Solo For Two

Sasha glanced at him momentarily, taken aback. It was the dark-haired man who had followed him all the way to the inn outskirts last night, with an oddly condescending tone and a businesslike demeanor—the very man Sasha soon realized was Karel’s secretary.“Where is Karel?”The secretary didn’t answer Sasha’s question. Instead, he raised his pale, smooth fingers to his lips. Initially unsure of the gesture’s meaning, Sasha simply followed his gaze along the edge of his fingers. On the clean-cut fingernail of his pointing hand was a mark on the corner of his lip. It was a colorful spot on an otherwise stoic face—a stark contrast to his stern expression.“You have a cut on your lip. Should I lend you a scarf?”“Oh….”Sasha blushed as he realized the secretary was pointing out his split lip. It was obvious what he must be imagining from seeing Sasha’s puffy eyes and bruised lip from crying sorrowfully last night. Generally, secretaries pretended not to know about their employer’s private lives… The secretary’s subtle discomfort in hinting at last night’s events was oddly unpleasant, prompting Sasha to quickly compose himself and respond stiffly.“Just a moment, please.”Picking up his crumpled jacket from the floor, Sasha searched for his tie. After rummaging around the room several times without finding it in sight, the secretary stood guard outside the door, observing Sasha’s every move. It felt like being under surveillance.“Let’s just consider the tie lost.”Following the secretary back outside the inn, it was already fully daylight.The scent of dewy grass in the garden, refreshed by the night, and the sunlight on the castle were beautiful. Sasha hurriedly followed the secretary’s brisk pace, who showed no consideration.When the carriage prepared within sight, Sasha hesitated and asked the secretary once more, “Has Karel already gone back? Or…”“If you mean Sir Scar, he went in before midnight yesterday.”“I see….”Sasha replied, concealing subtle disappointment. He had thought last night Karel would stay by his side.“Is Karel busy?”“Yes? Hmm…. He’s always busy, but there were no special arrangements last night. He just went to sleep.”The secretary didn’t allow any room for Sasha to know why he had asked. His tone seemed to emphasize that Karel’s need for sleep at home was more important than anything else. Sasha remained silent. There seemed to be little time to share the joy of their reunion, and none to seek regret or forgiveness. It was hard to accept that Karel had gone back. Maybe more time was needed to undo past wrongs.‘I have so much to say…’The secretary left right after Sasha fell asleep, as if his job was done, leaving him with an uncomfortable feeling that he hadn’t taken him along.The secretary drove Sasha in the prepared carriage and left.“Aren’t you going?”“I need to go straight to Sir Scar’s residence.”“Where’s the residence…?”“Figure it out.”Sasha nodded listlessly. As the carriage’s wheels began to turn, the secretary turned away.Having perceived the secretary’s quirky irritation, Sasha was puzzled about the origin of the condescending attitude. It was an attitude of dealing with those who approached nobles like Karel, or Scar, as they were called.‘The secretary seems very experienced in such aftercare.’Feeling let down, Sasha touched his split lip with his fingertips.＊ ＊ ＊Without time to be trapped in a sullen mood, Sasha quickly headed to the theater after a brief wash. Rehearsals were scheduled every day ahead of the opening of a new season.Upon arriving at the theater and changing into rehearsal clothes, he immediately ran into Tatiana. She rushed towards Sasha, causing a stir.“Sasha! I heard you caused a big commotion!”“Excuse me?”Tatiana’s face was a mix of curiosity and surprise. She turned Sasha around, who was just heading to the practice room.“Go to the director’s office instead of the practice room. Once Mikhail knows you’re here, he’ll chase you down to the practice room and start yelling again.”“What are you talking about…?”“I thought you weren’t interested in these things… were you trying to catch a big fish?”With a light wink, she pushed Sasha towards the director’s office.Sasha, almost stumbling into the room, found it empty. Unable to understand why Tatiana had made such a fuss, Sasha slowly began to recall the memories from yesterday.“That’s right, the photos were taken.”A sigh escaped, acknowledging the deed already done.Moreover, what other foolishness had been committed? Sasha had called out Karel’s name in front of someone denying they were Karel. It seemed Karel was publicly posing as someone named ‘Scar.’ To those unaware of Karel and Sasha’s past, it would have appeared as if only Sasha, drunk or mad, was causing a scene. Plus, being thrown out all alone had been witnessed by many…Parisians were always interested in scandals, especially those involving relationships between nobles and dancers frequenting the theater’s box seats. Anticipating how the director would reprimand them, Sasha dejectedly slumped into a chair.“Sasha!”Startled by the booming voice from behind, Sasha shivered. Mikhail soon stormed in, roughly grabbing Sasha’s shoulders and pulling them up.[You’ve really turned things around, haven’t you!][What…?]The energy Mikhail exuded was closer to astonishment and delight rather than anger. Perceiving this difference, Sasha, confused, scrutinized the director’s expression.[How did you sneak up to that grand noble? When did you manage to pull off such a clever act without me knowing?][I… didn’t do anything.]Assuming Mikhail’s words were sarcastic, Sasha nervously tried to explain.[Stop pretending to be humble… Didn’t you cause a commotion while drunk yesterday? This morning, Scar’s secretary came by personally! They said they bought off all the photos taken by journalists and stopped the articles. That fastidious secretary even left the photos they bought here. Sasha, you clinging to Scar was quite a sight.]Sasha blinked in disbelief at the words.[What on earth did you do? Who are you that Scar would graciously forgive you and cover up your mistake? Did you fight or something?][……]Just as Sasha hesitated, unable to deny it, Mikhail encouraged them heartily and let them sit back down.[I can’t figure out how someone without such skills or connections like you managed to catch a key figure in the patron club in one go.]Sasha looked up in surprise.They didn’t know. They hadn’t suspected at all. Meeting Karel at the patron club was purely by chance, and they hadn’t known he was such an important figure.Sensing Sasha’s surprise, Mikhail added with a knowing look.[Oh, I see. You randomly picked someone, and it turned out to be Scar? You’re unusually lucky, aren’t you?]Mikhail downed a glass of water in one go before continuing.[Scar originally had little interest in the arts, which are often filled with minor figures. His specialties were shipbuilding and steel. But suddenly, a few months ago, he started pouring money into this field.][A few months ago?]Sasha asked, his voice uncertain.[Yes. They say he’s a tycoon who made a fortune in military supplies during the war. He’s also building a large car factory in America. There’s even a rumor he’s still involved in arms smuggling… Well, with that much money and power, who wouldn’t have a murky past? Anyway, everyone is going crazy trying to secure investments from him because he’s such a big deal.][Is that so…]Sasha thought of Karel from the previous night.It was immediately evident that the luxurious fabric wrapping his body and the shiny shoes were of the highest quality. However, Sasha was confused because the Karel he remembered wasn’t someone who preferred such things. Even though his face, voice, and eyes unmistakably belonged to Karel, he mistakenly thought he was a nobleman he was meeting for the first time because he was feigning ignorance.[Honestly, I never expected you to play such a role…. You caught such a big fish that Hartley became a laughing stock in no time.][Well, actually….]Sasha impulsively wanted to confess that he and Karel had been lovers and had lived together in the past but quickly shut his mouth.If she revealed that he had a past relationship with someone of the same sex, Mikhail would undoubtedly try to ‘use’ him even more freely. Even now, he was pushing him to strengthen his ties with nobles regardless of gender.And Sasha loathed the subtle nuance hidden beneath it all.So she decided not to say anything. She didn’t want to form any connections with other nobles besides Karel.[Anyway, it seems you must have behaved quite endearingly for him to take care of your situation. Keep nurturing that ‘close friendship’ with Count Scar.][Thank you.]Sasha responded soullessly and left the captain’s office, leaving the still-excited captain behind.As he walked slowly down the hallway, a quiet ripple spread through his heart. This too was a late realization. he began to understand why Tatiana had run across this hallway in such a commotion earlier. The difference was that while Tatiana was thrilled to be connected with ‘Count Scar,’ Sasha was happy to have met ‘Karel’ again.‘Karel protected me.’He had bribed the reporter to stop Sasha’s scandal from spreading any further. Additionally, he had a carriage prepared for her through his secretary in the morning and had comforted him until he fell asleep the previous night when he felt uneasy.‘I must meet him again; Karel will meet me.’Thinking of the touch he felt in his sleep made his heart pound.Sasha once again thanked God that Karel was alive and that he could meet him again.＊＊＊“You’re home late today?”After finishing rehearsals and returning home, Sasha found Levin there. The baby on her back giggled upon seeing Sasha. Sasha’s expression softened at the baby’s laughter.“Rehearsal ran long.”“Are you going to have dinner?”“No…. Has Charles eaten something?”“Yes, plenty.”When Levin untied the baby carrier, Sasha naturally took the baby into his arms.When Sasha named the baby ‘Charles,’ the French version of Karel’s name, Levin didn’t say anything. He understood why he had brought the baby home.The doctor said the baby was just over six months old. Considering the timing, Charles must have experienced the war’s bombardment even in his mother’s womb. Fortunately, the shadow of the war hadn’t affected his innocent nature; the baby was gentle and quick to laugh.Sasha rarely laughed out loud, but he did when he saw those deep green eyes smiling at him.“Baby, did you have fun today? You didn’t miss me much, did you?”Levin smiled faintly as Sasha cooed and carried the baby into the room.At one point, he had considered sending the baby to an orphanage. But now, seeing the positive impact the baby had on Sasha, he changed his mind. Sasha now laughed out loud and made light-hearted jokes with the baby, something he rarely did before.Sasha was already receiving great rewards from Charles, even more than he had given by saving his life.Sasha entered the room and played with the baby without turning on the light. he had heard that babies liked the dark.When the baby cried and fussed initially, Sasha once tried to give the baby alcohol, which earned him a stern reprimand from Levin.“I did that when I was young. I was given alcohol even as a baby. And in Russia, everyone raises their babies that way.”What was Levin’s expression like at that time? Remembering it, Sasha chuckled quietly to himself.“If you don’t want to raise the baby to be an alcoholic like you, stop it.”For Levin, that was a particularly harsh reprimand. Sasha quickly admitted how inept he was at childcare. And although he was still clumsy, Charles brought him immense joy, like proof of good fortune.“Baby, Karel is back.”Looking deeply into those eyes made him feel as if they communicated without words. The baby gurgled as if trying to respond to Sasha’s words. Sasha kissed the baby’s soft hair and fragrant crown, murmuring joyfully.“Karel is back….”＊＊＊[When you reach a peak where there’s nothing more to achieve, you start to wonder what’s next. You’re at that moment now. Time heals, so just let it pass.]Sasha thought there was some truth to Mikhail’s words.Over the past two years, Sasha often relied on alcohol to escape the depression that made daily life difficult. However, after the doctor forbade alcohol, he often found herself sinking endlessly into his own mind. Composers created and dedicated pieces to Sasha, and poets wrote with him as their muse, but Sasha felt none of it held any value. There was no solace except the saying that time would heal. The advice of retired dancer Mikhail, who had experienced his own period of glory, was the only thing that somewhat sustained Sasha’s spirit.‘What could I do once I leave the stage?’But then, miraculously, Karel came back to life when Sasha had lost his purpose.And as soon as he reunited with him, Sasha’s world, which had momentarily paused, began to move again. Witnessing Karel’s return filled Sasha’s daily life with energy. The monotonous daily classes and the already perfected performance repertoire no longer felt tedious.For a while after the reunion, Sasha eagerly waited for Karel to visit the theater.However, there was no news from Karel. Growing anxious, Sasha decided he needed to be more proactive. he resolved to go out and gather information about Karel herself. But having been out of touch with rumors for so long, he didn’t know where to start.‘There are plenty of parties that want to invite you. Even if you’re not specifically invited, you’d be the best guest anywhere, wouldn’t you? If you don’t like crowded places, try visiting the salons of the socialites who send you private invitations.’Following Tatiana’s advice, Sasha sifted through the invitations he had received. Having trouble choosing which events to attend, Tatiana was a great help.For two weeks, Sasha attended several parties in a row and accepted invitations to dinners with nobles.However, he couldn’t find anyone connected to Karel anywhere. The only thing confirmed was that he was indeed a big deal, as everyone’s eyes lit up when ‘Count Scar’ was mentioned.Through this, Sasha realized he knew very little about Karel. Tatiana, who had never met Karel, knew much more than Sasha, who had kept away from social news and high society.First, his name ‘Scar’ wasn’t a real pseudonym. It was just a nickname derived from his scars. His real name remained undisclosed, leading to speculation that he might be of royal blood or from a prestigious noble family.Sasha felt satisfied knowing he was the only one who knew his true name.Second, he was said to be a war maniac. The scars on his face and body proved it. Using his existing connections in the steel industry, he seemed to venture into shipbuilding and luxury carriage manufacturing, but rumors suggested his main business was actually weapons manufacturing.Europe had not yet recovered from the impact of the last war. Many feared that the excessive reparations imposed on the defeated allies would lead to another war. In the midst of this, Scar was said to be secretly contacting the heads of various governments, arguing that ‘the only way to overcome the scars of war is through war’ and selling weapons. Many were concerned that his extreme methods were fomenting a second war.Sasha didn’t pay much attention to this aspect of him because it was a side of him he didn’t know.Third, he was rumored to have deviant sexual preferences. People whispered unreliable information that he only took black-haired men to bed. When Sasha first heard this, he felt a mix of shock, surprise, and joy. It was clear where his preference for black-haired men originated from.“He misses me.”Sasha got lost in his thoughts while holding a drink.The wealthy seamstress, who brought this rumor, observed Sasha with a curious look and asked,“Sasha, are you thinking of entering the competition as well?”“Competition?”“The competition to win Count Scar’s bed.”Sasha shook his head reluctantly. Competition? At least he had a different starting point from the others.“You seem to be listening very intently for someone who isn’t interested…”“Really, I’m not.”Regardless of how the seamstress interpreted Sasha’s repeated denials, she continued with a knowing smile.“Well, there’s a rumor that Scar’s secretary has already secured that spot.”Secretary?The liquid in Sasha’s glass wavered slightly.A businessman sitting next to the seamstress, seemingly interested, responded on Sasha’s behalf.“That pale, stern-looking male secretary? He seemed very competent, but to be that competent in other ways too…”“That makes him valuable to bring into bed, doesn’t it?”“Come to think of it, he has quite a seductive face. Especially the mole by his mouth.”Suddenly, Sasha remembered the secretary he met the day after reuniting with Karel.“You have a scar there. Shall I lend you a scarf?”The smooth fingertip pointing at his mouth and the noticeable mole on his lips came to mind.Sasha remembered how Karel used to like the mole under his eye. He would gently caress the area between Sasha’s eyes and cheekbones with his fingertips. Sometimes, he would softly kiss that spot.A moment of wild imagination made Sasha dizzy. To shake off the vision of Karel and the secretary entangled naked, he gulped down his drink. Overcome with sudden jealousy, Sasha quickly felt depressed.That night, Sasha managed to obtain the address of the house where Karel was currently staying. Some people did not hide their sneers at such an overt move. Undeterred, Sasha left the salon, having achieved his goal.Sasha, unaware of the latest gossip, did not know how his recent actions were being framed and spread among the gossips.Rumors spread that “Sasha Sedrin” was breaking his high standards and looking for a patron. The gossip soon attached plausible reasons: Sasha was now over thirty, and with retirement looming, he was desperate. The rumors gained credibility and soon were accepted as fact.The number of party invitations sent to Sasha increased. He did not understand why so many people wanted to meet him recently but carefully selected parties to attend with Tatiana.Only the absence of invitations in Scar’s or Karel’s name worried Sasha.＊＊＊On a rare free Monday, Sasha headed straight to Karel’s house.He had sent several handwritten postcards and dinner invitations to Karel’s house, but he never responded. Sasha, not expecting to be completely ignored, began to think he had the wrong address. However, from subsequent rumors, he learned that Karel indeed lived in that area.Eventually, unable to contain his frustration, Sasha decided to go find him in person.The carriage, now riding over the cobblestone streets of Paris, headed to the suburbs. Inside the jolting carriage, Sasha thought about the possibility of Karel not being home. He might meet him right away, but if unlucky, he might have to wait for the busy man.“I’ll wait.”He had no other plans, even on a day off. Levin seemed puzzled that Sasha called for a carriage, abandoning his usual playtime with Charles, but he didn’t ask any questions. Sasha appreciated Levin’s reticence.