Nolan looked up and saw Aston with several soldiers from the Valmire family.
They were on horseback, some of them carrying weapons as if prepared for battle.
"Marquis Valmire," Nolan greeted politely with a small nod. "I apologize for my sudden arrival. Are you heading somewhere?"
Aston clasped his hands toward him. "It's alright, Your Highness. Yes, I'm going to the family factory to settle some important matters."
Even as he tried to appear composed, Nolan noticed the anxiety and anger beneath the surface.
"Is something wrong there? Or…" Nolan smiled faintly. "Did the Castellan family make a move against your factory?"
The words startled Aston, and his gaze at Nolan turned into one of astonishment and admiration.
"How did you figure that out, Your Highness?" he asked absentmindedly.
"Just a hunch," Nolan replied casually with a shrug.
Aston fell silent, unsure whether to believe him or not. Since their last conversation, his view of Nolan had changed drastically.
