Solis Learns Things

Jovis shook his head in an exaggeratedly tragic manner.

"My dear Nephew Solis," he murmured. "How can you be so clueless?"

Solis frowned. His silver eyes were full of confusion and frustration.

Jovis sighed. "Let me ask you a question, Nephew Solis," he said. "If you were to ask Nephew in law Noir what his favourite things were, what do you think he would say, given his nature?"

The frown on Solis's face deepened. "Noir – he – he wouldn't tell me what his favourite things are?" he guessed hesitantly.

Jovis nodded. "You know Nephew in Law Noir best, don't you? You know how reluctant he is to bring trouble to anyone else – especially you, who he loves to bits! So, if you ask him directly what he likes, he will think that he doesn't want to trouble you – or he would worry about your likes and dislikes, and instead of telling you what he really likes, he will, in all probability, list out the things that you like instead!" he explained slowly.