The Fox And The Golden Retriever

With a wave of his hand, the King's voice grew sharper, "I hereby strip you of your titles and privileges for your blatant violation of conduct and your failure to protect one of your own. Your actions have consequences, and you will face them."

Amidst the heavy silence, one of the former officials found his voice, his tone filled with desperation, "Your Majesty," he stammered, his voice trembling, "I-I worked hard to gain this position! It was a lifetime of dedication to education and service."

The King turned his gaze to the official who had spoken, his expression unyielding, "You were entrusted with a position of authority and responsibility," he responded, his voice unwavering, "Yet, when the moment came to uphold the values of fairness and justice, you failed. Your hard work and dedication should have been in service of those principles."

As the tension in the throne room reached its peak, the official's desperate plea hung in the air, the weight of his years of dedication and hard work evident in his trembling voice. His colleagues watched in silence, their faces etched with a mixture of sympathy and resignation.

The King's stern expression remained unchanged as he responded to the official's plea, "Your dedication and service should have been in service of the principles of fairness and justice," he repeated, his words echoing in the chamber, "You were entrusted with the education of our kingdom's future, and that trust was violated."

The former official lowered his head, defeated by the gravity of the situation. The consequences of their actions were now undeniable, and their titles and privileges were slipping away. It was a stark reminder that no one was above the principles that held the kingdom together, not even those who had dedicated their lives to education.

The King's voice remained resolute as he concluded, "Your actions have consequences, and it is my duty to ensure that those who fail to uphold the values of our kingdom face the appropriate penalties. You are hereby stripped of your titles and privileges. May this serve as a lesson to all."

With that, the former officials were led away, their protests silenced by the weight of their actions. The throne room returned to a solemn stillness, a reminder that justice, even when harsh, was an essential pillar of the kingdom's foundation.

The King leaned to the side, propping his hand against his head, and let out a deep sigh. His eyes closed briefly as he allowed himself a moment of respite from the tension that had filled the throne room. The intricate earrings adorning his ears gently swayed with his posture, catching the dim light of the chamber.

It was clear that the events of the day had taken a toll on him, both emotionally and mentally. The weight of justice and the responsibilities of his role as the kingdom's ruler were unrelenting, and moments of quiet reflection were a rare respite. He had expected that being the King would be more exhausting than being the Grand Duke, but he never expected that it'll be this exhausting.

The demands of the kingdom, the pursuit of justice, and the constant need to balance the interests of the nobility and the commoners were unrelenting. The weight of the crown rested heavily on his shoulders, and there were moments when he longed for the simplicity of his previous role as the Grand Duke.

But he also knew that the sacrifices he made and the challenges he faced were all in service of a greater purpose. He was determined to ensure fairness and justice for all his subjects, to protect those who needed protection, and to hold those in power accountable for their actions.

The King's thoughts drifted to a moment of respite, a brief pause in the midst of his demanding responsibilities. He longed for a moment of solitude, a chance to rest his eyes and gather his thoughts. The Throne Hall, though grand and imposing, had an odd sense of coldness that seemed to seep into his bones.

As he contemplated the idea of having someone by his side, the King's thoughts naturally turned to Elias. He had come to care for the young man deeply, but he couldn't bring himself to ask Elias to keep him company. He was the King, and he felt a duty to maintain a certain distance and decorum.

Matthew's absence was also felt keenly. His trusted advisor and best friend was busy with important matters at the Manor, including overseeing the investigation into Elise Chamber's murder. The case had consumed their attention, and the King knew that finding answers was of utmost importance.

The King rose from his throne, the weight of the crown upon his head serving as a constant reminder of his duties and the expectations placed upon him. He began to make his way through the palace, his steps echoing in the corridors. The servants he passed by quickly averted their eyes, still wary after the recent incident with the Ministry of Education.

As he walked, the King's thoughts turned to Elias. He knew that the young man had been through a great deal, and he wanted to check on him. He had observed Elias's dedication to his studies and admired his resilience in the face of adversity. It was clear that Elias had a bright future ahead of him.

The King eventually found his way to the area where Elias often studied. He approached quietly, not wanting to disrupt the young man's concentration. Through the open door, he could see Elias engrossed in his books, his brow furrowed in concentration.

For a moment, the King contemplated the crown on his head, his fingers brushing against the intricate design. He wondered if he always needed to wear it, if it was necessary for every moment of his day. It felt burdensome at times, a symbol of the expectations placed upon him.

With a resigned sigh, he decided to remove the crown, placing it on a nearby table. He felt a sense of relief as he did so, the weight of the crown no longer pressing down on him. It was a small act of rebellion against tradition, but it brought him a moment of comfort.

As the King carefully placed his crown on the nearby table, he let out a sigh of relief. The weight lifted, and for a moment, he felt oddly liberated. However, his moment of triumph was short-lived. Unbeknownst to him, the crown had a mind of its own. With a mischievous tilt, it slipped from its regal perch, falling soundlessly to the floor.

Elias, deeply engrossed in his studies, was startled by the unexpected noise. His eyes shot to the doorway, where he found the King standing, his expression a mix of surprise and mild embarrassment. Elias couldn't help but hide a chuckle behind his hand at the sight of the crown lying on the ground, seemingly rebelling against its royal duty.

The King, flabbergasted and caught off guard, looked down at the fallen crown, then back at Elias, his face a delightful shade of confusion. 

In a gesture that combined amusement and genuine concern, Elias got up from his seat and approached the King. Elias held the crown in his hands, a warm smile on his lips as he addressed the King, "Your Majesty," he said, offering the crown back to him.

The King's gaze shifted from the crown to Elias, and for a moment, he seemed uncertain. There was a playful glint in Elias's eyes that caught the King off guard. 

Before he could react, Elias extended the crown toward him. The King looked at the crown, then back at Elias, his expression momentarily flustered.

In an unexpected turn of events, the King reacted with a sense of embarrassment. With a swift and agile movement that seemed almost feline, he took a step back and then another, as if he were a cat caught stealing a treat. His royal dignity momentarily abandoned, he retreated out of sight, leaving Elias with a sense of lighthearted amusement.

Elias stood there in the doorway, the King's sudden retreat leaving him slightly puzzled. He blinked, watching as the King disappeared from sight, as if a momentary shyness had overcome him.

"What just happened?" Elias wondered aloud to himself, the question hanging in the air. He couldn't quite fathom the King's reaction—it was a far cry from the usual formality and regal demeanor he was accustomed to.

The King hurriedly retreated to a nearby room, his footsteps echoing in the empty corridor. He closed the door with more force than intended, the loud slam resonating through the chamber. Inside, he paced back and forth, his mind in a whirlwind of confusion.

"I just dropped the crown and disturbed Elias. That's very unlikely of me!" he mumbled to himself, his brows furrowed in embarrassment. He rarely let his guard down, especially in front of others. The encounter had left him feeling oddly vulnerable, a sensation he was not accustomed to.

In the midst of his self-reproach, a calm voice broke through his thoughts. "Your Majesty," came the composed voice of his butler, Nery, from behind him.

The King startled, his reaction akin to a cat caught off guard. He turned to face Nery, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment, "Nery! I... I seem to have entered the wrong room," he stammered, attempting to salvage his regal composure.

Nery, ever composed, merely inclined his head, "Of course, Your Majesty. Allow me to escort you to your intended destination."

The King never told him which was his destination— which room he was off to, so, Nery didn't know where. They passed the whole rooms at the ground floor, and the King didn't seem to notice it. He's probably… occupied with something.

Nery noticed the crown on the King's head. He cleared his throat, "Your Majesty, where's your crown?"

The King blinked in surprise, momentarily caught off guard. He reached up to touch his head, as if to confirm that the crown was indeed missing. His eyes widened slightly, and then he offered a sheepish and almost comical response, "I...forgot."

Nery maintained his usual calm demeanor, but there was a hint of amusement in his eyes, "Shall I fetch it for you, Your Majesty?"

The King shook his head, "No… it's heavy…"

The King's admission that the crown was heavy drew a surprised look from Nery. He had never witnessed or heard of a member of royalty complaining about the weight of their crown. It was an unusual statement, to say the least.

"Pardon?" Nery repeated, his tone politely curious.

The King scratched the back of his head, feeling a touch self-conscious, "I mean," he began, "It's not the easiest thing to wear all the time, you know? It can get quite...uncomfortable."

Nery nodded, understanding dawning in his eyes. He had served the King for long enough to recognize that even a ruler needed moments of respite from the weight of their responsibilities, both literal and figurative.

"As you wish, Your Majesty," Nery replied with a small, understanding smile. He knew better than to press the matter further and instead set about making the King more comfortable in his own way.

After climbing to the 2nd floor as the wander, the King's footsteps halted and looked to Nery, "Let's go to the Leise Pavillion."

…Leise Pavillion is at the ground floor of the palace, at the back of the right wing.

Nery nodded in acknowledgment of the King's request, "Certainly, Your Majesty," he replied, his tone as composed as ever.

They retraced their steps back to the ground floor, heading towards the Leise Pavilion situated at the back of the right wing of the palace. The pavilion was known for its tranquility and breathtaking views of the palace gardens. It was a place where the King often found solace, away from the bustling activities of the court.

Upon reaching the pavilion, the King and Nery entered the elegantly designed structure, its delicate architecture providing a sense of serenity. The air was scented with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers, and the soft rustle of leaves in the wind created a calming ambiance.

The King settled into one of the ornate chairs, his gaze wandering over the picturesque surroundings. The lush greenery, the vibrant blossoms, and the distant murmur of a nearby fountain all contributed to the tranquil atmosphere.

"You may go now," The King said softly as he rested his arms to the wooden table, his hair cascading like a river fall as he rested his head onto his arms.

Nery nodded in acknowledgment of the King's request. With a respectful bow, he turned to leave the Leise Pavilion, ensuring the King's solitude and privacy.

As the door to the pavilion softly closed behind him, the King was left alone with the serene surroundings. He sighed, his thoughts drifting to the events of the day and the unexpected encounters with Elias.

Resting his head on his arms, he gazed out at the tranquil garden, finding a measure of solace in the peaceful setting. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds provided a soothing backdrop to his contemplation.

After a moment of resting, he fell asleep. 

As dusk settled over the palace grounds, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, Matthew found him in the Leise Pavilion. His half-framed glasses perched on the bridge of his nose, and his long, straight silver hair cascaded gracefully down his back. His eyes, perpetually half-lidded, held a gentle softness, his smile warm and reassuring.

To his surprise, he stumbled upon the King, fast asleep on the table, his arms serving as a makeshift pillow. Matthew's expression softened further, and he decided not to disturb his slumber. Instead, he quietly settled in a nearby chair, his presence comforting yet unintrusive.

Pulling out the reports for Elise Chamber's case, he began to read through them diligently. The pages rustled softly as he turned them, his focused gaze moving over the lines of text. He was meticulous, absorbing every detail, every clue, determined to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearance.

He came to the palace since he had reports to give for the King, but he never expected that he'll come in the time where the King is taking his peaceful nap at the Leise Pavillion. His gaze shifted towards the King, his dear Kaiser.

With the softest of touches, Matthew reached out and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind the King's pointy ear. His fingers lingered for a moment, a tender caress that spoke of the deep affection he held for the slumbering monarch.

As he gazed down at the King, a fond smile graced Matthew's lips. He had come to the palace with reports to deliver, but fate had brought him to this moment, where he could steal a quiet, intimate glance at his dear Kaiser.

The King's beauty was undeniable, his features captivating in their cruelty and elegance. It was a dichotomy that had always intrigued Matthew, a complexity that made his feelings for the King all the more complicated.

Unrequited love was a heavy burden to bear, but Matthew had resolved to remain by the King's side, regardless of the pain it brought him. 

As the minutes passed in quiet stillness, Matthew couldn't help but let his thoughts wander to the bittersweet nature of the moment. He wished, more than anything, that this stolen moment could last forever. Here, the King slept peacefully, unaware of Matthew's tender gazes and gentle touches, a privilege he could never have when the King was awake and busy with his responsibilities.

"Why couldn't you bring yourself to like me, Your Majesty?" Matthew whispered softly, the words escaping his lips in a wistful murmur. It was a question that had haunted him for far too long, a question that had no easy answers.

He had dedicated himself to the King, served him faithfully, and loved him unconditionally. Yet, the King's heart remained elusive, his affections directed elsewhere. It was a painful reality that Matthew had come to accept, even as it gnawed at his heart.

Matthew's voice was a mere whisper in the quiet of the Leise Pavilion as he continued to murmur his thoughts. Each word was carefully chosen, laden with the weight of his unspoken emotions.

"If... you…" he began, his voice barely audible, "Will like... someone someday…" His voice softened even more, almost to a breathy sigh, "That will hurt me, deeply."

With a tenderness that could only come from the deepest wells of affection, Matthew leaned down and planted a soft kiss on the crown of the King's head. His lips brushed against the monarch's hair, leaving a gentle, fleeting mark of his love.

It was a silent, intimate gesture, a way for Matthew to express the depth of his feelings for the slumbering King. In that moment, with the palace bathed in the soft, warm glow of dusk, he allowed himself this small indulgence, knowing that it was a secret shared only between them.

As he pulled away, he lingered for a moment, his eyes tracing the contours of the King's face. He marveled at the beauty that captivated him so deeply, even as he knew that the King's heart remained beyond his reach.

Suddenly, a gust of wind entered the Pavillion. The papers were lifted from the table, dancing and twirling in the air before fluttering to the ground.

Matthew carefully gathered the scattered papers, his attention solely focused on the task at hand, he was taken by surprise when a sudden gust of wind disturbed the serenity of the Leise Pavilion. 

Bending down gracefully, he began to pick up each sheet, his movements precise and unhurried. With meticulous care, he arranged them back in their proper order, his half-framed glasses perched on his nose as he worked.

When he finally straightened his back and cast a glance around the pavilion, his heart skipped a beat. There, in the soft twilight glow, sat the King, dazed and looking at him. It was clear that the monarch was still half-asleep, his gaze unfocused and dreamy.

Matthew's heart quickened, a mixture of surprise and uncertainty washing over him. He had not expected the King to wake so suddenly, and now, their eyes met in an unanticipated moment of intimacy.

"Your Majesty," Matthew addressed, his voice filled with respect and concern.

The King, who had been dazed and half-asleep just moments ago, suddenly yawned and blinked, as if rousing from a deep slumber. His gaze sharpened as he fully awakened, and he looked around the Leise Pavilion with a slightly confused expression.

"Have I fallen asleep?" he asked, his voice clear and alert, as if the drowsiness had dissipated in an instant, he blinked again, "Oh, it's already dusk?"

Matthew nodded with a gentle smile, understanding the King's brief moment of confusion, "Yes, Your Majesty," he confirmed, "You were resting here in the Leise Pavilion, and dusk has settled upon the palace grounds."

He made no mention of the kiss he had planted on the King's head while he slept or the whispered confessions that had filled the quiet moments.

"Maximino, since when did you get here in the Pavillion? I know I settled here around afternoon.." he asked as he stretched. 

Matthew responded with a calm and composed demeanor, "I arrived here in the Leise Pavilion not long ago, Your Majesty," he explained, "I came to deliver the latest reports regarding the investigation into Lady Elise's case and to attend to any other matters that require your attention."

"Right." the King yawned again.

Second yawn. Matthew counted.

"What's the new reports about, did the missing corpses are found?" he asked.

"I regret to inform you, Your Majesty," Matthew began, "That there have been no new developments in the search for the missing corpses. The investigation continues, but progress has been slow." He maintained his composed demeanor, conveying the information as straightforwardly as possible, "I will continue to oversee the investigation and provide updates as soon as there are any significant developments to report."

The King's curiosity about the reports was evident as he inquired further, "Then what's the new report about?"

Matthew nodded and proceeded to summarize the contents of the reports. "The new report, Your Majesty, found the missing pieces of bones, yet they couldn't identify whose bones they belonged to." 

The King's ears perked up, "Oh, Lady Elise's husband told me today that she wore a glove." 

"Glove?" Matthew asked.

"Yes," he replied, "The gloves had an odd design. They were a deep shade of black. The material I used is linen and it is thin. But what made them truly unique was that, when worn, they covered only the two fingers—the pinky and the ring finger—leaving the rest of the hand exposed."

Matthew listened attentively to the King's description of Lady Elise's gloves, his half-framed glasses perched on his nose as he absorbed the information. The details about the gloves were intriguing, and he couldn't help but wonder if they held any significance in the investigation, "That's quite unusual," Matthew commented thoughtfully, "It's not a common design for gloves. Do you think there could be any connection between the gloves and the missing bones?"

"I don't think so," the King replied, "If Lady Elise wore it before she died, then, she'll still have it as her corpse decomposed, thus, her bones will be still intact as possible, but certainly, her middle, index and thumb finger will be lost."

Matthew nodded in understanding as he processed the King's explanation. "I see," he replied, his voice soft and thoughtful, "So, if her gloves had indeed been on her when she passed away, the missing bones would likely not be connected to her."

"Unless, those found bones are the Middle, index and thumb finger." the King responded sternly.

The King's suggestion gave Matthew pause, and he contemplated the possibility, "That's a valid point, Your Majesty," he conceded, "If those found bones do indeed correspond to the missing fingers, it would be a significant development in the case."

He continued to consider the implications of this new perspective, his mind racing with the potential avenues of investigation it opened up, "We should prioritize identifying those bones and conducting further forensic analysis to determine if they belong to Lady Elise," he suggested.

"No, Marquis," The King interrupted Matthew, "they should keep it first, and if they found Lady Elise's corpse, then they could continue to connect the dots." 

Matthew regarded the King with understanding in his eyes. He nodded slowly, appreciating the King's wisdom, "Of course, Your Majesty," he replied respectfully, "We will follow your guidance on this matter. It might indeed be more prudent to wait until we have more comprehensive evidence before drawing conclusions."

He made a mental note to inform the investigative team of the King's decision. Precision and patience were crucial in cases like these, and he trusted the King's judgment implicitly, "I'll make sure they proceed accordingly," he assured the King, his voice steady with confidence and respect.

As the King and Matthew continued their conversation, they strolled through the palace's corridors. The atmosphere was calm and serene, a stark contrast to the tumultuous events of recent days. As they walked, Elias suddenly appeared before them, causing Matthew to look up in surprise.

"Oh, it's the Marquis," Elias greeted, his tone polite but somewhat distant.

Matthew smiled politely in return, "Good evening, Elias," he replied, acknowledging the young man's presence, "How has your day been?"

Elias's response held a hint of tension as he replied, "It's been alright, Marquis. I've been searching for the King, but it seems I've found him in your company."

His words revealed a touch of jealousy and frustration, though he tried to maintain his composure. It was clear that Elias had been looking for the King and had hoped to spend time with him.

Matthew couldn't help but sense Elias's jealousy, but he chose to respond with playful sarcasm, a faint smile playing on his lips, "Ah, I see,"

He glanced at the King, a teasing glint in his eye, before returning his attention to Elias, "But fear not, Elias. I'm sure the King is more than capable of multitasking. He can talk to me and still spare some time for you, can't you, Your Majesty?"

"Well, Marquis, I suppose you're right," Elias replied, a mischievous glint in his eye, "The King is quite skilled at multitasking, but I wonder if he can handle both of us at the same time."

Matthew chuckled, not one to back down from a challenge, "Ah, Elias, you underestimate our King's abilities," he retorted sarcastically, "I'm sure he can handle us just fine."

The King, caught in the middle of their banter, couldn't help but find the situation amusing. He watched with a bemused expression, wondering how this playful rivalry would unfold.

Elias's jealousy continued to simmer beneath the surface as he tried to regain the King's attention, "Your Majesty, may I ask for your presence later at night to help with my studies?" he interjected, his voice tinged with a hint of desperation.

However, before the King could respond, Matthew jumped in, a playful glint in his eye, "His Majesty and I have a meeting," he said with mock seriousness, "Very important matters to discuss, you understand." then he added, "and, you're already old enough to answer it all by yourself, or you just want the King's attention? Well honey, he'll be occupied by me tonight."

Elias frowned at Matthew's teasing remark, feeling a surge of jealousy. He shot back, "I don't need anyone's attention, especially not from someone who has nothing better to do than pester the King with his constant reports."

Matthew, undeterred, replied with a sly smile, "Ah, Elias, don't be so bitter. It's not my fault if the King values my input. Maybe you should try being more... indispensable."

Nery passed by the three, holding a container with cashew nuts filled in it, then he stepped closer to the King, whispering, "Your Majesty, what're they fighting about?"

The King's gloved hand reached out and picked cashews from Nery's container as he whispered back, "Apparently, they're fighting over my attention."

Nery chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement, "Ah, the usual competition, then," he replied in a hushed tone, "You do have a way of attracting attention, Your Majesty."

The King gave a wry smile, popping another cashew into his mouth, "It seems so," he said, glancing over at Elias and Matthew, who were still engaged in their playful banter, "Let's hope they don't make a habit of it."

—

NAPPEN'S EXTRA:

Nappen: Lucky Kaiser, he has two hoes all at once. [pops cashew in his mouth]

Kaiser: wha— Language!

Nappen: Yes, yes Your Majesty.

Kaiser: And Elias is a minor!

Nappen: [chews cashew silently, looking at Kaiser]

Kaiser: …

Nappen: …

Kaiser: …?

Nappen: Motherfucker, you already fucked him!