Luna

I had an idiot to go lecture. I was gone for like, two weeks! Forling idiot. I will teach him common sense. I will teach him common sense. Every time I go somewhere with Dad, he makes mischief. Currently, I was riding in the carriage to the castle with my dad. Why is he shifting uncomfortably? Originally, he was utterly perplexed by how I befriended Nil. I’m still trying to figure out how child Nil has ideas that adult him implemented. I’m confident it’s not a , but I don’t know how to explain his thinking. It didn’t matter, currently he was in trouble for attacking his grandmother. Grisbane; I always heard she was a cindelrock. We arrived at the castle, where his father greeted us. His face was a bit uncomfortable as we walked over.

“Where’s Nil?” I asked. I swear to the Lords Nil, you better not hide.

“You know, I do think I can allow the two to talk today.” His dad stated with a smirk.

I was escorted to a training room, where Nil and Lux looked like they were having a rough time. I noticed lightning striking the sand. Ah. Lightning field training. Nez and Nox looked surprised when they saw me. Lux and Nil lit up, looking quite excited. The two rushed over, both smiling until they got close. Then Nil paused and looked at me better.

“What’s wrong, Nil?” I probed. His uncles began chuckling.

“We can watch them from here.” Nez chimed, looking kind of amused.

“It’s fine. I want to see this.” Emperor Azzeck replied. My dad stood there kind of awkwardly.

“Why are you looking so, um, uh, intense?” Nil checked, shifting back and forth a little.

“What did you do?” I pressed. Nil looked wildly uncomfortable.

“Um. Just a small amount of trouble making.” Nil lied, reality slowly catching up to him. Lux already leapt up into my arms, giving me her begging stare.

I need fish. Lux told me, not having caught on yet.

“Oh really? So, this rumor I heard that you. I don’t know, POISONED HER, is just malicious?” I inquired. Lux went to leap away, but I grabbed the scruff of her neck. She clearly debated for a minute how much she should try to get away from me.

“A little.” Nil mumbled, diverting his eyes.

“I’m sorry, I can’t hear you mumbling.” I snapped at him.

“I have a punishment to get back to.” Nil tried, clearly trying to escape.

“It can wait.” Nez informed him. Nil gave his uncle the most betrayed stare.

“So Nil, what did you do?” I asked again. I am not seeing the Eternal Emperor ever again.

“I might have attacked my grandmother with some assistance.” Nil grumbled, still not making eye contact with me.

“Might have?” I challenged, which was making Nil squirm.

“We were getting revenge.” Nil deflected, speaking really softly. I am aware of just how vengeful you can get.

“For?” I pressed. What prompted this stupidity?

“She stopped our attempt to watch some harmless fireworks.” Nil told me. I doubt you went this far over just fireworks.

“Where did you get them?” I probed. Nil was shifting around, trying to think of how to phrase his answer.

“From a storage room.” Nil replied. Are you seriously trying to dodge the question?

“Were you allowed into said storage room?” I interrogated, knowing full well what the answer was.

“No.” Nil confessed sheepishly. Lux was subtly trying to free herself.

“And you helped him, didn’t you?” I snapped at Lux.

There was fish. And our glorious revenge. Lux defended herself. Glutton.

“Is it possible for you two to behave while I’m gone?” I checked. Both sheepishly nodded yes.

“You really disappointed me Nil. You know better than that.” I scolded. Nil looked a bit ashamed.

“But she was a jerk for no reason. We were having innocent fun, and she just wouldn’t drop it.” Nil pouted.

Ah. She made a stink over some childish antics. I sighed. His vengeful side is here even as a kid. His plan was concerning. That’s a level of thought and cunning a kid shouldn’t possess. In the few years since I came back, Nil showed a level of cunning and thought that was well beyond his years. He never questions my ability to keep up though. But. Seeing hallmarks of what he was is mildly concerning.

“I understand you were upset, but you went too far.” I lectured. Nil visibly deflated.

“Why are you on her side?” Nil mumbled. Lux gave me her best pouting eyes too.

“Because you went way too far.” I sighed. Nil looked a bit defeated.

“Come on, it’s time for tea.” I snapped at him, which he clearly was caught off guard by.

“That’s fine.” Emperor Azzeck permitted, still chuckling with the other adults. What are they so amused by?

Nil and Lux enthusiastically took off the metal they had on and followed me. Lux leapt onto my shoulder and nuzzled me. I’m curious if I were to spar Nil right now, how I would fair. I heard he beat Ekard. Nil originally lost from what I remember. It wasn’t until they were ten Nil was able to win. Thankfully Nil relaxed a bit on his training and was actually resting. He got a lot stronger too as a result. We reached the tearoom the Imperial Family had set up for my visits. Nil was shifting awkwardly.

“Sit down. I’m not going to harp on you.” I informed him as I sat down on my couch.

“Then why are we having tea?” Nil checked. Still shifting uncomfortably.

“You’re being punished, not me. I’m still having my teatime.” I teased. Nil finally relaxed as Lux looked ecstatic.

“But we’re drinking coffee, is it really teatime?” Nil shot back as he stretched a bit.

“Similar enough. Now, we have two things to discuss.” I retorted.

“What?” Nil asked as he sat in his chair. Lux leapt from my shoulder to her play tree.

“The Imperial Hunting Festival is coming up, and I need a dress for it.” I informed him. Nil looked confused.

“So?” Nil probed. How is Nil so dense and stupid on personal matters?

“I would like to attend. It is customary for the ladies to wear dresses while the sir taking them hunts a prize for them.” I explained. Nil still was looking at me like why did it concern him.

“Who’s taking you?” Nil inquired. Lords above Nil, concrete is less dense.

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I stared at him. He looked back at me confused. Lux looked between us as she began cackling. Nil seemed to struggle to understand why she was laughing. I wonder how he can be so smart in some areas and such a dilwaul in others. I looked at Lux and tilted my head at Nil. Lux gleefully leapt off her play tree and drop-kicked Nil.

“What was that for?!” Nil cried, his eyes shooting between us.

Being dumb. Lux chuckled, rolling on the ground a bit.

“About what?” Nil asked, rubbing where Lux kicked him.

“Let’s think about it Nil; who could possibly take me to the IMPERIAL Hunting Festival?” I inquired. Nil looked between Lux and me, the gears in his head clearly turning.

“Me?” Nil checked, pointing at himself.

“And here I thought you were completely hopeless.” I replied. Nil. You are a certain breed of dilwaul.

“But I’m grounded.” Nil stated, clearly not following along.

“It won’t be an issue.” I retorted to Nil’s confusion. Lux was laughing her butt off.

“Why did you mention you need a dress?” Nil inquired, trying to piece together my points.

“Someone is taking me shopping for one.” I informed him. Nil almost said something but stopped himself. What was this idiot about to say?

“Why am I taking you?” Nil inquired, struggling to grasp why it was him.

“You nearly asked who was taking me, didn’t you?” I probed. His face gave away the answer.

“No.” Nil snapped immediately, looking a bit red. There are times I’m like, yes, this is definitely the Eternal Emperor to be. Then there are these moments where I wonder.

“Anyway, I need a dress. You need a matching outfit as well as Lux.” I added on. Lux stopped laughing.

But why? Lux pouted. Not funny when you’re involved.

“Do you think he’s going hunting without his ?” I asked her. It was now Lux’s turn to pout.

Nil can go by himself. I hate wearing vests. Lux snapped; all the amusement was gone from her.

“And socks, and gloves. Someone will probably be getting bathed and brushed before and after as well.” I informed Lux. Lux sat next to Nil, glaring at me.

No. Lux stated, sounding annoyed.

“If I’m going, you’re going.” Nil told Lux.

No. Lux insisted, crossing her arms the best she could.

“We’re a team. If I’m going down, I’m taking you with me.” Nil retorted, seeming happy with this turn of events.

Why are we a team in these situations, but when you steal fish it’s my fault? Lux inquired. Her eyes were boring holes in me at the moment.

“We both get lectured for that. And you’re the one who demands the fish.” Nil explained with his smirk.

At this point, the two bickered a bit as our snack platter was brought in. There was fish on it, which Lux instantly swiped. Nil began sipping his coffee while arguing with his that they were both going. Lux eventually conceded upon realizing that if we were both there and she wasn’t that she likely would be kept in the bunker for safety.

But why are we taking her? We can just say no. Lux pointed out. The two both had smug grins now.

“Would you rather me lecture and nag you two for stealing a bunch of priceless items to fight Grisbane with, or go dress, outfit, and boots shopping with me for the Imperial Hunting Festival?” I asked back, wiping the grins from their faces.

The two looked at each other and had a brief mental conversation. You better pick the shopping. There was an occasional glance at me as the two debated it before sighing. They definitely liked the reprieve from being punished but didn’t like the substitute activity.

“When did boots get added?” Nil sighed, conceding it was his better option.

“It’s a hunting festival. I’m not wearing shoes.” I pointed out.

I mean, you could. Lux tried, nodding like it was a great idea.

“They’ll get ruined. That’s impractical.” I stated which made Nil seem to realize something.

“I’ve never seen you wear a dress.” Nil replied, like it was some grand revelation.

“Because I dislike them; they’re impractical. I’d much rather wear pants and a shirt.” I informed him. Nil seemed perplexed by the new information.

“Then why are we going dress shopping?” Nil inquired, not understanding.

“Because it is the dress code. Also, while I may not like clothes shopping, I know you two will like it less which is good enough for me.” I explained with a smile.

“Why?!” the two cried in unison.

“Do we need to rewind back to your method of attacking Grisbane?” I checked. Both of them sighed.

“No.” the two conceded in unison.

“I’m glad we’re all on the same page.” I chimed. This is going to be fun.

“What are we discussing for the rest of teatime?” Nil inquired, looking less thrilled about being here.

“What all lessons you’ll need before the Imperial Hunting Festival.” I answered as I sipped some coffee.

“What else is there?” Nil asked, looking a bit uneasy.

“I imagine etiquette, dance, and archery.” I replied. Nil deflated as Lux began laughing.

“I see.” Nil sighed.

“I don’t know why you’re laughing Lux; you will probably be getting tracking lessons.” I added. Lux glared at me.

You just can’t let me have this, can you? Lux grumbled as she snacked on her fish.

I continued explaining the festival to their horror. Normally, the stuffy aristocracy nonsense bored me to tears. Seeing the two of them writhe, however, made it immensely enjoyable. I always wondered how Dad could go on for so long. Eventually, Nez arrived to reclaim Nil and Lux. We all walked back to see my dad talking with the Imperial Majesties. There were a few other, older demons as well. Which set is Nil and Poam, and which are Surdel and Grisbane?

“I have training to get back to.” Nil stated, trying to exit immediately with Lux. I grabbed his shoulder.

“Ahem.” I prodded him. All the adults looked at us, a bit confused.

“What?” Nil tried, averting his gaze. You aren’t escaping. Accept your fate.

“Nil, tell them.” I snapped at him.

“Tell us what?” Empress Senna inquired, smirking a bit.

“Nothing.” Nil lied. He has to go down swinging.

“Nil, each lie I will make sure to remember.” I threatened him. Nil debated digging his heels for a few moments.

“I’m taking Luna to the Imperial Hunting Festival.” Nil sighed, looking utterly enthusiastic.

“Oh?” Empress Senna asked, looking at me. I prodded Nil again.

“I also need to go dress shopping with her.” Nil added. I prodded him again. He gave me a pouting expression; Nez and one set of grandparents were chuckling.

“I was very clear, Nil.” I retorted. Nil grimaced for a second.

“As well as get her boots and a matching outfit for Lux and I.” Nil continued, looking back at me.

“And?” I pressed. Does his brain just not store information unless it’s related to ?

“I apparently need etiquette, dance, and archery lessons. Lux needs tracking lessons.” Nil sighed. I know you aren’t one to give up.

Good Nil. I praised. He gave me a bit of a huff in response. My dad looked a bit stunned.

“But I thought you hated dresses.” Dad chimed before anyone else reacted.

“I do, but they are the dress code.” I replied calmly.

“What Nil Whisperer is this?” Nez teased him. Nil still was making his pouting face.

“It was the better option.” Nil defended himself, clearly annoyed.

“Oh?” Emperor Azzeck checked, openly amused by this.

“What was the other option?” Empress Senna checked with a smile.

“Apparently a lot of my tactics were underhanded and not okay.” Nil grumbled, keeping his eyes on me.

“I’m just saying Senna, it can be arranged.” One of the older demons chimed in.

“For the last time, they’re kids Mother.” Empress Senna snapped back. So that’s Grisbane and Surdel.

“Who would take you two shopping?” Emperor Azzeck inquired, clearly trying not to laugh.

Nil shrugged. He’s going to be zero help. I poked him again and pointed at Nez. Nil was averting his gaze, so he wasn’t looking at his uncle. You are not one to go down quietly. Lux was pretending to be asleep on his shoulders. Nil, your passive resistance will not get you anywhere.

“Nil.” I snapped at him, as he was looking intensely at the stairs.

“What? Do you see the lovely banister?” Nil asked, feigning stupidity.

“I’ll gladly take you two shopping. Nox can join too.” Nez stated, smirking at his nephew.

“We can’t impose like that!” Dad told me, which immediately got Nil’s attention.

“It’s no issue.” Nez assured him before Nil could agree.

“But I’m still in trouble, aren’t I?” Nil tried. I’ll give you credit, you are trying to the bitter end.

“We can make an exception for this.” Emperor Azzeck informed him.

“Nice try Nil.” Empress Senna teased as she and Emperor Azzeck were clearly struggling to keep straight faces.

“It was worth a shot.” Nil grumbled. Don’t worry, I was originally going to pick a nice dance. But someone had to fight until the end.

“Don’t worry, I think we should do the foxtrot Nil. It is a hunting festival, and there will be foxes.” I informed him. The adults instantly diverted their faces. I could see Nox bite his lip to avoid openly laughing.

“Okay?” Nil replied, not following.

“It’s a deceptively difficult dance, Nil.” Nez informed him.

“Why?!” Nil cried, looking at me betrayed.

“You know why.” I pointed out, as he sheepishly looked back.

“I’m sorry.” Nil apologized. Not getting you out of deciding to try dodging the festival.

“We’re still doing the foxtrot.” I retorted, not indulging his fake apology.

“Way to go Nil.” Emperor Father Nil praised him.

“Thanks.” Nil sighed, looking irritated.

“Glad to see someone is willing to punish him for his actions.” Grisbane stated. She got a few glares.

“To be clear, the only thing I think Nil did wrong was how he got revenge. I think you fully deserved some retribution. His tactic of using priceless items as shields and poison were my gripes, not the fact he attacked you. I think your behavior is and was wildly inappropriate for who you are.” I snapped at her. Her smile vanished almost instantly.

“Excuse me?” Grisbane asked me, blinking a few times.

“You’re excused.” I retorted. Nil was smiling now.

“Luna!” Dad snapped at me.

“She’s fine.” Nil defended me, smiling wide at this turn of events.

“She’s not part of the Imperial Family.” Grisbane spat, looking furious.

“Neither are you, and my father is a Duke. What are you again?” I pointed out. She looked like she sucked a lemon. Several of the adults went a bit wide eyed.

“And that’s enough. Come on, we all have places to be.” Empress Senna interjected with a tone that made it clear that it was over.

“See you this weekend, Nil.” I told him as I waved goodbye.

“See you this weekend.” Nil replied with a wave as he braced for his upcoming lessons.