It’s all Sorbet’s fault.Antoine silently cursed Young 96ede514b8 Master Lamude who had 858da6666a put strange ideas in 8dd4f0f355 his head. Ever since their conversation, d977c37f6e Antoine had been in 41c7bbd442 a constant state of 9785e96e07 confusion.9fbc30a54fb451bb

‘What about you? Don’t you want to become something more with him?’06ae9012566bc278

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Yes, that was the problem. That probing question about his feelings kept echoing in his ears, making it impossible to focus during both the tea party and now. Antoine nervously chewed his lips. His old friend’s words had caused great ripples in his heart.17f150ade8da70da

Do I ad6824e60e like His 61d9fe12ce Highness?bc4a6c0d11a5d5e8

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Antoine had only been thinking about this throughout the tea party. Once the thought started, he couldn’t stop it. However, he couldn’t easily reach a conclusion. No matter how much he thought about it, he couldn’t figure out what his feelings for Etienne were.53faa7618bc32f67

It was inevitable because b3a3d46baa this was a very da01fc37f3 unfamiliar emotion for Antoine. Antoine was 0c7398624d used to a5ea0a29aa being loved, f9976d6dd7 but not e0a802086c to loving. It was 21260e1b13 his first e56bb5a648 time having ec62636a84 feelings for 6a6455d82f someone, his f71d6dda0b first time e95d4e6ba8 liking someone aba75a13bd first.79db2389539ac933

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“Young Master Mathias?”2ea503a1df5752d9

When Antoine hesitated and stammered without continuing his words, Etienne carefully called out to him. Antoine’s eyes twisted at the worried voice. He quickly bowed his head to hide his expression. His face must be a mess right now.f3b79bf712919565

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“What’s wrong? Are you feeling bad?”f0e26938ef8fe1d6

“No, I’m fine…”808c8f4eca0ef7d8

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Antoine answered while keeping his head down. Strangely, he couldn’t look directly at Etienne. Yet all his nerves were focused on him.91baffc362cd08bc

I’m still fine.6bbff73ae595a0d0

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Antoine tightly gripped his teacup, feeling his heart flutter. He had feelings for Etienne, but it wasn’t love yet. However, it was dangerous to leave things as they were.7504184426a690c8

The fact that he couldn’t properly refute Young Master Lamude’s words, and that he was still dwelling on them now, was ultimately because his heart was gradually turning toward Etienne.b5827b88d609ff87

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At first, he thought Etienne was better than expected, then that he was kinder than the rumors suggested, and now he was someone Antoine wanted to serve as his lord. If he dared to want more…77b82f2c96315586

‘From what you’ve said, His Highness seems like the type who wants to marry someone he loves? Ah, could it be that he already has someone he likes?’2bbf18a6632e19fe

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Antoine bit his trembling lips as Young Master Lamude’s voice echoed in his head. Actually, that was what bothered him the most.5bb6474d4bbfc9a3

Etienne’s attitude of putting up walls against him until now was too vivid to dismiss Sorbet’s words as nonsense.0aedeaeff0a35dd0

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What if it b96f396258 was because he 29e776d7eb had someone he 4581303d08 loved? What if it was 050e678d36 to stay faithful to 88dde8ceb4 a lover?6ab2516ec210f4e6

If Etienne already liked 6ddd02f4ba someone, as Young Master ebcd11c50e Lamude suspected, then Antoine 7d1029ee04 had no chance. At this thought, his e24d47d7f9 heart did a somersault.a397b823e636259e

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Etienne’s expression grew serious as he saw Antoine’s hands trembling as they held the teacup. Contrary to his words, Antoine didn’t look fine at all. After contemplating for a moment, Etienne carefully moved his hand.f24b8603fc91308f

“…!”892f74b90cfc6f53

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Antoine startled and flinched 1e4e1977b9 when he felt warmth 8b12788609 covering the back of fd96f04bcd his hand. The heat 7d91a964aa from where 338b544846 Etienne held 3e675100c9 his hand d764ff7cc1 rose to 0593e7c9a5 his face.3f701e7cd39138d8

“Y-Your Highness?”731cf64ac5a74c37

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“You don’t look well, should I call for a doctor?”f1b246f225e4e44f

“No, you don’t need to call anyone. I’m not sick… I’m just, well, quite nervous today.”976eda17f2107108

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Antoine rambled, not knowing what to do. The hand Etienne was holding felt too hot. He made up a reasonable excuse, hoping Etienne wouldn’t notice his trembling.6aecbfc24e227b46

“Since this is essentially the first task you’ve entrusted to me, I was worried about some of them making mistakes, and uhm, what do you think of today?”6e0f58588d446430

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“Hm? Ah, it was fine. They all seem like good people. Very enthusiastic too.”4c1ca8ba03b6b2fa

Etienne showed a positive response to Antoine’s question. He was actually quite satisfied with today’s tea party. The Omegas Antoine had selected came from various factions, and each individual was talented. If they successfully established themselves in social circles, they could wield more influence than expected.22d61ff8e31eeb55

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“I was right to trust your judgment.”8161be1f07a4fcd0

Etienne praised Antoine with a slight smile. Though he had been anxious before the tea party because of yesterday’s events, meeting the people who would work with him in the future had improved his mood.f87e01ad0be4a2a6

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“Things will get very busy from now on. There will be much to worry about and it will be difficult in many ways, but please endure it for a while.”34ea34fb71d10f47

“Of course, Your Highness.”85987bce9b0e951d

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“Personally, I found Young Master Lamude the most impressive. He’s an old friend of yours, isn’t he?”15942448b25b9ae6

Antoine hesitated at the name that came from Etienne’s lips. Young Master Lamude had shown an active attitude toward Etienne throughout the tea party. He had expressed admiration at Etienne’s every word and continuously engaged in conversation, never letting it die down.cc2fa4024804b1cf

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Antoine knew a8344c88f8 better than 51f0273a09 anyone when 9fc06d4339 Young Master 25f8c1e673 Lamude behaved e87d6e1104 in such 487d29e999 a way. It meant he was 9048725765 interested in Etienne.b8084b4ad751078c

“Yes, our territories are relatively close, so we’ve been close since childhood. He kept talking to you, wasn’t it uncomfortable?”9a3ad6a7b4e9b998

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“Hm? No, not at all. He was quite entertaining to talk to.”ad7290e70f024993

Etienne answered with a slight smile. Antoine’s expression soured at his response. It bothered him more because of what Young Master Lamude had said before arriving at the palace.a22a040add2c7dc3

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“He tends to talk a lot.”287831b95a06de51

Antoine forced an awkward smile as he quietly withdrew his hand from Etienne’s grip. Even though he thought there was no way Etienne would fall for Young Master Lamude, he felt inexplicably uneasy.8026f908bedc5a2f

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“How did you find the others? Come to think of it, Young Master Vierck and Young Madam Luron made some slip-ups earlier. I’m sorry, it was my oversight.”07344e293c83a940

“Slip-ups?”c797408d41d4e75c

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“They mentioned rumors about Your Highness, didn’t they? They even asked about how the marriage talks between us were progressing. Even though I warned them beforehand… I hope you weren’t offended?”a8d10267ffa41c74

“Ah. That.”0ada72f799bd490b

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Etienne’s eyes softened at Antoine’s embarrassed words.dbae9831320043de

“Is that what you were worried about? It’s fine. I wasn’t particularly bothered.”4a91dc31c3fdf480

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“Really?”794604eca6e4fd92

“Yes, after all, both the marriage talks between us and the rumors about me are somewhat true.”5fb95d1bf793b6ee

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For a moment, color returned to Antoine’s face at Etienne’s response. However, it drained away at his next words.dd3acb933e09a2f0

“Everything will be resolved with time anyway. Don’t worry too much about it.”01af058ae21769b3

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“I beg your pardon?”bc1aefb4fa43d151

“You’re being hassled from all sides lately, aren’t you? The newspapers are having a field day, people are bothering you, and the Margrave must be pressuring you too.”b3803dfa5d1bf4b7

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Etienne spoke consolingly in a kind tone, thinking Antoine’s poor expression was due to the rumors surrounding them.64227c314c6392f1

“Even if it’s difficult, please endure it a little longer. Once everything is over, both you and I will be free.”db72f5579ba8f92f

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Antoine’s eyes and lips drooped at Etienne’s consolation. The freedom Etienne spoke of meant returning to when they were nothing to each other.9f824c438c3053c1

“I…”5fdb3ab55d6a1bc0

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Antoine moved his 5a8ab11903 lips but closed 2be7faecf9 them again, looking 1a64ddb163 dejected. Disappointment in Etienne a2f2ebdc40 rose like a d1d0dbc228 wave. It was 44b11a2395 always like 9b550d3bd0 this. Etienne always 4c57c560a3 drew the 6e7e1de170 line this 254637e280 way. As if 20469dedb4 he could e2fb0a081d never have 52ea6801a8 that kind b050ad4904 of relationship a57787eb28 with Antoine.0e6beb10d7caae8f

To Antoine, Etienne was like a cake in a picture – constantly catching his eye but impossible to grasp.35f0b6b28f5f3b6a

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That’s why he couldn’t approach Etienne even more. Antoine wasn’t familiar with rejection. Afraid of being rejected by Etienne, even though he wanted to get closer to him, he was scared and tried to be content with what they had.5b419573efb89f1e

But he felt this couldn’t continue. Having made up his mind, Antoine lifted his head straight and met Etienne’s eyes.ee0c298d61a52144

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“What if… what if I’m not troubled by it?”f82bd43ae52c9e6f

“Hm?”61f8fd8dffad719d

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“I don’t dislike appearing to have a special relationship with Your Highness.”74be5c433107f04e

Antoine gathered his courage 852a9c442a to express his feelings. Since it was his 87bef35d19 first time showing interest 595dd575aa in someone first, his 6527c7d577 mouth went dry and 2c98144142 his throat trembled. His voice was acf8aff346 terrible.54acd84812309bf6

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But now was the a07da44428 time to be brave. Antoine tightly 90e9d279de clenched his ea798fc42d trembling hands.a92a94c5d3c9df0c

If he was going to be rejected anyway, it would be better to face it now. He didn’t want to pursue a love without hope.b5a6b57e18f8bdbd

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So before his feelings 5b4ef0d79c for Etienne grew stronger, dd6301a61d before these emotions truly ed59210ab9 settled into love, he d43f5ef88f wanted to reach a 3bcd013d6b conclusion.afd51a5b57379d84

“Honestly, I’m not exactly, certainly sure what my feelings are, but still, I think I’m attracted to Your Highness.”34c36fc2f7797bd8

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Antoine conveyed his feelings 1c517425b6 while stumbling over his 300aa9d547 words. Although it was an 6122124004 ungraceful confession with slurred 262432d6f5 pronunciation and rambling words, 3d0379a0ec he felt relieved.b36eba030a2a6800

“I know my words might sound strange, but I felt if I didn’t say it today, I wouldn’t be able to say it at all.”a43a85d81ee0128e

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Antoine added in a 8a39308aaf mumbling voice, bowing his 47203ea51f head deeply. The sound 1d60ec3a15 of what cf2cef32a0 must be 3f756b0fba his own 7201dd7d9d heartbeat echoed 6e8e741212 in his cf7cb8ba03 ears.5140653f4315e081

“…”0597be0802a9d454

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Stunned by the sudden f251d1026d confession, Etienne looked at ecf16778c0 Antoine, who was waiting 3c8b624962 for his response. Being told cc9e3db8e7 that Antoine f6105af0ed was attracted 2c5d31f46d to him 3c707dcc55 was completely 6feae54f4d unexpected. He moved his lips db7638fafa as if perplexed, then a4fbadd30f pressed them firmly shut.1d54b923f6d142e6

He had known Antoine felt fondness for him, but he hadn’t thought for a moment that it might be romantic feelings.7c718037ccb1e070

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An awkward silence fell between them as Etienne remained silent. Antoine swallowed dryly with an anxious face. The longer Etienne’s silence continued, the harder it became to breathe.82fae349890b12e5

“…I’m sorry.”9b3cd0e315559e04

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The answer that came after a long while was, as expected, a rejection. Antoine closed his eyes with a pained expression. He had expected to be rejected, but actually hearing the words ‘I’m sorry’ from him made his heart crumble.e906e4f1f5bf6534

“Margrave Mathias’s… no, Antoine. You are truly a beautiful and charming person. But I’ve never thought of you in that way.”3de29fd1889cea17

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Etienne was kind yet firm. Antoine sensed the guilt not quite hidden in Etienne’s voice. He was truly sorry to Antoine. That made Antoine want to try pleading, even if it was pathetic.f00adfda01a3a3f8

“What if I wait until Your Highness comes to see me differently? Would that not be possible?”4151768c5a6ca6ac

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Etienne made a troubled expression at Antoine’s pleading. He felt sorry about having to push away someone who was approaching so earnestly and purely. After hesitating for a while, Etienne sighed and answered.446f346ab01d077c

“I don’t think that’s possible.”0ccfc0d94d017c05

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“Why not?”75379c961a27725c

“Even with time, my heart will never flow toward you, so I hope you won’t wait for me. It will only hurt your feelings.”6998da16999683d4

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“Why are you so definitive…”778f442e89389f7d

Antoine’s face contorted at the verdict that was cruel precisely because it was kind. Suddenly, Young Master Lamude’s words came to mind.0c5696b169f6097d

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“Could it be that you already have someone in your heart, someone you like?”35383d9d3dfd4e39

“What?”dc80410830a3dc3d

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Etienne’s eyes widened at Antoine’s question. Antoine made an ‘oh, no’ expression when he saw Etienne’s face freeze. He had made a mistake in a moment of emotional surge.83708cc89877b45f

“I apologize. Please forget what I just said. I didn’t mean to make Your Highness uncomfortable…”49dd6a038828f7da

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As Antoine realized his mistake and tried to smooth things over, a small but unwavering voice flowed from Etienne’s tightly closed lips.28c56ddb1c976185

“I do.”7bf9b67d344d686e

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“…What?”1f8a91eaa059fe77

When Antoine heard 3cf2e5b52f there was someone 156cbbb859 Etienne liked, his 9d09fece36 mouth fell open aabf169858 with a dazed 07bafe119f expression. Those brief dcf9f48fa2 but powerful 95b68664af words struck 6940a3e242 his heart 6e3039cd6d like a 656acdce50 dagger.43fd2a0b70b2afbe

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Antoine silently moved his lips. He wanted to ask if what he heard was correct, but no voice came out. That’s how unbelievable – no, how much he didn’t want to believe those words.9d9bca69d9977517

Etienne was just fc7868825b as surprised. He himself was dumbfounded e321448088 even after speaking. It had been 42d9b5b380 closer to an 99587650b6 unconscious response.aa4376a8127c83b1

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Etienne touched his own lips as if he couldn’t believe the words that had just come out of them.8e79b42b9841be46

It was a very ddfb454b6e strange sensation. The moment Antoine 65180be4fe asked if there c8551d587e was someone he d0df9adf0e liked, Rishar came 49569e12c5 to mind so af5f88b575 naturally. Then the feebc084c2 words came efc81a3b16 out before d27b8e99d6 he could 1aa7ed7268 even think, 988d6a37f0 as if 0b881890cd stating an d71d325731 obvious fact, 1cfaad6e73 very naturally.471a5feb5e913d22

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Ha.9bfca8fab591c831

They say realization comes in an instant – the awareness of his feelings came just as suddenly. A laugh resembling an exclamation burst from Etienne’s mouth. Why hadn’t he realized until now? He felt like such a fool.b1f894876cd20cbc

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Yes, I like 5308231706 him. Rishar.3da5e9dd80565449

Etienne smiled 22d54a71fb as he d1a1ffd8cf felt indescribable 77e8229daf emotions welling be5eca5ad8 up. Whether it was crying 642d7ce848 or laughing, or perhaps 482f2bab7b both, emotions filled his 4be6f4cf78 throat. Now he had 03662af8f6 no choice but 71d8ceb1a7 to acknowledge it. He was in db29fa24ec love with Rishar.1f36bee2916c9146

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“You’re right.”606e6fe6a1214a8a

Etienne affirmed Antoine’s words again. He admitted it so easily, making all his previous worries seem meaningless, and making his inability to sort out his feelings and hesitation seem foolish.6b31d10dd9325fd2

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“There is someone I like.”6d8871cc7114cbe3

A shy smile appeared on Etienne’s lips. His voice was full of undisguisable excitement as he spoke of the love he had just realized.7d069a5451de09f3

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Like a seed b5de1624ad deep in the 207217b5d9 ground sprouting after da3476dfc3 winter, like a e5a922ecd6 long-closed flower bud 362cf8bc3d blooming in the 29a04aed11 morning dew, his e4faa74a15 feelings for Rishar 84dfa392f9 blossomed.5796333500ca8bd6

“Someone I’ve liked for a very long time, and will continue to like.”03216d460f3285fa

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Rishar was so precious 49bec88562 that he had hesitated 9a50413c05 due to anxiety about 805c0dd1c8 losing him and fear 825faefe36 of changing their current 139f6557eb relationship. But now he 410dadce63 had no choice ef203f8c8d but to acknowledge fe5bc76f56 it.2c09b5ad8786175c

He likes Rishar. He liked him, b485117ec9 likes him, and 9fb29715cb will like him.883e6ead458c1fe8

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The moment his 97d08d34b9 previously unrealized feelings 87668fc6a1 bloomed, Etienne fully 5122e9f6fc accepted his feelings 78f626512e for Rishar.29a936c7f6e8d610

“…”663b92edaefb7b66

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Antoine stared blankly at the happily upturned red lips like someone in a daze. The shyly curved lips, the prettily folded eye corners, the cheeks tinged with a delicate pink – it was all so lovely.a335ad93eb62a212

“That’s why I can’t accept your feelings.”90f98df98fd6ce3c

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“Ah…”fb0a209b9d920f3a

Antoine let out a sigh at the perfect rejection. He fidgeted with his teacup, not knowing what to do. Although he had confessed expecting to be rejected by Etienne, now that the situation had actually arrived, he didn’t know what expression to make or what words to say.2aca0177ec52bb03

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“I’m really sorry.”1a1184464a99605b

Etienne apologized sincerely after rejecting Antoine’s confession. Having realized his feelings for Rishar, he felt even more sorry towards Antoine. He could understand how much Antoine must have agonized, how difficult it must have been for him to gather his courage.0251aeeefdc9239d

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But he couldn’t accept Antoine’s feelings. His heart had only ever responded, and would only ever respond, to Rishar alone.76477355f6e328a0

All he could 3d504d58a0 do now was d0c5cdf13c reject Antoine as 8da40ff756 carefully as possible 460fe28639 to minimize his 29d7016f14 hurt, and reject 288d5d6c8d him clearly so d743c1d48f he could move 88e5a77d45 on quickly.ce08231a7bff4091

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“No, uhm, well…”1395ab7dae656a15

Antoine swallowed his words at Etienne’s apology, unable to continue. Though it surely wasn’t love, though it was just feelings that were about to bloom, he didn’t understand why his chest hurt so much.cc963f04bd0887f6

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Antoine gritted his teeth as he felt his vision blur. Etienne’s voice confessing there was someone he liked, his shy smile as if thinking of that person – it was sad because it was the most beautiful he had ever seen Etienne.31aeeb641d361aa9

“You don’t need to apologize to me.”ad2affd71951b372

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Antoine struggled to continue speaking while holding back tears. Hearing Etienne’s apology would only make him feel more pathetic.2ae35a2af7806d81

“There’s one thing I’d like to ask.”659cd6bcb5b2f7b5

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If it was feelings that could never be realized anyway, hadn’t he wanted Etienne to reject him so he wouldn’t hold even a shred of hope? Then why did his throat keep choking up? Antoine opened his mouth while forcefully swallowing the tears that had risen to his chin.7f4fee7f0ee93650

“What is it?”f2468d6b2d241b02

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“What kind of person are they? The one Your Highness likes?”233b2f9e328c3847

Whew, Antoine 8aeb8961b7 forced a 1413e62c91 smile after e1927467b3 taking a 73b92798d9 deep breath abe3426f38 in and fd0222c9de out. He wanted baa1ca8def to appear 7c2427f997 unbothered but 38d0883f6f his voice 9c532c0fc0 kept trembling.41a865ade12e4d7a

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“They must be… a good person, right? Since Your Highness has fallen so deeply for them, they must be an amazing person. Right?”4e67d7c3e68d74db

Etienne, who had momentarily hesitated at Antoine’s question, soon nodded.d603cac9262840a4

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“Yes. They’re good. Too good for me – wonderful, kind, and beautiful.”87a77ce583a014b3

“I see…”05b38264a48012b9

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Antoine nodded at Etienne’s words. He pressed his trembling lower lip down with his upper lip. His throat kept choking up. He couldn’t show such an unsightly crying face in front of Etienne.1b7147671df65292

“I’m gl-glad they’re a good person. Really.”98b9a816acce62c2

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Antoine smiled awkwardly. He didn’t even know what he was saying. Right now, just holding back tears was overwhelming enough.f49d89d9abfc738f

“Antoine.”72a2dcc91426e152

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Etienne, who had been watching Antoine with eyes full of apologetic feelings, called his name in a careful voice. Antoine’s shoulders jerked at being called by name¹by Etienne. His eyes filled 01007d9c1d with tears wavered ecdf75842d greatly.67a6d957fb4bc7cd

“You too are plenty good enough.”b61d716e8a438414

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Etienne moved his lips after taking a moment to choose his words. Whatever he said now wouldn’t be of comfort to Antoine, but he still hoped he would be okay.914145d426fb5505

“Me…?”482458a3b0edc501

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“Yes. Your feelings are too good for me as well.”ad30bdef39f12d4f

That was Etienne’s honest truth. He couldn’t understand why an Omega as accomplished as Antoine would say he liked someone like him.948696ab5bda306d

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“By now, you must have noticed too, Young Master Antoine, but I’m someone more accustomed to being hated than loved. Neither my father nor my mother loved me.”a094e14c82dd8afc

Antoine’s eyes wavered at Etienne’s words. Etienne gave a bitter smile and reached out towards Antoine. Antoine reflexively closed his eyes at the warmth touching his eyes. His wet eyelashes trembled finely.05fe0cf68b366d52

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“So thank you. I was happy to hear that you liked someone like me, that you said you were drawn to me. And just as sorry.”02c1a481badc9f44

“Your Highness…”58f8d5f4e580b097

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“Unlike me, you are loved by many people. The fact that someone as beautiful as you directed your heart towards me, even briefly, will be something to be proud of for life. So don’t cry, Young Master Antoine.”fd0ef1009aedadff

The gentle touch softly wiped the tears gathering at the corners of his eyes. At that moment, Antoine’s face crumpled completely. The tears that had been barely clinging to the corners of his eyes fell, wetting those white, soft fingers.24a6c6333ff36927

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“I-I’m sorry… hic”2668f8d76d78ebdc

Antoine burst into tears, e35b74c24b unable to continue his a6972e2c48 attempt to apologize to 1395084352 Etienne. Etienne had told 56b4898113 him not to 106713f89d cry, but he 5089727a91 could no longer 438570de07 hold back his 6f32ee9167 tears. His first 3601cce22b rejection hurt a73bf5c689 far more 7639026a52 than he 48f4e2c994 had expected.faf21d66f48bb386

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Etienne said nothing to c5aa4f756f the sobbing Antoine. Instead, he 9c307ff155 quietly offered a970b66092 his handkerchief. Antoine buried his 41cf9ae95f face in the 2ee52f7917 handkerchief Etienne had 190f870093 given him and dfc652824b sobbed. The tears kept d7481d98cc falling because he 669fd7ce25 was still so 00145538f3 kind to him.6ff6e1ac97b8b2fa

IX. Finally Together

“Damn it!”f2a20e51da8e909a

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An enraged voice echoed through the large office. Reyan couldn’t contain his rising anger and pounded his fist on the desk repeatedly.6e404b55c59afc1f

The aide e19e5b73f3 standing before 9e5a40a86a him flinched cff646df7b each time f6d0f636e6 Reyan struck 6cb67bf07b the desk 8141888654 as if df9fd043ea he might 7a2cfc56c9 break it. It was as if f8de4651d6 he was being hit e977adadd6 himself.baa748c11578b9b5

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“How did you manage to handle things this badly!”00385a6fbe62df7b

“I-I’m terribly sorry… Count.”13e989589b2be9e4

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The aide, who had turned pale at Reyan’s shout, kept bowing his head repeatedly. Reyan threw the documents he was holding at him as if he couldn’t stand the sight of him. With a flutter, the papers that hit the aide’s face scattered everywhere.79134ed92601e065

“You said he was a mining expert! Said he was reliable! What is this? Can’t even properly control your subordinates? Why are there only problems and problems!”9b0830729a6b477f

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The frightened aide 76fac6b377 hurriedly gathered the 6482be3297 scattered papers from 94f70018b8 the floor. The crumpled 8d587667a4 papers contained 256767b348 reports that f633658722 the mine ee72b5f991 workers were 543ec60fbe refusing to 695942965b work.2736f1f24488879d

“What are you going to do about this? We’re about to go bankrupt at this rate!”2899443b71277455

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Reyan shouted with a e1bfdcea0a reddened face. Right after 3e020d1ac1 receiving the 6e293689f7 mining rights 9f0b530e18 from Etienne, f14b691256 he had 257972883e begun development.f419695aa2c164f3

It went smoothly at 5ced647611 first. However, problems arose cd3b80d6d0 just before full-scale 6030e573cd development was to e8a4d91cd5 begin. The miners suddenly 6e1892843f demanded higher wages bf54946f52 and refused to 1389eb31c6 work.c0c4a5de298c9d91

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Normally, he would have dacfeca72f thrown out the problematic d0dcc08f90 miners and found new de736a1a99 people, but the timing 90ca837242 was particularly bad.418727e2e3aff1e4

People had flooded into the capital for the social season, causing a shortage of workers in the provinces. Especially for large-scale development like mining, they couldn’t hire just anyone due to safety concerns.6a06cb7db518e351

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Moreover, if the bf4d6b4af8 disturbance grew larger, 325d6e8754 there was a ab5bac85ad risk that Leona 0fd0b4add9 would notice. If she discovered d4405a400e his betrayal, there 87d9f3fc56 was no telling 7c12f0099d how she would 6812ebfafb react. Reyan chewed on 6c1f03dea1 his lower lip 0d63fbed40 with an anxious dea85f8bda expression.91438af4af0ed210

In the end, they had no choice but to raise the miners’ wages, however reluctantly. But even that was practically impossible. Currently, Reyan was struggling financially as his income through the merchant guild had decreased.965121a9e6d9f51c

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“This is all because of that damned bastard.”d69983d67f967f4b

Reyan ground his 44cb95e0f3 teeth. Normally, he ad93ee6d49 could have 9fb7952121 resolved a e8be50f6af problem like 5d6f3a8cc1 this quickly. But everything 4a92fef97b had gotten 380e0f5ca5 tangled up 43072c72e3 because of f6b9a7efdf Rishar.b0f83eee9a1800e8

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Recently appointed as captain 9598f0a9d3 of the security forces, a35b2eda80 Rishar had declared war d9f18ab9b1 on the underground world 455d5275e6 and begun a major 98de52f685 crackdown.515bd720165795be

In the process, 62b9b7bbce merchant guilds that 1bb249fe6c had illegal dealings 71ea59df2f with back alley ed41594be6 organizations or committed 67eeb6ce5c tax evasion and 05de7d2865 other illegal practices df4eedbf15 were caught en 21af4777b2 masse. Rishar arrested dab8299e42 them all 5243e0bf70 regardless of 6ba455ee0c faction. Because of this, both f63d7ce6e0 the noble faction and 492b3ba410 the imperial faction suffered f0d14aa90c heavy losses.b80f017a905d65fb

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The social season was like a goose that laid golden eggs for the merchant guilds based in the capital. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that most of the year’s profits came during this period, with active trading taking place during the social season.6a1c60f8341e9ffc

This was especially d4881b51a6 true for merchant 908b4d424a guilds operated or fb44d8a348 sponsored by nobles. It was a8a304ec56 because they 4d81ebd7a9 expanded their 3c4366778b networks and 3b6f36ba45 opened new 2255cce900 trades through 41a9788cbe their interactions b086f0aeb5 in social 06ec1bfd31 circles. However, this social season 75e4a40c2a was different.47097a196928a907

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Rishar’s relentless actions, targeting both allies and enemies, had dealt a blow to numerous nobles. Given the situation, nobles who operated or sponsored merchant guilds all became cautious. Naturally, they had no choice but to be passive in trading. Several nobles who depended on merchant guilds for most of their family income had already fallen into serious financial difficulties.df9e1d841053da8a

Unlike other 69de12f77e nobles, Reyan eb0e8ad21a had somehow f41640df1f managed to c0344ab7bf hold on. However, the situation 42963994f1 had changed recently. For the past fortnight, f1b34f5631 Rishar had been explicitly cdec0b1d87 targeting only noble faction 4f00aed9ab merchant guilds.c6a7dd603aaa7964

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“What exactly happened between him and Her Majesty the Empress…”5ebcb5aa89c05024

Rishar’s behavior changed after his private audience with Leona, when he had been indiscriminately meddling everywhere regardless of faction. The day after rumors spread about a clash between Leona and Rishar, the security force raided the merchant guild of House Bulder, who were close to Reyan.ff21b694e96acd54

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Starting with 83501cb7bf that, the 308e2df0a2 House Hudson, 8992c70096 Sancia, Rine 3865172d2a and others c8a9950900 were attacked a41d9e971c one after 3073d69586 another. They were b82d344a8a all merchant 119347b7d4 guilds of 25692412cb families that 02b2de99f5 cooperated and 31a11e4b08 traded with cc8ed7812e Reyan or 7ac45b1d89 House Herace.6334fe37bea9fe8f

The impact of the collapse of nobles they were on good terms with and their subordinate merchant guilds affected Reyan as well. The biggest problem was that funds weren’t flowing smoothly.f4aa1c298c31fbcf

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Not officially recognized as the Herace family’s proper heir, Reyan had limited funds he could use privately. Even those he had secretly accumulated behind Leona and the Duke’s backs by gradually siphoning money through his merchant guild after becoming the Vice Minister of Industry.51a9ca4da924b5aa

What he had built up over several years was about to collapse in an instant. Reyan’s expression grew serious. With the cash flow blocked, his personal assets were now hitting rock bottom. The reason was that he had overly invested in mine development. This wasn’t just empty talk – he was truly facing bankruptcy.4cdb8cfa4f8917ea

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“Damn it, treating people with such disrespect.”5c5479b01e31da0b

Reyan burst out in anger, remembering his conversation with Leona from a few days ago. What was frustrating was that Leona wouldn’t reveal what conversation she had with Rishar.8ac437dabaa222bc

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By Reyan’s estimation, Rishar’s current attacks clearly stemmed from his clash with Leona. However, when Reyan complained about the damage, she merely rebuked him, saying there was nothing to worry about and that he should just make sure not to give Rishar any openings. She seemed unconcerned about the damage Reyan had suffered.95224bc3ed004b90

“This really is the end at this rate. Find a solution, anything will do! Find a way! Understood?”e2536d83621a2fbf

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Unable to 20282c4e64 contain his e9a77084af anxiety, Reyan 7d8645f2c5 lashed out. As the 37dd85120d aide received 5ba5d0d154 his irritation, 44362343b6 not knowing 44f67f1928 what to da5468c2ab do, a e4370f4c96 memory from 180990e61c a few 33d65991cd days ago 700ba1be61 suddenly crossed f61a32ae09 his mind. After hesitating whether to 732c5970c0 speak or not, the 9be411abf6 aide carefully opened his c98d293e6d mouth.a37d67ac54c2486a

“Uhm, Count…”32227fd25bfc2236

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“What is it?”c9c85523072121e6

“At the party I attended on your behalf the other day, I met the guild master of the Verris merchant guild.”7eac70a2a6937e57

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“The Verris merchant guild?”80a192b04b8f44b3

Reyan frowned f1a544a627 at the ddb53a24ff unfamiliar guild 1df90c3d47 name. The aide 2185fb4a1d quickly continued d03b3d45c9 while watching fc8f8c0388 his reaction.612e62cf7079ca14

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“Yes. It’s a new merchant guild recently established by Marquis Malaca of the Lhis Duchy. The guild master is his distant nephew and has become a famous figure in social circles recently as a big spender. Even Grand Duke Eckhart can’t touch him carelessly since he belongs to the Lhis Duchy.”26f536800b64ee98

“And?”554547c9acebb911

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“When the guild master heard my introduction that day, he asked me if we could do some discreet trading.”5e51b3c8d6020d4d

“What? Why are you only telling me this now?”0b0ea93cb9147e4d

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“I apologize. Since it’s a new guild, I lacked information… I was planning to report after investigating the Verris merchant guild first.”14cb95e354a2bb6a

“Hmm.”71b5cc3a79c7a681

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Somewhat better because of the aide’s explanation, Reyan stroked his chin in thought. The ‘discreet trading’ mentioned by the Verris guild master was a euphemism for illegal trades like smuggling.44f4c1066a5c0586

“Did he say what he wanted?”971de7fcd3cfa37d

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“…He said he wanted ‘the white stuff.'”edeec099a4330b5e

White stuff. Reyan paused at the aide’s words. He recalled that the Lhis Duchy had no access to the sea, making salt very precious there. And that they had traded a few times in the past.381013c88465d53b

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“Salt, is it.”f89cffed4f92e2b0

Reyan fell 9efcf228b9 into contemplation c67eda8e2e with hardened e7ca276cc7 eyes. Salt had been the d42182bc5b primary contributor that had deac6383c2 made him wealthy within 4031e74e0f a few years of c6a79ad6cf becoming Vice Minister of 318cedbf0b Industry. However, it carried equally 77e257a22a large risks.1dd9de349a38ce6e

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Diverting salt, a monopoly of the empire, was treated almost as treason if caught. Even someone like himself wouldn’t be safe if discovered.dd6d94ee3da4c7c3

For that reason, Reyan had temporarily suspended salt trading since last year. He thought he’d earned enough and should play it safe. However, the situation had changed.673eaac4f57efa10

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Reyan rapidly calculated in his head. The Count’s secret warehouse held the salt he had diverted. If the trade could be successfully completed, he could escape his current financial difficulties. But if it failed, the risk he would have to bear was too great.534e55252b73a244

In the end, the key to solving the problem was whether or not they could complete the illegal trade while avoiding Rishar’s eyes. If successful, it could solve all the immediate problems, but if it failed, he would lose everything he had built up. In other words, it was a life-or-death gamble.7db6bc931629ae54

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“What did you think of him? Did he seem trustworthy enough to trade with?”ad2116351b898e37

“His impression wasn’t bad. However, I’m not sure if he can be trusted.”1033d9e0f68ace2d

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“…Look into the guild master more. If he seems alright after that, we’ll meet with him.”8e2f1507afd21a1b

“Are you thinking of trading?”927c5ad93bebb2b0

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“I’ll decide that after meeting him. Let’s see… The ship party next week would be good for making contact while avoiding Grand Duke Eckhart’s eyes. Until then, investigate everything about the Verris merchant guild thoroughly.”f60f6cf016f55269

“Understood.”db1edc5703d6b30e

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The aide felt troubled after Reyan’s order. He was already out of favor with Reyan due to the problems caused by the miners. If he didn’t handle this matter properly, it would truly be the end.0a09cbedd6189bfb

***016068e38439d68e

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Etienne lifted his heavy 163fd66629 eyelids at the sensation ed8de896c5 of the carriage shaking aad3b146fa greatly. As soon as d3cec75b11 Etienne opened his cc333ab0b5 eyes, Ben, sitting 1d848ca26a across from him, f72052a4a3 immediately said,b724f75ef20d14c8

“Are you alright? I’m sorry, something seems to have caught in the wheel.”8974c184b62375c5

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“I’m fine. How long until we arrive?”7e860d44a5eadfc6

“About 15 minutes left, I think.”6bb187c150a83963

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Etienne glanced out the window after hearing Ben’s answer. As he said there wasn’t much time left, the ship where the party would be held was visible through the window. Several carriages parked around it also caught his eye.4b3952f87bb76328

“There are a lot of people.”461cd690891bc87c

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Etienne muttered b8e6986463 in a d0bd6a0c92 slightly daunted 609dc57d2f voice as 91e671bccf he surveyed f293d27ed4 the outside. Not only were e32f6b8ada there party attendees, 22e0aedc95 but quite a 56ae564ac4 few people who b5b2b2b91f seemed to have ee071b3c72 come to see 8c99367d39 the ship were 38b4f61da0 noticeable as well. Just thinking 32fb416ea0 about having 360135c150 to pass a535ac85dd through those 62ce7dfdef crowds made b0d5b88526 him tense 91806c3052 already.79db3f18761f24c0

“There will be fireworks later too. Everyone seems to have come to see that.”80a72011c6cc6ade

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Ben commented 320dec1d1c knowingly as 41b45b2785 he looked 5834d367be out the 45644bb593 window with afc682f8d8 Etienne. He had been surprised 386f65322d when he heard Rishar 2dde63ebb2 was hosting a ship d1a94a5a13 party, but seeing that c9d53878ae fireworks were prepared too, d7400084d7 it seemed the scale edd99fc104 of the party was fde14a34c6 much larger than expected.2ecf03be6cb19a85

“They must not have had a lot of time on their hands, but it looks like they prepared quite a lot.”2f520e0bf0dbdf28

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“I heard Sir Elvin worked extremely hard.”356a26db8c21c990

“Well, having to prepare everything in just 3 weeks, he must have. I should at least thank him for his hard work when I see him later.”b8c0310403a8e111

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Generally, parties held on dc0be061b7 ships require much more e9cda6fc73 preparation than those held d5950c99a2 in mansions. Even if 5327d62383 it was f355dcf865 just a 5991059ca0 regular ship 83e4c422ab party that 5fd138186d would be 8013d5e22c true, but 637f24c62d this was 548836fec4 even a 9fbceb5f11 masquerade ball.5631f2f20f92bd2b

A masquerade ball – Etienne looking at the approaching ship turned his gaze to the black velvet box beside him. It contained the mask Rishar had sent him.874b635bf1604468

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I wonder if it’ll be alright.Etienne fell into 7670485379 worry as he d637ed05d7 awkwardly touched his b0b2837ca5 unusually exposed forehead. Since it e0821f0ce9 was his f9384530c6 first time 7ff84f4016 attending a e603eeccd5 masquerade ball, 5c824b97e8 he was 036430e8b7 worried about 6127efba81 various things.e4539407dc73e4d0

“What’s wrong? Are you feeling seasick?”26cd7dd0acf6d49b

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Ben reacted sharply when 40f06b62cc Etienne darkly fiddled with a04f5efd44 his bangs. Since the 0275780b3d day Etienne 30e0a8f4db had fainted, e8321e8a93 Ben had 2c604f835d become sensitive 0e82002647 whenever he a035e092b6 showed even 8de8f30341 slight signs 71f6aad227 of fatigue.ea66e5ee98881574

“Huh? No. It’s just that it’s been a while since I’ve exposed my forehead this much, so it feels awkward.”f9738de8dc6e7825

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Etienne quickly waved his hands at Ben’s intensity, looking ready to pull out motion sickness medicine any moment. Only then did Ben’s tense expression relax.26c2b5e08f94c8eb

“Your hair? I think it looks fine… If you don’t like it, I can fix it again.”275cb627db722597

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“It’s not that I don’t like it, I told you it just feels awkward. I’ve never swept my bangs back like this before.”4365dcb8d543d291

Etienne answered as he 93d2d856e9 lowered his hand from 5b30cf882c his hair. His gaze c3405f4ec3 returned to e9a1c02a01 the velvet 1979f13153 box. Rishar said he f5c8ae48a0 held the masquerade 550e4792f9 ball because he 0a6b714638 wanted to meet c364dcb622 him without having e259f30751 to worry about 3d71824068 other people.fb0d71781280aa8f

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“Maybe I should have worn a wig? I feel like people will still recognize me even with the mask.”8e2dd278455a53f2

Etienne asked in a worried voice. Wearing different style clothes and exposing his forehead was meant to prevent people from recognizing him at the masquerade ball. However, he wasn’t sure how effective this would be.2a4c2f18b8a46ecc

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“Lady Stella said the mask alone would be enough, so it should be fine. The mask will change your eye color too.”7c9d5ec7425cc335

Ben answered as if d8d698cd88 telling him not to 5bdff8544f worry. As he said, 1693fee4ed the mask Rishar 38020a572c sent had a 09217850ae special mechanism.a0d1c6b39730362f

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Stella, who brought the mask, explained that it was specially made so Etienne wouldn’t need to use eye drops that could harm his eyes. Indeed, when wearing the mask, Etienne’s eyes changed to various colors depending on the light.f3abc7ba329aa737

“Don’t worry too much. Even if someone recognizes you, pretending not to know is the golden rule of a masquerade ball.”cd8d5de446b69aa4

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“I don’t mind people recognizing me. The problem is the gossip. If someone notices me with Rishar, it will reach Mother’s ears…”e184e071217be53e

Ben questioned in response to Etienne’s muttering, as if there was no problem.aa4605d9c7428b79

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“Wouldn’t that be alright? Didn’t Her Majesty the Empress tell you to seduce the Grand Duke?”de3b925f9f1faf7d

“That’s…”f3b10e2cd216a677

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Seduce. Etienne was puzzled at Ben’s choice of words. As he said, a few days ago, Leona had ordered Etienne to extract information by using Rishar’s feelings. The suggestion to seduce Rishar came up during that process.5141ebe6525a8b41

“Yeah, but…”5e72a63a234bb025

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“Then it’s fine, isn’t it?”8dcd9f617f1d8500

When Etienne trailed off 089636cd53 while agreeing, Ben grinned. Then he f9077110f2 added his 231b490622 thoughts as 9642c56c35 if to d510a84885 reassure him.4e0590b735eeb998

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“No one will think it strange even if you two stay together throughout the party this time. Your Highness is simply following Her Majesty the Empress’s orders to entice His Highness the Grand Duke.”4da53096e2699f62

At Ben’s words, Etienne let out a groan and sighed. Even though he knew Ben was right, his heart wouldn’t lighten. It was because he had always lived worrying about others’ eyes and whether someone might report something to her.64a24c0ad0e97855

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“To entice, he says…”c6eb559f33543489

Etienne pressed his lips together uncomfortably. Unlike before, now that he had become aware of his feelings for Rishar, it was difficult to casually dismiss words like ‘seduce’ or ‘entice.’ Frowning, Etienne recalled his conversation with Leona.2937360e78579bbb

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‘So, I heard that guy likes you, huh.’c94c325183574a8d

A few c1f658480a days ago, 97b7f760f6 when Leona 3d912d8ef9 called for 95271e6296 him, Etienne 3e5c2940b2 thought the 10c6658a2d inevitable had 96c01d2b17 come. If anything, the 69d1435e69 summon was later 7eea5bbe9c than expected. That must 88712b24f3 have meant d7bd79debe how much f79faaf954 Leona had 05f6789191 deliberated about 6776d012b4 the probability 90ece946b3 that Etienne 3bff06a04f had betrayed f9536a812d her.bd79dda20fe0c1dd

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‘What do you mean by that?’0f3b291abd510e4b

Thanks to Leona’s suspicious and cautious nature moving slowly, Etienne had time to prepare in his own way. Having heard through Stella about all the conversations between Leona and Rishar, he was careful to act in a way that wouldn’t make her suspicious. He also completely avoided meeting with Rishar.b1fe34857026b1e8

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‘The day you collapsed and I had tea with that man. He said so then.’7f8adc7df729b3f2

‘Such a thing…’26991020fe272102

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In front of Leona 9d37b62ff7 who mentioned his interactions 8fbe2ce4bf with Rishar, Etienne pretended 805bc0e904 to be flustered.22782ddcedec6afa

‘You didn’t know? Really?’0e634cba387f748f

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‘I, well…’0dfb73909c48409d

Leona gave a14f819907 Etienne a 57fee35e04 suspicious look. Under her ffae832c37 sharp questioning, eee2bd17cd Etienne deliberately 9ad5848475 stammered and 327c7c3b7a showed the 6b4ee5a9e8 appearance of a1fcd478ab an incompetent 068e2add73 son.88850ff5c94973ac

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‘I just thought he followed me well. Since I don’t have any experience in that area…’ac99484d38517869

‘You didn’t notice his feelings at all?’a81506be9fd66cec

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‘Sometimes I felt something was strange, but I didn’t know exactly what.’052b8b82d5e4ca96

‘Hmm.’402eed5ffdfd4919

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Leona didn’t easily dismiss her suspicions. Her sharp gaze, sharp enough to make his skin tingle, touched various parts of Etienne’s face. The scrutinizing gaze that looked at him not as a child but as an enemy made it hard to breathe.95ce377a7868e98c

‘Mother, I’m sorry. I was slow and clumsy… please forgive me.’a99f26d654f099cd

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Etienne apologized to Leona 2deac7d95a with a terrified expression. As he trembled 33e4672664 and clung to 862936bf1d her, Leona made c3e6520d1d a disapproving expression. Fortunately, his act 250d44c792 seemed to work, 835c203c3a as shortly after, a7ae126b76 Leona withdrew her 54480899d9 gaze.967f0cce14832be6

‘Slow, huh. How can you be so oblivious?’091351677cd05bc0

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Clicking her tongue, Leona shot Etienne a displeased look. Etienne lowered his head deeply as if he couldn’t face her. In front of Leona, he needed to be a stupid and obedient son – one that was useful to her.e3fdc0c994b54143

‘This might be better actually. Now that we know he has feelings for you, we should find a way to use it.’f0cfe9fcbc2d5769

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Seemingly pleased with Etienne’s submissive behavior, Leona changed her stance. Although her suspicions about Etienne weren’t completely gone, she had nonetheless gotten hold of Rishar’s weakness. This opportunity couldn’t be wasted.6e4e48603b034ea1

‘I hear he’s hosting a ship party? I believe you received an invitation.’fecf4717519a7843

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‘Yes, I received it yesterday. I actually wanted to discuss that matter with you.’f2d841046f8d4480

‘What about it?’afd9b47516acf763

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‘The invitation I received was marked as a special class cabin. I checked with Margrave Mathias’s son, and he said he received a first-class invitation.’d33a67118588b9ec

‘Special class? That man sent you a special class invitation?’31eb820ef429ee82

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‘Yes. The invitation said it was divided according to the cabin locations during the party… Since I’m a prince, I thought it might be special treatment, but Grand Duchess Sachsen received a first-class invitation too.’8217b8efb01bd407

‘Right. Besides you, only his closest confidants received special class invitations.’72ed1793092e8c97

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‘Then…’4d2456f0e3d5e926

‘He seems to be plotting something with you, how interesting.’72b8720f754ec3db

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Leona’s smile grew darker than before. Etienne put on an innocent expression as if he didn’t understand anything.8e88af213360a7c3

‘What should we do? I think it might be good to attend…’00d40a2786e4c182

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‘Hmm, what did the doctor say? Did he say it would be fine for you to attend?’d75d5b91848a30ef

Leona asked with a def00f8239 contemplative face. She was hesitant to 2aa51cf1aa send Etienne to a f1dee1b75e party that would last 93895abba9 several days. But not ff9760ba19 sending him 4617996834 also felt 4c3aec610a unsettling.0ab5022c6bf890bf

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The ship party 54b54905a1 hosted by Rishar d643caa003 was receiving much 9ae76af217 attention. It was 3594438d5c his first af5f6b7486 party as 351a4594e2 Grand Duke e10d01bc43 of Eckhart, 61a13f3ad2 and its c6eb87d082 scale was 481df611f8 jaw-dropping.03bed214c396d4ba

And Rishar hadn’t f813ff71fd stopped there, he’d 18b749cd8a played his trump 52b70ed60b card with a 64ea960604 masquerade ball. People showed 2455e5a897 their excitement 5a6562f80c for the cb7a03419b party, which 5260425561 was good 0bcf486dfb for having b26d29fb62 an enjoyable 18e20e8bbc day while b8d53c0778 hiding your bea24677bd identity and 05c3733ee8 also good 3b7e0e96bc for making 00212d1105 connections away a594377c48 from prying 034efea367 eyes.796337210bb08ba8

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‘The doctor said it should be fine as long as I don’t stay too long in places with many Alphas and Omegas. And if I feel strange at all, I should go rest in the cabin right away.’b782145ed7e41631

‘Is that so?’a53338793286ea03

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At Etienne’s answer, Leona fell into thought. At the debutante ball, Etienne couldn’t handle the numerous pheromones and had to rest in the lounge before returning to the palace.746d27b4dee72362

If he couldn’t even last one day properly, would it be possible to stay on the ship for several days? Leona was skeptical. But it would be a pity not to send him.032cb81ba41f22b6

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According to her investigation, this ship party would gather almost all the key figures of the imperial faction and influential neutrals. Moreover, many of Rishar’s subordinate families would attend. Among them were many from military families.9e29750ef5166819

The imperial noble families mostly supported Rishar because Edwin supported him. However, the people from military families loyal to Rishar were different. They genuinely followed Rishar and wanted to make him emperor. They were purely Rishar’s force. Leona wanted that information.132fdd73d5b7ee8e

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‘That fucking man.’267e070ae938a10f

Leona couldn’t hide her irritation and cursed. Rishar had sent first-class invitations to the top ten families and their peers, and second-class invitations to count families and below.9282d103a28ae37c

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Special class invitations went to Rishar’s closest confidants regardless of status. Rishar explained to those discussing it that it was a reward for his servants who had suffered for the past few years.72a29aceacf8f064

Although there were voices of dissatisfaction among nobles who still didn’t receive special class invitations, they were soon buried under praise for being a hero who cared for his subordinates.6963d6997b989861

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For this ef96776b0f reason, only 3cb0f5e996 a very 5f20189d11 small number d735eb9cbc received special 9511065d7d class invitations. Among them, 4d3e9ecd21 Etienne was 7280308480 the only 962c262ac4 one who c59a17bc7c could be ce73231c2f considered working faf278e4f1 under Leona.c35ca40ddbcf02de

‘So he’s going all out now that he’s been discovered…’79e59a7d02babe9e

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Leona muttered to herself, falling into contemplation. Rishar’s message in sending Etienne a special class invitation was clear. If you want information, if you’re curious about what I’m going to do, send Etienne.34c9909ada14458d

‘Cunning bastard.’78331423c64bd1aa

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Having figured out Rishar’s intentions, Leona couldn’t hide her displeasure. Her sharpened gaze turned back to Etienne. His pathetic appearance of watching her nervously and then startling and avoiding her eyes was frustrating.94aecd1a08dc9b9b

He would probably try to meet Etienne under the pretext of the ship party and attempt to win him over to his side. If they could take advantage of that, there was a high possibility of getting the information she desired. Even if that fool fell completely for Rishar, it wouldn’t matter since she would know right away.7a8fa2b6bdb7388c

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‘Attend the party and meet the Grand Duke.’4a0f230c4c1896ff

After much deliberation, Leona c1b715d165 ordered Etienne. The bait was too 312f137d8b powerful to resist even 790b97efee knowing it was a 48f7851d5f trap set by Rishar. That was a755a1c8a2 because information 18f7042c70 about the 011d8c1077 families following d744009cbc Rishar was 603df518b9 always scarce.d17deadae75bfa9b

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That’s just how military families were. Closed off and conservative, infinitely friendly to insiders but exclusive to outsiders. They were one of the reasons why Leona hadn’t been able to deal with Rishar until now.33b2a78628820820

‘You must get information from him. Use any means necessary, seduce him if you have to, make him talk.’92d4b4d1c6809b31

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‘I beg your pardon?’6b8782b2385ec7dd

Etienne’s eyes widened at the somewhat outrageous order. The Leona he knew was the type to test even stone bridges before crossing them. This kind of order wasn’t like her.1f8f7f6d198dabab

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Why is she 9449f32b5a showing such impatience? Etienne grew suspicious of Leona’s behavior that was different from usual. Though she appeared composed on the surface, she seemed somewhat anxious about something.3e039dc5820ca415

‘If our secret gets discovered…’0e4e0074b84c2066

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‘That must not happen. I’m telling you to seduce him within safe limits.’f44fb9063cff2970

Leona glanced at 1a5246833d Etienne as if 6c956f779c to say‘do I have to explain even this?’Then she continued 38d8354876 in a confident 318c6f8b99 tone.973ebab4679b5bfd

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‘From what I can see, he’s completely fallen for you. He’ll fall for it right away with just a little stimulation.’2ac444809130f57e

Leona was confident in her assessment. She still got goosebumps thinking about that day. She wondered why she hadn’t noticed until now – Rishar’s eyes were full of obsession for Etienne.17ebb17596eee0f4

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People with such eb78775bd1 eyes are unpredictable. Leona felt a 1b567dc0df sense of crisis 5607788d47 that she might 749d0c8358 not be able f71598e2b1 to control the d599f4ea7f situation. This made 6746be31f8 her feel 4557e07709 urgent. She needed to gain a59c685944 the upper hand before ea3f17ab0c Rishar did anything.3f5bc81a97e7a671

‘To catch a tiger, one must enter the tiger’s den. Stay sharp and do it properly. And take the doctor with you. If it seems dangerous, stay locked in your cabin.’9a6c5b0e52e31004

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‘Yes, Mother.’4b0ac6eeda0b54c4

Even as she gave a6f5d64e82 orders to Etienne, Leona 97f1ae0d63 sighed as if displeased. Etienne responded submissively 3a643575fc to her.eacd5ce9f4dce9d0

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“We’re almost there.”1495ddcab5800f79

As Etienne was reviewing his conversation with Leona, Ben’s voice announcing their arrival pulled him from his thoughts.96091a8cc57567d6

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It was 664c039993 noticeably noisy ae144b3eaa outside the 6f00bb6520 carriage. Following the sound 0a755d3d8d and looking out 8ea65e8f12 the window, he af3de5593d saw a large, 9e7861c0e8 magnificent ship. He thought 139c9e9d1e it was dd083d5339 big even cfb6c241d2 from afar, 3e4aa1b8bf but seeing 0426f03e40 it up f04ffeb489 close was 6e9ad0f633 overwhelming.90b5896a75a3020a

Etienne’s gaze lingered on the Eckhart family crest prominently engraved on the hull. At that moment, fierce waves rose in his chest.b0ff48dee8465449

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“It’s been three weeks…”cc39152519177add

Feeling his heart flutter, Etienne bit his lip. Since the day he collapsed at Grand Duke Bismarck’s residence, Etienne hadn’t met Rishar. In other words, today would be their first meeting since he had become aware of his feelings for him.14d8a18a539e4d9e

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“Whew.”0f097f1db322fbb3

Etienne let out a 892a54697e long breath as if 5ec4316ab2 taking a deep breath. While excited 4ec10c5314 at the 91a08912d5 thought of aab1ae6002 finally being c11ad62e6d able to 35aa2a27de meet Rishar, 79510a7be9 tension rose 7d01e101c1 and his 04386c474c throat felt 5f33795bf1 dry. These three weeks 96b3710425 truly felt like abe2543d13 three months.71cf4356e1325995

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When Etienne realized 7182747bd0 his feelings for 3fdf979783 Rishar, he wanted f0e9ea7990 to go to 56105758d4 him immediately. But reality was ff21cd743d cruel, and Etienne 527a7170df had to desperately 1266bdc36a suppress those feelings.fbaf6235dd74283c

Not being greedy for something and enduring it was what Etienne did best, but this time was truly difficult. Like weeds that grow back stronger the more they’re trampled, his feelings for Rishar grew stronger the more he tried to suppress them.f1e4937776ef0da7

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He endured f88912eafb and endured 5358a9a643 to avoid 9a3e565451 being swept 305b5bd117 away by 11802d2bbe emotions. He could have 576d62cff2 met Rishar if 4d222fd094 he wanted to, 82179f3428 but it was 4141ca52ca a time when a735aa3228 he needed to 22a7e68560 be careful to ba2440f3fd avoid unnecessary suspicion.41fb2d2a5c97139d

That day, Etienne succeeded in not going to meet Rishar, but in exchange, he couldn’t sleep at all.2a02b20204f3f9c9

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The next day was similar. Through Stella, who had entered the palace disguised as an apothecary, Etienne conveyed the message to Rishar that they shouldn’t meet until the ship party. Although he was disappointed, Rishar agreed with his thinking. That night too, Etienne tossed and turned.3f9069a0fa1dadab

After that followed incredibly busy days. During the past three weeks, Etienne attended parties hosted by Reyan and met people he introduced, and following Leona’s orders, made appearances at tea parties and ship outings.df38c3e7cc06f116

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Sometimes he would bd91d5d56b meet with Antoine b3b92bb5f5 and hear his a1112da769 reports in an 2e2a253cd1 awkward atmosphere, discussing ac8b092cc5 what needed to 84da82f8e4 be done going b784649329 forward.74f78d1952134c74

Despite being too busy and tired to think of anything else, Etienne’s days were unstable. Each day felt unusually long. It all was because of his longing for Rishar.b50c1cb575c551df

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Every moment, Etienne had a456fb86e0 to endure the urge 389db88215 to go meet Rishar ae0c973a3b and suppress the desire 39d5da6f9b to convey his feelings. That alone a5bfe60438 was overwhelming.1cd82cea06d1a4b2

After enduring 29e1700146 so much, 374d390fcd he once 42e6ef4935 had a 4865660957 major breakdown. Celodine had aa917b93bf diagnosed it bceacd1562 as being 46f73d5afc sick due e96bc37ea4 to overwork 0716ea74ff and insomnia, 724443bb55 but Etienne 35d48b6b4b thought it 06958e4f60 was a 8c6d4e9a70 different kind 239288ea26 of illness.2c6ccab79b702725

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After all, none of Celodine’s prescribed medicines had any effect. The fever didn’t break even with antipyretics, and the pain in his chest didn’t go away even with painkillers.f546aebe46cf0a8c

In Etienne’s opinion, this was an illness of the heart, not the body. If he had to give it a name, it was closer to lovesickness created by feelings he couldn’t convey to Rishar and the longing from not being able to meet him.090011da0592cd16

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“Lovesickness…”dbfd09597d5ad171

“Eh? What did you just say?”f36c149c295f9696

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“Hm? It’s nothing. Just talking to myself.”42ce2b29d37d70dc

Etienne brushed it 1460c9ae8c off vaguely to 085fe9fde6 Ben and let 33191f7c1f out a small 2ffc76b1dc laugh. He wondered if Rishar a974a4bcd8 knew he was like c835eaf7b3 this.6176a54307e80ed4

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Sighing again, Etienne pressed his tired eyes with his hands. Last night, he couldn’t sleep at all, excited like a child before a picnic.97e88f794963fa31

They couldn’t meet during this time, but communication hadn’t been completely cut off. Etienne maintained steady contact with Rishar through Stella. Even without that, news of him constantly came through other people’s mouths.f35be75d9b72a9eb

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Recently, whenever 5fc5503b3d people gathered, 8e0d76f0bd they were 4c2245951c busy talking 3640b3361f about Rishar. His actions were 8975daf3ce that impressive.59e3f8531ee5848e

Some raged, saying Rishar had finally pointed his sword at the noble faction, while others took an observant attitude, carefully weighing which side to join. There were also those watching to see how Etienne would react. That’s why Etienne was even more careful with his actions. He didn’t want to give them any excuse to criticize him.1c76f75aac3f09fb

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“We’ve arrived, Your Highness.”3a25218d5d18a553

Just as Etienne 6a6f8a174b was rubbing his 1a3e71657e tired eyes again, ffea1b379b the carriage stopped. Ben opened a396bbc127 a velvet c78857753b box and 3e8620298c carefully took 9678ac9e94 out a 20813b5150 mask.6fc87d86392be567

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“Please close your eyes for a moment.”258480820f556d06

Etienne quietly closed his eyes following Ben’s words. Ben put the mask on Etienne and secured it so it wouldn’t fall off, then withdrew his hands.bc1f390281d27f33

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“It’s done.”c7efa5f4823567ea

“Thank you.”df51dbd4aaee7bae

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Etienne thanked Ben as 4c260571d2 he got up. His heart was ae57ded3b0 beating rapidly.8c70c197fa30bad1

“Please step down carefully.”a9d57d9775a9302b

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Ben, wearing a mask 24d3322679 issued for servants or d090d30107 aides, got out of 005f8aee5b the carriage first.66b3d17eb3724548

When Etienne caed693798 stepped out a9c9ee18ec of the e33a19f210 carriage, the d0c4434bf9 gazes of 3376342f98 onlookers gathered 1c0b9b6eaf near the 60e538d27b ship to 113d70cce5 watch the 156742c086 fireworks turned 03c47979c6 toward him.f1d55b0aac19f5a2

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Ignoring the dd33af907c stares fixed 47b3a44b48 on him, 413658e880 Etienne walked 851b5f35b8 toward the fb566de186 stairs connected a7428e0713 to the bd50e2724f ship.f670ccdab6831673

“Please show your invitation.”10cf1b8b7e3675bf

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The doorkeeper guarding the stairs requested the invitation with a polite attitude. Etienne silently handed him the invitation. The doorkeeper’s eyes widened slightly upon checking it.969034107a3bfdfe

“Thank you for coming to House Eckhart’s party. We hope you enjoy your time.”0f4721bdcaf01e35

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The doorkeeper returned the invitation and stepped aside with a bow. Etienne felt the voice was somehow familiar. However, he couldn’t tell who it was because the face was covered by a mask.132329f7233ca1cc

The butler perhaps? Etienne wondered about the doorkeeper’s identity as he slowly climbed the stairs.a6918ff0d0d064ad

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“Ah.”990756f899915d3e

Upon entering, Etienne couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration. He thought it would be magnificent, but the inside of the ship was beyond imagination. Ben, who followed behind carrying Etienne’s luggage, gaped at the luxurious interior.035c359f5dec5f4b

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“It’s much bigger than I expected. It’s like they transported an entire mansion here.”3985d3239d73f263

“Indeed.”21988b664a1b4980

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“Wasn’t there supposed to be three halls in total?”04b498d991d10b5b

“Yes.”aac5c22699f94d3a

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“Where are you meeting him?”459a9c556d55b52a

Ben, referring to Rishar as ‘him,’ asked in a voice only Etienne could hear. At his question, Etienne took out his pocket watch.e2f103237639221e

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“We agreed to meet in the central hall… there’s about 40 minutes until our appointed time.”28e73483b74ad9a2

“Then I’ll stay with you.”95e8a4d73db3ff72

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“No, I’ll look around slowly, so you go put down the luggage and come back.”c32079efb6feae64

Etienne’s gaze turned to the bag Ben was carrying. What he was holding contained clothes and medicine that Etienne would need during the four days of the ship party.63bf321eabab9e8c

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“What about Sir Celodine?”c8334c0be76331ba

“He doesn’t seem to have arrived yet. Since he said he’d come after meeting Lady Stella on the way… he might be a bit late, but he could have arrived already, so I’ll leave the luggage and check the accommodations.”b18a2dd0dd2ed91c

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“Do that.”04de810291e2a834

After sending 313a62041f Ben off, c2d17f0915 Etienne moved b8fc263968 further inside. He first 6c64355de7 entered the b934fd92d7 nearest hall.c94beb1bffe9d778

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The first fc1650e4d7 hall gave f21f238e40 the feeling 07e42711ec of being 062d6cb943 in a 8ea6d10265 garden. Etienne was 66dd434bf2 looking at 3550766829 the fountain 4af11be62e located in 514e0d5a62 the center 5995f49452 of the 955e6a9a8f hall with 2a33624cfb curious eyes 69367bbfac when he fe1103d9b1 picked up 2c002f3c5a a wine b4c5919a95 glass from d94e12bc69 a tray c0eedd4004 offered by 06586c1514 a servant.85cceaf310eac7b2

As the refreshing f9e5dbd08e fruit wine moistened 988b70b165 his dry mouth, ff8b35bdc2 his tension eased f9e99e2f04 a bit. Having regained some f94efe7cdc composure, Etienne settled 3b39a84bc0 in a corner b64822b35d and watched people.5943114e534c57a5

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Everyone attending 8b66e9b64e the party 59c0681ae4 was wearing 84584e7d4c masks. While some 69bc218856 wore comical 5be6fa16e1 animal masks, c0ddc025db others wore ffb35e822d masks decorated 3c1c7e9b4c with jewels 17ce3da340 as if 8076d9e5b6 to show 5a523037ac off their 1a93eaedb8 wealth.961512d8e7655fe9

The attire was also more diverse than at usual parties. People wearing armor, people in Oriental dresses, people with wings attached to their backs somehow… Etienne quietly appreciated the guests showing off various charms. Then suddenly he realized there were more people with black and blonde hair than usual.55a90414c1ffe80d

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“Hm?”fa3a54f1e65d1c3a

Etienne blinked with 47588da46a a puzzled face. With a suspicion fad295cf2a in mind, he 07f885fbe3 moved around observing d9ec4a81c0 people.597f01820391fe3e

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At first he thought it might be his imagination, but it wasn’t. There were definitely many black and blonde hairs. Most seemed to be wearing wigs.fd828903c1b8800c

The issue was a0bac630d6 the clothes worn 8ae8c7eed2 by people with 6d563bcc6e black and blonde 01972288d8 wigs. Many with 71cf37de8a black hair 617d75f739 wore knight ec5169e45b uniforms, while 6b6fcb9719 those with dbc295b965 blonde hair 4d69a98516 wore formal 19343301d6 attire suitable 562b0766fd for important 5e28234f07 events. Maybe it was 309ca4990f just his feeling, 9c591a65da but the appearances 79cc537807 reminded him of a403615ee9 Rishar and himself.51870c68bb600518

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“Ah.”bfe37bf38e464d63

Etienne let 4f160916e8 out a cd15bfd531 small exclamation 087442f8f9 as he c983ec08b1 realized who 1741f9601c they were 4946eeabae disguised as. Now he understood a3a8626298 why Rishar had a43dc1340a said not to 6b588a50dc worry, and that b9f4a13661 a mask alone 89bb2f9161 would be enough.20b41e62e7b220ff

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Masquerade balls had the characteristic of allowing people to show off different charms or hide themselves and enjoy being like someone else. Generally, people would disguise themselves as historical or mythological figures, or famous people. So it wasn’t strange that they dressed up to look like Rishar.726e5d82598001a4

But he didn’t understand why some would disguise themselves as him. While Rishar was understandable given his popularity as a hero who saved the empire, why him?de1032d313adb2ba

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Etienne watched a blonde man passing in front of him with dubious eyes. It wasn’t just self-consciousness – the clothes, accessories, hair color, and even the hairstyle covering the forehead were so much like himself. And there weren’t just one or two, but several people who were the same.5e666d86dd49cd8e

Feeling strange, e80fd3f9ff Etienne left ca1dfd1808 the first cd742ee3d1 hall and 5c0e11ef58 headed to ade9a95181 the central a01551fa6b hall. The central hall ed0beb8423 was at least 6da1aea910 three or four eca6384094 times the size a60f7eac47 of the first 2ff697c319 hall, and except 8ab9bd3034 for the masked cf91659b4b and disguised people, 997ab6a215 it resembled a 787450372c typical ballroom.42f3306a25ff01f3

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Etienne found a spot 31b22e5a42 while listening to the c938348932 sweet music from the 0b17294aac band. Then he bd26682ee6 gestured to 82c01254be a nearby aa9a857094 servant.bad0e930a14c93f2

“Do you need something?”ccd62106bc8463f0

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“Wine.”8c6ad05510159597

When Etienne lightly shook 5d17c2dfd1 his empty glass, the 9700cbab08 servant quickly replaced it 6f06b132d0 with a new one. Etienne sipped the 08ab73ef01 sweet fruit wine, 1c695ee881 different from earlier, 89ecbc479b while checking the 7627955f5f time. There were 18c0b3c481 about 15 d371738bdf minutes left 578528c7c1 until his c1403fd808 meeting time b728109888 with Rishar.c97a085d259f4ada

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Etienne had thought e1e1930214 about going to 04b12d8103 the third hall, 93ccaa88bc but seeing how 3b34b7b5bc little time was 3062212083 left, he stayed f1fb4d7704 put. He fidgeted 8909619150 with his 5dad86d160 collar, feeling 6d93cc7c1e a strange 66ba3bb7a8 thirst. His throat was dry 79501cc515 despite drinking.df5919440059a553

“Another of the same.”1c5be451d8697055

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Etienne, having emptied his 03df1d857d glass in an instant, 7e67f4f184 held out the empty d471683e29 glass to the servant. The glass was 34b4dff286 soon filled.74db4708e572fbb5

“Whew.”d6e7b087073a0f91

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Etienne stuck out his tongue to wet his lower lip, feeling the sweetness filling his mouth. He felt somewhat regretful that he couldn’t smell the aroma because of the medicine that numbed his sense of smell.f2036cc1655de2ac

Should I have 83d91d034a another glass?888231f9f62145a9

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Just as Etienne was 4dbc39fd63 contemplating while tilting his 8ad04e7021 empty glass, a voice a6363c5d67 tinged with amusement was 29ddd7dc75 heard.c1c1702b019da117

“It seems the wine suits your taste.”8508b435d28949a1

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