Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 540: Gathering Storm

He clenched his small fists. "I'm going to study too. I'm going to pass those exams. I'm going to ride in a carriage like that one day."

Half a month passed in what felt like no time at all.

At Hale Manor, in the main courtyard garden, fresh green shoots had begun to push through the dark soil of the vegetable beds.

That afternoon, Elowen stood with Cassian along a stone path beside the garden.

She wore a light lavender cloak, leaning slightly forward as she studied the tender sprouts with quiet interest.

Cassian stood beside her, though his attention rested more on her than the plants. "Word is Archer's been meeting frequently with officials from the Censorate. And that boy you threw into the pig pen, his father works there too. They're likely gathering accusations and preparing to bring a case against you before His Majesty."

Elowen tilted her head, completely unbothered. "Isn't that exactly what we want? I was worried they'd swallow it and let it go. If they don't make a move, it's harder for us to set the next stage."

Cassian's lips curved. "You're trouble."

Elowen straightened, her eyes bright with amusement. "Learned from you."

Just then, Bran approached quickly and bowed. "Your Grace, we've received word. The new Nordian envoy has arrived at the outskirts of Vanelle. They are expected to formally enter the city and present themselves at court tomorrow afternoon."

Elowen turned slightly. "Last time the Nordian delegation arrived, it was handled by His Grace. Who's been assigned this time? The Crown Prince?"

Bran shook his head. "No, Your Highness. The Crown Prince has been occupied with overseeing the post-exam process, reviewing papers and finalizing rankings. His Majesty has instead appointed Prince Caelan to take full charge of receiving the Nordian envoy."

Caelan.

Inside the palace, Leonhart had once again sent word requesting entry. As usual, Alaric instructed Iris to go to the palace gates and receive him.

As she reached a fork in the corridor, a tall figure stepped out from behind the corner of the red stone wall, directly into her path.

Iris stopped short. She lifted her eyes briefly, then lowered them just as quickly.

Caelan.

He wore a dark slate-blue formal coat, a jade belt at his waist emphasizing his tall frame. His face was partially shadowed, making his expression hard to read, except for his eyes, dark and sharp, fixed on her with quiet intensity.

Iris stepped back to create a respectful distance and dipped into a formal curtsey. "Your Highness."

Caelan's voice was calm. "What a coincidence. Running into you here again."

Iris held her posture, her thoughts sharp and clear.

Coincidence? Not a chance.

He knew I'd be here. He came looking for me.

But why?

She couldn't read him.

Straightening slowly, she answered carefully, "I was sent by His Highness to receive Lord Leonhart at the palace gates. Your Highness guessed correctly."

A faint smile touched Caelan's lips. "If we're talking about sharp minds, I doubt I compare to you."

It sounded like praise.

It didn't feel like it.

Iris lowered her gaze further, her tone even more respectful. "You give me too much credit. I simply follow orders. The Crown Prince instructed me to receive Leonhart, so I wouldn't dare delay. As for Your Highness, your judgment is exceptional. Otherwise, His Majesty wouldn't have entrusted you with receiving the Nordian envoy. That alone shows his confidence in you."

Caelan said nothing.

He simply stood there, watching her, his gaze lingering on the faint tension in her expression.

A cool draft moved through the corridor, stirring the hem of his coat.

Under that steady scrutiny, Iris felt the pressure build, yet she didn't dare look up.

She had always been good at reading people.

In the Crown Prince's Wing, she could see through most of them.

She understood Alaric's pride and rigidity. She knew Leonhart's open, easy nature.

She could even grasp parts of Theodric's thinking, and Isla's careful strategies.

But Caelan, she couldn't read him at all. He was younger than her.

And yet every time she faced him, it felt like trying to see through shifting fog, like the situation was slipping beyond her control.

"You seem particularly interested in Leonhart."

Caelan spoke suddenly.

The question came out of nowhere, and Iris's heart skipped.

She kept her gaze lowered. "Why would Your Highness think that? I serve the Crown Prince. Any guest who visits the Crown Prince's Wing must be treated with care. I wouldn't dare neglect that duty."

She paused briefly, then added, "If Your Highness were to visit as well, I would serve you with the same care."