“If possible I would like you to meet him as well Nox, see if you two can work well together.” my brother said. Oh we do, just probably not in the way you’re intending.

“I can summon him here if you are all free now.” Solomon offered. Hey Nez, this is my family! Surprise! Please say no, please say no, please say no.

“I think our schedules are free. Cesar! Do we have time in our schedules to interview a potential teacher for Nil?!” Senna roared. Cesar, I know I call you a wimp. I know I say Cleo keeps your sac in her satchel, but for the love of the Lords of Tenebrae say they are too busy.

“Your Imperial Highnesses, today was supposed to be a rather light day so I can easily rearrange to fit in meeting a potential teacher for the Crown Prince.” Cesar responded from the hallway. I am going to slice your throat in your sleep.

“What about you Prince Nox?” Solomon asked. They know I work at night. I am clearly healthy. WHAT LIE CAN I SAY?!

“I, um, would like some time to prepare and get some notes together before meeting them.” I replied. Stall for time.

“It is just a preliminary interview and meeting. I think you’ll be fine.” Solomon replied. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Before I could utter a protest, Solomon placed a <Ring> on his finger and snapped them. Nez materialized a second later, and unlike earlier, was in his more formal attire. I was still in my casual clothes. I at least look presentable. Nez saw me and lit up.

“Nox!” he exclaimed happily dashing over and hugging me, completely oblivious to what was around us.

“Um Nez-” I started.

“Summoning me so suddenly after you left breakfast. You are such a needy guy sometimes!” Nez teased, still unaware of who was around us.

“I am not the one who summoned you.” I replied. His normally pearl colored skin turned crimson as he shot around in a bow as he quickly remembered which <Ring> called for him.

“I am sorry I did not notice. Grand Archmagus Solomon, how may I help you?” Nez spurted out, crimson all the way to his ears.

“So you’re the one Nox has been seeing.” Senna said calmly, a devious smile across her face. Oh god, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Don’t tell her a thing. She will remember it all for life.

Nez looked around confused. His eyes were darting between Solomon, Senna, Azzeck, Nil, Lux, and then back to me. I could see the gears in his head turning as the realization of where he was smacked him. Yea, <Rings> can circumvent certain <Barriers> with the right permissions. You are where you think you are.

“My most sincere apologies! I am Nez Beelze Pheonen your Imperial Highnesses.” Nez quickly snapped with another deep bow. I wanted to take him and <Shadow Step> out of this situation.

“So you are already acquainted with my brother. That should make things easier.” my brother teased. Lords of Tenebrae, strike me down now please.

“Brother?” Nez asked. The gears were clicking as he realized what that would make me.

“You’re a prince?!” Nez asked, whipping his head around to look at me. I sheepishly shrugged my shoulders back.

“Surprise.” I replied weakly. Oh Senna and Azzeck were going to enjoy this. Their hyena like smiles told me everything I needed to know. They can smell the blood in the water.

Solomon was standing there awkwardly. Please salvage this. Come on Solomon. You are my last life line. He was clearly processing what he just saw, right before he burst into laughter. And any chance to avoid this just left.

“So, as you two can tell, Archmagus Nez is already acquainted with Prince Nox. I think this might make it easier for them to be on the same page with teaching the Crown Prince.” Solomon said calmly.

“Oh we can tell. So, how long have you two been seeing each other?” Senna asked with an innocent smile on her face. It is a trap Nez! Abort!

“We started about a month ago. Is the Crown Prince Nil in your arms? He is adorable!” Nez replied, ogling over the baby Nil. On second thought, CHARM THE HELL OUT OF THEM! YOU GOT THIS. IT IS THE ONLY WAY.

“What are your qualifications as a teacher? Grand Archmagus Solomon definitely discussed your abilities as an Archmagus but did not go over as a teacher.” My brother asked, temporarily remaining professional.

“I regularly lecture at the Institution of Mages on a variety of topics. I also have written several books for developing <Mana> reserves, <Tempering>, purifying your <Affinity>, and for helping parents with their child and the starting steps towards learning <Magic>. I can provide them if you would like.” Nez replied while trying to get a good peak at Nil.

My brother nodded approvingly. Senna was boring holes into Nez, clearly conflicted on asking him about our dating life and his qualifications. She shook her head, obviously deciding her son was definitely more important than getting embarrassing info on me.

“How would you try to cultivate Nil’s talent and help him grow as a <Mage>?” Senna asked. Nez paused for a second, then looked deeply at Nil, clearly evaluating him for a solid minute.

“From what I can tell, his innate talent and sense for <Magic> are prodigious. His <Tempering> is already at the <First Stage>. I think he also has an <Arcane Eye> but am not sure. His channels seemed to be slightly wider than normal, and for his age, his <Mana> reserve is quite large. I have not seen him use <Magic> personally, but from the fact it was necessary to apply Grand Archmagus Solomon’s method for <Tempering> a baby, I would assume he is adept in at least a few <Spells>. Am I correct before I continue?” Nez replied.

The other three eyes shot to me. I shook my head, signalling I did not tell him a thing about Nil. I didn’t tell him I was a Prince, do you think I talked about my ridiculously talented nephew? We talked about things, but definitely not our families.

“That is correct so far.” Azzeck answered.

“That is tricky to answer. Seeing as he is the Crown Prince, I would do a split focus. First, a solid foundation in <Magic Theory> as I believe his use is based more off of instinct and feel. Knowing <Magic Theory> would help someone understand how and why his <Magic> works as it does, and might give him ideas or at least the path for developing his own unique <Spells>. Additionally, I would focus on the practical use of <Magic> for fighting and defending himself. Probably alternating between a section of <Magic Theory> and then how it can be used practically.” Nez explained. That’s a solid answer. You are killing this Nez!

The other three nodded. It was a solid plan, and would probably be a good one for my problematic nephew. Azzeck and Senna were looking at each other, with a devious glint in their eyes. No, remain professional you two! I know what you two are dying to ask!

“What if he wants to learn a different <Practical Magic> other than <Void Magic>?” Senna asked. Nez looked like he had been hit by a dragon.

“Why would he not want to learn <Void Magic>? His incredible talent is suited for a more difficult <Practical Magic> and <Void Magic> accents his natural <Space Magic> quite well! But if he absolutely insisted on learning a different one, I have an understanding of numerous <Practical Magic> and am confident in my ability to teach them even if I myself do not practice them. If I became too lacking for his talent, I would assist in finding someone suited to teaching him whichever <Practical Magic> he desired.” Nez replied, sounding a little hurt. He does love to talk about his <Void Magic> theories and developing new <Spells> for it a lot. They are quite fun to listen to even if I struggle to follow sometimes, and he is so passionate about them as he speaks.

Azzeck and Senna locked eyes again, nodding in agreement. They asked him several other questions, gauging his ability and how well he could teach. Nez absolutely crushed it. He clearly knew what he was talking about and had a wealth of experience teaching and lecturing. Azzeck and Senna had another mental conversation with each other real quick, and looked back at the rest of us.

“Grand Archmagus Solomon, thank you for showing us this delightful man. We will be in contact if we decide to hire him. We have some more questions, but I do not want you to feel obligated to stay if you are busy.” Senna announced.

“Thank you Empress Senna. I will be taking my leave then.” Solomon replied with a nod, before vanishing into nothing. Azzeck and Senna’s heads snapped over to Nez, like two lions eyeing their prey.

“So, Nez, let’s go have some tea. Or do you prefer coffee? We would like to ask you so many questions about you and my brother. He hasn’t told us a thing! And frankly, my wife and I are hurt.” my brother offered.

Nez thankfully finally realized these two were going to hound him for information mercilessly. We can escape as long as you don’t take up that offer! I thought internally. He looked at me, and I was trying to keep my face normal, while silently pleading for him to run while he could.

“I do not believe it is professional to discuss my personal life with people looking to hire me, even if it is the Emperor and Empress of Speranza. I do think I should be going now.” Nez replied with a respectful bow before walking over to me. I gave him a goodbye kiss and he smiled before vanishing.

Azzeck and Senna looked like they were about to start pouting. Plans thwarted! You are not getting any information today you two! The two let out a small sigh of disappointment before getting more serious looks on their faces.

“Nox, what do you think of working with him? Do you see you two together for a long time? We honestly think he would be an excellent teacher for Nil, but if you are uncomfortable with it, or do think it will last, we will find someone else.” Azzeck asked.

“I am not sure. I think I need some time to think about it.” I replied. I honestly didn’t know. I would like to work with him, and I was beginning to think it would be nice to have him around forever, but I did not want to pressure him or rush anything. I definitely needed time to think.

“Just let us know when you can.” Senna replied before she and Azzeck left with Nil.