Chapter 181: Behind Smiles
Although the reasoning behind the prince’s visit to the nobles was obscured behind bright smiles and gestures, the visitation was still warranted. The nobles were out of their domains and in the domain of the Royals; the Royals had to make sure everything was in order.
The visits were going to be brief meetings, as the prince’s entourage would be visiting most of the high-ranking nobles present in the Crownlands. They could not waste too much time on one noble.
Naturally, there were nobles the Royal Family favoured more than the others. While not entirely exonerated, they were on the positive side of the king.
One of such nobles was the Duke of Vawns, Duke Jason Strall. This duke had once upon a time handled the issue surrounding Baron Zeke when Caleb had genetically crippled the baron.
He was a well-known man with strong principles and values. From the investigations carried out by the shadow guards on him, nothing significant stood out around him. Furthermore, there was nothing in the journal that linked the duke to the other guilty parties.
"I trust the journey to the Capital was not too burdensome for you, Duke Strall." Prince Osbourne extended his white-gloved hand towards the duke, who shook it without hesitation.
"A duty to the crown is never a burden, Your Highness." The duke replied in a deep tone, his gaze shifting past the prince briefly.
Behind the duke were his wife, a teenage daughter and a young man in his twenties, who all bowed once the duke replied. The prince looked their way and nodded. He did not miss how their gaze shifted most of the time towards Caleb, which was understandable.
They had heard so much about the mysterious man who always dressed in all black. How could they not be interested in taking glances at the man? His presence beside the prince was that strong, if not stronger.
Caleb and Princess Celine, who were right behind the prince, observed everything calmly. Slightly behind them were the knights accompanying the prince on his visitation.
When they arrived at Duke Strall’s manor, the duke wasted no time and invited them into his receiving chambers. However, the prince had refused, choosing to meet the Duke in his hall.
The duke had not personally seen Caleb before. However, seeing him now made him realise that the rumours were not entirely exaggerated.