Your Grace, Look Out!

As Kaiser spoke, Matthew could not help but feel a pang of relief in his chest. He knew that Luxe had a tendency to be headstrong and impulsive, often calling for Matthew's presence or other members of the Royal Family on a moment's notice. It was not uncommon for her to ask him to carry out tasks that were clearly outside of their duties, simply because it was more convenient for her. This had put Matthew in a difficult position on more than one occasion, as he was usually the one who was forced to deal with her demands and the repercussions of her actions.

With a nod, Matthew hurriedly made his way through the palace to inform the imperial equestrian, Arthur, of Kaiser's request. The Grand Duke's horse, a majestic stallion named Amias, would need to be prepared for the journey to the Rosette river, and Matthew knew that Arthur would attend to it without delay. 

As Matthew made his way through the palace's corridors, he couldn't help but smile to himself. Despite Kaiser's initial resistance, he had finally agreed to join Luxe for a picnic by the river and Matthew himself would like to accompany Kaiser. Luxe was a lively and spirited woman, and Matthew was certain that she would be able to coax Kaiser out of his usual reticence and into a more relaxed state of mind. 

As Matthew reached Arthur's chamber Kaiser was behind him all the time, tailing him as he goes, Matthew found Arthur attending to some other matters, but he was quick to attend to the Grand Duke's request, "Your Majesty," he said with a bow as he entered, "Your horse, Amias, is ready to go."

Matthew smiled at Arthur, grateful for his quick thinking and willingness to accommodate Kaiser's requests. The Grand Duke was certainly a man of position and power, but Matthew knew that he could be equally stubborn and set in his ways. It would take someone with a deft touch to coax him out of his shell, and Matthew was certain that Luxe would be able to accomplish just that.

As Matthew made his way through the palace corridors with Kaiser, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building within him. Despite the Grand Duke's initial reluctance, he knew that Luxe's charm and wit would likely wear down any resistance he may have felt.

As Kaiser approached the stables, he could hear the sound of Amias' hooves pounding the ground. Matthew waited outside the stable doors, holding a bridle and a set of reins in his hand, "All set, Your Grace?" 

Matthew asked, looking up as Matthew approached, "Yes, thank you, Maximino." Kaiser replied, taking the bridle and reins from Matthew's hand. 

"I appreciate your help." Kaiser said.

 Matthew replied, "Always happy to assist the Grand Duke. I'll lead Amias out. You follow when you're ready." 

Kaiser nodded, and watched as Matthew led Amias out of the stable and into the sunlight. The horse reared slightly, as if aware of the importance of the journey ahead.

"Shall we go, Your Grace?" Matthew asked, looking at Kaiser expectantly. 

"Yes, let's go." Kaiser replied, mounting Amias and settling himself into the saddle.

As they set out from the palace, Matthew felt a sense of excitement wash over him. He knew that Luxe would be waiting for them at the Rosette river, eager to share a picnic and a chance to bond with the Grand Duke. He could feel Amias picking up speed beneath him, and he knew that the journey would be a memorable one. 

With Matthew leading the way, Amias following close behind, and the warm sun on his back, Matthew couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the gift of this outing. He knew that it would be a day to remember, and he looked forward to spending it with the Grand Duke.

Matthew and Kaiser rode through the winding secluded path, Matthew chatting away about the sights and sounds around them, complimenting Kaiser- while Kaiser listened intently.

"Your Grace, it's been a while since we rode horses together." He said with a smile, "You've grown up really well, you're looking matured, your hair has grown and it suits you really well."

Kaiser said nothing but a nod.

Matthew looked over at Kaiser and saw the Grand Duke's eyes fixed on the path ahead. He knew that Kaiser was not one for small talk, but Matthew couldn't help but feel a sense of longing to break the silence.

"Your Grace, it's really beautiful out today, isn't it?" he tried again. 

The Grand Duke said nothing, but Matthew could see the corner of his lips turn up in a small smile— or it was a delusion.

Matthew continued to chatter away, pointing out the different types of trees they passed, and the different bird calls he heard in the distance. 

"Your Grace, have you ever heard the mythical tale of the bluebird of happiness? They say that if you catch one and keep it as a pet, it will bring you good luck and happiness for the rest of your life. Can you imagine that?" Matthew laughed at the absurdity of the idea, but to his surprise, Kaiser spoke for the first time since they had set out.

 "I have heard of them, but I have never believed in such things." The Grand Duke said quietly. 

Matthew looked over at Kaiser with surprise. It was rare for the grand duke to share his thoughts like that.

"Why do you say that, Your Grace?" Matthew asked. Kaiser turned his head to look at Matthew with a serious expression. 

"Because I have never needed luck or happiness, Matthew. I have everything I need right here, right now." he said, gesturing to the wilderness around them.

Matthew was stunned by Kaiser's words. He had never thought of the Grand Duke in such a way, as a man who did not need anything more than what he already had. 

"That's quite a profound statement, Your Grace. Is being a Grand Duke really enough for you? Isn't there anything else you want out of life?" Matthew asked. 

Kaiser simply shrugged, "A Grand Duke needs nothing but a kingdom to rule, and I have that."

Matthew couldn't argue with that. The grand duke was the most powerful person in the kingdom. "Your Grace, that's an impressive way of looking at things." Matthew said. 

Kaiser nodded, and the two of them rode in silence for the rest of the way to the river.

As they neared the Rosette river, they spotted Luxe under a willow tree, waiting for them. Luxe was wearing a simple white dress that suits her raven hair. She waited for the two, and she ate some pastries. 

Kaiser was the first one to mount the horse before Matthew, and Matthew handed Amias over to the Imperial guard and tied Amias' stable to a nearby tree. Kaiser walked swifty, his hair swaying as he walked and his earrings jiggling in motion. Luxe spotted the Grand Duke and approached Kaiser with a bow, "Your Grace." 

Kaiser stopped to speak but didn't bat an eye to Luxe, He said coldly, "How dare you ask Maximino, when the Marquis himself has a lot of things to do. You have imperial guards to run an errand and invite me here." 

Luxe's stomach twisted at Kaiser's cold tone. She had never seen the Grand Duke speak to her in such a way before. It was as if he was a completely different person from the man she had known for the past 13 years.

Matthew looked at Luxe with concern. He knew how much she loved Kaiser, and he could see the hurt on her face as Kaiser's words sank in. He wanted to say something to comfort her, but he didn't know what to say.

Could it be that the Grand Duke doesn't like me? but I tried everything.. Thought Luxe. It is true that the Grand Duke has changed but she never thought he would change like this. Luxe thought Kaiser is the same cousin she met in that grand celebration that year.

The atmosphere grew awkward between the two couples, Matthew butted in, afraid that the Grand Duchess might offend the Grand Duke more further, "Your Grace, it's fine, I accepted it anyway so let us enjoy the Rosette river and the pastries, what do you say, Your Grace?"

Kaiser hmp'ed in response as he walked away, walking towards Luxe's spot where she sat earlier and eating pastries. Why does Luxe need to ask Maximino for this invitation? Can't she ask the Imperial Guards? how shameful, disturbing Maximino for this. Kaiser couldn't help but be ashamed as well. The riverbank is windy and the sun is about to set, his loafers meet the grass that's dancing through the windy moment. 

At the same time he heard a voice afar, it sounded young, constantly saying, "I'm sorry! I'll pay for it!" 

The young man, likely in his teenage years, stood out from the crowd due to his fair hair and striking sea-blue eyes. Despite his appearance, it was clear that he was a commoner. The youth had lost the control of his limbs due to the riverbank's landscape, it was like a hill by the river. quickly, the youth yelled, "Make way! I can't stop running—" 

As he descended the riverbank, his footing became more unsteady on the uneven terrain. Despite his efforts to stop, he lost control of his limbs and tumbled down the hill, colliding with the Grand Duke, helplessly rolling into the ground on the way to the river in a tow, creating a huge impact with the water.

Landroich's Mini Theatre:

Elias: [Apologizing profusely] "I'm really sorry, Your Grand Duke-ship! I didn't mean to-"

[Kaiser, on the other hand, flailed about in the water, his arms and legs moving in a wild, uncoordinated dance. He looked like a fish out of water, desperately trying to find its way back to the sea. ]

Kaiser: [Spluttering] "Help! I can't swim! I'm drowning!"

[Matthew rushes to the rescue, but Kaiser's exaggerated floundering continues.]

Matthew: [Trying to contain his laughter] "Your Grace, it's the Rosette River! It's not that deep! Stand up!"

[Kaiser, still panicking, finally stands up, water dripping from his clothes.]

Kaiser: [Sheepishly] "Oh... Right. I knew that."

Nappen: Jokes aside though, the Rosette River is above Kaiser's height.