TWSB – Chapter 226: Commedia dell’arte (4)

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(Act 2 Scene 1)

In a winding street of Zeboim…

A rare mild winter night. The citizens of the Corleone vassal state paired up in twos or threes, fours, or fives to whisper words of love and indulge in drinking and … other pleasurable activities. The magic lights that dimly lit up the streets created an atmosphere unique to Zeboim. There were street vendors here and there selling arancinis and lampredottos. The cries of seabirds and the faint sound of the sea could be heard in the distance.

Divine beasts, Rhea and Perry de Riester enter.

Rhea: Squeeee. (Fate plays its usual prank and gathers the youths of Riester in this decadent yet beautiful land of two islands. The Imperial Crown Prince, with his fiery temper and noble presence, wishes to rescue his flower-like friend from danger. Tis then that he senses a familiar aura of water beneath the shadows of the island. How ironic that the most delightful harmony is to take place in this land that has been forsaken by the Almighty God.)

Perry: Whimper. (In this fated meeting place of Christelle de Sarnez and Cédric Riester, Prince Jesse Venetiaan – praise the esteemed one who carries the will of the Almighty God! – faces the greatest trial of his life. What shall partake on this stage is an impromptu retelling of his tale. Please inform us of any shortcomings you may find as we shall return with a better and more refined version in the next performance.)

Rhea and Perry quickly exit onto Scaramuccia’s shoulders.

Cédric: (Off to the side) I must confirm if it truly is him.

Scaramuccia, our dear Imperial Crown Prince Cédric, hides in the darkness of the alley, eavesdropping on the people walking past and observing their movements. Percy de Riester is still maintaining the appearance of a crow.

Passerby1: (Excitedly) Does this mean that the Signora will gain a foreign husband? That has to be the case if the blonde widower attendant is to attend to her tonight!

Passerby2: I guess that’s possible! Anyway, it is true that he will enter her private chambers tonight! – Wait, look over there! (He shakes Passerby1 and points toward the entrance of the alley) I haven’t seen such a stunning signora in a long time.

The crowd looks toward a distant figure. A mysterious young woman and a more mature woman enter with a extravagantly dressed noble lady. The crowd starts to murmur.

Passerby1: Who are you talking about? The signora in the middle?

Passerby2: She is amazing as well, but I prefer the lady on the right. (Pointing toward Isabelle) Ah! Her light green hair is as fresh as the newly sprouted buds of spring, while her black eyes are as deep as the autumn night sky singing you a sweet lullaby. How sweet shall the voice flowing out of those lips be?

Passerby1: (Wagging his finger) You truly don’t know a thing. No wonder you are out here with me instead of a lover during this season. Look at the lady on the left of the noble madam. (Pulling the sleeve of Passerby2) Her rare pink hair looks ready to cast the spell of love at any moment, and a single look into her blue eyes that are more mysterious than the waters of Zeboim makes you feel like you are going to drown. But nothing can beat her white skin and pretty little lips!

Christelle, dressed as an attendant, scowl at them. She quickly changes expressions when they make eye contact.

Passerby1: The angel doth smile at me. Shall I try talking to her?

Passerby2: Sure, why not?! No. Maybe this is the greatest fortune we will experience tonight.

Passerby1: Tonight? Don’t you mean this year?

The two of them chuckle and approach Christelle’s group. Christelle discreetly fixes Ellen’s clothes pretending not to see them.

Christelle: Signora, are you not cold? Shall I place another blanket around your shoulders?

Ellen: No, baby miss. (While slapping her lips) Ah, no, that’s not right. (In an awkward tone) Ah, no. Thank you.

Isabelle: (Smiling and patting the back of Ellen’s hand) Ollie, this is fun. I know I shouldn’t feel this way, but…… I am having fun despite having escaped abroad. I should be focused as your guardian, but…

Christelle: It’s okay. (Smiling while channeling ether inside her) Each of us being one-third focused would be a whole person’s worth between the three of us, but I’m already doing enough for three people. (Off to the side) The pirate ship we came on still seems fine as well.

Passerby1: Deepest greetings to the three ladies shining as beautiful as the stars.

Christelle: Ah, yes.

Christelle slowly steps in front of the two women.

Passerby2: Tis such a cold night. May we invite you for a cup of amaretto in a warm place?

Christelle: No thank you.

Passerby1: Ah, ah, signora. It looks like it is your first time in the northern part of Zeboim. (Extending his hand toward Christelle’s cheek) We can lead you to a shortcut to pleasure and deligh- ahhh!

Christelle instantly kicks Passerby1’s hand. Passerby1 clutches his hand and rolls on the ground. People nearby gasp and scatter.

Passerby2: Hey lady! What was that for?!

Christelle: (Coldly) Listen when a woman says no. I would have said yes if I wanted it! Where do you think you are trying to touch? Do you want to die?!

Passerby2: But to act like this…… (Huffing) You were the one who smiled at us first! I must avenge my friend right here!

Christelle: Bullshit, would you have offered me some money if I was crying?!

Passerby2 clenches his teeth and charge at Ellen and Isabelle in the back. Scaramuccia enters with his cape fluttering. Cédric swings his sheathed Sword of Wisdom from the Flaming Star to fend off the attackers. Isabelle and Ellen get scared, but Christelle remains firm and shields the two of them. A large crow flies above their heads, creating an ominous mood. Dust rises from the bodies of the beaten men.

Passerby1: Scaramuccia- (stumbling backwards while looking pale) -ahhh, aaaaaah! Run! Run as fast as you can!

Passerby2: You dumbass, I’m already running! Eek! (At the same time as Passerby1) Scaramuccia has appeared!

The two of them shout as they run past the alley. The onlookers have already escaped into buildings. The divine beasts run up to Christelle’s ankles to show that they are happy to see her. Silence.

Christelle: (Tightly hugging the divine beasts) Aigoo! I could have had another hit!

Cédric: (Scowling) What?

Ellen: It’s okay, baby miss. (Patting Christelle’s back) This place is full of lustful fools so you can have a payday at any time. (Looking at Scaramuccia) As for this strikingly handsome gentleman……

Christelle: (Dryly) The VIP who made us lose our allowance.

Isabelle: That’s a bit disappointing but he still came to help us out. Let’s thank him.

Isabelle is consoling Christelle and is late to notice the divine beasts. She looks back at Scaramuccia in shock. His orange eyes sparkle underneath the mask.

Isabelle: Holy Almighty God. (Urgently bows) I greet his Royal Highness, Crown prince Cédric.

Ellen: Excuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuse me?!

Wet nurse Ellen gasps in astonishment and plants her face on the ground. Christelle helps her stand back up, puts the divine beasts down and shows her respect. Then shoots a not-so-hostile glare at Cédric.

Cédric: ‘Another hit?’

Christelle: People like that. (Lowering her voice) Anybody who tries to mess with us, we lead them to secluded areas to teach them a lesson and take their wallet. We used that money to buy these clothes and get some decent lodging.

Silence. Christelle quickly added on.

Christelle: Only the guys who dare to put their hands on us or act like disgusting little pigs. We respectfully rejected any respectful people.

Cédric: What are you doing in Zeboim?

Christelle: Obviously I escaped from my father, your Royal Highness. Ah! (Opens her eyes wide and takes one step closer to Cédric) That guy was creating a weird pamphlet to slander his highness. He is sick, but I think he is using that as a disguise as well. He is completely out of his mind. We got here thanks to Percy. (Off to the side) Although we lowered our anchor thinking this was Sérénité. (Pause) I heard rumors that a Marquis of the Empire was here as a guest of the Admiral. Could that possibly be his highness and the others?

Cédric: As I expected.

Cédric extended his arm and the crow that had been flying above them lands on his arm. Christelle’s jaw dropped.

Christelle: Is this guy perhaps……

Percy: Pi― po! (That is correct. I am happy to see that you have gathered together. But what is to happen from here is solely on all of you and I do not wish to concern myself with the matter. I am a free being.)

Christelle: Percy! Thank you so much for helping us. I am so happy to see you again! How did you end up as a crow this time? You are so amazing.

Christelle, Isabelle, and Ellen affectionately pat the crow’s wings and back. Percy enjoys the warmth. Christelle looks up at the crown prince.

Christelle: (In a barely audible voice) As for you your Royal Highness, I’m sure you didn’t chase us…… You must be here to save his highness, right? (Off to the side) But what is up with the mask? Why is he the only one with this critical hit? Well, I guess showing his face would be an even stronger critical hit.

Cédric: Yes. I heard that he will soon enter the Admiral’s bedroom.

The three women drop their jaws in shock.

Isabelle: (Covering her mouth with her hand) Why, why would such an esteemed sir make such a decision?

Cédric: It is probably to use the international portal. All of the land routes and portals from the southern part of the Empire to the Imperial Capital have been sealed.

Ellen: Oh my goodness!

Christelle: I have a lot of questions for you, but it sounds like that will have to wait, your Royal Highness. (With a solemn look on her face) Let’s come up with a plan and make our move. According to what you just said, every minute counts right now.

Cédric flicks his chin. The group exits together.

*

(Act 2 Scene 2)

A few hours later… Admiral Emma Corleone’s bedroom.

Sound of waves could be heard from the sharp cliff on top of the island. The golden candlesticks placed around the room dimly light the dark room. A man whose whole body is covered by a black veil sits alone on a bed with red curtains. The Admiral approaches him without hiding her presence.

Jesse: (Anxious voice) That, mm. Hmm!

The Admiral scoffs.

Emma: How adorable. But there’s no way this is your first time.

Jesse: Excuse me? Sorry, what did you just say? (Off to the side) I can’t hear very well.

Emma: I don’t enjoy repeating myself.

The Admiral uses her hook to yank open the curtains. The man’s back is visible. Emma tries to push him down.

Jesse: (Dodges quickly) Admiral, one moment please! There is something I am curious about.

Emma: (Clicking her tongue) How annoying. Are you the type who needs to talk to get in the mood?

Jesse: Yes ma’am, I’m sure it will be a very interesting story. You may end up so curious about the details that you will forget about everything else. You may even decide that you want to open the portal for us.

Emma: (Snorting) An attendant like you thinks that you can satisfy me with a mere story? (Lowers her hook and motions with her chin) A cheesy joke won’t be enough. Do not forget that I am someone who commands the Navy.

The Admiral perches on the bed. She then drinks the white wine on the side table like water before cracking a fig and throwing it into her mouth. The man continues to speak.

Jesse: Of course. (Pause) Then please let me ask you a question. For example, do you think that the Almighty God has abandoned the vassal state?

Emma: ……What?

Jesse: I have asked many people about this while staying in this place. I wanted to know the relationship between the Church of the Almighty God and the vassal state. Even the < Biweekly Riester >, which claims to have gossip from around the world, completely excludes the vassal state. I have also never heard the citizens of the Empire talking about the vassal state before. The only thing I know are the short descriptions I have read in history books. I have been thinking that to be weird. Based on what I have seen after coming here, the people of the vassal state try their best every day as well…… The values and culture might be different, but at the core, they are no different from anybody else. I wanted to know why they were excluded from the ‘center of flow.’ I also wanted to know what the people of the vassal state think about this as well.

Emma: (Frowning while swallowing the fig) I knew it would be boring. Let’s just proceed as planned.

The Admiral tries to remove the veil. The man uses quick movements to get out of her reach.

Emma: Are you going to break the deal?

Jesse: No ma’am. Then let me ask it like this. If a war breaks out on the continent, what will you do, Admiral?

Emma: (Twisting her neck) The Empress holds my leash so I suppose I will follow any orders given.

Jesse: (Asking something with deep implications) Would Seigneur Lorenzo tell you to do the same?

The Admiral scowled menacingly. She uses lighting-fast reflexes to rip off the man’s veil. The knight, Johann Geens reveals himself. Only his lips were smiling.

Emma: You bastard.

Johann: I guess I’ve been found out. (He removes the red magic tool ribbon from his mouth) There are quite a lot of fascinating items in the world these days. Don’t you agree, my lady? (“Admiral, Are you listening?” The voice comes out of the ribbon.)

The large window of the room shatters as the Admiral is about to get angry. The sound of the ocean is very loud as if the sea has reached up to the window. Blackout.

*

– Clang!

– Baaaaang!

“Huh?”

I gasped and ran to the window.

I was tightly holding Marquis François’s newest invention, the magic tool ribbon, in my hand.

The Duhem siblings, who had been waiting with me, grabbed the divine beasts and followed me.

Chh! I opened the curtains without any hesitation. The sight in front of me almost made my eyes burst out.

“Wait, we were just talking…… We were going to resolve it with words?”

An unexpected fire was burning in the direction of the Admiral’s bedroom.


Translator’s Comments

This was an unexpectedly fun chapter to translate.

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TWSB – Chapter 225: Commedia dell’arte (3)

Yellow, red, and blue wallpaper, swirling patterns spinning round and round… Orbs sparkling in all directions and exotic instruments… This was a sight not visible in Riester.

Emma Corleone extended her hooked arm from the highest seat in the room. Marquis François Duhem elegantly kissed her metal hook. Chu. The Admiral intensely gazed at his face and lips. I lowered my head in embarrassment. I thought it was amazing that the Marquis could withstand such a gaze as if it was nothing.

“I heard you used the portal I created in your territory.” The Admiral’s voice was so coarse that I couldn’t help but think that she smoked a lot. “I understand bringing your guard knight and an attendant, but bringing two of your siblings with you…”

The rest of the group had stood there silently after showing our respects. Sir Johann seemed to be suppressing his presence quite a bit, but it was probably because he didn’t want a sharp fighter like the Admiral noticing his identity. We acted as simply as possible as we had planned in advance.

‘Only the Marquis will speak. The rest of us will stay silent.’

“I’m sure they are not here as dowry… Are they witnesses for our marriage?”

“Madam, we have not come here with such intentions,” he Marquis calmly answered.

‘Ho.’ The Admiral scoffed through her teeth. I raised my head slightly to check her face. She was openly showing her discontent. The middle-aged woman bluntly remarked, “How cruel of you. I even threw away my second and third husbands for you.”

‘What……?’ My jaws dropped as I looked toward Maria. The young lady of the House of Duhem’s jaw looked ready to fall off as well.

As a part of the very openly affectionate Corleone vassal state, I never thought that the Admiral would be chaste. Even Maria had called her brother a plaything. However, I never imagined that she would have three husbands. ‘And she threw away two of them!’

“Madam, Thank you ever so much for looking so favorably upon me, but I am here today with a request.”

“My goodness.”

She scowled. I could hear the faint sounds of music and laughter somewhere in the Estate. The Admiral scratched her chest with her hook and changed positions. I quickly looked down after belatedly realizing that she was not wearing anything inside her shirt. Based on what I just saw, all of her buttons were undone as well. ‘Ahh!’

This was so different from the QNW that I had heard about and experienced until now!

“You are playing so hard to get.”

“Madam, as I have explained many times before, I have no desire to be your second husband.”

The Marquis gently answered. The Admiral twitched her scratched eyebrow.

“Is it because you wish to be the first husband? I suppose you have always been one for loyalty. But that guy is an extremely jealous one. It is also hard to throw him away because he comes from a good family,” she answered, as if she was delivering extremely useful information.

I felt like I was watching < The Clinic for Married Couples: Love and War >.

“I will provide adequate compensation if you are willing to fulfill my request, madam.” The Marquis spoke in a formal manner.

It was only then that I realized that he was hiding his true feelings on purpose. He had not shown his usual attention-seeking attitude since coming to the vassal state. If it was anybody else, I would think that this was his true self and the attention seeker was the mask, but François Duhem was different. He was pretending to be calm in order to not show any gaps. ‘It probably means that he wants to maintain his distance from her.’

The Admiral’s half-opened greyish-green eyes scowled.

“If you would allow us to use the Zeboim portal to head to the Imperial Capital, I will advocate for Seigneur Lorenzo’s new trade policy in front of her Majesty.”

“……”

“This will further smooth out trade between Riester and Corleone. I’m sure that would help solidify young master Alessio’s position as well.”

His voice sounded as sweet as honey. I did my best to figure out what was going on.

‘So the Marquis… He has no intention of using himself as leverage.”

This new trade policy seemed to be something that the Seigneur’s son, Alessio, had proposed. He was offering them political support.

I heard that the Admiral grew up being loved by her family and had a great relationship with them.

‘She probably wouldn’t reject a deal that helps her father and her older brother…’

“You wish to use the international portal?”

Flinch. The woman’s tone was sharp. She almost sounded as if she was mocking him. I nervously looked up at her.

‘I wonder what the issue is? Isn’t it a decent offer for a single use of the portal?’

It was also for a Pair de Riester whose identity was completely verified. Corleone would not lose out in any way with this deal.

“Zeboim has been in quite the turmoil the last few days.”

“……”

I suddenly got the chills.

“There’s a shady thug, a master-less pirate ship, and now a Marquis of the Empire asking for my help to cross the border…”

The Admiral motioned toward us with her chin. I did my best to quiet my gulp. I didn’t know much about what was going on, but it was quite chaotic here too.

“It is a great offer, but something seems off based on the timing. Tsk.” She clicked her tongue and picked up a cigar box from a corner of her seat.

François reacted immediately. He pulled out an expensive matchbox from his pocket before lighting it with a natural movement that resembled flowing water.

Tap! Chhhh……

“You even know how to flatter.”

The Admiral teased him. The Marquis gently curled his light pink eyes.

Today I learned that it takes extremely long to light a cigar.

‘The match is very long as well.’

“Please simply consider this as courtesy.”

“You also know how to play coy.”

She bit down on the cigar and smiled at the Marquis. I didn’t know why, but this seemed extremely dangerous. I couldn’t help but touch my veil. ‘Please let things go well, please.’

“It is suspicious that a Pair de Riester, someone who could request an audience with her Majesty at any time, is trying to go through Zeboim like this.”

Her voice became chillingly low. My eyes opened wide.

“Madam.”

“Don’t you dare think about using me.”

The Admiral sharply cut him off. ‘Huuuuuu.’ A thick puff of cigar smoke flew out.

Maria and I held our breaths. It would be great if Sir Johann helped us out, but he could not use his powers right now.

“I was going to hold you in my arms because your face of sorrow looked so beautiful, but…”

“……”

“All you are thinking about is how to use my goodwill for your own benefit.”

Her voice sounded as scary as boiling lava because of her gloomy voice and the sound of her chewing on the cigar. A strong pressure made me feel suffocated. It wasn’t as strong as the pressure from a sword master the Empress released toward me, but it felt much less controlled. I looked at Captain Hervé, who was withstanding it from the front, with an anxious gaze.

‘Wouldn’t it be better to reveal my identity and honestly ask for help? No…… We decided to let the Marquis handle it. Let’s just stay quiet.’

“Madam, this is a misunderstanding.”

“This fox-like cunning look of yours isn’t bad either, but the way you cried after losing your parents was much more beautiful.”

I could feel Maria tensing up. I urgently turned my head. ‘What did she just-’

“You were such an obedient boy when we spread the ashes across the Sea of Silence. Has it already been around twenty years since then?”

“……”

The Marquis’ fingertips were faintly shaking. Captain Hervé slowly clenched his fists. I opened and closed my mouth without being able to say anything in shock and disbelief. ‘That- Something like that is too much.’

“It is I who wishes that you do not misunderstand the situation. I like this current determined look of yours as well. However, I am different from your master.” Her rough voice continued. Her algae-like dark eyes looked cruelly mischievous. The Admiral raised the Marquis’ chin with her hook. This was clearly a provocation. “When someone acts up like this in front of me to protect something, I want to break them.”

“……”

“It makes me want to see them weak and sobbing.”

She laughed while blowing out some smoke. I clenched my teeth. I knew that this was a lowly provocation to get a reaction and see through his intentions. I knew that, but…

“If you do not wish to do so, send one of your younger siblings to my bedroom. Then I will open the portal for you.”

“My goodness.”

Captain Hervé turned pale and hugged Maria. I couldn’t help but shout in anger.

“Excuse me!”

I felt like I heard Sir Johann groaning behind me. The Admiral turned toward me as if she had been waiting for this. François turned toward me completely pale. ‘I’m sorry.’

“Couldn’t you just ask the reason? You could have just asked why he needs the portal or what was going on. Why are you digging through his wounds and making him suffer? Threatening him would be better than this.”

“……You are the rumored widower.” She mumbled.

Maria was holding onto her second brother’s waist as she looked back and forth at the Admiral and myself. I almost stomped past them, grabbed François’s arm, and headed down the steps.

‘Your highness?’ He urgently whispered but I pretended not to hear him. I decided to keep being angry since I already started.

“I do not know what happened in the past, but it doesn’t seem like you are the Marquis’ lover, Admiral. If it is only a one-sided relationship, I can’t sit by and watch even as an outsider.”

“Hoooo.”

“Even if you are used to loveless acts, you are the worst for demanding one of his younger siblings. They are siblings who care for each other. They can’t make such a decision as easily as if offering a sacrifice. As foreigners with different cultural values, you should at least have a modicum of respect.”

“I see.”

“I do not expect an apology from you. These three will never agree to something like that. So please give……”

“You are right.”

I flinched. The Admiral smiled as she bit on her cigar. I suddenly got goosebumps. I quickly covered the Duhem siblings and Sir Johann sighed before standing in front of me. The formation had completely flipped. The middle-aged woman scoffed.

“I’m intrigued.”

I stood on tippy-toes to look past the Holy Knight’s shoulder.

“Why don’t we calmly discuss things, Admiral? We request your cooperation. We are ready to provide adequate compensation. If you are unable to trust the Marquis, we can also give you a full explanation.”

“No. I have a better idea.” She instantly cut me off. This woman really did as she pleased. Despite both of them growing up as precious young ladies now in power, she had a completely different personality than Empress Frédérique. She always sought out the greatest of stimulations, got bored of things easily, and did not care about being tactful around anybody. She listened only to what she wanted to hear and said whatever she wanted to say. She feared nothing and lived a life with no obstacles. She only lived a life full of affection and awe.

A spoiled thug.

“Let me make you an offer you cannot refuse.”

The Admiral slowly looked me up and down. The stinging scent of smoke swirled around me. I kept my eyes open despite the pain and did not step back.

*

That night…

“Over there! Scaramuccia went that way!”

“Get him! Run!”

“The Captain has given his orders! Run!”

“Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!” The city guards shouted as they ran.

The residents of the vassal state watched the guards in confusion before realizing that there wasn’t much going on and disappeared into the darkness.

‘Scaramuccia’ sighed underneath the shadow of the moon. He would have personally pulled out his sword to teach them a lesson if they were the Imperial Guard or the Garrison for the Imperial Capital. It would have continued until they properly learned their lesson. However, this was not his home country.

– Squeeeeee

“Quiet.”

– Pruu

“I’m very much aware.”

The divine beasts dangling on his wide shoulders each made a comment. They were saying this was not the place. However, the young man could not give up. He had not felt the prince’s ether in Seigneur Lorenzo’s castle, which was located on the southern part of the island. That meant that there was only one place for the prince’s group to ask for permission to use the portal. The Imperial Crown Prince’s jewel-like eyes underneath the mask looked up as he stared at the estate at the top of the island. They were too far from him to sense anything.

‘Casa di Corleone.’

– Piiiii

The divine item in Cédric’s arm chirped.

He quietly looked down at Percy de Riester before making a comment.

“I’m sure you are aware that you still sound the same.”

– ……

The crow completely ignored him.

He was aware of the divine item’s ability to transform, but he had no idea that it could transform into other birds. However, it did not seem to have much experience as it could not caw like a crow. It just did this useless transformation to make itself heavier for no reason……

“The attendant! She is going to bring the attendant to her bedroom later!”

“What?! Not that handsome Marquis of the Empire?!”

The crown prince quickly turned his head. He could hear the excited voices outside the alley.

“I heard it directly from the coachman’s cousin’s wife’s boyfriend. An attendant wearing a black veil came with the Marquis but he was so bold that the Signora fell for him right away. He is apparently that amazing. His blonde hair resembled the sun of Admah!”

“Wow, then will the first husband finally be thrown away?”

The divine beasts stuck their tongues out in shock. A man with a bold personality, blonde hair, and disguised as the attendant of a Marquis from the Empire… It was clearly talking about the prince. Crunch… The black glove tightly clenched on the Sword of Wisdom.

If he was going to make a senseless deal to use the portal…

Flinch.

The crown prince glared in the opposite direction. He could not believe what he had just sensed. It was extremely faint, but the presence was clear. It was a firm and clear power of water that was different from the winter sea.

“……”

‘Christelle de Sarnez?’


Translator’s Comments

The coachman’s cousin’s wife’s boyfriend can’t be wrong. A blondie? OUR BLONDIE?!!!

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