Intimate Lesson

Luxe's face flushed with anger, and she rose from her seat abruptly, "You're a fool, Marquis. You have no idea what you're giving up by refusing my offer of assistance."

Matthew knew the risks of defying Luxe, but he was determined to protect his position in the King's life, even if it meant facing her wrath. He spoke for the last time, "Your Highness, if you have nothing more to discuss regarding your matter, I shall take my leave."

Matthew was passing by her in order to leave the Manor, so the Queen took the opportunity to mock him back, "You're nothing but a slut."

Matthew paused for a moment, his back to Luxe, before continuing towards the exit. He refused to let her provocations get to him, knowing that engaging in a verbal battle with her would only serve her purpose. With his usual calm demeanor, he replied without looking back, "Your Highness, you're entitled to your opinions. Good day."

Matthew then proceeded to the exit of his Manor, he didn't care if the Queen stayed a bit more in his residence, just the Queen out of his sight was enough. Normally, Matthew doesn't respond to being mocked and insulted, he was used to being insulted anyway. Yet the fact that his relationship with the King is involved, he won't keep his lips shut anymore. 

Back then when the King decided to close the gates of the palace, where he isolates himself for no reason, even his bestest friend— Matthew is not allowed to enter. Matthew was worried sick about what happened to Kaiser. He tried any secret passages to enter the palace, but all of it was shut down. In the end, he had to give up. 

Matthew only stayed in his Manor, with his father. 

"Matthew, don't you have nothing to do?" His father spoke, with a cigarette to his lips, "I know you've finished your studies, and now officially a Marquis, but can't you move without the Grand Duke?" 

Matthew's father, a man of few words, often found himself bewildered by his son's unwavering loyalty to the Grand Duke. He took another drag from his cigarette and exhaled a cloud of smoke before continuing, "You're a Marquis now, boy. You've got responsibilities. Can't spend your whole life mooning over a man who doesn't even allow you near."

Matthew turned to face his father, his expression a mix of frustration and determination, "You don't understand, Father. Kaiser is not just 'a man.' He's the throne's heir, and he's my closest friend. I can't simply abandon him, especially when he's in need."

His father sighed, flicking ashes onto the floor, "You've always been stubborn, Matthew. How can you tell that he needs you when he's pushing everyone away? I heard that he'll be closing the gates for years, not even a god knows exactly when."

Matthew's father had a point, and he couldn't deny the truth in his words. The thought of the Grand Duke isolating himself and pushing everyone away weighed heavily on Matthew's mind. Yet, he couldn't bring himself to give up on Kaiser.

"I know it seems hopeless, Father," Matthew admitted, "But I can't turn my back on him. He's my friend, and I can't bear the thought of him being alone in that palace."

He added, "Father, don't you forget that you were the one who offered the Grand Duke to be friends with me."

Matthew's father nodded, his gaze softening as he recalled that moment from the past and he knows exactly how inseparable they are, "I remember, Matthew," he said, his voice tinged with nostalgia, "I wanted you to have a friend, someone you could trust and rely on. But friendships change, and sometimes, they lead you down paths you never expected."

He stubbed out his cigarette and turned to face his son, placing a hand on Matthew's shoulder, "I'm not saying you should abandon Kaiser. Just be careful, son. Loyalty is a noble trait, but it can also blind you to the dangers ahead. Keep your wits about you." He paused, then he proceeded, "Just remember, there's a fine line between loyalty and foolishness."

His father then turned on the table to write on some papers, "Go outside, meet some friends and inhale a fresh breeze instead of worrying about the Grand Duke."

Matthew nodded, realizing that his father was right. He needed to clear his mind and take a break from the complexities of palace life, "You're right, Father," he said, a hint of gratitude in his voice, "I'll go out for a while, perhaps visit some old friends."

But he wished, he wished he never left the Manor to visit some old friends.

One of his old friends was a bad influence, though noble blood, they were parasitic to one's flesh. It was unfortunate that this old friend of his was the one who he encountered in wanting to clear his mind. In a short time, he opened his eyes, and he's already in the brothel, where pleasures belong. 

Matthew found himself in a situation he hadn't anticipated. The dimly lit interior of the brothel contrasted sharply with the world he had just left behind, and the scent of perfume and lust hung heavy in the air. He felt a mixture of discomfort and regret as he realized where he was.

His old friend, who had led him to this place, grinned mischievously, "Come on, Matthew! You've been cooped up for too long. It's time to enjoy some pleasures of life."

Matthew's internal struggle was evident on his face, torn between his upbringing and the temptation that surrounded him. He knew he shouldn't be here, but the allure of escaping his worries for a brief moment was hard to resist.

As Matthew stepped out of the brothel and into the public eye, he was met with disapproving glares and whispers. The realization of the consequences of his impulsive decision weighed heavily on him. The nobles around him were not indifferent; they were judging him, their expressions filled with disdain and contempt.

He felt a deep sense of shame and regret as he became aware of the scandal that was now associated with his name. The newspaper article had tarnished his reputation, and it was clear that his actions had not gone unnoticed by society.

Matthew knew he had made a grave mistake, one that could have lasting repercussions not only for himself but for his family as well.

In the wake of the scandalous newspaper article, Matthew knew he needed to take immediate action to salvage his reputation and protect his family's honor. He returned to his Manor with a heavy heart, aware that he had let down his father and the legacy of the Marquisate.

Upon his arrival, he was met by his father, who had a stern expression on his face. His father had seen the newspaper and was deeply disappointed in his son's behavior.

"Matthew," his father began, his voice laced with disappointment, "What on earth possessed you to behave so recklessly? You've brought shame upon our family."

Matthew hung his head, unable to meet his father's gaze. He knew he had no excuses for his actions and had let down the trust placed in him.

"I'm truly sorry, Father," he said, his voice filled with regret, "I will do whatever it takes to rectify this situation and restore our family's honor."

"In that one night," His father raised his voice, "In that one damn night you were missing, did you know what the politicians have been saying to me?! Do you know what?!" 

He inhaled deeply, "My son is being a slut, and had already intercourse with five men."

Matthew winced at his father's words, the weight of his actions crashing down on him. He felt a deep sense of shame and embarrassment for having tarnished his family's name so thoroughly. He had been reckless and foolish, and now his father was bearing the brunt of the scandal.

"I'm sorry, Father," he said, his voice filled with remorse, "I never intended for any of this to happen. I made a terrible mistake, and I understand the gravity of my actions now."

His father's anger seemed to fueled more, "Matthew, you were meant for greater things. You have the potential to be a powerful figure in the court, and I had such high hopes for you."

Matthew's eyes welled with tears, his voice trembling as he replied, "I know, Father. I've let you down, and I've let myself down. I will do whatever it takes to make amends and prove that I can still be a worthy Marquis."

"No, you will not." his father replied heavily, "Have you read anything in our family that has a scandalous background? None!" 

Then he pointed his finger at Matthew, "You.. you're my only son!" 

Matthew's heart ached as he listened to his father's words, and he was desperate to find a way to reassure him. He knew that he had brought shame upon their family, and he was willing to do whatever it took to make things right.

"I promise, Father," Matthew said, his voice quivering with emotion, "I will do everything in my power to rectify this situation. I will work tirelessly to restore our family's honor."

But before he could say more, his father's anger reached its boiling point. With a swift and forceful motion, his father's hand connected with Matthew's cheek, the sharp slap causing Matthew's vision to blur. The pain radiated through his face, and he stumbled back, stunned by the sudden violence.

His father's eyes were filled with a mixture of anger and disappointment, and his voice was cold and cutting as he said, "You have brought shame to our family, and no amount of promises will change that fact. You will pay for your actions, Matthew, and you will do so alone."

The next day, Matthew stayed in his room, he spent his day looking at the ceiling, his vision was all blurred. Nevertheless, he didn't panic and instead thought, "I deserved this, it was all my fault."

One of the servants was concerned when the Marquis mentioned to them that his vision was all blurred, and the servant told this to his father.

Matthew's father, upon hearing of his son's deteriorating condition, felt a twinge of guilt mixed with concern. He knew that he had been harsh on Matthew, but he hadn't expected his actions to have such a profound impact on his son.

He went to Matthew's room, his expression filled with worry as he approached his son's bed, "Matthew," he said softly, "I didn't mean to harm you so severely. I was angry, and I let my temper get the best of me."

Matthew turned his head to look at his father, his eyes still watery from the tears he had shed the previous night, "It's not your fault, Father," he said weakly, "I deserved it."

They summoned a doctor and recommended that he wear glasses. It worked for him and his vision will now depend on his half-lidded glasses. Yet, why is it half lidded? The doctor recommended half-lidded glasses for Matthew due to a unique condition in his eyes. It turned out that the excessive stress and emotional turmoil he had gone through recently had caused a strain on his eye muscles, resulting in a temporary condition where his eyelids had difficulty opening fully.

The doctor explained that the half-lidded glasses would provide a soothing effect, helping Matthew relax his eye muscles and gradually improve his vision over time. The idea was that by allowing his eyes to rest in a partially closed state, it would reduce the strain and discomfort he was experiencing.

Matthew was initially apprehensive about the unconventional glasses, but he trusted the doctor's expertise. Over time, as he wore them regularly, he noticed a gradual improvement in his vision, and the discomfort in his eyes began to fade.

As time passed and Matthew continued to wear his half-lidded glasses, his relationship with his father grew increasingly strained. His father's guilt and disappointment weighed heavily on him, and they communicated only when absolutely necessary. The once-close bond between father and son had eroded, replaced by a palpable tension that hung in the air.

Matthew's father, plagued by his own feelings of failure as a parent, withdrew emotionally, unable to come to terms with the choices his son had made. He avoided looking into Matthew's eyes, unable to bear the sight of the glasses that served as a constant reminder of his son's perceived mistakes.

The silence in their home was deafening, broken only by the occasional distant conversations between servants. Matthew's heart ached for the warmth and understanding that had once defined their relationship, but it seemed like those days were gone forever. The anguished distance between father and son was a heavy burden they both carried until the day Matthew's father passed away, leaving behind a legacy of unresolved pain and fractured love.

It all happened because of that person, who exposed him to just 'having fun'. Well, seriously, is it illegal for a higher level person to have fun? 

Matthew often found himself grappling with a sense of injustice regarding the whole situation. He couldn't help but wonder why society was so quick to judge and condemn those who sought moments of pleasure and escape, especially when they held positions of power and responsibility. It felt like a harsh double standard.

In his mind, he argued that everyone, regardless of their social standing, deserved moments of relaxation and enjoyment. He questioned whether it was truly a crime for a person in his position to seek comfort and connection in the arms of another, as long as it didn't interfere with his duties.

Matthew understood that his actions had consequences, but he couldn't shake the feeling that the world was too quick to label him as a "slut" and overlook his potential to contribute positively to the court. The weight of society's judgment bore down on him heavily, leaving him feeling isolated and misunderstood.

Looking back to his past, he regretted how he let his father just leave him without saying a last word. 

The carriage turned at the corner of the palace, as the voice spoke outside, 'Marquis, we've arrived.' He instinctively held his files onto his chest. He brushed his hair back and fixed his glasses. A servant opened the carriage's door and he stepped out. 

"Is His Majesty already up?" He asked politely.

The servant nodded respectfully, "Yes, Marquis. His Majesty has been up for some time and is currently in his study."

Matthew thanked the servant with a nod and proceeded to make his way towards the palace, his half-lidded glasses framing his sharp gaze. He came to discuss something about the recent events of Feigan, the reports and investigations about the hybrids. 

He knocked thrice at the King's study before he went in. 

With a charming smile, Matthew greeted the King, "Good Morning, Your Majesty," then he placed the small pile of papers on the King's desk, he leaned down and supported himself by resting his hands onto the desk, "I've got a couple of reports from Feigan, and the results of investigations." 

Matthew began to explain the findings from the recent investigations in Feigan, his voice tinged with a mix of concern and resolve. 

"These reports," he began, "Detail the illegal breeding of hybrids that has been occurring in clandestine laboratories. They're the result of unauthorized experimentation, essentially merging animal and human DNA, a clear violation of ethical standards and a grave threat to society."

With a sense of urgency, Matthew outlined the procedures involved, emphasizing the cruelty inflicted on the hybrids, "These experiments have subjected the hybrids to unimaginable suffering. They've undergone extensive tests and treatments, resulting in severe physical and psychological trauma. This case also explains why there are several missing people in Feigan."

Transitioning to a more hopeful topic, he turned his attention to the ongoing efforts to aid the recovering Feigan citizens who had been afflicted by the plague. His voice softened with a hint of relief as he continued, "On a brighter note, there's progress in the recovery of those affected by the plague. Medical teams are on-site, providing aid and treatment. Quarantine measures are in place to prevent further spread of the disease."

The King nodded in acknowledgement, his earrings jiggling in motion, "The one we captured personally, that's the only laboratory, yes?" 

Matthew nodded in agreement with the King's question, "Yes, Your Majesty. The laboratory we captured was the primary one responsible for these illegal experiments. However, we suspect there might be others operating in secret. We've initiated investigations to track down any additional facilities and apprehend those involved."

He paused for a moment before adding, "This issue goes beyond just Feigan. It poses a threat to the entire kingdom, and we must ensure that such activities are completely eradicated to prevent any further harm."

The King leaned back in his chair, his lavender eyes gleaming with determination as he contemplated their next move. After a moment of thoughtful silence, he looked at Matthew and spoke with a wry smile, "Marquis, let's devise a plan that will put an end to these illegal activities once and for all."

He tapped his fingers on the desk as he continued, "First, we need to gather more intelligence on the remaining possible sites. I want you to assemble a team of our most discreet and skilled agents. They should infiltrate the whole Landroich, gather information, and report back to us."

Matthew nodded in agreement, his mind already working on potential candidates for the mission, "Understood, Your Majesty. I will handpick the agents and ensure utmost discretion."

The King's eyes sparkled with mischief as he revealed his clever strategy, "Now, Maximino, for the next part of our plan. We'll use a bit of misdirection. I want you to leak false information that the King is considering relaxing some laws related to hybrids. This should stir up the underground and lead them to believe they have some time."

Matthew raised an eyebrow, impressed by the King's cunning, "A brilliant ruse, Your Majesty. It will draw them out into the open."

The King leaned forward, his gaze unwavering, "Once we have enough information and can confirm the locations of these illegal sites, we strike swiftly and decisively. We'll coordinate with the Royal Guard and local authorities to conduct simultaneous raids, catching them off guard."

Matthew couldn't help but smile at the King's strategic prowess, "Your Majesty, it's a flawless plan. I will begin preparations immediately. I will pass this out to The Landroich Bureau of Natural Resources and Hybrids."

Matthew thought of another, "Your Majesty, what about Arama and his friends, how are they?"

The King looked up, "They're sending me letters, telling me that they settled in a house filled with hybrids like them, Arama also told me that they signed up for the dame."

Matthew smiled as he pushed his glasses, "How sweet, too bad that I had his bad first expression of him when we first met." Then followed by his giggle.

The King chuckled, a rare moment of lightness in their otherwise serious discussion, "People often surprise us, Maximino."

Matthew dragged a chair towards the desk as he sat across the King, He placed his arms and propped his cheek, "My King, I have a proposal," then he cleared his throat, "How'd you say.. about Sex education? to be taught in Academies and Universities?"

The King replied, composed and back to his serious expression, "Sex Education? But we've already invented a condom."

Matthew raised an eyebrow, trying to suppress a laugh at the King's directness, "Well, Your Majesty, while condoms are undoubtedly a valuable invention, sex education goes beyond just contraception. It encompasses a broader range of topics, including reproductive health, consent, and relationships. It's about equipping our young people with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and maintain healthy, respectful relationships."

The King nodded thoughtfully, considering the proposal, "I see your point, Marquis. Sex education could indeed be a valuable addition to our educational system. It's essential that our citizens have access to accurate information and guidance."

Matthew leaned forward, enthusiasm in his eyes, "Exactly, Your Majesty. It's about promoting a safer and more informed society. With your support, we can work on implementing a comprehensive sex education program that benefits everyone."

The King smiled, appreciating Matthew's dedication to improving their kingdom, "Very well, Marquis. I trust your judgment in this matter. Please proceed with the necessary steps to introduce sex education into our academies and universities."

Matthew's face lit up with satisfaction as he received the King's approval. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will start working on the proposal immediately and ensure that this initiative is implemented effectively. It's a step towards a more enlightened and responsible society."

The King nodded in agreement, "I have faith in your ability to handle this matter, Marquis. Keep me updated on the progress."

Matthew assured him, "Of course, Your Majesty. I'll provide regular updates, and if there are any challenges or concerns along the way, I'll consult with you."

As their discussion came to a halt, there was a brief silence. Matthew was used to this anyway, he was always the one who would blabber first so Kaiser will reply to him. With a mischievous smile he started, "Your Majesty, I suppose you didn't study this sex education, isn't it?"

Of course, the King doesn't even know how to pleasure himself, he's a virgin, and innocent.

The King replied hesitantly, "Yes, I didn't. I lack knowledge on it."

Matthew couldn't help but chuckle at the King's admission. He found it rather endearing that even someone as powerful as Kaiser could have gaps in his knowledge. 

"Well, Your Majesty," Matthew began with a playful glint in his eye, "I suppose I could provide you with some private lessons if you're interested. After all, it's important to be well-informed about matters of intimacy."

The King raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued, "Oh? And would you be the instructor, Maximino?"

Matthew leaned in closer, a sly smile on his lips, "Of course, Your Majesty. Consider it a service to the crown. And, you must not forget that I am your Concubine."

The King chuckled softly, amusement dancing in his eyes, "Very well, Maximino," he replied, playing along with their playful banter, "I shall look forward to your... educational services."

Matthew stood up, shedding his carrick cloak which revealed his white waistcoat. He folded the carrick cloak in half and placed it on the chair's armrest. 

The tip of the King's ears reddened, "A-Maximino, are we going to do it now..?!"

Matthew leaned in closer, a wicked glint in his half-lidded eyes, and whispered suggestively, "Oh, Your Majesty, I thought you wanted to be well-informed? But don't worry, we can start at your pace, whenever you're ready."

How can he not be ready when Matthew is already prepared?! Is it too late to refuse? Kaiser's thin face was not able to bear this situation, he could only look up with Matthew with a flustered expression.

Matthew couldn't help but enjoy the King's flustered reaction. He leaned in even closer, his lips almost brushing against the King's ear as he continued in a sultry tone, "Your Majesty, you need not be embarrassed. I am at your service, ready to provide you with all the knowledge you desire."

The King's face turned even redder, and he stammered, "V-very well, Maximino. Let's begin... at your earliest convenience."

Well.. maybe he's a slut, just for the King.