[Ardyn knows Noctis well enough at this point to consider that quite the reaction. He's pressed a button, without really meaning to. He had only been prying, but this means that he's on the right track. He doesn't regret instigating something close to confused anger in the boy.

(He's sure he doesn't. If that's guilt he feels, it's pushed aside; he's already begun this conversation, there's no going back now.)

Ardyn stands straight, stands tall. He's an imposing man at a height of almost 6'3", even more so when he hardly seems affected by the tumultuous emotions of others. Annoyingly stubborn in the face of a storm that threatens to swirl and spill over at the edges.

He has the audacity to tilt his head in faux curiosity.]

I remember you. [An arm extends, a finger poking Noctis squarely in the chest.] You know that. And I remember certain details about you that you may not. Details about our so-called, happy little family dynasty. But it wasn't enough for me to tell you, not just yet.

[A lie. It was quite a revelation, but Ardyn just wasn't ready to talk about it. It all felt too raw still.

He drops his hand.] But whatever you've remembered recently, my, it has you riled up. I want to know. We're connected, in a way, and so naturally it must be relevant to myself as well.