Solo For Two

Karel was feeling pressured to the point of irrational thoughts.Meanwhile, Mikhail had sent several troublesome letters.Misinterpreting Karel’s interest in Sasha, Mikhail persistently arranged meetings with the troupe members. Despite Karel’s multiple, indirect rejections under the name of “Scar,” Mikhail didn’t grasp the subtleties and continued to make overt offers. It was as if he was using a Russian-style brute force, like artillery.When Goudin finally decided to visit Karel’s home, Karel resolved to refuse him directly. Normally, he would have managed to persuade him gently and send him away.However, Goudin’s words easily ignited Karel’s anger.‘I wonder if you’ve ever forced yourself on Sasha Sedrin. I’ve had opportunities too, but I prefer it when he’s willing. As you know, Sasha Sedrin is at his best when he’s being pliant.’Blinded by the immature boy’s words, Karel doubted their relationship and decided to test Sasha.But Sasha’s reaction at that moment…He didn’t realize the person pushing him into pain was the simpleton in front of him.Naively, as if he had found a savior, Sasha opened his heart and clung to Karel. Moreover, his confession of love, though fleeting, was sweet enough for Karel to almost believe it.Karel thought, if an incubus existed to seduce people, it would look like Sasha.Using the excuse of making Sasha cry, Karel behaved kindly. In truth, he had wanted to be as kind as possible from the beginning. Karel justified his actions by thinking that to tame someone, you shouldn’t just push them, but also reward them after the lash. The truth was, he couldn’t restrain his desire to be kind.The sincerity Sasha accepted slowly seeped into Karel’s heart. Eventually, it consumed him to the point where he couldn’t escape. Karel realized he was now addicted to that sweetness and couldn’t free himself. It was a critical blunder.As Karel’s plans unfolded, Sasha was bound to get hurt. Unable to explain the entirety of his plans or Sasha’s situation, mistrust would only deepen. Despite this, Karel didn’t want to lose the Sasha who was so earnestly expressing his affection.‘It’s the image I’ve always dreamed of.’Karel resolved to make the current memories his sustenance if Sasha’s feelings cooled in the future, and he had to live clinging to the past. He knew it was self-justification, but he followed the foolish path anyway.Karel later invited Goudin to the patron club.Initially, Goudin couldn’t hide his excitement and anticipation as he gladly accepted Scar’s invitation. Karel led him with a calculated smile. It was a given that Karel had become a central figure in the secret social club quickly, thanks to his expertise in sadistic preferences. Goudin, still a naive youngster, didn’t require the harsh methods Karel had used on Hartley.That night, after witnessing a show produced by Karel, Goudin left in terror, screaming. After that, he became very cautious and didn’t make any further contact.Karel hoped he had contributed to the young friend’s understanding of sexuality.Without needing to send any more crude and embarrassing letters to Mikhail, Karel elegantly concluded their power struggle.＊＊＊“Looks like Charles is awake.”In the early morning, Sasha, who had just woken up beside Karel, said.Even with sleep still on his face, there was a deep affection for the baby. Watching that face like an old masterpiece, Karel thought. Affection for someone couldn’t be hidden.Would my face look like that when I talk about Sasha?If so, my true feelings must have been exposed long ago.“Do you want to go check on him?”When the baby’s fussing didn’t stop, Karel kissed Sasha’s forehead and asked. Sasha burrowed back under the covers and mumbled.“No, Levin wouldn’t like it… if I went in wearing pajamas.”Watching Sasha speak considerately, Karel smiled slightly.“So, you do know how to be considerate.”Sasha’s eyes sparkled at that. He wanted to retort defiantly but couldn’t find the words. Karel found even his preference for silence over lying endearing.When they heard Levin coming from the next room, Sasha got up rustling and left the bed. He soon returned to the room with a still-sleepy Charles in his arms.“Karel, you should hold Charles too.”“Me?”“I wanted to see you holding the baby.”Faced with Sasha’s simple wish, Karel paused. Rationally, he shouldn’t comply with the request.“He’s not even my child…”However, when Sasha came closer and handed him the baby, he couldn’t refuse. Karel accepted Charles quite naturally. Though Sasha didn’t know, Charles had already been in Karel’s arms before and smiled, meeting his green eyes, as if remembering their secret meeting. Karel couldn’t help but smile back at the gentle baby.Sasha watched the two of them in a daze for a long time.Karel was the only one fully awake from the early rise. Leaving the now-sleeping Sasha, Karel closed the door quietly and prepared breakfast alone. After changing clothes and going downstairs, he found Georg already at work.Georg watched the newly started cohabitation of the three—no, four, including Levin—with a mix of anxiety and anticipation, unsure of its impact on his superior. Karel seemed unaffected by his former lover’s family or the baby’s presence, which only made Georg’s already hard-to-understand superior even more incomprehensible.Georg, feeling unusually awkward, said,“Um… Captain, I don’t think those two are married. Even if they were, Sasha Sedrin’s actions don’t make any sense…”“Sasha often does things that defy common sense.”In Karel’s casual response, Georg sensed affection.“It’s really the worst assumption, but it’s possible that Sasha is raising Charles without being certain he’s actually his child. Levin doesn’t seem that manipulative… but if a woman from Sasha’s past showed up claiming, ‘This is your child,’ he would just take the child and raise him.”“Doesn’t it bother you, even if there is a child? Aren’t you being deceived, Captain?”At Georg’s words, Karel looked intrigued.“I never thought about it that way. Whether there’s a child or not, whether they’re married or not… Sasha being Sasha doesn’t change, does it?”Georg looked utterly perplexed, so Karel continued.“Should I abandon him because of that?”“…”“And if something like that happens again in the future, should I let him go?”“Captain.”“I’m not capable of that.”Karel said, driving the letter opener deep into the envelope. The only sound was the long, scraping tear of the paper.‘Is he saying he’ll keep Sasha as his lover while allowing him maximum freedom?’But Georg belatedly understood the real meaning of those words. It was intense possessiveness. Karel was declaring that no matter who Sasha Sedrin met or fell in love with, he would protect him to the end.Georg, a bit overwhelmed by his superior’s obsession, couldn’t find an appropriate response.Just then, they heard footsteps descending the wooden stairs from the second floor. Naturally, both Georg and Karel turned to see Levin coming down.Levin nodded slightly and passed them to the kitchen.On her first day moving in, Levin had been greatly impressed by the picturesque kitchen of the luxurious mansion. When she asked if she could use it, Karel nodded. She had been delighted to have access to such a lavish kitchen, compared to the much smaller one she had at home where she fed her eight siblings.Georg quickly averted his gaze, but Karel quietly watched Levin move around the kitchen. She was wearing a simple cotton dress with her hair tied up in a bun. It seemed she was preparing baby food.With the small household sounds from the kitchen as background, Karel and Georg reviewed the upcoming trip to Austria.“Is the 11 AM train for the departure acceptable?”“Earlier would be better. There’s a meeting scheduled for the day we arrive.”“Then let’s take the 8 AM train…”“Book two tickets.”“Understood.”Georg silently noted this, thinking, ‘So he’s taking Sasha Sedrin along.’ He knew Karel was currently deeply immersed in a honeymoon-like atmosphere with Sasha.While they were talking, Levin had quietly gone back upstairs.A little later, she came back down noiselessly. She seemed to be washing up lightly after the baby’s feeding, then approached Karel and Georg.Noticing Levin’s presence first, Karel asked,“Is there something you need?”Levin hesitated before speaking.“Not that… I just wanted to ask if you would like breakfast.”This was the first question she directed at Scar since moving in three days ago. She seemed quite nervous, likely because she was facing the infamous noble, “Lord Scar,” but Karel interpreted it differently.“You’re offering to cook?”“Yes, I just wanted to know how many portions to prepare…”“Have you always personally taken care of Sasha Sedrin’s meals?”“Yes.”Levin felt like she was being interrogated as she answered Karel. Karel tilted his head slightly and observed her for a moment. The tension was palpable, and Georg took a step back, maintaining a neutral expression.When she didn’t respond immediately, Levin, feeling out of place between the two stern men, gripped her apron nervously.After a moment, Karel spoke.“I didn’t hire you as a housekeeper.”He placed the fountain pen he was holding on the table with a decisive click and continued.“The money spent on you comes from Sasha Sedrin’s pocket, so just continue to take care of Sasha as you’ve been doing.”Levin tensed up even more, recognizing the underlying implication of his words.‘Lord Scar’ was the first outsider to perceive Levin’s feelings for Sasha beyond that of an employer. He was indirectly telling her to take care of Sasha as she wished rather than forcing herself into the role of a live-in housekeeper.“I don’t want you doing any work outside your responsibilities, so… don’t worry about anything else.”Why did he tolerate someone he knew harbored personal feelings while being professionally bound? Regardless, Levin tried to take his words at face value and walked back to the kitchen.Karel continued watching Levin’s retreating figure even after she left.This behavior was very familiar to Georg. It was the same demeanor Karel had when relentlessly driving his soldiers. Although, he was much gentler since it was a woman.“Do you have more to say to her?”Seeing Karel’s gaze still on Levin, Georg asked. Karel hesitated before speaking.“Georg, was I too harsh just now?”“Not really. You were the same as usual.”Georg’s words weren’t entirely untrue. The problem was that ‘usual’ in the military context wasn’t exactly gentle.Karel soon got up and paced back and forth between the window and the table a few times. Karel, who insisted on being meticulously gentlemanly towards women, was undoubtedly reflecting on his earlier behavior.‘Levin is probably more bothered by the fact that Sasha Sedrin shares a bedroom with the Captain than by anything the Captain says…’Georg concealed his complicated feelings beneath a professional demeanor.Leaving the silent Georg behind, Karel headed to the kitchen. Soon, the sounds of small talk and quiet laughter could be heard. Whatever they were discussing, it didn’t seem to be a bad atmosphere.From what Georg could catch, Karel was commenting on Sasha’s breakfast menu that Levin was preparing. Unable to understand this peculiar combination, Georg sighed and silently organized the scattered newspapers and letters on the table.＊ ＊ ＊“Sasha, are you awake?”Hearing Levin’s voice outside the door, Sasha stretched his entire body in response instead of answering. After last night’s intimate session with Karel, he had fallen asleep almost immediately and felt sore.It was only after a second knock that Sasha finally responded.“Come in.”Levin, carrying a tray with a simple breakfast, paused for a moment at the sight of Sasha as she opened the door. His hair was a mess, and he seemed to be naked under the fallen blanket.Although Levin had seen Sasha not fully dressed before, the problem was that this was ‘Scar’s’ bedroom.“Is it breakfast time? Levin, if you’re tired, you don’t have to keep doing this… I don’t always eat on time.”“Lord Scar insisted you have your meals properly.”“Really?”Sasha silently smiled, pleased at the thought that Karel cared about him. Levin entered the room and placed the tray on the bed. Sitting up, Sasha wrapped the blanket around himself instead of dressing and took a sip of the still-hot soup. Levin tried not to look at the red marks scattered on Sasha’s pale body.Levin checked the hallway to ensure no one was upstairs and then locked the door.“Levin, did you have breakfast? The soup is delicious. Karel would probably like it too…”Levin sat on the edge of the bed and asked Sasha, her face slightly tense.“Sasha, is this what you meant by receiving patronage?”“What do you mean?”Sasha, sensing a hint of reproach in Levin’s expression, answered uneasily.“When I first met him, he said he needed to treat and protect you, so we were moving your residence. That’s all I heard. But over these three days… from what I’ve seen…”Levin struggled to find the right words. Although Scar had been away for most of the first two days due to external commitments, it didn’t take a genius to figure out that Scar and Sasha had a deep relationship.Sasha waited with a slightly dark expression for Levin to continue.“Are you two in a romantic relationship?”At Levin’s question, Sasha placed the spoon back on the tray.‘I wish I could say that.’Sasha realized once again that he couldn’t even vaguely claim something similar. No matter how deep the relationship between a patron and a dancer, claiming they were ‘lovers’ would only make the speaker look foolish. This was evident from Levin’s worried expression. Her concern seemed almost as if…“Sasha, is this something you want?”“Yes.”Sasha hurried to add, sensing Levin’s sympathy.“But Karel gave me a choice. He tried to respect me. If I had refused, he wouldn’t have forced me… I think.”As Sasha spoke, he recalled the times when Karel had treated him roughly or neglectfully under the guise of patronage. However, admitting the truth felt too miserable, and he wanted to appear as if he was respected, even falsely, in front of others.Sasha hid his trembling hands under the blanket, unable to completely forget the shock of those times.“Why did you do it? Was it for money? Or to extend your career…? I know Director Mikhail can be harsh. Did he force you to accept the patronage?”“Levin, it’s true. I know my own feelings.”Despite Sasha’s firm insistence, Levin’s eyes reflected a mix of sympathy and slight disbelief.Sasha understood why Levin might not believe him. His actions until now had mostly disappointed Levin. But this time was different. Sasha responded with certainty.“This is something I chose. Levin, didn’t you say this?”“…”“If it’s precious, stay by its side.”“Sasha…”Seeing the gleam in Sasha’s eyes, Levin vaguely grasped his emotions.‘Sasha must be in love.’That was easier to understand than any other reason—more so than money, career, or the title of being a tycoon’s mistress.At the same time, Levin thought Sasha had chosen an overly difficult path.“Sasha, I might be overstepping, but… this doesn’t seem good. It will only wear you down over time.”“Why do you think so?”“Because it’s a relationship without a future.”Levin’s blunt words left Sasha’s lips quivering, trying to speak but ultimately falling silent.“If what you want is Lord Scar’s genuine feelings, it’s even worse. He’s just too unattainable. He has too much. And if your appearance was even slightly less impressive… it might have been better, but as it is…”There were times when Levin found Sasha endearing.But that small spark of emotion was quickly extinguished by Levin’s rationality. The words Levin spoke to Sasha were no different from what Levin often told himself. He had always self-censored. If Sasha didn’t look the way he did, would Levin feel more than just pity for this fragile, inadequate person?It wasn’t just about Sasha. Levin knew all too well the fates of those among the poor who stood out for their looks. The wealthy could approach them with casual interest and easily manipulate their lives. Likewise, someone as powerful as Lord Scar could easily toy with someone. Being controlled by money was tragic, but it was even worse when someone naively fell in love, like Sasha now.However, Sasha vehemently denied Levin’s advice.“So what?”“Sasha.”“I don’t care if Karel is using me. I don’t care if all he wants is a physical relationship. I don’t care if his interest is fleeting. I don’t want to miss even a tiny bit of his attention.”As Sasha spoke firmly, he was also hurting himself with his words.This was exactly what Levin was worried about. But it seemed too late to intervene.“I understand. I was overstepping.”Even after Levin apologized, Sasha’s reddened eyes didn’t calm. Levin knew Sasha was struggling to suppress his misery.“Lord Scar definitely cares for you… much more than you think.”Levin began to console Sasha. Despite the hollow words, Sasha’s expression immediately brightened.“Really?”“Yes…”Levin recalled a brief conversation he had with Lord Scar earlier that morning. As a true noble, Scar had been very gentlemanly and even introduced his secretary to Levin, asking her to voice any discomfort she might have.“He told me a lot about your preferences.”“In what way?”“Well… he knew them very well. Like the foods you like, the need for lots of butter in meat dishes, and where to get your favorite desserts….”“Karel said that?”While Sasha was happily taking it in, Levin suddenly realized something odd.It was so clear that Levin couldn’t understand how he had missed it before. And it was such an unexpected detail that Levin even stuttered.“Lord Scar’s name is Karel?”“Yes. Karel, Karel Klements.”“That person…”Didn’t they say he was dead?Levin felt as if he had uncovered a forbidden truth and fell silent. Julian, who frequently sent letters, had once mentioned a friend’s death. The name written there was also Karel Klements.Levin couldn’t yet tell if this was Sasha’s mistake or her own exaggeration.＊ ＊ ＊A few days later, Karel took Sasha along on a business trip to Austria.From the start, Karel didn’t ask for Sasha’s opinion. However, Sasha naturally assumed he would accompany Karel to Austria, so everything proceeded smoothly. Georg thought the two made a well-matched pair in a way.When Karel first mentioned going to Palz, Sasha was excited as if going on a long excursion and added that he wished Charles could come along. Though there was no reason not to grant his request, Karel felt slightly burdened as this was an ‘assignment’ rather than a ‘trip.’‘If you insist on bringing Charles, I’ll have to leave you behind.’‘Then what about the remaining train ticket? It’s already paid for. You’re not planning to bring someone else, are you?’Sasha, wary with his blue eyes, eventually gave up on bringing Charles and took the seat next to Karel.On the day of departure, Sasha avoided attracting unnecessary attention by turning up the lapels of his coat to cover his face and pulling down a wide-brimmed hat. Once on the train, he immediately drew the curtains of the first-class compartment and leaned his head on Karel’s shoulder.Sasha leaned against him for hours.Endless countryside scenery unfolded outside the train window.Sasha recalled the time he had fled alone to Paris. Karel marveled at the farmland untouched by war. Both looking at the same landscape, each wished this moment could last forever.A few hours later, as they neared the French-Austrian border, Sasha murmured almost to himself.“Do you think I was being stubborn?”“What do you mean?”“You thought I was stubborn about bringing Charles, didn’t you?”“I didn’t think that.”“I wanted to take Charles back to his homeland.”Hearing this, Karel looked down at Sasha resting on his shoulder.“He’s too young to remember where he came from, but someday…”“Was the child born around here?”“I don’t know. But I met Charles at the border.”Thinking about what that meant, Karel gazed at Sasha’s straight nose and long eyelashes for a long time.Feeling Karel’s gaze, Sasha looked up. In the sunlight streaming through the train window, Karel’s eyes glinted with amber flecks. Without a word, Karel leaned in and kissed Sasha. As the kiss ended, Sasha, eyes closed, said:“He looks like you, Karel.”Karel brushed Sasha’s lips and replied:“I thought he looked like you. His forehead, his eyelashes….”Karel couldn’t finish his sentence as his throat tightened.“Bringing Charles was the proudest thing I’ve done in years.”It was then Karel realized Sasha hadn’t formed a relationship with someone else to have Charles. Sasha, unaware that Karel had even entertained such doubts, continued innocently. Karel’s heart ached, recalling how he had once hurt those soft, mumbling lips with his suspicions.“I wanted Karel to stay alive by my side.”Karel listened intently to Sasha’s heartfelt confession. Beneath the clumsy words, Sasha’s sincerity pierced Karel’s deeply suspicious heart.“So that’s why his name is Charles?”“Yes.”Karel realized that he had been ready to forgive Sasha for a long time. He also imagined the solitary mourning Sasha must have endured upon learning of Karel’s supposed death.The two lovers rode in silence for several more hours until they arrived in Palz at sunset. Eight years had passed since the two young men, penniless and empty-handed, had first arrived at this station.＊ ＊ ＊The night they arrived in Palz, Karel left the hotel alone before midnight.Karel walked at a steady pace, neither too fast nor too slow. Passing through the familiar old town square, the imposing cathedral, and the sleeping shops, Karel arrived at a small pub.As Karel pushed the door, the sign with the beer mug on it swung gently.Before taking a few steps inside, Karel spotted his appointment for the night. The vineyard owner had been waiting.Karel nodded in greeting and approached the table.“Lord Scar, please sit. I heard you arrived from Paris today, you must be exhausted.”“Not at all, I rested well on the train.”The vineyard owner looked quite elderly. His sun-browned skin bore the marks of a lifetime in the vineyards, and his graying hair suggested the stubbornness of a craftsman.Dressed comfortably in a shirt and sweater, his face was flushed as if he’d already had a few drinks. Sure enough, an ice bucket and wine glasses were on the table.Noticing Karel’s gaze at the table, the vineyard owner added:“The owner here is kind. He doesn’t charge a corkage fee, so I always come here.”Karel glanced around the pub.“It’s a nice place. I didn’t know Palz had such a place.”While his tone was casual, Karel quickly noted the behaviors of the pub’s patrons. A few suspicious details caught his eye. Without showing any sign, he pulled out a chair and sat down. The vineyard owner extended his hand for a handshake.“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”He seemed like a kind old vineyard owner, but he was actually an operative for the Austrian National Security Bureau.Karel already knew this, but he hadn’t known the pub was a meeting place for such operatives. The unwelcome knowledge made Karel uneasy. The identity of the operative, the use of the pub as a meeting place, and the faces guarding it—none of this was good for Karel to know. The more information one had, the higher the likelihood of being eliminated later.The Austrian National Security Bureau operated differently from the French Secret Service. Unlike the compartmentalized French system where Scar’s true identity was kept strictly secret, the Austrians emphasized unity and swore by secrecy, with harsh retribution for traitors.Despite learning things he didn’t want to know, Karel outwardly remained composed. He even pretended to be proud to be part of the Security Bureau. As he looked around the pub, he feigned a bit of admiration.Removing his hat, Karel looked at the brigadier.“…I’m pleased to meet you as well.”The brigadier’s tan suggested he had spent many summers on the front lines. His graying hair was a testament to his decades in the Austrian army. Karel also noted the bartender’s scarred hand and the two soldiers near the door.‘At least three.’Karel estimated that at least three people in the pub were there to cover the brigadier.“We’ll discuss the main business at the winery, so let’s just have a drink tonight?”“That sounds great. I’ve been looking forward to it.”Karel replied, leaning back in his chair.‘Then there must be a battalion outside the building,’He was essentially surrounded by his homeland’s forces. Though it felt like walking on a knife’s edge, Karel maintained a relaxed, sincere smile. For Karel, who had faced life-and-death moments countless times, it was an easy act.＊ ＊ ＊Just after arriving in Palz.Karel took Sasha to the most luxurious hotel in Palz. After checking in, they let the butler unpack while they had their first proper meal of the day in the hotel restaurant.During that time, Sasha had a few doubts. Sasha had assumed they would go to the house they used to live in. Knowing Karel was visiting for work, it seemed odd to spend money on a hotel rather than stay at his old home. It also made Sasha a little sad, feeling like Karel was trying to completely move on from the past.