Even frowned, but understood. That explained why he needed the help.

Admitting you couldn't read was far harder, Even thought, than admitting that you couldn't do much magic. Magic was something you could get along in life without. You could choose other classes, or other lifestyles, but reading was, in Even's opinion, fairly essential.

For Kadaj to admit that to him, somebody who he undoubtedly considered a former enemy, either in whole or by association, took a lot more nerve than Even had previously considered.

"And you wish to learn to read?" He asked gently, looking down at him. "Or did you want to learn magic under supervision?"

Kadaj looked deeply uncomfortable, which was no surprise, but he was looking at him, if out of the corner of his eye. Even could see his pale green iris glowing faintly in the dimness of the room.

"Or did you come to me for help with both?" There was no scorn in the question, nor was there any judgement. He was offering him a third option.