His Highness’ Determined Pursuit

Kaiser went to his room, hung his justaucorps in his closet and slammed it shut. He went to wash his face with fresh water from the basin as he splashed his face with a handful of water. How could he sleep in the guest room with Elias? Did he do something when he was drunk? Did he already tossed aside his reputation? He couldn't remember a single shit, to be honest. 

All he could recall was Elias' sleeping figure, covered with his justaucorps— one was, himself, Holding the kid's hand with a quill. He seemed to say something to Elias, what was it? the more he tried to recall, the more he became curious, but he can't just ask Elias about it, seriously, that's shameful. Like digging your own grave.

From now on, he swore in his heart that he'd never drink if Elias was around the palace. 

Kaiser wiped his drenched face with a clean towel, as he heard a servant's voice, knocking, "Your Grace, It is time for dinner." 

As Kaiser sat at the dining table, the memory of the previous night still lingering in his mind, he couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt and shame. He had let his guard down and done something completely uncharacteristic of him, and he couldn't remember a single thing about it. All he could hope was that Elias had forgotten about it as well, and that he could move on from his embarrassment. 

As he ate his dinner, Kaiser tried to focus on the conversation at the table, but his thoughts kept drifting back to earlier. He felt a strange mix of attraction and interest for Elias, Everytime Elias was near him, he felt very comfortable, especially when in his drunk state, he was somewhat satisfied being in the guest's room, sleeping beside Elias. Was this love? Is he attracted? He was The Grand Duke, and Elias was just a commoner, and the age difference between them was too great. But despite all those reasons, Kaiser couldn't help but feel a pull towards Elias whenever he was near him.

Luxe was sitting beside him, with the usual face and elegance as she ate. Kaiser never interacted with Luxe unless he needed to, but having Luxe as his wife was something that he couldn't stomach. He didn't really like his cousin but it wasn't Luxe's fault either, it's just Kaiser's taste in people. Thus, he just treated Luxe as a commodity to reach the throne. A day after the current, It'll be 3 months away before his coronation.

As Kaiser finished his meal, he turned to the servants and said, "Thank you, that will be all." The servants bowed and quickly and tidied up Kaiser's plate. He sat there for a moment, unconsciously thinking about the memory of Elias and the justaucorps still fresh in his mind.

Why is he.. thinking about this again? Something about Elias was pulling him but he can't pinpoint it out. Was it because he pity Elias that he wanted to give the whole world, and spoil him? Was it because he felt that this kid was very familiar? Yet these questions added more fuel to his fiery curiosity.

Luxe suddenly spoke, "Darling, you seem preoccupied today, how did the meeting in the Capitol go?" 

Kaiser unintentionally had goosebumps all over his body, Luxe could've addressed him as 'Your Grace', Why did she choose the intimate one? Quickly, Kaiser's expression turned green in disgust.

"The meeting in the Capitol went well," Kaiser replied stiffly. "I have no complaints." 

Luxe's eyes darted around as if she were searching for something to say. She felt an uneasy vibe coming from Kaiser for quite a while now, as if he was holding onto something that he didn't want to share. Luxe felt like she needed to say something to make the tension go away, but she didn't want to pry too much. They had been married for years, and she knew that Kaiser had a tendency to keep his emotions to himself. 

"Well... that's good," she finally said slowly, "I'm glad it went well for you." Their conversation was interrupted by the sudden sound of footsteps approaching the dining room. 

The servant who had brought them their dinner earlier came back in, looking slightly out of breath. "Excuse me, Your Grace, but there is a man who insists on speaking with you." He said formally. 

Kaiser seemed taken aback by the servant's words and got up from his seat, "What man?" He asked with a hint of irritation in his tone. 

The servant looked down at the floor for a moment before looking up at Kaiser, "He did not give me his name, but he is here on behalf of the Elite named 'Henry Rowe'." The servant replied. 

Kaiser's eyes widened for a moment before he let out a small sigh, "Very well, show him in," He replied, gesturing for the servant to lead the way. "So that's the ignorant shit name, huh." Kaiser chuckled under his breath.

Luxe looked on as the servant led the mysterious man into the dining room. She could sense the tension in the air, and she was curious to know what this was all about. The man was tall and imposing, with a stern expression on his face. He wore the uniform of a military officer, but Luxe didn't recognize him. 

"What is this about?" Kaiser asked gruffly. 

The officer stepped forward, handing Kaiser a piece of paper. "Your Grace, I am here on behalf of the Council. I have been tasked with delivering a message to you regarding your recent actions in the Capitol."

Kaiser's eyes narrowed as he took the paper. Luxe could see the tension in his shoulders as he read the message. She watched as he muttered to himself, his face growing red with anger. 

Finally, he looked up, his face dark with rage. "The audacity of this man," he said, he chuckled in a mock before looking at the officer with a cold stare, "You will relay this message back to the Council: I will not be intimidated. I will not be told how to behave. I am the Grand Duke, and I will not be controlled by anyone."

Kaiser added, "That idiotic elite, have the audacity to sue the crown prince of Landroich? Is he out of his mind? Is he asking for his own death?" He sneered, "Is he an idiot that his brain is as small as a rice grain that he couldn't figure out the potential of this project?"

With that, Kaiser tore the paper in half, dividing it into small pieces until it was a pile of useless garbage like the elite.

The officer looked at Kaiser with a hint of surprise, as if he was not expecting that kind of reaction from him. He quickly composed himself and spoke in a steady voice, "Your Grace, I am only a messenger. I will make sure to relay your message to the Council." 

Kaiser let out a huff and went to pour himself a drink. He turned and looked back at the officer, "You can tell the Council that they better watch their backs. I am NOT to be trifled with. I do not care how powerful they think they are, I will NOT be pushed around. I am the Grand Duke of Landroich, and I will NOT be silenced!" 

He took a long sip from his drink and stared at the officer, "Now, I suggest you make haste and return to your superiors. Tell them that I am currently holding their titles, about to be stripped, as if I was peeling a fresh banana." 

"Also, Tell them I wanted an apology." Kaiser added.

The officer nodded and quickly left the dining room, and Kaiser stormed out in the dining hall.

Luxe watched as Kaiser stormed out of the room, his words ringing in her ears. "I am NOT to be trifled with," he had said. Luxe was quite terrified to see him outrage her husband like this. She knew that this was just the beginning, and that there was more to come. 

She stood up from the table and followed after him, catching up to him as he walked through the palace halls. "Darling," she said softly, "What is happening?" 

Kaiser stopped walking, turning to face her, "Nothing," he said, his voice tight. "It's nothing to do with you." 

Luxe's heart sank. She had seen this side of Kaiser before, the side that kept things to himself, the side that pushed her away. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. "If it's nothing, then why are you so angry?" she asked gently. 

Kaiser clenched his fists, his eyes darkening. "Because that man has no right to come here and tell me how to run my country," he said, his voice growing louder. "He has no right to tell me how to behave, how to act."

Luxe nodded softly, knowing that this was not the time to argue. "What are we going to do?" she asked. 

Kaiser sighed, running his hand through his hair. "We're going to ignore him," he said, his voice more sure. "We won't give him the satisfaction of knowing that he's gotten to us." 

Luxe smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "Okay," she said, taking Kaiser's hand in hers, "We'll ignore him."

But in a moment of this romance between them, Kaiser slipped his hand out of Luxe's, Everyone knew that the Grand Duke hated being touched, It seems that Luxe was the only one who was unaware of it. In the following moment, Kaiser's face twisted in disgust, as if he's being forced to look at dog shit.

Luxe's smile faded, feeling a sense of confusion and hurt wash over her. She was about to say something, but she stopped herself, noticing the look of disgust on Kaiser's face. He had always been distant, but this was something else. What had she done wrong? 

Luxe took a step back, her hand flying up to her chest, feeling her heart sink into her stomach. She looked down at her feet, unable to meet Kaiser's gaze. 

At that moment, she knew that she had made a grave mistake. She didn't understand why Kaiser hated being touched, but she knew that she had disrespected him. And for what? A moment of comfort? It wasn't worth it.

Luxe took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. She didn't want to cry in front of Kaiser, but she could feel the tears welling up in her eyes. She wanted to say something, anything, to try and make things right, but she didn't know what to say. 

All she could do was stand there, feeling a lump form in her throat, watching as Kaiser turned and walked quickly out of the room.

The day had passed, Kaiser had sent investigators to look for Elise Chambers for her whereabouts, where her corpse was, and who are the witnesses of her death, but most importantly, who killed Elise Chambers.

The case of Elise Chambers is expected to take long, because it's complicated and a lot of mysteries about why she died, right after her departure at Landroich to visit her country, Heisenberg.

The morning sun cast a warm glow over the palace grounds, as the sound of servants preparing for the day's activities filled the air. Kaiser sat at his desk, his mind lost in thought. He had spent the last several hours reviewing the reports from his investigators about the case of Elise Chambers. 

Despite the passage of time, there had been no new developments. No one had seen or heard from Elise since her departure from Landroich. The few leads they had were dead ends, and the witnesses were either unwilling or unable to provide any helpful information. 

Kaiser sighs deeply, leaning back in his chair. The case was proving to be more difficult and complex than he had anticipated. He knew that it would take time and resources to uncover the truth, but he couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration. 

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. There was no use dwelling on the past, he told himself. All he could do was focus on the present and the steps that needed to be taken to move forward with the investigation. 

His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. "Come in," he called out. The door opened, and Luxe entered the room, a determined look on her face. 

"Darling," she began, "I want to help you with this case. I don't like seeing you so worried." 

Kaiser looked at her, surprised. Luxe was not the type to take an active role in investigations. "This is a complex case, Luxe. It's not something you can just jump into."

The Grand Duke knew what Luxe studied, and he knew Luxe's knowledgement limits. So, this response made Luxe's plan crumble apart. She wanted to help Kaiser but it seems that the timing wasn't good like the last time.

"Then, Darling, what should I do to help you?" Luxe asked.

"Scram." Kaiser said bluntly.

Luxe's face falls as Kaiser's words sink in. She feels a lump form in her throat as tears well up in her eyes. The hurt and confusion are overwhelming, and it's all she can do to keep from breaking down right there in front of Kaiser.

"Fine," she says quietly, trying to keep her voice steady. "I'll just…" She trails off, staring at the floor, her heart sinking. 

As she turns to leave, her hand accidentally grazes Kaiser's desk, sending a stack of papers flying to the floor. She stops for a moment, looking down at the mess she's made, and then hurries out of the room, tears streaming down her face. 

The door snicks shut behind her, leaving Kaiser alone in his study, the sound of Luxe's sobs echoing in the corridor outside.

Speak of the devil, as Luxe's replacement, Matthew entered in his study casually. His strides and the flow of his silver hair, and his gray eyes glimmering, saying like 'Your Grace, let's hang out!'. Kaiser propped his hand onto his forehead and sighed heavily, "For the love of god, could you also get the hell out of my study?!" 

Matthew didn't flinch and picked up the papers that were scattered messily, "Oh.. now I know why Her Highness is.. crying at the hall." he said as he organized the paper, stacking it next to Kaiser's other pile of documents.

"Your Grace, what's stressing you out, let me help you!" Matthew said happily as he sat in the seat next to Kaiser's desk, He fixed his half-framed glasses with a single push of his finger.

"And what could you do?" Kaiser asked, word by word with irritation.

"Well, did you forget that Marquis Maximino? I could get sources all over Landroich." Matthew replied.

However, Kaiser was not convinced, "I've got all of the last sources."

"But, Your Grace, not all of those sources are reliable," Matthew pointed out. "Some of them are questionable at best." 

Kaiser shrugged. "I've already vetted them all," he said, "I know what I'm doing." 

Matthew shook his head. "Your Grace, I don't think you do," he said. "This case is complicated. It goes back decades, to the time of.. close to the assassination of the former King. And there are a lot of people who don't want the truth to come out." 

Kaiser raised an eyebrow. "Well, what do you propose we do about it?" he asked. 

Matthew leaned forward, the light glinting off his silver hair. "We need to find a way to shake things up," he said. "We need to find a way to get the truth out, before it's lost forever." 

Kaiser leaned back in his chair, considering Matthew's words. He knew that Matthew was right. He couldn't give up on this case, not when he was so close to the truth. 

"I'll tell you what," Kaiser said. "I'll give you a week to come up with a plan. If you can bring me something concrete, something I can act on, then I'll listen. But if you can't, then I'll take over the investigation myself." 

Matthew nodded, a grin spreading across his face, "Deal, Your Grace," he said. "You won't be disappointed."