Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 541: A Calculated Offer

Caelan let out a soft laugh. "Iris, do you feel like serving in the Crown Prince's Wing is a little too uncertain? Planning ahead, looking for a more secure place for yourself?"

The question was blunt.

Though phrased like a question, it sounded far more like a statement.

Iris's fingers tightened inside her sleeve, her nails pressing into her palm, the faint sting keeping her steady.

She lifted her gaze to Caelan, her tone still respectful and composed. "Your Highness overestimates me. I have no idea where such unfounded rumors came from. His Highness has always trusted me and treated me generously. Being allowed to serve at his side is already more than I could hope for. I have never harbored any divided loyalties, nor would I dare entertain thoughts of abandoning my lord for personal gain."

She dipped into a proper curtsey. "If Your Highness has no further instructions, I should go receive Lord Leonhart."

With that, she turned to leave.

Behind her, Caelan's voice followed, calm and unhurried. "Leonhart leads an easy life. The household affairs of Duke Roland's estate, finances, staffing, all of it, are managed by the Duchess. She appears gentle, but she runs a strict household. Careful, precise. They value clear backgrounds and proper lineage in those they employ, and they do not make changes lightly."

Iris's steps paused for the briefest moment.

Caelan continued, "Leonhart may be easygoing, but when it comes to staffing, he has no authority. You won't be able to enter Duke Roland's household."

A beat of silence.

Then he added, "If you're in a hurry to leave the Crown Prince's Wing, you might consider someone else."

A slight pause.

"For instance... me."

The single word landed softly, yet carried unmistakable weight.

Iris turned back almost instinctively.

The spring sunlight was bright, forcing her to narrow her eyes slightly as she looked at the young prince standing against the light.

His posture was straight and composed, his features blurred by the glow, but his eyes were strikingly sharp.

Their gazes met for a brief moment.

Then Iris looked away.

She drew in a quiet breath. "Your Highness must be joking. I am of low standing, hardly worth troubling you over. However, since Your Highness shares a close bond with the Crown Prince, and I serve at his side, I would dare offer a small suggestion out of respect for that brotherly relationship."

Caelan inclined his head slightly, as though listening attentively. "Go on."

Iris lowered her eyes. "I have heard that His Majesty has entrusted Your Highness with receiving Nordia's new envoy upon their arrival. It is an important diplomatic matter, and since Your Highness has not handled such affairs before, there may be unfamiliar details. In my humble opinion, Your Highness could visit Hale Manor and seek guidance from those with experience."

Caelan raised a brow slightly.

Iris continued, "Moreover, I have heard the Crown Prince mention that Hale Manor has recently had some tensions with several noble families in Vanelle. If Your Highness were to visit, it would be entirely appropriate, as a nephew showing concern for his uncle and aunt."

She finished softly, "I have spoken out of turn. Please forgive me. Lord Leonhart must be waiting, so I will take my leave."

After speaking, Iris gave another curtsey and turned to leave.

This time, she did not pause.

Caelan remained where he stood, watching her figure grow more distant, the interest in his eyes deepening.

A few steps behind him, Cedar, who had remained silent until now, stepped forward slightly and asked in a low voice, "Your Highness, why are you so interested in a maid from the Crown Prince's Wing?"

Caelan was steady and reserved by nature, rarely showing such keen interest in any one person.

Caelan withdrew his gaze and asked lightly, "Is it that obvious?"

Cedar nodded honestly.

Caelan let out a quiet laugh, then turned and began walking forward, hands loosely clasped behind his back. "You wouldn't understand. That girl is... very interesting."

Cedar tilted his head, confusion written all over his face.

Caelan had no intention of explaining further. This was his own matter.

They had little contact with the Crown Prince's Wing and were unfamiliar with its attendants.

It was only at Lady of Grace and Virtue's birthday banquet that he first noticed Iris.

Objectively speaking, in a palace filled with striking beauties, Iris's looks were not particularly remarkable. She could only be called neat and pleasant.

But that day, amidst the lively banquet, he had personally observed how Iris navigated between Leonhart and Alaric. He found it fascinating.

So that day, he kept watching her.

She seemed to notice someone observing her, yet could not determine who it was.

Until they met again in the palace.

When Caelan looked at her without hiding it, she finally realized.

The one who had been watching her that day... was him.

Caelan.

He also noticed that she was deliberately drawing closer to Leonhart, so he paid attention, quietly instructing people to watch the movements of Duke Roland's household.

When he learned that Leonhart would enter the palace today, he waited here.

And as expected, he saw her again.

He, Caelan, intended to become Crown Prince.

And beyond that, the King.

First, because he believed the current Crown Prince was unfit. If Alaric were to inherit the throne, given his temperament and methods, the people of the realm would likely suffer greatly.