His Highness’s Letter

It was already in the mid-afternoon when Tobias arrived at the palace, along with the four imperial guards leading the way. The guards are obviously not slacking, they're very quiet and never spoke unless they needed to. They must've been trained so strictly.. Thought Tobias, It was his first time to get along with the imperial guards, he never expected this.

As he entered the main door, the faint figure of his son, and the young Grand Duke smiling happily as they declared friendship illuminated into his azure eyes, oh how he missed the lovely days before the King was assassinated. He'd heard a lot of rumors about the Grand Duke, saying that he was a tyrant and doesn't care about his people. The Grand Duke changed. But deep down, He knew why the Grand Duke changed, it was nothing more but the death of his own father.

The Grand Duke lost his own mother in maternal birth, and the Grand Duke lost his father in an assassination, on his own birthday. How could a person not change in this loss? One may seek revenge, one may change their whole personality. We'll never know.

Tobias had once interacted with the Grand Duke while he was young, while he was in the hall, while the King and Tobias, alongside with Elise, and while he was playing with the one-year-old Elias. It was his favorite scene in his life, he wished he could freeze this time and watch it forever.

Tobias entered the palace, and every side of the wall was majestic looking along paintings and the portraits of three of them. It's just sad that, in the current era of the Dämonisch family, they didn't have a portrait together, instead it was solo portraits with their solemn faces. First was the Queen, Her Royal Highness Catherine Almoire Dämonisch, second was the former King, His Royal Highness Karl Dämonisch and the last was the healthy ruler of Landroich, the Grand Duke, Kaiser Dämonisch.

Tobias approached the portraits with a sense of awe, taking in the grandeur and legacy of the Dämonisch family. The three paintings were impressive works of art, capturing each ruler in their full regal attire and with a solemn expression on their faces.

Catherine's portrait was the first to catch Tobias's eye. She was regal and composed, wearing a beige gown with intricate embroidery and an open chest top. Her long, jet black hair was styled in a beautiful updo, and small curls framed her face. She was posed sitting beside the round table, with a sense of authority and grace. Her eyes are round and slightly curved, the portrait caught her beautiful, ethereal lavender eyes, while the plumpness of her slips are pinkish-red. This was her final portrait before her untimely death. 

Next was Karl's portrait. He was wearing his royal attire, which consisted of a beautifully tailored jacket and pants, with a high collar and long sleeves. The outfit was formal and regal, befitting of a ruling monarch. His hair was like Kaiser's as we speak, his hair was below his shoulder, deep black. Karl's expression was stern, with a sense of authority and duty. This portrait served as a reminder of his legacy as a King. 

The final portrait was that of the current ruler, the Grand Duke, Kaiser Dämonisch. He was wearing his imperial regalia. His white cravat was puffed to his black tailcoat that overlaps his white waistcoat, including his flowing red robes and a red mixed with gold sash across his torso. He was sitting on a chippendale chair with his other leg across his other knee. As for his shoes, he wore deep black leather loafers and a high, white sock. 

His hair was tucked on the other side of his right ear, which exposes more detail of his ear; he has a mole at its tip. In this portrait, Kaiser also wears jewelry but his earrings can only be seen for the detail. Of course, his iconic pair of moles at his cheeks never missed.

Kaiser also holds a sabre to his right hand, as his arms are resting on the chippendale chair's armrest. His expression was stoic, and stern with a hint of strictness in his lavender eyes. This portrait symbolized his strength, power, wisdom, and dedication to the country. But others refer to this as tyrannical power.

As Tobias walked in, he felt his own footsteps become lighter as he landed his feet at the inner hall, in truth, he was also scared of the young Grand Duke. He didn't know what to expect, it's not that the rumor says that he's a tyrant, but it's also to prepare himself and be cautious for his manners. But the most important is, why did the duke summoned him? What kind of letter was he going to pass on? 

They made a left turn on the second floor of the palace, there lies the Grand Duke's study at the third door of the hall. The more they became closer to the door, the more he became anxious. The four guards halted as the other guard lifted his hand and knocked thrice. 

He heard the Grand Duke's voice, saying 'come in.' as they wait. The guard twisted the door knob to open the door, and Tobias swallowed his mouthful of saliva.

"Pardon our intrusion." said the guard and pushed open the door.

Tobias hesitantly walked into the Grand Duke's study, greeted by its richly furnished interior. The walls were lined with shelves of books and trinkets, and a grand chandelier hung from the ceiling. At the center of the room was a large wooden desk, behind which sat the Grand Duke, Kaiser Dämonisch. He was seated in a high-backed chair, his expression stoic and stern, as always. On either side of him were two soldiers, their eyes fixed straight ahead. 

Tobias swallowed nervously as he approached the desk, feeling the weight of the Duke's gaze heavy upon him. He took a deep breath and tried to steady his nerves as he glanced down at the letter he was carrying. "Your Grace." he began, addressing the Duke with all the politeness he could muster.

The Grand Duke batted an eye to the guard and the guard cleared his throat, lowering his head, "This is Tobias Acker, the man whom you asked to see for an important matter." 

The Grand Duke returned his gaze to Tobias and said simply, "Ah, it's Uncle Tobias. You four leave us for a moment, later when we are done discussing, assist Uncle Tobias back to his home. I'm sure his son must be waiting."

Tobias didn't oppose the Grand Duke's decision, he didn't want to risk his life by opposing him out of shame. Let alone a commoner like him. With that said, the four guards bowed simultaneously and left the study with silence. 

The Grand Duke tapped his finger on the table twice, "Uncle Tobias, please be seated." 

Tobias sat. "Your Grace, may this lowly one know what is the purpose of your summon all of the sudden..?" He asked carefully, his gaze lowered, afraid that he might offend The Grand Duke at the contact.

The Grand Duke poured clean water to a glass and passed it to Tobias and he received it, causing an unintentional eye contact. But to his surprise, Kaiser was smiling, faintly. His own blue eyes immediately widened— it was the little kid he met. 

"Long time no see, Uncle Tobias, how have you been?" The Grand Duke asked politely.

"Th-This one was fine throughout the years, a little challenging in life.." Tobias replied, looking at the Grand Duke as he took a sip of the water.

The Grand Duke nodded stiffly, gesturing to him to tell him more. 

"I-I was working as a glover, I weave gloves and travel across the Landroich to sell the gloves. I see less of my son due to this occupation I chose, but I had no reason for poverty.. Is engulfing me." He said carefully.

"I suppose, Elias is more likely not going to school because of that cause?" Asked the Grand Duke.

"Certainly, Your Grace. I.. I need to save up a lot of money in order for him to have a proper education, yet still, my occupation is not enough to save that much money, so I was teaching him whatever I was taught, like read and write. The simplest." Tobias replied.

The Grand Duke smiled faintly, apologetically, he knew himself that he hadn't solved the poverty in Landroich either, so all he could do was, as possible, to lessen the poverty family's needs and it was on him, "I see. I'm sorry." he said.

Tobias was taken aback, his azure eyes widened, he quickly knew what was the Grand Duke's thinking about, before he even console the Grand Duke, He already spoke, "I've been incompetent of being a ruler in Landroich, Poverty was my main problem and the people's safety, expect me, Uncle Tobias, I will help you with that. I'll come up with a plan." he said gently, assuring Tobias.

Tobias didn't comment and nodded. 

"If you're wondering why Elias was not seen overnight, it is because he was in my custody." the Grand Duke said simply, "I apologize if I didn't inform you that night, I was too.. Tired to even think." Of course, that was a lie.

"If I may, Your Grace, what did my son commit for him to be held in custody overnight?" Tobias inquired, He knew what had already happened yet he also wanted a clear answer from the Grand Duke himself.

The Grand Duke cleared his throat, "Theft. And, V-Violation, on me." He said, embarrassed, "But worry not, Uncle Tobias, it was not explicit, it-it's just, a sudden outburst when I came conscious, I know it was needed in performing CPR, but a ki-kiss.. Is something that not even my fiance did to me." 

Tobias felt a wave of shame and embarrassment wash over him as he imagined his son's actions. He had always tried to raise Elias to be a good and responsible young man, but it seemed that he had been careless and irresponsible in this case, "I understand, Your Grace. I will make sure that Elias understands the gravity of his actions and that such behavior is unacceptable," Tobias said, his voice heavy with regret, "As his father, I will ensure that he learns from this incident and becomes a better person."

The Grand Duke acknowledged this and nodded. In a moment, he thought this was the right moment for Tobias to hand over the letter. He broke the silence clearing his throat, his expression immediately shifted to seriousness.

"For the letter I was telling you to get," The Grand Duke rose from his wooden chair and approached the small wooden chest located next to his desk. With a quick twist of a key, he unlocked the chest and carefully opened it, revealing a plethora of documents, receipts and envelopes. He picked up the particular envelope with a steady hand and turned back to Tobias, holding it out to him.

The envelope looked old, it was brown and was crumpled a bit, some of the envelope's sides were stained by a maroon red dye, what had happened to this envelope? 

He placed the brown envelope on the desk and pushed it towards Tobias with his fingers, "This letter.. Is meant to be delivered for you." he said. 

Tobias raised his eyes to look at the letter, at the right top corner of the envelope, there lies the familiar handwriting for Tobias that says, "For Tobias Acker, my beloved." written in, once again, maroon red ink. 

Tobias's eyes widened as he recognized the handwriting. Was this a letter from his late wife? He gingerly picked up the envelope and turned it over in his hands, examining it carefully. The envelope was old, scuffed, and discolored, but the writing on the front was still legible. With shaking hands, he sliced open the envelope and carefully pulled out the letter inside. As he unfolded the paper, he took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he might find. 

The letter was short, a mere one page, but it held a wealth of emotions and memories. Tobias's eyes skimmed over the words, quickly taking in their meaning. His wife's penmanship was as beautiful as ever, but her handwriting was quickened, hard to read and, as if it was written with urgency. With each line he read, the lump in his throat grew larger, and tears welled up in his eyes. Finally, when he had finished reading the letter, Tobias let out a long, slow breath.

Tears slowly formed to his eyes, the dam was slowly being cracked by his emotions. He closed his eyes and his tears fell, one by one as he pressed the letter to his lips with a trembling sigh, "Elise.. My dear.." he sobbed quietly. With a long sigh, he tried his best to compose himself, he wiped his tears away.

"My condolences." said The Grand Duke, his expression was solemn and sincere. "Mrs. Acker's letter never made it to your house. In my guess, it is because this letter arrived on the day of my father's burial. Father was supposed to read Mrs. Acker's letter first to have an investigation and file a case for the crime." He explained.

"I understand," Tobias said with a nod, still holding the letter in his hands. "I appreciate you delivering this to me personally, Your Grace. It means a lot." 

The Grand Duke gave a small nod in return. "Of course. I know how much this letter means to you," he said, his voice soft, "If there's anything else you need, please do not hesitate to ask." 

Tobias took a deep breath and wiped away the tears that had continued to fall, "Thank you, Your Grace. I hope you understand why this was so important to me.. It cleared so many misunderstandings in my entire life." he said, his voice quavering. 

The Grand Duke gave another nod, his eyes showing a hint of sympathy, "I do," he said, "And please, do not worry about your son. He will receive a proper education, with or without your financial support. We will find a way." 

Tobias let out a shaky breath, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders, "Thank you, Your Grace," he said, "I cannot express my gratitude enough." 

The Grand Duke waved a hand dismissively, "Think nothing of it," he said, "It's the least I can do for your son and for everyone." With that, Tobias turned to leave the Grand Duke's study, the letter still clutched in his hands. 

As the guards escorted Tobias home, his mind raced with thoughts of the previous events. He had never expected to be involved in anything like this, but somehow he had managed to play a pivotal role in getting justice for his wife. He was grateful for the help and support from the Grand Duke and his staff, but he could not shake off the guilt and sadness that he had been feeling since the eventful day. 

He, had once resented Elise, had once blamed her, had once, again, cursed her until the depth of his heart, without knowing what she had gone through.

He tried not to show his emotions as they walked down the street, but he felt his eyes well up with tears. It was difficult to keep his emotions in check, especially since his son Elias was waiting for him at home. He didn't want his son to see him like this, so he took a deep breath and composed himself. 

But before he knew it, the tears were flowing freely and he had to wipe them away with the cuff of his shirt. The guards noticed his emotional state and one of them spoke up. 

"Sir, are you alright?" he asked, concerned. 

Tobias nodded and tried to smile. "Yes, thank you," he said, "I'm just a bit overwhelmed by the events of the day."

"Of course, sir," the guard said, understandingly, "It's been a lot for one person to handle." 

Tobias nodded again, grateful for the kindness of the guards. He made a mental note to thank them properly when he got home. But for right now, he just wanted to get home to his son and try to process all that had happened.

They soon arrived at Tobias's small but cozy home. He thanked the guards for their help, and they waved goodbye before continuing on their patrol. 

Tobias let out a sigh of relief as he entered his home, feeling the weight of the day lifting from his shoulders. 

He found his son, Elias, sitting at the table, talking with Ezra for something he couldn't hear.

"Father's home!" Elias exclaimed as he stood up, preparing a bowl for Tobias' soup. Tobias ran towards Elias, he panted as he hugged Elias, placing his hand onto his son's soft, blonde hair. 

Elias was taken aback, but he hugged back, Tobias feeling a tear run down his cheek. He had missed his son so much, and he was grateful that he would at least be able to spend the rest of the night with him. 

"Father? Are you okay?" Elias asked, noticing his father's tears.

Tobias shook his head, telling him that he was fine, "Just a bit overwhelmed by today's events." 

Elias was in a state of shock, isn't his father going to scold him that he stole something? Shouldn't he be receiving some spanking? Even Ezra was astonished.

Elias watched as his father struggled to keep his emotions at bay. He had seen his father cry before, but never like this. It was as if a floodgate of emotion had finally opened, releasing years of stored-up grief and pain. 

Tobias sat down at the table and Elias placed a steaming bowl of soup in front of him. Tobias felt a wave of gratitude wash over him as he watched his son taking such good care of him. He knew he had a lot to be grateful for, despite the loss of his wife and the ordeal he had just endured. 

"Thank you, Elias," Tobias said, taking a deep breath before taking a sip of the soup. "This smells delicious." 

Elias beamed, happy to have pleased his father. "I'm glad you like it." he said, watching as Tobias savored each spoonful. 

As he ate, Tobias felt his emotions starting to simmer down. He took a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself.

Elias sensed his father's distress and reached out to take Tobias's hand. "If there's anything you need, father, just let me know," Elias said softly. 

Tobias was touched by Elias's kindness and maturity, "Thank you, Elias," Tobias said, squeezing his son's hand, "Just having you here to talk to me is enough."

As they finished their meal, Tobias decided it was finally time to address the elephant in the room, "Elias, I need to talk to you about what happened earlier today." he said, his voice serious. 

Elias looked up from his bowl, a nervous expression on his face. He thought his father forgot about the issue of why he was in the Grand Duke's custody overnight. He silently cussed in his heart, as Ezra puffed a laugh but she managed to stop herself.

"Ezra, Elias will see you the other day." He said, dismissing Ezra out of their home, and she obediently did.

Tobias took a deep breath, then spoke calmly, "I just need to make sure you understand the consequences of your actions. Stealing is a serious offense, and it's not something I can tolerate," Tobias said, making sure to emphasize the importance of the situation. 

Elias nodded, listening intently as Tobias went on to explain the potential consequences of his actions, including a possible loss of trust and a reduction in privileges. Tobias finished his explanation by assuring Elias that he loved him and was proud of him, but emphasized the importance of making better choices in the future. Elias listened carefully, taking in his father's words and promising to do better.

But what's more better is that Elias didn't receive some spanking.