The Slave Is Too Handsome - Chapter 43

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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!
043.
His body moved first? Is that even possible?
Eloise turned the words over in her mind, her expression grave.
“Eloise.”
Lucian extended his hand toward her.
With one hand grasping hers and the other holding the lantern, he descended slowly.
Cough, cough.
Dust suspended in the air made Eloise cough. Lucian waved his arm trying to disperse it, but it proved futile.
“What is this place?”
Having descended the stairs, he swept his gaze across the vast interior.
Bookshelves crammed with volumes stretched endlessly, much like the upper level. But here lay unorganized crates and miscellaneous items scattered about alongside the dust.
It felt less like a library and more like a warehouse.
“Perhaps it’s where forbidden books and ancient texts are stored?”
Eloise had already wandered further ahead, examining her surroundings.
That makes sense, Lucian thought, nodding to himself as he scanned the titles on a nearby shelf.
“Lucian, look at this.”
Lucian hurried toward Eloise, who had been surveying the seemingly endless depths of the underground chamber.
She was gazing at a large painting carelessly propped against the wall.
“What is it?”
When Lucian held his lantern up to illuminate the painting, the image that had been obscured by shadow became startlingly clear.
“I… see.”
Eloise watched him fall silent, her eyes speaking the same thought: she felt it too.
“Now I understand why His Majesty did that.”
The faded painting depicted a young man in a commanding pose.
Judging from his bearing and attire, it appeared to be a portrait of the Emperor in his youth.
Golden hair of a fine hue, blue eyes, elegant features, and an overall presence that resembled….
“I was wondering when you’d show up.”
A low, murky female voice echoed through the quiet shelves.
“Who’s there?!”
Lucian spun around at the sound, pulling Eloise behind him.
A moment later, upon identifying the source of the voice, he tilted his head in confusion.
Before him stood a somewhat unkempt short-haired woman holding a lamp. Her eyes, hidden behind long brown bangs and thick spectacles, were barely visible.
“We pay our respects to the Second Princess, Your Highness.”
Eloise stepped forward and bowed.
Second Princess? The unexpected appearance of someone he’d never anticipated left Lucian blinking like a befuddled fool.
‘I’ve never even seen her at the banquets.’
When Eloise stepped on his foot, Lucian hastily bowed as well to the Second Princess.
“We honor the Empire’s jeweled light.”
“Enough with the pleasantries—straighten up.”
“Yes?”
As the Second Princess approached, Lucian quickly straightened. Up close, she was considerably shorter than he was.
Hmm.
The Second Princess turned the lantern, examining Lucian from top to bottom.
She inspected him thoroughly, like a scientist who had discovered a rare specimen. Eloise, observing this, let out a soft laugh.
“You really do look terrifyingly like Father.”
After scrutinizing Lucian from all angles, the princess stopped before him.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Danae Bay Floren.”
Hehehehe. The Second Princess Danae laughed darkly. Lucian felt every hair on his body stand on end.
“Wherever did you find such talent, Eloise?”
As Danae turned her gaze to Eloise, she gave a slight shrug.
“Lucky, I suppose.”
“Hmm. Well, we haven’t built the kind of rapport where I’d bare everything. Come along.”
Eccentric.
That was the word that came to Lucian’s mind as he watched Danae spin around and lead the way.
Lucian and Eloise exchanged glances naturally. Their expressions mirrored one another, as though they shared the same thought.
This was Eloise’s first meeting with the Second Princess as well. Even at Jorge’s birthday celebration, she had only spoken with an attendant sent by the Second Princess.
“Are you going to stand there all night?”
Danae’s voice carried from ahead. The two of them quickly followed her.
“Coming!”
As he hurried after the Second Princess, Lucian recalled Eloise’s earlier instruction.
Danae Bay Floren. The eldest daughter of the Third Empress—not the Empress or the other consorts.
‘Now that I think about it, I don’t recall hearing much about Princess Danae at all.’
All he remembered about her was that she was quite introverted, rarely appearing in society, and was an avid reader.
And neither of those things seemed to be inaccurate.
“Ta-da! This is my nest.”
Danae led them to the innermost chamber and laughed giddily.
A worn sofa and desk occupied a corner. The desk held unfinished books, crumbs of pastries, a teapot, and cooling cups of tea.
The sofa was no different—scattered haphazardly with books and documents.
Danae fetched two simple chairs.
“Make yourselves comfortable.”
As Eloise and Lucian sat in turn, Danae settled onto the sofa.
Her eyes remained fixed on Lucian. Behind thick lenses, her gaze gleamed like that of a predator spotting prey, and Lucian smiled awkwardly.
“I’ve already heard that Father called you Lucian. While that certainly puts you at an advantage, it’s not a guarantee.”
Danae continued speaking as though delivering a monologue.
“The position of Crown Prince isn’t something one claims so easily. You must secure the acknowledgment of both the Imperial House and the Council of Elders. Do you understand that the Paternity Verification Process unfolds in three stages?”
Lucian nodded firmly. He’d already heard this explained several times by Eloise.
“Even if you pass all stages of the Paternity Verification Process, should the Council of Elders oppose it, you’ll find recognition as a prince difficult.”
Danae bit her finger absently, mentally weighing each noble house.
“Right now, those supporting Camilo are naturally in the majority, but there are those opposing in secret. We’ll need to sway that faction.”
“Forgive my presumption, but… are you supporting me, Your Highness?”
Lucian carefully interrupted her lengthy exposition. Danae’s expression turned bewildered.
“Why else would I have summoned both of you here? I don’t invite just anyone to this place.”
Lucian swallowed the truth that no one would want such an invitation, and continued carefully.
“Might I ask your reason?”
“Reason? Because it’s interesting, of course. Something entertaining has finally happened in this dreary palace, and I certainly can’t sit idle.”
“…I’m sorry?”
The lightness of her answer furrowed Lucian’s brow.
Unable to make sense of what she’d said, he looked to Eloise for agreement, but she had stepped back and was simply watching the exchange between them.
Interesting? This was a matter upon which the very fate of the Empire hinged. Lucian spoke again, his tone measured.
“If I become Crown Prince, a stranger, I’ll be competing against your brother, the Second Prince.”
“Actually, that’s precisely what I want. I don’t want Camilo—I mean, my brother—to succeed to the throne.”
Danae clenched her fists, her voice rising with agitation. Clearly, she and her half-brother had little love for each other.
‘Though come to think of it, after witnessing that outburst this morning, he probably makes enemies easily.’
Lucian recalled Camilo lunging viciously at a young maidservant.
“But right now, there’s no one in the palace to check him. I’d like you to fill that role.”
Danae adjusted her spectacles, then broke into a broad grin, showing neat teeth.
“Ah, I can hardly wait to see Camilo’s nose crushed flat! Won’t that be delicious?”
“…”
“Of course, I’ll only help you become Crown Prince. Whether you have the makings of an Emperor, I’ll judge later.”
Having laughed herself breathless, Danae’s expression abruptly hardened as though nothing had happened. Lucian felt as if he’d just witnessed a one-woman theatrical performance.
“When we meet again, let’s do so here. No need to draw unnecessary attention. And if we happen to cross paths in the palace, I’d appreciate it if you’d pretend not to know me.”
“I am in agreement, Your Highness.”
As Eloise spoke calmly, Danae’s gaze finally turned to her.
“I’ll pass any important intelligence I obtain directly to you, Eloise.”
“Thank you.”
“Then, let’s do our best together.”
Having finished what she wanted to say, Danae sprawled across the sofa. Then came a dismissive wave, and she promptly picked up a book from the floor and began to read.
Unlike the bewildered Lucian, Eloise rose first and offered a respectful bow before leading him away.
“Can… can we trust the Second Princess?”
The moment Lucian closed the door to his chamber, he asked quietly.
“Appearances aside, she’s the only person who’s read every single book in that library.”
“All of them? That many?”
“She’s quite knowledgeable about palace affairs too, and so far, she’s the most trustworthy person we have.”
Even at Eloise’s reassurance, doubt lingered in Lucian’s mind. It seemed every member of the royal family was equally peculiar.
“Get some rest. Everything changes tomorrow.”
Eloise gave the order to retire.
Lucian understood. This was the last peaceful night he’d be granted.
Tomorrow was the final day of Camilo’s birthday celebration, and at tomorrow’s evening ball, the Emperor would make his grand announcement. Everyone assumed it would be the confirmation of Camilo as Crown Prince.
Lying in bed, Lucian found himself thinking of the Emperor’s face.
‘Does he truly regard me as his son?’
No. That couldn’t be.
Tossing and turning through the night, Lucian finally fell into restless sleep only as dawn began to break.

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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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