So, I've been digging around some short stories I wrote a few years ago and this one caught my eye. It's a short piece that I wrote for a English class during my second year in college. Just want to get some critique, see if there's any places I can improve with this piece.

Also, for the record this was part of a series of stories I was in the process of writing set in the same universe (hence the reference to "Luxuria" in the title, it's the kingdom this is based in). I may or may not post more of those up in the future.

Gift (English, noun)
Meaning: Something given to someone without expecting anything in return, a present

Alfons von Adler walked through the streets of the village as he carried a basket in his left hand. In it was bread, the best bread that he had made in a long time. He was going to give the bread to some of his acquaintances, all of whom deserved this gift from him.

It wasn't long before he came across the first house. Inside lived Karl Simmel, an old man who used to be part of the royal guard. The man was known to be cranky most of the time, and it wasn't uncommon for him to get into arguments with the townsfolk. Alfons had to admit he wasn't fond of Karl himself, as the two of them had gotten into too many arguments to count. However, it was only a few days ago that Karl had gone out all by himself to stop a bear from wreaking the village.

Alfons knocked on the door to the home. “Sir Simmel!” he said in a loud voice. Only a moment later the door opened.

“You again?” snarled Karl “Why are you here?”

“I just wanted to give you this present.” replied Alfons as he took one loaf of bread out of the basked he held. “Take it as a thanks for saving the town from that bear, and a apology for all the trouble I've caused you.” Karl looked puzzled for a moment, but then took the bread.

“Uh... thanks.”

“Don't mention it. I won't trouble you anymore, goodbye Sir Simmels!” with that Alfons left, heading for the next house.

The next house that Alfons came upon was run by a nice woman named Claudia Palmer. She was well known in the town for her beauty and wealth, but at the same time she was known to be a glutton. She had once bought every piece of bread in Alfons' bakery, only to come back a few days later asking for more. No one knew how she managed to maintain her appearance, but some were disgusted by her eating habits. Alfons couldn't really get too mad over it though, she might have some disgusting eating habits but she was also a regular customer at his bakery.

Alfons reached the door, but the door opened before he could even knock. On the other side of the door stood Claudia. She let out a gasp.

“Alfons! I didn't expect to see you here.” she said “I was just about to go to your bakery for some more of your delicious bread.” Alfons chuckled.

“What a coincidence, I'm here to give you some bread.” said Alfons, taking another loaf of bread out of the basket. “Here, take this as a thanks for your patronage.” Claudia grabbed the bread without hesitation.

“Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!” She didn't even pause to take a breath. “I can't thank you enough for this.” Alfons smiled softly.

“No problem, just showing my gratitude. Now I have to make a delivery, goodbye Claudia!”

With that Alfons left Claudia's home. It wasn't much longer until he came upon a third house, the last place he would visit today. Inside lived Martin Aber, a violinist. He often performed next to a bakery across the street from Alfons' bakery. Though normally Alfons wouldn't mind if anyone did this, Martin had a habit of attracting a crowd. Whenever Martin performed Alfons would always lose customers to the competition across the street. While this was annoying, Alfons had to admit that Martin was a good violinist. Alfons sometimes even enjoyed Martin's music.

Alfons could hear a violin playing as he approached the door. When Alfons knocked, the playing stopped. Only a moment later Martin opened the door.

“Hey there, you're that baker everyone's talking about.” said Martin “Alfons was it?”

“Yes, I am Alfons.”

“Nice to finally meet you.”

“Same here. I really enjoy your music.”

“Thanks”

“I enjoyed it so much in fact that I have a present for you.” Alfons took the last piece of bread out of the basket and gave it to Martin.

“Are you serious? Thanks Alfons!”

“No problem. Now I need to get back to my bakery, goodbye Martin!” With that Alfons left for his bakery.

That night Alfons slept very well. Only one thing went through his mind before he went to bed.
“Tomorrow I don't have to deal with those three pests.”

Gift (German, noun)
Meaning: Poison