The Slave Is Too Handsome - Chapter 90

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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!
090.
Through the rain, Eloïse found her way to Simon’s Residence.
Simon was sitting in an armchair, munching on cookies, when it happened.
Bang, bang!
At the dull thud, he turned his head—and a dark silhouette appeared beyond the window.
Ahhh!
Startled, Simon toppled backward, but he quickly righted himself. Eyes narrowed, he peered at the uninvited visitor.
Eloïse?
Simon hurried to the window and pushed open the firmly closed panes. There—her face was suddenly clear, framed by a cloak.
Why are you standing there like that? Come in, quickly!
His chest tight with concern, Simon called out. Eloïse accepted his help and climbed inside.
He brought a blanket and draped it over her shoulders. Eloïse shrugged off her cloak and dried herself roughly with the blanket.
Are you hurt anywhere?
Eloïse’s face was paler than usual, and alarm flickered across Simon’s expression. But she pushed straight to the point.
I need a favor, Simon.
What? …No.
Simon stepped back. Getting entangled with Eloïse only meant trouble multiplying.
Eloïse closed the distance with a step forward.
You’re the only one I can ask.
I don’t know. I can’t help you. You know that! I’m just an ordinary foreign prince…
Tell me everything you know about Lucian’s disappearance.
Eloïse stood directly before him now, her eyes half-wild. Simon’s face drained of color.
What? Why are you asking me about that…?
You’re the one closest to Camilo, aren’t you?
What does the First Prince’s disappearance have to do with Camilo?
His voice trembled as he feigned ignorance, his gaze wavering.
‘Of course. Camilo must have done something.’
Confident in this, Eloïse pressed closer, narrowing the space between them.
So. What do you know?
I don’t know! Even if I did, I couldn’t tell you!
Simon retreated again, but his back met solid wall. Trapped, with nowhere left to go, his head began to pound.
The look in her eyes was so desperate.
Simon.
You know I hate hunting. Obviously I didn’t go on this hunt either, so I don’t know anything about what happened that day.
You didn’t hear anything? Anything at all. Even something trivial would help.
Eloïse was relentless.
You’re really asking me to be a traitor? Look at how things are going. This might not end as a simple accident. Someone could bleed for this!
Simon cried out, distressed. From his tone alone, it was hard to tell who was begging whom.
Sigh…
Please, Simon.
Simon, his face still pained, suddenly thought of a way out.
…Consider me as a husband candidate. Seriously.
He thought she’d never agree to that. So he threw out what he deemed a rather bold condition.
What?
You said it yourself. If you want to persuade someone, put a negotiating card on the table. If I help, make me your top choice for a husband.
Contrary to his expectation, Eloïse answered at once.
All right.
Huh?
I’ll make you my top candidate for my future husband. Now help me with my request.
Eloïse, you really…
Simon, looking thoroughly exasperated, finally gave a reluctant nod.
He seated Eloïse on the sofa first, then sat himself on the opposite one.
Deep lines creased Simon’s usually smooth forehead. He was still torn inside.
…I overheard that the First Prince fell from a cliff.
Eloïse’s eyes widened at his barely audible whisper.
Fell from a cliff?
I don’t know which one.
And? What else?
Camilo… hired assassins separately, it seems.
What?
Eloïse bolted from her seat, and a startled Simon’s shoulders trembled. He gestured for her to sit back down.
From what I’ve seen, the assassins are mixed in among Camilo’s knights on the search—so he’s probably still alive. But then again, maybe they’re just waiting for the right moment to complete the job.
…
Eloïse sat back down and bit her lip hard.
That’s all I can tell you.
…Thank you, Simon. Really.
Simon finished and hung his head.
Eloïse watched him for a moment, then slowly rose. There was no time to waste.
You understand—this secret stays with you to the grave, Eloïse.
Simon finally looked up, meeting her eyes.
It will.
As Eloïse passed him with firm resolve, he suddenly caught her hand.
She turned back to find him looking at her with deep concern.
You won’t do anything dangerous… will you?
Eloïse said nothing. Simon, who had sighed many times already today, stood up.
No one could stop Eloïse. The thought was written plainly across his face.
I have to go.
As she tried to pull her hand free, Simon suddenly drew her into his embrace.
…Simon?
Eloïse was startled as he whispered quietly against her ear.
As your future husband, I’m telling you this.
?
Take care of yourself, Eloïse. Don’t let even a single hair be harmed.
I will.
The two parted there. Once free from Simon’s arms, Eloïse ignored the proper door and climbed out the window again, disappearing quickly into the rain.
‘Maybe I should just marry a different woman instead.’
Simon watched her receding silhouette, then hastily began packing to leave.
If he stayed here any longer, Camilo’s wrath would inevitably fall on him.
***
This truly doesn’t seem right, Miss!
Mary paced back and forth, her feet tapping urgently.
Eloïse, who had left on impulse and now returned the same way, was studying the Imperial Palace Hunting Ground map with her hair tied back tightly, dressed in a shirt and trousers.
Her fingers pointed to several cliffs marked on the parchment.
I quite agree, Miss.
Frederick, watching from nearby, sent her a worried look as well.
…
Only Danae, sitting apart at a distance, watched them all with perfect composure.
After all, that stubbornness couldn’t be broken by anyone.
In fact, she had even entertained the absurd thought that if it was the princess, she might actually be able to find her brother.
I have to save Lucian.
Eloïse rose from her seat, shouldered her backpack, and wrapped her cloak around herself.
That’s exactly why you shouldn’t go yourself, Miss! Even the vaunted Imperial Guard hasn’t been able to find him!
…Mary.
Your body hasn’t fully recovered yet, Miss. Surely you could at least wait until the rain stops, yes?
I have to go. Right now.
Not this time. Absolutely not.
Mary was equally firm. Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around Eloïse and held her tight, refusing to let go.
I’m sorry.
Eloïse didn’t hesitate. She struck the base of Mary’s neck, and the maid collapsed into her arms.
Frederick caught her and laid her carefully on the long sofa.
Frederick, if you don’t wish to come, I’ll go alone.
What are you saying? Of course I must accompany you, Miss!
Her reckless proposal stirred emotion in Frederick as well. Seeing that, Eloïse stepped back.
I’m sorry for being so stubborn.
…No, Miss. I should apologize for getting emotional.
Then, Your Highness, I’ll take my leave.
Eloïse bowed respectfully to Danae.
Please take care of yourself.
All Danae could do was offer her prayers for luck and safety.
Before departing, the two of them studied the map to determine their search route, then rode their horses at a steady pace into the hunting grounds.
Fortunately, the rain was beginning to lighten. The horses they rode headed toward the cliff nearest to the entrance among several in the area.
…It doesn’t look easy to find, I’m afraid.
Frederick dismounted and examined the area around the cliff. Eloïse, gazing down into the vertiginous depths below, nodded in agreement.
Even if Lucian had left some trace, the rain would have long since washed it away.
Let’s try the next cliff.
Eloïse remounted, and Frederick did the same. In that instant, an arrow flew from a distance and grazed past Eloïse’s horse.
The startled animal reared up on its hind legs, and Eloïse gripped the reins tightly to keep from falling.
!!!‎
Miss!
Frederick quickly rode up and calmed her horse.
Who’s there!
A strange voice called from the distance, and another arrow flew. Eloïse evaded it deftly, and the shaft embedded itself in a nearby tree.
Eloïse’s eyes narrowed. The arrow’s fletching bore no Imperial crest.
In other words, it was not from the Imperial Guard.

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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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