The Slave Is Too Handsome - Chapter 44

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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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What a slave—far too handsome!
044.
“Do you return to your original residence after the banquet ends, Marquis?”
The young lady of the Marquis’s household, dancing hand-in-hand with Lucian, asked with sparkling eyes. Lucian offered a gentle smile and answered with calculated courtesy.
“Yes, that is my intention.”
Of course, he would likely remain at the Imperial Palace even after the banquet concluded, but there was no need to be forthright about it, so he deflected smoothly.
“If you have no objection, might we invite you to our estate?”
The orchestral piece ended just then. Lucian released her hand with formal grace and bowed swiftly.
“How kind of you to offer, though I fear my schedule is quite full with merchant affairs for some time. Regrettably, I must decline, but I look forward to another opportunity.”
Lucian, his face conveying no disappointment whatsoever, withdrew from the young lady’s invitation.
He’d hoped for a respite, but another young lady swiftly claimed the vacant space beside him.
“Will you dance the next with me, Marquis?”
“It would be my honor.”
As Lucian took the offered hand, he felt sharp glares boring into his back.
‘Do they suppose I dance for pleasure?’ he thought wearily.
Without turning, he knew those stares belonged to young nobles who enjoyed little favor with the ladies—a fact he discerned by instinct alone.
The orchestra showed no sign of fatigue, launching immediately into the next piece. Unlike the spirited melody before, this one was languid and sensual, drifting through the Salon.
In the deep night, beneath stars not yet risen, the guests were savoring the masquerade ball as they passed the final evening of Crown Prince Camilo’s birthday celebration.
When would this ball ever end? Lucian’s face had been locked in a smile so long his cheeks had begun to cramp. He desperately needed rest.
‘I must cultivate friendships with the other young ladies tonight,’ he reminded himself.
Had Eloise not commanded it, he would have fled to the Balcony long ago.
Ever since her meeting with Crown Princess Dana, Eloise had thrown herself into cataloging the nobles opposed to Camilo—the so-called Anti-Camilo Faction.
This directive to befriend the young ladies was merely one facet of her grander scheme to build that opposing faction.
“What are your interests, Marquis?”
The young lady’s voice drew Lucian’s consciousness back to the present moment.
“I am fond of reading and contemplation.”
It was, of course, a lie.
“How remarkable! Our interests align perfectly!”
Much like the previous partner, this young lady proceeded to bombard him with questions.
Though Lucian answered with apparent sincerity, his gaze kept drifting toward Eloise.
She occupied the center of the Salon’s floor, dancing her fifth piece with the Second Prince.
Camilo, as the celebration’s host, was largely responsible for not releasing her, yet what truly occupied Lucian’s attention was Eloise’s expression.
‘Is she genuinely smiling like that?’ he wondered.
After spending considerable time with Eloise, Lucian had become proficient at distinguishing her public smile from her true one.
By that measure, this smile was genuine. The observation unsettled him.
While Lucian fixed her with a sharp gaze, Camilo gazed at Eloise with evident satisfaction.
“My lady, do you remember my saying I had something to discuss with you?”
“Of course. I have been waiting eagerly for you to tell me.”
At Eloise’s radiant smile, the bridge of Camilo’s nose flushed crimson.
‘So she too has been anticipating my proposal,’ he thought triumphantly.
The lingering anxiety that had shadowed him lifted entirely.
This had been the birthday celebration he’d long anticipated, yet throughout it his mood had remained gloomy.
The sudden arrival of that blonde stranger who seized everyone’s attention had been troublesome enough. Simon’s unexpected appearance had only aggravated matters further.
Consequently, Camilo—already given to moody temperament—had made life miserable for the staff all evening, taking out his frustrations however he could.
‘Now my trials end. Tonight, once I become Crown Prince and propose to her, nothing and no one shall stand in my way again.’
As Camilo indulged these fantasies, the current piece concluded. A lighter melody followed, announcing the interlude.
The Emperor, seated at the high table sipping a pre-dinner drink, cleared his throat and signaled his aide.
The aide rose and spoke in a loud voice.
“Ahem. His Majesty has an important announcement.”
The murmur of conversation halted abruptly. Most of the guests turned toward the Emperor with tense expressions.
“Camilo, Crown Prince of this gathering—come forward.”
At his father’s summons, Camilo reluctantly released Eloise’s hand and walked toward the high table.
Now freed, Eloise quickly retreated to a sofa in the corner. Her heart raced as she contemplated what was about to unfold.
Camilo, tall in stature, took his place beside the Emperor. All waited for the announcement—that Camilo would be proclaimed Crown Prince, heir to the throne.
“Have you enjoyed the celebration?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Thanks to you, it has been a most meaningful occasion.”
The Emperor, moved by his second son’s reply—though the boy had played the elder’s role for nearly a lifetime—gently patted his shoulder with affection.
Hope dawned on Camilo’s face. At last, he would claim the position he’d long desired. But in that very instant—
“I would like to introduce someone I wish to present to you all today.”
The Emperor’s words sent a ripple through the hushed assembly. Camilo’s bright expression began to darken.
Could it be…?
“Lucian Astner, Marquis—step forward, if you please.”
All eyes converged on Lucian, who had been mingling inconspicuously among the crowd.
As those nearby naturally parted to let him through, he advanced toward the Emperor with a suitably solemn expression. The short distance felt impossibly long.
The Emperor’s satisfied smile was barely visible to him, as was Camilo’s stunned face beside it. In that moment, Lucian desperately wished he could see Eloise.
“Come closer.”
The Emperor took Lucian’s hand and drew him to stand at his side. His grip was notably rough, Lucian observed.
“I shall make a formal introduction. This young man is Lucian Astner, the Marquis who rescued the Lady of La Croix from danger. I believe him to be Valencio, who vanished in my childhood. Therefore, after consultation with the Empress, I intend to commence the Prince Verification Procedure for the First Prince shortly.”
The Emperor’s stunning announcement transformed the ballroom’s silence into something far bleaker.
Some had muttered they’d seen this coming, but most bore expressions of profound shock.
“Your Majesty…?”
Camilo, the most shocked of all, turned ashen-faced toward his father.
“Rejoice, Camilo. At last you shall have an elder brother.”
“Your Majesty, I have never desired a brother. What I wanted was the Crown Prince’s throne.”
Camilo’s eyes narrowed sharply, making no effort to conceal his resentment. The Emperor’s demeanor toward his son was equally unyielding.
“Questions of succession shall be revisited once the Prince Verification Procedure concludes.”
“How can such a thing be possible?!”
“Camilo, is this the petty spirit you would show as a prince?!”
Camilo, having turned an aggrieved gaze upon his father, fell silent at last.
The Emperor then turned his head to regard the assembly. He bore no regret over Camilo’s distress—only unbridled joy at having found his First Prince.
“On such an auspicious evening, I am overjoyed to share such glad tidings.”
The Emperor, beaming broadly, cast a subtle look toward Lucian.
“Marquis Astner, will you not say a few words?”
Lucian cleared his throat. Though Camilo’s glare was withering, he paid it no mind and stepped forward.
“I, Lucian Astner, do solemnly pledge to approach the Prince Verification Procedure with sincerity and integrity before you all.”
The Emperor clasped Lucian’s hand and shook it, prompting the assembly to erupt in applause.
“I was right, wasn’t I?”
The sofa where Eloise sat shifted slightly.
Turning, she found Simon beside her, his face expressionless. Eloise quickly composed her own features.
“Well, you surprised me too.”
“Playing ignorant till the very end, I see.”
“I haven’t the faintest idea what you mean.”
Eloise maintained her pretense of innocence against Simon’s probing.
“Will you insist on this? Then I’ll go help poor Camilo, who’s come unraveled.”
“You wish to turn me into an enemy?”
Unable to contain herself, Eloise fixed Simon with a sharp look. His lips twisted into a smile.
“There—at last you’re being honest, Eloise.”
A chill settled between the two of them.
The same held true for Lucian. As the Ball resumed and he descended from the high table, Camilo blocked his path.
“You came with this purpose from the start.”
Camilo’s eyes widened as he let his murderous intent show. The more aggressive his demeanor, the more composed Lucian became.
“You are mistaken, Your Highness.”
“Mistaken? Do you take me for a fool?!”
Camilo suddenly grabbed Lucian by the collar, prompting his aide to rush forward in alarm.
“Your Highness, please—many eyes are upon us.”
Aware of the watching crowd, Camilo gritted his teeth and released his grip.
“Come with me. Now.”
With a declaration of hostility, Camilo swept his cloak about him and departed first, his aide hurrying after him with a weary expression.
After a brief moment of consideration, Lucian followed the Second Prince. There was no avoiding this confrontation anyway.

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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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