The Prince of Demons

Nil

I woke up with Luna snuggled into me and her arms wrapped around me while her head was nestled just under mine; I pulled her in a bit more and nuzzled my head between her horns a bit. Luna felt so warm as we laid on my bed while I felt myself blush a bit as the thought of Luna dressing goth for me. She readily agreed to it. Luna agreed with no hesitation. It would be fun to dress in goth style again. While I was reflecting on that as a thought hit me: why do I not care if I dress that way this time? On Earth I always wanted to dress how I wanted, but here on Tenebrae the thought never really entered my head. I mean, I liked the clothes my parents got me. To be fair, Speranza's colors were black, red, and green which were colors I liked, but was that the entire reason? The outfits were a bit more formal than I would prefer in general, though that fact didn't bug me. Why? When my parents used to micromanage my entire life, it drove me up the wall. When Dad and Mom were nitpicky towards me it didn't bother me at all this time around; it felt kind of odd as I realized it. I hugged Luna quite a bit tighter while I kept burying my face between her horns.

Luna has such a wonderful winter smell. She felt so warm as we were cuddling together. How was she so warm? It sent pleasant tingles throughout me as I held Luna close. I don't get how she feels so warm and cozy. I replayed yesterday in my mind, leaning into her as she pet my head. That felt so good. That was one of the greatest sensations I have ever experienced. She even agreed to dress goth with such enthusiasm so quickly. That thought replayed in my mind several times as some part of my brain cheered about it. I thought that it would be such a massive ask, but Luna barely batted an eye when I voiced it. Luna truly was the best girlfriend. How could I show her how much she matters to me? Krahinn occasionally teased me about my precious Luna, and I remembered some of the crasser jokes he made. I really am hopelessly in love with her, aren't I? Luna made an adorable half snoring sound as she adjusted; it made me feel this pleasant fuzziness all over. I stroked her hair a bit, as my brain was ecstatically celebrating Luna was here with me.

Today we were going to go to Temple before we went to the Festival of Renewals. Maybe I should try to tell her while we are out at the festival how much she means to me. That sounded like a good plan for now. I kind of wished I could stay here forever with her; this moment felt so serene. We laid there as I enjoyed the peace and quiet of the moment with Luna. What else could I do for Luna? What kind of gift would Luna like? There had to be something I would be able to do or get for her. Unfortunately, there was a knock on my door after thirteen minutes of me being awake. I wish it was longer. I gently shook Luna to wake her up, where she groggily yawned as she slowly woke up.

"We are waking up!" I informed whoever knocked on my door.

"We are leaving for Temple in forty-five minutes." Helga informed us.

"Yes ma'am." I replied as I fought the urge to yawn.

"We need to get ready quickly if we want to eat beforehand." Luna told me with a yawn.

"Sounds like a plan." I agreed as I leaned back.

Luna and I got out of bed as she left my room to go change; I disliked her leaving as I felt this odd pang in my chest. Being physically a kid is awful on this front. What could I do to show her how much I appreciated her? I could still feel where Luna nestled into me as my body was all still warm. Something about Luna just felt so right; there was this odd peace when I was with her. I should get Luna a gift of some sort. Hopefully Uncle Nez would be in a good mood, as gift getting was never a strong suit of mine. I changed into my formal attire for Temple, debating what kind of gift I wanted to get for Luna. Maybe jewelry? I should ask Uncle Nez; he'll be helpful. I waited for Luna to get ready, sitting outside her door as she changed into her clothes for Temple. About a minute later Luna emerged wearing her formal attire. Ever since she pointed out the <Mana>, I paid more attention to that fact, and her <Mana> possessed this enthralling quality to it. Why is it so nice? Luna smiled at me as she poked me.

"I love you too Nil." Luna told me with a massive smile on her face.

"What?" I checked, not grasping why she said that.

"You should see your face." Luna quipped as she looked elated.

"What's with my face?" I checked as I was struggling to follow what she meant.

"You had an expression that screamed 'I love you' when you were looking at me. I appreciate it Nil." Luna clarified. I could feel myself smile at that.

"I do." I added on. Luna stroked my hair a bit.

"You are so sappy sometimes." Luna teased as she sat on my lap, wrapped her arms around my head, and kissed me. My brain did a little cheer while I hugged her back. Luna's <Mana> gently swirled with mine as we sat on the chair.

"Let's go get breakfast." I told her after we stopped kissing.

"Okay." Luna agreed as she took my hand and walked with me toward breakfast.

The two of us slowly made our way to the dining room, where we were what looked like the last to arrive. I was happy to see my uncles were sitting next to each other, smiling and holding hands. They are done arguing! I kind of wanted to probe what their argument had been about, but that didn't seem like a good idea. I think all of the physical adults in my family know the answer. I was a little annoyed they wouldn't clue me in, but it also wasn't like I could do much to help. I noticed Papa was looking a bit tense, staring directly at the empty seat Krahinn usually took. That's not promising he looks so tense about the missing in action Krahinn. Hopefully I could learn from Kron what happened to Krahinn and just how concerned about it I should be. Luna and I took our seats, waiting patiently for breakfast to start.

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Uncle Nez. I probed, seeing if he was free to talk.

Yes Nil? Uncle Nez asked calmly, looking cheerfully at Uncle Nox.

I am glad you and Uncle Nox are done fighting. I informed him. Uncle Nez bobbled his head back and forth a few times as he articulated his response.

Thank you, Nil. Uncle Nez replied with a curious eyebrow raised.

Why are you giving me that expression? I deflected, wondering why he had a mix of amused and curious on his face as he looked at me.

Subtly is not a strong suit of yours Nil, but I do appreciate the effort of you trying. Uncle Nez informed me as his lips were twitching.

I didn't like you two fighting, and I didn't know what it was about. I defended myself.

I know you didn't. We were disagreeing about me potentially taking the position as dean of the academy that Praecan had proposed if your parents backed it. Uncle Nez explained. What? Why did that cause them to fight?

Um. I see. I deflected, trying not to inquire about more. Uncle Nez was obviously struggling to keep a straight face at the moment.

Not going to ask? Uncle Nez teased as he was slowly beginning to fight how hard he wanted to laugh.

I'm not that dense. I shot back while I was struggling not to feel too embarrassed.

It's fine Nil. I wanted the position for my career and to help increase my mark on the development of <Magic>, whereas Nox wanted us to start and work on our family for a bit. Uncle Nez informed me. What?

How are those mutually exclusive? I inquired, not following how that was what they argued about.

Because I would be quite busy setting up the academy, finding staff, and deciding on a curriculum which would make it hard to contribute to our family. That is all I will say on the matter. Now, I know that is not the only reason you probed me. Uncle Nez answered. I guess they were discussing adopting a kid and it was more of when they did that, which being a dean would make it difficult to do it now.

I wanted to get Luna a gift. I explained. Uncle Nez chortled, which made everyone jump and look at him while my ears felt crimson.

Why is that so funny?! I snapped at him. I felt so crimson as Uncle Nez was clearly containing himself.

It's not. It's not. Uncle Nez tried. His barely contained chuckling did not make him convincing.

Why are you laughing then? I challenged him as my face felt warm.

Do you know what today marks the start of? Uncle Nez checked. He was using every ounce of self-control at the moment not to burst out laughing.

I know it is the Festival of Renewals, and I know it is a romantic holiday with more implications than I am giving it. Mom already got a massive laugh out of when I asked Luna to it. I answered. Why did they all find this so amusing? Uncle Nez gave my mom the most betrayed stare I had seen.

"What?" Mom checked, not grasping why she was being stared at like she was the enemy.

"You know what you did." Uncle Nez shot back, looking between Luna and I real fast. Mom began chuckling.

"Oh, yea. I am sorry Nez; I will tell you about it later." Mom apologized between fits of laughter. Luna turned a shade of red resembling an amat next to me while glaring at my Mom.

"It wasn't funny!" Luna squeaked. I was not sure between the two of us who was currently more red.

"It was hilarious!" Mom defended herself, laughing as she remembered Luna's reaction.

So, you want to get your girlfriend a gift during the Festival of Renewals. Uncle Nez continued in a tone trying to sound helpful.

Yes. I answered. This was not that funny.

What do you want the gift to mean? Uncle Nez probed. What?

What does that mean? I inquired. What was Uncle Nez talking about?

What are you trying to tell Luna with your gift? Uncle Nez clarified for me.

How much she means to me; I wanted to give her a token of appreciation as I feel she makes my life so much better by being in it. I think she is an amazing person, and I want to show her that she means the world to me. I explained as my heart was fluttering a bit.

Jewelry? Perhaps a, just an idea, a bracelet? Uncle Nez inquired as he was smiling ear to ear.

I wasn't sure if jewelry was the move. Do you think she'd like a bracelet? I probed. Uncle Nez's face looked like he was battling some fierce emotions as he looked at me.

I think she would understand the meaning. Uncle Nez told me; his voice sounded a bit off.

I felt the need to check something as I suspected something was afoot; I narrowed my eyes at my uncle who gave me two big thumbs up. As his formal robes shifted, I noticed Uncle Nez had an ornate bracelet on his arm. Wait, were bracelets equivalent to rings? I looked at my parents and grandparents, noticing Mom, Mama, and Grisbane all had similarly ornate bracelets on. Was that a coincidence? Or did bracelets mean what I think they did? Why? Why would Uncle Nez tease me like this? Was he teasing me? His face was so amused at the current situation.

Are those symbols of marriage? I checked as my face felt like a volcano. Uncle Nez was smiling widely.

Yes. Uncle Nez confirmed for me.

Not that much! I squeaked. Uncle Nez was smiling victoriously at me as he clearly thought he was funny.

I mean, it would definitely get the message you intend. Uncle Nez pointed out like it was a good idea.

And then some! Why do you all think this is so funny to tease us on our relationship?! I snapped at him.

Because you are so blatantly in love with her it is kind of all we have left. We all support the relationship it is just that all we can really do on that front is tease you two or let you naturally do something that makes Luna crimson because you don't realize how sappy or romantic you come across sometimes. Uncle Nez confessed with a bit of a shrug.

So? I challenged him. Uncle Nez just chuckled in response.

It's not a bad thing, it's really sweet how you act towards her. Uncle Nez clarified. I still felt my heart pounding in my chest.

Am I that romantic? I asked, looking away a bit.

You have your moments where you are surprisingly good. I'll help you pick out a gift for her as I assume you two are going after Temple? Uncle Nez probed with a face that was more he was double checking than just wondering.

Yes. I confirmed for him.

I am sure we can find something. Come on, let's enjoy breakfast for now. Uncle Nez told me as he hugged Uncle Nox and joined the conversation the adults were having.