His Highness’ Temptation

The following week, as Kaiser worked on other pressing issues, he couldn't help but think about Matthew's proposition. He trusted the Marquis, but he also knew that time was of the essence. Elias was already out of the palace as his thighs were healed and bid a farewell to The Grand Duke.

The longer they took to find the truth, the more time the culprit could have to cover their tracks. 

One morning, as Kaiser was working in his study, he heard a knock on the door. "Come in," he called. 

Matthew entered the room, a stack of papers in his hands, "Your Grace," he said, "I have something for you."

Kaiser straightened in his chair. "What is it?" 

Matthew handed him the papers. "These are the names and addresses of potential witnesses. I've also included information about their backgrounds and potential affiliations." 

Kaiser scanned the papers, his eyes growing wider with each new detail, "This is incredible," he said. "Where did you get all of this information?" 

Matthew leaned back in his chair, "I did some digging, Your Grace. I have sources all over Landroich, and I used them to gather this information." 

Kaiser's mind was racing with possibilities. With this information, they could finally start to uncover the truth. "Thank you, Maximino," Kaiser said, 

standing up and offering his hand. "You've done a remarkable job."

Matthew smiled at the praise, he leaned in, propping his hand to his jaw as he gazed at the man, organizing the papers he had just handed over. "Kaiser, Can you pay attention to me now?"

Matthew rarely calls Kaiser by his name, Matthew always addresses him as 'Your Grace' and Kaiser addresses Matthew 'Maquirs Maximino' or just 'Maximino', with this abrupt call, Kaiser's ears perked up.

"What's up? What do you want?" Kaiser asked as he paid attention to the papers.

"As I was gathering the papers, during my break time, I came across a historical book that says, every royalty including noble houses has a harem. Well that crosses my mind, Kaiser, would you like to start your imperial harem?"

Kaiser's eyebrows shot up at the unexpected proposition, "My imperial harem?" he repeated, taking a moment to process what Matthew had just said. 

"Yes, your Grace," Matthew replied with a smile, "It's very common among noble houses, and it would be a great way to increase your political influence." 

Kaiser considered the idea for a moment, then shook his head. "I appreciate the suggestion, but I'm not interested in starting a harem. I'm focused on my duties as Grand Duke, and I don't want to muddy the waters with personal desires." 

Matthew knows what The Grand Duke is, A man who would still read and write, focused on his paperworks even if there's an intruder in his chambers. Kaiser is someone that has a clean reputation, since he's rumored as a tyrant being, no one dared to provoke him, but since Matthew is a close friend of the Grand Duke, he pressed on to tease, also have a bonding.

"Ah.. what a waste," Matthew hummed, combing his silver hair using his fingers, "I would join if you would pursue this tradition.."

Kaiser raised an eyebrow at Matthew's comment, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. He had always found Matthew's teasing charming in its own way, and despite his initial reluctance, he couldn't help but be drawn in. 

"Yes, I suppose it would be quite a spectacle, wouldn't it?" Kaiser said, playing along, "The most powerful man in Landroich, with a harem at his beck and call. What a sight that would be." 

Matthew chuckled, a twinkle in his eye, "Precisely my thoughts, Your Grace. Imagine the envy of our enemies, and the awe of our subjects." 

Kaiser shook his head, still smiling, "My reputation is already bad enough, Maximino. I don't need to contribute to the already scandalous rumors about me." 

Matthew raised his hands in mock surrender, "Fine, fine, I won't push it any further. But I must say, Your Grace, I'm relieved to know that you're at least somewhat interested." 

Kaiser raised an eyebrow. "And what exactly do you mean by that?" 

Matthew leaned in, a smirk on his lips, "You didn't say no, Your Grace. You simply said you weren't interested at this moment." 

Kaiser chuckled, shaking his head, "You're a charmer, you know that, Maximino? Always pushing my buttons, even when I ask you not to."

Matthew laughed softly, reaching a finger towards Kaiser's hair, twirling it, "Who wouldn't be a charmer if the Grand Duke is like this?" He continued, "Kaiser, do you know that I love it when you call me 'Maximino' .."

Kaiser looked at Matthew with a mix of confusion and amusement. He had never heard Matthew speak like this before, and for a moment, he wondered if his friend was serious. But the twinkle in Matthew's eyes and the mischievous glint in his grin suggested otherwise.

"I'm sorry," Kaiser said, shaking his head, "I don't mean to be dense, but I'm not sure what you're getting at." 

Matthew raised an eyebrow, a playful grin spreading across his face, "Oh, come now, Your Grace. Surely you must have an idea of what I'm suggesting." 

Kaiser shook his head again, "I'm afraid not, Maximino." 

Matthew leaned in even closer, his voice dropping to a whisper, "Let me put it to you this way, Your Grace - what if we were more than just friends? What if our bond was something deeper?" 

Kaiser felt a shiver run down his spine at Matthew's words. They sounded like something out of a romance novel, and for a moment, he wondered if his friend was playing a joke on him. But Matthew's expression was deadly serious, and Kaiser knew that he needed to take his words seriously. 

"Maximino, what are you saying?" Kaiser asked, his tone quiet but insistent. 

Matthew's lips curled into a cheeky grin, "I think you know exactly what I'm saying, Your Grace. I've always been attracted to you, and I think the feeling is mutual." 

Kaiser shook his head slowly, trying to process what Matthew had just said. It was something he had never considered before, and he wasn't sure how he felt about it. Kaiser never felt attraction towards Matthew, he valued him and looked at him just as a friend, he couldn't possibly..

"Maximino, you know that I have Luxe." Kaiser slowly said.

"I do not care, You Grace, If you want, I could get rid of her.." Matthew's voice dripped velvety as he tiptoed his fingertips to Kaiser's hand. Kaiser didn't move his hand away, because Matthew was wearing cloth gloves anyway, so it didn't matter to him. Yet Matthew was a leech to Kaiser's pale leg, he wouldn't get away if he filled himself with Kaiser's blood.

So this leech insisted and continued, "I could be your concubine.." 

Matthew's voice was filled with desire and ambition, but Kaiser couldn't help but feel a twinge of doubt. Luxe was his closest confidante and his wife. How could he betray her like this, all for the sake of his own desires? 

"That's not possible, Maximino," Kaiser said, pulling his hand away from Matthew's touch. "Luxe has always been there for me, even when I had nothing. I can't just throw away her loyalty and trust like that." 

Matthew's expression fell, but he refused to let it show on his face. He was determined to win Kaiser over, no matter the cost. Despite these words that Kaiser had dropped through his precious lips, Matthew isn't swayed by this. Kaiser never treated Luxe like his wife, they didn't share any intimacy or whatsoever. The whole palace knew, that the Archduke isn't attracted to the princess, and was being forced to love her because of the throne, and the incest that runs through their blood.

"But Your Grace, I can give you everything you've ever wanted," Matthew said softly, leaning in closer, "I can be your lover, your confidante, your advisor, and your best friend all in one. It's all waiting for you, Kaiser, you just have to say yes." 

Kaiser hesitated, feeling the pull of Matthew's words. He had always been isolated, never trusting anyone enough to truly let them in. But Matthew was different. He had seen Kaiser's darkest secrets and accepted him regardless. His Maximino was always there since childhood, holding him close if he felt alone, nagging at him if Kaiser were too busy with his studies, throwing away his precious childhood.

"Why would you betray her?" Matthew hummed, "When you aren't even attracted to her?" 

Kaiser purses his lips, so Maximino knows too.. He thought, then finally looking at Matthew, putting aside the pile of papers, "You know I do not feel the same, right?" 

Matthew replied with a whine, "Yes.. I know, I expected it, but I can't help with my feelings for you, Kaiser." Matthew looked at Kaiser with doe eyes through his half-framed glasses like a dog begging for treats. He murmured, "If you still refuse.. Well.. I never asked for anything but to be your Concubine, can't you grant that for me?" 

Kaiser sighed, feeling a sense of frustration and guilt build up inside him. He had always been a man of reason, of logic and restraint. And yet here he was, tempted by this manipulative man who sought to use his own emotions against him. He didn't want to hurt Matthew, but he also wasn't sure if he was ready for this kind of relationship. He didn't want to lead Matthew on, but at the same time, he didn't think he was capable of fulfilling Matthew's desires. 

"Maximino, I care about you, but I can't give in return for what you're asking for." Kaiser said, his voice firm.

Matthew replied, still blinded by Kaiser, "I know, and I'm up for it." 

"You're going so far that I do not reciprocate your feelings just for me, but my mere.. concubine? you don't deserve me, Maximino, you should be out there with someone who would appreciate you." Kaiser knitted his eyes in concern, has Matthew always like this?

Matthew's jaw tightened at Kaiser's refusal, and he sighed, his eyes darting around the room as if searching for something. His mind was racing, thoughts of disappointment and heartache battling with thoughts of determination and persistence. He had been willing to risk everything for Kaiser, willing to risk his own life and reputation, all to be his concubine. But now, after all his efforts, he is being rejected. Part of him wanted to walk away, to leave and never return, but another part of him was determined to win Kaiser's response at any cost. If he was to have any chance of becoming Kaiser's concubine, he would have to convince Kaiser that his feelings were genuine and that he was willing to do whatever it took to earn Kaiser's love and affection. 

He cleared his throat and spoke, his voice low and intimate, "Your Grace, you said it yourself, I don't deserve anyone, and yet, I'm willing to risk everything for you, for a chance to be your concubine. Doesn't that prove the depth of my feelings for you? That I would sacrifice everything just for the chance to be with you?" 

He stood up, putting his both arms to Kaiser's desk as he leaned in to the man in his seat, his eyes locked on Kaiser's, his voice pleading, "Please, Your Grace, give me a chance to show you who I truly am, to show you the depths of my passion and devotion. I promise you won't regret it."

Matthew added, "I'm useful too, you don't wanna waste that potential in me, don't you?" Matthew is a grown man, but how could he nag like a spoiled rotten child to Kaiser? He's even older than Kaiser! What could be about Kaiser that made him head over the heels..

Kaiser stared at Matthew for a moment, speechless by the man's persistence. He had never seen this side of Matthew before, this side of desperation and need. He wasn't sure how to react, but he knew he couldn't give in to Matthew's demands.

"Oh I know.." Matthew said, he leaned lower to Kaiser's face, pressing his nose to Kaiser's, they could feel each other's breath. Slowly, Matthew spoke, "If you remained silent, It was a yes, if you spoke, I would remain nagging without getting exhausted, trust me, Your Grace, you know a man like me." 

As if Matthew's breath was filled with a brain-washing essence, Kaiser was slowly getting tired on his nagging, But not because of his brain-washing, but because it is true that he would nag on him without getting exhausted, Matthew had done it once to him, when Kaiser refused to get married with Luxe by just stepping on the age of 18th. 

Matthew is the one who nagged to be engaged with her, telling him that if he even refused, things like this would turn out the same as he says, it was his fate. It was his fate to rule Landroich, to sit on the throne and protect Landroich, his own fate to fight and to be killed.

So as a response, Kaiser ripped out a clean paper, dipped his quill in the ink and wrote quickly. in the ripped paper, he turned it upside down so that could reach Matthew's glance. 

In the note, It says, 'Once you kissed me, you understood what I said earlier that I can't reciprocate your feelings, I can't return what you've given me, hence, you'll be my Concubine.'

Matthew's eyes widened as he read Kaiser's note. He couldn't believe that Kaiser had actually agreed to make him his concubine, "I-I can't believe it," Matthew stuttered, feeling a rush of excitement and desire. "You're really going to make me your concubine?" 

Kaiser remained silent, his eyes fixed on Matthew as he nodded. Matthew felt a surge of power course through him. 

He had gotten what he wanted, and now he would do everything he could to please Kaiser and show him the depth of his passion and devotion. He wanted to give his all to Kaiser, to make him happy, to make him satisfied. 

His voice dropped softly, "I promise I won't disappoint you." Matthew said, bowing his head in respect.

Matthew approached with a graceful sway of his hips, his lips parted in what seemed like a subtle invitation. His honeyed gaze met Kaiser, a knowing smile playing on his lips. 

As Matthew stood close to Kaiser, Matthew leaned in Kaiser's seat, his arms on the armrest, breaths became more labored, the intensity of Kaiser's gaze making Matthew lose himself into Kaiser. 

A warm feeling spread across Kaiser's lips as he was drawn into the moment, leaving all worries and thoughts aside. Slowly and sweetly, Matthew both melted in a passionate kiss, His lips meeting in a sweet caress that sent him into the most pleasant abyss.

Never have I thought that Maximino is such a good kisser.. Thought Kaiser, In the heat of the moment, their tongues become intertwined with each other, the two men's emotions reach a fever pitch, their breathing becoming irregular and Matthew's bodies trembling with desire. 

As the kiss becomes more and more passionate, Matthew's actions become faster and more urgent. With their lips still joined together, they take a moment to catch their breath, their hearts pounding with excitement, neither wanting this precious moment to end. Matthew's growing an arousal, he wanted to touch Kaiser like he did in his sleep, but for now, he wanted to wrap Kaiser's mind in his hand.

As Kaiser was being engulfed in the other's desire, at the back of his mind, he thought, Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.