Versatile

Luxe's fingers tighten on Elias's chin, and she leans in closer, "Why?" she whispers, "Why do you think he chooses you over me?"

Elias was still struggling to catch his breath, but he could feel Luxe's grip on him loosening. He looked up at her and the anger was gone from her eyes.

"I don't know," he whispered, his voice hoarse from the water he had swallowed, "I don't know why the King would choose me over you."

In truth, there's nothing in between the King and Elias, they're just mere friends, and the Queen just assumed that they're having a secret relationship. 

Luxe's face twisted into a scowl. Her grip on Elias's collar tightened,

"Don't you dare lecture me about how valuable I am," she spat, "I am a Queen of the Kingdom, and you are a lowborn street rat." 

"How dare you?" Luxe hisses, her grip on Elias's hand tightens, "How dare you speak to me as though we are equals?" Luxe shakes her head incredulously, as if she cannot believe the audacity of this commoner. "I should have your tongue cut out for that insult. The mere thought of it repulses me."

"Your Highness, that's enough."

The Queen froze in her tracks as the voice belonged to none other than Matthew, the King's concubine. He stood with an air of quiet authority, his long silver hair cascading down his back, and his half-framed glasses perched on his nose. His eyes, usually half-lidded with a soft smile, now held a sternness that demanded attention.

Matthew continued, his voice unwavering, "I will not hesitate to speak to the King about what has transpired here, about how you've harmed Elias."

The Queen's eyes flickered with a mixture of surprise and frustration. She had not expected Matthew to intervene on Elias's behalf, and his threat to involve the King clearly unnerved her.

Elias, still kneeling on the floor, felt a surge of gratitude towards Matthew. He knew that Matthew's words carried weight in the secluded room.

The Queen, realizing that her actions might have consequences, slowly lowered her hand. She turned to Matthew with a scowl, her anger still simmering beneath the surface.

"This is none of your concern, Matthew," she spat, her voice laced with resentment.

Matthew remained unfazed, his expression unwavering, "Elias is under the King's protection, and his well-being is of utmost importance to His Majesty," he replied calmly, "I suggest you remember that."

The Queen's gaze bore into Matthew as she hissed, "And who are you to stop me?"

Matthew's response was succinct but carried the weight of his position in the palace, "The Marquis."

"I may be the King's concubine, but I'm also a Marquis," He said, "Your Highness, I know that you're fully aware of what the King could do when he knows what you have done to Elias."

Elias shivered, his eyes widening slightly, he had witnessed how the King took the thief's life before him. But the fact that it would definitely make a great chaos in the kingdom, Elias was even more concerned that he'll bother the king more. Elias, still trembling from the encounter, found the courage to speak up, his voice quivering, "M-Marquis, please, don't let His Majesty know about this…"

Matthew glanced at Elias, his expression softening with concern. He then turned his attention back to the Queen and spoke with a touch of reproach, "Look, Your Highness, even your victim pleaded to shut my mouth for your safety, Have you got no conscience?"

The Queen seemed to hesitate for a moment, her eyes flickering between Elias and Matthew. Finally, with a frustrated sigh, she relented, "Fine," she conceded, her tone sharp, "But make sure your friend understands the consequences of crossing me again."

Elias nodded fervently, his fear palpable, "I do, Your Highness," he stammered, "I won't speak a word about this to anyone, especially not the King."

Once the Queen had left the scene, Elias let out a shaky breath, his hands trembling at his sides. Matthew placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, his touch grounding Elias amidst the chaos, "You did well," Matthew said softly, "Let's get you cleaned up, Ezra's waiting for you outside."

Matthew's reassurance gave Elias some much-needed comfort. He nodded, grateful for Matthew's presence, "Thank you, Marquis," Elias murmured, his voice still trembling. Together, they made their way out of the secluded spot where the confrontation had taken place.

As they stepped into the corridor, Elias saw Ezra waiting anxiously. Her eyes widened when she saw Elias's disheveled state, "Elias, what happened? Are you alright?" she exclaimed, rushing to his side.

"I'm fine," Elias replied weakly, offering her a faint smile, "Let's go to the academy's clinic. I need to clean up."

Matthew kept a protective arm around Elias as they walked, a silent yet reassuring presence. Matthew never once thought about getting this close to Elias, especially his rival when it comes to the King's heart. Matthew escorted them with a silent gesture, while Ezra kept interviewing what happened to Elias, yet Elias refused to reveal. 

Upon reaching the academy's clinic, Matthew gently guided Elias to a nearby chair. Elias hesitated for a moment before sitting down, still in shock from the encounter with the Queen. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, and he couldn't shake off the fear that gripped his heart.

Ezra continued to shoot concerned glances at Elias, clearly worried about his well-being. Matthew, with calm and practiced hands, began tending to Elias's wounds. He cleaned the cuts and bruises meticulously as if a professional, his touch gentle yet firm. Elias couldn't help but notice the meticulous care Matthew was taking.

"You know how to...?" Elias started, his voice trailing off, unable to form a coherent sentence.

Matthew didn't look up from his work, focusing on cleaning and dressing Elias's wounds, "I've picked up a thing or two in the palace," he said, his tone casual, as if he was merely discussing the weather. He added, his tone nonchalantly, "Being the King's confidant requires me to be versatile."

Then Matthew inhaled softly, as he picked up another dressing, "Growing up with the King, he's been a clumsy kid, his body is like fragile glass, he could easily get bruises, scratches and cuts mysteriously."

Elias glanced at Matthew, a glimmer of curiosity in his eyes, "Really?" he asked, intrigued by the insight into the King's past, "I wouldn't have imagined that."

Matthew nodded, a small smile playing on his lips as he recalled those childhood memories, "Yes," he replied, his voice tinged with fondness, "He was always full of energy and curiosity, exploring every nook and cranny of the palace. Sometimes, he'd come back with all sorts of minor injuries. I used to tease him about it, but I'd always patch him up."

Elias couldn't help but smile at the mental image of the young King, a far cry from the composed ruler he knew now, "He must have been quite a handful," he remarked.

Matthew chuckled softly, "Oh, he was," he agreed, "But he was also a joy to be around. His enthusiasm was infectious." 

As Matthew carefully applied ointments to Elias's wounds, he continued to share his memories. His hands moved with a gentle and practiced touch, soothing the pain and discomfort Elias felt.

"I taught myself to learn how to treat wounds and injuries for him," Matthew said softly, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. "But then, when I finally mastered it and was ready to use my skills, His Majesty... was oddly not touching or running around all of a sudden."

"Then one time," Matthew continued, his expression thoughtful, "I overheard him talking to one of the palace physicians. They mentioned that he had developed a fear of being touched and that he valued cleanliness more than ever before."

Elias listened intently, his curiosity piqued, "Afraid of being touched?" he echoed, surprised. The image of the powerful and composed King being afraid of physical contact seemed almost surreal.

Matthew nodded, his expression tinged with sadness, "Yes," he confirmed, his tone gentle, "He probably thinks that everything he touched will break, everyone that will touch him, will harm him and will give him bruises. He became obsessed with cleanliness, almost as if he could wash away whatever had scared him. It took him a long time to trust physical contact again, even from those closest to him."

Elias couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for the King. It was a side of him he had never seen before, a vulnerability that humanized the powerful ruler, "I had no idea," Elias said softly, his voice filled with understanding. "He hides it well."

Matthew sighed, a mixture of sadness and fondness in his eyes, "Yes, he does," he agreed, "He's mastered the art of concealing his vulnerabilities. But he's not invincible, Elias. He may be a king, but he's still just a man."

In truth, Elias had known that the King was afraid of being touched, but sometimes, when the King gave him some touches, such as patting his head, and when he hugged the King out of comfort, the King didn't give some reactions and let Elias do what he wanted. 

But the Marquis' story made it all clear why the King always wears gloves.

"I'll be careful around him," Elias said softly, his voice filled with empathy, "I won't take his gestures for granted."

Matthew smiled appreciatively, a silent acknowledgment of Elias's understanding. He continued to tend to Elias's wounds, the atmosphere in the room heavy with unspoken emotions. As the Marquis finished up, Elias couldn't help but notice the gentle touch, a stark contrast to the King's apprehension towards physical contact.

"You're kind to him," Matthew said, his gaze fixed on Elias, "He needs people like you around him."

Ezra watched the exchange with curiosity, her eyes flickering between Elias and Matthew. She could sense a deeper connection between them, something she couldn't quite put her finger on.

"You know, Elias, He's been rumored as the tyrant, right?" Matthew asked as he finished treating Elias's wounds, tidying up all the materials he used.

Elias nodded in acknowledgment of Matthew's comment, his thoughts still lingering on the King's vulnerability, "Yes, I've heard the rumors," he replied softly, "But I've also seen a different side of him, a side that's not always visible to others."

Ezra chimed in, her curiosity getting the better of her, "What's he really like, then? The King, I mean."

Matthew shared a thoughtful look with Elias before answering, "He's a complex man, a ruler burdened with immense responsibility. He can be strict and uncompromising when it comes to matters of the kingdom, but he's also kind and compassionate, especially to those he cares about. He values loyalty above all else."

Elias nodded in agreement, adding, "He's dedicated to his people and will do whatever it takes to protect them. He's not just a king; he's a protector, a guardian."

"Correct," Matthew smiled, "Elias, I can't make him smile like the way you do, did you know that?" 

Ever since Elias appeared beside the King, the King had changed. He learned how to smile, he's not likely the aloof, distant Grand Duke from months ago. 

Elias blushed at Matthew's comment, a warm feeling spreading through him at the thought that he could bring a smile to the King's face, "I'm just doing what I can to support him," he replied modestly, "He's been through so much, and if I can make him smile, then I'm glad."

Matthew nodded in understanding, his silver hair catching the light as he smiled warmly at Elias, "You have a gift," he said sincerely, "The ability to bring out the best in people, especially the King. It's a rare and valuable trait."

Feeling this kind of conversation was not good for Ezra's ears, she excused herself that she 'left' something outside, and was going to grab it.

Matthew turned his attention back to Elias, "In truth, I'm jealous of you, Elias. I can never… make His Majesty smile like that, he never gave me affectionate touches like he does to you, but I'm thankful that I could still see that side of him, even if I'm not the cause."

Elias met Matthew's half-lidded eyes, sensing the genuine vulnerability behind his words, "I think His Majesty values you deeply," Elias said softly, "Each of us has a unique connection with him. You might not see it, but you bring something special to his life too. The fact that he entrusted you with his deepest fears and vulnerabilities shows how much he trusts you."

Matthew gave a faint smile, appreciating Elias's words even if they didn't entirely alleviate his jealousy, "Thank you for saying that," he replied, his voice a mixture of gratitude and melancholy, "It's just... I wish I could do more for him."

Elias placed a reassuring hand on Matthew's shoulder, "You're already doing a lot," he said earnestly, "We all have our roles to play, and I believe the King values each of us in his own way."

Elias felt that the Marquis' mood started to go downhill, so he changed the subject. "If I'm not wrong, Marquis," Elias cleared his throat, "You have feelings for the King..?"

Matthew nodded before answering, "I do, but he didn't reciprocate it, he only sees me as his friend right from the day we met." He added, "I know you have feelings for him too, don't deny it, It's obvious."

Elias paused, his eyes searching Matthew's face for any sign of deceit. When he found none, he sighed in resignation, "You're right," he admitted quietly, his voice tinged with vulnerability, "I do have feelings for him. But I've never acted on them, and I never will. He's the King, and I'm just a commoner. Our worlds are too different."

Matthew nodded in understanding, "I understand your perspective," he said gently, "It's not easy to navigate such complex feelings, especially when there are so many barriers in our way. But Elias, remember this: you bring a unique light to his life, just as I do. And sometimes, love takes many forms. Our love for him may not be romantic, but it's still love in its own right."

"As I see it, you have a chance for him, Elias." He said, pushing his glasses back.

Elias looked at Matthew, his eyes filled with surprise, "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice cautious.

Matthew leaned closer, his gaze steady, "I've known the King for a long time," he explained, his tone thoughtful, "I've seen the way he looks at you, Elias. There's a connection between you two, something deeper than friendship. And in his eyes, I see a glimmer of warmth and affection that I haven't seen before."

Elias felt his heart race at Matthew's words. Could it be true? Could the King truly have feelings for him? The possibility filled him with a mix of hope and fear.

"But even if he does," Elias said hesitantly, "there are still so many obstacles. The Queen, the difference in our social status... How could we ever be together? Not to mention our age, I'm fifteen and he's eighteen." He didn't know whether to believe the Marquis' words or not.

Matthew regarded Elias with a soft, understanding expression, "Love doesn't adhere to societal norms or age boundaries," he said gently, "It's a force that transcends such limitations. And as for the Queen, well, that's a more complicated matter. But love has a way of finding its path, even in the most challenging circumstances."

Elias bit his lip, his mind swirling with conflicting emotions. The idea that the King might reciprocate his feelings was both exhilarating and terrifying. The thought of being with the person he admired and respected so deeply was almost too much to fathom.

Matthew continued, his voice warm and reassuring, "I'm not saying it will be easy, Elias. Love rarely is. But if there's a chance for happiness, isn't it worth exploring? Life is short, and sometimes, we have to take risks to find the things that truly matter to us."

"It's impossible for the King to like me," His ocean eyes held a hint of worry and aching for longing, "And, what about you?"

Matthew's gaze softened as he considered Elias's question. He sighed and leaned back, crossing his arms thoughtfully, "As for me, Elias," he began, "I've come to terms with the fact that the King sees me as a friend and nothing more. It's not easy, but I've learned to value the bond we share as friends and advisors."

Elias nodded, his heart aching for Matthew's unrequited feelings, "I'm sorry," he said softly, "It must be difficult."

Matthew offered a small, resigned smile, "It can be, but it's also a privilege to be so close to someone as remarkable as the King. I've found fulfillment in serving him and helping him navigate the complexities of his role."

Elias admired Matthew's resilience and dedication, "You're a good friend, Marquis. The King is lucky to have you."

"Elias," Matthew called out, his eyelashes fluttering, "You snatched him away from me," Matthew said teasingly, "So, treat him well, don't break his heart."

Elias chuckled, appreciating Matthew's good-natured teasing, "I promise, Marquis," he replied, "I'll do my best to keep the King's heart safe."

Matthew smiled warmly, his half-lidded eyes reflecting his sincerity, "I have no doubt you will, Elias. And if there's ever anything you need or any advice you seek, don't hesitate to come to me. I'll be here to support you."

Under the golden afternoon sun, Thistlebrook's shopping plaza bustled with activity. Nobles from nearby provinces perused the stalls, seeking rare fabrics, exquisite jewelry, and other luxuries. The shopping plaza bustled with activity as Matthew led Elias through the cobblestone streets, passing by elegant boutiques and shops filled with luxurious goods. The atmosphere was a stark contrast to Elias's usual surroundings, and he couldn't help but feel a bit out of place. Matthew led Elias and Ezra through the vibrant market, determined to lift his spirits after the troubling incident with the Queen.

Matthew couldn't help but notice Elias's slightly disheveled appearance. The dirt and grime from earlier still clung to his clothes.

"Elias," Matthew began, eyeing his attire with a hint of concern, "I think it would be best if we got you a new set of clothes. You look a bit... disheveled, if you don't mind me saying."

Elias hesitated, looking down at his worn and dirty outfit. He was used to dressing modestly, but he couldn't deny that a fresh change of clothes would be welcome. Still, he felt a pang of guilt about accepting such an offer.

"Marquis, I appreciate the gesture, but I don't want to be a burden," Elias replied, his voice filled with uncertainty.

Matthew chuckled softly, placing a reassuring hand on Elias's shoulder. "Elias, think of it this way," he said, a mischievous twinkle in his eye, "You can either accept new attire, or you can walk around Thistlebrook looking like a rag. Which would you prefer?"

Ezra, on the other hand, was struggling to burst out her laughter. She couldn't help it, with the word 'walk around Thistlebrook looking like a rag' could make her roll down to hell, laughing with her broken humor.

Elias rolled his eyes in mock exasperation, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips, "I suppose the new attire is the more sensible choice," he conceded, feigning reluctance. He couldn't help but chuckle along with Matthew, appreciating the Marquis's lighthearted approach to the situation.

Ezra, unable to contain her amusement any longer, burst into laughter. Her giggles echoed through the bustling marketplace, drawing curious glances from nearby shoppers. She clutched her stomach, gasping for breath between fits of laughter, "Oh, Elias, you have to admit, the Marquis has a way with words," she managed to say, her voice still tinged with amusement.

Matthew led the two to a nearby tailor. The shop is full of dresses, suits and other occasion-related attires. Elias suddenly thought if they went in the wrong shop, because this one seemed out of the attire he imagined!

As they stepped into the tailor's shop, Elias couldn't help but feel a bit out of place. The lavish array of dresses, suits, and ornate occasion-related attire made him wonder if they had ventured into the wrong shop. He glanced at Matthew, his eyebrows raised in mild surprise.

Matthew, however, appeared right at home amidst the opulent displays. He walked confidently up to the shopkeeper, a middle-aged woman with a keen eye for fashion, "Good afternoon," he greeted her with a charming smile, "We're in need of some attire for my friend here."

The shopkeeper's sharp eyes appraised Elias from head to toe, taking in his disheveled appearance. She arched an eyebrow but maintained a professional demeanor, "Of course," she replied, her tone courteous, "We have a wide selection of clothing for various occasions. What is the nature of the event, and what style are you looking for?"

Ezra chimed in, her sense of humor returning, "We're hoping to find something that can transform Elias here from a rag into a presentable gentleman," she said with a playful wink.

The shopkeeper let out a soft chuckle at Ezra's comment, "Well, you've come to the right place," she said, leading them further into the shop where racks of clothing awaited, "We'll have him looking his best in no time."

As the shopkeeper let them through the racks displayed, she expected that Elias would like those types of attires, to her surprise, Elias didn't even touch anything or catch his liking.

"Mister, If you didn't like some, We have a private fitting. They have a selection of attire suitable for various occasions, including more casual options." With that, she led them to a curtained-off area in the back of the shop.

Inside, Elias found a more diverse range of clothing, including some that were more in line with his usual style. He let out a sigh of relief, grateful that he wouldn't have to don an extravagant ball gown or a heavily embroidered suit.

Ezra, on the other hand, couldn't resist the temptation to explore the more extravagant dresses on display. She twirled in front of a full-length mirror, pretending to be a princess at a grand ball, "What do you think, Elias?" she called out playfully, "Should I go for something like this?"

Elias chuckled, shaking his head, "Don't act like a kid, you're already 17, what're you twirling around there? And, we're going to walk around in Thistlebrook, would you like to look like a clown as we walk?"

Ezra laughed, rolling her eyes at Elias's comment, "Oh, come on, Elias, where's your sense of fun?" she teased, "But you're right, I'll save the grand ball gown for a different occasion, maybe a royal masquerade."

Meanwhile, Elias continued to browse through the more casual options. He eventually settled on a simple yet elegant ensemble consisting of a deep blue shirt and tailored trousers. It was comfortable yet refined, a perfect compromise between his usual attire and the standards of Thistlebrook.

As Elias changed into his new clothes, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of self-consciousness. The fabric was soft against his skin, and the fit was impeccable, but it was a far cry from the plain, practical clothes he was used to wearing. He glanced at himself in the mirror, adjusting his collar and smoothing down the fabric, trying to appear at ease with the change.

Once they were both dressed and ready, they met back with Matthew, who nodded approvingly at their choices, "You both look splendid," he said with a warm smile. Then, he paid the shopkeeper and left the tailor's shop.

With Matthew's guidance, they wandered through the Thistlebrook plaza, admiring the vibrant colors of autumn leaves that adorned the trees lining the streets. The last month of autumn was a sight to behold, with a crisp breeze that carried the scent of fall and the promise of winter.

As they strolled through the plaza, Elias couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder. Thistlebrook was a far cry from the palace and the familiar surroundings of the academy. The shops and stalls offered a variety of goods, from finely crafted jewelry to intricate artwork and delicious street food.

Ezra's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she examined some of the jewelry on display, while Elias found himself drawn to a small stand selling beautifully handcrafted wooden figurines.

Matthew approached Elias, "You like wooden figurines?" 

Elias nodded as he admired a detailed carved wooden car figurine.

"His Majesty like wooden figurines, too." Matthew added.

Elias glanced at Matthew, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. "He does?" he asked, his curiosity piqued. It was another glimpse into the King's personal interests that Elias had never been aware of before.

Matthew nodded, a fond smile on his lips, "Yes," he confirmed, "He has quite a collection of them in his study. I remember he once spent hours at an artisan's shop in the capital, admiring their work. He finds them calming, he once told me."

Elias couldn't help but smile at the thought of the King admiring wooden figurines in his study. It was a charming image, one that added a layer of humanity to the powerful ruler, "I never knew that," he admitted, his voice soft, "It's nice to learn more about him." It was a glimpse into a side of the King he hadn't known before – a person who found solace in the simplicity of finely crafted objects. 

They ventured in the shop, Ezra followed over. Their eyes wandered to the wooden figurines in the wooden cabinet on display, some were rows of birds which were in the pose of taking a flight, some were animals, while the others were vehicles and structures.

As Elias and his companions perused the wooden figurines in the shop, Elias's gaze was suddenly drawn to a section that contained figurines that seemed oddly familiar. Amongst the assortment of meticulously crafted figurines, there were several that depicted a figure resembling the King.

Elias blinked in surprise and moved closer to get a better look. There, on one of the shelves, was a wooden figurine of the King sitting on a throne, adorned in regal attire. Beside it, another figurine showed the King holding a scythe, perhaps symbolizing his role as a protector of the country.

However, Elias couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the last figurine, which depicted the King in a rather suggestive sitting position. He quickly averted his eyes, feeling a flush of embarrassment creeping up his cheeks.

He quickly averted his gaze, feeling a strange mix of amusement and discomfort. Glancing at Matthew, he noticed a subtle smirk on the Marquis' face, indicating that he, too, had noticed the peculiar figurine.

Ezra, however, seemed completely oblivious to the suggestive nature of the figurine. Instead, she was engrossed in examining a delicate wooden bird in flight. "Look at this one, Elias!" she exclaimed, holding it up for him to see,"It's so beautifully carved."

Elias forced a smile, trying to hide his embarrassment. "Yes, it is," he agreed, carefully avoiding the King's figurine, "Let's, uh, maybe look at the other figurines, shall we?" he suggested, subtly guiding Ezra away from the display.

As they continued exploring the shop, Elias couldn't shake off the image of the suggestive figurine from his mind. It was a moment he knew he wouldn't forget easily, adding another layer of complexity to the King's enigmatic persona. They passed a few shelves, and there's another whole set of shelves displaying another section of the King's figure.

Elias's eyes widened in disbelief as he approached the new set of shelves, only to find an entire section dedicated to various renditions of the King's figure. His face turned a shade of crimson, and he quickly averted his gaze, feeling a mix of embarrassment and exasperation. There were wooden carvings of the King in different poses – some were indeed indecent, while others were more appropriate but still highly detailed and intimate.

It seems that the artisant is fond of the King's appearance.

I swear to the heavens, Elias thought inwardly, If this is, again, indecent-looking figure, this artisant should be in jail— isn't this illegal?!

"This... this is absurd," Elias muttered under his breath, glancing at Matthew, who wore an amused expression.

Matthew stifled a chuckle, his eyes dancing with mirth, "It appears this artisan has a particular fascination with the King's image," he remarked, clearly finding the situation quite entertaining.

Ezra, on the other hand, seemed completely oblivious to the suggestive nature of the carvings. She tilted her head curiously, examining the intricate details of one of the figurines, "I don't get it," she said, furrowing her brows, "Why would someone carve the King in such... intimate poses?"

Elias hesitated for a moment, then pointed to the collection of King figurines on the nearby shelf, "Take a look," he said, a mixture of amusement and disbelief in his voice.

Ezra followed his gaze and gasped when she saw the King's figurines. Some depicted him in regal attire, others in dynamic poses, but there were a few that raised her eyebrows, including one where the King was holding a rose and winking seductively.

Ezra burst into laughter, unable to contain herself, "Well, it seems the artisan has quite the imagination," she commented with a mischievous grin.

Elias coughed, trying to find the right words, "Well, uh, artists have different interpretations, I suppose," he stammered, attempting to sound nonchalant. "Let's... let's move on and explore the rest of the shop. There must be other interesting items here."

As they hastily made their way out of the section, Elias couldn't help but wonder what the King's reaction would be if he ever stumbled upon these peculiar carvings. The thought alone was enough to make him cringe inwardly.

But nevertheless, the figures are too detailed and it's erotic. It gave him goosebumps. Elias wondered if some were brave enough to buy one of these figures.

As they ventured further at the corner of the shop, Matthew's eyes widened as he caught sight of the increasingly risqué figurines. He quickly stepped in, placing a hand on Elias's shoulder and steering him away from the explicit carvings, "Alright, I think this section is off-limits for minors," he said, his voice filled with amusement but also a touch of concern, "Not suitable for kids."

Ezra, who had been laughing, suddenly covered her mouth, trying to stifle her giggles, "I can't believe someone made these," she managed to say between bursts of laughter, "And who would buy them?"

Elias shook his head in bewilderment, "I have no idea, and I don't want to know." he replied, feeling a mix of discomfort and curiosity.

☺

—

NAPPEN'S EXTRA:

= Based from this chapter =

Young Kaiser: No touchy!

Kaiser now: [still with the phobia of being touched and the obsession of being clean] *casually rails Matthew*