[Shido eyes him for a moment at that first comment. As for what comes after, he takes a deep breath and holds it together with a blink for a moment, then lets out the exhale.

It's... bad to have a palace. He feels terrible shame over it. But...]

Yes. I've been a coward for far too long... [His eyes narrow slightly with pain.] Avoiding this because of the shame over my first palace. [He gives a wry smirk.] I've been... avoiding the problem again. Just as I was the first time. [His hands tighten into fists at his sides.] I clearly... haven't learned a damn thing, have I?

[Shido lets out a small laugh, bitter and sharp.]