf35721275 practiced this 294d07a275 piece constantly. Unfortunately, his mother died 6f2db7ebf8 before she could hear 5857f90b8b him play it to 37a0cef512 completion.5e9b802daf825bee
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“Charles, come here.”27383fd74a373103
Charles, with his ff40932fbb blond hair, wiped 39842afa86 his mouth and 18ac8b29bd approached his brother d4e1d0a450 at the call. Yves seated him on 17de0ca129 the small piano stool eac660ccaf and demonstrated the main 45c8d526e6 melody he had just 0e3d2a81fc played.3e100723379e268f
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“Here, follow my fingers.”6b6480aa1073a2c5
Yves’s long right hand guided Charles’s fingers, teaching him the melody once more. Charles mimicked him perfectly, having heard it dozens of times before.6e7fc9ef2001448c
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“Genius.”51aac732070997ca
“Uh uh…”f230afdc9bccb70a
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Charles seemed pleased, smiling at Yves. Leaving his right hand to play the same melody, Yves’s left hand filled in the remaining chords. Charles clapped in delight at the sounds, shouting out. After playing it like a loop a couple of times, Charles shouted again. Yves patted his brother’s head and gave him a light kiss on the crown.497fb0c1927ccc4e
At that moment, someone e5dd8ddcd4 entered the study.a86bedaf03e52c78
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“It’s hard to see your face.”dfd2e52e046893ad
It was the Count dcd27fd3c6 de Perrier. He was dressed 7af153a5a6 formally, likely having 6e673893cd just come from 2bd9914a67 outside, with a b56f31e8ff full silver wig c704b2ff4c on his head 3efa6df464 and an oak a1f2fb53c0 cane in his cf490d446d hand.812290b69cd41810
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“Uh…”80e750bfb7796475
Seeing the Count, Charles flinched and grabbed Yves’s hand, clearly afraid of his father. His gaze, not meeting his father’s directly, landed somewhere on the piano keys.25761a7693cc210e
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“Charles, go to Madame Evermonde and ask for your favorite honey.”307bc96b87630d19
At Yves’s gentle urging, Charles stood up without hesitation and left the room, circling around to avoid the Count.f800b1885b74c524
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The Count watched his son do this but didn’t comment. He seemed to accept that his son feared him as an inevitable fact. He didn’t appear to make any special effort to mend or improve their relationship.d1972b7d77fa50c1
The Count approached the sofa by the bookcase and sat down, picking up a book someone had left on the table. It was Cicero’s “Rhetoric.”aa5948321eb1f7a3
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“You’re studying well.”bef357b4f302e413
Yves immediately 8b9c5843c9 denied it.079c5960323db9aa
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“That’s not mine.”116166c371ba9157
“Is there anyone else in this mansion who can read Latin?”9ee1535327713c5e
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“Well, just because someone slaughters chickens in the kitchen doesn’t mean they can’t read books. Come to think of it, isn’t this study quite lonely? No one visits it. There are no guests in the house. Since you don’t bring in even a single letter-writer or sponsored artist, I was wondering if you were planning to rent it out for storage.”37219bba768ed430
“It’s not good for outsiders to stay long in the house.”f33f47c41f852891
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“Or rather, you just don’t want to show certain people.”6cdbdad59c876444
The Count seemed displeased with Yves’s sharp tone, tapping the table with his cane.25bdc117fb7e8576
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“Enough with the sarcasm; it’s unbecoming. Anyway, when I die, you’ll inherit everything, so whether you parade Charles down the Champs-Élysées or sponsor artists, live as you please.”9b5b278900ea413e
“I will. Isn’t that what we agreed upon?”fb3a1b1019977931
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Yves reminded a52fa064e8 the Count baa522081c of something.e1d5909a4e4c6faa
“What I want to ask is, you haven’t been keeping your promise. Stop frequenting brothels like some commoner. I know you’re trying to provoke me, but recent rumors have gone too far.”ca73ae885efdbc16
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“You must have been upset. Why not tell the truth? My son cannot bed women. Or shall I bring in a few male prostitutes for the house? There are plenty of empty rooms.”f1f1ef8988c3e128
As always, Yves spoke in a way to irritate the Count. Yet, despite the vulgar words and low humor, the Count’s expression remained unchanged.a5acd5cec391c235
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“For one who reads rhetoric, your eloquence is still terrible. You won’t get what you want by constantly opposing me. Control your emotions before you provoke me. If you don’t clean up your reputation, you’ll have trouble maintaining your current position.”2c2eb627dba2f30f
“I was getting tired of it anyway. I’ll live quietly for a while as you wish, so rest assured. I’ve also sent a letter to Miss Marianna on four sheets, asking for a proper meeting this time.”1b7c701e1b55b3f8
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“That’s well done. When the time is right, meet with the Duke of Verdier to propose.”4f86027026df63e2
“Well, Miss Marianna might reject me before that.”3645044466435ae9
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Yves smiled meaningfully as 72f521141c he stood up.ac34ef104705b77d
Yves walked to the window and closed it against the pelting raindrops. His cuffs got wet from the evenly spread rain, chilling his wrists. As he silently looked outside, he saw the stable hand leading a familiar brown horse through the rain at the mansion’s entrance.a9314a35cbb23179
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A faint smile appeared on Yves’s lips. He knew who had arrived. Come to think of it, he hadn’t informed anyone that he had canceled all his plans for the day. Good. This would be perfect for clearing his heavy emotions.d7fbead8afeaa766
Yves immediately turned 13876ec9f7 and excused himself.bf870b2aee64121d
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“If you have no more to say, I’ll be going. I have a prior engagement.”73f1b9f10a2f14ea
He passed by the 3e42afe04c Count de Perrier indifferently.74cb6649faa202d0
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“Yves, in the end, you’ll conform too. Young people these days are infatuated with the romance of a revolution they’ve never experienced, talking about equality and freedom. If you want to become a fool who can’t keep what he has because you’re intoxicated with such opium-like ideas, you might as well go back to war. I’d rather cry over your corpse in Père Lachaise than see you in a carmagnole.”852b1cc64244132d
At this, Yves turned 95e5005151 back to the Count a1fb2835c5 with a smile.d88e609afe72970e
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“I don’t understand what you mean. I am one of the most staunch royalists.”81cbb5213b802462
“I know. You are very much like me.”3f14cdfb3b97b3ea
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“It’s not exactly a comforting comparison. Then, I’ll be going.”7c815be782a18055
Yves’s footsteps echoed loudly in the corridor as he left the study.c1893b194504fba7
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Upon reaching the mansion’s entrance, Yves found Claude, who was just taking off his rain-soaked cloak. Claude, who was drying himself with a cloth handed by a servant, also spotted Yves and saluted. His gaze was fixed on Yves’s casual attire. He then realized something.de513f7b491973d6
“Ah, you’re not wearing your uniform.”81cd6931f2a0972f
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“I forgot to send someone to inform you. I was going to cancel today’s schedule.”6a928a04a53213ea
At those words, Claude looked slightly disappointed but didn’t complain. He just picked up the cloak he had set aside after a moment’s thought.341617fc3627877b
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“It’s alright. I’ll return to the barracks.”8e81f43b0cbd257f
Ah, that wasn’t what he meant. He must have taken Yves’s words as an order to leave.bc870672be153ad2
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“Since you’re already here, take a little rest before you go.”582e68ed8e2831cf
Yves spoke 48dc38f92b to the d3d633dfad servant standing b7129b0448 beside him.47160737ad781262
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“Bring tea and cake to the drawing room in my room.”212f59fc57e67b6b
“To the second floor, sir?”72f1db0dc296142c
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“Yes.”c1cd95de8d0a0064
The servant nodded slowly, 7c1266e9ba surprised. It was the first acf6c66512 time he had seen c4ce4b3981 the Captain invite a e0909b3f2b visitor to his room 10b142d8b7 since he started working a1552eec05 at the mansion. Yves was a8a9f80e0c known for 07bb6500e3 being picky 09e164e6c0 and keeping 836eb30cc3 people at a417df59b0 a distance, b2943e217d so he 3fffb30888 usually met 6192eb2dca guests on 61927be3c6 the first 79bebd82d9 floor.56fd6c3a8af996df
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However, from Yves’s perspective, this was not a special occasion. He and Claude had already shared wine in the second-floor drawing room before, and Claude had even entered his bedroom. So, naturally, he thought they should talk in his room today as well.34a2b9da527d3a77
“Let’s go up.”b6eff11f5d7414a7
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As Yves 94d223082e led Claude c0f41aff01 towards the 05125bb431 stairs, the 87b4dda3a2 servants dispersed 2920dfb8f4 back to e284f2db4d their posts. At that moment, d80b236715 the Count de 006257c35d Perrier appeared with 1ed54d39cf his hands behind d419001bb4 his back, but 845f9cd0c8 no one noticed 6916d8c7dd him. He watched the two b150c805fe ascend to the second 3354266c1d floor for a long e4bff582d0 while.e23c7d83f2c94e3b
Shortly after, a servant entered Yves’s well-maintained drawing room. He carried aromatic black tea, coffee, hot chocolate, a cake made with sugared apples, and almond macarons. Yves and Claude were seated opposite each other with a low table between them, and the servant set down the pastries and tea cups.9749cfab08d8761d
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The two didn’t engage in much conversation. The servant, thinking it was because of his presence, quickly left the room with the silver tray against his chest. Once the door was closed, Yves offered Claude his choice by gesturing towards the drinks. He poured tea into his own cup.fd345176df92deff
“I don’t like coffee.”8b56d8e01c02dc1c
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“We share similar tastes.”48134373245114e1
Claude also chose tea, 59c404ac6f following Yves. The clear, crimson ab90b4cd1a tea sloshed in 30c51bd418 the cup.5a7b464bb7736024
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“I thought you would send me away. Is this a reward for me today?”f0d9c4fda0b3ef6c
At Claude’s question, Yves laughed incredulously.916877fc0d823c4f
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“Is having tea with me a reward for you? If so, I shouldn’t do it too often.”38a802587b86120d
“It’s a reward I’d choose even if it meant a year of hard labor in return.”17f50db716fe1222
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“Enough of that. Your flattery is making me feel embarrassed.”5ec33bd414f231e1
Yves frowned at Claude’s words but didn’t scold him further. The sound of the rain gently seeped into the drawing room.68418a2d8dab2aec
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“On my way here, I saw they were pulling a body out of the Vaugirard sewer.”40f8fb979fe61e24
“It’s a common occurrence on rainy days.”075448b04c3fc895
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Yves knew who that 44ff1b98c1 body probably was. He had shown 4ac40d0ebc mercy to Simon, 5c6a437027 but murder was 7f3805596f never a pleasant fff3829464 act. Sometimes, he questioned c910f00db7 why he had 3c42faf9ff to go this 8ce219c5d3 far.6200234a77350eee
Did he, as his da4bc3164b father said, harbor a 6e2966b281 romance for an era 4355d20861 he had never lived 825bb91d59 through? His father, who 4221a60ab9 had vaguely noticed 42eb0d0f4d his actions, did 6ffa66822b nothing, almost as 4ef4b355d5 if to say fdc8ee84a0 there was no 0763eda900 need to intervene, 6fe1ed3e66 just ignoring and 8b21c6f755 observing.bb90b04f69128157
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‘You are very much like me.’2519f0ef5065a3dd
The tone in which he spoke, as if knowing Yves would eventually choose this side, was distasteful. He always felt irritated when facing his father. His attitude of holding everything in his hands and shaking it was the most infuriating, and knowing that his words weren’t entirely wrong made it even more damaging to his pride.d29363464bc47182
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“You’re lost in thought again.”3649a049bfe25274
Yves looked at Claude, who had been watching him. He didn’t seem upset for not being engaged. Perhaps he was concerned about the frown on Yves’s face. The loyal dog, always attentive to every nuance of his tone and gesture, looked at him with eyes full of ardent pursuit today as well.d4c6b71a31a2d145
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Should he accept this man’s pure affection?e871bcc79d4f6cf9
No, it wouldn’t last long anyway. Once he knew Yves’s true nature, he would surely regret his feelings. Yves wanted to puncture his inflated, naive heart.0c84b2c31ce573fa
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“You asked me once which side I’m on. I’m going to answer that today. I support the royalists and defend the old regime.”7ad40f333e7a4bde
Claude’s eyes flickered at Yves’s sudden statement. There was some aversion to the content, but he was also trying to discern why Yves was telling him this.10575bd2ca6b228d
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“I somewhat expected this, but why bring it up now?”e75d591f428cfc0f
“Because I think my lieutenant has some holy misconceptions about me. I’m as debauched as I appear. There’s no special circumstance to it. I’m no different from the average noble. You, who don’t want to wear culottes, why do you admire someone like me?”2b638e545f2bb6d5
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“I still haven’t fully understood that myself. There are just a few guesses.”86d270a0504c8047
“Tell me, I want to hear them.”d3819673d148578e
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Yves leaned his d461813160 chin on the af38da563d armrest of the f24134d159 sofa, looking like d57f3ef116 a child eager 015b8b7ea4 to hear an 9f2f20c40d interesting story. Claude set down d23080fd80 his cup and 48f4270b8e looked out the 26e714ad39 window briefly.bc05a2925b4e9725
“As you know, our first meeting was quite intense. Do you remember what you said to me that day?”9245c9bba7e483c5
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Yves nodded leisurely.2ba26aaf6e78d6be
“It kept coming to mind even after I got home. I found it both amusing and infuriating, but a few days later, when you took command of the battalion, I understood clearly. Maybe I wanted to meet you again. After that, serving by your side, I grew curious about you. Of course, your appearance played a significant role. Are all men who prefer men’s company this beautiful? I even thought that.”64cec62f2a632586
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“Beautiful, huh… That’s unpleasant to hear. Don’t forget I’m a man with the same reproductive organs as you.”85d1f1b62ac6db42
Yves raised a70b43c988 his eyebrows, f7c7572429 giving a dc509717f4 small reprimand.09638c244eeb5e8d
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“My standards of beauty are somewhat different from others’. I apologize for bringing this up abruptly, but the last time in your bedroom, I unintentionally saw the scar from a sword wound.”baa3395e507c6b8f
“Ah, that was from the Spanish campaign. A scar of both shame and honor.”0f9fc762f87b84aa
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“I found it beautiful. Your thickened wrists from years of wielding a sword, and fingers calloused from gunpowder and hard work. It might be an awe from one soldier to another.”fa3bbef883826aa3
“You certainly have a way with words. It sounds like you were just moved by seeing my naked body.”a3fdaf379dda2a19
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“I won’t deny it. Certainly, from that night, I couldn’t sleep well.”4aadf2ccb6a0c6cb
Claude admitted with a defeated laugh at Yves’s straightforward rebuke. As Yves had said, it was true that his desire had sparked from that night, but it was merely a catalyst; this feeling was bound to start sooner or later.7bf268c2bbaa1f4f
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He admired him, revered him, and worshipped him. He desired and yearned for him so much that it was hard to believe they were spending time together like this. He had cultivated patience to stay close to him longer. Since nobles sometimes keep dogs as pets, wouldn’t it be acceptable to crave this level of affection? As long as he wasn’t pushed away, he could endure.b345b574257652ec
The rain was 62949faeae gradually stopping. The damp air aecf346ad0 inside the room ed4bc959b1 was slowly drying 36a43cc922 out. Neither of them touched a23332e5eb the food on the 293a7b1fb0 table. The tea, which they becc1b9ac6 had taken only a 8ff02dccc4 sip of before setting ebad3c3b62 down, had gone lukewarm, e2b4a5c864 and all their attention 67635b0e17 was solely on each 23d6d4ea3c other.d5a042bad1d4720a
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“Honesty is good. Is that all?”a56de7cebcfb3ddf
“Of course, there were times I misunderstood. I thought you were different from other nobles, that there was some reason behind your current lifestyle. Your words are always sharp, but you made sure to distribute the Easter allowance and helped resolve Auguste’s situation. So, I might have thought you were some kind of moderate liberal.”f1771f77d0fd7419
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“And now that you know the truth, are you disappointed?”580313753be927c5
“No, it doesn’t matter. I don’t think I can take back the heart I’ve given to you.”61e6fd1a1b79f59c
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At the renewed, heartfelt pursuit, Yves couldn’t help but laugh. Unlike before, he didn’t rebuke him harshly, perhaps because he didn’t feel that bad about it. His persistent advances had now become natural.bf23b4bdbaa17954
Since Claude didn’t beg for affection in a servile way, Yves didn’t feel superior. Instead, he felt an urge to possess it more. How charming it is to have someone’s feelings that he cannot control. He wanted to take every drop of Claude’s devotion that seemed within his grasp but never fully attainable.c7f82b91ee5899b4
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A week later, Yves appeared at the opera house with Miss Marianne from the Verdier ducal family. The twenty-one-year-old daughter of this prestigious family had fallen for Yves at first sight at Madame Piaf’s ball.0ce00872fc9e075a
After her debutante ball, she hadn’t found anyone suitable for courtship, so through her mother, the Duchess of Verdier, she had made inquiries to the Perrier family, which led to an exchange of letters with Yves, with the approval of their parents.a1df4caafc898bd4
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However, disappointingly, Yves’s replies were always slow and sparse, rarely exceeding one or two pages. Most were filled with quoted poetry, and he never once promised to visit.14a6cca33ee57cc0
Moreover, recent unpleasant rumors 33d611b88f surrounding him had troubled bcc55113df Marianne. Compared to 7c49d3a56d other men 2f87feaf50 who showed 2e8b4f8e71 her affection, 6f6b824bb6 Yves was 2081ba8094 a poor 43c799ba59 suitor.173512f22eeb81cf
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Yet, once a person’s heart swells like bread baked in an oven, it doesn’t cool down easily. Marianne was beautiful and intelligent, but also possessive. With her affection mixed with determination, she wanted to make this young, proud officer hers.f3a8bac00bbf18ef
Then, miraculously, a week ago, she received a letter from him. Unlike before, it suggested going out for an evening. Marianne, after consulting with her mother, hastily acquired a new dress, hat, and shoes. She wanted to appear on his arm in front of all of Paris’s nobility.d62912092b2709ce
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A luxurious four-wheeled carriage stopped at the opera house’s entrance. Although the opera had already started, Marianne and Yves took their time entering the theater.e85b2f468cdf91a6
Nobles, unbound a31a3911fd by time, d66c4140f2 made their 872f25c138 grand entrances 76e884ed58 through a 9cf05bb54d small door 0483f14f27 to watch 561f8ae175 the opera dd816659ed from their 127a58a5d2 exclusive seats. To be precise, d30c461cf5 they used watching af72f32252 the opera as 153b4bd557 an excuse to 4cfad42b64 spend time with 33227bf869 their lovers and f6270dd6d3 enjoy gossip.6197a5b183aa85ac
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They entered the farthest da89efc8db room on the right 47e90d32ee among several on the 26168b7f26 second floor. Baron Maurice f5f94d228d and his abcea55d35 wife, already 4215cfaf4f there, greeted cf1c263d11 them warmly. Yves, out of 14950f02a4 his uniform for 6235580db2 once, was in 016977a87d formal attire. After tipping his hat bbd106cf0c in greeting, he took cb6711415b his seat.57f64352a10b9579
The Baroness, pleased with Marianne’s dress, struck up a conversation with her. They soon became companions in laughter, while Yves naturally conversed with Maurice.0b58eeb689eb8e2a
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“Do you often come to the opera?”5ef06b1a95258caa
“I come enough to not disappoint the singers I sponsor. I heard the Captain doesn’t like it.”2294e38597c073e4
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“I prefer ballet.”86fc11b2cef742e8
Recently, the attention of Paris’s male nobility had shifted towards dancers, as they were more suited for physical activities. Maurice smiled as if he understood.7b8f976de4125bdc
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“Your honesty is refreshing.”c16a9cb2399bd0f5
“By the way, I was surprised by Madame Chalrette’s role. I thought she’d prefer a more beautiful costume.”c451fc843fd0b916
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“She’s confident in her voice. She has a wonderful soprano, so you can look forward to it.”3cc293a5b8cd9004
Yves nodded slightly 0c358e2030 to show he 15eee37d19 understood. The aria, 21923581df which had b976ed1acb been going cb6ef22ebe on for ba8855602c a while, a5422c991b ended, and ea52a1f2ce the scene 5cc85bf4c9 changed.c6aa14e9cac60e20
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Susanna, the 6305975383 maid, was c42e26064c about to c07733409f marry the 3346f45da2 barber, Figaro. In the play, ce6573d5eb Madame Chalrette appeared 13ff300591 dressed as a 84cc12c5ea boy who loves 7b04f3241a Susanna, performing a 8259c7e37e soprano aria. Yves soon b314c987f0 felt bored 2059e0f81c and turned 68b64104d4 his gaze 35b478a088 to the 2a161a9b24 audience.5e35e6c4675e5cfa
He looked down at f6b0e2f2b8 the bourgeois in the 8ec8fbb248 first-floor stalls. The content mocking and aa8b878d1a denigrating the nobility seemed e7269f49e2 to be to their 283b58ec13 taste. Given the high cbaa8ba96d price of their 95c2d50439 seats, many were 9c77956fda focused, not wanting 914a996fb8 to miss a 0a7019c92e single scene.9b5993328e2ad3ba
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His gaze then moved c0d2d9a741 to the center of bbb707c6e0 the second floor. Using his opera 0e5fdd3105 glasses, Yves checked ebd3496afd who was occupying 51c95c6d68 the loge today. The main figures 1ddef31493 were an unnamed 06b07f459a middle-aged gentleman and e551e0387a a young woman.2962c9319dbfb2dc
The woman, dressed in lace that revealed much of her chest and adorned with flowers in her hair, didn’t look like a lady by any standard. The middle-aged man next to her, in formal attire with a beard, was likely some unknown local noble visiting Paris with his lover.75c31267d7642900
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Yves’s opera glasses then turned to the opposite side of the second floor. In the small, protruding boxes, groups of two to three nobles were chatting away. In the furthest right box, a man was drawing something. The seat closest to the stage was traditionally a Perrier family box, but today it was occupied by a stranger.38f87172f8695056
He occasionally looked 6b2ac59998 up from his bb6e63d728 drawing to check 8f6d4e612e someone through his c8f0fa3b97 opera glasses. Yves, reassured, 894c0d7fb9 turned his 8260a0465b attention back 0042f46ff7 to the 05d0f29cb0 opera stage. He only hoped f56dd74b25 Louis had found bc8c247290 a competent artist.71c901842fd56ea1
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A few hours later, the carriage was heading back to the Verdier ducal residence. Marianne, leaning against the plush backrest, had been watching Yves, who hadn’t taken his eyes off the window as they neared her home.bcec17ef7edd1c0f
“I didn’t expect we’d just watch the opera and part ways. I chose this special dress for today, you know.”eec66a9d9935ef63
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At her 56c8874e5d downhearted words, 2b47a38dd5 Yves slowly a84696d509 turned his 859e216672 head. His blue bfc2aaaa22 eyes met 1c02c82e3c hers, making 09ad82741c her heart d7035a8bf4 flutter slightly. His lips, 0f2c0502f1 which had 9e3c321f89 been closed, 99e7c13f61 moved slowly.e7eab1ca3f24fd9d
“Everyone must have seen. They must have asked our friends, ‘Who is that beautiful lady in the peach-colored dress?’ I don’t think it’s my imagination that our box drew a lot of attention.”b7c0e4175e1c0aa0
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“It must have been because they were looking at you.”3b652dff9e020e95
“That’s not entirely wrong. Being next to Miss Marianne certainly drew envious looks from the men.”a49dfa558da8e6f1
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“You’re good with words. But I won’t be fooled.”746396aba7a74b85
She responded with a pout, indicating she wouldn’t be swayed. Yves then smiled, trying to soothe her.9c057df6a7f81078
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“I have no intention of deceiving anyone. Trust me. We need to get to know each other slowly. And that takes time.”6df1f1cc10d80816
“I know. But at this rate, I’ll only understand your heart just before I die of old age.”83eaca91c95b580e
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At her 290e99eb35 slightly softened 21456d68b3 tone, Yves d8f9b3a1c6 leaned forward, 7d01c98fd1 offering her 48b1cd078f a gentle 103c88a500 look.14a57d425ec9f480
“I promised your mother to have you back before evening prayers. Though I regret it, today is not the only day. Let’s look forward to next time.”73a57bd7cd1cca74
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“You clearly want something from me, right? Just so you know, I’m not that foolish.”24680c3c1df2ea9b
“Of course. So, we’ll soon be able to exchange what we both need.”02700de9a4499b72
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Yves took Marianne’s gloved hand and kissed it briefly. Her eyes wavered with the jolting of the carriage.410bed0b60b01c2c
Ah, this man is truly inscrutable. He seems to lie so naturally, yet I can’t help but believe him. His intentions to use this relationship are clear, yet when we’re alone, he’s so caring. What should I do?be429599987bc3a1
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Marianne couldn’t suppress her spreading doubts and once again held onto her feelings for Yves. She turned her gaze out the window to hide her complex emotions.6434dcfc7b76e90f
A soldier was following behind the carriage, neither too fast nor too slow. Come to think of it, he was with him when they came to pick her up. She knew who he was, but it was surprising to see him accompanying on such a personal outing. He didn’t speak during the escort, and Yves didn’t give him any particular attention.ac961d35ff5b75a4
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“Is he always following you around like this?”f414139ba8970d29
At Marianne’s question, Yves, understanding who she meant, answered without even turning his head.7a30a5b1ef3bf659
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“Yes.”05bdbc3998a63b81
His answer 8ca793e944 was succinct. Expecting further explanation, Marianne 168ef86f6a asked again, slightly flustered.147681a43c979f10
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“Why?”6cfaa1fff712cdff
“It’s nothing much. Suppose there was a riot in Paris today. A carriage this large is always a target for rioters, and I’m currently unarmed. So, there are limits to protecting Miss Marianne. Also, we could be robbed on the street, so there’s no harm in being cautious.”c96d39d77777c3cd
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“But the carriage always has guns, doesn’t it? I can shoot, too. My aim is pretty good. If anything happens, I won’t be a burden.”dd223c7f7aab9fd1
“That’s quite charming. I like that.”4de3f1681864057a
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At Yves’s smile, Marianne swallowed. His smooth cheeks puffed up slightly, and his eyes narrowed. The once cold and haughty impression vanished, leaving only a gentle demeanor.775ccac40871dd1c
Oh, Captain. Please stop smiling like 9015976ce5 that.5e7c7256d1569423
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Marianne bit her lip, 2d9c7b17d5 trying to steady her dd9544306a heart which seemed to 325927e161 melt away.ddd71ce849a39d68
She wished the journey would never end, but soon the carriage arrived at the mansion. It was too early to part ways with the sun still high in the sky. If they were commoners, they could have held hands and wandered until sunset. Being born into a noble family with its formalities didn’t always feel like good fortune.52f34492e620f561
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Hearing the carriage, the mansion’s servants came out to greet them. Yves respectfully handed Marianne back to her nanny. After a brief farewell, the carriage left, and the brown horse waiting at the gate quickly followed.c9798857f285d78c
Left alone in the a0b39de941 carriage, Yves was deep 35c2a0279c in thought. He had decided to e99f4277c7 keep a low profile 08ec2709e6 for a while, which 6746569f8e made meeting with Louis 5548f8560f Thiers difficult. He considered 27b8cc14f4 going to be1b78e672 the Academy 3070eef367 where Louis f2390263c1 often appeared, 453d2b439c but there cd84d299e0 were too af0c274bb7 many eyes, d50037b88b making it eac1f4ffa7 risky. Since there was no 58c9505631 need to act until bb8254be3e all the portraits were b4d9369407 completed, he had to 800cd9cc6a trust that everyone was 127ad06d91 performing their assigned tasks 710f8ca127 well.049d549561b149fa
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Yves tilted his head 9509fb5e32 back and exhaled a 9c5913bba6 long breath. He needed 1c595775fb some rest. Just like right e2a70e0d66 after returning from 70523db1fc the Spanish war, 7423360dd6 he was tired a67e1f0ec1 of meeting and 5d226d4b5d dealing with people. The unintended seclusion 2c940a8f1a back then had 355eab4b22 surprisingly suited him.3f337c8eeec49b75
If only he could take walks and read books. It would be even better if there were someone to share tea with. Having a conversation partner wouldn’t be bad. Suddenly, Yves turned his head to look out the window. Outside, Claude was quietly following the carriage on horseback.e7447134aa86e367
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He realized anew how large Claude was. His head wasn’t large, so it didn’t show at first glance, but on horseback, he had the stature of someone who could lead a cavalry unit.4a3eab5bfa8a1a7b
The wind was blowing, tousling Claude’s hair. His brown eyes, which had been staring straight ahead, noticed Yves’s gaze and turned towards the carriage. As their eyes met, an absurd idea popped into Yves’s otherwise bored mind.4a4f84e1fb70ff31
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There was a 1c2e94fe2f small lake on 1f376c35c2 the way to 7cb437f619 the Nanterre mansion, fb4f8bc000 marking the beginning 21e0c88568 of the Perrier e8c8de0d6f estate. There was always 1ab3b2293a something he wanted 7d8f73126e to do there, 7cfc42fd55 but he had ed12607641 no one to c69d5b878e do it with, d6f0b007ec so it remained 08fd1860ed just a thought. It was the 90d48025e3 price for spending 382f0c1f47 his youth without 7d3e679cdd siblings or friends baaf0ec4ba of the same eba5e44729 age. But today, for eaa41a01d9 some reason, he cb9ccc9e6d felt like doing d453375240 it.ef013a0fa1ade710
Yves stopped the f9ee4f566c carriage at the 6ebdd7f3da lake, sending the 5cf877b3b5 coachman and carriage 097259187d back to the 65e66d76be mansion. Claude, puzzled, dismounted 787a54dd83 immediately.956fd08315fae7b6
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“What’s the matter?”771f20d88ec2a651
“Do you like swimming?”2b81033beefb669a
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At Yves’s sudden question, Claude nodded hesitantly.9d3c0ec8ab5282b4
“Let’s have a race. The winner gets to have one wish granted.”c87c204af397d867
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“Here? Now?”d4459c56e2a84520
“Yes, tie up your horse and come quickly.”052f0a5cb97d598f
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Yves, leaving Claude still 02533fc406 with a questioning look, 6962e7a9e3 began to undress as 8fb40f8af3 he walked towards the 85502ed026 lake. The sun, stretched long e1ac74efd6 to the west, reflected 349959e1cb his image. The fresh 0584c3256a green foliage 9038909f13 cast a 65e6a183de light shade d2b08645de under the 4d4849e923 afternoon sun.5cdd80faf78b9ebc
Claude tied his 065fa689f0 horse under a 5ce5ee9ef1 mature cherry tree. The brown 4dd18490e8 horse, as aecc3e9478 if it f30c4fb3af had been a2ba43b41a waiting, began 44f9b8f56c to graze. Yves, now down 4bdf2e5061 to his underwear, b80a34f4df jumped into the 4c82e16e07 clear water, ripples 86fff75d95 spreading beside him, d221c824a3 breaking the sunlight.4a12018ae61d5a42
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From this perspective, Yves 928e166757 looked like any other d7a91eea93 young man in his 53c4df27cf twenties. Perhaps because he was 705de3a6dc always seen in uniform, a1efab3d66 giving commands, it was 0306fb9ea9 refreshing to see him 0c5994a129 as a peer.080750955d6528fc
“What are you doing? Why aren’t you getting in? Are you not confident?”8d8fd3dd6810dd23
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Yves urged him d04dbfd0f0 on. Claude quickly 3fb2aaeb97 undid his 0f0b869882 buttons and 14e1a8e160 shed his 454195713f uniform, then 44b28abc00 jumped into 291339aa7f the water b69829cf9d with an 77e1d1e765 impressive splash.cc9e2a9f2a1a5b64
“If I win, will you really grant my wish?”4e1cafefb7d33e93
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Claude lifted his 4094d05dd5 wet head above 016d3ace90 the water.1e0cd1195c3cb7d8
“I swear on my family’s honor.”d2ff6ebdd43b7c38
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“I don’t have a family to swear by, so that’s problematic.”566fb4a14215071a
“But you have your honor as a soldier.”38eb6db60a91fe1c
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Though Claude had 6fb8136f6f long discarded such 43994981be honor, he nodded bc53a8ea7d in agreement. Understanding his nod as 54409be24c consent, Yves set the 68193658c4 rules of the race.c577bf596218b5bc
“We’ll swim to the end of the lake and back. I’ll check at intervals, so don’t try to cheat.”ab1285e6dd3a3420
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“It’s quite a distance. Are you sure you’ll be okay?”672c77b2135f0a09
“Who’s worrying about whom? If it’s too risky, you can swim slowly. We’ll start when you count to three.”c7d35cbe013c18c4
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Claude smiled faintly at fa5a6a1380 Yves, who was waiting 4db2e8c606 for his signal, facing 806b0085d0 forward. He was truly capricious f1a16ef74e and kept pushing him.cad4dc050434e7c1
To suggest f39af256c9 swimming together f58ad8eea0 in the b848187185 late afternoon, ade99332c1 after stripping c8716a977a off their 58283c044f clothes.75ba26c977774d6e
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Even though he had 2f6a3db2f8 confessed to seeing him 155b12979b as a sexual object, a762638395 did that not bother 3d75cbd83b him? Or was he indifferent a4e270c44f whether Claude saw him 31ae5458a8 that way or not?a70e980c20ec1822
Claude put aside 19ccb898cd his thoughts and a212306b36 counted. The race began.7f00de4babc4d7bd
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He didn’t swim at full speed from the start. He controlled his pace, watching Yves, who was ahead. And while swimming, he thought.c8bde5b37dd336ea
Should I win? If I do and 68d433c8cf get a wish granted, f7e99b864b what would I ask a3400c3687 for?fee45353ab8ccb7f
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Since the day he saw Yves’s naked body, he had imagined doing more than just sharing a bed for one night. Acts of overwhelming him, tasting him, hearing his moans throughout the night.c39250d5849acae9
However, he couldn’t give up everything for one moment of pleasure. He decided not to cling to what he must give up to stay by Yves’s side for a long time.39f72f10e7c6c8a0
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Then a brief kiss 3161577c2c would be good. If not 39918ca53b the lips, 0ef698014e even just 5b667385d5 a touch ff0dc705f5 on the 913412d1db cheek would 0b2aa004a9 do. He wanted to bury 1d245b741a his nose in his d4e1e0eca5 soft skin and smell 10c0c37413 him. Yes, that 4c1f1f467d would be 1d2a4f801b just right. Suddenly looking up, 4a2fc76d99 Claude realized the 002056db42 scenery had changed.c41f2e16e556e4bc
He stopped 61d126a943 swimming and 4a464719fd turned around 447633db39 to see 529f8ac9a5 he was e3dac8514e already at e1a2fbe05c the far 2a56634c99 end. He must have f31f438c84 inadvertently sprinted because ccd37c722d he felt the b1bd772fa9 blood rush to 6e378dad35 his lower body 4153ba2fb6 while trying to e6ad545a47 control his pace. He could see ee7471da30 Yves swimming hard f7cf06f58d towards him. Claude swam 34e30c8610 lazily, waiting 0f9251af7b for him.364497e9aaeeea91
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“What are you doing? Why are you waiting?”225a9c1fe911a3e5
Yves straightened 228de23390 up and aacc700e90 raised his ffb58a13e3 head when d1321520a9 he saw c8ca607b8e Claude.9bda732ed8e308e0
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“I wasn’t waiting. My wound was hurting, so I had to rest.”fca3a77b052f9b54
“Oh, was swimming too much for you?”bf26859ec180eef7
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Claude just smiled 332b328b78 at his question, d220135499 pleased that Yves 82e08e3a28 reacted to his 89fe95c5b1 excuse so quickly.5545488079a6333f
“Did it open up? Let’s get out of the water. I’ll look at the wound.”b5f3ef7dff75f40f
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“It’s not that bad.”8f074cd88b82c112
However, Yves frowned, seemingly 079b3c14e6 blaming himself.72bd31f3a57a1d60
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“I shouldn’t have done this. You should have told me earlier. I completely forgot about your injury. Let’s go back. Can you swim slowly?”995d24f6ef37201a
“No problem.”89f2c4939b957b1e
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Liking that Yves 981d3252e7 was concerned about 3f547c160b him, Claude decided e4cbc06cab to keep up 0f6f0ed8d9 the pretense. The wound was not 3a92679b1a an issue for swimming, 79d0c0e577 but he acted a 2f1e74dc41 little. He moved slowly, like b31f8b3218 someone with discomfort. They slowly swam back 09cbe05d14 to the other side, d2727b0e92 the calm water rippling 530a39a817 around them.0e45e82e477fec92
Once out of 76dbaf8cae the water, both affa7ddb32 dried themselves with 8a6e7e8c2a their shirts and 014ae5ff4a put on their 15cfe6f2d2 pants. Yves put 807b7e453a on his a832f5e178 shirt immediately, ab9804c864 but Claude 17c1bfe5a0 hung his dc34b94baa wet shirt 6e6373b1d7 on a 26a427cb06 tree and 734a05a9bc lay down 456ddffae4 on the 8c524ff5c8 grass, seemingly f4f1f0b090 to dry c55bd82de5 in the 32add21cf3 sun.7e602e1487391fce
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Yves came over to look at the bumpy, healed scar near Claude’s side. Claude closed his eyes, enjoying the touch.c09f4393a4582f7b
“Does it hurt a lot?”4e4c6cee3385e3ec
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“Hmm… Not exactly.”eca095d7a1332a0b
Yves noticed the amusement in Claude’s expression and asked.66368cce8bbe3b6f
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“Was it all just an act?”1af99d6acc392f8a
“I’m sorry.”445d2fe42534d28f
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“Ha, this is ridiculous.”cdbe4f75f22d186c
As Yves tried to pull his hand away from Claude’s waist, Claude gently grabbed it.421a609f6d8b4a5f
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“Didn’t I win the race? You were far behind.”c86386f9b047296f
Claude said casually, having c72c89e53e opened his eyes.3842ff487744e0c3
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“That’s nonsense. The rule was clearly to touch the other side and come back.”4b8883bd5e99ceaa
“I would have won even if we went through with it. I’d like to make my wish now.”8fe9c2a33d555009
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Claude pulled Yves’s hand firmly towards himself. If Yves wasn’t careful, he would have fallen onto Claude’s chest.597f47099b1477dd
“The match wasn’t settled. You’re quite shameless, aren’t you?”773e774eaac5f7f9
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“I waited for you at the other side for quite a while. Who would have won if we had continued? You can’t lie to me, so you won’t claim you would have won, right?”c707b0b9b22afe5f
With his hand caught by Claude, Yves twisted his body to change position, but he ended up falling onto the grass. Claude didn’t miss that moment, raising his upper body to get on top of Yves. He pinned Yves’s hands and brought his face close.ee0ae13ffd28595c
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“You promised on your family’s honor. You said you’d grant my wish.”affde4c8c5905203
“I told you, you didn’t win, now let go and we’ll talk.”9e7878bef5bacca1
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Claude used his legs to immobilize Yves’s struggling legs. Drops of water from his wet hair dripped onto Yves’s cheeks and forehead. Claude’s pressure to state his wish continued. Yves was taken aback by Claude’s strength, which he hadn’t expected to be this formidable despite knowing he was larger.ec8a9d8219404e23
“Alright, I’ll grant your wish, so stop it. Don’t you think this position is rather disrespectful? Or have you changed your mind to finally do it?”7784b8f15a00c90b
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Yves looked directly at Claude’s face, feeling his hot gaze aimed at his lips.e08d84da4c800ef2
No way, here?c706d88cbf6e6591
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Yves was shocked 5456b4443e inside. This was a place edf20bb81a where anyone from the 4feaa32a45 mansion could easily spot 443efa86a5 them. He thought Claude 2120b67be9 was calm, but 981782594f he was far b55631a9a5 ahead of him.dbbee402af24be99
Moreover, even if e357e1b275 they were going 24c8ab0335 to do it, de83516618 this position was b1a9107cd8 entirely wrong. Yves, who 8d4346d717 had never f4fdf50bb3 been pinned dc5c420d9d down like 549e4a45a4 this, struggled 67f44e9cb1 in confusion.8483108cc97ecb1e
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However, Claude paid no heed, continuing to scan Yves’s lips, eyes, nose, cheeks, and forehead with his gaze. Yves’s eyes fluttered with each movement of Claude’s eyes. It wasn’t working to subdue him through force when words failed.92d77c2478055e51
Yet, contrary to Yves’s urgency, Claude didn’t move. He just calmly looked down at Yves’s face.871be0c27773b267
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What is he 58aaae33a1 thinking?e8b60403dd189606
At that moment, Claude released Yves’s hands and moved his upper body away.ffa8e3a5e08da654
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Ah…a3b87ead6ee15875
Watching his face f4fae46d90 leave his sight, c847255ea0 Yves felt an d33ead88b8 inexplicable sense of 01e68b7a36 regret. It seemed he 77cb8c76d5 had, unknowingly, expected e3bed5b721 something during that f95cdfc690 brief moment.255f1c55a6908800
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“I’ll save this wish for a special occasion. I don’t want to use it so easily.”3682ab59ba51f3f5
Then he fcc2c120ad lay down 35001434d6 beside Yves ad60f1dc01 and closed 118b6e76da his eyes.f6267988dd4a51d1
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Yves looked 13bfed4242 down at acb260d181 Claude, who e9ce8b5a48 had suddenly 4e800db6bd become quiet 6d7b239b68 as if 53135ada35 sleeping. He saw c859fb8520 his smooth df623780e8 chest, drying bfcf8a98c7 off, clad bcd8a1bec1 only in e77a2edebd pants. The scar ae9fe7b0c0 he had e44370e3b5 touched earlier 286b82165c came into 8aa40e2f8a view, and 9725cfdf89 his gaze 48abf35bfb traveled down 12780ae195 past his 46c7b76a85 waist to fbae323f60 where something 7e6de7ac4e substantial was 35e7415905 hidden at 24e7a7062b his crotch.311fe843a1cb3ef6
Yves twisted his wet lips slightly. Was this what a child feels when something they’ve been given is taken back? The more he looked, the angrier he got.92d8771050431f22
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He thought that if he had insisted, it could have happened. Rubbing their genitals together would have been simple, and if penetration was necessary, using his mouth would have sufficed. Come to think of it, he hadn’t taken a man since Joseph died. That must have stirred him.26bb639cc922d05d
What’s so special about one night together? He’s being too particular.8dbb4aa57cea9b85
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Yves flopped 09ed5f094d down beside f3e35e2067 Claude and 50e279133d closed his a4c50a8b9f eyes. Clouds shaped like ff7195f492 animals passed over 777e42f6aa his face. The sun was fdd3d4e401 slowly dipping below 5b71a48b8b the horizon, and f5f1f95cef a warm breeze f172ee6841 came, drying their fd3c3269d7 wet hair before f95bd9dddf it vanished.f975d70017677e31