The most out-of-place thing in this world was probably having an Exeterian suddenly appear at a Starry Sky Person's banquet.
And one who had no filter, at that.
With Tales's warning glance, Gollor and Doyle urged and pleaded with Jorge until they finally managed to pull the bewildered, bearded man into a corner outside the hall, escaping the curious and probing gazes of the surrounding guests.
"If you ask me, you southerners are just looking for trouble. You make one mistake with a form of address and go completely hysterical..."
Jorge complained without the slightest restraint.
"I once even addressed a letter from the Grand Duke to King Noon as 'To the Esteemed King of Dragoncloud City,' and the Born King didn't do a thing to me. He still gave us money and men to help us suppress the bandits in the mountains. He was great..."
Doyle curled his lip, while Gollor looked away.
Even with the former's freewheeling and carefree nature and the latter's reserved silence, neither of them had much appreciation for this guest's casual rudeness.
Only Tales listened to the man's rough, weighty Northern accent with a smile and said nothing.
Hearing such an accent in orderly Mindis Hall, during a banquet where every moment was steeped in etiquette, was truly rare.
It was as if he had returned to the bold, unrestrained, straightforward Northern Land.
Jorge, the official in charge of affairs, laughed loudly.
"Haha, perhaps you've forgotten, North Star, but we've met before!"
Tales eyed him suspiciously.
"When?"
"Wow, you really have a terrible memory, don't you?"
Listening to the man's blunt tone, Tales felt a strange sense of familiarity despite its abruptness.
But he was clearly only a passing guest in Exeter.
This place—the Starfall Kingdom, Everstar City—was his home. Wasn't it?
Jorge was