Infuriating. Simply infuriating. Who does that physician think he's mouthing off at? Aperel sits there, quietly simmering in his own anger. He has been working for the royal court since the days of Thutmose's father. To be told off by someone so green to it all; to be told that he hasn't been contributing. Surely, there must be a problem with his ears. This is the problem with electing young viziers. They think their way is correct. It's not. Aperel knows his way is. After all, his experiences far outweigh theirs. A weak pharaoh is what they desire. Someone who unabashedly caters to the populace of farmers and servants. The only way to secure the throne is to ally oneself with the nobles and those with power.

Aperel looks up at Nebet and Zamonth. "Surely, you two must understand... We must secure the interests of the nobility and those with power with this address lest we face a possible coup. Sure, we'll make a mention or two about improving this or that for the majority populace but they are of little consequence in the face of bigger fish. And while Satiah's words ring true somewhat, she doesn't understand the bigger picture either. Power trumps all ideals. We must make the Pharaoh a powerful man. Do you want to secure the throne for Pharaoh Amenhotep or don't you?" He mostly directed his little speech towards Nebet. He couldn't care less about Zamonth's place here. From what he can gather, he's simply here to train the pharaoh in matters of combat, not to whisper political advice into his ears. Truth be told, he rather not have to appeal to the priestess either. Fact of the matter is, he, alone, should be the only voice the pharaoh needs to heed. After all, he is much more reasonable than the rest of them...

Back on the streets of Thebes, Amen has a run in with a face he doesn't entirely wish to see at the moment: his vizier, Qar. How annoying. Amen doesn't want to think about any of that pharaoh business right now. Qar, calling him "Master Amen" for the sake of keeping his identity hidden, tells him that it is about time for them to return to the palace. He then asks him if he's found something he wishes to do to help the people of Thebes. [color=#FFD700]"Something I wish to do? Tch, I'm guessing leaving this place isn't an option?"[/color] Amen walks forward, passing Qar before stopping. [color=#FFD700]"[i]This[/i]... isn't for me. I didn't want to say it. I didn't even want to believe it myself but... I've realized that I'm not fit for all of this. Regardless of what Thutmose wanted, I just can't."[/color]

"C'mon, move it!" A rough masculine voice draws the attention of Amen. He looks forward and sees a man whipping a group of slaves: men, women, and children. Standing beside the man is five other men, similarly dressed. They must all belong to a slave company. "You useless pieces of shit! Stop crying and move your asses!" The man raises his whip again and prepares to strike the slaves. Suddenly, a white blade comes flying at the man and cuts his whip in two, rendering it useless. "What the-" The slavers look towards the direction of the projectile and sees Amen and Qar.

[color=#FFD700]"This city still tolerates the use of slaves...? If I leave here with nothing else, at least I'll leave these slavers with broken bones!"[/color]

"I-Is that kid a Magician? Don't wait around for him to use his magic, beat his ass!" The slavers rush towards Amen.

[color=#FFD700]"Qar, don't you dare say anything about who I am. I don't want anything stopping me from beating these slavers down."[/color] Amen proclaims. He seems entirely serious about this...