The fact that it happened 5 years in the past and MC may be less confident in what he/she/they could get away with in the face of royalty is an important point to consider, which I sort of hadn't. Although as you said, I was going with the dialogue indicators that RP'ed that personality best, which is why that bit stood out to me. Anyway, thank you for taking my feedback into consideration! :)
Also, I wanted to say, being able to get closer to Mandra in this side-story has made me even more interested in doing a main-story play-through focused around romancing them. I really hope that will be a possibility at some stage. I've always liked Mandra and their personality, but experiencing the moment that lays bare their insecurity and vulnerabilities, and what MC and they have in common in that way, was so beautifully done. I just want to explore so much more of this dynamic between them, and perhaps how their shared experience fighting in the war, and MC's (potentially) still existing grudge to Mathias's betrayal, bonds MC and Mandra in a way Mathias can't touch no matter how much he may want to. <3
In any case, you've really got me hooked! All love and good vibes to you as you continue with this charming story! :)