ANR Ch 19

August.77a81e28eb98e8e4

General Marmont, leading the French Guard, recently announced a delay in soldiers’ pay due to budget cuts by the parliament. While initially assuring a resolution within a day or two, the delay stretched to a week, prompting non-commissioned officers to discreetly approach the administrative officials. The response, however, was disappointing: “It will be paid soon, so wait.” Being told to wait indefinitely without explanation was agonizing. Most soldiers, enlisted through conscription, were responsible for their families’ livelihoods, and delayed wages meant their families would starve.b58a6fe9d622bd7c

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Some remained optimistic, believing 135a3fbfd8 there might be extenuating a3aa5e3c52 circumstances. But upon hearing d6596a78b3 that the officers, 3ceaa40677 mostly nobles, had b5f8b28a28 received their pay 0a28ff3ffd without delay, they bc1ef7f1c6 too became enraged.1f62032c65b3a8f1

Unfortunately, this situation didn’t reach Yves. His infrequent visits to the barracks lately meant fewer reports from Second Lieutenant Mirabeau. The two had become close, the initial friction during Mirabeau’s assignment a distant memory. Whenever Yves came to work, Mirabeau would visit his office, deliver a formal report, and engage in casual conversation.fe06188001d8238a

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Today, Yves had 2fff75e7aa been with the ee4853983a lieutenant since morning. As Yves, c9a78f58f0 ready for 8b9dd0f0bf an outing, 52b21ebc0a mounted his 0cec2cb1c8 horse, Mirabeau 2d8634e54e approached.84173b8ee82a8b11

“A letter arrived from Calais. Preparations for the hunting competition are almost complete.”968a4017993fab79

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“That’s good news. It’s about time we start receiving replies to the invitations.”0ed278726a8de23e

The rhythmic clip-clop of hooves echoed. Yves’ Barb horse, adorned with a blanket, crossed the parade ground with an elegant gait.e79bee738929b8e5

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“Yes, we’ve already received half the replies. By the way, the Duke of Angoulême expressed interest.”8ac12ae3ec1c1764

“Ah, I’ve already spoken to the brigadier general about it.”9ea56cfc3c40d924

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Yves chuckled, 7c9de2c7d4 as if 5f04b271f7 it were 321fd59b6a nothing. He had mobilized 9b7a594308 all possible connections 3d081933cd to make it 9e82d017c6 a grand event.5175a951fad48d67

“It’s a great honor. Oh, Count Maistre also confirmed his attendance. It seems his uncle put in a word.”7056b3f3bb82c691

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“Oh, is that so?”2cb8e7129442adca

He had been curious about that name. With Mirabeau’s uncle, the Marquis de Bonnal, and his longtime friend, Count Maistre, on board, almost everyone was accounted for. Now only Artois, the old fox, remained.21c538dcf4e74298

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“Is this the first hunting competition of this scale in your family’s name, lieutenant?”bab82712f95d5bc8

“Yes, thanks to your help, Captain.”5f104b6733307b79

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“What did I do? Credit should go where it’s due.”0a1dfe149d0cc514

Yves’ gaze, fixed forward, briefly shifted towards Mirabeau.83946a39094ed4a0

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“Still, I didn’t expect it to become this big. I simply suggested it, hoping to witness your shooting skills.”a40535cb6f25758a

“Indeed. It seems Paris will be empty.”a2452366f5d0b3e6

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Yves smiled with satisfaction, faa6d5d1c0 looking at the enthusiastic d93f89525c Mirabeau, oblivious to the c2558bb116 underlying scheme. Knowing the 4bdef52f8f hidden truth b2c992f6b8 would bring 12b62747eb nothing but 6334f77e29 disgrace. Yves felt like 2b30c1f2cc rewarding him with 76a6b1c252 leave for playing 2a120ff7c8 his part so 60adbd04ee well.623edd20fbedf75a

Suddenly, a 9c401f1e2d group of d491add508 soldiers rushed 0490015d85 towards Mirabeau, 134b4dfeb1 surrounding his df88212b21 horse. He hurriedly pulled 01684733a4 the reins, changing 72e64a84a3 direction.20bee775c7839327

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“Hey, Lieutenant. Do we still have to wait?”88f870f59d7eef46

“Aren’t you going to resolve this quickly?”979708da3cc29be2

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They voiced their 89eb728d3f complaints with anger. It was about 93b294290f their unpaid wages.ef206f12203a6ae1

“What’s the meaning of this insolence?”e9e07f185817666a

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As Mirabeau looked down 6dca06eaa1 in bewilderment, a non-commissioned 8de407b420 officer among them stepped 7dd21d0665 forward hesitantly, explaining the 7da8a00f34 situation.8b75317db7a3889c

“I told them they’d be contacted today or tomorrow, and they’ve all been waiting since yesterday. They want to know if it’s being paid this afternoon, at least…”6bb0064d372e9007

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“We don’t have money to buy bread! Pay us our wages properly before making us work!”8a4cae2fa8e4c0d0

“We can’t wait indefinitely, so give us a definite answer.”8a8f0bc4321555b7

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“Even a small amount, just pay us something!”99242c6725e92ad7

Mirabeau clicked his tongue at the soldiers’ complaints.3e7dcafc94a25fc9

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This is troublesome. And of all times, while I’m with the captain…0de7135fbb141cec

As if on cue, Yves’ horse approached slowly.77b795f5e19e7035

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“What’s all the commotion?”e2ebd08769a74ca5

“Oh, that…”a7cc65bafedde0be

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“Captain!”941912af5edac61b

The non-commissioned fb89a296d8 officer, who 1eb6bf4264 had stepped ab0e4b73b0 forward as cd346a40e6 a representative, 288158fa60 recognized Yves 1485dacd37 and brightened. He figured 5149b054ba there might afef09c444 be a e49361e022 solution if 288137bec1 he spoke e35cfaab3c to someone 5079f6caf0 of higher 2d85b1a0b3 rank. In fact, d76196e71a that was 6439a3017c their initial f85d2bba62 plan; they 038700055f had been b553729fb4 waiting for 4ac0285aa5 someone of 2627a40199 authority to 7097c5b9d1 pass by.e4731df274034b92

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However, Mirabeau dd988bf758 pointedly stepped 1f796f6ac1 between them, 17a538dfac blocking their bc244ac55e interaction.05c95a0db4f4e58d

“It’s nothing, Captain. Just a slight delay in salary payments. They’re making a fuss over a few days.”288c0fa9d5b60953

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“A few days? It’s been a week! Do you not realize how big a deal this is for people who live hand to mouth?!”4675e36d52a2b8d3

The outburst 28f5dd6f3c lacked any 78437d77e6 respect for 4f1fa5653c superiors. They were not 84db6c3fa4 accustomed to such cfc7a796dc distinctions, disregarding rank. They knew that once a62e53b6dc they took off their f2d97e7260 uniforms, it was all 32f41d1adb over.ec488d046fa67579

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Yves frowned, displeased 7d662ad729 on several levels, 216eee9a62 and looked at 4fd72f2278 Second Lieutenant Mirabeau.ec8c4cddec0a9b2a

“Why didn’t you report this?”e9a4c86f79561a60

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“The administration said it would be paid soon. This isn’t something to create a scene about.”a4301b724b195b11

The last 0943ca4f99 remark was 1344ccddad directed at ab1a4fbea6 the soldiers, f420f475cc as if 39e2807386 for their b27392cadd benefit. Yves paused in thought.08324cf30c2d9f95

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“The colonel did express concern about the budget cuts this year…”b09a283764ff4dbf

“I heard the entire division is in a similar situation, not just us.”4456192b051f412f

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“After losing the war, they spent money so recklessly. This was inevitable.”35974068051fa49f

“Sir?”6b82315231943f57

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Mirabeau, failing to understand Yves’ mumbling, asked again.3a6c457a5d0bdeba

Since Napoleon’s downfall, France, spared war reparations thanks to neighboring countries, had been gradually increasing its military spending. Coupled with the Quintuple Alliance, expenditures had exceeded the budget for several years, prompting the parliament to intervene. Leading the opposition was Count Brolly, naturally backed by the bourgeoisie.f4f36ed2db49f984

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Yves looked down at 4fefe2020b the soldiers. Judging by their 98daaaff68 bloodshot eyes, they 33112faf5c had clearly been d482a71f04 drinking in the 1c639e3070 barracks somewhere. Only the 4223b12500 non-commissioned officer 99fd7c5f10 who stepped ce88fa68f7 forward was 12084903eb properly dressed. Yves grimaced.ccd7450520861389

What has become 32f53a0cdd of the French f0a332a545 army?a2867d0909e2c669

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“Lieutenant, state your rank and name.”10c01ca3574f990d

At Yves’ command, the non-commissioned officer in the front row quickly straightened.0a33abed13bee871

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“Victor Michèle, Corporal, sir.”aa58fa60d24414ee

“Corporal Michèle, prepare a list of those who require immediate payment, even if it’s just a portion, and submit it directly to me. I’ll resolve this by tomorrow morning.”b304b879e3649f61

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Second Lieutenant Mirabeau frowned 338eb3e153 at the unexpected turn a0dce08180 of events.aed614c9599f5527

“Captain, there’s no need to go that far…”893313882be51c25

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“Can we trust you? You’re not going to backtrack later, are you?”62ca962547060211

A soldier interrupted suspiciously. Yves’ indifferent gaze shifted towards him.2b05dd37911f2888

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“Soldier, state your rank and name.”506638f41a677446

“What? Me? Jean Soult, no rank.”3d204ce903d07484

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The soldier, having unknowingly 0f13316398 given his name and 95ef882f6a rank, blinked in confusion. Yves turned da4288c5d4 to Corporal d0f937cc05 Michèle.ad318386a7fc1e41

“I won’t accept this man’s name. Exclude anyone else who objects to my orders from the list. That’s all.”1154d5d9c9241723

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Having said his c84d524560 piece, Yves spurred a8d2ec92b6 his horse. Those blocking the way e14c2f1628 awkwardly moved aside, creating acc8adf5b6 a path.873cf1a9c220cd71

The soldier in question, realizing the situation belatedly, protested and complained, but the others subtly ignored him and returned to the barracks. They figured as long as their own names were on the list, it didn’t matter.4c1eef5d988f5a97

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Mirabeau was also quite displeased with Yves’ decision but didn’t explicitly disobey. The captain occasionally made decisions that defied common sense.24219126601eccb6

He had even ordered Easter bonuses to be paid to ordinary soldiers, just like the officers. Thinking Yves was simply unfamiliar with procedures due to his recent appointment, Mirabeau had offered some advice, only to be met with coldness for several days. Since then, he had refrained from voicing any opposition to Yves’ decisions.36778753522e1e1c

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At the 5a756f4eac same time, 9b563e75a5 near the ca3e4f342b Bastille prison, 6965b56e5a an illegal 75eec45f48 gathering was 1730e7aae2 underway. Intellectuals such as c00ada9b91 Benjamin Constant, a acb25dee37 writer and professor, bca279ced0 along with Lafayette e2f2f254ca and Courier, were 07f3af6fe3 addressing the citizens 1e6efacd79 at the Bastille, c473bf5d5b the very place 5d2b751bdb where the flames 9b255af6a1 of the 1789 9685ec3224 revolution were ignited. A crowd of over 9081e019cd a hundred had gathered 09351cb952 in no time, holding 194a291da1 their hats in hand f3c7fce8f7 and chanting in unison: 10f23675cf a freeze on bread a94cc8c73a prices, leniency in punishments, 06a832c7e7 and the abolition of 1c5bfc2c8f the special tribunal.70e09c82cde2ddd1

After the leaders’ speeches, citizens took to the platform. A woman, sharing the story of her family member sentenced to five years of hard labor for stealing a loaf of bread, spat towards the Tuileries Palace and stepped down. An elderly man, crippled by a carriage accident, limped as he cursed the aristocracy.1cce400218360b4c

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Claude, his hat 10f2d8f4d0 pulled low, observed ecea6572ff the gathering from 5db901a0e6 the back. As a man 414547d064 denouncing the puppet-like 0ff2fa190a parliament cursed Louis c76c99fa8c XVIII, Brevet, standing db64a67118 next to Claude, bafc4fc20f removed his hat 39b1f4ce30 and joined the 23a9e81ec8 others, shouting:c245fe3e7861692c

“Abolish the monarchy! Establish a republic!”bd77e80b2ae16bbb

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His enthusiastic 756965e9ef shouting made 18769bfe9e Claude turn 488615c0e1 and look c75d7fde62 at him. But Brevet, undeterred, continued bf2f48dd86 to cheer on those 80722b3260 who took the platform. The crowd was growing 71e432698c larger.cfcb1fdc0c3a374a

“Let’s go.”1471fd23b600dc6e

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“France is a republic!”f8666dfbcc62d0e3

“Brevet, we need to leave. The guards, or someone, will show up soon. Do you want to get arrested?”15860a153200b6d9

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“Why would I? What did I do wrong? Can’t I even voice my opinion?”8be854234cfc3646

“Stop talking nonsense and let’s just go.”54b857adfb784e6e

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Claude tugged on Brevet’s shoulder. He had come to Paris to help Brevet transport ingredients with a cart and horse. Now he had been caught up in this unexpected gathering for 30 minutes.f459c133d20c054d

His eyes, e76b2864c4 sensing the c837264dab growing danger, a7e507ee77 caught sight ec62a539ca of blue-clad 13dd1c05ce cavalrymen approaching.729b5196d971a6be

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“Damn it, of all things…”b25625e9f2d09269

Claude’s face crumpled. It was the Guard.66bf6bfa5e40537d

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A battalion-sized 2455a9b35e force converged d46143fdeb near the 65f4f8c846 Bastille prison. Kicking up bfe1b867a5 dust, the bf8dee104f cavalry swiftly 67e0bebbf2 surrounded the fe8a210d14 gathering and 212c41acff began arresting 68156719df the leaders. The crowd 9750367849 protested angrily, a985a3eddc and those 223cf692eb who resisted 53416c0037 fiercely were afb6d61070 also apprehended.fdda28516be5ac8b

Claude shielded his f04ac2b330 face with his 27a3a6ed6e hat. Pushing through the c65ea01f71 chaotic crowd, he c8ddb9b4ce drove the cart. If he 84e1bdab9c could escape 74b7b34cc4 towards Rue 3e763433a9 Mondetour, he 3069fe5534 would be bca7594b3e safe. But the cavalrymen 25bccb1abe blocking the alleys 999c5ace4f made it difficult 0ca972cf98 to find a 8524be811a way through.b3944227a8133e34

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At that 96025d6481 moment, a b7413762da loud voice e0d0b25574 erupted from a00f0f6a48 the front. It was 331e5f7a0d Brevet, arguing 22ec297004 with the 7b436f8aff soldiers.0837979774b1877c

“I said, move aside! I’m just passing through, what’s there to check?!”8f347a902eb9d970

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Claude pushed through f9eb0e4c9b the crowd and 393f4cc0ca inquired about the bbd7855cb2 situation.55a690455bcb742f

“They’re asking for identification! What did I do?!”8bb89db777721115

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Brevet exaggerated 19782674e9 his gestures 777ddfd52b and raised 11f9340c63 his voice, 6c9b36465d intentionally letting 3d0f3d654f the soldiers 569533ea19 hear. However, it had little fdb3a59a95 effect.847e26a210179f1b

“You are suspected of participating in an illegal gathering. Please present your identification and wait.”1e8be66dc522b714

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This time, 94937dc81d Claude stepped 6519711734 forward.1cfb385f08f9be1f

“We’re really just passing through. Look, these are food supplies. We run an inn in Clichy and were just picking up meat from the butcher shop when we got caught in the crowd.”421b862db5a08dc2

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“We understand. Please present your identification as well.”00ee31a6c77a94ed

A soldier in a familiar uniform requested Claude’s identification too. The condition of the Charleville musket he held made it clear he wasn’t a conscripted soldier. Bribes wouldn’t work on these types. Claude frowned.eb8d78e14700d07a

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Complying with them would only lead to trouble. Besides, who carries identification in a place like this? It was all a pretext. Those with short tempers might get arrested for protesting. They’d likely have to pay a fine to be released. Claude saw through their tactics.d184febdb0e5394d

Claude quietly looked 3818667740 at Brevet and 2c0df16b58 shook his head, d324cfeab6 signaling there was e2e1a2254b no other way. Just then, a f7008f3c28 commotion arose near 6664fdff81 the platform.b32a96b43af475e9

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“Don’t take Professor Constant! He needs to teach his students at the university!”55c210fe06bc0201

“The army must stop oppressing innocent citizens!”035b4759a13e2d36

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Benjamin Constant, one 933b81fbf8 of the leaders, e02d5b918d seemed to have fc26fb2ca0 been captured. The arrest appeared to 48db882bd7 have been quite violent, d2d26ba6d5 as the professor was d1c69bd9ce bleeding from his forehead. The angered crowd 3539292b0b surged forward, surrounding 262ecba2e1 him. The soldiers were d6da942c2d momentarily taken aback f0d5017656 by this unexpected d6b5870edb turn of events.fac4b0fd5e3fd9d2

Some citizens brandished potential 241383e83f weapons. As more af58201943 and more 78b270c710 people joined b7d9aa843f in, the f1ee82a261 soldiers in 17814634ba the front b58682bf6a line stepped c1abd80b89 back. Emboldened, the citizens shouted, 736ab727be demanding the army retreat. At that b3cdc7f962 moment, an b2e232ee58 officer emerged cada114875 from behind df40053cea the soldiers.f6b1eee6b6eb908a

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“Make way.”09af35a3dde168fc

Dressed in a white sash, he approached Professor Constant on horseback. Claude’s eyes wavered as he observed the scene from afar. He’d anticipated this from the moment he saw the Guard. The familiar blue officer’s uniform, the blond hair he would recognize even a thousand leagues away. I didn’t want to see you in a place like this.a82dfe555e922077

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“Yves de Periere, Battalion Commander of the 2nd Paris Guard. Benjamin Constant, I am arresting you for treason.”bcb1049279d5a7e4

The sudden mention 5cec6380ec of treason stirred 5077b5b207 the crowd. Professor Constant straightened his 711e9a9071 neck and questioned the 88e0185523 accusation.0567a8f462dced47

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“Praising a republic in a speech hardly constitutes treason, Commander. You need to study law a bit more. The monarchy may have been restored, but France still guarantees freedom of speech.”70a67663d0e77d12

“Evidence has surfaced of your collaboration with Adrian Dupor, the spy who sold military secrets between London and Paris. He was your student, wasn’t he? Hiding him for a month must have been quite the effort.”9a8411ed4e67f189

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Professor Constant’s eyes wavered at the unexpected accusation. He had expected to be punished for leading an illegal gathering, at most. Yet, this young officer brought up something he had long forgotten. His tone suggested the gathering itself was irrelevant.f4999f0c01a6b5e8

“As someone well-versed in law, you should know that harboring a wanted criminal accused of treason is not a light offense.”d02ab190788c0be3

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“Adrian was wrongly executed! Do you even know what information he supposedly sold?!”7d781e9128f6617b

“There’s no need to plead your case with me here. You’ll have to explain everything in court anyway. Take him away.”b21f139404254c97

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As the 6edc45924e waiting soldiers f13aa51deb stepped forward 342937964a to restrain 9d5333ca8f Professor Constant, 2be0167fdc the armed 472a5859a6 crowd erupted 5203ae4907 again.b263f1853b08aa37

“Are you framing him?!”ffaa695ca0c9b3d4

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“Call the police!”f7cebcd312b481e9

“Why is the army arresting citizens?!”d61553dbc18f4ba2

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Enraged, people with weapons 6aafd0fa02 stepped forward. A violent clash seemed be961b4ef8 imminent. Yves slowly raised his 706a2374f1 right hand.9056634a1546c2a3

Clickdfa75792ee0d3ee6

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The infantry, standing in two lines, simultaneously aimed their muskets at the citizens, following their commander’s order.1d3c3296d4410fc4

“Th…This…”ac5d103e172c3247

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Those who had 1639ef37f6 been shouting fell 7793a9e426 silent. If his right 7789e0458d hand descended now, 21ce3e365a dozens would be 319b643117 shot. In this f37c32ebf6 critical moment, d775e31d3c everyone held 8616dbf00a their breath, 4934e31896 staring at cfd7176a8e each other. Yves looked 3df6b59a4a down at 33c6c51479 Professor Constant.5123048344208e56

“I don’t have much patience. Wouldn’t it be best for everyone if you walked willingly?”102e20b445a04d5c

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Professor Constant clenched c558ce6ef1 his fists, his 13f9c03572 lips pressed tight.73f1aaa45beff96c

Is this really f564a0488b necessary?972fd5a680c4150d

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He looked into the blue eyes of the young officer staring back at him. They were unreadable. His flawless features marked him as a typical nobleman’s son, someone who had likely never set foot in the slums of Paris. Reasoning with him would be futile.b936aa8c36a1d236

Retreating was a00e899783 the right 37123ee334 move today. He nodded towards his c59b8986f7 comrades, who were observing 471ed6bdd9 the situation from a 5aefc1ad16 dark alley in the c451305322 distance. A citizen uprising over 03c3969107 something like this would 3b55f214a8 be unwise. He steeled himself a782f7fa13 and walked forward.2edfb1cad6f26dda

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“Let’s go.”d8a3d9f7bbe2c6ea

Professor Constant, 5ff8ea68b7 bound, led e158e1a9ba the way. Yves then canceled the 5c8a285f7e aiming order. A sense ff370596aa of relief c544b47fd9 spread through dd2ebecdce the crowd 95d34dcd38 as the 95d5f076eb muskets were bb1ed1242b lowered. Second Lieutenant c45919d083 Mirabeau approached 26de1e9928 Yves.83395b446df405dc

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“What shall we do with the rest?”e2732bf1f18d2d1e

“Leave a platoon and withdraw the rest. No more checkpoints are needed. Clear the way for the citizens.”ceb822a3dbe67a51

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Following the order, 2eec156777 the cavalry blocking b90f5ac192 the streets began 0427ee3f55 to withdraw. The dense crowd 610aa63ad2 dispersed, filtering through 077f9c64c3 the narrow alleys. The tension that 3cff73b04d had gripped the 8ed3f75430 square dissipated.b216ad58939118c9

The soldier confronting Claude 2eaac51731 and Brevet also withdrew. Brevet puffed up his de05d72b92 chest, saying he knew e0d074f730 nothing would happen.9233d172d9f6181a

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“Let’s go.”10d93658ae6ba363

Brevet pulled on the 8976c93df9 reins, slowly pulling the eba449d29a cart. Claude followed, glancing 05486335a4 back at the 8cb7287c1f platform. In the distance, 9955ee0d3a Yves, surrounded by dc2eb74f0d his men, was 6640bc720d returning to the 5a4dd27e0e barracks. The opposite 9110b1dbf0 direction from 7d1df99a15 Claude. He felt 813bbb641a a pang 85e547fb8a of bitterness, 6fee97237e as if a5ba6e7b38 this incident a38546ae23 had reaffirmed 5a1e1748a7 their separate 9885ffc031 worlds.2b29df4f2ae822ff

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It had been over d1e602afb1 two weeks since they 105a66f55b last met. He longed to see 0b941a6a7f Yves, but since Yves a116047b9e had mentioned a month, 2dbd2f6fa5 he had no choice 82c056b1db but to wait patiently. However, this ca0f7e16c6 incident sparked a10e86d620 a sense a3e9b8112c of unease.1375c6d90639df3f

What if he doesn’t seek me out after a month?2d429c1399b7fde1

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They had 595b3a88f4 shared intimate a1df2ebaf7 moments, yet 46ec3cdcaf in reality, 6fd43bae43 Yves was f6ea4bf792 so distant. If Yves had happened f0799098fd to spot him in 1634b587ad the crowd, would he a0a3fe3b7c have even acknowledged him? Claude knew the 9c61785ff8 obvious answer, and bf6ef9d808 a bitter smile 8b8ea384fd formed on his 48ae2ab171 lips.5bacecbcff95249e

I can’t blame him. He’s merely enjoying his birthright and fulfilling his duties. I can only blame my own foolishness for falling in love with such a man.9242df46d0edf6fa

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Claude felt a bitter 9c22aa7439 taste in his mouth, e2b2612b03 as if he had 9a49d4e085 confronted a truth he 32de16d177 wanted to avoid.888a061dfaa124c5

“Damn it, we’re going to be late for dinner service.”c8fc7e574be3363d

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Brevet grumbled, chewing on 0d4c63ee1f dried meat. He must have 254b0498dc been hungry, having 96949882c6 missed lunch.e52de1bb5c41463c

“That’s why I told you to leave earlier. We were lucky today. Next time, just walk away.”7a961eba41385ca3

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“Nothing would have happened anyway. They’re afraid now that people are carrying weapons. They won’t dare start a street fight so easily.”ce3d8bc55c09959f

“That’s what you think. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Don’t get involved. You’re not alone anymore.”565a5be16e5f6d61

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Brevet grinned and nodded at the mention of Catherine. “That’s true.”972b0622c46d8d5b

“But, you know, it looks like they came prepared today. I wonder how they knew Professor Constant would be here.”b268931ce679abd4

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“Someone must have leaked the information.”30451d27393e0585

“Everyone’s a spy or a traitor these days. By the way, wasn’t that the Guard? Are they different from the unit you were in?”f81d4e58361a7447

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“Yes.”54f55fd6cc373c43

Claude curtly answered Brevet’s rambling question and walked ahead, as if to discourage further inquiries. As Brevet stuffed the remaining jerky into his mouth and brushed off his hands, an old man hurried past, nearly colliding with him.8e4484a7c1dc7ff5

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“Hey, watch where you’re going…”432cdc226911c444

Suddenly, a 53e6b2f37c burning smell fc8ce7535c filled the 406530690d air. As Brevet 9d2b90a3fc sensed something 329236a6cb amiss and 93ac25195d looked around, 8f3b65d071 someone shouted,3e376f6e0aca89a5

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“Fire! Fire!”6d0efc24ff0a7f88

Claude, walking ahead, 0f569b448d quickly turned towards 7a32a0d668 the smoke. Several people 1c0cddfd1f were already fc89daa346 fetching water 4ffe67fb43 to extinguish 89abf465a4 the flames. The entire alley 6a58368127 became chaotic.7d35d85210e52c36

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“What a day…”c4a5c8651b391ec7

While Brevet secured the 9f423c625e cloth covering the cart, 2ec5d352e2 Claude grabbed someone and 2558291fee asked where the fire 39d0654bda was.ff3e969788a975ee

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“I heard it was just a warehouse.”e44942e134277ba4

“Why would a warehouse suddenly catch fire?”d1e5ab428d5eeabd

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“How would I know? Someone might have set it intentionally. The flames aren’t dying down, and it looks like the whole building will burn. At least no one’s hurt. Fires are common, anyway.”4144e90b15254315

“Yeah, like this is anything new? Let’s go.”fefebd198e13f048

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Brevet, having checked the cart, straightened up and hurried on. Fires were frequent in densely populated Paris. As long as there were no casualties, it wasn’t a big deal. They crossed the Seine, unconcerned.df908830ac8fa7e3

✧ ✧ ✧07f495be034dba94

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A few days later, Yves was invited to Le Père’s evening gathering. After enjoying a well-prepared Southern French meal, he joined Baron Maurice and Madame Chaletet for a card game. Observing Yves’s gloomy expression throughout the evening, Madame Chaletet flipped over her cards.72f9513314c3cc42

“Oh, this hand is a lost cause. I’m out. By the way, Captain de Periere, you seem particularly out of sorts today.”8cdcca4304c38935

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“Not at all. Just a bit tired.”3d2423b96265a798

“All of Paris is restless these days. Even the liberals are cooperating with those leftist rallies, so you must be busy. Are you dividing the patrol areas with the Grenadier Guards? I’ll show my hand here. A knight and two kings.”02750d8fe2b6dca3

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Baron Maurice chuckled, df298806a2 flipping over his b08920bc77 cards as well.a01cabeeb92f8c83

“The areas are mixed. There’s a bit of unspoken tension between the soldiers because of it. I have a four and a six of hearts. It seems I’ve won.”799f795c553bc921

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Yves tossed his 9fd9bea42c cards and slumped 4f12336b3c back onto the 8f9d3f6efb sofa.bab16d1d89f74313

“I thought so. That’s why I specifically requested you take charge of the Bastille area…but it seems it was all for naught.”dd4586d42737c1e8

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“My condolences.”512cda4faa7fe3ad

“It’s hardly the Captain’s fault. It was reliable information, so I put quite a bit of effort into it. An empty warehouse, ha. Well, let me deal again.”9a880d55bea28917

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While Baron Maurice d41de7e48e shuffled the cards, 845959a4e0 Yves frowned, recalling 964ef1cc47 the events of 4caf06cf88 a few days da8fa0a771 prior.e6934578f7ff28b7

He had personally responded to the intel about an illegal gathering in the city. Of course, he hadn’t known Professor Constant would be there. As the atmosphere grew tense, he felt the need to make a preemptive move and had the professor forcibly arrested, thanks to information routinely leaked by Louis Thiers.596cc3ec9872ab2d

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The professor would be 1016be198d released soon anyway, due eb92138838 to lack of evidence. No judge c6265f133d in France c989d346c3 had the 95d65010a9 audacity to cc160b9bcc imprison such ae13e1fdcb a prominent ebc9c7ed30 figure.2ec3851694eeb752

The real problem, b89d59034d however, arose elsewhere. That day, e9ba6f51a2 a fire c0278543d3 broke out cfe5831e84 in a cfdffd0df5 warehouse near 6d6d3fff5b the Bastille, ffaf27172d where independent 0c628a642d newspapers were ac76afceb7 being printed. Naturally, this bec161f0f1 information had 9e1c13f6c8 also been 8d323e5204 relayed to 90763afc87 the Carbonari, df17ade7cf but the e9c44d7c5d problem was ec4828f6ab that the 75dbba9fe0 warehouse was 272da18306 empty.2bc2630f55b97619

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Yves recalled 3b27e05efb Franz Couton b4b7d2df93 and Lefèvre, 57cfc0304a whom he 6656e05e87 had seen 5742d366cf at the a9cc542118 inn that 0ce701e75d night.dfe612d112d13b65

They had lied about securing a shelter and abandoning the printing press. They seemed to have moved the printing equipment and the printed newspapers elsewhere. Transporting machinery taller than a man wouldn’t have been easy, so they must have acted immediately after receiving the information from Yves.158bccfa03a41349

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Damn it, how e6715afede dare they double-cross 2f49a96651 me?b32310e21b3a4bc1

In the df7572a882 end, Le eacf85cd75 Père had 3656781f69 merely burned 4c444b0ef4 down a 6e0e77380f useless warehouse. It was 74e6b3334d obvious that 906d67a20c the information 49d8a8323f had been 0e9036e0c4 leaked. Yves felt awkward just b09b47db29 being present at this 01880caed2 gathering.f588496ef2730d25

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“Ah, I heard you apprehended Benjamin Constant, Captain.”452517c4bea4fffa

Baron Maurice began dealing 805fdfd7bc the cards.b98b592a59fe63d1

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“Apprehending him was easy. Proving his guilt is the prosecutor’s job. We’ll have to wait and see.”95271d2f43a053c1

“Those insolent intellectuals are thriving thanks to the leftist press. That’s why I wanted to get rid of them discreetly for a while… Well, in hindsight, it was a rather pointless plan. Printing presses are common these days. Those crossing the Dover Strait brought in dozens from London again.”6b801bf1fc48391f

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Yves didn’t respond to the Baron’s remark.0d47f3f7883e1757

“So, I’m thinking of canceling the next plan as well.”62cbd11fdc8fcca3

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Yves, accepting the cards, glanced at the Baron’s face. Reading his curiosity, the Baron continued,c9c28c948f00ee3d

“The Salpêtrière shelter, that is. I’ve lost interest in these matters, so to speak… In any case, I’m thinking of leaving it alone for now. The new king’s coronation might take place within the year. That would open up more legal avenues, wouldn’t it? Shall I reveal my hand first? Oh, the ace and two of diamonds.”3aecdc6dcc34a443

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He laid down the 2fd3dea587 two cards in his 99f440dda0 hand, laughing cheerfully. Madame Chaletet flipped 9545bd528d her cards next.776fb7602a72df81

“I’m a bit disappointed. I was hoping to see a few well-roasted corpses. Hee hee, I have the queen. The outcome rests with you, Captain.”c82b944dc792691b

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Yves flipped his card dc8b8b9afd with a complex expression. The one-eyed king.b087380fd01570bc

“Oh my! What a magnificent card. A complete victory for the Captain.”b8f91b9a5d35a198

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Yves drank his wine, watching Madame Chaletet celebrate his win as if it were her own, despite her loss. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he was being mocked.f08b94eed3b88867

Returning home late, Yves b782d9f9b2 went straight to his 47c5d4301b room on the second 2db180fd04 floor and tossed his c2f4f99125 cravat aside. He collapsed 9d292a264e onto the e0fff23f71 sofa, utterly 140ed26380 exhausted. A servant followed, f691b8fc1c handing him a c56787ddf0 glass filled with 0ad4255c59 brandy. He was about to 47ce587239 ask if Yves needed 3d8795ec3d anything else, but seeing b7dfe56d42 his master half-asleep, he 80d68ff519 quietly retreated.ded8f0a5660a25db

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Yves lay 167ff23c1c motionless for 117cf4be4a a long f922598d70 time, like 9a610e4970 a corpse. Then, he bb5be74cdb slowly sat 6e29cb1d13 up and 4e57be831b downed the f1f5f3af0c brandy in 6f5f6b8767 one gulp. He placed 707c961cfc the empty 78aba20360 glass on 21eab2eb66 the table, ee48debe1e along with 4549485361 his sword, 19518220b8 and closed 4204232bc5 his eyes c7d4fdbb8b again, leaning 61d10f2122 his head eaa2d2345f back.437f7a0c6d744c45

Tonight’s gathering had been undeniably suspicious.18c79452288aad86

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Baron Maurice and Madame Chaletet were definitely testing him. Yet, they hid their true intentions. Of course, they couldn’t openly accuse him without proof that he had leaked the information. Perhaps they were setting a trap to explain everything to the other members.9bf38377bc8d3a61

Even within Le Père, some expressed discomfort with Madame Chaletet’s cruel and insane behavior. They too must have grown wary.ba40ed47f0f3156f

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In any case, it 84921bf85f was a relief that 11e44689e4 the shelter attack plan 0ee876a681 was canceled. If the second plan 68141d069f had also failed, Yves ad7a210628 would have been in 02868f4cea a truly difficult position. This gave him some b0907209b9 breathing room.01c03d9fcd503047

The collaboration with the Carbonari was increasingly out of sync. He had cursed them inwardly countless times for being fools who couldn’t even properly swallow the bait he offered, but it was too late to back out now. Only a fortnight remained until the operation.4265eb64dff8986e

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It’s almost over.b0de9f616a9c9ba9

What had started as 3cd4578e95 simple curiosity had ballooned e60e92d45e into this. He should have 5174fdb82c just forgotten about 08ae2b4e22 it, but the 001fa3a6ee aftereffects of the a7e2308eb9 Spanish war had 1e68c95e9a been too severe. As he closed his 33bee365d1 bloodshot eyes, the black 217e7012a7 darkness receded, and he 9c2cb63bd2 saw the tricolor flag afa4513934 fluttering over a hill 3a9a5fc6da of corpses. And beneath it, 73af29cfa6 a man bled ad3b0cf656 to death. Yves let out a f492856a4e deep sigh in the b3d2b8cd78 darkness.c9abcbde06ce8f7d

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Yvonne, you loved 45b65589cc a truly terrible ce6f2b537a man.feb6fe9b34cf9fe0

He removed 27801187e3 his hand 4700e03a17 from his 2c371a55ff forehead and a41fcd11fd opened his 577020c32b eyes. Unable to 0a97c04c1f fall asleep f0a13867fe like this, 3725e928c0 he sat 4cba07a16f up to 09d33dda5c go to 6d845dfd41 bed. Suddenly, a dark figure 6081082949 flitted past his eyes.c6e8d2b45318b8fd

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His body reacted instinctively, thinking it was an intruder. Yves turned and reached for his sword at his right hip. But his saber’s hilt wasn’t there. He frowned at the lion-emblazoned scabbard on the table.84592ebb143c382b

Of all times.67f3516e29b3462f

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Then, the dark figure, presumably the intruder, moved to his side. Yves tried to grab the figure by the collar and launch a preemptive strike, but he failed. Instead, he felt himself being lifted and gently placed back on the sofa. The intruder’s actions were surprisingly gentle, devoid of any threatening intent. Yves then recognized the familiar scent.ae21abf8761b294c

“Claude.”c79d412088f58865

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He had wondered ab53bd92b8 where the scent 8b43fe48c0 of wildflowers was 9603e16713 coming from. It was him. Yves stared at him 0dc0d6cca1 for a moment, surprised 642857817c and now, also filled e2db50f736 with a sense of e5f2e689d2 welcome. He was curious b0023bf1cd as to why 84ccef9991 Claude was here, 45d32132f5 and more importantly, ab82bd43dd how he had 6e3ed0f967 gotten into his 71bf78b74b room.6233f3ee8330ec1f

“You seem to be pondering what to ask first.”6060d2736f757b08

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Claude seemed to read Yves’s expression perfectly, even in the darkness.d550cc9e43d12f8a

“How did you get in?”151da11a223e01d2

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“I couldn’t help myself. I missed you so much that breaking into your mansion was nothing.”216d8a7a38015e95

He whispered, close enough for Yves to hear his breath. He leaned in, one hand supporting Yves’s waist, the other on the edge of the sofa.1a35edee7898f2c9

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“My mansion isn’t that poorly guarded.”1e8867d82dd24eae

“Have you forgotten that I frequented this mansion every day for a while? I’ve familiarized myself with the blind spots.”a9069df3a592873b

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“Are you confessing? You could be dragged away and thrown in jail.”61b5679dddd29040

“Would you do that?”cf598ec98d7265b3

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His expression, asking if Yves would betray him, was serious. It was a question that felt like an accusation of his feelings. Yves wouldn’t fall for it so easily. But he also didn’t want to appear as if he was desperately denying his feelings, so he remained silent.139b1f48ec12c461

“You truly are… foolish.”decd1f65ab2fca3c

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No, you’re incredibly clever. He had been ensnared by Claude, being led around by the nose. That’s why he had intended to avoid him until the operation was over, but Claude seemed unwilling to cooperate even with that.1d68af990064eccf

Feeling manipulated, Yves 19868462fb felt a surge de89e9f04d of complex emotions. So, he provoked Claude.3719ae499e885080

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“Were you so desperate for it that you couldn’t even wait a few days?”896fc378c1c07a89

Claude frowned at fc0ebc03c0 the unexpected words. But he quickly f19479234a composed himself and e328a5335a explained,f84c600eb6676035

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“Don’t misunderstand. I just wanted to see you.”2a5a7661ef9aece1

“You can be honest. I’m feeling rather inclined myself. Let’s go to bed.”ef93bf70a0445fed

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“You’re tempting me. I’ll just watch you sleep and then leave.”fb527e14186c0a24

Claude promptly lifted Yves and carried him into the bedroom, as if refusing to hear any more. He drew a line in their relationship, implying it was purely physical, as if there was no other reason for him to visit. He treated Claude’s devotion as if it had dissolved into nothing during their past encounters.1274c9e7b3f41372

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Claude placed Yves 9d5f7e9327 on the plush 6068753984 bed and stood 06b5c88ac1 up. However, his wrist 3779bfd04f was immediately caught, c3a227f3a8 forcing him to aae93d0aff turn around.fb2c7a907c4d7672

“The night is still young.”6e5b184648f949f0

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Yves’s smooth skin was visible beneath his loosened shirt. Desire began to pool in his blue eyes as he gazed at Claude. Claude clenched his fists and bit his lip.9f1f63c56b16d071

“I really did come just to see you. Why do you keep twisting my intentions…”a4fbf3e586048726

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“What does it matter? I don’t care what your original intention was. I’m asking if you want to hold me now.”4d985af6e9bccbc3

“…”60aff74953e7c7ad

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“I want to tumble with you right now. Do you object?”1c468a341a7feaa7

Claude.1d2db356d9a6fa38

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He was cruel, his voice trailing off, intentionally adding Claude’s name at the end.298e18b46290d510

Claude’s face crumpled. He felt a pang of resentment at having his feelings disregarded, yet at the same time, he was overwhelmed by the urge to kiss Yves. As if sensing his reaction, Yves slowly unbuttoned his shirt.153e64376da5eacc

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“I wonder if you remember what I said here before.”3c6f9d6de6747952

His gaze remained fixed c6d06e9390 on Claude, but his 7764b55429 hand had slipped inside fb49804ece his trousers.10a1f4be681451c1

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“I believe I said that the next time you enter my bedroom, you should be undressed as well.”2a6f8232648cb254

Yves’s heavily swollen member peeked through the slightly loosened waistband of his trousers. Half-undressed was more dangerous than fully naked. As Claude’s patience wore thin, Yves moved the hand inside his trousers, tilted his head back, and let out a soft moan.af440e5c3f8bafa4

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No one in France e7164ae85e could resist this temptation.3402f1d8001ce0f4

Claude’s clenched jaw tightened. He crumbled before his god, who demanded his body, dismissing his cheap affections.38cbf426962affb6

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Fine, I’ll do as you wish. If you want to believe that lust is the only reason I sought you out, then so be it. I’ll fill this void in our relationship, as if nothing remains but this physical act.1a75feee9a4a0eee

Claude roughly b91001f5df climbed on 8ae69c40eb top of e41e09afaf Yves.5e8c391ae35238ac

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“I remember.”e7db43e8635fc17d

“Hmm…”9b25140bad0c0c76

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Their lips met immediately, and Yves’s trousers slid down. After a few perfunctory movements and touches, Claude pulled out his throbbing erection.4b47822c36940bb8

“I wanted to do this then, too.”8e458d15a85ab41d

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“Haa…”28b43e7f861f38e5

A moan escaped Yves’s lips as their members rubbed together. Losing control, Claude immediately aligned the tip of his cock with Yves’s entrance.64bebc4de59ac153

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“I’m going in.”5d7f0e8599d314a3

“Ah! Wait…”163eb23978cf5617

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Yves, startled, tried f3e67925ea to shift his 4daf40cb0a position, but Claude 68e82df306 prevented him. His cock began to 4c9bb67775 push its way inside.ce35e4f6d27d8905

“It’s tighter than I expected, considering it’s only been a few days.”ae64c0ebdcbbc741

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“Claude, not so fast…huh!”8a41ef2b05a1b7bd

Yves’s hole struggled to accommodate Claude’s insistent probing. Claude pinned Yves’s hands down and pressed his hips firmly, their bodies molding together seamlessly.5e40c7fbc6663d44

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“Ah, wait, so fast, ugh…”6a5468d09107b555

“Didn’t you ask if I wanted to hold you?”70d0f089dd8f32c5

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Yves’s stretched entrance gradually began to yield.ee569731667b9abc

“Yes, I want to hold you. So stop begging. When you beg like that, I want to make you cry.”334d46e3bf1d441d

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“Ugh!”30ee557657efb999

As soon as he finished speaking, Claude’s massive cock plunged deep inside Yves. Yves’s unspoken cry was stifled in his throat. Overwhelmed by a mixture of pain and pleasure, Yves felt his mind go blank.02a989b00be128f1

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Claude began moving immediately, e862ebaabb as if he had d0ddca4da3 made up his mind. The bed started to c3cdb061d7 shake. The dried 18af20ec08 flower petals 8f1d19b416 on the eb7eb03b62 nightstand scattered f18c790f04 as their 460da26382 passionate lovemaking 74096f5714 commenced.a68b8898b9e8a6b7

“Haa, haa…”3069f57bd36c5bf2

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Yves was being relentlessly rocked. He didn’t know how much time had passed. The alcohol further dulled his senses. He thought he had come two or three times, but Claude showed no sign of stopping. Dawn was approaching, and the servants would soon be stirring.f91b650df685f39c

“Haa, tired, hmm…”ace814964446f85e

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Claude covered Yves’s murmuring lips with his own. Yves lost himself again in the hot invasion of Claude’s tongue, mindlessly succumbing to his kisses. They had been intimate before, but this was the first time their lovemaking had been so rough. Claude, seemingly provoked by Yves’s earlier taunts, attacked him relentlessly, as if determined to show the depths of his desire.f75a87172d3e17df

“I’m tired, stop.”b5922e9e0d897954

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“No, not yet. I didn’t break into your mansion in the middle of the night for just this much.”9d8959f46a516a92

His voice was still 3b32b0b62e sharp, as if he 00ce2d1784 was seeking revenge for 672a85870f having his feelings trampled.df7be154c6c5bf51

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“Haa… When you’re angry, you’re surprisingly scary…huh!”aa5102d919afa52e

Yves, his eyes half-closed, moaned continuously as he took Claude’s thrusts, surrendering his body as if daring him to continue. He had never yielded to anyone before, his pride now wearing down his body. Finally, they both climaxed again.796bc8df615a3801

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“Haa… Now really stop… It’s morning. Someone might knock.”d5e03520b968487a

“Are you afraid of that?”74766bd026eaeb14

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Claude’s intense gaze fell upon Yves’s face. Yves had been the one tormented all night, yet Claude wore the more pained expression.a661c2abd435b80b

“Yes, let’s say I am.”c3cb7731c7871780

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Exhausted, Yves let his 011e877172 arms fall limp. He touched 0a417ac0f1 his softened, 8a497f0fbd slick member, be113885b5 trying to 8fed8cc790 soothe his 776ca761f3 weary body.8b86caa3889f3ad9

Claude still hadn’t withdrawn, remaining inside Yves. He buried his face in the pillow, holding Yves close. Yves turned his head to give Claude room to breathe. But Claude, as if disliking even that, immediately pressed his lips against Yves’s neck.41e0e7ed96243fd2

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“It’s no use. It’s not over yet.”4d0ffd3cd97d37e0

“If you’re doing this to prove something to me, haa… it’s alright. I understand.”e19320ee1315f3c2

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“Understand what?”48b1d618de1e741c

He asked 54e3d93fac dreamily, his f85f99d5f2 voice a 98543e0fe0 low rumble.2cf7d03007001f99

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“Your feelings.”39b433e5604e2385

Claude then held Yves tightly, as if clinging to someone about to disappear. With his lips still pressed against Yves’s neck, he confessed painfully,63624bc525a3f7ee

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“I love you.”eeb4836e49828756

He held Yves even tighter, asking, “Do you love me too, Captain?”03d245ed18529c9e

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Yves couldn’t speak, as if his throat was constricted. He had been right to keep his distance. Claude Béhaine was incredibly dangerous to him now. With innocent gestures, he had first taken his lips, then his body, and now he was trying to steal his heart. It was dangerous.2b4905b6bf97abc8

“What does it matter?”ee72ab5b920a9bce

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Yves rustled, his voice e1194d2633 indifferent.73043f30a7c05924

“Even if I loved you, would it change anything between us?”d2de5a75546af298

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He turned his c62356aa42 head to face b820ff2409 Claude, who met 00fc3b3e4b his gaze.5ae6b4a263c1f3b0

“…”7f63e7014340980c

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“Tell me. Even if we loved each other, what more could we do? Run away together?”713e504de40e1fd5

Claude’s eyes darkened. Yves questioned how their relationship, filled with reasons why they shouldn’t be together, could possibly progress any further. The reality of their situation hit him hard.c842ae9288b44266

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Yves gently stroked Claude’s hair, as if to soothe him.c9c1c178cbb068d4

“I’ll be away from Paris for a few days on business. After that, let’s take a vacation to Montpellier. Just the two of us. There, you can do as you please. If playing lovers is what you desire, let’s indulge ourselves there.”3dc8a3598969b4e8

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Claude, who had been silently gazing at Yves, asked in a low voice, “…How much time will you give me?”8094ab519b76d1dd

“How long do you want to stay? Tell me what you desire.”8b9642d124296a77

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He spoke with boundless generosity, as if appeasing a sulking lover. Perhaps that’s why the heaviness in Claude’s eyes began to dissipate.7d90f66aa6c2a179

“I want to be with you for a whole month.”a89e40a8f4815747

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“A month… It’s not impossible.”cca16ddad9ac9e22

When Yves readily agreed, 7ce0655044 Claude sat up a 777105d655 little straighter. The thought of 3f93d0491e spending time alone 08d58e4134 with Yves on 8151cd62ba the beaches of 16d0868af3 Montpellier seemed to 6c1437c608 ease his mind.d18346b5cb228ca2

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Yves also liked the plan. It had been an impromptu suggestion, but the more he thought about it, the more enjoyable it seemed. He’d been planning a long rest after the “deed” was done anyway.30c7e3967a495c12

Claude took Yves’ hand and kissed it, saying, “Since it’s just the two of us, please don’t talk to anyone there. I don’t even want you to smile at anyone else. Promise me you’ll stay by my side.”2e99d585f9a44fa2

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It was a childish 462c61fd4b request, but there was f0f6f56c91 no reason to refuse.ce785b4d37871416

“I will.”416409ddf62675df

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“Don’t exchange letters either. I don’t want any servants there. I’ll do the cooking and cleaning. I want to be alone with you all day long.”faf8aa0695afa08a

“You do realize the villa is quite large.”1d5883743c21a827

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“We won’t use all of it anyway. You won’t be able to leave the bedroom until I allow it.”6be9f601525b6817

The corners of Yves’ mouth turned up slightly, pleased with the cheeky reply.bd18a758cc788dcc

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“How much are you planning to do it there?”653425e3f920c781

“Well, I’d like to try even while you’re sleeping. I don’t know if it’ll be possible, though.”bcf1b917bb1470d1

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“Haha. I’ll have some interesting dreams then.”9f89ee8b7d458efc

Yves chuckled lightly. Claude’s penis swelled again. The thought of spreading Yves’ sleeping legs apart seemed to excite him beyond measure.c4e62ae5cbe9b711

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“It seems like there’s another commotion down there. Don’t you ever get tired of it?”adf49e0cc098e533

Since Claude 5c18ca5d99 was still b212948b0e inside Yves, 44da268d97 Yves could 78a85632c7 feel the 511cf7f7ff change.bbbcf222409dbfdf

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“Are you tired of me?”35ea1b11f776f018

Yves wrapped his arms around Claude’s neck and pulled him closer.d1adf8445f43ffcb

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“Never.”68bc5bc833056418

With a 1f9c3a2f15 low chuckle, 0a96341386 they pressed 02f4beb768 their bodies 193e0d97ba together and e6045a876f kissed again. Excited by 6ae2bf4ddf the immediate 6750f90d8d response of 716cff03fd their lips, 16e57bd71d they clasped f5e68285ce hands.5002674f528c153d

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The bodies that had been limp with exhaustion just moments before were now revitalized. They were already lost in the pleasure of imagining Montpellier’s beaches. They pictured themselves strolling through the small seaside village where no one would recognize them, making love whenever they pleased and calling out each other’s names.eac8b538c0393357

“Ah…”7300e7adb7d811e7

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“Hmm…”4183e69c0b1ec26d

Claude’s thrusts, which had been slowly increasing in speed, began to move at a steady rhythm. Hot tongues darted between their joined lips, making wet sounds. Their bodies grew hotter.441d25ba0d6bb7c4

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As if bothered by ca2f00dfff the creeping morning sunlight, fc6a39232e Yves closed his eyes. Claude sat up and 426f2d1912 drew the curtains. He then 6119b5033c slammed his 3a1ec3cb38 lower body d5c8c1c033 down again, bf8efa9006 driving his bf3a230201 penis deep.db2a3fa0c0e5fa1d

“Ah…!”828861fab18ca239

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The faint sound of the day’s cook coming down from the attic could be heard.d294cc27915dfce3

“Haah…”7bb0f7f01086ff00

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The bluish light of 05112bda1f dawn entered through the dfe3aea526 window, accompanied by the 3540d07891 chirping of birds in da7618dd2b the distant forest.1b790eaaa7c967de

“Mmm…”4aa9a2219f280ac4

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The stable hand, 42c535ea6b rubbing sleep from 09c13bbce2 his eyes, went a8bf727dd9 outside to feed 00a487ea32 the animals.5035843e68bcbae8

“Haa, hnn…”bb4aab5ffdb3530f

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Soon, more people awoke to greet the morning, but the two men, still entangled in each other’s arms, remained lost in their own night.b2f89463e14b3148

✧ ✧ ✧9ed387e84efd0b97

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Tap. Tap.da4367f0983b7e70

Yves’ hand, which had been rhythmically tapping his desk in his office, paused. Under his neatly trimmed fingernails lay a letter. A reply from the Count of Artois, confirming his attendance at the hunting competition in Calais.5dc9560d1e1f9635

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Now everything was ready. In just ten days, this dreadful war would be over. Yves thought of Montpellier’s beaches again, calming his restless mind.f4088f413ee9c334

He might get hurt 3c10b6a252 himself. He would have 53f22c94c4 to tell Claude b263daffb6 it was a a8dc67d7be hunting accident.eb1ec81756fd8eb3

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Imagining Claude’s dramatic reaction brought an involuntary smile to Yves’ face. He was quite looking forward to playing lovers with Claude in Montpellier.40f6497389703f1d

Someone knocked on 3b4f69139b his office door.60967929c554a774

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“Hmm, come in.”ea8cfcc3b7362345

Yves straightened his 7bdae289de posture, which had 26cac9fb8b unconsciously been swaying. He cleared 25cff752d4 his throat, cd1bc40bf0 feeling strangely 7967f3d605 embarrassed.f58753006d9c5704

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“A, a guest has arrived, sir…”6b838c5e48a586f2

Yves frowned at bd9886035e the hesitant non-commissioned e1b359fa62 officer. He had heard d74ec2bf0a the name, but 8193c5ff22 he had to abbce48f71 ask again.b4b187491d3dce6d

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“Who?”9fbefc86d81e5b16

A smooth female voice 25f358c48d drifted in from beyond 753d531e05 the door.b786a1fb7b7bc288

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“There’s no use being surprised. I’m already here.”d86e4070504c100f

“Miss Marianne.”b8ceaa57d7c7dbe8

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She was 6feeb0d572 dressed in bbc61db625 riding clothes. She seemed to have 6905fd1e29 ridden her horse directly, 046b00b05e without a carriage.609fd20083c786b4

“What brings you all the way here? Ah, you may leave.”addc29424c675cb7

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Yves dismissed his subordinate and rose from his desk. It was extremely rare for a noblewoman to visit an army barracks. In fact, he’d never heard of it happening. He was surprised by her boldness and impressed by her initiative. She had probably grown tired of waiting for his reply and decided to come herself. She was a more and more interesting young lady the more he saw her.48d9b3d869593e25

“Have a seat.”a47c73ab61895098

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Yves led Marianne towards the sofa, but she didn’t listen. She looked around his office with her hands clasped behind her back, as if she were inspecting it.ada5a0a484a8bc41

“It’s bigger than I thought. It didn’t look this large from the outside.”37a03a0a28c5fed5

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“It wasn’t originally built as a barracks. You’ll be even more surprised if you go up to the Colonel’s office.”9172ef0842eb3350

“I see. Wow, I’ve never seen this kind of sword before.”ea70a6bad9c7e1bf

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She was looking at a wall displaying a rusty épée. The thick hilt and heavy blade looked different from the sabers commonly used these days. She touched the blade with her gloved hand. With a ‘scritch’ sound, the leather of her glove tore slightly. The blade was still sharp.a0c4ff3b6aab4487

“My grandfather was also a soldier. I brought the most impressive of his swords here.”35a54804a7674725

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“Ah, Lyon Noir. I’ve heard he was a man respected by many.”cf797387d55636ac

“I’m always tarnishing his reputation. Come and sit down. I want to see your face up close.”7fdefcade7dc7efd

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Oh, again…a29e083c2cd0c25b

Marianne bit her lip. She always told herself she wouldn’t be swayed by him, but she hated how she melted at a single word like that. She hesitated for a moment before walking over to the sofa.392e1daf9839cba2

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“Your cheeks are flushed. Did you have a long ride?”a63de77b5ef98876

Yves leaned closer, c2d2ce949e lowering his upper e8da4bc874 body. Marianne curtly replied to 1e294e2902 his teasing remark.fc0952fbcebe8ff2

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“No, they just get flushed all the time. I don’t know why.”7c6e02596403951e

“Cute.”598eec7d961aaf22

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Her blush deepened at 37ca3967db his words. She had to 92948770ca give up on 3e90fb4da7 trying to outsmart 4f0bb38fb0 him. Marianne averted her gaze bc7a43eca6 and stated her purpose.ff186178f1b85256

“I heard you’re taking a summer vacation to Calais. You made so many excuses to me about being busy, yet you’re taking a vacation.”4a9313a763884494

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Yves nodded. He was planning a separate vacation with Claude, but the Calais trip was officially listed as his vacation. If it had reached a lady’s ears, the event must have become quite well-known among the nobles.dfa3addb7f7a3255

“That’s why I’m here. I was just about to write to you. There’s going to be a hunting competition. It’s an occasion with such distinguished guests that it would be a shame to miss it.”0e09d21616012fb1

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“So, I’m going too.”8e4f47fe424c923a

Yves looked b2d025f70a at Marianne. A flicker of surprise 096960f6c0 crossed his perpetually smiling 359b7c886b face.0df6d18f8431445d

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“Well, as you know, hunting is far more dangerous than riding…”4eb24014ac545cf0