Enlighten Me

Matthew rested on the chair, Kaiser helped him to wipe himself clean. He was finally refreshed and the aftermath of his exhaustion had subsided, and the King… learned a lot.

Matthew was brushing his hair and Kaiser was busy again with his paperworks. They immediately left the conference room soon after Matthew was finally clean and regained his strength to stand up and walk. Matthew rested his shoulders onto the King's desk and his chin, "Your Majesty, what do you say about sex education?"

Kaiser, who had returned to his desk after helping Matthew freshen up, pondered the question. He realized that the knowledge he had gained from their earlier discussion was indeed valuable, and it could benefit not only himself but also his subjects. "I believe," he began, his expression thoughtful, "that sex education is an important and often overlooked aspect of our society. Many people lack proper knowledge and understanding of intimacy and pleasure. Perhaps it's time we consider introducing such education into our academies and universities."

Matthew nodded in agreement, "Your Majesty, it would not only empower individuals to make informed choices but also promote healthier, more fulfilling relationships. It could be a significant step towards breaking taboos and stigmas surrounding these topics."

The King nodded, appreciating Matthew's insight, "Very well, Maximino. I shall task you with drafting a proposal for the inclusion of comprehensive sex education in our educational institutions. We'll work together to ensure its successful implementation."

Matthew smiled in response, knowing that he once again helped Landroich and the King, he was truly delighted. Matthew pushed his glasses up to the bridge of his nose as he closed his eyes. In a brief silence, it was comforting rather awkward, even if one would expect that the atmosphere between the Marquis and the King is rather intimate and awkward, it never changed even if Matthew was Kaiser's concubine. Kaiser still looked at Matthew as his own best friend. 

Yet still, their relationship won't change that fact. 

Matthew almost fell asleep but was awoken with a gentle touch near to his forehead, he flickered his eyes open, but his eyesight was blurred, all he could see was a figure that seemed to be a finger, tucking away his strands of silver hair. 

The touch was tender, and Matthew recognized it as the King's. It was a simple, affectionate gesture that spoke volumes about their friendship and connection. Matthew couldn't help but smile, appreciating the warmth of Kaiser's presence. This touch reminded him of their friendship since childhood. 

Matthew was afraid of thunder and lightning, he would cry immediately if he heard it. There is one time where Kaiser and Matthew were reading books in the empty library of the palace when suddenly, an unpredicted storm enveloped Landroich. It's raining hard outside, strong and the thunder came along. Goosebumps creeped up to Matthew's little body and abruptly covered his head using the book.

Kaiser was taken aback, surprised. He was stunned for a moment then he saw Matthew's tears. Hesitantly, he reached his hand to Matthew to coax and assure him, "Marquis, hush now, it'll be fine. Then the thunder's gone soon if you stop crying." Though Kaiser was younger than Matthew, he was way more advanced than Matthew.

That little voice of the King.. is still clinging into Matthew's memories.

Matthew's memory of that childhood incident brought a fond smile to his lips. He had been so frightened, and yet Kaiser, despite being the younger of the two, had comforted him with a maturity beyond his years. It was a testament to the deep bond they had formed, one that had only grown stronger over the years.

"Your Majesty," Matthew said, his voice filled with nostalgia, "Do you remember that storm in the palace library? You were so brave, even back then."

The King averted his gaze back to Matthew, "Which one, I've encountered many storms with you, and you were crying all of those memories I could recall." His tone was laced with teasing.

Matthew chuckled, recalling how he had indeed been quite terrified of thunderstorms during their childhood, "You have a point, Your Majesty," he admitted, his voice carrying a playful note, "I was a bit of a crybaby when it came to storms. But you were always there to comfort me, and I'll never forget that."

Kaiser raised his fingers to Matthew's, then he adjusted Matthew's tilted glasses which the blurriness of Matthew's eyesight dissipated. He knew Matthew's eyesight is limited, but the half-framed frames are better to his eye's condition rather than the full ones. The world seemed to focus as Matthew's eyes caught the half-framed lenses of his glasses, and that world that welcomed him was Kaiser.

Matthew couldn't help but feel a pang of bittersweet longing as Kaiser's fingertips brushed against his cheek, adjusting his glasses with a gentleness that had always been there, even when they were just children. It was a simple gesture, but it meant the world to Matthew.

The word "Kaiser" had always been his anchor, a source of comfort and warmth in a world that could be harsh and unforgiving. But it was also a constant reminder of the unbridgeable distance between them. No matter how close they were as friends, no matter how much Kaiser cared for him, there was a boundary that Matthew could never cross.

Kaiser was the anchor in his life, the one who had lifted him up when he had fallen.

He knew that Kaiser would always be his King, and he would always be the loyal Marquis. Their roles in society were set in stone, and no matter how much Matthew's heart ached for more, he could never have it.

As Matthew looked into Kaiser's eyes, a torrent of emotions surged within him. He couldn't help but think about all the times they had spent together, all the memories they had created, and how he had fallen deeply in love with the man standing before him. But he also couldn't help but feel the crushing weight of unrequited love, a love that could never be.

He had always known that their positions in society would never allow for anything more than friendship. Matthew was just the Marquis, a loyal subject to his King. He was meant to serve, to support, and to stand by Kaiser's side, but he could never stand beside him as an equal, as a lover.

Tears welled up in Matthew's eyes as he gazed at the man he loved so deeply, a man who would never see him the way he saw Kaiser. It was a painful truth that he had carried in his heart for years, and it had only grown heavier with time.

He longed to reach out and touch Kaiser's cheek, to caress his lips with his own, to show him the depth of his love. But he knew that such desires were futile, that they could never be fulfilled. So, he simply smiled, a sad and wistful smile, and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty. Even though you were blurry in my eyesight, I will always know it was you."

Kaiser tilted his head and retracted his hands, "How would you know?"

Matthew's heart ached at Kaiser's words, a reminder of the unbridgeable chasm between them. He had hoped that his love would be enough to convey the truth, but it seemed that even his deepest feelings were lost on the King.

He forced a weak chuckle, his voice quivering with pain, "I may not see you clearly, Your Majesty, but I've always known you by your touch, by the warmth of your presence." Matthew blinked back tears, refusing to let them fall, "You may be blurry in my eyesight, but you're crystal clear in my heart."

It was a painful admission, a baring of his soul that left him feeling vulnerable and exposed. But he couldn't hide his feelings any longer, even if they were destined to remain unrequited. Kaiser knew what it meant, and he felt sorry for Matthew. Yet still, he can't just force himself to like Matthew, things like feelings can never be forced to begin with.

Kaiser couldn't change the way he felt and he couldn't force himself to love someone that he didn't.

Kaiser wanted to reply 'I'm sorry' but he knew it would only make things worse, so he remained silent. 

The silence between them grew heavy, an unspoken acknowledgment of the unbridgeable gap that separated their hearts. Matthew's eyes glistened with unshed tears, but he refused to let them fall. He had laid bare his feelings, and now he had to bear the weight of them.

After a long pause, Matthew finally spoke, his voice low and filled with resignation, "Your Majesty, I understand. Please don't feel obligated to respond or apologize. My feelings... they are mine to bear."

Kaiser nodded, his own heart heavy with guilt. He had never wanted to hurt Matthew, but he couldn't change the way he felt. He may not be hurt about the same like Matthew but this is a pain he would have to live with.

Matthew nagged about being his concubine, thinking his heart will be content for a bit, but he was wrong— He felt his heart tightened instead. Since he was the King's concubine now, he can never back down and suffer with his new title. He will suffer with it for the rest of his life, and bear with it as much as he can.

Matthew had bared his heart, and Kaiser had heard his confession. They couldn't erase what had been said, and it would forever be a silent presence in their interactions.

Why.. is someone like Kaiser hard to love?

Why was it that the one person he had loved his entire life, the one person who had always been by his side, had to be the one he could never have?

Why was it that despite their deep connection, their shared history, Kaiser couldn't return his feelings?

Why did his heart betray him, leading him down a path of unrequited love that seemed to have no end?

Why did he have to bear the pain of watching Kaiser with others, knowing that he could never be more than a friend?

And most of all, why did fate have to be so cruel, teasing him with the possibility of love only to snatch it away?

He had bared his heart to Kaiser and yet he had not received the response he was hoping for. Instead, he had been given an apology and a promise of friendship. Matthew felt foolish for thinking that the King would ever care for him in the same way that he cared for him. He knew that his feelings were foolish and unrealistic, but he couldn't help the way he felt. He had been in love with Kaiser ever since he had become king and he couldn't imagine a life without him.

Despite the pain he felt, Matthew was proud of himself for being able to express his feelings to Kaiser. It wasn't easy telling someone how you felt, especially when you knew that the feelings weren't reciprocated.

He knew that he would never be able to be Kaiser's lover, but he was determined to remain by his side as his friend and advisor. He would always be there for Kaiser, no matter what, even if it meant loving him from afar. He knew that it wouldn't be easy, but he was willing to endure the pain to be by Kaiser's side.

He was determined to be there for Kaiser, to protect him, to support him, and to love him, even if it meant loving him from afar. For Matthew, Kaiser was worth every moment of suffering, every ache in his heart, and every unanswered 'why.'

Even still, Matthew is willing to be there by Kaiser's side, no matter how painful it is, no matter.. no matter how painful the sight is, he vowed before that he will be with Kaiser's side, he will protect him and love him at all cost. Because, Kaiser was his whole world, Kaiser was the man who gave him another home when sometimes, the Manor isn't. Kaiser was the one who provided him comfort when he was at his worst. 

..Kaiser is the one who cleaned his reputation and name for the scattered news that the Marquis had many intercourses with various courtesans in the brothel. The once dirtied reputation of the Marquis was now cleaned by the aid of the Grand Duke years ago.

Even if Kaiser could never be his lover, Matthew would remain loyal, guarding the King's reputation and standing by his side through thick and thin.

Thinking back earlier, Kaiser never kissed him throughout the entire session of their lesson— He had been so focused on trying to win Kaiser's love that he hadn't noticed the signs that Kaiser wasn't interested in him romantically. He should have known that Kaiser could never be interested in him in that way, he thought, shaking his head at his own folly. The realization that Kaiser could never love him in the same way was a bitter pill to swallow.

Love was a complex and unpredictable emotion, and he couldn't force Kaiser to feel something he didn't. As much as it hurt, he had to accept the reality of the situation.

Would he ever find someone who would love and appreciate him the way he loved Kaiser so deeply? Or would he always be stuck in a world of unrequited love, destined to endure the pain of loving someone who could never love him back? He didn't know the answer to these questions, but he knew one thing: he would never give up on Kaiser.

Several days had passed since Matthew's intimate lesson with Kaiser, and during that time, the King had been occupied with matters of the state. One of the significant discussions on his agenda was centered around the proposal for sex education in the existing schools throughout Landroich.

In a spacious meeting room within the palace, the King sat at the head of a long, polished table, surrounded by teachers and educators from various schools across the kingdom. The topic was a delicate one, and the King knew that introducing sex education into the curriculum was a progressive but necessary step to ensure the well-being and awareness of the young generation.

The teachers presented their views, concerns, and ideas about how to approach this subject with sensitivity and accuracy. They discussed age-appropriate content, the importance of consent and safe practices, and the need to foster a healthy understanding of intimacy among students.

Kaiser, with his sharp gaze and attentive demeanor, listened carefully to each suggestion and question. He knew the importance of providing comprehensive education that could help prevent misunderstandings, unwanted pregnancies, and the spread of diseases. His own experiences and lessons with Matthew had given him a newfound appreciation for the importance of knowledge in such matters.

As the meeting progressed, Kaiser's determination to implement sex education only grew stronger. He was committed to ensuring that Landroich's youth would be well-informed and equipped to make responsible choices when it came to matters of intimacy. This initiative was not only about education; it was about the health and happiness of his people.

As the discussion on sex education continued, some of the educators exchanged hesitant glances and whispered among themselves. They were concerned about how parents and the broader society might react to such a proposal. One of the teachers, a middle-aged woman, raised her hand and spoke with a tremor in her voice.

"Your Majesty," she began, "while we understand the importance of providing our students with accurate information, there may be resistance from some parents and conservative groups. How do you suggest we address their concerns?"

Kaiser, maintaining his composure, replied with a thoughtful expression, "I appreciate your concern. It's true that this proposal may face resistance from various quarters. However, we must remember that our primary goal is to educate and protect our young citizens. We can address these concerns by ensuring that the curriculum is designed with sensitivity and inclusivity in mind."

Another educator, an older gentleman, added, "Your Majesty, some fear that teaching about these matters may encourage promiscuity among the students. How can we assure them that this is not the case?"

Kaiser nodded and replied, "A valid concern. Our curriculum will emphasize values such as respect, consent, and responsible decision-making. It will not promote promiscuity but rather provide a framework for informed choices and safe practices. Our responsibility is to equip our youth with knowledge, not to dictate their choices."

The room seemed to grow a bit more at ease with the King's responses. Many of the educators had been worried about how the proposal would be received by the public, but Kaiser's commitment to a well-rounded and responsible approach was reassuring.

As he discussed, Kaiser had a pang of realization— he's no longer a Grand Duke but he still does some sort of these meetings, he should've passed this task to the Ministry of Education. He couldn't help but wonder if he was taking on too much, considering his new role as the King. The responsibilities of ruling the kingdom had already proven to be demanding, and he couldn't afford to spread himself too thin.

He decided to address the concern that had been nagging at him, "I understand the importance of this initiative," he began, his voice measured, "but I must also consider the broader scope of my responsibilities as the King. I believe it would be more appropriate for the Ministry of Education to take the lead in developing the curriculum for sex education."

He continued, "I have confidence in your expertise, and I will support this endeavor, but I must delegate certain tasks to ensure that I can fulfill my duties as the ruler of Landroich effectively. Please collaborate with the Ministry to move this proposal forward."

The educators nodded in understanding, relieved that the King recognized the need to prioritize his duties. It was a practical decision, and they were more than willing to work closely with the Ministry to develop a comprehensive sex education curriculum.

"From this day forth, I expect this curriculum to be started tomorrow and to be introduced properly and professionally with the students." He said sternly.

The King's stern tone left no room for debate. His authority as King was unmistakable, and the educators understood the gravity of his command. They nodded in agreement, recognizing the urgency of the situation.

"We will begin working on the curriculum immediately, Your Majesty," one of the educators assured him, "Rest assured, we will do our utmost to ensure that it is introduced in a manner befitting the kingdom and its students."

Kaiser acknowledged their commitment with a nod, "Very well. I trust that you will handle this matter with the utmost care and responsibility. It is essential that our young citizens receive a comprehensive education that equips them with knowledge and understanding."

With that, he concluded the meeting, leaving the educators to carry out his directive. 

The next day, in the hallowed halls of the Academy of Handun Broch, word had spread like wildfire about the introduction of a new curriculum. Elias and Ezra, sitting together in their classroom, exchanged puzzled glances as they overheard their fellow students' excited chatter.

Elias leaned in closer to Ezra, whispering, "Have you heard what everyone's talking about?"

Ezra raised an eyebrow, "No, what's all the fuss about?"

Before Elias could answer, their teacher entered the classroom, carrying a stack of papers. The students quickly settled into their seats, and the room fell silent. The teacher cleared their throat and began distributing the documents to each student.

As Elias received his copy of the curriculum, his eyes widened as he scanned the contents. It was titled "Comprehensive Education: Relationships, Consent, and Intimacy." He shot another bewildered look at Ezra.

Ezra, too, was reading through the curriculum with growing astonishment. It was a far cry from the typical subjects they studied at the academy.

Once the teacher finished distributing the documents, she began to explain the purpose of the new curriculum, "Ladies and gentlemen," she said, "Starting today, we will be implementing a new educational program that covers essential topics related to relationships, consent, and intimacy. This curriculum has been introduced by His Majesty, to ensure that our students are well-informed and prepared for various aspects of life."

Elias leaned in to whisper to Ezra, "Did you ever expect this kind of education at the academy?"

Ezra shook her head in disbelief, "Not in a million years. This is... unexpected, to say the least."

Elias flipped through the book and read a few on what's written to it. His blue eyes widened, "W-We'll be studying about sex????"

—

NAPPEN'S EXTRA:

Matthew: Nappen! I can't believe you wrote me into this emotional rollercoaster.

Nappen: I need it, hush, hush~

Kaiser: [raises an eyebrow] What's going on here?

Matthew: Nappen is putting me through the wringer, that's what's going on.

Nappen: It's for character development! Embrace the angst!

Matthew: Easy for you to say when you're not the one going through heartache.

Nappen: [squeezing a smile] Matthew, I've already taken the paths you've walked.

Matthew: [glares] Lucky you.

Nappen: I cried for my ex for 5 nights, and I'm still counting.

Matthew: [softens] Wait, what? Are you okay?

Nappen: [waves it off] Oh, I'm fine. This is about you, Matthew.

Matthew: [still concerned] I don't want to be the cause of your distress.

Nappen: [smirks] It's called method writing. Now, back to your emotional turmoil.

Matthew: [rolls eyes] This is ridiculous.

Kaiser: [looking between them] Is this some sort of author-character therapy session?

Nappen: [laughs] You could say that. Writing is a form of catharsis, after all.

Matthew: [muttering] More like sadism.