Private Joke

cw: Self-Pleasure

As the meal drew to a close, the sun began to cast long shadows over Thistlebrook, marking the end of their visit to the picturesque town. Matthew and Ezra carefully packed their souvenirs into small, well-wrapped parcels, ready to carry a piece of this delightful place back with them.

The trio left the restaurant, their footsteps echoing lightly on the cobbled streets. Elias, Matthew, and Ezra made their way through Thistlebrook's charming streets, Elias leading the way with a keen sense of direction. His knowledge of the town was limited, but with the help of the friendly locals and the guidance of the marquis, he managed to navigate them through the narrow streets.

They soon reached the waiting gig carriages. Elias noticed the two horses harnessed to each carriage, their shiny coats glinting in the setting sun. The carriages were traditional, wooden structures, elegantly designed with fine craftsmanship.

Ezra and Matthew climbed into the first carriage, and Elias assisted them with their souvenirs. The marquis, now sitting comfortably inside, leaned out and extended a hand to Elias.

"Thank you for showing us around, Marquis," Elias said warmly, his blue eyes reflecting gratitude, "I appreciate your company."

Matthew shook his hand firmly, a genuine smile on his face, "It was my pleasure, Elias. Please have a safe journey back to Handun Broch."

The driver flicked the stables and the horse neighed, in a response to their task. Matthew's eyes widened slightly, as if he almost forgot to do something. He quickly raised his voice, "Halt!"

The carriage came to a sudden stop, the wheels creaking as they came to a halt. Elias leaned out of the window to meet the Marquis's concerned gaze.

"I almost forgot," Matthew said with a half-apologetic smile. He reached into his coat pocket, pulling out two tightly wrapped parcels, "I got you a couple of souvenirs from Thistlebrook. I hope you like them."

Elias accepted the parcels with gratitude, though a puzzled expression crossed his face, "Thank you, Marquis. I'll be sure to open them when I get back home." He glanced down at the parcels, unable to remember what he had seen earlier that he might be unwrapping.

Matthew chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement, though Elias couldn't see it, "It's a surprise, Elias. I hope you find them interesting."

With a nod of farewell, the gig carriages resumed their journey, leaving Elias with the mysterious parcels in his hands. As the carriage rolled away, Elias wondered what awaited him when he finally got home.

After a moment of transport, the gig carriage stopped at the town of Handun Broch. Elias picked up his school bag and the two bags of the souvenirs as he opened the carriage's door and climbed down. With the familiar sight of Handun Broch, Elias felt like he was home. Right after where he exactly belongs.

The usual bustling streets and his fellow commoners. It was a pleasant sight.

As Elias made his way through the winding streets of Handun Broch, he couldn't help but notice the familiar sights and sounds of his hometown. The town was bustling with activity as people went about their daily lives. Vendors peddling their wares, children played in the streets, and the smell of freshly baked bread wafted from a nearby bakery.

Elias's house was a simple bungalow, the only one his family had ever known. It was a bit worn and showed signs of the family's modest means. The peeling paint on the front door and the faded curtains spoke of a need for renovation, but it was a place filled with warmth and memories.

He stepped inside, greeted by the echoes of his footsteps in the empty hallway. It was not odd not to hear his mother's voice or the sound of her laughter. He knew his father was out working to support both of them, as he had always been, but his mother's absence, for him, was not important.

Elias headed to his room, a small space that held his modest belongings. He gently placed the souvenirs from Thistlebrook on his bed and began to unpack them, his curiosity growing with every layer of wrapping he removed.

Elias gasped, his bashfulness creeping up to his face.

Did the Marquis literally give him these suggestive figurines??? 

One figurine was even his favorite! The pose where the King was kneeling suggestively.

He didn't know that these figurines are even 36cm tall! 

He carefully turned around the figurine to avoid having the sight of the King's pose.

Elias felt a mixture of embarrassment and amusement wash over him as he carefully examined the figurines. The level of detail and craftsmanship was astounding, making him appreciate the artistry despite the suggestive poses. He couldn't help but wonder why the Marquis had chosen such peculiar souvenirs for him. Was it a playful jest or something more?

Elias contemplated whether to unwrap the other, or not.

…But in the end, he unwrapped it. His curiosity won over his dignity. He felt that it's illegal to unwrap these figurines of the King, and felt he's violating the King's body for no reason.

To his surprise, the next figurine is the King, leaning back to his sitting position, his regal robes are in disarray, one arm was lifted and seemed to pour the brandy… down to his chest, which was especially naked. And his expression…

Elias was about to go insane!

He gazed at the figurine, feeling a mix of embarrassment, disbelief, and a strange sort of fascination. The craftsmanship was undeniably impressive, capturing the King's features with startling accuracy, yet it presented the ruler of Landroich in a way Elias had never imagined.

As he placed the figurine on his shelf next to the first one, Elias couldn't help but wonder what the Marquis had been thinking when he selected these souvenirs. The thought of displaying such suggestive figurines in his room made him blush, and he couldn't shake off the feeling that the Marquis was playing some sort of playful, private joke.

Elias tried to stand up, but his poor knees were soft for no reason. Then, all of the sudden, his eyes subconsciously darted to his pants, then he found out the reason: He's been aroused with the figurines.

These figurines have the power to evoke a deep desire within him, a desire that surges through his veins and refuses to be disregarded. It ignites a raw and primal yearning within him, a yearning that demands to be acknowledged and attended to.

Elias's fingers delicately glide over the exquisite figurines, a potent blend of reverence and primal desire coursing through him. As his touch caresses the supple wood, a surge of anticipation electrifies his senses, causing his every breath to hasten. His unwavering gaze becomes entranced, fixated on the alluring poses depicted before him, as his mind becomes a canvas for vivid and tantalizing images of the King's presence, capturing the King's beauty in its most resplendent form.

Elias can't resist anymore, he's overwhelmed with a strong desire. Surprisingly, he realizes that his body reacts to his own artwork. The air fills with a strong scent of arousal as he reaches into his pants, releasing his hard and eager cock.

His hand moves smoothly and lazily along the firm length, creating intricate fantasies of the King's presence intertwined with his own indescribable pleasure.

He's really into it, you can imagine it in the way he's touching those figurines. The way they look is so amazing, it's like he can't resist. It's like the beauty of the art is blending with how it feels to touch them, and it's pushing him closer to his big moment.

Elias feels his breathing getting more erratic, his moans echoing in his room. As he reaches the peak of pleasure, he thrusts his hand one final time, giving in to the intense waves of ecstasy. Afterwards, his hand is covered in the proof of his release. But his focus stays on the wooden figures in front of him, fascinated by how they represent desire and temptation. These captivating creations keep Elias enthralled, making it impossible for him to look away.

Elias quickly cleaned his hand, wiping off the thick semen using a clean tissue then crumpling it, tossing it to the empty bin beside his table. For his sake, he tucked away the figurines, afraid that he'll do it again if he got too distracted.

Elias sat on his bed, still blushing from the suggestive King figurines that the Marquis had gifted him. He had placed the figurines in the box and tucked them away, out of sight. As the initial shock and curiosity faded, he was left with an odd sense of clarity. It was like the embarrassment had cleared his mind.

What did I just… He sighed inwardly, I did something inappropriate…

How had he let curiosity lead him down this path? 

But as he sat there with the figurines concealed in their box, post-nut clarity washed over him. What had he been thinking? Displaying these in his room was out of the question. He'd let curiosity get the better of him, and now he had two very explicit figurines of the King of Landroich. And he jerked off because he got aroused by the figurines.

Elias sighed, feeling both amused and chagrined. He realized that perhaps the Marquis had been playing a little joke, and it seemed he had fallen for it. He shook his head and carefully placed the box on a higher shelf, ensuring they were entirely out of sight.

He'll be put in more trouble if his father finds out that he has these kinds of figurines of the King, or else, he'll get slapped again.

The next day, in the grandeur of his study, the King sat at his ornate desk, a vast array of documents and scrolls scattered before him. His quill glided over the parchment, a furrowed brow marking his thoughtful expression as he jotted down notes and plans.

The room was dimly lit by the filtered sunlight that streamed in through the large windows, casting long shadows on the bookshelves, stuffed with tomes of knowledge and history. The King was a man with a vision, and today his focus was on a pressing matter: the poverty plaguing his kingdom.

He scribbled down lists of policies and initiatives, his eyes unwaveringly fixed on the paper before him. He outlined plans for improving access to education, expanding healthcare services, and creating job opportunities for the commoners. He considered new tax policies that could alleviate the burden on the less fortunate and encourage investments in poverty-stricken regions.

As he worked diligently, the King couldn't help but be haunted by the realization that the poverty his policies aimed to alleviate was a result of his own inattention. He had been so absorbed in maintaining law and order, building schools, and expanding the palace that he had overlooked the struggles of his people.

The weight of this responsibility bore down on him, but he remained determined to make amends. He knew that the path to change would be arduous, filled with obstacles and resistance from those who benefited from the status quo, but he had the heart and the resolve to pursue a more equitable future for Landroich.

With the list of plans and initiatives complete, the King leaned back in his ornate chair, gazing out the window at the world beyond. There was much work to be done, and he was committed to ensuring that every citizen of his kingdom had a fair chance at a better life.

While, the other, a few hundred kilometers away, was doing his way to help his father to lift them up from poverty. 

In Thistledale, the scent of freshly baked pastries and bread filled the air, emanating from Helen's Bakery. It was a cozy little establishment that had quickly become a favorite among the locals. Today, Elias found himself hard at work behind the counter, serving a steady stream of customers with a warm smile.

A middle-aged woman approached the counter, her eyes dancing with anticipation as she gazed at the array of pastries on display. Elias couldn't help but admire the enthusiasm of the customers as they selected their favorite treats.

"Good morning!" Elias greeted with genuine cheerfulness, "What can I get for you today?"

The woman's face lit up with a delighted smile, "Oh, I simply can't resist your apple turnovers. They're divine, young man!"

Elias chuckled as he carefully selected a couple of the freshly baked turnovers, placing them in a small box for the customer, "A wise choice! Here you go, ma'am. Is there anything else I can help you with today?"

Ezra stood behind the counter, her hands deftly crafting an intricate lattice pattern on a freshly baked berry pie. She smiled at the aroma of the pie filling the air, but her attention was diverted as she observed Elias handling the counter and chatting with the customers. She couldn't help but feel a sense of pride watching her friend flourish in his role at the bakery.

As the day continued, Elias served a variety of pastries, bread, and delightful treats to the locals. The atmosphere in the bakery was one of camaraderie, with laughter and friendly chatter filling the small space. Many knew Elias well, for he had become a friendly face behind the counter, always ready to provide a delicious recommendation or share a pleasant conversation.

As the afternoon sun bathed the bakery in warm light, Ezra finally chimed in, unable to hold back her amused comment any longer, "Elias, you're becoming famous in Thistledale!"

Elias looked up, his expression a mix of curiosity and surprise, "What? How?"

Ezra chuckled, the sound ringing melodically in the cozy space, "Did you know that maidens around here are only visiting my bakery just to interact with you?" She winked playfully at him, her eyes dancing with mischief.

Elias's cheeks colored slightly, and he stammered, "Wh-what are you talking about, Ezra? I'm just here to work and serve pastries"

Ezra leaned closer to him, a conspiratorial glint in her eyes, "That may be true, but it doesn't hurt that they find you charming and delightful. You're a hit with the ladies of Thistledale, my friend."

Elias couldn't help but smile, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and pride, "Well, I suppose it's a good thing for business."

Ezra winked again, then turned her attention back to the pies, "That it is, Elias. That it is."

In the midst of this playful exchange with Ezra, a young maiden entered the bakery, her arrival going unnoticed at first. She stood by the entrance, her gaze fixated on Elias as she shyly twisted a strand of her auburn hair around her finger. Her cheeks were tinted with a rosy blush as she admired the cheerful interaction between Elias and the young lady with ginger hair.

Ezra, ever the observant one, nudged Elias with a sly grin and a raised eyebrow, nodding in the direction of the maiden. Elias followed her gaze, his own curiosity piqued. When he spotted the young maiden, their eyes met, and her blush deepened. She had the appearance of a maiden smitten, a twinkle in her eyes that couldn't be mistaken for anything other than a crush.

As Elias approached the young maiden, he couldn't help but notice her nervous fidgeting, "Hello there," he greeted with his usual warmth, a hint of shyness detectable in his voice, "How can I help you today?"

The maiden's voice wavered as she responded, her words stumbling over each other, "I, um, I heard about your bakery, and, well, I was hoping to try your pastries. Would it be possible to dine here, maybe? Just a little something, if it's not too much trouble?"

Elias's heart went out to her, her earnestness touching him, "Of course, it's no trouble at all," he replied with a reassuring smile, "Please, have a seat, and I'll bring you a selection of our finest pastries. You're in for a treat!"

The young maiden's face lit up, and she took a seat at one of the tables by the window, her gaze never leaving Elias. As he returned to the counter to prepare a tray of delectable pastries for her, he couldn't help but exchange a knowing glance with Ezra. She winked at him, clearly enjoying the unfolding situation.

While Elias was busy preparing the pastries, Ezra couldn't help but notice a sense of distraction in her friend's eyes. She leaned over the counter, whispering teasingly, "Elias, you do realize that you've captured yet another heart in Thistledale, don't you?"

Elias sighed, a mixture of amusement and exasperation in his tone, "Ezra, you're exaggerating. She's just here for the pastries, I'm sure."

As Elias approached the table where the young maiden was sitting, he felt a mixture of curiosity and empathy for her evident nervousness. With a friendly smile, he greeted her, "Hello there. I'm Elias, and I'll be taking care of you today. What can I get for you?"

The maiden's cheeks flushed an even deeper shade of pink, and she met his gaze with a shy smile, her voice barely above a whisper, "I'm Lily. Nice to meet you, Elias. I heard your apple turnovers are really good, so I'd like to try one of those, please."

Elias couldn't help but find Lily's timidity endearing as he replied, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lily. And you've made an excellent choice. Our apple turnovers are a real treat. Would you like just one, or would you like a selection of pastries to go with it?"

Lily hesitated for a moment, her fingers playing with the edge of the menu on the table. She finally looked up at Elias, her eyes filled with uncertainty, "Um, just one for now, please. I don't want to overindulge."

Elias nodded, understanding her apprehension, "Of course, one apple turnover it is. Would you like something to drink with that? We have freshly brewed coffee, tea, and some refreshing lemonade."

Lily brightened up a bit, "Lemonade sounds wonderful, thank you."

With a warm smile, Elias jotted down her order on a notepad and reassured her, "One apple turnover and a refreshing lemonade coming right up, Lily. I'll make sure it's a delightful experience for you."

Elias slides in the counter where Ezra leans on, "She's staring at me a lot, it makes me uncomfortable," he sounded defeated, "Can't I just say I'm a homosexual?"

Ezra furrowed her brows, "Try it and I'll lower your salary." 

Elias laughed softly, nudging Ezra playfully, "I'm just kidding, Miss Baker!"

Ezra chuckled, her eyes crinkling with amusement at Elias's remark. She playfully swatted at him, "You, my dear Elias, are far too charming to reveal your secrets so easily. Besides, a little innocent admiration never hurt anyone, did it?"

Elias sighed, leaning in a bit closer to Ezra, his voice laced with a hint of exasperation, "I suppose not, but it's just...I don't want to lead her on. I mean, it's not fair to her."

Ezra gave him a knowing look, her tone softening, "I understand your concern, Elias. Just be yourself, and she'll figure it out eventually. In the meantime, let her enjoy the pastries and your delightful company."

Elias couldn't help but smile at Ezra's wisdom. He knew she was right. In the cozy little haven of Helen's Bakery, they served more than just pastries; they offered a taste of warmth and camaraderie. As the scent of freshly baked goods filled the air and the laughter of happy customers enveloped them, Elias decided to focus on providing a welcoming experience for everyone who stepped through the bakery's door, regardless of their intentions.

Ezra winked at him again, "You're doing just fine, Elias. And don't worry, I'll always have your back." Then she lightly pushed Elias in the working area, "Now, now! pass the order to our baker."