The Slave Is Too Handsome - Chapter 38

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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The slave is far too handsome!
038.
Lucian sketched out the Imperial Family’s genealogy in his mind, trying to deduce the source of Eloize’s intelligence.
‘There are three princesses in the Imperial Family currently. If Eloize has joined hands with me, it means she opposes Camilo, which would make her the first princess, born of the Empress?’
Tap, tap. When Eloize struck the desk a couple of times, Lucian—lost in thought—refocused on the young noblewoman before him.
“Two weeks until Camilo’s birthday. As we discussed yesterday, we’ll prepare for the Prince Verification Process by then.”
“So a princess gave you that information.”
“That’s right. It ought to be reliable information.”
Yet confidence shimmered across the noblewoman’s face, contradicting her cautious words. Even if the intelligence proved false, she possessed absolute certainty that she could make Lucian the First Prince.
From that day forward, the two of them entered a kind of intensive training.
They spent most of their time simulating the Prince Verification Process. Beyond that, they examined speech patterns, posture, and eloquence.
***
“Good morning, Miss….”
On the morning when Camilo’s birthday drew four days near, Mary found her way to Eloize’s study as usual.
“Miss! Are you all right?”
Eloize and Lucian lay sprawled across the desk side by side. Startled, Mary quickly grasped the noblewoman’s shoulders and hauled her upright.
“Mm.”
Eloize’s eyes remained closed as she scowled. Sleep clung to her face in stubborn patches. Her head drooped toward the floor.
“You didn’t sleep here, did you? Please tell me you didn’t.”
“Haaa—yawn!”
Lucian, sensing her presence, straightened his torso with a loud yawn. Mary’s expression hardened at this confirmation of her worst fears. Her grip on Eloize’s shoulder tightened.
“I can’t take this anymore! Even so, you must sleep in your bedroom! Lose your health and all this effort becomes nothing but bubbles!!!”
Bombarded by complaints, Eloize’s heavy eyes snapped wide open.
‘We’re done for. This doesn’t look like it’ll end anytime soon….’
Her instinct proved correct. Mary unleashed everything she’d been holding back, pouring it out as one endless stream of nagging.
“Ha, I should go wash up.”
Lucian, hands clamped over his ears, quietly rose from his seat.
‘Don’t you dare leave!’
A fierce glare pinned him in place, but Lucian fled the study before she could say another word.
The two reunited after both had regained a semblance of human appearance and taken breakfast.
“Traitor.”
Lucian laughed awkwardly under her withering gaze.
“Ha. Shall we start today’s mock training?”
“We’ve prepared enough. Let’s clear our heads today.”
“Clear our heads?”
Some time later, Eloize and Lucian met at the entrance of the annex. He had changed into a Knight Order Uniform at her direction.
“Are we going riding?”
Eloize, dressed in riding attire, nodded and led him toward the Riding Grounds.
“How remarkable that the house has its own riding grounds.”
As the Stables came into view in the distance, Lucian offered a small murmur of admiration.
“Why would you be surprised, when you’re to become the master of the Imperial Palace?”
“I mean the La Croix riding grounds seem almost quaint compared to the Imperial Palace’s. What is this, nothing but a pony walk?”
Puff.
Eloize burst into laughter at his remark.
“What? Was I too tactless?”
“That’s not it….”
‘Once I enter the Imperial Palace, such candid conversation will become difficult.’
The longed-for moment drew near—so why did she wish time would flow more slowly?
When Eloize consciously pushed the thought aside, the two arrived together at the Stables entrance.
Today, she simply wanted to ride her fill and breathe the crisp air, settling her mind.
Yet the stable master, who had long served the La Croix family, wore an awkward expression.
“I beg your pardon, but the Head of House has issued orders forbidding the young lady from entering anywhere outside the annex.”
“What?”
“Please, return inside.”
The stable master scratched the back of his head sheepishly. Eloize’s face turned cold as stone.
‘It’s because of Georges!’
Then, from the far end of the Riding Grounds, a figure emerged walking slowly. It was the Duke. A hired man walked beside him.
“Your Grace!”
“Elo—”
Before Lucian could stop her, Eloize walked toward the Duke. Her refusal to call him father was her last shred of dignity.
“Your Grace! How could you—”
Words swollen with suppressed anger never found their end, scattering instead into empty air.
Duke La Croix passed by without so much as glancing at Eloize—as though denying her very existence.
That day, Lucian beheld Duke La Croix for the first time in his life. The tall, lean duke emanated an aura beyond approach.
‘So this is Duke La Croix!’
Though his brow was now deeply lined and his expression cold, the face suggested that in youth he must have been quite handsome.
But what struck Lucian most profoundly was that his contemptuous treatment of Eloize betrayed not the slightest trace of paternal affection.
Only after the Duke had receded far into the distance did Lucian collect himself and approach Eloize’s side.
Heat had risen to her face; teeth clenched, she let out a bitter smile. Her tightly balled fists trembled visibly.
“Eloize, are you all right?”
“….”
Eloize said nothing. Instead, she led him elsewhere, offering what comfort she could.
Though Eloize knew of a certain passage through which to slip out, she was again turned away by the house staff guarding it.
“Enough now. Let’s go rest.”
Only after Lucian had coaxed her did the two return to the annex.
Though the planned ride came to nothing, they spent a rare stretch of free time together—yet Lucian devoted the entire span to worrying over Eloize.
‘Is she truly all right?’
Half-reclined on a long sofa, Lucian pretended to read while studying her face.
Her wretched expression moved mechanically through documents, as though she knew no rest.
‘Just wait. Once I become a duke, I’ll drive father out first.’
Unaware of her hidden resolve, Lucian found himself consumed with the desire to pull her free from this strange house.
***
At last, the long-awaited day arrived. From morning, Lucian was swept up in preparations.
‘Is this how a doll feels when someone’s playing with it?’
With each skillful touch, his already handsome features grew more radiant. It seemed as though the servants were conducting an experiment in just how much more beautiful he could become.
“Oh, what if Prince Camilo loses heart?”
“I kept trembling the whole time, did you see?”
The maidservants tittered with delight as they fussed over his appearance, adjusting every fold.
Meanwhile, though Lucian had only to stand still and do nothing, his face grew increasingly marked by fatigue.
“Are you ready?”
Just as he was checking his reflection in the mirror—dressed in the most elaborate Formal Evening Coat—the door to the guest room opened. The cheerful voice made him turn.
“Elo—”
His worry proved needless. Eloize, the true star of the day, glowed with vitality.
“Oh my, you’re truly beautiful, Miss.”
“Miss, I thought my eyes would go blind from the brightness.”
“What if Prince Camilo proposes the moment he sees you? Squee!”
The maidservants who had assisted in Lucian’s preparations quickly gathered around Eloize. Behind them came Mary, chin held high with pride.
“Heh heh, I’ve been waiting for this day.”
Eloize accepted such reactions as a matter of course. What truly captured her interest was Lucian’s appearance.
“Hmm….”
As Eloize studied him intently, Mary caught the hint and tactfully ushered the maidservants from the room.
Neatly arranged hair, smooth skin, a well-tailored Formal Evening Coat that flattered his frame, perfect posture, and a subtle, pleasing scent.
‘Perfect.’
Unbidden, the memory of their first meeting surfaced. Then, he had seemed like a rough wild animal; now he was the very embodiment of imperial nobility. A quiet surge of emotion rose at how far he had come.
With a satisfied smile, Eloize’s gaze finally met his blue eyes.
“I pay my respects to the Empire’s sun.”
Holding the hem of her Ball Gown, Eloize bowed with proper courtesy.
“The young Lady of La Croix—you are truly beautiful today.”
Lucian spoke with careful restraint, though sincerity threaded through his words, yet Eloize did not perceive it.
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
Her bright laugh left Lucian momentarily speechless. She, more than anyone, deserved the word beautiful beyond its ordinary measure.
‘I understand now why Camilo obsesses over Eloize so intensely.’
The elaborate styling suited her so naturally. The somewhat daring Ball Gown exposed her delicate shoulders, and beneath lay a narrow, striking waist.
His brow furrowed imperceptibly. Beautiful. So beautiful, yet somehow it troubled him.
Then came a knock from beyond the door—the carriage was ready.
It was time to depart for the Imperial Palace.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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