Little Flirt

Star Prince.

Middil the Brightstar.

The... former owner of Mindis Manor?

A faint ripple stirred in Tales's heart, followed by an uneasy feeling as if he were sitting on pins and needles.

Jinnie's tone softened somewhat:

"When Kessel was young, he often came here to hide away... to clear his head."

Until...

Jinnie gazed absently at the furnishings in the study, as if she could see through time and glimpse the past.

"This place held a different meaning for him."

Tales's gaze sharpened.

Jinnie stared into empty space and smiled faintly.

"Actually, in terms of layout, Mindis Hall is more like a place for leisure than a heavily guarded royal palace, especially compared to Revival Palace. More than one person suggested that he change palaces for his safety. Even the Former King asked him about it."

"But do you know how Midir answered?"

Tales pricked up his ears.

Jinnie gazed at the spot where Tales sat in confusion and spoke in slightly archaic words:

"If everyone is hated and feared..."

"Then with palace walls a thousand feet high and impregnable passes ten thousand feet tall, where could my life remain?"

If everyone is hated and feared...

Tales chewed over the words and frowned slightly.

"Were those his exact words?"

Jinnie shook her head.

"No. Those were the words of the Wise King, engraved on silver coins."

"Midir made some changes when he quoted them, but..."

Jinnie gently rubbed her wrist, her eyes softening.

"It was so long ago that I no longer remember the Wise King's original words."

"I only remember what Midir looked like when he handled affairs of state here."

Tales said nothing.

He carefully pondered what kind of person his uncle must have been to say such magnanimous words.

Jinnie seemed to know what he was thinking