Sairis's POV
The Taal estate sat in the lower parts of the capital, closer to the markets, closer to the people. It was not hidden behind distance or privilege like the estates of other noble houses.
It was in a place where voices carried, where complaints were not easily silenced, where people spoke more freely than they should have.
It was easier there.
Easier to see the people.
Easier to listen to their problems.
Easier to understand what they were going through under some lords. And some lords do not trouble themselves to hide what they take when they believe no one important is watching.
"Knowledge does not always require walking, Your Majesty," he replied. "Sometimes, it only requires listening to what others choose to ignore."
That did not help.
If anything, it made the air in the hall feel heavier.
