The Slave Is Too Handsome - Chapter 39

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

That slave is way too handsome!
039.
The Imperial Palace Banquet Hall was filled with nothing but young nobility. It was the Emperor’s gracious gesture—on the occasion of the Second Prince’s birthday, he had granted the younger generation leave to enjoy themselves first.
And yet Camilo was not happy at all. Because Eloïse was not there.
“The Noble Lady Eloïse of the La Croix Ducal House has arrived!”
The doorman’s announcement sent every eye in the hall toward the entrance. Even the orchestra, which had been playing soft chamber music, stopped mid-phrase.
“At last.”
Camilo, who moments before had been slumped in his chair with a bored expression, shot to his feet. His eyes gleamed as though they had finally found their match.
A low chuckle escaped him.
The Second Prince moved toward the entrance with unshakeable confidence, and the nobility around him hastily parted to make way.
“There he goes again. It’s painful to watch, honestly.”
The cluster of young noblewomen observed the Prince’s infatuation and shook their heads in disapproval.
“My lady!”
Just before reaching the entrance, Camilo stopped in his tracks. Eloïse was walking toward him with a radiance brighter than ever before.
The Noble Lady approached the Prince and offered him a slight bow.
“I am honored by the grace of the Empire, Your Highness.”
“My lady, how are you feeling? I heard you’d been quite ill.”
Camilo’s face flushed with concern, his eyes searching her with worry. Though it was a meaningless question—the young woman before him overflowed with such vitality that it seemed ready to spill over.
“Thanks to your concern, I’ve recovered quickly. But I would like to introduce someone to Your Highness.”
“Introduce?”
Only then did Camilo’s gaze shift to the man escorting Eloïse. The warmth that had filled the Prince’s expression hardened in an instant.
“It is an honor to behold the Empire’s little sun, Your Highness.”
Lucian stood straight and offered a composed smile before bowing slowly and deliberately. Camilo’s eyes darkened with displeasure.
……
Every eye in the hall fixed on Lucian. Everyone except Camilo seemed to understand instinctively who he was.
“He’s incredibly handsome.”
“I knew it—he must be a foreign prince.”
Rose reached out her hand to the young noblewoman standing beside her.
“That does seem likely. But wait—Rose, we don’t actually know for certain that he’s a prince!”
The noblewoman who had lost the wager began to reach for something in her clutch, then stopped and flicked Rose’s empty hand lightly.
“Hmm, I still think my guess is right.”
Everyone watched the unfolding drama with keen interest. Everyone except Camilo.
“You are the one who saved me, Your Highness.”
“I am Lucian Astner. I wish to congratulate you on your birthday.”
“Lord Astner runs a trading company—a reputable one, dealing primarily with Kalaum.”
The Noble Lady’s cordial explanation fell on deaf ears. All Camilo could think was that he wanted this man out of his sight.
The Aide, sensing the tension, addressed his lord in a voice only he could hear.
“I see. Thank you for coming to the celebration.”
He spoke the words with a face that betrayed no gratitude whatsoever. There had been no need for this man to come at all.
The Aide glanced toward the distant orchestra, hoping to shift the mood. The Minuet began to flow through the previously silent hall.
“Now then, let’s enjoy the party. My lady, you’ll be my partner for the first dance, won’t you?”
The moment Camilo extended his hand toward Eloïse, Lucian, right before his eyes, took her hand first.
“If you have no objection, I would be honored to be the Noble Lady’s first partner.”
At Lucian’s words, the banquet hall filled with palpable tension. Rather than rush to find their own partners and join the dance, the nobility gathered to watch this three-way confrontation unfold with fascination.
“He’s got nerve.”
Rose, momentarily startled, covered her mouth with her fan and laughed softly.
‘Lucian?’
Meanwhile, Eloïse studied his face with confusion. This was not part of the plan.
He gazed at Camilo with an innocent, guileless smile playing across his features.
“Since this is my first time in the Capital’s society, I was nervous. But I think things will be much better with the Noble Lady by my side.”
Yet despite his words, there was not a trace of nervousness in his expression.
“That doesn’t look like nervousness to me at all.”
“I’m making an effort, for Your Highness’s sake.”
Lucian’s response came with an easy laugh, but Camilo clenched his teeth and glared at him. The Prince’s expression was a masterpiece of irritation.
“I trust your benevolent grace will permit me such clemency.”
The measured barb found its mark—Camilo’s jaw tightened and his lips curved into a mirthless smile. Eloïse tugged at Lucian’s sleeve, hoping only he would notice, but it was no use.
“I think you’ve got the wrong person. That’s a question you should be asking the Noble Lady, not me.”
Camilo spoke with forced ease, his laughter hollow. His expression held something between a smile and a scowl—something altogether strange.
Lucian simply nodded in agreement.
“A fair point. Noble Lady Eloïse, who will you choose for the first dance?”
The moment the words left his mouth, both Lucian and Camilo fixed their gazes upon her. And within seconds, every eye in the hall turned toward Eloïse as well.
Eloïse’s expression remained serene, but inwardly she was deliberating with utmost seriousness.
Should she preserve the Second Prince’s face? Or should she make Lucian shine more brightly—the man who would become the central pillar of the imperial court?
Her deliberation did not last long.
“I would be grateful if you would, Lord Astner.”
The moment Eloïse took Lucian’s hand, the fortunes of the two men reversed. As Camilo glared at him with burning eyes, Lucian broke into a radiant smile.
“I am deeply grateful for Your Highness’s magnanimity.”
“It’s nothing much.”
After all, Eloïse will be my consort soon enough. Camilo gritted his teeth at the thought.
Meanwhile, Lucian led Eloïse to the center of the banquet hall. As they moved, he seemed to hear the distant echoes of his dance instructor’s scolding in his ears.
The other nobility quickly found their partners and gathered around the edges. The melody took on its rhythmic pace once more.
The two stood facing each other and exchanged a light greeting. As Eloïse took his hand, Lucian placed his hand at her waist. Her other hand came to rest gently upon his shoulder.
“Why did you do that?”
The moment they took their first step, Eloïse gave him a sideways glance.
“Just because. Your face looked like it needed to be teased.”
Lucian answered with complete casualness as he led her with surprising grace. He seemed to be the type who thrived in real situations.
“What surprises me is your choice.”
“Hmm?”
He had been gazing at their interlaced hands, but now he looked up at her.
“I thought you’d naturally choose the Second Prince.”
His tone was indifferent, yet his eyes demanded an explanation. The faint blush creeping up to his ears did not escape Eloïse’s notice.
“What are you talking about? Of course I chose you. You’re my person, after all.”
At her firm words, Lucian let out a soft laugh.
“That’s right. I am Eloïse’s person.”
As the music reached its climax, Eloïse arched gracefully in response to Lucian’s lead. The two moved in perfect harmony.
While Lucian’s eyes never left Eloïse, she kept hers busy scanning the room. The women around them were eyeing him intently. The man of the hour seemed oblivious to it all.
As the piece ended, Eloïse and Lucian faced each other and exchanged their closing bow.
“Eloïse, just one more song……”
“No. Everyone’s waiting for you.”
Lucian whined like a child, but Eloïse was firm. The moment she stepped away, the young noblewomen around them closed in on today’s new sensation.
“Eloïse……!”
But she was already gone, laughing as she moved away.
Camilo quickly filled the empty space beside Eloïse.
“Happy birthday, Your Highness.”
“Thank you.”
Camilo seized her hand with an almost possessive grip. His intent was unmistakable—he would not let go.
The second dance began.
“Your Highness, is something wrong? You seem upset.”
Eloïse feigned innocence as she prodded at the Second Prince’s mood. Her face showed concern, but inwardly she was amused.
‘I didn’t expect such a strong reaction. This is fun.’
Camilo forced a smile onto his face.
“How could anything be wrong? The Noble Lady herself is concerned for me.”
……
“Besides, you remember what I said—that I had something important to tell you today?”
At the Second Prince’s words, Eloïse’s expression stiffened for just a moment before softening again.
‘I wonder. Will he actually be able to propose to me?’
Contrary to what she truly felt, Eloïse nodded brightly.
“How exciting. I look forward to it.”
Camilo, imagining the happy future before him, broke into a broad smile. Unaware of the upheaval that would soon unfold.

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