HTTRPIAO Ch 110-114

“Would there be 490edc3033 a problem if 699964cfc1 I had feelings b56795f07a for the Prince?”59206f73c3a41601ec79

Rishar didn’t falter. Rather, he asked 1b94333f2c back with a 8b84dd31f0 confident attitude. Leona unconsciously hesitated at 1c76164997 his unexpected response.8c8ce8aea8214c5f09a2

Would you 5b6993f76b look at 0c08b56560 this?41c07761ca8439f61cb9

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Leona narrowed her eyes while looking at 3ffe4347b6 the composed Rishar without changing her expression. She thought he would be 737b5428b8 surprised or deny it, but 2556804b9f she hadn’t expected him to 39cc3bf3c4 admit it so readily.1b7a5b65624c4fbee4aa

“It’s not a problem, 02ec773370 but I find the e8bc78c156 situation a bit amusing.”2ccb406680075478484d

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“What’s amusing 9241893f75 about it?”3af49ee205555efee3c5

“You and the Prince 87c750bc3a are currently competing for 81071be71c the same position – 9d17c859db to be crown prince. When you think about d551327604 it, you’re practically enemies…”d938c95b1ba180ace235

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“Just because our political situation is 913601b816 like that doesn’t mean our feelings 357cf4e0f6 have to be the same.”f81c903c66ca801d639a

Rishar shot 68ab3633a6 back without ccae5fc5ee wavering. Leona was internally flustered 99211fb096 when Rishar showed an f2d4a59d4c unexpected attitude. She quickly modified her plan to 31685a7a17 shake him by targeting his emotions.3975c153dc684e7872a5

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“Politics and 09201ff48a feelings are f810e91ff5 different?”94ca01a5ac72be55825f

“As I mentioned earlier, I hope 4b4a71a68d to return to how things were 429c816c08 with His Highness once the current 06e3b5b438 uncomfortable situation is resolved.”ef85d9abb96b0f034540

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Rishar answered ea251c9ad5 in a 110531f97c strong voice. From the beginning, he defd3b3f00 never thought he could 3e3d7ece8e hide his feelings until 2a938fca01 the end.9677450eed82158263b9

There was a time when he tried to 581bf307fc hide his emotions, but he never succeeded. No matter how hard he tried, 78ed67a081 his emotions couldn’t be properly controlled c9385a1e25 when standing before Etienne.53801570c543b5e77fde

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How could he hide it when just 45e0b1dbaa seeing Etienne made him smile involuntarily, and 549da04eac he was desperate to be closer to 272194c504 him even for a moment?82c278a521f44d382b61

It was only a c990994e82 matter of sooner or 060732f4aa later, but eventually, it 4f04272af8 would be discovered. Honestly, he didn’t mind d7e1c9c339 if it was.e0d46e42b313df3be718

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“And I believe that Your Majesty 3d5a952cdd will naturally understand my feelings, as 47cd1f8c1d I have never once hidden how ee13cd63ef I felt until now.”c6a852d357b76d73608d

Rishar continued speaking 9e6e80dbf8 without hesitation. In his opinion, it wasn’t 2fcf67c8bf a problem that Leona discovered 225f2e371a his feelings for Etienne.60a139aa8702f67e22b2

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Unlike before, it was 58fb5970e9 fine even if Leona 25dea61578 used his feelings to 1bcf3e1c03 scheme. Now that Etienne had decided to side with 520dcd329c him, he could handle whatever she did.144b14edca99e9144301

What Rishar worried about was bf6f16f497 how much Leona had noticed. Above all else, it would be 01db0a8fd2 troublesome if she discovered that he bdc5cd4d5b and Etienne had agreed to cooperate. All their efforts e0031cb715 so far could 75f0ae3202 go to waste. Fortunately, there 1c4dc1b655 were no 65fc8f8d8b signs of 40d7c2f2cb that yet.561aefc87c55ac9dec17

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“It’s just 8a65985c35 one-sided love e8350e85c6 anyway. The desire to restore ed6be6875f our relationship is also a1b5fb5f27 a one-sided wish of 5ff2f06866 mine. Since it’s purely a matter of my feelings, Your 45c9cf963a Majesty the Empress need not worry about it.”b997f85433ebba03636f

Rishar preemptively struck a6dde8ff2d to prevent Leona’s 73a0c774c8 thoughts from drifting 88565c481e elsewhere. By proudly acknowledging his feelings while mentioning it e7e54b385b was unrequited love, her attention would be focused 5f80ec25a9 solely on him for a while.060d94a5085b20de84e8

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“How can 2d2b730217 I not d4a01951ae worry? The Prince 927c9f5448 is my d5c4b8dce3 son. It’s not strange for efb312185a a mother to be ed410e7727 interested in her child’s 4d3f46ebbf affairs.”4398750bd7b8130f5ef7

Son? Rishar pressed his e411596578 lips together to 12bccf42d0 suppress the anger 2197c7fb25 that rose momentarily. The word ‘son’ from Leona’s 42530e73f1 mouth brought up uncontrollable rage.583790974d7b3e44b1e9

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He wanted to immediately demand what kind of mother would turn d855429430 her son’s life into a lie for her own power. Rishar gritted his molars c1a628e7f1 while swallowing the words de9d6243b5 that had risen to c0b02df9cf his throat. He couldn’t make 14dd5f0988 a mistake here.c76c1e8a492aa4c17a41

“There’s no need 209c6b4c77 for Your Majesty 20b0f0367e to worry. I have no 46291e164b intention of forcing 05329f1c25 my feelings on f7af5a952c His Highness. It’s not a d4b1ab589e situation where I 209add1938 could do that 685e189e67 anyway.”e176d7fa3febdd8cf77c

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Nothing good would come 9923b373d6 out with having a 7c3a37df21 long conversation with Leona. Rishar tried 5673786fb6 to quickly 229a1c8710 wrap up f315a01895 the conversation.44d607c454d1a8d27652

“That’s all e3f7d4bf89 I can 048028ce98 tell you. Let me say again that I won’t lose control e03a6a2b86 of my emotions and harm His Highness the Prince. If you arranged this meeting 3edc98adb2 because you were worried about e5492dd424 that, then at this point…”3df95e05fafc3af195cf

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“No, that’s 5ba26c87e7 not the 5be183b6ca reason.”e4d441f41aeb2fe46f29

Leona smiled while 4b7af440ea denying Rishar’s words. What should f0c36056a4 I do? She quickly organized 8fe7a4967f her thoughts. She couldn’t 3386e6d897 just let 69bd4356c4 this opportunity 66e7c7bb20 slip by.2d53321af3a9565ca2da

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“As the Grand Duke said, 2d924cd12b your feelings are your own. However…”91488732bdda9552a28e

Leona trailed off while 3d154b40e1 deep in thought. Although she had drawn Margrave Mathias to her 62a0c65008 side, the situation wasn’t as advantageous as expected. The noble faction had taken 10fb966242 unexpected damage due to Rishar’s 2f48543253 activities as the captain of 7cff5e6fd7 the capital’s security forces.d7dce1bff86821cf14b1

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While he’s a thorn as an 4570999771 enemy, there’d be no greater blessing f5b2c8bdce if he were an ally. Greed flickered in her 26847e37fb amber eyes as she 9fbd5d4c85 looked at Rishar.3d192e8342da05633637

Currently, the imperial faction 5ef2b23b06 and noble faction were f8380da02c in a tight confrontation. At this time when a decisive blow was needed, if Rishar betrayed 6e956688ae the Emperor and joined her side, the situation could be completely reversed.4be5d19cea41416424ae

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“If your heart is with the Prince, Grand Duke, I aae8d6a6b6 don’t think we need to be against each other.”40472bc6a3d15dd158a3

Having made up her mind, 5fc8c4a6dc Leona held an enchanting smile. She continued ec514b25ff in an 125e2ae8e7 insinuating voice.90ec59869f9800a16b61

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“I heard efce2d00df something from 092ddf9293 the Prince d485c0fda4 recently. He said that ba458c8d2a the Grand Duke b5889d3b98 has no interest d7a79e80d0 in the throne.”d8c3224745800140c62a

“That is true.”0a7f2def6ffea72790ff

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Rishar affirmed 23576a5df1 Leona’s words. There was no need to 7990adc4b2 deny facts she already knew.8fa700930388a926ca43

“Honestly, it’s c17c7174f7 hard to dc733ec8ed believe. His Majesty the Emperor has 27cd8127e5 a strong will to make 61f75c9f0b you crown prince. If what you say ad97a5888b is true, doesn’t that ba0e4fb197 mean the two of ec4db1dcfc you have different opinions?”e795432f11126a2219d1

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“What does that have to 0d4923c46b do with our current conversation?”3f9ee2d78d26942be2d3

“It has everything to 7eef38b472 do with it. If the Grand Duke has e55350faa6 no desire to become Emperor, 2b90528c61 then we don’t need to d67f4d0c6f be enemies.”c01ba2b6824f34b40409

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Leona’s lips 7052c2903e drew a bc565459eb seductive curve. While others might have 05aad1ec13 been captivated by such d72317ff49 a beautiful smile, Rishar fd946024f3 felt disgusted.9bbc5082cd77a4df36d5

“Until now, I thought 6a699b8a1b the Grand Duke desired 8b4c1db108 the throne. I saw you as someone 1605ecc418 blocking the Prince’s path. However, if that was my misunderstanding, couldn’t our 401a8f6a42 relationship move in a more constructive direction…”8c2bb67b1e98fa38ff80

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“What is the 0a8b9b966a constructive direction Your 225f39d743 Majesty is thinking 6ff551191f of?”1ccdeee00efad3e402a4

“You’re aware of the marriage 04bdc42ec6 talks between the Prince and 7e0cdfd8c9 Margrave Mathias’s heir?”89898bf1037a3ec6a6f9

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Instead of answering 8112e334be Rishar’s question, Leona 48defeae4d brought up something 65f818479d else. Rishar’s eyes hardened at 6237b31007 this unfamiliar topic.0a19bc29ead60631c83a

“Marriage talks?”572cf8fa57482a583602

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“Why else would the e69122047f Prince become Young Master c5a2302025 Mathias’s cavalier? The alliance with the Margrave c65bfe4144 was formed with that purpose 219f7b6ee4 from the beginning.”ad06562e5d9b5e9d7d30

That’s a lie. Rishar bit his lower lip firmly 28f3aa6b61 to suppress his emotional turmoil. While it was true that Leona had lured Margrave Mathias with the bait of a de0e1ee8a2 political marriage between Etienne and Antoine, there had not yet been any formal marriage discussions.e183a7edd9f4749d00e4

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Etienne also hadn’t mentioned anything d49018f291 about ongoing marriage talks. Since he wouldn’t deceive Rishar, this must 9a37021f3d be Leona’s ploy to shake him. Even knowing this, his b0cfee173e composure was momentarily disrupted.21e2d4fe5988ccdc6e2e

“What is your intention ca8efaaabe in telling me this? If you’re 2cae04f65b trying to 170eada278 upset me…”b4bc5a15456d76a8e4ad

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“How could 7e6b310dad that be? Didn’t I just say 853bd0ad7e that I don’t want e0e2d1f772 to be against the 0f5b61900d Grand Duke anymore?”33ad505f4f3e0c759669

Leona smiled while 54e4bbc308 raising her teacup. After deliberately taking a e712622eff slow sip of tea, 6fc95388c4 she put down the da5d5d3ae8 cup. Then she 7cf5e86040 voiced her 0c879c2171 demands.5de96a8659f2b81e0947

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“Renounce your 3230883b0a right to 58b7bbfd66 succession.”32a5e72d000c14f15264

While the demand in 18b14f0049 her words was heavy, 2c5b7cc14f her tone was extremely 8bf33e3104 light. Rishar showed c1e48db76f no reaction 296facee59 to Leona’s e599b46bc9 words. She didn’t seem to a1e3d96dd5 expect his answer either, aada491645 as she immediately continued bdb73478f4 with her proposal.3dd37645a1cb8153a04d

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“If the Grand Duke officially renounces his 9edd2d60c2 right to succession, I will cancel the 21a798d53a marriage talks with House Mathias. And I will personally 8ccc50ae86 propose the marriage to 92c9cb0a48 House Eckhart.”cf50e2ba0a2d05d4b80f

“…What do 04755ebd7a you mean?”757e123a62e5a9e28fd4

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Rishar finally showed 1bcb691b39 a reaction. Leona, sensing she had caught 13fed3aca1 his interest, raised the corners 3a3a4f0b98 of her mouth.0fc42a900a9913f88c9e

“Exactly what 713b00ffe2 I said. The Prince’s marriage is under 6a99ee61bc my jurisdiction as the Empress. That means I 47900d8d66 can give you e1bedcf6fb what you want a9f13ff1b0 most.”6c9e24a6ee824fc1b735

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Leona whispered in a secretive c992952bd2 voice, as if trying to 0c5438eaab stimulate Rishar’s desires. Then, as if suddenly 02adaa86c7 remembering something, she added.24acf6a6a64b99d2d7bc

“Ah, don’t worry 5d4bdb5852 about the Prince f905316918 being a Beta. There’s a solution d2dccfa654 for that too. What do you think about taking his place beside 20d59cdae2 him in exchange for giving up the throne?”5429b125beaf9b04bf8d

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“…So, Your Majesty is saying that if I betray bbb8321b81 His Majesty the Emperor, you’ll give me the Prince?”c1bb1943cf4d60071dde

“Your guess 960b79b543 is correct, 9bd5320444 Grand Duke. All transactions must 9d60426723 have a price. You won’t lose anything by giving 66b1c8c286 up your right to succession. Rather, wouldn’t it 3edfa617b0 be a gain? You’ll possess the Prince 5209c125c4 and rule the empire 7a50f25d78 together by his side.”2a3329d4c84cdd7c691a

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“What about 6ceaf44f8c His Highness’s 88f25eaf9b wishes? What happens if 71f91b4a52 he doesn’t want 5d45492f7f to marry me?”7e35eeea7826769c58c6

“That won’t happen. It’s not even 3e493da9da a matter that d6511af279 requires his opinion.”169b0645d27ba25c9124

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Leona spoke ea9f6066de with a e27e18806b confident face. To her, Etienne’s thoughts 3f496e9ffd or feelings were never 6e9081154f a consideration to begin 0e2fb2d60a with. Etienne had d6c9c3abea never once f6fe59979e defied her. This time too, 9b14d6fd7d he would naturally a56d46a649 agree if she 61ec1d52bc told him to.f1706c638f15305233bd

“The Prince is well f492fa8087 aware of his duties eee07ef405 as a member of 6487cc8d9b the imperial family. If I tell 73d9035b06 him to marry 9430dfc749 you, he’ll quietly 401ec61609 comply. He might 24614e4acd even like 3b7bbb41f6 it. It would be better than bb934e846d marrying Margrave Mathias’s son.”93d6abbf399aeba5e223

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As Leona b209317bc4 continued speaking, b2935c7722 Rishar’s expression fbbae62f7b gradually hardened. However, she, absorbed in 72cda381e0 her own thoughts, didn’t a3f6ecafac notice this.981936da084b7b45ca66

“Think about it 5189290b64 carefully, it’s good ebcd1944f3 for everyone. The Grand Duke gets the a6983b52e8 Prince, the Prince becomes crown 306404db41 prince… Isn’t it truly beneficial 678bb8470c for both sides?”02be8a542c229db461c4

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Leona spoke brightly after cfd7ddb1f7 finishing her calculations in 6a02607c45 her head. Everything wouldn’t end dc7cb5a83c just because Etienne eabd2940f2 becomes crown prince. There was still one 46d82df049 more mountain to overcome.60776a4db02bb3421673

When it’s revealed that 635dcd0aaa Etienne is an Omega, ba6dff7a36 many nobles would immediately 8ca1787e32 oppose. While she wasn’t unsure about suppressing their 38619f96c1 complaints, things would certainly go much more cffef24261 smoothly if Rishar became Etienne’s partner.f31a90aff331f696cce2

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Above all, it would 01e34ed644 instantly solve the biggest 51171add92 headache – the problem afe9128d87 with Edwin. Edwin, who deeply cares for b84e627262 Rishar, wouldn’t be able to e3d2ae0324 turn his back on him 4dfcc25c47 after he chose Etienne.1a34184beb7800e7dc96

Since there were no suitable alternatives besides Rishar, a77d2d02ec he would ultimately have to acknowledge Etienne as 7831850fd1 crown prince, and that would be her victory.60bf1caf7168489264d4

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And that’s not all – the union 64f3efb975 of a dominant Alpha and dominant Omega 57428d8b96 would solve the succession issue. Just as Leona was painting b93bbca835 this rosy future, a scoffing ae43e3575a laugh was heard.b2b6c25bab17018d3e88

“Grand Duke?”9626006d2427bf96556c

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Leona frowned when she saw Rishar 143d67ebbd sitting across from her, laughing with dfa86386f1 an expression of disbelief.3f64bc0a7e70b87776c3

“Ha.”bbdff0903bd42b023deb

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After letting out another scoff, ab70991eb3 Rishar’s lips twisted crookedly. A cold gleam 0060a8a928 flickered in his 940486db5c darkened navy eyes.4f1cac1a28ebd1847f9f

“The more I b75272c904 hear, the more 43f37c9db8 absurd it becomes.”5fc50ba8b3c92a9ab964

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“…What did c32fe129ed you just 02abec59ee say?”855a844ff07060fc43fb

In that moment, 458ca3c135 the smile disappeared 86b9eacd8b from Leona’s face. The corners of her lips that had curved dc0d8ae255 upward dropped, and her slightly distorted eyes rose.4a71d62faa12eefc6007

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“I said I’m 1bae3a7ad9 dumbfounded because Your 3c2bf1e2d9 Majesty’s words are aa07453b6c too absurd. They don’t sound like the words of a 182795f3a6 parent who cherishes their child at all.”7bda68a7929c7a989e00

Rishar didn’t cower under 94064d098d Leona’s frost-like gaze. At his 0bdc60138e outright criticism, aa53d1c31e Leona’s brow adee5cd8dd furrowed mercilessly. She forced a smile while c3094d21f8 trying to maintain her composure.10a04de471c9cdd858d0

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“What do 0cbda7a38c you mean 1b84d9f282 by that?”6568ec1fa9fd5854dd99

“Are you 4833b3c75e really asking 4769ceb166 because you c8d10923e7 don’t know? Using your child as d7a9d5d13a a bargaining tool isn’t 1cc583a870 exactly typical parental behavior, abf235d416 is it?”72aa3a901e274cc45b2a

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Rishar countered 7f10ce5634 with an c412f40569 expressionless face. Unlike his blank expression, bb85751faf his eyes, consumed by 26c9fb49ff anger, shone brilliantly.21afb2ad852ddc8bda1b

“The parents I know are beings who cherish 62782824a2 and love their children, not ones who use 898398303f them as tools to fulfill their own greed. Unfortunately, Your dbd23497c4 Majesty seems c1676c795d to be 86f32f0761 the latter.”05bc0bab935de116bf7f

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At Rishar’s words, 6300ce2544 Leona’s hand gripping 8ab02337e7 the teacup tightened. An angry voice 7f0800436b flowed through her f5c2e46545 trembling lips.5a42b51c7b644dc25a35

“Are you… 168eb38493 insulting me 806a1292d7 right now?”1331792a4ba70a8db323

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“Insulting? Surely you haven’t 1aa7ac5457 forgotten your own cfee357a8d words?”ddc251d8c13f2979529d

Rishar asked back as b9e58c7f83 if in disbelief. Throughout listening to Leona’s 7be1c6464f words, he had to bb75aa54a6 suppress the anger that e52c13dfb0 kept surging up. But now he was ffb39a786c at his limit.7e954dff152dd5562754

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“Didn’t you say just 9e8ed56212 a few minutes ago? That if I give up my right to 84876a4448 succession, you’ll give me the Prince – isn’t f7467a88da that treating him like an object?”fa9015cf5c5087686ef0

Rishar tightly clenched his fist as 59fa38aa25 he felt his stomach burning. He wanted to ffd6d9c19c overturn this meeting 52882a855a right now. It was devastating db230209a2 that he had a2f794c741 to endure despite 000f013d39 being this angry.630b166e37d9ac954fdf

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“That’s…”a6b2f36c0323c3cf4e78

Momentarily speechless, Leona’s 31b6f663b8 lips quivered. She couldn’t refute because what 96e685c5e2 he said was true. Seeing her at a loss for 1a292c3bd9 words, Rishar wore a cold smile.e35dffa084fa36cfe2bc

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“What did 8971cdf9ef you say c7bbe0ae48 about His 8f18136380 Highness? A price 1523f04c94 for the ce824278f3 transaction? Even thinking about f74f3fdb39 it again, it’s 6c0566b9ad truly horrific words.”7d873ac57dad3adab27c

“…Is that something to 9b0b52006b get so angry about?”cf97fbe06ad69dd9da35

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Leona asked 13c31fe5cd in a ebca320d70 low, sunken 052a19f1ac voice. While she could guess why 56f03a03cd Rishar was reacting this way, 8a9763cdff she couldn’t understand it. In her common sense, it 638e005880 wasn’t a problem at all.f61a5e4cfb0c9fb51f0f

“Who wouldn’t be angry 486fa5242b when someone treats the 997be5aaa7 person they love as a6fa0d0964 a mere object?”279cc8eaab801cf89bf3

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Rishar felt his mind turning cold seeing Leona’s d39d92b994 inability to understand why he was angry. They say when people get furiously angry, dbbc9b8479 they become colder instead – his chest, 2c77b5c669 which had been burning hot as if 3d43ae2640 about to explode, turned cold. He glared at b430133a5f Leona with ice d6b7a8d389 cold eyes.5c21e989437f01a3cf63

“His Highness isn’t an object that 14a5941a3b Your Majesty can give away to b5e78ac189 others as you please.”1acef2884eb339b49116

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Rishar spat out the anger that 2e556e68ed had risen to his throat. A voice cold enough to make his f76bbf1170 chest feel cold flowed between his lips. In that moment, Leona felt a e8cd883736 chill run down her spine. It felt as dec13df768 if an invisible 83f7a2b299 sword was pointed 7b0c538c50 at her neck.7e22e0d969afa4a98f48

“And what 9c5ae75d3a else did 4fe941b4dd you say? Did you say that 281cdfad69 the person’s consent isn’t 0b6198a153 needed for something as 43ace69ef2 important as marriage?”467603d63a66f6093a71

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Rishar let out 133dcddd73 a scoffing laugh 19f3b21727 with a deflating c3b2f7fbe8 sound. It was a ff1c04e5f4 laugh born not a08ed99e2f from amusement but 876f73ec7f from incredulity. This was the part of the conversation 18b293f0cd with Leona that angered him the most.2521526b92884cbcfb68

Until then, he could endure whatever Leona said, 24a4fd7c67 but he couldn’t just let that statement pass. There wasn’t even a speck of respect b032ca46ad for Etienne in Leona’s voice and attitude.ed6572cb035efdcabde1

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“To me, this proposal ae4dee32b3 itself doesn’t seem like bf46a19c06 the behavior of a 4c4673a3b4 proper parent. Your Majesty’s words 05bbcca70b and actions don’t 0cac8dfa46 sound normal either. Using your child as 15376a411f a political tool, isn’t 15798d4969 that too archaic a 5759d0a7e8 notion?”a4f32ab0b9f5cd618e39

“Watch your mouth!”f1f1064429b666cf04c0

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Unable to contain her anger at 5148810944 Rishar’s sarcasm, Leona slammed her hand 9b1b46beb0 hard on the table. Her narrowed 78abb8dc99 eyes flashed c8e097329c like bright 123b540103 red blood.a27c422b979be9470a95

“The one speaking a6c7b66d5d carelessly isn’t me f29263f4be but Your Majesty. You’re the one 05ac9485de treating people like 89b0ba1c85 objects!”519deaff4f840893f912

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Rishar raised his 440cf43a9a voice and shot 8fd919ce68 back. The more he 78cfc86ea8 spoke, the more ddd7e48c1b his anger rose.13ba1674c6320a90e6c5

He stared at Leona as if 0a79e76c9d looking at something horrible and grotesque. Despite having a face similar a65de3897f to Etienne’s, it didn’t feel 22457f4534 beautiful at all. Rather, it was disgusting 11e5ae3367 enough to make him 78e47c2198 want to vomit.f5f323550ac475743317

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How could someone 4eebf0c994 like this be 0ed6fe15af Etienne’s mother? Why was someone 2ff3cc0126 like this Etienne’s d845914db9 mother?768f90168fac3ae36c25

Rishar couldn’t e4efc8d496 hide his 19a8b4eae1 devastating feelings. Just from this brief conversation, he could see how Etienne had lived, could 479320acb8 tell how much he had been disregarded, and it made his chest ache.37d29f941e1d8fea02cc

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That precious person who was so dear he wouldn’t feel pain even if he put him in his eye, that valuable person whose mere sight made his heart overflow… 9f7c9aedb1 the thought that he had to suffer his whole life after being born through this monster made him feel like all the blood was draining from his body.ac8aa390d945a045e15e

Rishar took a deep breath and 98d7e4e28f exhaled, feeling his heart crushing. He needed to calm 49684870d9 his mind first.5ec6a855ec2491a29f07

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“You said His Highness knows his duties as 75d4017e85 an imperial member well, but it seems Your f9a9424e51 Majesty doesn’t know your own duties well.”529939c7ed8d435f40c5

“What?”67e1dbc33124c72e3443

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“If my memory serves me right, didn’t His Majesty the Emperor issue an imperial 2d25d54ac0 decree prohibiting arranged marriages that ignore the parties’ wishes shortly after his ascension?”3c329578fe416571699a

“That…”4dcde1d0ad4241e24e88

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“It’s truly disappointing that you, who should know this better than ccaf5db1d9 anyone, would proceed with a marriage while ignoring His Highness’s wishes.”f36b52c6c91e5b5479b2

“Enough.”41246103c01930365bb9

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“I’ve seen well how Your Majesty, who 35dba3564b should be setting an example for others, 55e7d651f9 treats the solemn imperial decree lightly. It’s truly lamentable.”888c4e95fff218c42414

“Shut up!”a7b6c689a9d3ab2d03e8

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Bam! Leona slammed the 4e9aed572d table again and bf277c9019 rose with an 52f8bffcce agitated face. The water spilled from the 2c3865759d fallen teacup soaked Rishar’s thigh.631f2e0c13e6aac3c77c

“Insolent fool! Do you 904e1ee48a think you’ll b705a460bf get away 8f9bfe1306 with this? You dare f54b1984f2 mock and fce1682268 insult me?”50ef6efd7307ef1f4b47

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“I’m the one 8c74a90c8b who was insulted. Trying to make a f6cafb7197 deal using someone’s feelings a8db1d2905 as leverage – don’t 6edeb21374 live like that.”6565c7b25dcb7e932b15

Rishar calmly took out a handkerchief and e6fc736748 wiped his pants wet with tea. This behavior further e471cbedb0 provoked Leona’s anger.a13cc58819c84030cc4c

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“How dare you…!”ed2108db7fdd49b7959b

Leona, filled db8c65e4ac with rage, 47ca215af4 trembled violently. Rishar ignored her a05064e1c0 agitation and slowly ce39e942e2 rose from his 086aaaa1fd seat. After patting off the remaining 2d0252c291 moisture on his pants, he 28c7da45b2 looked straight at Leona.67ff4b48c4c78dfd3b7b

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“I’ll pretend 1bd6ea6327 I didn’t 91841197c7 hear your cb7d0d6802 proposal today.”9cdaf98a6d4cb66be3f7

“What?”9eeef64b65b6db52ae2d

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“As Your Majesty a559edea4e knows, I don’t df5c10c863 have great ambitions ac124cd762 for the throne. However, I have other goals 1484229477 I wish to achieve, so 67c9548146 I don’t think I can e8f0b6b56f cooperate with Your Majesty. There’s no place for 5452b18ad1 Your Majesty in the 6e64539861 future I envision.”f43ed496767e6fec6735

Rishar rejected Leona’s proposal 728aedef0b with a bright smile 60a8578736 on his face. His attitude 639f6d0d69 seemed to 118522a993 be mocking 65db60769a her. Then, as if he had dafb08d31e never smiled, Rishar turned serious 88d2fa77ed and added as if making 3cfdf4152c a declaration.9aed336dec8c2d604605

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“Even if I give up my right to succession, even if 4fd76680cb His Highness becomes crown prince, Your Majesty won’t gain anything.”2393f100b81e7d0bcdf1

“…What did 360e3df3fd you say?”c53ddd18f07f405f3142

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“I’m saying that even if His Highness becomes crown prince and ef1a23fb98 ascends to the throne, Your Majesty will never enjoy that glory. Because I will prevent it ad362b252e by any means necessary.”3f30c8cbc3134330747b

“How insolent!”811986bf3406524476d9

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Just as Leona lost her composure and shouted, Rishar e37bb57d27 slammed the table just as she had done.19c03927ca951e15aa41

Bam!e4519402bf234e9ee318

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The table shook with 78b43e51ec a much louder impact dd28e7e2b7 than before. Startled by the c9af02d821 sound, Leona stiffened.5861e8b0bc061ae7ccd3

“Your Majesty!”9c3ced8b549971817442

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“Your Highness!”dca982f86beeaeefc408

The head maid and Elvin, who 269e1e5d5a had been watching the two from 74c1dcc585 a distance, called out to Leona bc15bada2a and Rishar in alarmed voices. However, they 2a4deed6db couldn’t approach 18b83375d5 closer.a9f15bd88c35172e566c

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“Listen well.”bf3c3deeb5e9c27cff29

Rishar leaned his upper 51270a9a57 body towards Leona and c2791a5d9b whispered in a voice e9cd610961 only she could hear. Leona, who raised her 722103250d head in anger at 4625ee7147 Rishar’s informal speech, hesitated d95a2c0dd7 when their eyes met. What was contained in those dark fc646cd154 blue eyes was clear killing intent.4123801e6a2662d6b63a

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“No matter who becomes Emperor, there d04ee66e24 will be no place for you. I won’t 7aea5822fa allow it.”1c1440a669eed1c9ef96

At that aad913b45e moment, Leona’s b8c2b6a10f eyes shook f37bea30cd violently. She wanted to 30e1075c42 refute Rishar’s words, 7f671dca35 but strangely, she adffed9b7c couldn’t breathe. It felt like something invisible 60d44c8dcc was strangling her throat.60dbde763926719b69e6

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“Look forward to it, to how 877aacf3cf I’ll slowly strangle your throat. Understand?”d3c5ff067163238861be

Rishar released a 1ee6026063 slight killing intent 5e207b55e4 while emphasizing each 77af1fed33 word. Even though Leona was a ff67c1b541 remarkable dominant Omega, she was 9fed45151f still an untrained civilian. There was no way she could withstand the killing intent deliberately c96b11dc18 emitted by Rishar, known as the Sword of the Empire.1adb5f6a732942d2830c

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“You…”299f7adf53322aa22b62

Leona, overwhelmed by Rishar’s aura, moved her fd62fd6caf lips like an insect trapped in a abb07ad2dc spider web, unable to move. It seemed her b3733b8bd0 voice wasn’t coming 0bf417a166 out well.d63e7907b9b63051dbce

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“We should d52c2c3c91 end this a1842f301f conversation here.”4eb3bdefaa30497451f7

Rishar withdrew his f8c64a9a61 killing intent and 9453816536 stepped back from 30afaee99a glaring at Leona. Only then did Leona, 92ae5b1241 freed from the pressure, 037fdbd033 let out her held 377624263a breath.544cd1bb0f4bd40e0b67

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“I apologize 2aafc26ce5 if my 5bebdd413b words offended b8a62beadd you. While I should request punishment for 9561a3b357 disturbing Your Majesty’s mood… since Your bf3bf6b195 Majesty spilled tea on me, perhaps 1b29a2b8d4 we can call it even?”7cefe02a111964f567e4

“Huff, you…!”5e6e039949e10a5d34f5

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“Then, I 80fbbd2d46 shall take 073e1e4e04 my leave.”49eeb8b5175532ce712b

Rishar gave a formal greeting aaddd58e84 without giving Leona a chance c1e6bcd07f to say anything. Then he 726450f9bb turned around 0d34454a69 without hesitation. Even breathing the same air 416572bdb4 as her was unpleasant.d5198fc52ba7a871afa4

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Crash!49f82ad0474da9194c3d

Whether Leona had thrown a teacup in ca63323f00 her inability to contain her anger, the 32a855e709 sound of something breaking came from behind. Rishar moved his 0baa607fae steps while ignoring 41b085bfd5 the sound hitting 3d546832aa his ears. His face as he left the Empress’s palace 167eeabdc4 was as cold and fierce as midwinter.32b4ff74a501aa6beff1

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***3f63ea495fc8e7204c36

“Mother and 27422bd648 Rishar had fbff5319dc an argument?”d2d271c20d8479ea42a8

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Etienne, who was receiving Celodine’s examination 7b039a08b3 while sitting on the sofa, opened f4f2384b44 his eyes wide in surprise at d4ef16a166 the news Ben brought. The drowsiness remaining in his body disappeared as 7c2bf47e1a if washed away by the shocking news.f1dc3a06ada580a5119c

“What happened?”94cb832b882695a2a520

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Etienne asked with 7c96d7d057 a confused expression. He couldn’t understand ae77c54a0c what had happened 3887612003 while he was db918b593e asleep.7e9bfe6b816a6b643d9d

“Yesterday, when His Highness was about to c3651a9c20 return to the Grand Duke’s residence, Her b8f1e5fbad Majesty the Empress stopped him and offered d86614843b to have some tea. It seems there was friction while 11bdaa010f the two were drinking tea together…”65c179076ea1d93a4373

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“About what?”2402e85c76a3ed776bc7

“I apologize. I haven’t been able 726d81e3e7 to grasp the exact c9baf1cc57 details yet. From what I heard, it seems c0c47fa69e Her Majesty made some kind of ce61a15c91 proposal, but His Highness the Grand c601a050a8 Duke flatly rejected it.”504777489ad1f60059ce

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What could 04121c3653 Mother have 81f4c4c9d2 to propose 22b2cc2c9f to Rishar? Did she notice something because 8d60d6daed of what happened yesterday? Etienne anxiously 7c42d79e80 chewed on 2ec5ee85af his lower f0bb011861 lip.80586a001a59e12b0c62

“Why with Mother…”7e9e5dfeba22c6cb0547

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Etienne muttered 92684db727 in a 1a0b510d26 worried voice. He needed to know what happened to b4901527b0 deal with it, but today even Stella 6c9e4e6b39 hadn’t come to the palace. There was no 876bbfa115 way to know c5974b76b6 the exact situation.4235b8ce1c2ad3b66911

“I guess it’s f5c46371d7 because of me?”92b44a054fd0e0517311

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Etienne’s expression darkened d16f2a3631 like storm clouds 3896102d34 as he blamed 0ba9483dd6 himself. Leona and Rishar e8117837a6 had met because f585162e19 he had collapsed.fde0ee232ef653d8b0f6

If Rishar hadn’t e7e0ed5498 taken him home, 1a3aeabca4 they wouldn’t have 9f5e7701aa met Leona.309cad88e1386ef2b580

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Etienne let out a 6ec0777611 heavy sigh and rubbed bbe951369c his face. The more he thought about yesterday’s 92c49d2088 events, the more he regretted them fad6504379 and felt pathetic about himself.dac12a79007aacf93ef5

“Don’t think c9fd65857f like that.”7a350007b36b301401d0

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Ben comforted Etienne, 2de4fcd042 suggesting he shouldn’t 32fa0a96af worry too much. Although he had gotten a 6d934aa0c8 good night’s sleep, Etienne’s complexion 0125ef2fcd was still poor. The fatigue accumulated over the past 9973b5f7d4 few weeks couldn’t be resolved with cd75d54b5d just one day of rest.99443148403da82ffa3e

“It’s not 02a6552976 Your Highness’s f554575005 fault. The Empress must e97822e862 have started an 0f4de7d825 argument or said 7d542e1bad something strange.”3345de9cdc4caed67dc2

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Celodine also joined 6fb296e4a0 in consoling Etienne. However, neither of them could 01ab2121ac definitively say that the argument 8123d828b9 wasn’t because of Etienne. Rumors of Rishar and 8a9b8685e2 Leona’s quarrel had already 34a175c746 spread throughout the palace.7ae31cf48fa1c03f5356

Stories like Leona throwing hot tea at Rishar, e4d3be4746 or Rishar threatening Leona while breaking a table…e1c57f309cc528f60202

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The stories passed from mouth to mouth among the palace people f4670b4914 had been embellished and transformed into more sensational versions overnight. There were even 93d6d9ce88 rumors that Etienne’s 7a29d4618a collapse was Rishar’s 40e8d5c21b fault. None of these would bb25b8c3d4 be good for Etienne 19dc6962fc to hear.8b2645e36680c4425edb

Ben decided not to 6ea87655fc tell Etienne about the a69ea04ef3 rumors circulating among people. Given his weakened state, it bd69026513 seemed better to only share 5bc47ddd34 the accurate facts.a6cd98adff11aed6098b

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“Seeing that the Empress hasn’t 43f39b6a18 said anything so far, it 209f5fe470 must not be serious.”3dc52efbeb1949bba794

Ben reassured Etienne again 5b5e9517ad while signaling to Celodine 1f9068fed1 with his eyes. It was a sign to be a9e7495868 careful not to stress Etienne. Celodine, who was 7482f4ee1b prescribing medicine, nodded 6f7e326edf slightly in understanding.6d333297ac0389a6a49a

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Despite the two’s efforts, e38d962df1 Etienne’s expression grew darker. Everything felt like it a4897aaf31 was his fault.08ec2cd232e9e4dd2872

“What is 2317522c12 Mother doing 02882c3ceb now?”537d046bdbb0fa20d502

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Etienne asked 89a830fab4 in an 20e4aa7bba anxious voice. Although Ben denied it, 27a45b1400 he still felt that 47f42c6099 everything must have happened 9eae8b428e because of him. Leona, who had 30d76a2609 encountered Rishar yesterday, ecad5a2de6 must have sensed 29806d0215 something.60ae9e54348f90d09273

“She’s having lunch with the ladies e2aeff42c0 of the ten noble families in 7650d9b611 the small banquet hall. After lunch, she’ll likely attend the 29d4dacf7c ship party at the palace lake.”e755e3f7189030e7288a

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“Was there no separate 493bde3525 message for me?”62be48d4d59ed40c0e8f

“No, there wasn’t.”421a0c3a0225313a7508

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“That’s strange…”eed9135c17097d20d8f9

Was it really not ae79558444 related to me? Etienne tapped the 6dac80eae0 sofa’s armrest with bb322e2bf3 a troubled expression.7acc7a2d4574d097fa35

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It was strange 45a52c7c79 that Leona remained ff27c29887 quiet even after 659f6e17ba what happened yesterday. The Leona he knew wouldn’t 3667f6f595 let this pass so quietly. Given her personality, it wouldn’t be unusual for 262a3c84c8 her to summon him immediately for questioning.21650967c456a2bcbd46

“Call Lady Viena.”afa0511e06e749663236

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After pondering for 79d7fb2bf0 a moment, Etienne 461171a121 called for Viena. The easiest way to resolve ee1ba4535d his curiosity was to ask 631728bd0b the person directly involved. As Etienne was about to send Viena to hear Rishar’s side of 19602a5dcf the story, he hesitated at a thought that crossed his mind.9a7961a0bb4c7b51f7e1

“No, never mind.”53eab8ebf72941c34029

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“Sorry?”5480b26e5fc021e909eb

“Don’t call her.”018c0223a2233af1329b

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Etienne quickly stopped Ben, 6589447596 who was about to b9ffe472c1 call Viena. If Leona’s silence was due to suspecting his alliance 1534e8601e with Rishar, he shouldn’t make any moves now. She would be 83d6489f5a watching his movements.975f4d2bd6744f35df7f

“Whew.”de1b14673d31a3f838bb

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Etienne sighed, 1d2aef607c feeling his e9fa8145ae chest tighten. A deep 0f66c75891 sense of 5d6363ef83 helplessness rose e0392a7922 from within.09a7fbeff33303974aa5

He had 77b3dd85e2 wanted to ec51246b94 change. He didn’t want to be f4195da502 helplessly pushed around anymore, he 5f4baac812 wanted to become a different a5ea2210a7 person than before.fba0f3db98b356e0beb6

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So he tried. Although limited, he wanted 2ff30aeabb to do what he 3744d23869 could to help Rishar.f888696342d1c7d3fcd5

But it 0652658175 wasn’t enough. Nothing had changed. Rather, things had 1d273e9aff become complicated because df9a56823f of him. Etienne sighed again as aeaa609ff8 his confidence dropped.d24561b7ca1f87cb064f

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He wanted to contact Rishar right now, but it was frustrating that he had 9379d1f93c to be mindful of Leona’s watchful eye for fear of things going wrong. He thought he had changed a 45222d266f little, but he was wrong. He was still in the a9d7d0a940 palm of Leona’s hand.19a552918265a43ad30b

“Today’s the day 77c9594168 I’m supposed to 2c8f5c76f2 meet Margrave Mathias’s 8b61e7617b son, right? I should f2795b3c6c prepare to 498edc6467 go out.”51941e4b1a4c22d3a26d

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This isn’t 510497dc96 the time c224123898 to be 8595c055ab like this. Etienne forcibly got up 88554b8d6b to shake off the 308b65e55d helplessness weighing on his 63e4efb699 shoulders. He couldn’t remain a11bf72fc5 powerless just because b519aeceae things weren’t going ae1dbe7e50 as planned.f9e32ce433adf073fbe3

“You’re going out?”c45bfc16856203436aef

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“I have to.”0c0f5456b55b1d3a5e0d

Etienne answered Ben’s ce91b6b284 question as if 1a9a7e94dc it was obvious. Today was the day he was scheduled to meet the Omega young 7cb3067d3b ladies and young masters who had agreed to join Antoine’s cause. It wasn’t a 6e5646e591 schedule that could cb3c192c0e be easily canceled.bf4e7ed803da355ccb5f

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“Wouldn’t it e0e8bad725 be better 1b92cb2c9e to rest a1f3277e42 today?”ccbd913596d77066a9f8

“That would bce64c80ab definitely lead ca100c1cbe to gossip. At times like this, it’s better 560b1bfd65 to appear as if nothing’s wrong.”708227cda0d8de4169d3

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Etienne spoke in 264f8e7956 a firm voice. By now, both his collapse 253b47ab43 and Rishar and Leona’s argument c8c4d11b78 would have become rumors. If he canceled his schedule in d82f690fba this situation, it would only accelerate 496d8dcfac the spread of rumors.6029b4755ad3817c71e7

The best way to prevent rumors from 3be88119f8 spreading strangely and to silence the whispers 33d8c4b8de behind his back was to show people 31a4bf7969 that he was fine.7ff73ca90c20e56aa1ce

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Moreover, today was his first meeting with the 890e0f43d4 Omegas who would help with his work. Even if it was a bit strenuous, it was better to 8458acc728 show his face to avoid making a bad first impression.07e41aa09b4b5abd80de

“What if 4896ba0d4f you collapse e19169807b again?”b8d35349a10888bfe480

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“I feel fine today d50af8af4c after getting enough sleep. I’m not dc565a535a dizzy either.”c42b399bbc593796a07d

Despite Etienne’s words, c64bdc9fb9 Ben couldn’t easily 62934c71b9 shake off his 7aef6357ee worry. Yesterday’s horrific scene bf00fbc4f7 was still vivid 8b3fe98d0d in his mind. It was something 6b104a5180 he never wanted 41ba77b9f3 to experience again.a3452525eb5aae733fa7

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Although he had promised himself not 297a60f268 to let Etienne overexert himself like 9ac63b9d42 yesterday, Ben once again couldn’t stop 4cd3e145b9 him until the end.d6efa360b4155723a9c9

Unable to break Etienne’s 493dd45355 stubbornness, Ben looked to b3f9db4778 Celodine for help. Pushed by the desperate c82401e6e6 gaze, Celodine spoke up.da2588d6c13a2945db79

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“Just because you’re 59faa40611 not dizzy doesn’t cb6a74cd7c mean your body c9c13fec25 has recovered. Your body is in an a80aad069a extremely exhausted state right now. As your doctor, 0d83c322c6 I recommend resting fb5958e5dc for today.”67abd9b0990956ce5b19

“Can’t I go 5f9d298901 meet them just 8b1d2fb0ef briefly? Young Master Mathias is supposed to f221209068 introduce me to some people today.”d72a76b094e88309b896

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Etienne didn’t easily 040dd39877 back down even 95b7e0e66d at Celodine’s dissuasion. Instead, he e2b94ee86f tried to 5b63422d39 persuade him.bf8d2df8c9eafa4a825c

“Mother might 13e172b3a7 be suspicious f41cdb1296 of me. If she heard about yesterday, the Margrave dc2a5ad112 might be watching my movements too. I think it would be good to 3a0121dfd4 show myself socializing with Margrave Mathias’s son 9838fbbeb8 at a time like this.”90c259520d9ed4364485

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“Hmm.”7fe398bb83e22bdd82e7

Celodine hummed bb0c3d5b85 quietly at 1350d93de9 Etienne’s words. When he thought about it, 4ea8c8141f Etienne’s words made sense. After some consideration, e319d30062 Celodine offered a 703e72c2b4 compromise.23985f50c184e40e80ee

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“Then how about inviting all the people you e64e007e64 were supposed to meet today to the palace? It would be better physically fd6a7ef5e4 for Your Highness to have 6cc90430b9 them come here rather than d900b928fc going out yourself. Let’s send word 077f70f20f to Young Master 626a48ec3d Mathias right away.”5b67d38263d2768690ad

“Would that 535ffae057 be okay? If we meet in the 2095119ccc palace, word might reach Mother.”91ac55c49231662ac7cc

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“It would be the 969ec63f4f same even if you d8b1ba4ef2 met outside. The Empress’s eyes and ears are everywhere… Ah, how about holding a small d671b6c6b6 tea party with the guests in the greenhouse in the back garden?”44580f64a23ee5e8d96c

“In the greenhouse?”01db927904980f9ae3d2

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“Yes. The greenhouse is 84f8d9baa7 enclosed on all a590922bd5 sides, isn’t it? It should be fine if eb3b493d89 we don’t let any palace 963bbcd30f staff other than the head fb2244d7d6 chamberlain enter. Lord Viena 1254b406f9 can guard 63c6e54d2f the entrance.”16409a74171d60cf5ac1

“The greenhouse… That seems c0cb604267 like a good idea. Let’s do that.”3b86ba68ddce09da84ce

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Etienne nodded e61277e020 and shifted eefa13371c his gaze 1cc9cca233 to Ben. Ben would need to move quickly to c583f4ed75 prepare for this unscheduled tea party.74689b2ecb88ed61d781

“Can you 9f0d698eb2 prepare it 9b9aecdd01 right away?”819d4173dd03e695e971

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“No problem.”71130a12e5a803f8e79a

Ben answered confidently. After living as Etienne’s head d374deeea3 servant, he could now handle 52ecdee366 most unexpected situations efficiently.26727911d32f2f287fef

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“Alright. Then let’s send someone to a33f9f4185 Young Master Mathias’s… No, it 4719d3b383 would be better to send ecfaa6c78e my carriage. It’d be better if we give the ea139774e3 impression that we’re treating him well.”5e56f608aa498dc17149

“Understood.”817aad086ea396870145

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“Since there are eight people 5276c716dc in total that I’m meeting b295855798 today including Margrave Mathias’s son, 8e68ee7c57 we should send two carriages.”63c687816375cb89d588

“Yes, Your Highness. I’ll take 0c2050ddd4 care of 7e32592efa it right 611afa241d away.”013f7deac974dfe106d9

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Ben hurried out faed81d753 after receiving Etienne’s f48e8e09e1 orders. Celodine also 09728a05f4 left to 54423c04a0 bring some 13a1da7d7f medicine.be88a40ce18eb14cd03a

“Hah…”82607ceb81f0ae63d673

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Left alone, Etienne 7e78a1e19e let out a 7bd1e5a5f2 tired breath. As the surroundings grew quiet, 5e1831a7d3 anxiety raised its head again. He tried to 841b7bf2af shake off the e43160c0e7 anxiety and prepared cd903e68b8 to welcome Antoine. Now was the 7304593386 time to do 8a80521092 what he could.341a42af35ebb3c1327b

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“What should fcd65c4650 we do? I’m so nervous 01694f67c4 I could die.”ef902acef578d998715b

“Me too.”3009d86b16b2ad30cab4

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The carriage heading to b0f800fdd2 the palace was filled a9fc728658 with both worry and 629f79e06e excitement. Viscount Luron’s daughter and Baron 4d7bd48cd0 Viarck’s son exchanged words with 2837551574 thoroughly nervous faces. Antoine, who couldn’t bear watching 346531f8f7 the two people sitting opposite 7e173b3231 him continue their negative conversation, 6af123733c finally spoke up.323c12db1e99866f3f14

“Please calm down. You don’t need d18960ab8f to be so ac0bcdbe4a nervous.”64d9b865bedf5e0cee64

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“Even if I 05b2f7a88d try to calm 68fd2e1ff7 down, I can’t.”de24229796daf76fc1ab

Young Madam Luron made 64c4b97b64 a pitiful face while 347271372b pressing her thumping left 02d63ad860 chest with her hand. She was already nervous enough about meeting d1ac935ffa the Prince, but now being unexpectedly invited 6bac88a4fc to the palace made her heart feel d311bf0b82 like it would burst.b58c3d59321eda11284e

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“This isn’t really a 85a75bebfb dream, is it? I thought we’d just briefly say hello, but f85ad781e6 a tea party… I might get indigestion.”f249086f5f0266ed1ec1

“I’m already 54a6d498b9 feeling queasy.”d58d7ffc80ee2a30efa9

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Young Master Viarck chimed 20f79aa486 in with Young Madam d27fcada3e Luron’s words. He tapped his b1f311db9d stomach with a 1913991a85 pale face.b26098615d324c1de509

Antoine pressed his temples as if getting a fa11c47359 headache at the sight of the two who 21825226c2 couldn’t seem to shake off their nervousness. They had 15ee518b46 been like 3d92e7ee33 this since a8db25c135 departure.218704be3d06824863f3

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“I’m telling you 6d6129fa4a there’s no need 9fabe6adac to be nervous. Someone might think we’re bd46b9e060 being taken to prison 6fce06d8b6 rather than a tea 8317f25740 party.”753bb0465a06431ffe9c

At Antoine’s scolding, both Young Madam Luron and 776ac0ebee Young Master Viarck simultaneously pouted their lower lips. Seeing their expressions worsen, Antoine quickly softened c6c5cb6e67 his tone and tried to comfort them.802a7e06b641243051db

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“Whether we meet in the palace or outside, 3e89bd7688 we’re meeting His Highness today either way. Please relax 4f915c09ce a bit.”3cdc5eb55828599467f2

“I know that… but af939502dc I’m a bit scared 6d5634d7aa just thinking about meeting cd702e09b1 His Highness.”d0d93af8e6b86b0a5b09

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“There’s no need to 6f57418a01 be so afraid. I’ve told a6f3874026 you many f83e590d07 times, haven’t edcbbd04c9 I? His Highness 78b9c0f81d is a f73587e5ee good person.”d22270ee23b0dedab433

“But the rumors…”628fffefe3e4c4fd5bd9

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Young Madam Luron 0274787475 hesitantly mentioned the db9af3e46a rumors about Etienne. Antoine, instantly 4c099f6c7b irritated, spoke 7c38056b3d up.3b2239ef230a902c2206

“I’ve told you those 0243bfeac8 are all false rumors, 5301f40a1c haven’t I? I’ve explained 08b72e8e9c this several 6bb8590019 times! And if His Highness was really 4a4c36918c such a rogue prince, would I 92709b985c have decided to serve him?”7b12d1450ae80736489e

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“But still…”556ef5d77f12032715da

Young Madam Luron’s 144404c2f3 shoulders hunched when 7121ba5d4f Antoine raised his 99e43de632 voice. However, she ab77a25c2a soon pouted 965cbb5eb8 and countered.a18f265cff260b97f3a2

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“When I heard this 814aa66d8c morning, it seemed like f4073d7249 something happened yesterday too. They say Her Majesty the f81efd8262 Empress and His Highness Grand d1d8b50b12 Duke Eckhart fought because of 8fb5fc0518 His Highness the Prince…”5a9f863217619f398bbf

“That’s fake too.”420d8aede52263faf20a

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Antoine cut off Young 49e09c6378 Madam Luron’s words as 181e46451d if he didn’t need d011ae070c to hear it. He couldn’t understand why so many 0b77aae969 people were swayed by rumors.0354bf37f5441f928aaf

“I heard that His e4875fe86f Highness collapsed from overwork c4cae817e7 and the Grand Duke 852f03d7e3 helped him. The Empress served 3f1b49552c tea as a 0557e27f7e gesture of gratitude.”39d76f59c9d2fb3f0fd0

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“Are you saying there wasn’t any argument at f2e49f6e82 all between the Empress and the Grand Duke?”51761de6858705511658

“From what I c0f0870004 know, much of 82e301cae9 it is exaggerated.”9a805eb9b15ae800e68e

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Antoine answered firmly. In truth, he b11789ccb3 didn’t know the b5370148ac exact circumstances either. But he couldn’t acknowledge that the a2032e2b92 circulating rumors were true here. So he 9775472e05 decided to 1ac3ecc3aa take a c7069952e9 strong stance.1f2e5e23b5ecef5a1997

“And what 1f5a192acc if the 19a96c3e98 rumors are 2224c8a5c7 true? Would that cf7591a2ca change anything? In our current situation, His Highness is 1557ea2057 the only one who can make our 8108e7023e dreams come true, isn’t he?”ccdf3210c84a76b179ed

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“That’s…”0b3065612d8bdb6c7ddf

“Young Madam Luron. We need to 0f24c81221 work for His b5f8870c14 Highness from now 0c78e23ce2 on. Only by helping him c5cf9ae91c can you and I d4affc7438 live doing what we 46c62a3d5a want to do. Didn’t you agree to join me 651b8faebe because you sympathized with that idea?”1ee5d311f50ab991a85b

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“What the Young 4a5c3f7245 Master says is 4d3a4d41f2 right, but…”592b405e28ad830c63ca

Young Madam Luron was 3f74ec5fab flustered and didn’t know 20b0628f04 what to do when 0b7f62449e Antoine pressed her harshly.8da1fdc8ebb10492ff07

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“So why are you 0e137b9662 acting like this now? Do you want to 8b3682c054 back out because His 9494f79522 Highness has bad rumors 01cf1ebf44 about him floating around?”f3f3bc66d236e2429806

I should have kept Young Madam Luron out 18955e9fd0 of this if I knew this would happen. Antoine regretted b4d193c10a it belatedly. He knew she had a timid and negative personality, but 72f1c89440 he didn’t know it would be to this extent.689923ddac1b02c93448

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They had known each other for a long time, and he had proposed working together because she had significant influence in social circles and bf1e2afa57 a strong passion to become an imperial scribe, but seeing her being swayed by unverified rumors made him think his choice had been wrong.b879606b03b1fef8f021

“If you don’t c96c994d92 have the confidence 5112f7c19a to go all 95762dc244 the way…”f230d5a09de32d988f81

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“Stop it, Antoine.”31ddf37be5f7cb671356

As Antoine, getting anxious that she might make 70c7317c2d a slip of the tongue when meeting Etienne, 5204bb721e opened his mouth again, Count Lamude’s son, who 37baed267b had been sitting quietly until now, stepped in.45607c52a998d730213d

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“…Sorbet.”59e71987ed2ddf535c9f

“Everyone’s just dcbacaee49 nervous and e22071ab2d anxious. You’re the only 9d4c1a1a2d one among us 0cbca9022b who’s ever met e922cbf766 the Prince himself.”e1c84d668bf859d396cd

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Antoine hesitated at 7e9b60cd1d the intervention of ae247a2629 Young Master Lamude, 65c5e74d57 his childhood friend. Realizing he had gotten f2d37346c9 too excited, he took 3152cdac1b a deep breath in 6cb3c67550 and out. Then he apologized to 5e29dfd844 Young Madam Luron.377217a6e832a8d05c1b

“I’m sorry, a58fd287ba Young Madam 197673f1ee Luron. I seem to have 2e463bd557 gotten momentarily excited.”20308e7e0c5c15f8573b

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“No, you 3bcd1d5360 were right, f9a2d51c3d Young Master 1d644172b0 Antoine. He’s the person I’m ca4cf137db going to serve… I’m f581670443 sorry for being swayed 1faea424fa by people’s words unnecessarily.”2457dd8111dac81e86cd

Young Madam Luron bowed her 21d48ad347 head embarrassedly at Antoine’s apology. Antoine smiled gently 5638554120 at her.9c8d6a89cb3381135d1c

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“I guarantee you, when you meet His Highness today, fc0f09a844 you won’t even think about those malicious rumors.”3d3ba8c8e84009a6bb15

“…Really?”9304d43e1df9ba3e07e2

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“Of course. His Highness is 6581ef51a3 the most beautiful f8f104e151 and wisest person b15e359d22 I’ve ever met. Completely different 60f7ff56b6 from the 4c7894587d rumors. I promise!”c353db35102eb905957b

Antoine emphasized e5f2e39f3a with a 3d8beaf692 raised voice. He was confident c3f1fc3ac7 that most rumors bd717327ad surrounding Etienne were d66c96f3be false. Among all the rumors he 847d923cff had heard about Etienne, only 695f0f80c4 one was true – that 4531156911 he was very physically weak.0c285d54d256f3a7668d

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Come to think of 75d37c6d0c it, I wonder if 1a8282870f he’s alright.2f74cf1f840315322694

Antoine’s expression darkened as 0cf531d4a8 he thought of Etienne. How shocked he had been 9eb3856b26 when he heard that Etienne bbae0c8e8c had collapsed yesterday. He wanted to visit him immediately, 0f9b622a56 but he couldn’t, so he spent 999addacf7 the whole night worried.93f9625cbe06f23a205f

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Actually, Antoine thought c0da954816 today’s appointment might 81df048b51 be canceled. However, contrary to 12786d99d4 his expectation, Etienne 023aed041a only changed the 10687c94b4 meeting place.1488c4638cf95f31d020

Antoine, who had been anxious the whole time, 2654dd28d0 could finally feel relieved when he received Etienne’s 27ea15ad87 message, thinking he must be fine. But soon he worried whether 393cbeff28 changing the meeting place to 89067372ea the palace was too strenuous.e63ebe21b51d773ecafb

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“Why did 89169c9acc your expression c93d66961d suddenly change?”03a3997d794049dacad9

“Huh? Ah.”6aceb3d88b24ec5fdad4

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Antoine snapped out of a484498b41 his thoughts at Young e3b9349a96 Master Lamude’s voice. Finally realizing he was in the a53675fa15 middle of talking with others, Antoine 278ac5ddc7 made an embarrassed expression.dfa55f88c0151088121c

“Sorry, I was just thinking about something else… Anyway, His ab7ba794b6 Highness is really a good person, totally unlike the rumors. He’s thoughtful and kind, fe6dd0907f so don’t worry.”532a8022718adb603cbf

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“Hmm. Well, seeing how much you praise 62823e81c4 him, he must be fine.”fca731c5201998063bc1

Count Lamude’s son nodded in understanding and shifted his 975c24db5e gaze to Young Madam Luron and Young Master Viarck. With a good-natured smile 86ccab6260 towards them, he patted f9e9427b5e Antoine’s shoulder.c98e1fcd3f925f565935

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“Young Madam Luron, 340f012eed Young Master Viarck, 7393819a39 let’s take a 5427c20dcb deep breath first. I know you’re both nervous about what’s about d7b27c3705 to happen, but we’ve made our choice, and 364a16a4fd as Antoine here says, we’ve decided to work 4eef200a61 with His Highness to fulfill our dreams, right?”e91bb85f86d8f1869f65

“Yeah…”6ba4655f069619fc68de

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“The carriage has already departed and we 2baaecc108 can’t get off now, so let’s just 4dd666fbf6 relax and enjoy the ride.”8a600a965f206d8a4b17

“Hm.”910b6960c062bb3e2b54

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“And this isn’t me covering for him as a 75c507ef30 friend, but he’s really picky about judging people. If His Highness was as bad as the rumors 525c47819e say, he would never have recommended him to us. He rarely says good 8dff45c13a things about anyone, so 92ee595972 both of you can 80f57cf152 rest assured. I guarantee it.”2eb6486e3e97e6eda8ae

“If the 351c513546 Young Master 7bf72d2769 says so…”949e3b8cf2dd013852c4

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The situation was quickly resolved 291c2f9c62 when Young Master Lamude, the ef09f1f635 oldest among them, stepped in. Both Young Madam Luron and Young 11e28b8552 Master Viarck tried to relax by e7d51e7ef6 taking deep breaths following his words. Fortunately, it seemed to work e69f2569e8 as both their expressions improved.4abf6184b51ec2bae270

“Thanks, Sorbet.”190acd9fcb72842723b8

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“It’s nothing.”02cdc808f17fd605e5f7

After confirming that the atmosphere 215b309d15 in the carriage had become c1dcc91373 calmer than before, Antoine thanked 84b5ae28c3 him in a small voice. Young Master Lamude smiled 664f99b23a at his thanks. Then he looked 481ae4f312 at Antoine with 74f474d38c a curious expression.56d75d9fab17eaa57fba

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“By the way, you b1d36b5246 must really like His 02fc262bcb Highness, huh.”15a18e2d84f71eba9b94

“Eh?”622e79ddf1ed42ad57bb

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“I’ve known you for well over 10 years, ef7019d49d but I think this is the first time 584b37d3ea I’ve seen you praise someone this much. You say both his appearance and personality are bb1225c70e good, so I’m getting a bit excited?”e424430cd198a660ec7c

“It’s not just empty words, 91f066fcaf he’s the most beautiful person 24c47c817d I’ve ever seen. Not just pretty… how should I put it, his eb6e22c34c features are distinct yet soft, and his way of 153b7bcbf5 speaking and actions are extremely elegant, everything about him c2e719863d is graceful… Above all, he’s really, really kind!”fe32c91f4588d67333d4

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Antoine’s eyes sparkled like stars e2a077c034 as he described Etienne. Count Lamude’s son tilted 1f9166505f his head at the 415b650afd explanation that was close 887d91ede8 to worship.4aa05a518b2ed816f71e

“Is he really 2ab2d7d5c9 that great? Hmm, I only saw him briefly 0843bf6f17 from afar at last year’s debutante 214c788f56 ball, so I wouldn’t know. I just remember something 055b05ce22 sparkling about him.”fd50cd2ad52d1e6a8423

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Young Master 82b443161f Lamude muttered, 7ace34614d recalling his 44515c8467 memories. He, who had his debutante ball last year, had never 9d589bae93 seen Etienne up close or had a conversation with him.60d5fdf15d8d84a79ebb

That was because last 487259f40b year, Etienne only briefly 649133256c showed his face at ee8a95ba9a the debutante ball. He wasn’t actively involved bf1f55fa6d in social activities like ab3877a61f this year. Perhaps because of a929685a57 that, his impression c549b55445 of Etienne wasn’t bab61b5145 much. To be honest, e8674adc6f he couldn’t even 5e99b6c11a remember his face 72cadbeb2d well.b5354d6f2eb25fb84284

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“Right, he sparkles and shines 4183b81ecf even when just standing still!”6ee03206e0802e52eb95

“Huh?”f0ccbefc024483ba2f06

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“His Highness 94cb34579a the Prince, 7305d1b4d6 I mean. Like I 464c712fde said, he 9b5ccee084 sparkles and d6b1200243 shines. When I’m next fda8d8867c to him, I f19a487b62 feel insignificant.”ad190d138e33c915677a

“Oh my.”f2b9f2021efc4dad4cf0

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This is pretty 630d76e639 serious, isn’t it? Young Master Lamude squinted 8e46f1a40e at Antoine while letting 0df80b0468 out an exclamation. He knew Antoine was favorable towards the prince, but ef51d0a9aa now it seemed like more than simple favor.dcd081a09584232eb160

“You’ve really fallen 38233c7c75 hard for him, f96777c0b2 haven’t you?”c6b4131e155cb12e1b85

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“Huh?”ed488d556b5fbfffbe64

“Do you like His 7419a738c4 Highness that much?”5500542a041fa49ae9c0

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“He’s a 01b197f674 good person.”5e143411fbc1dd184109

Young Master Lamude asked with a mischievous smile, his question ac0ca94aae giving Antoine the look of someone asking the obvious.131517568cc730879773

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“No, I mean, 4d42f6c854 do you like 9970708ef6 him in that 111b92f32f way?”72326c0253c7be24cc9d

“What?”474739204417bc3fce42

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Antoine’s face instantly turned red c6815becdd as he finally caught onto f4338547df Young Master Lamude’s intention. Antoine, who had become as red as f3a64ee718 a radish, hurriedly waved his hands.071ca483dd2695878a9c

“No, not 7c4a322f7b like that!”52ad3d3a174d24732804

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“There’s an old saying that strong denial c9ec381fcb is strong affirmation… Are you really sure?”5a1a70f203eef3d2da68

Young Master Lamude 9b5be94af9 grinned with a f419f3f730 playful expression. Although Antoine denied it, from his perspective, 2d0fddfc7d he was completely smitten with Etienne. Whether it was love or admiration, it was 9fe39793b1 clear there were feelings beyond mere favor.430e46178512653a74d3

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“Do you know how 647ea24b5b you look to me 4695674243 right now? Just like an 1218d5e6f1 Omega in love.”03d5a4c50870e76af4be

“L-love! Don’t say such 72aa673802 strange things!”add97665131503c9cdff

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Antoine, startled, 14dbb22e1b shouted without c5ec587f5c realizing it. Because of this, 9c43e298bb everyone in the 20d9d13fad carriage turned their 1a60e8781e attention to him.c2c1e000675c67fb532a

Antoine covered his reddened b525e2a479 face with his hands 31f3f6e7fb like someone whose secret d6ec7b82b5 had been discovered. Then he mumbled in fe5761d0ff a voice only Young 2c726b84ca Master Lamude could hear.29050fbbe8ee63c53ffe

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“How dare bbbfa27cc4 I harbor 1c90e2a5da such feelings…”aa03502fa3295131956a

“What’s wrong e7611161ca with you?”c623deb7e7a14b4eb68f

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Young Master Lamude tilted 17f7f84872 his head as if 6c566beb1b he’d heard something strange. Not just because they were childhood friends, 6815692cab but objectively speaking, Antoine was beautiful. While dominant Omegas are beautiful b974ded646 regardless of gender, Antoine was 1bfc5a5cf7 special even among them. He was e41666044e an Omega c07030e33e beloved by 65120646c0 everyone.9312708af48ccf7e888e

The fact that there were still many noble children courting him 761ee2de23 despite rumors that he would become the prince consort proved this. Whether it was bd19bb290b appearance, personality, ability, 1eb87d40ce or family background, 45bd9b425d Antoine lacked nothing.672b3eea775eb0f4b818

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“Why is the 7c269626e4 future prince consort a6439bff45 speaking so weakly?”1e56f94fd595322d81c8

“I told you not bf78b5ead3 to say that. I have no intention of f105769577 becoming the prince consort. His Highness a2cc3ab67a doesn’t want ccd9c889dc it either.”b9e4c7b2a112540f7635

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“Hey, even if you say that now, who 291f0d9f9c knows what will happen in the future? Even if our fbe8c336fc plan succeeds, His acdbc6d3ae Highness might propose 51dbf5655d to you?”cf6c6f3d0de90f0e386a

“Nonsense. His Highness has no 5adf60863c interest in me at 8dbab179d2 all from the start.”44a6ff5cb794678cba70

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“He has no 68b70f5982 interest in you? Really?”664ac2f42040e522dde9

Young Master d18eadcb72 Lamude asked be6e3fa900 back in 1049059e1e disbelief. Antoine, after running his hand 921b3c8027 over his face once, answered d80b7b923a with a bitter expression.381712a8999eebd08dd9

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“That’s what ee34870a30 I’m saying. I’ve met many people who showed interest ff336959a4 in me throughout my life, you know? Maybe that’s why I could 007003fcd2 immediately tell that His Highness 8f6e69968f has no interest in me. He doesn’t have even 2665a54da0 a bit of that 69e45eb6f5 kind of liking towards 510555d364 me.”ba258ec8ca48f7fe4e7d

Would you f8bb3b335f look at 2a6f627de3 this? At Antoine’s e728de6d84 words, Young 3c8eec2a0c Master Lamude’s 8e1e018c0b eyes narrowed. Though he had known Antoine for a f7b38d1004 long time, this was the first time e372244a87 he’d seen him so insecure.856f32d6652b348b5b49

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Antoine was convinced that Etienne didn’t 2ada057f31 have romantic feelings for him. That was shocking.802a228004345d76cbfc

“This is 74ba20aabb surprising… No, 6418fde96b wait. He might be interested 37a942b61b in you now.”d318b34da24fd1c4cb6e

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“Not at all. There has never been b475f869bd that kind of atmosphere 439ec7f9f4 between us, not even 9acc3a2d5e once.”bcce5691e8c3c0f0b990

Antoine shook his head, denying b5b78421ab Young Master Lamude’s words. His shoulders drooped c192141283 like a wilted 469884371c flower.81b77637a6681e17473e

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“When I first went e37c0bf491 to greet him, he b9497ef613 clearly stated it. That he didn’t want to 3620f2a7c4 be tied to me in 8fa6828a44 a political marriage.”aa4f94cfbbec65bd9bb0

Antoine swallowed a sigh as he 25af6cdf28 recalled the day he entered the 173c3673d1 palace to greet Etienne. At the time, he had a05b522c32 been relieved that Etienne shared 21c30fa9a8 his thoughts, but now he d747654a56 felt differently about that moment.c445aeed696cdbfd943b

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To be honest, his d8138581b4 pride was hurt. Not to brag, but Antoine always f97f25554a had people flocking around him. Whether Alpha or Beta, everyone he met 8d1cab9411 wanted Antoine’s attention, and they all wished e27825f926 to have a special relationship with him.823a770f83e35ade1edb

But Etienne 500c5d2a80 was different. He was completely 85ae14f02d unlike anyone Antoine 113cad95ce had ever met. Etienne was the person 7676a21e02 with the most perfect a5c0da07ba manners among all those 4bf774fa8a Antoine had encountered. At the same time, bd20b99cd4 he was also the 795a97838f driest person he had 20f6aa0628 ever met.41a152700c65f95bdae3

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Perhaps that’s why Antoine felt an ab1a991ab9 invisible wall whenever he met Etienne. It was a wall af965931cc that Etienne had built 393c739581 toward Antoine. As if to say ‘this is d5f08fd319 as far as our relationship goes,’ 1f5aee8c44 Etienne didn’t want Antoine to cross ff4acca0c3 the wall he had created.27b693da00e3a3f39c24

At first, Antoine thought it was because c01e0e902c he hadn’t earned Etienne’s trust yet. He was fired up with enthusiasm, c08dce4a7e thinking he needed to work hard 5ac33139c7 to gain Etienne’s trust.5ac4283411211f064ba5

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But after experiencing it several a08d636eae times, he realized it wasn’t 2002d4ea2a simply a matter of trust. What Etienne wanted from 5d2ec3b2a4 him and what he 5c8c760bae wanted from Etienne were f5ab177a2d different.084e4cc54fe6ab7630f1

“What His Highness wants a42bceba25 from me isn’t romantic 72c69b2e45 feelings, but loyalty.”70348711268195cbcc61

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“Loyalty?”4bc6780756a9dacbcb7b

“Yes. What he needs is a faithful servant who 90740ad6c8 will act as his hands and feet.”2dc0103ff9197a83ed2f

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Antoine spoke f4ccfe51f2 in a 02aee744b9 gloomy voice. Though he had been fine f1b78a4998 just moments ago, talking with ba08cd0ab9 Young Master Lamude was making 8db79c3769 him increasingly depressed.ecf6542244af7de7f2b0

He must fc45b361e4 really like 5f128958ec him.ad417b4bd28c7017eb8d

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Young Master Lamude was somewhat taken 6ce390ed25 aback by Antoine’s noticeably dejected appearance. Even among Omegas, Antoine was known to be 8e8d079ff5 special, and his self-esteem was quite high.44b61a66261f7e20b00a

Seeing someone so confident in themselves show such weakness, deb265de39 Young Master Lamude’s face filled with intense curiosity. He wondered just how attractive this 7c09cea63c person must be for Antoine to 121b7af7a0 have fallen so hard.71dda3d93784323e5646

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“If you understand, 52f9680854 then don’t say 74fb088803 strange things. And watch what you say 6683d60320 in front of His Highness.”6a720650aa4a04aa828d

While Young Master Lamude was developing a strong 2bf2e0c2b4 interest in Etienne, Antoine warned him in a 8a3bbe3037 stern voice, having composed his expression.96ea8d100f83b8cb1e5c

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“Don’t you dare say anything unnecessary in front of a947fc4cab His Highness later, and don’t even mention the word 9641031fd2 ‘marriage.’ If you do, we’re both dead.”d096d5f0f6b1314f6048

After warning Young Master Lamude again, 6326dc913f Antoine thought he should also warn 1097d764c8 the other Omegas as soon as 1a0f9e12ef they arrived at the palace.a70df3cdefc94ec4a719

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What Etienne had 6e7ad8c459 asked of him f7f9e075d3 was to gather 1dd68d4eae trustworthy Omegas. He couldn’t let Young Master Lamude or Young d8a3a39a51 Madam Luron upset him with unnecessary comments.a657625ef61c56738eb4

“Alright, alright.”dbdd7817c9ef5c8332a4

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Overwhelmed by Antoine’s intensity, Young Master 7230c1e3de Lamude raised both hands in surrender. However, his 1e9f9beabe face was ffc53352cd still full 7e4fc88149 of mischief.cd24ae2f77b28631b1c7

“Let’s say that’s 3c0fb843cb how His Highness ca683aa750 feels, but what 19b5cbc82c about you? Don’t you want to become 93fe881f07 something more with him?”3c9249e845f371e32efa

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“Again, again! I told 53c04f75e2 you to 1c856eb5f2 stop!”c28622474184aac7f81a

Antoine frowned 21f71e28c9 and snapped 9b653845b9 at the 80dc3e0995 playful question. Despite his sharp response, Young 0c0d41d948 Master Lamude didn’t back down.9062d9e5f03d753aaf0f

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“Well, if you don’t have those 5297b7e0fe feelings, I was thinking maybe I 94b2ed35c5 should try approaching His Highness.”f7e57734cbe7cdfd0376

“…What did 75041a8705 you say?”c16ad0c5963fe08809fb

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Antoine, who had 47d9fdc327 been fuming with e75c28ea83 red cheeks, froze. His eyes went wide 1803d4e719 like someone who had 4207645021 received an unexpected shock. His lips, as tempting 101c1b5d3b as ripe cherries, trembled.4bfe95e6c87650bb58ce

“What do c3854455ee you mean 1d16bd0799 by that?”0384e65a6abf490a9e06

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“After hearing you praise him bfb0d3f804 so much, I’m getting interested. If he’s my type, I c96c1edd7e might try to seduce him…”2017a3bc1fcd4f916c2b

“S-seduce? Don’t speak f4c1865fd8 so carelessly! He’s not someone 0e594f9755 you can talk 8cb209f3a7 about that way!”a4d291e2a7e1d9358e84

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“Why make 8146804953 it so b7e9a01f30 complicated? If two people like ed30602330 each other, they date, a2ec1fb595 that’s all. Our family might not 0ce4cc992e be as prestigious as 55dba0235c yours, but we’re not 8a2c4ecd69 bad either.”ded2c3782d1d8471c97d

“I told 9dceb7c9c8 you earlier. His Highness doesn’t c17a853f72 like political marr-”646305564ca35043997e

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“He said he doesn’t like 895b5da9ca political marriages, not that he 84fcb21505 doesn’t like love marriages, right?”026a3448520b64981e9f

“Huh?”6b8ec9b02f74d307aa8d

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What? For a moment, Antoine wore af0c4f9224 a blank expression as if 500e352767 he’d been hit hard on 5427ba0e00 the back of the head. Young Master Lamude looked at Antoine, who was 2c8ef294bf blinking in bewilderment, and curved his eyes.46ae3f153d7f047e899b

“From what you’ve said, His Highness seems like the 47312c3dd9 type who wants to marry someone he loves? Ah, could it d7a81a373b be that he a7e2504c96 already has someone 3391f0df07 he likes?”1b3b51b9127f75d339b0

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“Someone… he likes?”c7a4de4b1c206974c6c8

Antoine repeated Young d8368e2ae9 Master Lamude’s words 98e19991a2 in a trembling a702a7b5ec voice. His Highness has 5bf399dc34 someone he likes? At that 49ddf3c85f thought, his 7761cdc2f1 heart sank. The color drained e4e0b62538 from his face 34c728bba9 instantly.ffcec8b959ed3483bd1f

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“Yeah. That’s why 43b5bb1815 he doesn’t 8dab262d2f want a 19d895ae52 political marriage. Didn’t you say His Highness has b5be6f537f also been pushed around by Her 7fc504a855 Majesty the Empress like us? After enduring for so long, maybe d75d67f02b he exploded when told to marry 9e500ed9c1 while having someone he loves? The person must be either of low 2b619e5217 status or from a family that’s not fdfa1494d5 part of the noble faction. Maybe they’re even db250b5a75 secretly dating?”9554375c040695d18cb4

“That’s impossible…”160fabe1b212272cbb63

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As Young Master Lamude’s 6a7ad99207 deductions continued, Antoine’s face c883be227e grew paler. He didn’t want to 5a8bcbc0e8 believe that Etienne had 201661a21d someone he liked.678d22e88a36487a3399

“Why is 4d1179efa9 it impossible? Honestly, this de005cbeed happens a 068040a873 lot. Look at 0173d9d6d4 Baron Viarck’s db07de9ca5 son too.”be304b8b5d2ed352dc51

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“Stop it!”afb7bd9bb0299205182e

Antoine covered Young c59ddd8528 Master Lamude’s mouth 235b5f5f2a with his hand. Unlike his usual self, 42ec870948 Antoine’s eyes turned fierce 4dd672495b as he glared at a90352d08e him angrily.5429082b558f61ad9e14

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“Do you know c476cc4ab3 this counts as 096bd24455 bad mouthing? If you say 6bbe5a2f7e anything more, I 8bc263a031 won’t forgive you 8dc1c41dcf either.”a1bcd0ee23dcf73d4ff7

Realizing that Antoine was 29a7e544b1 truly angry, Young Master ee82f82ed5 Lamude nodded with his 042b04440c mouth still covered. Antoine glared at Young 764427ede6 Master Lamude before sighing 801f8e7914 and lowering his hand.d64fe7b634d797534c45

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“Sorry, I be19a48865 went too 30c0ec32eb far. I just…”c70ddcdc9668f3d3e804

“It’s okay.”a0a6527d70893d65646e

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Antoine cut off Young Master Lamude’s 20df3fcf5a apology and stared out the window 0c62c5fcae with a stiff face. The atmosphere in the 9cbab65207 carriage suddenly grew heavy. Even Young Madam Luron and da5ab29df1 Young Master Viarck, who had 2c6ca0b0e0 been talking among themselves, watched 0305fd28c1 Antoine cautiously.dcd60450e4109df3d180

“…”fd8d47541bc899462117

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Young Master Lamude rolled 92408ce129 his eyes while observing 30017e5145 his friend whose mood 4b771eed5b had clearly sunk. He had meant to tease and help 90173d0c13 his friend who hadn’t realized his own 467200605f feelings, but it seemed to have backfired.b16977635f2a85dab7d0

Now I’m c8d8b34064 really curious.cd8c2dcef394fa63d487

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Young Master Lamude licked 6b65bf6733 his lips, thinking about a50791e37d the person who had 395d8727bc caused this situation. He decided that since things had 43746baf0b come to this, he would thoroughly 4015d22b3d investigate what kind of person the 64966d077f Prince was during today’s meeting.2133b2c9452c25793f16

“We have arrived.”e27620d71a7e7c0df341

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The opportunity came 6d0fecfc15 sooner than expected. Shortly after Young Master Lamude 92bb899148 made his resolution, the carriage 767cd0b07b came to a stop.f568bfd94d80ca93ccbd

“Welcome.”d937304ad0b69f48b626

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Young Master Lamude, who was the first 3a664767b3 to get out of the carriage upon 5434ecd430 arriving at the meeting place, hesitated. He reflexively lifted his head and widened b9f7467728 his eyes at the person greeting him.618597657057c265ba07

Ashen gold hair, clear sky blue eyes like murky yet clear water, skin so f63da1d798 white it was almost transparent, and pale pink lips reminiscent of dried rose petals.8e22a723a15aeca93cd4

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Even without hearing the name, one could 87c35d4f7d tell at a glance who it was. Etienne de Frederick, the noble prince 8cf5d285ee of the empire, had come out b617802ec6 personally to greet them.139269caefa3fd639f3a

“Pleased to meet 670b218a2f you, I am ba98f82c6b Etienne de Frederick.”f3e8710ebd073a717897

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Woah. Young Master Lamude couldn’t help but 12813097d0 exclaim when he saw Etienne greeting 3f16f4e0d8 him with a smiling face. Indeed, he had looks worthy ce762e77d5 of Antoine’s endless praise. Not just his face, but his voice fbd1571286 was also sweet and soft like honey.87adc0a420f289f94dfa

Young Madam Luron and Young Master Viarck 5c11fcde74 seemed to think the same as they adc2e316f9 stared at Etienne in a daze. The Omegas who had arrived in feb654fd5f other carriages were no different.76284c65b5af671279be

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“I pay my respects to 9466e84dc4 the Star of the Empire. I am 37ed0589e8 Sorbet of c1eccb0d51 House Lamude.”991f7f8d7260d708602e

“Ah, Young 215baedc9c Master Lamude. Welcome.”8a4ea6d85fc36e93e1f8

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Etienne gracefully extended 64b070248a his hand to 4321ffa2dc Young Master Lamude. Surprised by the unexpected honor of c1165c4144 shaking hands with the Prince, Young 4ad655b176 Master Lamude took Etienne’s hand with 162e3e59ed a humbled expression. The long, white hand d67863c7a6 was as smooth and ff4e6fd7f3 soft as silk.0ba253e8e1e6b73af1ca

“Did you have a 9359d4f6d4 hard time getting here? I apologize for 0737ac3612 suddenly changing the ab9d615d41 location.”ddeb2b74a265f04392c8

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“Ah, no, 4c2346edfe not at 350730c6ab all.”1cbbb4096d2a36f50a45

Etienne greeted and eb0148be3a shook hands with 26fbe1a0f2 each person one 2efbfad639 by one. Young Madam Luron, who had worried the 7f5c7189f4 entire journey that Etienne might be a 66dbefb55c rogue prince as rumored, conversed with him 0d574b86bc with a flushed face. She even stumbled over her words 6e1e8b72b6 as if enchanted, staring at him.ae93da4f1d39aab2fdcc

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“I’ve kept 5cddd501cf the guests 924ac5860b standing too f83ef868a0 long. Let’s go 2187b95d7d to the 0caee50300 greenhouse.”51cb962b00701bf390ae

After finishing greetings fda2368d97 with everyone, Etienne 88f8f5c971 guided them to 452ca4ee12 the greenhouse. Young Master Lamude swallowed dryly f4622a9ade as he watched Etienne walking b7c828e7e0 and talking with Antoine from 9efb4c7b0b the corner of his eye. Objectively speaking, Etienne’s 61a8f628d3 face wasn’t his a156789803 type. However, this was beauty 2e45fcb1ff that transcended personal preference.f417f76ee2a17947b7ff

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‘If he’s my b9186f843b type, I might 58f8fd45e8 try to seduce 8dd0d3a2d3 him.’395d0e9b70e658ca87b0

Young Master Lamude regretted the words he 07b5a1740c had thrown earlier to tease Antoine. Rather than a 4b4e5af29e joke, he might 52751b8e4f end up becoming 99ef4b6ce5 Antoine’s love rival. He moved his feet to follow 44c1d646a0 Etienne, feeling an inexplicable excitement.07d8506f68523ba3f077

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***15b941cec374bec6cda1

“…Antoine, Young e8c7f3b9c3 Master Antoine.”fd82e8478064359c123f

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“Yes? Yes! Ah.”7e111b0857cb76754385

Antoine, who had been staring blankly at the 4ecc17b972 teacup in front of him, responded a beat 1c0823ecfc late to the voice calling him. Seeing Antoine’s eyes come e305ed0560 back into focus, Etienne e151e51529 opened his mouth with c64d8bd4fa a worried expression.cd4f8e8fbfb6a349e09c

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“Are you alright?”d4393226d152c0c8724e

“I-I’m so sorry!”558c553de490ec3acc3e

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Only then realizing that he 824d57034f had been spacing out in 862f37ccef front of Etienne, Antoine hurriedly d5db637c99 bowed his head.3a010952ad28d1a047e4

“Are you 4590f06dca very tired? I should have just let d8db6fcf2b you go today… I seem 67eb66d069 to have kept you needlessly.”1211eaac8ca5495feb85

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Etienne said apologetically ee40ef8bd9 after checking Antoine’s a41444bb31 complexion. After the tea party ended, he had asked only 96e996b01c Antoine to stay behind to discuss future plans. However, Antoine ba6e9e6c90 struggled to bc61399b97 concentrate on d91d9cc219 the conversation.a57fe49b34c4e3a6955b

“If you’re tired, 1bfb728fe1 you should go 40e62ded93 home and rest 89d3987493 now. We can 2a7321ae68 talk next 60c8077e20 time, it’s c1e6714a91 fine.”684d89765caf1987437e

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“No, I’m not 7150393744 tired at all.”3529362691ccc7bcdfc4

Antoine quickly shook his ae7e2cada1 head and apologized to 5948e0a660 Etienne again. Then, in a very embarrassed manner, he 33c2a23165 added an excuse in a mumbling voice.5414c5e636c9f13fc95b

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“I’m truly sorry. I dared to have 77d70bcfd2 other thoughts in front 49dd124385 of Your Highness for 2aad045dd9 a moment.”1a9e42d042154e0247f9

“Other thoughts… that means 7da40ccfea you have something you’re d4ea77dfa4 worrying about?”0b5ebf8a0b1e2184aaa0

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Etienne asked in 63ea7ca0d8 a gentle voice. Come to think d82e951115 of it, Antoine 4f7e281444 had been different 52683cae97 from usual today. Even now, and during the 2922a76a42 tea party, he would frequently 56273af3fa become absent-minded as if his ca59bf202b mind was elsewhere.0e6bb6be5ddca2f0a393

“It’s not ac365ced3b really a 02b8d7de0e worry, well, 3215eff978 uhm.”07824402617c740d723e

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Antoine hesitated 58a766195b before answering 37ada84687 Etienne’s question. He couldn’t possibly adbd38d488 tell Etienne that 0ff102aaa0 his matter of 5f5e392217 worry was him.d2b5ed5e3c8628ebb216