Your Grace, What Are You Going To Do?

As he made his way out of the Capitol, Kaiser couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. He had put the elite in his place, and with that, he had defended the rights and livelihoods of the less fortunate. But as he stepped outside, he couldn't help but wonder if what he had done was truly enough. There was still so much work to be done, so much inequality to be addressed. And while he had taken a step forward today, he knew that there were many more steps to be taken in the days and weeks ahead. For now, he would savor the victory, but he would not rest until all citizens of this country — not just the rich and powerful — had the chance to succeed and thrive.

The guards opened the door for Kaiser, who was already looking forward to resting and having a brandy at his room, or to his study. He wondered if Elias's condition was fine now, and if the servants wrote a letter for Tobias's permission, for him to take care of Elias due to his state.

As he stepped outside, the cool spring air drifted over his face. The sky was clear, and the sun was starting to set, casting a warm, orange glow over the city. Kaiser breathed in deeply and let out a sigh of relief. He had come so far, but he knew that there was still so much more to do. 

He climbed into his carriage, and the driver flicked the reins, urging the horses forward. As they moved through the streets, Kaiser's mind drifted to all the people he thought for.

Kaiser's mind whirled with thoughts and emotions. The events of the day played over and over in his mind - the heated debates, the intense negotiations, and finally the breakthrough that he had been hoping for. 

For a moment, Kaiser allowed himself to bask in the satisfaction of his success. He had done what he set out to do, and he had stood up for the rights and livelihoods of the less fortunate. Despite the obstacles and the opposition he had faced, he had emerged victorious. 

But as he settled into his seat and took a deep breath, Kaiser realized that his work was far from over. There was still so much inequality to be addressed, and so much more that needed to be done in order to create a more just and equal society.

In about a 40 minute journey, The carriage rounded a corner, and Kaiser saw his palace in the distance. It was a palace, with towering granite walls and a lawn with shaped bushes with his favorite grass flowers as they pulled up to the front gate.

Kaiser stepped out of the carriage, his mind still racing with the events of the day. As he made his way toward the front gate, he noticed the servants approaching him with bows and formal greetings. He returned their greetings with a cold and detached attitude, eager to shake off the weight of his responsibility and the burden of his victory. 

With a word from the cold, and blank tone— clearly, the Archduke had a bad mood in the Capitol, "Bring a brandy to my study." The servants guided him into the palace and led him through the winding corridors to his study. The air was heavy with the scent of incense, and the walls were lined with antique tapestries and paintings of himself and his deceased parents. As Kaiser passed by, he noticed several servants hurrying about, carrying stacks of papers and trays of food. He paid them no mind, intent only on reaching his study and the warmth of a glass of brandy. 

Finally, he reached his study and entered, closing the door behind him. He hung his frock coat to the rack with a sigh of relief, as he flung himself into his favorite armchair and rang a small bell on the nearby table. Almost instantly, a butler appeared, carrying a tray with a snifter of brandy and two crystal glasses. 

With a curt nod, Kaiser took the glass and drained it in one swift motion. The warmth spread throughout his body, making him feel more relaxed than he had in a long time. 

With a contented sigh, he leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes, savoring the moment of peace before the storm that was sure to come.

The butler obediently stood beside Kaiser's desk but a meter apart, waiting for the word "you may leave." from the Archduke's lips. 

As the butler stood patiently beside the Archduke's desk, his thoughts drifted back to his training in the Hassen family's tradition of butlery. This butler was named, Nery Hassen, He may be young to serve as the palace's butler, but the Hassen family made a vow with the Dämonisch, it is to serve them until the kingship in Landroich had stopped.

Nery remembered the long days spent learning the ins and outs of running the palace, from the art of table setting to the intricacies of wine cellars.

Nery was at the ripe age of seventeen, he started to practice his professionality at fourteen. It was hard practice, being a butler needed to be perfect at domestic work, specifically at dining and wine cellar. But most of the time, Nery works around with the Grand Duke to keep him entertained.

Kaiser took another sip of brandy and sighed heavily, looking through the glass window where the warm sunset shot its sun rays. Kaiser looked majestic by just the reflection of the sunset, the rays striking through his lavender eyes and some parts of his face, down to his throat.

He watched the sun slowly sinking into the horizon and casting a golden glow across the fields. The scent of the garden flowers reached his nose, mixing with the aroma of the brandy he had consumed. He took another sip, feeling the alcohol warming his chest, as he continued to look out into the distance. 

Nery waited patiently, his eyes fixed on Kaiser. He had been working for him for three years now, and was well accustomed to his master's moods. Sometimes he would be aloof, and other times, he would be deeply lost in thought, silent. Nery had learned to appreciate these moments of silence, and would remain standing until Kaiser dismissed him. 

Sometimes, this foreboding silence (the Archduke was unpredictable) meant that the Archduke was focused on something, or in a bad mood— definitely from the Capitol. Nery started to speak softly, "Your Grace, has everything gone fine at the capitol? you seem preoccupied."

Kaiser flinched lightly, nonetheless, it was not obvious, he totally forgot that Nery was still standing a meter beside him, waiting to be dismissed. He cleared his throat as he gently placed the glass onto the table. 

"It was not, the one elite heated up an argument and opposed my decision on the biggest project in Landroich. Just how dare he." He said, his voice added more grimness in the word 'dare'.

Nery couldn't help but feel a twinge of concern when he heard Kaiser's response. The Archduke clearly had a lot on his mind, and it looked as though the argument with the elite had really bothered him. Nery tried to think of something to say that would comfort the Archduke, but all he could come up with was a silent offer of his ear if the Archduke needed to vent. 

Kaiser's brow furrowed as he took another sip of brandy. "I can't believe they could be so short-sighted," he mumbled. "Do they not see the potential of this project? It will bring so much prosperity to our people."

Nery listened in silence as the Archduke spoke. This wasn't the first time the Archduke had faced opposition on a project, and he knew that it wouldn't be the last. But it was clear that today had been a particularly difficult day for him. 

As Kaiser finished speaking, Nery bowed his head. "I understand, Your Grace," he said softly. "May I propose a solution for the biggest project in Landroich?"

Kaiser raised an eyebrow. "Sure, Nery," he said, gesturing for the butler to continue. 

"We can hold a public meeting with the elite and other influential figures in the kingdom, and present them with the project details and the benefits for the common people," Nery suggested. "If we can convince them of the project's importance and how it will benefit the Kingdom, we might be able to win their support."

Kaiser hummed in thought, then he spoke, "Nery, do you know what project am I referring to?"

Nery felt his own heart beat fastened, did he make a mistake on his suggestion? he should've asked what kind of project it is! Quickly, his voice trembled in response, "I have no clue, Your Grace." 

"My project is to build a school in Landroich, a school for the common people from lower grade to upper. Every town that Landroich posessess shall have this establishment." Kaiser said, his tone remained unchanged, "Common people will surely agree because it was their own benefit in the first place."

Nery listened in surprise as the Archduke revealed the project to him. It was ambitious and idealistic, and it showed a real commitment to improving the lives of the common people of Landroich. 

"Your Grace, that's an incredible project," Nery said, his voice filled with admiration. "I had no idea that you planned something so grand. I think a public meeting would be the perfect opportunity to showcase it to the elite and influential figures of the kingdom, and I believe it will garner their support. I'll make sure everything is arranged as per your instructions."

"Thank you for your suggestion, Nery." Kaiser said, finishing his brandy in one gulp and extended his hand to Nery's direction, gesturing him for another pour. "It was nothing, Your Grace." Nery said as he obliged and elegantly poured another amount of brandy.

"So how's Elias's condition? What did the pediatrician say about Elias' condition between his thighs?" He asked as taking another sip of the brandy.

Nery took a deep breath before responding, he knew that this was a sensitive topic for Kaiser. "Your Grace, the pediatrician has determined that Elias has a skin condition," Nery began, his voice calm and even. "It's called lichen sclerosus, and it's a chronic condition that affects the skin in areas where there's some little friction, like the skin between the thighs," he continued. "It's not life-threatening, but it does cause irritation and discomfort. The doctor has prescribed topical creams, which should help to treat the symptoms," Nery explained, his eyes locked onto Kaiser's as if seeking his approval. "I'll make sure to apply the cream twice daily, as directed by the doctor," he added.

"And, the doctor also found some little bruises from Elias's thigh." Nery continued.

I just shoved my shaft between his thighs, I thought he would be fine.. but why does this condition sound so life threatening?! and bruises too?! Thought Kaiser, he felt bad and guilty, and felt like he must treat this kid with utmost respect. Yet this kid is the one who insisted, why must he be guilty? Just simply treat his skin with cream! 

Kaiser coughed dryly, "How did Elias get this 'Lichen sclerosus'?" Kaiser obviously knew how, but he wanted to be sure..

Nery hesitates for a moment before answering, as if he is weighing his words carefully. "The doctor explained that it's a long-term skin condition that can develop gradually over time, most likely from a sex contact. In Elias' case, it's likely due to the friction and constant movement between his thighs, which can exacerbate the symptoms. The doctor said that there might also be a genetic component involved, as it sometimes runs in families. However, it's not contagious and cannot be passed on to others." answered Nery, hoping to ease Kaiser's mind. 

As the Archduke considered the information, Nery could feel his heart beating faster. He knew how much Kaiser favored Elias and he was afraid of how he might react to the news. He hoped that the Archduke would trust and believe the medical professionals' diagnosis.

"I see," Kaiser said simply, "Tell the servants to treat Elias more attentively, treat his condition in time and help his bruises to cease." as he took another sip of brandy. He felt more relaxed now after the sip, he felt his body had started to heat up.

"As for the letter, did we receive Tobias' reply, for me to take care of Elias?" He asked.

"Yes, Your Grace." Nery responded, trying to contain his nervousness. "Tobias' reply has arrived, and he has given his consent for you to take care of Elias. He has expressed his gratitude in your ability to provide the best possible care for Elias, and he has asked that you keep him updated on the condition."

"..How about my justaucorps, Did Elias already give it back?" The Grand Duke switched a subject.

This.. Nery didn't know that Elias' been nuzzling with the Grand Duke's justaucorps, he's just a butler! It was Beth and the others who were assigned to take care of Elias. All he knew was that there's a young man who will stay in the palace for a good while.

Nery looked at Kaiser with some confusion. It had been one of the Grand Duke's prized possessions, passed down from generation to generation. How come that, the commoner kid has it?

For Elias to have taken it and not returned it was unforgivable— a crime even. And yet, he couldn't bring himself to be angry with the young man - he knew that Elias must have wanted it for a reason. And why did the Grand Duke lend it to him?

As he thought about what to say, Nery decided to tell the truth. He knew that it was always better to be honest, even when the truth was difficult to hear. "Your Grace, I'm afraid I don't know anything about the justaucorps was in Elias's hands," he said, his voice steady despite the tension he felt inside. "As far as I know, he has not worn it. Perhaps I could ask him about it the next time I see him?"

Kaiser drank the last, remaining iona of the brandy, he handed over the glass to Nery and Nery received it carefully. 

"Don't bother on asking him, I'll ask him, and I have something to tell that kid too." Kaiser said as he slowly got up to his seat, unbuttoning a few buttons to his waistcoat, he felt quite hot.

Nery couldn't determine whether the Grand Duke is drunk or not, his gaze has always been cold and distant, so it's hard to tell otherwise. But he's worried if the Grand Duke was drunk for real, just what could Kaiser do if he's drunk? Not a single soul would know.

"Ah.. You Grace, let me do it, I'll retrieve it.." Nery said, his expression was weary.

"Didn't I tell you that I will do it?" Kaiser lightly knitted his brow, "I'm not drunk, I wouldn't do anything to Elias."

Kaiser raised his brow, a hint of annoyance in his expression as Nery tried to protest. "You are too protective of that boy, Nery," he said firmly. "I will speak to him myself." 

Nery was silent for a moment, considering his next move. He didn't want to make Kaiser angry, but he couldn't just let him go to Elias' room in this state. But you couldn't simply believe the person's words if they act like what you think.

It's not what you say, but what you do that matters. Thought Nery.

Finally, he spoke up again, trying to keep his voice steady. "Your Grace, I am not trying to imply that you would harm Elias in any way. But given the news we heard earlier, I think it would be best if we all allowed Elias some space tonight. Let us all have a good night's rest and speak to him tomorrow when we are all in a clearer state of mind." 

"You may leave." Finally said Kaiser.

Nery knew he had hit the nail on the head, so all he could do was obey, back up and pray that the Grand Duke won't do something to Elias in a state of drunkenness, as he assumes.