[Even though Ion may not have ever heard the story before, there are enough clues in her narrative to reveal the unspoken identity of the other man. What other noble lived away from the capital in his youth? And with a history of knowing Nephry during the time he spent there? And who still, to this day, remained unattached? But he doesn't ask. He feels it wouldn't appropriate to do so, if Nephry didn't feel the need to mention his name.]
[But that's not to say there isn't something he wants to ask. It's a delicate question, knowing that answering it could be painful.]
[action, later]
[Even though Ion may not have ever heard the story before, there are enough clues in her narrative to reveal the unspoken identity of the other man. What other noble lived away from the capital in his youth? And with a history of knowing Nephry during the time he spent there? And who still, to this day, remained unattached? But he doesn't ask. He feels it wouldn't appropriate to do so, if Nephry didn't feel the need to mention his name.]
[But that's not to say there isn't something he wants to ask. It's a delicate question, knowing that answering it could be painful.]
...why didn't you tell him the real reason?