The Slave Is Too Handsome - Chapter 57

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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 too handsome!
057.
“It feels refreshing to meet here.”
Camilo appeared to have come alone, separated from Simone. The prince, whose lips had twisted into a smile, quickly scanned Eloïse from head to toe with widened eyes.
She wore not her usual dress, but clothes like those of a mischievous boy.
Eloïse clamped her mouth shut at the glint in Camilo’s eyes that said this was anything but ordinary.
An awkward silence hung between them. Looking back, Camilo’s sudden proposal had been the last moment between the two of them.
“Shall we move somewhere else? Let’s talk for a bit.”
“……I’m afraid I have nothing to say to you.”
“I do, though.”
“Then speak here.”
‘So you’re not even bothering with formality now?’
A snort escaped her involuntarily. Watching the stubborn Eloïse, Camilo gestured behind him with his head.
A gathering of onlookers not far away watched the two of them, their eyes hungry like beasts stalking prey.
“Are you serious? Do you want their opinions too?”
“…….”
“It would be better if you followed quietly before I drag you away myself.”
“……I understand.”
In the end, Eloïse accepted what amounted to Camilo’s threat. The unexpected situation was vexing, but since it had come to this, she thought she might as well take this opportunity to read the Second Prince.
The two of them moved to escape the gazes that clung to them like insects.
Camilo, escorting Eloïse, headed toward a secluded alley with few people. His destination was a small shop at the corner.
As the door opened, an elegant Tea Lounge appeared, entirely different from the shabby exterior. Each seat had curtains drawn around it.
Eloïse had heard of such places before—private salons in Back Alleys where only members and those in the know could come and go.
Watching Camilo enter as comfortably as if entering his own home, Eloïse asked.
“You’re a regular here, I take it?”
“Not quite a regular—I just stop by now and then.”
That was the same thing, really. Unable to help wanting to nitpick at everything he said, Eloïse bit her lip firmly.
Reading her true feelings, Camilo looked at Eloïse as though finding her adorable.
The Second Prince guided her to the most secluded seat and deftly ordered drinks, then drew the curtain shut.
A server brought tea and light refreshments shortly after.
In the brighter light, Camilo’s demeanor felt distinctly different from before.
The faint scent of alcohol drifting from Camilo’s person struck Eloïse’s nose. Whether it was the intoxication or not, he had abandoned his mask before her and wore an expression of unabashed candor.
“So, have you been following my trail well?”
Launching straight into the point caught Eloïse so off guard that she nearly spat out her tea. She averted the unseemly catastrophe, though a few drops escaped the corner of her mouth.
Camilo reached for a tissue to wipe her lips, but Eloïse leaned back. It was the strongest rejection she could manage.
“I’m not sure what you mean……. I simply lost my way during a night stroll and wandered here.”
“Hmm, is that so?”
A leisurely smile crossed Camilo’s face—the smile of someone who saw through every one of her moves.
“Lost your way straight into the black market, among all the Illegal Residents, and into this dangerous neighborhood where the Slave Market opens? And a noble lady at that, in this area that most can’t even find?”
Camilo pressed in keenly. The moment he mentioned the Slave Market, Eloïse’s mood turned sensitive.
She wanted to demand in turn whether he wasn’t the one seeking poison in such places, but she forced herself to answer with composure.
“Then what business brings you to such a place, Your Highness?”
“I was just out for a night stroll myself.”
Camilo glossed over the answer lightly, but Eloïse knew well enough that there was more to it. Moreover, she suspected that it was Simone who had urged Camilo into this venture.
Could the two of them really be working together? That would be troublesome.
“And was your night stroll enjoyable?”
The Eloïse who had been sharp moments before now spoke with surprising warmth. At this subtle shift, he tilted his chin and let out a soft laugh.
How irritating. Eloïse bristled at Camilo laughing as if he had seized the upper hand.
“Enjoyable? No—having this conversation alone with you is far more pleasant.”
Had he still not gleaned the information he sought? Eloïse, inferring his intentions, steered the conversation onward.
“You make me all the more curious. Tell me more. What have you been seeing and doing out there?”
“…….”
Camilo simply gazed steadily into Eloïse’s eyes without opening his mouth. Eloïse, for her part, did not look away.
“How unusual. You’re showing me such interest.”
Camilo leaned closer, narrowing the distance between them.
“Can I take this positively?”
“I beg your pardon?”
The moment she realized Camilo was circling back to his proposal, he pressed forward against her.
“No, I’ve changed my mind. I’m going to take you as my wife no matter what. Your opinion doesn’t matter.”
He laughed—a harsh, intoxicated laugh. But Eloïse, to her credit, became utterly unmoved.
“Then you’ve finished saying what you came to say?”
Indicating she had no further interest in conversation, Eloïse rose coldly from her seat.
“The tea was lovely, Your Highness.”
“Sit down.”
Camilo brought his fist down on the table with a bang, but Eloïse pretended not to notice and bowed slightly.
“It’s grown late. I really must go.”
“I’ll see you home.”
“That won’t be necessary. Please take care on your way back in as well.”
The moment he rose from his seat, Eloïse made it abundantly clear she couldn’t bear another moment in his presence and hurried toward the exit.
Camilo’s gaze naturally followed Eloïse as she left.
‘An escort?’
At the door stood a tall man—Frederick. The two soon vanished from Camilo’s sight.
***
By the time they approached the house, dawn had already broken in shades of blue.
‘I just want to get inside and sleep.’
The two were heading toward the Secret Entrance near the back gate of the Duke’s residence. Few in the Annex Building even knew of the Secret Entrance’s existence.
“Where have you been gallivanting off to in such a hurry?”
At the irritating voice, Eloïse and Frederick stopped in their tracks.
Klaus stood before the Secret Entrance alongside the Duke’s knight, looking far too pleased with himself for catching them.
Frederick stepped forward to shield Eloïse. Unlike Frederick’s grim expression, Eloïse’s face remained composed.
“Move aside.”
The weary Eloïse brushed past Frederick and approached the door; the startled knights instinctively parted to let her through.
Frederick quickly followed her as she pushed open the side gate and slipped inside.
“Don’t you know what a Restriction on Going Out means?”
Ha. Klaus watched the absurd scene unfold, then strode forward to block Eloïse’s path once more.
“That’s exactly why I’m going straight to the Annex Building.”
“Hmph, the Duke has let it slide, and you don’t even realize it. I’ll have to cure you of that wretched habit myself.”
As Klaus pointed a finger at Eloïse’s face, Frederick, unable to hold back, stepped between them again.
“Show the lady some respect—!”
“Frederick.”
At Eloïse’s low voice, Frederick finally bit his lip and took a step back.
“Tell the Duke—my uncle, rather—that starting immediately, I’m doubling the surveillance on me, and cutting his retainers and household staff.”
“Is that so?”
When Eloïse, who had maintained her expressionless mask, laughed as though the threat were ridiculous, Klaus, who had just been riding high with the upper hand, flinched.
“…….”
While Klaus, cowed by her intensity, stood speechless, Eloïse turned and walked into the Annex Building.
The moment she collapsed onto the bed, her tension dissolved and drowsiness crept in.
Though her body relaxed, her mind remained restless. Eloïse planned to devote herself to social engagements, showing her face here and there for a while.
‘The Restriction on Going Out is the problem.’
Should she brazenly ignore it and go out anyway? Or would it be better to invite people to the Annex Building instead?
Her thoughts tumbled from one concern to the next, then jumped to the Imperial Palace.
‘Tomorrow is the Council of Elders’ regular meeting, isn’t it? I wonder if anything will go wrong?’
Lucian, I hope you’re well. Thinking of him, Eloïse drifted naturally to sleep.
***
The next day, in the Audience Chamber of the Main Palace, nobles gathered to see the First Prince spoke amongst themselves. All were distinguished members of the Council of Elders.
Duke La Croix also took his place and exchanged light pleasantries.
“His Imperial Majesty and His Royal Highness the First Prince have arrived!”
At the sonorous announcement, the Audience Chamber doors opened. As the Emperor leading the realm and his son made their entrance, all the nobles rose and bowed deeply.
Having received their salutes, the Emperor took his seat at the head of the room and cleared his throat.
“Please be seated.”
As the nobles took their seats, Lucian standing beside the Emperor watched them intently.
In truth, he had already received the Council’s response the night before. The Council of Elders had officially announced their recognition of Lucian as the First Prince, Valensio.
And today was his first official appearance in that role.
“Today, I am honored to formally introduce the First Prince to all of you. Your Highness.”
The Emperor sent a look to Lucian, who stepped forward. All eyes turned to him.
Lucian was about to speak for the first time.
“Your Majesty, I believe that is not what is most important at this moment!”

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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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