The Slave Is Too Handsome - Chapter 67

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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!
067.
The two locked eyes and regarded each other with visible awkwardness. From his expression, Lucian hadn’t expected to encounter Eloïse in a place like this either.
Eloïse was the first to look away.
“Has the lady arrived?”
At the sound of Princess Danae’s voice from within, Lucian stepped back and cleared a path.
“Come in.”
“Your Highness, I offer my congratulations on your safe return.”
Eloïse offered her greeting and passed Lucian to enter the room. Unlike Eloïse, who made a point of not looking at him, Lucian’s gaze wouldn’t leave her.
“Your Highness, you look truly beautiful.”
At Eloïse’s compliment, Danae, who had been awkwardly studying her reflection in the full-length mirror, turned carefully.
“Really? It feels a bit strange to me.”
Her hair was trimmed into a neat bob with light makeup, a charming yellow dress and matching accessories, right down to her shoes.
The thick bangs that had obscured her eyes were now cleanly cut away, revealing clear, bright eyes beyond her spectacles.
She looked like an entirely different person. Everything had been exactly as Eloïse had suggested.
Lucian, who had entered just after, added warmly.
“Indeed. Today is your day, Your Highness.”
Eloïse tried not to acknowledge him, but the moment his collar brushed past her, she flinched involuntarily.
Sensing the awkward tension between them, Danae finally clapped her hands together.
“Ah, I nearly forgot—my brother offered to escort me first and I agreed. I apologize for not mentioning it.”
“How wonderful, Your Highness. You did well.”
Eloïse smiled and stepped aside for the two of them. As Lucian naturally extended his arm, Danae grasped it with trembling fingers.
“Then I entrust the princess to your care, Your Highness Valensio.”
“What are you saying? The lady should come along too. Come and be my companion.”
Eloïse hesitated for a moment at those words, then nodded and followed the pair.
Princess Danae made her entrance into the ballroom—where the atmosphere was already electric—on Lucian’s arm.
“My goodness, who is that?”
“I’ve never seen this lady before.”
“Is she perhaps a foreign visitor?”
Following Eloïse’s instruction, Danae greeted the assembled guests using a variety of expressions.
When people learned that the unfamiliar lady was none other than the much-rumored Princess Danae, they were astonished.
None was more surprised than her elder sister, Princess Siena.
“…Danae.”
“How nostalgic to meet you here, sister.”
That night, Danae danced in public for the very first time, and mingled among the young noblewomen.
In truth, she listened more than she spoke, and most of the conversation topics failed to capture her interest. Each time, she recalled what Eloïse had told her.
‘When you feel awkward, just smile.’
So she smiled until the corners of her mouth ached. From smiling so much, that time became a uniquely vivid memory for Danae.
It was a rather successful debutante.
***
The second morning of the Harvest Festival dawned.
“Miss, do wake up now, won’t you? Even if you rise this instant, you’ll be late.”
Mary strode briskly to the bed and swept away the blanket that covered her from head to toe.
“What is this? You were awake? But miss… are you not feeling well?”
Eloïse, whom Mary had thought asleep, lay with her eyes wide and hollow. Mary’s cool hand flew at once to her forehead.
“No fever.”
“I simply haven’t slept well.”
“Haven’t slept? You’ve been resting soundly for some time now.”
Eloïse said nothing, her face vacant.
Ever since her quarrel with Lucian, her mood had been decidedly poor. Yet despite this, he had faithfully looked after Monica, just as she’d asked him to.
‘This was certainly what I wanted, the moment I’d been longing for…’
Lucian confidently recognized as the first prince. Everyone adoring him.
Watching him grow close to Monica and the others, her heart had instead plummeted endlessly downward.
Unable to control even her own heart, let alone managing her emotions like a child—it was the first time the usually rational Eloïse had experienced such a thing.
“Did something happen yesterday?”
Mary, perched on the edge of the bed, peered closely at Eloïse.
“Did His Highness Camilo bother you? Or did Miss Rose cause trouble again? Is that it?”
At the sight of Mary rolling up her sleeves indignantly, Eloïse finally let out a small laugh.
“It’s nothing like that. It’s just… I’m in a funk.”
“Then why not rest today?”
As Mary softened instantly, her worried eyes prompting concern, Eloïse made an effort to sit up.
“I’m fine. I can’t miss a day as important as this.”
“Of course not! After all, today’s the Equestrian Tournament. You simply must see His Highness—I mean, the prince—win!”
Mary’s entire demeanor shifted as she clenched her fist, burning with determination. Watching Mary throw herself into her enthusiasm, Eloïse’s sunken mood lifted slightly.
‘That’s right, I need to cheer up. Things are going as I wanted them to. What’s the problem?’
Eloïse rose from bed and took a deep breath. She even silently reminded herself to behave with her usual composure.
The largest Training Grounds within the Imperial Palace had been transformed into an Equestrian Tournament arena for the occasion.
The hastily erected stands were packed with nobility who had gathered to watch the competition.
“Eloïse!”
Simon waved at Eloïse as she appeared late to the proceedings, having claimed one of the finest seats after the royal enclosure, he gestured for her to sit beside him.
“Why are you here?”
Eloïse asked bluntly as she took the seat next to Simon with a polite bow.
“Hmm?”
“Aren’t you competing?”
“Ah, you know. Physical exertion and sweating? Dreadfully dull.”
Simon shrugged and laid out a handkerchief on the seat beside him. Eloïse sat carefully upon it, her expression conveying undisguised contempt.
“Why must one engage in such crude fighting, hmm? Don’t you agree?”
Simon jested and laughed; Eloïse clicked her tongue.
“You haven’t changed since childhood.”
“Speaking of which, have you given any thought to my proposal?”
Eloïse shook her head and turned her gaze forward, making it clear she had no wish to discuss the matter.
Young noblemen who had finished their preparations waited in the arena, holding their horses.
“Eloïse, do you think such wonderful proposals come your way every day?”
As Simon continued to chatter incessantly, Eloïse finally fixed him with a glare.
“If you wish to persuade me, don’t merely talk—show some sincerity by laying out a proper negotiating hand. You’re the one who needs something here, not me.”
“…Yes, you’re right.”
Simon nodded for a moment, then fell silent.
Just then, exclamations from the young noblewomen filled the air.
“Eek! Look there! That’s His Highness Valensio!”
“And His Highness Camilo has appeared too!!!”
It was exactly as they said. The curtains of the tents on both sides opened, and Lucian and Camilo emerged nearly simultaneously.
Unlike Camilo, who swaggered about, Lucian waved to the crowd with a genuine smile.
“How wonderful, he’s so dashing!”
“Your Highness, you simply must win!”
The excited young noblewomen clamored loudly. Eloïse watched the scene with impassive eyes.
‘He looks more like a prince than Camilo does.’
The moment that thought crossed her mind, her eyes met his.
Whether it was an illusion or not, the instant their gazes crossed, he erased his smile, swirled his cloak, and walked toward his horse.
“Wooooo!”
A trumpet fanfare announcing the start of the competition rang out loudly amid the cheering.
In truth, the Equestrian Tournament, held once every two years, had been little more than Camilo’s stage, which is why Eloïse had always slipped away midway through.
But this year was different. The competition, begun with high spirits, proved far more captivating than usual—thanks to the dark horse who had suddenly emerged: Lucian.
From the outset, Lucian cleanly unseated his opponent and ended the match.
Even Eloïse, who knew he came from a mercenary background, was impressed.
‘At this rate, the championship is assured.’
Suddenly, Eloïse regretted how emotionally she had behaved toward Lucian in the guise of offering counsel.
Watching him quietly fulfill his duties filled her with shame at her past conduct.
“Goodness, is there anything Your Highness cannot do?”
The ladies seated directly below Eloïse whispered to each other. Among them was Monica, her face flushed.
“Lucky you, Monica.”
A neighboring lady nudged Monica with a laugh.
“When His Highness wins the championship, surely he’ll…”
“S-stop that!”
The other ladies teased and laughed. Monica turned to gauge Eloïse’s reaction, then buried her reddened face in her hands.
“…”
When her eyes briefly met Monica’s, Eloïse too looked away.
“Go, Camilo! You’re the greatest!!!”
Those cheering for Camilo shouted loudly. Camilo, who had just won his match, laughed heartily.
Only one match remained. The finalists would be Lucian and Camilo.
“We will now take a thirty-minute break before the final match begins.”
While everyone discussed who would win, Simon leaned in close beside Eloïse.
“Eloïse, a word, if you please.”
“Hmm?”
As he whispered something in her ear, Eloïse’s face, which had been calm until that moment, visibly darkened.
Unable to bear it any longer, she stood abruptly from her seat.
“Why are you telling me this now?!”

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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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