Crossword Genius

I say I see into the refuge, the most pleasant (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nicest

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'the most pleasant' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'i say i see into the refuge' is the wordplay.
'i say i' becomes 'ic' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'see into' is an insertion indicator.
'the refuge' becomes 'nest' (I've seen this in another clue).
'ic' going into 'nest' is 'NICEST'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for nicest that I've seen before include "Insect (anag)" , "Sin etc (anag)" , "Most agreeable" , "Most attractive" , "Most pleasant or fine" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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