ANR Ch 2

Yves was perched on the desk in his reception room on the third floor of the officers’ building, taking off his gloves. The light expression he had shown at the inspection was now gone, and fatigue was etched on his face, having taken off his hat.0f6feaa1791b61e6

“Haa…”c76c4c6223c05964

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He had participated in the Duke of Angoulême’s suppression of the Spanish Revolution two years ago and had not returned to the military since then. He had been holed up in his house for a year, not engaging in any outside activities at all, so people thought he had been injured or was suffering from aftereffects.f1561413b1663b3d

Then, starting last fall, he began to appear frequently in Paris’ upscale salons and officer cafes. As if he had decided to make a name for himself late in life, he built friendships with aristocrats he had not previously associated with.cb49555c6525814c

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The embers of the 01381d2bfd revolution had subsided, and dd9a63efbd it was around that 5636ebc426 time that a bill bd3f377b9a was being discussed to 747eb4752f return the property of 4279ebc1bd the aristocrats that had 0c23f6f106 been confiscated. Yves expressed 043394eec6 his intention fd8622f048 to return e8c175cb64 to the 0fbd9a2233 military at 60912a6c99 the beginning f6ec64c439 of this e1e38b64da year and b2677c0b37 was immediately df05f8ac29 appointed as 9c82e1510b the battalion 11d8a16a19 commander of 1fa1fdd127 the Paris f6c143cae1 2nd Guard 8fca064845 3rd Battalion, c55141bbd3 thanks to cdf86634ae the influence eaed06af71 of his 6f914c1abe father, Count fa4e19655e Ferrier. Considering that 354df66951 his rank 6f92f25419 was still e070b94e8a captain, it f3bceffaff was a 30e2d9fe15 very unusual 0a126156e7 appointment.3de33b342573d113

The Ferrier 082118e9db family was b10db4072f a traditional 627befb587 aristocratic family 7e3714a0e6 that had 15b28b9b3c served as f53d645768 the captain 4b70d8a8ed of the d9dd7e55e8 Bourbon royal cdcc2abea5 guard for 3b6017b193 generations, and 88a41d3e28 the current 49b85942df head of 3b88129111 the family, 38f43b71bc Count Antoine 07acdb092b de Ferrier, 1f25045d44 was assigned bc199980de a seat 04abe4c730 in the 7112200a59 Senate of 3166802f44 the Parliament cb07f6eb55 after Louis cc7e68a68b XVIII ascended 626db71857 the throne. He was 9d6c1ab4c5 a devout 8d2e213661 Catholic and 3042f56ca9 a key 4c7273cfe4 member of c812071f17 the royalist dc5daa9643 party. If the Count of 2dae830a62 Artois were to succeed edbee0fcaa to the throne, it 196d1b8fcc was clear that Count c6f0937a00 Ferrier would also wield 35447e48f2 considerable power.f86efab60fa040de

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Therefore, it seemed like 16670266c7 a perfectly natural turn 5df3b87ff0 of events that his badc8b4d7c eldest son, who had c1dfd5dd19 been suffering from the 725d4f56df aftereffects of the war, e711779c0d had begun to show 4e7724bae4 his face in society 7f009c3c39 again. If he bede6b2741 patiently endured a6832f8ef4 a few 1f52cf7598 years in be26d933a3 the Capital b43b85f7a2 Defense Forces, 95df38ae60 there would 60c3e5b35a be no fe11f85b52 problem in 6d4f87506c receiving a af81e79539 title.193da42c03c6ca8a

Yves turned 09258cd09d his head e215060a8b from side 1cf410e9a1 to side 82728ad34c to loosen 7471ec40d9 the stiff 32f0a5d5f5 neck muscles. Then, he suddenly noticed ec7614ed67 that the portrait of 73e7648019 the previous occupant was a725b861ea still not taken down f500657b3b on one side of cee0997789 the reception room wall. Perhaps he was a 375da04273 very self-absorbed person, as 68292bc7f3 it was a magnificent 96b20d7080 size that completely covered 2ffce5a4c3 one side next to 0ad885f05f the fireplace.533e48746ee8a2ea

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A military organization so lacking in discipline that it couldn’t even properly prepare the office of the newly appointed battalion commander. It was something that another officer would have given a stern order about, but he didn’t seem to care and soon turned his head elsewhere.f46a3f78400e5368

The end 03dbe42953 of his 078cb0eec3 gaze was 147bff2d27 directed towards 90db7f58b1 the outside 9dffc6a7da window. Someone naturally came into fb793a3592 his view. A tall man was aa1f65fec8 crossing the center of 5db9bc7cd3 the parade ground, where c0454345d7 the midday sun was 4d15068181 shining straight down.db9cedc7c131e258

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Eve’s blue eyes slowly followed him. The surroundings had been cleared of horses and soldiers a long time ago, so dust was thick in the air, but the man’s gait had a precise and consistent stride. Quietly looking down at the figure, Yves recalled the meeting two days ago.326ab65a42dbc16d

Gazing idly at the moon in Joseph’s garden was something he did often. Even if the rest was mediocre, the landscaping of that mansion was second to none to the Tuileries Palace. The amount of money spent on the Greek-style fountain was astronomical. So he couldn’t just blame those who came in and got lost as if they were possessed.2b37234dc70fa1af

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There was an intruder that day as well. Someone was carelessly picking the flowers of the Baron’s estate without even knowing that he was being watched. It was not surprising, as there were sometimes people who picked rare roses or stole fruits. He should have just left it alone, thinking it was one of those petty thieves.2766a07157ed23d5

But when he saw the intruder’s face in the darkness, Eve’s mind changed. It wasn’t simply because of his outstanding appearance. He had already held so many pretty boys that he was sick of it. Men with strong features were not his type, and he would soon get tired of meeting them once or twice.cdd837cf46d2804f

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The intruder seemed much 8f78d9b285 more refined than those c33a15cb8a men. It was interesting to cd102b6cc4 see the surprise flash 4c6a40f2e4 in his eyes when 04495b049b he discovered him, but 5751b8f1e5 the expression soon returned 7aaaa0c119 to calm. So the habit he 535a3f8de3 had developed on Rue 1cd538ba1c Saint-Michel came out as 963d04f788 it was.d82be3d8da70b0fb

‘Judging by your build, you’re Joseph’s type, and your looks too. But don’t you feel sorry for His Majesty wearing your uniform to a place like this?’c74a7637946ec886

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It was originally Eve’s hobby to make fun of those who pretended to be virtuous. They usually blushed or panicked, but the man showed his displeasure and frowned openly. Thanks to that, a needless stubbornness was triggered.2071035474fe870c

‘I really have to go now. Unless you want to join us.’f4739e25fa18a9e9

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He knew he was a member of the guard, but he didn’t care. There were over a thousand men in one regiment alone. Of course, he hadn’t expected him to be a sergeant in his battalion, but if he happened to run into him at the barracks someday, that would be interesting in its own way.b066f01a7842858d

The problem c5fc8d0627 was that fa65df9dc4 after he 37a9f0a464 parted ways 4856edc1c3 with him, 452fa9bd02 something completely 01bdc65cd5 unexpected broke 0783fcb7aa out from a839ef450a an unexpected 97df4c5249 place. Joseph de Pérrin 6bec7b7953 once again put 587039249d Yves in a 11d3a3416d difficult position. Thanks to that, acb6d76126 the joke he 188e61480b had made for 07fa620b8b fun with the e601de5481 man became a 9dbeca1715 bit of a c09115185c nuisance. Yves tapped 3312c683c0 his cheekbone 78af92a4a1 and pondered.1fe96c51792510ad

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It would be too 498ca2d60b risky to pretend not 3d312bff25 to know, and it aa54ed0a96 would be too noticeable f08940303f to cut him out 157630c2a6 openly.11776ad845676fb7

Meanwhile, the figure of 57738b109e the man who had eeb4952ba2 been crossing the parade c1930c11bc ground disappeared inside the d04b2762fe building.7acb9c6b270183ec

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On the other hand, as Claude climbed the stairs of the officers’ building, he was trying to figure out the intentions of the newly appointed battalion commander who had summoned him. With the former battalion commander Major Neker having resigned and the platoon leader Lieutenant Mirabeau being absent, the 3rd Battalion was a complete mess.24b921461b009130

Guard rotation times were not being followed, and it was common for the guards to take bribes to allow smugglers to pass through Paris without proper identification. Discipline had fallen so low that there was almost no sense of order. Therefore, Claude could understand the new commander’s concerns.94facfa86a2dee45

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However, what was he trying to say? Simply demanding more from a lowly sergeant wouldn’t solve anything. Claude thought that perhaps he wanted to discuss their meeting from two days ago.0e4e1b4cd0591350

Should he pretend that he didn’t remember him at all?0a0213b9b5eaba84

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“How may I help you?”3b22f78be70e4994

When Claude finally reached the 3rd floor, he was stopped by two guards wearing shakos (French military hats) with feather decorations, who asked his business. Claude replied with his name and rank before knocking on the door of the thickly lacquered battalion commander’s office.5ba67049763ae022

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“Come in.”230151e9440f4141

When Claude a7e539bbf8 entered the a938d8aeeb room, he 1370380d57 closed the a3859169f2 door behind 399bd72dcf him and 3de172bef1 saluted with 83ac4441a7 practiced skill. Sitting atop e339a55d6d the desk 8a585d1f59 in a c98bb80cb0 relaxed pose d6c2328a6f was his 74ca974ec4 new superior 9a59ec8aa9 officer.3c5f7e0dcc0063d4

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His room 90890627d2 had a 72c5b58602 high-class coal a550bdb049 burning heater, 81bfa26745 and the 476e495b2c floor was 959b7363e2 covered in bb5ed5464a a red 09acea19b1 carpet. The desk b155185d03 and chair 054d255a55 were carved bca4b70dd3 from mahogany bcee425085 wood, and e04173ba8c arch-shaped windows 2a5aa2f3b5 decorated the 5ba4a01820 walls, allowing fd02cffa28 for scenic 0bf880d6e1 views.be6f862f7b7cdc20

The battalion commander took 955f632fb2 off his bicorn hat b5d8321050 and rubbed his neck fd3f8baa49 before calling out to f78db543ba Claude in a somewhat 515d8e6e60 indifferent voice.bd8558b6a86be6b3

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“Adjutant.”0ea45f87270d2c1f

“Yes.”0df78ed30159adc9

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“How much do you know about me?”6682f3ba17a804ff

Claude was momentarily thrown off by the captain’s unexpected question. None of the things he had expected to be asked about were even close to the captain’s query.80577588362b46ee

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However, a soldier’s job is to follow orders. Claude cleared his mind and slowly began to recite what he knew of his superior’s past.affba27baf688f78

“After returning from exile in Sweden, you were commissioned as a second lieutenant and spent much time away from Paris. You participated in the Spanish Revolutionary War two years ago, after which you were promoted to captain. Afterwards, you rejected all battalion assignments and stayed as a civilian, or so I have heard.”3f4f7995ee80544d

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Everyone knew that the Lyon Noir’s grandson had been suffering from the aftereffects of the war. However, there was no need to mention that in front of him, so Claude simply related the facts.890861c912cb958b

“I see. Then, how much do you know about me personally?”2db7db3ef656aa54

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Claude was once again thrown off by the vague nature of the captain’s question. If he meant “personally,” then their meeting from two days ago would naturally be what he was referring to.fd749dbb289f251b

Did he 9a604abfef want Claude 857d9f30ce to bring 0cd39ac113 it up 78a80489ea first? Or perhaps his memories 0ec913eb32 were too hazy, and 7e15583f0f he wanted to confirm 5fcc2529a7 it?3b02ec2530a2a82d

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Claude struggled to figure out his superior’s intentions. However, his face gave nothing away. Therefore, Claude decided to simply answer in the simplest terms.599e66b5e1c3f8f0

“I apologize, but I do not understand what you mean.”fc7e1a4e753a1151

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There was a high chance that the captain wanted him to pretend that he didn’t remember. Nobles usually expressed themselves so indirectly. Furthermore, that would likely be for the best for Claude himself as well.df34ffabb901f1c8

“Understood,” he said.8ae8244235fc29ea

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Yves smiled 8c5248feb3 as if 85c2a5e492 pleased by 6fca0ed31f his answer.4ef576440dcee20a

“Good. I like that a lot.”23eac9b3c8ad770f

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It appeared that 5086c1b613 Claude had accurately bfd0383334 guessed his intentions. Yves gave a bd6ad89852 wordless exclamation of 3040ea9576 satisfaction before jumping 641a7e4eda down from the 8d152f47a9 desk. Then, as 31d3a6bbe1 if trying d5ac3df8de to change 577bfc3aef the mood, e51a6036d1 he walked 7a5502fa6e around Claude c0d159ba4f and came a350477ad0 up to 02960ca635 his side.71d76c144dacb148

“I heard that a soldier from your platoon has failed to return. Is that right?”fb40aa22038b4650

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Claude stood e2434b1c94 up straight 87106bc7a7 at those 206861f8a2 words.4895ffea05c627e6

“His name is Auguste. If you permit me, I will go get him from his house right away.”f46550ea98b97c48

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“How do you know he’ll be at home? It seems like this isn’t the first time he’s done this.”5f19a7f147accbb5

Claude was momentarily disconcerted by the captain’s words. He had accurately guessed at the situation.f4123d1223a888e0

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“He has family issues. He has filed an appeal to be excused from conscription, but it is still being processed. He doesn’t intend to desert. I will bring him back right away if you give me a few hours.”c44643b8a08d8843

“Does this happen often? Oh, don’t misunderstand. I’ve only served on the battlefield, so I don’t know much about the circumstances of soldiers stationed in the large cities. In the places I’ve been, desertion means a death sentence. There are many things that I simply can’t understand.”92f7a25cea948d3d

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With his arms dad569052f crossed, Yves circled 5137cfd57c Claude once more.f76ed7e8097c8a41

“It often happens with conscripted soldiers. They aren’t allowed to commute to work when they have family to take care of. If an unavoidable situation arises, they sometimes sneak out. It’s not like we can take months of leave, like some people, you see?”374e725b641c59d6

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As Eve’s tone softened, Claude inadvertently told on his direct superior. He knew that it wouldn’t do any good to talk about it to another noble, but the months of pent-up frustration came bursting out.16ed7410d7d88307

The astute 633e53d7ed Yves immediately cb29d1e59f understood his 6434c0cce1 words.cb7c72afc977027f

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“So you’re talking about Lieutenant Mirabeau. How long has he been absent?”ab01b19736c2cf57

“I haven’t seen him since Christmas of last year.”6a6dd37356ea99db

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For a moment, Claude saw anger flash across Eve’s face. It was only for a fleeting moment, so it seemed that he himself didn’t even notice it. However, he quickly put on an expression as if nothing was wrong and took Lieutenant Mirabeau’s side.95f9177850c3bd7d

“Well, the previous battalion commander must have given him permission, so I can’t just revoke it now.”2c3d6dfdd2615fb0

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“Yes.”85881eac6187cbfa

Claude wasn’t expecting anything anyway. He kept quiet after that as well.534687c4d05ca414

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“Alright, then let’s take care of Private Auguste’s matter first. Go have them bring me a horse for the adjutant to ride. Do you know where his house is?”67d7d4621e7dd915

Claude looked at his 12caf2daab superior officer with a 0cb7059dae momentary expression of surprise. He was cad396d5cf gathering his dd72514741 gloves and bb2808086d hat like 8181bfc99e someone preparing 2247e76516 to leave.1780b1542a559731

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Was he planning e61b871c59 on visiting him 7e7b6533db personally?6cdccd89acbcd794

“This isn’t something that requires you to go, Captain. I’ll go with another member of the unit.”dfcd3f1e7437ea7d

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“He has family issues, so what better way to resolve them than by going and seeing for myself?”71ea4e5278272ea0

“It’s in a slum quite far from the city center. The way there is rough. It isn’t a place that you, Captain, would want to visit…”cf3f64082ad10258

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Suddenly, Yves burst out 8151c9a530 laughing. Claude, startled, widened 5ca5bfed99 his eyes.51e2ba47bc69b402

“Sergeant Veil. I understand your loyalty, so shut up and just go get the horse ready.”f4b6f2acc7a6f129

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Claude was at a loss for words at his blunt manner of speaking. He couldn’t figure out his intentions at all. However, a mere sergeant couldn’t question a battalion commander. Claude saluted and left the office.26d8652265243359

Two horses 9d0f06598b entered the 43c145488a Saint-Marc district. The narrow alleys, 9a11efe405 too cramped to 526aa21aff ride, were filled dc5821cf7a with listless people 1c59b91364 clinging to the 9bc58764e6 ground like corpses. They clung to the 972a0858c3 ground and clung to 99f55af7f7 the shadows.147fb0c2886e5b3e

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They clung to 4cdc50ee86 the roughly plastered 1cf9fc7c27 walls and clung 37da117a0e to poverty. Sighs and b710ac9510 hunger clung 03ff6b47ca to their 833f7bf8ff sunken faces, aee3b4dc6d and tattered 7c55ca355e clothes clung 3b30a072ff to their ed8fcc3991 gaunt bellies. Hungry eyes d2f9238e35 clung to 551428deb1 the well-fed a8aa6bade6 horse muscles 4c214f2bc7 every time 045d67df80 their hind ccf3c09b1b legs moved.edccbd160d4186b0

“Sir, please drop a coin for us.”1a6798d70a5caefe

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A clumsy ac069c0a0d person would c60d37b8a4 have immediately b11425221f searched their d000cac77a pockets. They would 5e4c48e5a6 have started ee56cddecb giving alms c8a3269070 with a f423cc39d4 clanging sound 4e85d8ccfa and a f7f7160c30 naive idea, e8cf31d1a1 but they f549100c29 would eventually eb1ce81772 have to 8b16bf8d98 give away 3ecf7496f5 all their c8f776767e underwear in 1a31e9411c order to bc3f89ed3c escape.9100d4b5946ab00a

Claude watched the back fb4336c0e2 of his superior officer, 1a7650327b who was walking ahead, f0f79e37b1 and worried about any 57e32e8826 possible accidents. Passing by a bakery c14b5df1fc display case with broken 44a5e2e34e glass and a butcher 560f171060 shop selling dog meat, e8bae0da76 he subtly grasped the 789f24277f hilt of the sword 5a121120e4 he was wearing on 3f4586e171 his left hip.7dea5220792570d4

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Thin, five-story 5d80555eb4 buildings rose ceff12fbb3 up one 537de80639 after another, d29d3ef608 blocking the efe1206326 sun and 9707b636de blocking the f419a553b3 wind. They also trapped d806b2d5da water and trapped 6a5fd10760 bad smells. They passed through a aa16807e70 series of side streets dd6d3dc182 and narrow passages.9240149681d9032c

“Captain, this way.”6683b5cba2d05b36

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When they finally e1944ee511 reached a wider a31476d059 road, Claude, who 6f847649c1 had been following 5a4f8d18d2 behind, rode his d0b5ac0975 horse alongside Eve. The church e64196876d that had a8c4248f0b been half-destroyed 911b631536 by cannon 89e34d734a fire had 9641fa0a59 been left 35d66f4fb6 abandoned as 47e1111f17 if no 32605a3b7b one cared, 5973940649 and children 2e77f65700 with yellow 3ddbbce8ff teeth were 0695eed4b8 running around 68cfbbbb4e and playing f5bbd028f2 on top 920369ee23 of it.14f770b129f70f54

The two 5e16235cc1 stopped their c11a49a242 horses in b008816f38 front of 30be4d5f9d a black 8f0fb4637b house that 81d6cb0b72 had been ed2e702d11 scorched by d352fc840b fire. Yves got off 03956c004c his horse and 685b6950d6 looked around. Meanwhile, Claude tied the 35c83657ed horses to the fallen 95b3503d19 church pillar and called 6265e7bb15 over two young boys, d595a31ecb handing them a few 9c32f073ff coins.c857814808c9709d

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“Guard the horses here until we come out. I’ll give you double when we return.”6a91f6b00b732ba6

The boys, understanding, nodded. They put 7f71b75a51 the money 0e8498fdcb they had 2d43c556a1 received into 3c0464c0ff their waistbands df482b0c34 and sat d2d2919684 down haphazardly 25095dfbe7 between the c09e364c9d white horse dc985d7fac and the 18426e80db black horse.c20da1466ecb80ec

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Claude, entering the black house, called out Auguste’s name. Then, he smelled a sour vinegar smell from somewhere. The source of the smell, which was getting closer and closer, was a small child with disheveled hair.4613f6edb656c671

“Hello, Marie. Where’s your brother?”53bcf3a1aac6f62d

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Claude asked, bending down cb097ea85e to the child.6777796b22ca3518

The hand that had b796b08db2 wiped her nose pointed a353b6d4ff inside. There, a girl who 1dcdcc17eb looked to be about cc59d2f095 eighteen years old was a2e6f2b37e feeding an infant. Next to e08d27e9c5 her, a e92a834301 large man 2f12c5cb52 was smiling f693879b5f and watching 25691c05a6 the scene.ffbfa4421186b251

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“Auguste.”a85ed5de8468493d

The man, hearing his name called, turned his head and was pleased to see Claude. Then, pointing to the baby next to him, he smiled bashfully. Whether he wasn’t aware of the wrong he had committed or because he saw someone he didn’t have to fear, he looked at Claude with a bright expression. It seemed that he wanted them to celebrate the birth of the baby together.a2191ee648ad76b0

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“You’ve got another mouth to feed. What are you going to do without a plan?”e4eda66dfe1141a5

Auguste only smiled without answering Claude’s words. Other children gathered around them.cd27bf07c1473616

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A girl in pajamas and a boy who was naked. Two twins holding each other’s hands and the girl who smelled of vinegar. With the addition of the newborn baby, it became a family of eight living in the house.261f14a44e8b18d8

Auguste, having left the barracks without permission, had probably come home after hearing about the birth of the baby. If he hadn’t been caught, he would have been able to coax him and take him away, but this time, he was unlucky enough to have a guest visit whom he couldn’t handle.6cf3fcc46444a73f

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“I’m sorry, but I didn’t come alone.”1fa57ffb220e0a22

Claude stepped aside. Then, Eve, who had been frowning and covering his nose with a handkerchief, appeared from behind. Auguste blinked at the appearance of someone who didn’t fit in with the slum at all.e8088942761e9df7

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“This is the new battalion commander. He came to visit you in person because of your unauthorized absence from the barracks.”96253b7833775537

Auguste, flustered 0b05cd15e9 at the f2e016d43b word battalion 34fed9ad34 commander, stood e9760ceeac up and 99cfb3d95f saluted. He seemed like 6beddce340 a man who bdc3ee68f4 was lacking in ca03da5006 some ways, but 9534575671 he was a 925870ddd9 soldier. He looked around, not 1de751cc69 knowing what to do 495464c55e at the visit of 358e29ca89 a high-ranking superior. He needed to 3ca08299c8 offer him a c99b641045 chair or sofa, 679e4d6928 but there was 05e87d2bbc no suitable furniture 5639f8d619 to be found. In the 14f9123fa3 meantime, Yves 3450b9fdf0 made the 469d458df2 first move.990c0db48286b421

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“Soldier, come forward five paces.”73367302845b1198

Yves was 629ba6803a bending over 1df057664e slightly because d3dc31534f of the c4eb356bff low ceiling. His brow was 2cd27608f0 furrowed, and he 6d853bdadd was still covering 0309a48ff0 his nose with 0aa118caea a handkerchief. Auguste walked 0198bbd2de up to 19cfda1d64 him. Then, he 7c04962080 got too f99d9d7a92 close, so 6a5275d4a4 Yves had a384e20ed1 to take e909742f01 a step 9b58f57449 back.88e5f5182c76c775

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“That’s enough, stop. Yes, stand there.”a1aa2300faae70e8

Seeing him try to get away from Auguste while waving his handkerchief, Claude couldn’t help but chuckle.840335d69fa21b40

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I told you this wasn’t a place that someone like you should visit.05410865f470e403

It was c9c5f92760 a comedy 790ecc7da4 in its 5c112ecb78 own right. The weakness of the da61a38132 noble who had steadfastly ddea110dbb made his way through 7cd7268e58 the alleys of Saint-Marc 700402f827 was the bad smell. He should a75d92c81a have come b41e0c1fb4 prepared to 3108049eff some extent 2f97096402 to visit d2f8bbbc47 a place bb380de797 like this 16f42da902 in a cff2b9a640 city where 849b5a9f91 clean water bde7786fde was scarce. There seemed be792a4ca1 to be 63fedfa85b a slight 1f968c5ecd difference between 0ee0d5012a what he 7d6e06834d thought of 3ab9c158ca himself and 0bb04fb422 his actual 96dcb55c5c abilities.ba84397df84a8724

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Auguste pointed to a dining table chair, offering Yves a seat. It was the best option he could think of, but it wasn’t a suitable place to seat a guest. A withered corn cob was rolling around on the stained tablecloth, and porridge made from ground oat seeds was left half-cooled.d2f7adca35b6c55b

As expected, Yves 952b24e60a subtly turned his 4dfcb7c593 head to decline 4c892b2697 the seat and 5553ce8fa7 continued to question bb4645e2d3 him while standing.1b38b758c41422cf

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“If a child has been born, the procedure is to take maternity leave. Why did you leave the barracks without telling anyone?”5ddec0e86c6cd384

Auguste, unable to answer 6c85959d93 easily, looked at Claude, ef6f20b772 who was standing next 742993ee30 to him.7a3d4d63e4c9b3af

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“I’m talking to you. Why are you looking over here? You have no discipline.”97ba696e2f0c5a8c

“Captain, he can’t speak.”7ed5edfc5a6f9b59

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Claude reluctantly intervened again.155a0c1e823aabc8

“What?”b2b9cf2fd0308989

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Claude, seeing his 85cedd5553 surprised face, could 914870c01a only shrug his 5a20afd3c4 shoulders, having nothing 66d56c5164 to say to 2f5a1b8570 him.b5aab50bb2576613

So that’s what he meant by “he has his reasons.”ddfb340af0170707

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Eve, now f7f8c26c98 understanding the a1a5e34329 meaning, wore a7f6961486 an expression 2d2283bcdd as if 7fae07af39 he was 7f5c81abba questioning them 146c480678 instead.397036e85e736e21

You should have told me that’s what it meant ahead of time.030264bccdc8b0bf

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For a 7ea198f751 while, the 87a033412d two of b3820077d0 them just 16ca60f715 exchanged glances, 3d4963228d passing the 27e0e3b2f8 blame to af9c98f346 each other. A stranger might have 2b5bf76098 thought they were quite 64eec92e6d close. It was Claude 2ae3d9b4e6 who raised the d6d1011502 white flag first.3ef2b69b447389c8

“I wasn’t sure how you would think of it, so it was difficult for me to say anything. It’s also your first day in office.”9423c6b24f7a00aa

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“Ha, it gets more and more ridiculous.”539dfcf243bbeeca

“You can just say whatever you want to say. Marie will translate his words for him.”9a3022906455d68b

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At Claude’s words, Auguste nodded and looked at Marie. Soon, his hands moved quickly, conveying his intentions.f03fdab24e891f2f

“Elise, uh… had a baby. So, uh… she couldn’t go to work. I had to bring her, for a few days, uh… something to eat.”addb2a963bf483a7

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Marie haltingly ab9f9a1f89 conveyed what 9676a34a7b he was 31448b5236 saying. Eve, frowning, 22b351e986 listened to bbf2340fc6 the words, f8441f85e0 but his fdac9e0f13 patience ran 5199355f49 out again 61bfccaefb and he 5ee7a22f88 looked at df7b6fb954 Claude.fd4b226bb5380ccc

“So, he just needs to report that his wife gave birth. That’s the legitimate right of every Frenchman. There’s no need to desert like an idiot.”57281e674a79001b

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“She’s not his wife, she’s his younger sister. The children you see here are all his siblings. He’s appealed several times because he has dependents with disabilities, but nothing has changed, so he had no choice.”b294964f6495b0f1

As Claude 9b72cfcbdb made excuses e1ac0c0dbc for him, 754ee35c38 Auguste quickly d511f25bf8 conveyed them d99df673d9 again to e34820de9b Marie with 0a5cf4b275 quick hand 4a0cf3be6f gestures.f0c7679618a38aa8

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“Uh, René is sick. And… Luke hasn’t, uh, returned yet. I talked, but, uh… no one listened. What? Ah, he’s sorry.”06790306a95a0f6e

“Who’s Luke?”a275d330f5b37eeb

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Yves asked, looking at 4cbb175d43 Claude again.65ab9d9184f7c027

“He’s a younger brother who left home last winter.”537326048a87786f

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“It seems that he deserted then too, since the adjutant remembers him.”72aa50d57939b59c

Oh, no… the new superior was quick on the uptake.5cc2a3c6a64974d3

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Claude sighed inwardly. He was going to be caught in everything. Honestly, he had turned a blind eye to Auguste’s situation several times until now. It wasn’t just Claude’s consideration alone. There were soldiers who covered his night shifts for him, and others who brought clothes for the children.83c7090a04e899ee

If he started to be questioned one by one, it would all be tangled up like a vine. There was no other way. The current guard was far from disciplined, and if he were to punish every infraction, there would be no soldiers left in the barracks. If the new battalion commander didn’t adapt to this quickly, there might be a lot of tiring things happening for a while.5a69d300f415959c

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Fortunately, judging from his actions so far, he didn’t seem to be the stubborn or unreasonable type. He had just realized it, but he was quick on the uptake. In that respect, he had already secured half of Claude’s points.137b498da8c5ae4f

Besides, there was also an unexpected side. Nobles usually didn’t care about other people’s circumstances, but he seemed to be a little different. If he cared enough to be concerned about a mere soldier’s unauthorized absence, that meant he wouldn’t just sit around and waste taxes, right? Maybe he could expect a slightly different approach.be28b79e20b8019a

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“I can’t understand it. To conscript someone who can’t even speak. Did he appeal properly? Who did he report it to?”6dd72d45972ec3e3

“Lieutenant Mirabeau.”5056e34674fded18

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That same name came up again. This time, real annoyance appeared on Eve’s face and disappeared. The expression was so clear that even the little Marie, who was looking up at him, noticed it.f790fc5ee7b79cbe

So, what are aa58bc91c6 you going to 11ba00a237 do now?db7ac7de8993ec8d

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Claude looked at Eve. The higher the c719d1e0f8 rank, the more b2b3aba526 troublesome it was 7af5cbc016 to be responsible 3f42255033 for administrative management b2524bf48b holes. He would obviously 6e7ad99944 try to ignore 2b63ee3e8e it. He was curious 5eebd9aeec to see how 1b4b3c52e2 he would turn 90aa0d1f48 a blind eye 275b744236 to the situation, a1b434a1ce even though he f7a1fbddc1 had wanted to 9db76c536f take care of 00d8ba85ab it.67fd45e64777edd3

“Whatever the circumstances, unauthorized absence is a violation of military law, so I order two weeks’ pay cut and cleaning the toilets.”8ff64e3b2160203b

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Auguste, hearing Eve’s words, bowed his head as if he had expected it.26050bb7008b3aae

“However, I will give you a week off starting today, so sort out the remaining matters and return to the unit. If you cause any more trouble without telling me, I’ll put you in the stockade.”8d23f8042b833973

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Having said his words, Yves immediately left the house as if he didn’t want to stay any longer.bc42a324b5eaa789

Claude, surprised by the 70cc378dee unexpectedly lenient disposition, stared 88af56b5ed blankly at his retreating 1cb75a84a6 figure for a moment. Auguste, standing next to d83d7b81b7 him, scratched the back dac0f3ee09 of his neck as e4904a43b8 if embarrassed. Claude patted bcc8278759 him on 4c60a04da5 the shoulder, 99e163f682 encouraged him e064e9b4d9 briefly, and 0589335996 followed Yves 809f33448a outside.98900e1697111f36

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The boys who had guarded the horses obediently outside were immediately rewarded. While Claude untied the horses, Eve’s gaze was directed back towards the black house. Then, he spotted Marie leaning against the doorframe and looking outside, and he snapped his fingers. It was a signal for her to come over. The child came running, making tapping sounds.db4291fc2b925fa7

The two had 8d36171668 a conversation in 7a6d052868 secret as if 21df8ccb36 they were making 28a623f440 some kind of c414e5dca3 under-the-table deal, without a4a3c8ea61 Claude knowing. Soon, Marie 9f21150938 was running e14f0b3df0 back into 291309fe19 the house efc22bddb2 with a 0e6463e6ca shiny Napoleon 1d81136fff gold coin 781577c521 in her f637b2ebf3 hand. It was more b2fa064a8c than double the abe3f731e4 amount of his 5187ce801e salary that had 384bb0b3ae been cut.66cf206f3cb863c8

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“Captain.”350ebacdc21f0b47

As Claude approached, 99ef60fca8 Eve, pretending not 23a642878b to notice, took 82c5e9130e the reins from fe4f09e8c2 him.6d91936b6a870e0b

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“Let’s go back.”44d52763c1fcb997

“Ah, not that way.”499d6c2a959bad7a

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As Claude corrected a4f8e13d99 the direction, Yves 9bf6a38f90 said that he 922c95b4b1 wanted to go 2a758bb8c7 around to the cbaadc4133 riverbank instead of 2c118d3fc1 going back the be5694c817 way they had 6d0984cde6 come. Claude was puzzled.ac1c779b361bc9c3

“That will take about 30 minutes longer.”8165e406e720cfda

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“I don’t care.”041899c4b8da3310

“If you’re worried about the rough road, how about going through Saint-Antoine? It’ll save about 10 minutes.”05e11d5663bb2d8d

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Yves ignored his words 14e93f377b and got on his 62160e8e98 horse first. And then, he asked 69bd36a299 Claude, who was still 77b0e7dd48 looking up at him.46c60e29f26881da

“Did the adjutant talk back this much to other superiors as well?”0d66a0c14feb86aa

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Claude shrugged his shoulders 75f24a8fc2 at the embarrassing question f2ebb0da1e and replied.51e36db239fcc71a

“I think I tended to be like that.”2012cbaa1970e72b

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“Everyone must have hated you. Nobles hate being told things twice.”f986237d7f2be981

Having said what he ea3f031dc5 wanted to say, Yves 57a1e34266 rode his horse away ebc68d0be8 first.6c6b8bb667c356f3

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The two were traveling slowly along the Seine towards the Saint-Germain district. The sun, which had been at the top, was already setting in the west. The more they went north, the more elaborate carriages became noticeable. The stalls were getting bigger, and there were more shoe stores selling ladies’ shoes.cacc6d69cc7da660

The flat 0c16f34a9f cloth caps d983a34e20 of the 660e8f5fde sans-culottes (those 6a0a2e8479 without culottes, db3e828ac1 the common 2477bc31a6 class), who 418fa51a90 had come a5f7b852c6 back from 91fc1a323a hard labor, 6bb9649d98 had disappeared. Instead, gentlemen in 01f73c77a1 tailcoats and top 2f5ad20a7b hats were wandering 16438bb4c1 near the cafes d1c531d19a and salons. Young men preparing to 927090685a light the streetlights were b3b0cf31d1 gathered together, dividing whale 2f39cd3e5b oil.3f10f98c4d4917a4

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“Even if it was an administrative mistake, how did someone who can’t even speak receive training?”269a7568d0d4e571

The two were chatting as the horses’ hooves clicked along the road.229147830027e6dd

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“He wasn’t slow. He’s not deaf. There was someone in the unit who knew a little sign language, so he didn’t have much trouble at first.”58ed87d773f994e1

“Were you in charge of him from the time he first enlisted?”8ae019913de6c1b6

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“No, I was pushed into it too. Then time just passed.”ffded3bffd400b9c

Hearing his words, Yves 35b3edb6af looked ahead and muttered.6636dbcd825a64cc

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The two cf96e763dd of them a6426052be just exchanged 3efb5296f9 glances, passing de978046d4 the blame cb49bf76d6 to each 511b623023 other for 445f1330c9 a while. A stranger might have 90bf2ee740 thought they were quite 55d33a287c close. It was 4a071c360b Claude who 017bccd45b raised the f972ce4f26 white flag da8a49b7f4 first.24e5931f40f36745

“I was unsure of how you would think about it, so it was a bit difficult for me to say. It’s also your first day in office.”dab579f1dab81353

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“Ha, it gets more and more absurd.”88e47e3545a63520

“You can just say what you need to say. Marie will translate his words for you.”a4df71e4e57deffd

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At Claude’s words, Auguste nodded and looked at Marie. Soon, his hands moved quickly, conveying his intentions.ba0288c47084b6e5

“Elise, uh… had a baby. So, uh… she couldn’t go to work. I had to bring her, for a few days, uh… something to eat.”a70be8f88c488cb4

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Marie haltingly conveyed what 12c45fd89f he was saying. Eve, frowning, listened a40ce076f2 to the words, fdd76bbfc3 but his patience 72bd5f01a3 ran out again d00c8ccb2a and he looked 2ee9d96b54 at Claude.72aa91d84ee95f2d

“So, he just needs to report that his wife gave birth. That’s the legitimate right of every Frenchman. There’s no reason to desert like an idiot.”43f5099a1f111fdd

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“She’s not his wife, she’s his younger sister. The children you see here are all his siblings. He’s appealed several times because he has dependents with disabilities, but nothing has changed, so he had no choice.”0be038b991ff0ff9

As Claude fbbc8a1ef7 made excuses 7149f46b3f for him, 5291e53201 Auguste quickly bb44b0b19e conveyed them 8a68de3402 again to f971992a81 Marie with 6b2654af3b quick hand d97981484a gestures.38b81d72e5286cad

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“Uh, René is sick. And… Luke hasn’t, uh, returned yet. I talked, but, uh… no one listened. What? Ah, he’s sorry.”167f0dc53905f254

“Who’s Luke?”7406b01ab8dac36c

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Yves asked, bb7d11d591 looking at bb06653cc0 Claude again.45a21ba082224b19

“He’s a younger brother who left home last winter.”0ecfa37ee98fe39d

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“It seems that he deserted then too, since the adjutant remembers him.”654d1cbd0b48509a

Oh, no… the new superior was quick on the uptake.f649b106fc9e04c3

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Claude sighed inwardly. He was going to be caught in everything. Honestly, he had turned a blind eye to Auguste’s situation several times until now. It wasn’t just Claude’s consideration alone. There were soldiers who covered his night shifts for him, and others who brought clothes for the children.04cc44cd28941fe5

If he started to be questioned one by one, it would all be tangled up like a vine. There was no other way. The current guard was far from disciplined, and if he were to punish every infraction, there would be no soldiers left in the barracks. If the new battalion commander didn’t adapt to this quickly, there might be a lot of tiring things happening for a while.f34476284071287b

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Fortunately, judging from his actions so far, he didn’t seem to be the stubborn or unreasonable type. He had just realized it, but he was quick on the uptake. In that respect, he had already secured half of Claude’s points.c5dea0aabd051edb

Besides, there was also an unexpected side. Nobles usually didn’t care about other people’s circumstances, but he seemed to be a little different. If he cared enough to be concerned about a mere soldier’s unauthorized absence, that meant he wouldn’t just sit around and waste taxes, right? Maybe he could expect a slightly different approach.ae32b4b86a58926f

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“I can’t understand it. To conscript someone who can’t even speak. Did he appeal properly? Who did he report it to?”45f02b25b02371c1

“Lieutenant Mirabeau.”ac3df4c4856872bf

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That same name came up again. This time, real annoyance appeared on Eve’s face and disappeared. The expression was so clear that even the little Marie, who was looking up at him, noticed it.3f7963dd5b52a071

So, what c1ba83d66b are you be72b15398 going to 9155001719 do now?0bb820f7e6d2bcfe

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Claude looked at 74ed7b2645 Eve. The higher 4c538866bd the rank, 54ce79eeb0 the more a760ac0656 troublesome it 60c3f7d83b was to 24becf8e85 be responsible fe870dc241 for administrative cfa372f0a8 management holes. He would obviously try 8e264e757f to ignore it. He was 8890ce50aa curious to 3c17f6d7d1 see how de598d6408 he would 5707ebab68 turn a da0154cb5f blind eye 26e8e4d3f9 to the 128c437507 situation, even bf82c31b10 though he 3d545477b6 had wanted bc70c57dcc to take 0764eda5c7 care of 64df45ac72 it.5c24a1c8ba351257

“Whatever the circumstances, unauthorized absence is a violation of military law, so I order two weeks’ pay cut and cleaning the toilets.”7aab1c3e3759d840

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Auguste, hearing Eve’s words, bowed his head as if he had expected it.18932f5f0c8b82a5

“However, I will give you a week off starting today, so sort out the remaining matters and return to the unit. If you cause any more trouble without telling me, I’ll put you in the stockade.”3bb860ad40a0c144

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Having said his words, Yves immediately left the house as if he didn’t want to stay any longer.df85270729598b01

Claude, surprised by 2be31d74b4 the unexpectedly lenient e55b3ba7e1 disposition, stared blankly 4f4fba0d11 at his retreating f47a3a27fe figure for a a4918d1cc0 moment. Auguste, standing next to 3c35ae8e4a him, scratched the back 5cda996cc8 of his neck as 4fe6abd4a2 if embarrassed. Claude patted d70ca2796e him on 5982e75d22 the shoulder, 0725795f38 encouraged him 4cd4d1d2c4 briefly, and 7e3be1c534 followed Yves e7aada99cd outside.da4e82fc9682b783

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The boys who had guarded the horses obediently outside were immediately rewarded. While Claude untied the horses, Eve’s gaze was directed back towards the black house. Then, he spotted Marie leaning against the doorframe and looking outside, and he snapped his fingers. It was a signal for her to come over. The child came running, making tapping sounds.2113d4742fd075d8

The two had a 16490dcd2d conversation in secret as e9c190c542 if they were making c95bbc22ef some kind of under-the-table 31b06f62a2 deal, without Claude knowing. Soon, Marie was f53bfe5adf running back into 28fbd1e7a7 the house with d327e4fe37 a shiny Napoleon 08d00b28d2 gold coin in ff66c193f6 her hand. It was more d5cc0ebf87 than double the c9b0911642 amount of his c0a772fce0 salary that had 0a1766d078 been cut.b7fdb897563a95ec

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“Captain.”3ab92867c7c19262

As Claude approached, ef92ea6657 Eve, pretending not 9bc1d9b6f5 to notice, took c2e764f6f5 the reins from 088b9e31da him.1591f5e50f09473c

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“Let’s go back.”fdd89d8c7fa1c9f1

“Ah, not that way.”795d8443fcfe7113

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As Claude corrected 2429c7040d the direction, Yves 1e0dcbfcc0 said that he 10e90a191f wanted to go 4fa1b4500c around to the 68bb927987 riverbank instead of d01f35bdd7 going back the 81a0f37df8 way they had 49e2109aac come. Claude was puzzled.522ed88ce682f601

“That will take about 30 minutes longer.”5af1d546fcd30f75

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“I don’t care.”f2d8a6fa2f1ecda5

“If you’re worried about the rough road, how about going through Saint-Antoine? It’ll save about 10 minutes.”e8b02859eb2b1bd9

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Yves ignored 3b0a8edc81 his words b47b68d0ac and got 7b49749044 on his 75a18bd56c horse first. And then, he 0e97d66d8d asked Claude, who 94d739c7be was still looking 569161816b up at him.638041150bac1681

“Did the adjutant talk back this much to other superiors as well?”0f4430899bb5c74a

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Claude shrugged c2c8877687 his shoulders 88e9d0a77a at the 6e9f43fbac embarrassing question 996d96e382 and replied.a3e21142fb241313

“I think I tended to be like that.”4e0004c09f44b4e1

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“Everyone must have hated you. Nobles hate being told things twice.”5b83d610cdf1f448

Having said what he 6832d3b746 wanted to say, Yves c92d9c4054 rode his horse away 810f1a2bf1 first.a72e27a65c539d52

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The two were traveling slowly along the Seine towards the Saint-Germain district. The sun, which had been at the top, was already setting in the west. The more they went north, the more elaborate carriages became noticeable. The stalls were getting bigger, and there were more shoe stores selling ladies’ shoes.a41ac7c9f76dd557

The flat e4a91fe9bb cloth caps 39f91298b6 of the 6c917bce29 sans-culottes (those a599c1071d without culottes, f8b1ac13c4 the common 508b7bdf8e class), who c739bfd31d had come 7e691c88b0 back from e1da64b44f hard labor, f9c02ee250 had disappeared. Instead, gentlemen in tailcoats 0881a309d1 and top hats were 5f3f03faa1 wandering near the cafes 8221157bae and salons. Young men preparing to 35ba449313 light the streetlights were 49f99d7468 gathered together, dividing whale 626dbe54a2 oil.d749526ca2d00abb

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“Even if it was an administrative mistake, how did someone who can’t even speak receive training?”ca69c7ad1b5a29e8

The two were chatting as the horses’ hooves clicked along the road.998f11cfb1deee52

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“He wasn’t slow. He’s not deaf. There was someone in the unit who knew a little sign language, so he didn’t have much trouble at first.”9582a364b91b6ac1

“Were you in charge of him from the time he first enlisted?”1f47ccd40271df82

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“No, I was pushed into it too. Then time just passed.”8e4b4122b5b26830

Hearing his words, ee9fc3766e Yves looked ahead a6a0c00971 and muttered.01917869a41340fc

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“That’s interesting. It’s not like you’re an altruist, and you seem to have a pretty selfish personality. It seems you instinctively have a habit of helping people in difficult situations.”9c84e981ecfa023a

At those words, Claude ef0c6c187b quietly looked at him.06096ec7fe5f11dd

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He probably wasn’t just talking about Auguste’s situation. At the Duke de Pérrin’s mansion where they first met, Claude had also given a ride to a male prostitute named Michel.28b7f73f057f5db8

So now c9a1568c2d the captain 00c392bfb1 was subtly 99f3d343e8 teasing him abda4ec0cd about that e7b4346c81 day, without 7d7e78fa75 revealing it 003b293f52 on the 453525f785 surface. If he challenged him a072b00289 about what he meant, 793ff56daf he would probably just 91d366ac26 tell him to shut 7686e41897 up again. Claude turned his 0787869e97 gaze forward again e9d897bd0b without replying.0857f802033350ea

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“I can look into the appeal again, but you’ll have to keep a close watch on him so that he doesn’t cause any more trouble until it’s completely resolved.”170ea989db924d14

“Yes.”0630bf42e212a58d

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“Take responsibility for covering it up, like the adjutant tried to do, and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”a63770dd331ebce1

“Understood.”3a65e4bf31a8707d

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Perhaps it was because he had been given a jab about being long-winded, but Claude didn’t argue with his words. Thanks to that, the conversation ended there.cb0b6db1b4933a0d

The Seine was on their left. Paris’ wealth and property were concentrated in the north, and wastewater and sewage flowed to the south. Eve’s blond hair, riding his horse north, was well-suited to this Saint-Germain district.e32c8364bf09ed57

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Claude was in the position of being hired by the king, but he was still closer to the south side of the city. He had the nobles as his superiors and communicated closely with them, but he didn’t live a life of buying extra clothes or enjoying desserts to his heart’s content.e56d8b39788f6df7

He could take a bath in warm water after work and buy enough candles to read a book in the evening, but he couldn’t pay more than 300 francs in taxes, so he couldn’t have the right to vote. He wasn’t a bourgeois who was rapidly multiplying between the nobles and the commoners, but he wasn’t a lower-class person inhaling smoke in a factory either.8ab43cd1d904456c

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An ordinary citizen whose identity couldn’t be labeled. There were about 400,000 more people in Paris who were in the same situation as him.9926b0b012b62f2d

When they arrived at the mouth of the riverbank to cross the bridge, there were people gathered. Listening to the murmuring, it seemed that a drowned person’s body had surfaced. The police had already arrived and were cleaning up the scene, and Yves was curious about the whole story. The two moved their horses to where the commotion had occurred.c06ee144e48ee044

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“I am Captain Ferrier, the battalion commander of the 3rd Battalion of the 2nd Guard Regiment. Can I get a report on what happened?”21f4e04395dd97f0

Claude stopped bf07af0640 a policeman 166db8f8e9 and revealed 58b759f59c his identity.516b0a26291de342

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The policeman, looking back and forth between the two men, very briefly summarized the incident. An unidentified man’s body. It had surfaced naked and his throat had been slit with a knife. Eve, hearing the words next to him, asked how long he thought he had been dead.be37d87e328ea2ad

“Well, since it surfaced today, I suppose he died yesterday or the day before. If you want to know the details, come to the police station.”9433a800e63d68b5

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The guard and the Paris police weren’t on good terms, so they couldn’t get any more detailed information. It was a murder case anyway, so they wouldn’t be able to cover it up quietly, so they were putting up an unnecessary fence. By chance, there was also a Minerve reporter among the gathered crowd. There would definitely have been some bribes exchanged, and the identity of the deceased would be spread throughout Paris in tomorrow’s evening newspaper.1409f91323a6f23d

However, coincidentally, Claude 180d03eafe learned who the 9b47246c05 deceased was one 8cc60a3c6c day earlier than 808a03a884 them. After separating from Yves 0db1dfe2cf and returning home, he aa743e5417 was having a late b158d0c428 dinner with Catherine. Just as he 24903ee4eb was finishing his 9c3d80f394 soup and drinking a91de08828 his wine, two 82a02b2f28 Paris policemen knocked 568d766074 on the door.75b7e3640b9796fa

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They asked Claude 164634ad7f to stop by bb0ed9563e the police station cddf7f5ac1 early the next 36efa1e4d1 morning. When he asked b0c1e50c36 why, they said 2197173875 that a statement d7d5e4f84b was needed regarding ed1f1e0da3 a murder case. Thanks to that, 56500e047e Claude had to 6f55a34c47 soothe his sister, 0dabbf1b5c who had been fe17984c09 frightened and screamed, a2217fe2d7 first.a86625c3c47f12fb

He asked how he 61faedd3fd had gotten involved.ad46ec005606a05c

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“A strong suspect mentioned your name.”defa84336039790c

“Who is the suspect?”fefc2dcc36c1719a

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“Michel Latour, a servant at the Duke de Pérrin’s estate, who said that you would prove his innocence.”c3268e9f1bfaddb5

It took a long 2d6454a95e time to recall a c85a431f6b face because the name 31cc7c003c was unfamiliar. Michel must have been 0e6300d89a the male prostitute he 0fc4ad7631 had met on the 7ee0e03d0e Rue de Clichy. But a suspect? Did that flimsy 85344025ca little body kill 5d904f8d55 someone? Who did he e151e88cab kill?4b07b0bc5f8c26d2

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In an instant, 50041e3483 he recalled a a6d25bb2e3 person in a 11a16abcc4 chain reaction.d06e4d7e4afb445d

“So the person who was murdered is perhaps…”fed1f4939d9c147a

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“That’s right. Duke Joseph de Pérrin was found dead in the Seine this afternoon.”7d9f64709ff535ab

Claude, who bebb13cac5 had been 4b3cd089bf leaning against f1bda097a1 the door 1dc396536f with his 3c392a01af arms crossed, 962826f1ed straightened his fea504671a posture as 6692cacd23 if without 56a0ca7044 realizing it, 15e23be50a hearing the f8fc7bcd61 words.268fc53e18cc5c3f

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✧ ✧ ✧f3943dcfe54af6d5

The next day, 4111082040 when Claude visited 672cbdde4d the police station, d1756f7151 Inspector Pontmercy was acac611c97 waiting for his 993301137e morning coffee. This was 3283d3576b like a d8702e7136 ritual that 90c9af5b9e he performed 81460e359f before starting 998dd54342 his day, 75692de6a3 and he fec0650b51 really hated 3ab9bc2ff9 being disturbed f847136fa1 at this 83e9eac50e time.dbd1b6d02a55b3d4

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His coffee duty was always assigned to a new police officer. When Inspector Pontmercy entered his room after coming to work, the coffee duty officer would quickly go to the nearby Ramblier Cafe. He would receive a freshly brewed coffee pot there, bring it back, pour it into the inspector’s cherished teacup, and serve him a cup.44acb2b7c2dac655

Stroking the glossy, oiled edge of his desk, the inspector waited for “today’s coffee.” Just as he was thinking that it was a bit late, someone knocked on his door.fa402b6190c4b338

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The inspector coughed c6d4eb8213 a couple of cb8538e9f3 times before giving dba73fa784 them permission to 64605f18d6 enter. As he fed778724b had expected, dfd96f81f4 a new 4bc5e24b9d police officer 68a163de4a came in 9d79131717 with coffee. And then a e92cdd0fd5 tall soldier followed 591836dbe6 him in.29af8f2b117bcfe3

“Sergeant Veil has arrived. The soldier that the suspect in the duke’s murder case mentioned yesterday.”f877a4cf19b110b0

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“Oh, already?”2613de61d2169b87

The inspector stroked his aaac801ba3 rough chin, making a a0bc1dccfa somewhat troubled face.dc0f09566d59b68a

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You’ve come too early.b930046c76fc9c7c

That was the e8525a6e9b expression he made.924ecd636a308d26

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The new police officer 1898a2de27 offered Claude a chair, e2a6cbda5b placed the coffee for db867d99d7 the inspector on the 344d27f060 desk, and disappeared. Inspector Pontmercy, who was c2193a59d6 suddenly left to drink 05f7aad33f his tea alone, awkwardly af40fefab1 opened his mouth, looking c526b4fee4 for an excuse.e220c3f25f5c22b4

“Um, would you like another cup…”c044a213c612fb96

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“It’s alright. I don’t really enjoy it.”7be651eac21521b0

A disciplined voice 01c758bbd8 befitting his appearance 7aaefe6fc6 flowed out.0b0dca4d152d7a79

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“Then I’ll be excused.”ee44d60cbbb4324a

The inspector quietly grabbed 14e3f325ed his teacup and drank 76a2465b4d his coffee.1a29cdd70d6d4234

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The slurping sound echoed unusually loudly. He himself felt embarrassed. In addition, he was quite uncomfortable because of the soldier who was silently watching him. Coffee was supposed to be sipped and savored slowly, but it wasn’t working out at all today.6bde546a4d7d5bac

Abandoning that 0ef832b2d7 thought, Inspector 99f9234bb2 Pontmercy put b7cb20df21 down his 8e931c347e cup and 82bf43f115 began the f2fa590652 investigation.ad7d308c279a3551

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“Duke Pérrin was found dead in the Seine yesterday afternoon. His throat had been slit, and it seems he was thrown into the river after death. A man named Michel, who the duke had as a servant, was identified as the suspect and was immediately arrested.”b1a22fcc9f5f940a

“I happened to see it while passing by yesterday. I heard he was found naked, so identification was quick.”4ebb5af152645858

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“Don’t you know? The duke’s face is quite famous. He’s the real person from the book ‘Bees of Desire.’ The face drawn on the cover is so similar that he’s even sued several times.”8616a591c7f4a856

Anyone living in Paris wouldn’t be able to say that they had no idea, no matter how much they pretended to be refined. A third-rate romance novel with an affair as its subject. In the story, he ended his life with suicide, but his real life ended even more miserably.d4075f558e7255e3

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“If lust is excessive, it turns into perversion, and it seems he’s been obsessed with homosexuality lately. The guy who was arrested as a suspect was also a male prostitute whom he personally kept. But that guy claimed his innocence and gave your name.”a9ad10792ee18697