The Ink

cw: Mentioned rape, gore, violence, brutality

"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 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????"

Ezra's face turned a shade of red as she hastily flipped through her own copy of the curriculum, her fingers trembling slightly. She glanced around to make sure nobody was eavesdropping on their conversation before leaning closer to Elias.

"Sex education? Seriously?" Ezra whispered back, her voice a mix of embarrassment and incredulity, "I mean, it's important stuff, but it's... well, it's not what I expected to learn here."

Elias nodded in agreement, his expression a blend of curiosity and discomfort, "I guess they want us to be informed about everything, but this feels a bit... awkward, doesn't it?"

And the fact that it was introduced by the King himself, Elias was flabbergasted.

Ezra nodded in agreement, her own mind racing with thoughts about what had just been announced. She couldn't help but feel a mix of confusion and discomfort at the idea of learning about such intimate topics in a classroom setting, especially at a place like this.

"Well, I guess it's important stuff to know," Elias said, his voice barely above a whisper, "But I never expected that something like this would be taught here. I wonder why the King suggested it…"

Ezra raised an eyebrow, her own mind filled with questions, "What do you mean by that?" she asked, her voice low and cautious, "Do you think there's something going on between the King and.. to his concubine?"

..Well, sure, it's possible..

Elias shook his head vehemently, his face flushing slightly, "No, no, that's not what I meant at all," he said quickly, "It's just... Well, it's not something I expected the King to be so interested in. I mean, he's the King, you'd think his main focus would be on more... important things."

Ezra nodded slowly.

"I don't know," Ezra said finally, her voice softer than before, "Just think about the importance of it, we people never discussed openly about this. Didn't we?"

Elias chuckled softly, shaking his head as though he was trying to shake away the thoughts that were forming in his mind. He couldn't afford to think like that, not when he knew that what he felt for the King could never be returned.

"Maybe," he said nonchalantly, "But I wouldn't count on it. The King is the king after all, and we're just... Well, we're just ordinary people."

Ezra frowned slightly, her gaze fixed on Elias. She couldn't help but feel a surge of frustration at the idea of the King being so far out of his reach. And to the fact that his reply is far more than her question puzzled her even more. Elias is sure thinking about the King, again.

Ezra sighed heavily, realizing that Elias was once again lost in his own thoughts about the King. It was something that she was all too familiar with, and it always made her feel a mix of frustration and sadness. She couldn't understand why Elias was so enthralled with the King when it was clear that he couldn't reciprocate his feelings.

"I don't understand why you're so obsessed with him," Ezra said finally, the words slipping out before she could stop them, "He's never going to love you the way that you love him."

Elias flinched at her words, the hurt in his eyes unmistakable. It was clear that her words had struck a nerve, but he tried to hide it with sarcasm.

"I know that, Ezra," he said, his voice barely above a whisper, his tone is laced with a tease, "but how about you, why are you so obsessed with the Queen?"

Ezra felt her cheeks heat up at Elias' question, and she looked away, trying to avoid his piercing gaze. Her infatuation with the Queen was something she had always kept hidden, even from Elias. She hadn't expected him to bring it up now.

"That's different," she mumbled, her voice barely audible, "I admire her, that's all."

Elias raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced by her response, "Admire, huh? then what did I saw in the ball that you kissed her—"

Ezra's eyes widened in alarm as Elias brought up the incident at the ball. She hadn't expected him to mention it, and she felt a rush of embarrassment flood her cheeks.

"That was... a moment of impulse," she stammered, her voice unsteady, "It was her, not me!"

Elias chuckled at her flustered response, "Sure, Ezra, whatever you say. But I know what I saw."

Ezra sighed, realizing that she wasn't going to win this argument. Her feelings for the Queen were something she had tried to keep hidden, but it seemed that Elias had seen through her facade.

"Fine," she admitted, "I may have a bit of a crush on her. But it's not like anything could ever come of it. She's the Queen, after all."

Elias nodded in agreement, the teasing smile fading from his face, "True, it's not like she's going to leave the King for you."

The adviser, a seasoned teacher named Mrs. Reynolds, stood at the front of the classroom with a warm smile on her face. She had been tasked with introducing the new curriculum to the students and couldn't help but inject a bit of humor into the situation.

"Good morning, class!" she began, her tone cheerful, "I know you guys aren't used to discussing topics like this in a classroom setting, but the King has asked us to broaden our horizons and enhance our knowledge."

A few nervous chuckles rippled through the students as they shifted uncomfortably in their seats.

Mrs. Reynolds continued, "Now, I promise you, we will approach this subject with the utmost sensitivity and professionalism. Our goal is to ensure that you have the information you need to make informed decisions in your lives. So, let's dive in and make the most of this unique opportunity!"

"Now, one of the first things we'll be discussing in this curriculum is the process of finding a partner," Mrs. Reynolds continued, her tone serious but empathetic, "It's crucial to understand that intimate relationships should be built on trust and mutual respect. This isn't just about finding a lover; it's about finding someone you can trust with your most vulnerable moments."

She looked around the classroom, making eye contact with each student, "I want you all to remember that the decision to engage in any intimate act should always be consensual. Consent is not only important; it's absolutely necessary. It means that both parties involved must freely and willingly agree to participate."

Mrs. Reynolds emphasized each word to ensure her message was clear, "Consent is not something that can be assumed or forced. It should be enthusiastic and ongoing. If at any point during an intimate encounter, one person feels uncomfortable or wants to stop, it's their right to do so, and their partner must respect that decision immediately."

She paused, letting her words sink in, "Respect, communication, and consent are the cornerstones of any healthy, intimate relationship. It's important to remember that you have the power to make choices about your own body and what you're comfortable with. And the same goes for your partner."

The classroom fell silent, the atmosphere was quite serious, and the students listened intently. 

The students delved deeper into the curriculum, discussing topics such as communication, emotional connection, and the various aspects of intimacy. Mrs. Reynolds emphasized that intimacy was not just about the physical act but also about the emotional and psychological aspects that could lead to a fulfilling and healthy relationship.

During these lessons, Elias found himself more engaged than ever before in his academic studies. He was genuinely curious about these subjects, and he realized that understanding them was vital for his personal growth. Although he still harbored feelings for the King, he recognized that there was much more to life and relationships than unrequited love.

Ezra, on the other hand, was still adjusting to the new curriculum. She felt somewhat uncomfortable discussing these topics in a classroom setting but understood the importance of being well-informed.

Then, the lecture ended. 

"What's next?" Ezra asked.

"Today's tuesday and it's supposed to be History and not Sex education, but since that new curriculum butted in.. It'll be mathematics." Elias replied as he tidied up his desk.

"Oh wow, hell?" she chuckled nervously.

Elias couldn't help but laugh at Ezra's quip, "Oh, you are funny aren't you?" he replied with a chuckle, "Well, you won't be laughing once it starts. Do you remember anything about math?" he asked, a hint of jest in his voice.

Ezra rolled her eyes, "Please, I may have not aced my last math test, but I know a thing or two about geometry!" she retorted defiantly.

Elias just chuckled, "We'll see about that. Remember what happened the last time you said that?" he asked with a smirk, a hint of a teasing tone in his voice.

"Ugh, can we not?" Ezra replied with a groan, "It's not funny!"

Elias just laughed, "Oh, it is!" he replied with a grin.

As they made their way to the math class, with Ezra's nerves starting to show, Elias couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. He knew that she was scared, but he also knew that she was strong and capable. He had faith in her, even if she didn't have it in herself. And he was determined to support her however he could.

Finally, the two of them approached the math class, and Ezra's nerves were palpable. She had never been great at math, and the prospect of a new class was almost too much to bear. But Elias was by her side, and he knew that she could do it.

As they entered the class, Ezra's nerves started to show even more, and she began to falter. Elias noticed her hesitation, and he placed a hand on her shoulder, giving her a reassuring squeeze. 

"You can do this," he whispered to her, his voice low and gentle.

Ezra nodded, her eyes starting to glisten with tears. She didn't know why she was so scared, but she appreciated Elias' support. 

Ezra was included with the one who had a lower points in the past test in Math, then the topic moved on to Geometry. This time, Ezra should've studied hard for Geometry, the teacher allowed that they'll have the current low points in algebra, but this time, they shouldn't have.

Ezra sat at her desk, her heart racing as she looked at the pages in front of her. Geometry was like a foreign language to her, and she had spent weeks trying to memorize every formula and concept. But nothing seemed to stick, and now she was facing the consequences of that.

Elias had noticed Ezra'' struggles with geometry, and as her friend, he couldn't stand by and watch her struggle. He had always been better at math than she was, and he was determined to help her.

One evening, as they sat together in Ezra's room, he took out her geometry textbook and a stack of papers filled with problems.

"Ezra," he said with a reassuring smile, "We're going to tackle this together. Geometry is all about patterns and logic, and I promise you, once you grasp the basics, it'll become much easier."

Ezra nodded, her eyes filled with gratitude, "Thank you, Elias. I really appreciate your help."

They spent hours going through the geometry problems, with Elias patiently explaining the concepts and guiding Ezra through each step. He used simple, relatable examples to make it easier for her to understand, and he never once made her feel inadequate for not grasping the material right away.

Now it's time to prove that Ezra had really made an effort to understand Geometry by taking a test without Elias's help. It is also proof that Elias's efforts to teach her were not in vain. Elias and the other students who passed the previous test were in separate rows of the class. 

Ezra took a deep breath, her nerves jangling as she looked at the test in front of her. She had studied for hours, trying to memorize every formula and concept. But no matter how hard she tried, there were some things that just didn't make sense to her.

But Elias had been there every step of the way, patiently explaining everything and giving her the confidence she needed. And now, she was going to prove to herself and everyone else that she could do it.

She looked down at the test, taking a moment to steady herself before she started to work. The questions were difficult, but she kept her focus, remembering all the things that Elias had taught her. And slowly but surely, she started to work her way through the pages.

It was hard, and she struggled at times, but she kept going. And when she was finally finished, she felt a sense of accomplishment that she hadn't felt in a long time. She had done it. She had proved to herself and everyone else that she was capable of learning Geometry.

As the class came to an end, Ezra sat back in her chair, a small smile on her face. Elias noticed and smiled back, giving her a nod of approval. It was a small moment of victory, but for Ezra, it meant everything. She had proved to herself that she could do it, that she could learn and grow and succeed. And that was thanks to Elias and his patience and support.

And now, all they need to wait is for Ezra's score.

The day of the test results finally arrived, and Ezra couldn't help but feel nervous as she walked into the classroom. The teacher handed out the graded papers, and Ezra's heart raced as she scanned the page for her name.

When she saw her score, her eyes widened in disbelief. She had not only passed the test but had scored remarkably well. It was a significant improvement from her previous performance in geometry, and she couldn't have been happier.

Elias, who had been anxiously waiting for her reaction, broke into a wide grin as he saw her expression. He gave her a thumbs-up from across the room, and Ezra couldn't help but laugh in response.

After the class, she rushed over to Elias, practically beaming with joy, "I did it, Elias! I passed, and with a good score!"

Elias chuckled, giving her a congratulatory pat on the back, "I knew you could do it, Ezra. I'm so proud of you."

Ezra felt a deep sense of gratitude toward her friend. Without his help, patience, and support, she would never have been able to overcome her struggles with geometry. Elias had been there for her when she needed it the most, and she couldn't thank him enough.

"What do you want, Ezra? I'll treat you to a snack as we walk home." Elias smiled.

Ezra thought for a moment before responding, "How about some hot noodles from that little place around the corner? I've been craving them all week."

Elias nodded in agreement, "Sounds perfect. Let's go get some."

They headed in the direction of the noodle shop, chatting along the way about their plans for the upcoming weekend. It was a simple moment, two friends enjoying each other's company as they strolled through the bustling streets of their city.

As they reached the small eatery, the aroma of freshly cooked noodles wafted through the air, making their mouths water. They found an empty table near the window and placed their orders.

While they waited for their food to arrive, Elias couldn't help but smile at Ezra, "You know, I'm really proud of how far you've come, especially with your bakery. It's been amazing to watch your business grow."

Ezra's eyes lit up with appreciation, "Thank you, Elias. It wouldn't have been possible without your support and encouragement."

As the seasons changed and the vibrant colors of autumn painted the city, Elias found himself spending more time at Ezra's bakery. He had taken up a part-time job there, helping out with various tasks and occasionally serving customers with his warm smile.

Ezra appreciated the extra help, and their friendship grew even stronger as they shared moments working side by side. They would chat about their dreams, their aspirations, and sometimes, they would simply enjoy the comfortable silence that had become a hallmark of their bond.

Elias was also working diligently to save money, not just for himself but for his father. He had taken on additional responsibilities, assisting his father with home renovations. It was a labor of love, as they worked together to create a more comfortable and welcoming environment for the two of them.

One day, as Elias was walking through a bustling market, he came across a beautiful frame that caught his eye. It was elegant and perfectly complemented the sonnet the King had given him. Without hesitation, he purchased the frame, intending to display the cherished gift proudly in his home.

Elias read the sonnet before framing it, the lingering of a fluffy feeling— he felt it again, as if he was the kid he used to be. Elias subconsciously touched the necklace that the King gave him. He removed it from his neck and examined it. 

"The pendant reminded me of the King's eyes," he murmured, "Though it was an amethyst gemstone.. it's very.. very identical to his lavender eyes.."

As Elias continued to gaze at the framed sonnet and fiddle with the pendant, his mind wandered into a realm of cheesy thoughts that would put even a school-girl's daydreams to shame.

He thought about the King's eyes and how they seemed to hold the entire universe within them. He imagined himself standing in front of the King, reciting romantic poetry, and being swept off his feet by the regal monarch. There were moments when he pictured himself in extravagant ballroom dances, twirling with the King, their eyes locked in an intimate connection that transcended words.

In his reverie, Elias couldn't help but imagine himself as the dashing hero in a grand romance, and the King as his noble and passionate lover. He chuckled softly at the silliness of his daydreams, but deep down, he couldn't deny the warmth and happiness they brought him.

As he continues to fantasize of an impossible scenario, his heart which is full of longing for the King seemed to subside for a bit. After all, what harm was there in fantasizing about a love that, however improbable, had already filled his heart with joy?

In the opulent chambers of the palace, the King sat at his desk, a somber expression on his face as he listened to the secret agents' report on the Elise Chambers case. The murder of the foreign woman had been a complex and puzzling mystery, one that had eluded their efforts to solve completely.

The investigator continued, "Your Majesty, we've made progress in the investigation, but it's still a long road ahead. The murder weapon, a knife, has been lost, rendering it useless as evidence. However, we have discovered something disturbing. The skeletal pelvis of Mrs. Chambers' corpse showed signs of sexual assault before her death."

Kaiser's jaw tightened at the grim news, it was either good news or not. No one's telling in between.

He leaned forward, his fingers steepled in front of him as he absorbed the information. The Elise Chambers case had been a thorn in his side, a troubling mystery that had weighed on his conscience. The revelation of sexual assault only added another layer of darkness to the already disturbing crime.

"Continue with the investigation," Kaiser said with a heavy sigh, his lavender eyes showing a mix of frustration and exhaustion, "We must find the truth behind this. I want every detail, no matter how small, to be thoroughly examined. And what about those other skeletons found near the scene?"

The investigator nodded, "Your Majesty, the skeletons we found near Mrs. Chambers' corpses appear to be those of servants, judging by the old-fashioned tailoring of their uniforms. We're still working on identifying them and their connection to the case."

Kaiser leaned back in his chair, a sense of unease settling over him. The mystery deepened, and the shadows of the past seemed to be creeping closer. Kaiser's thoughts drifted to the woman at the center of the case, Elise Chambers. She had been a foreigner, a mysterious figure who had come into their lives and left just as mysteriously in death. What had driven her to write that letter and prepare an envelope? Did she have a premonition of the danger she was in? Most importantly, what kind of pen has crimson ink?

—

NAPPEN'S EXTRA:

Elias: [Sighs, shaking head] There he goes again with late uploads, you never change, do you?

Nappen: [Chuckles awkwardly] You can't blame me! These gathering events are too sudden and unpredictable, I can't just say no when it rarely happens.. but I really don't like it happening...