As for the other things he said...
It was an accident.
The circumstances forced me.
It was absolutely not personal?
Tales narrowed his eyes as he watched Jann struggle to control himself, but what echoed in his mind were the words of the Duke of the Western Desolation:
[Before accepting their goodwill, remember: they merely oppose your father. They are absolutely not sincerely loyal to you.]
"Oh, is that so?"
Tales said coldly:
"So six years ago, it was 'an accident' that made you lend Weed Manor to Serena?"
"And you were also 'forced by circumstances' to have the Nightveil Queen come after me after putting on a show of kind words?"
Jann's expression immediately turned ugly.
"Speaking of which, what a coincidence." Tales straightened his posture and sneered.
"Do you know what lesson Lady Serena, who came looking for me only because of you, taught me?"
Jann's gaze fixed on empty space and trembled with his breathing for a moment.
"But this was what you said. Times have changed."
"We have to look forward."
But Tales slowly shook his head and spoke word by word:
"No, Your Grace. I reject your proposal—because I simply don't believe you."
The two silently faced each other, their postures proper and their manners impeccable.
Yet the atmosphere was tense beyond anything an outsider could imagine.
The Duke of Iris's brows struggled for a long while, and his words seemed difficult to form:
"I did my utmost to advise you amiably, even plead with you, Tales. At least..."
But Tales had no interest in playing along with the other man's performance. He smiled and interrupted:
"Quick question, quick answer: Why did I go to Exeter back then?"
Jann raised his eyes.
"For sightseeing? To broaden my horizons? To freeload off their food and drink?