The Slave Is Too Handsome - Chapter 65

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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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A slave who’s far too handsome!
065.
Lucian was equally exhausted, worn down by back-to-back lessons. As he headed toward his bedroom, his aide intercepted him.
Unable to refuse, he entered the Office, where his aide immediately approached with the upcoming Harvest Festival schedule in tow.
“The first day will feature a parade through the city. Everyone will want to see you, Your Highness. A ball is planned for the evening—I’d recommend making rounds to greet as many people as possible.”
…….
“The crucial part is the second day. You must absolutely participate in the Equestrian Tournament.”
Did royalty and nobility think of nothing but eating and entertainment?
“I should mention that Camilo will participate, along with many accomplished young nobles. Frankly, I would be delighted if you claimed victory, Your Highness.”
Victory wasn’t something anyone could simply achieve.
Lucian, sprawled on the sofa and half-listening, furrowed his brow. His aide was a passionate young man.
“Ahem. And in preparation, I’ve hastily arranged related lessons. If you attend diligently starting tomorrow, victory will pose no problem whatsoever.”
As the aide’s words grew increasingly distant, something outside the window caught Lucian’s attention.
‘A messenger pigeon?’
A small bird stood perched on the windowsill, peering inside as if surveying the room, pecking at the glass with its beak.
It appeared Eloïse had sent a letter.
“Is that all the report contains?”
Lucian bolted upright, startling his aide, who fumbled and dropped the documents he’d been holding.
“Y-yes, Your Highness, I mean—”
Lucian bent to gather the scattered papers from the floor. The flustered aide hastily bent down as well.
“P-please, allow me, Your Highness.”
Despite his aide’s protests, Lucian collected the documents and handed them over.
“If the report’s finished, I could use some rest now.”
“O-of course, Your Highness. Very well then, I shall take my leave. Should you need anything, please call at any time.”
Finally rid of his aide, Lucian closed the door and rushed to the window.
His face brightened considerably as he opened it.
“Sorry. Have you been waiting long?”
The messenger pigeon hopped inside without answering. For a moment, Lucian thought its somewhat pouty expression resembled Eloïse.
He quickly untied the note from the pigeon’s leg and poured some seed into a small dish.
While the pigeon ate, having completed its task, he unfolded the note.
His eyes widened as he read the brief message.
“……She’s coming now?”
A heavy thud echoed from the Bedroom adjacent to the Office.
Startled, Lucian quickly opened the connecting door and stepped into the Bedroom. The sound seemed to be coming from behind the bed—from the entrance to the Secret Passage.
Someone was knocking against what appeared to be a wall.
Lucian hastily opened the concealed door, and Eloïse emerged, coughing lightly.
“Your Highness. I apologize for the late hour, but are you terribly occupied at the moment?”
Once her coughing subsided, Eloïse asked with proper courtesy. At her formal tone, the warmth that had brightened Lucian’s face faded subtly.
“And if I am?”
He replied tersely. Eloïse did not yield.
“I won’t take much of your time.”
Lucian eventually guided Eloïse to a small two-person table. He offered tea, but she declined. Instead, she launched directly into the matter at hand.
“Whether you’ve heard or not, you absolutely must win the upcoming Equestrian Tournament, Your Highness.”
He let out a hollow laugh. Here they were, just the two of them, and she insisted on addressing him as “Your Highness,” drawing a line between them. Lucian knew exactly why.
It was all because of the Emperor’s casual mention of a Crown Princess.
Lucian sat with his legs crossed and arms folded, leaning back at an angle that said, *Go on, then.*
“By winning, you’ll demonstrate to everyone just how exceptional you are. And…….”
…….
“I think it would be wonderful for you to share that joy with another lady.”
“……What?”
Lucian, who had been sprawling against the chair, straightened.
“I would like to recommend Lady Monika of the House of Miller as your match. She is both beautiful and gracious—surely an ideal partner for you.”
…….
The House of Miller was a prominent anti-Camilo faction. Lucian had heard from Eloïse before that Count Miller had welcomed the First Prince’s return more enthusiastically than anyone.
The Count’s eldest daughter, Monika Miller, harbored genuine affection for Lucian, and the two had even danced together at the recent ball.
“There is a tradition: the victor of the Equestrian Tournament kisses the hand of the lady he adores.”
The moment a kiss was mentioned, Lucian’s expression darkened. He didn’t need to hear more—any fool could guess what came next.
“Should you win, I’m certain Lady Monika would be overjoyed.”
“Is that what you want?”
His gaze turned sharp, but Eloïse did not look away. She met his eyes with unwavering confidence.
“Becoming Crown Prince is not the end, Your Highness. After the Crown Prince comes the Emperor, and you will need a support base loyal to you even then. The House of Miller, though a county, is ancient and prestigious—it will surely prove a great asset.”
Lucian answered not with words but with a twisted smile. Her true nature was transparent.
If Camilo won, she’d have to accept his kiss—something she dreaded. But if she left Lucian to his own devices without any guidance, the Emperor’s words would gnaw at him. She was caught between the two.
“If not the House of Miller, perhaps you’d prefer a different family…….”
“That’s enough, Eloïse.”
Lucian’s warning came like a threat. It was clear that Eloïse was determined to poke and prod at him until she’d stirred everything within him.
Unable to endure it any longer, Lucian rose from his seat.
“Even if we’re on the same side, interfering in my love life is overstepping.”
Eloïse too rose, eyes blazing, and fired back.
“Love life? You think I’m recommending the House of Miller simply so you can indulge in romance?”
Their gazes locked, charged with tension. Unlike the agitated Eloïse, Lucian appeared terrifyingly composed.
Eloïse, having forced down her emotions, spoke each word with deliberate weight.
“A royal marriage is not a mere game of romance—it is the forging of vital political alliances. Selecting the family that will be most beneficial is therefore the duty of the royal house. You must cultivate such discernment, Your Highness.”
As Lucian watched her, another hollow laugh escaped him.
‘Duty, of course. She just wants to keep distance between us.’
For some time now, Lucian had sensed Eloïse trying to push him away, and it left him with an inexplicable ache.
Then something flickered in his eyes. Sensing danger on instinct, Eloïse stepped back.
“By your logic, then…….”
Lucian approached her slowly. She flinched and retreated a step, but he was faster.
…….
His hand gently threaded through her hair. Bending to meet her eyes, Lucian gazed at her with profound intensity.
“Wouldn’t you, Eloïse of House Crux, be the one most suited to stand beside the future Emperor of this realm?”
…….
“Hmm? Am I wrong?”
Eloïse bit her lip and said nothing. The eyes glaring at him trembled visibly.
She swatted away his hand from her hair.
You’re no different from Camilo or any of the others.
That’s what her wavering gaze seemed to say. At that look, Lucian reeled as if struck.
He understood perfectly well that Eloïse had built walls against Camilo and the other young nobles. When she lowered those walls for him, when she made him feel special, his heart had overflowed. But now…….
“You’re awful.”
As Eloïse turned and moved away, Lucian’s mind suddenly cleared.
“Eloïse!”
He called out urgently, but she was already heading toward the Secret Passage.
“Wait.”
Lucian positioned himself in front of the passage entrance. This time, his eyes said: If you have something to say, say it.
This was the moment to take back what he’d said, to apologize, to tell her it wasn’t true.
Rationally, he knew her words were correct. He understood their strategic merit, yet every time Eloïse drew a line between them, his heart twisted strangely. He couldn’t bring himself to speak.
Hesitating, Lucian chose to broach a different subject instead of giving her the answer she wanted.
“……It’s late. Let me see you home.”
“I don’t need your help.”
Eloïse brushed off his hand and vanished into the Secret Passage.
“Ha…….”
Left alone, Lucian stood rooted to the spot for a long time. In his desperation not to lose her, his angry words had only driven them further apart.
From that day until the Harvest Festival drew near, the two never sought each other out once.

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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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