The two men escorted Charlton to the entrance. Both were thankful that he did not question them why the doors were locked from outside. Anyway, when the lock has been removed, Charlton gave them both a nod of acknowledgement as they opened the doors for him.
From the moment that the doors were opened, Charlton noticed that there were some burly men whose backs were facing him. In the middle was a medium built man who he assumed must be Baron Umbridge. Despite his entrance, the men did not turn to face him. The atmosphere continued to be tense and silent.
The sunlight filtering through as the doors were opened made the eyes of the employees look towards its direction. They saw someone enter but did not immediately recognize who it was given that the sun was behind him and casted shadows. However, as he walked forward, they started to see that it was Charlton. Suddenly, their hearts were filled with hope.
On the other hand, Baron Umbridge and his men did not turn to look immediately, thinking that the one who entered must only be one of their men.
When Charlton reached the people in the middle, he thought that he should start announcing his presence. So, in a calm manner, he said, "What is going on here?"
Hearing his voice, Lucas, whose view was blocked by Baron Umbridge and his men gave out a relieved sigh. Charlton was just on time.
Baron Umbridge did not recognize the voice of the person who entered. But considering that he was able to come inside with his own people guarding outside, he should not be taken lightly. Composing himself, he turned to face who the intruder was.
The men with him were faster to act. They turned to see who it was, and one man who did not recognize Charlton's face suddenly lurched forward to strike him.
Charlton, quickly stepped to the side and kicked the man so that he won't be able to attack him again.
Baron Umbridge who turned around and saw who it was went pale. For a second, he thought that it was Grand Duke Charles who his man tried to attack, but then he realized that it was worse. It was his precious son!
Quickly he went down on one knee, "Lord Daniel, please forgive the impudence of my subordinate. He did not recognize who you were." There was no need for such greeting, but he did not think that a bow was enough given what his man did.
His men quickly followed the lead of the baron and went down on one knee.
Charlton understood that the reason why the baron was on his knee was because his man initiated to attack him. Aside from that, he could charge him with treason as he can make a testimony and use what he's doing as solid evidence against him.
However, Charlton from the start has no plans of doing that. Again, he does not want to make enemies of the radical faction, rather, he wants them to think that he can be their ally. Thus, instead of a reprimand, he calmly walked towards Baron Umbridge's form and helped him up.
"There is no need for such greeting Lord Umbridge. I am but a son of the Grand Duke. I came in unannounced and so your subordinate's action can be forgiven. He was only trying to protect you." Charlton said in a friendly manner.
The baron felt that he was being too considerate and there must be some hidden agenda, but what can he do? Although Charlton is alone, he highly doubts that there was no one with him. Also, it's not like the grand duke won't find out if something were to happen to his son. Thus, he can only nod his head. Anyway, he was surprised Charlton knew who he was. It was pitiable that they meet each other for the first time this way though.
"You are far too kind milord. But if I could be so forthright, may I ask what you are doing here?"
Charlton smiled as he looked at the shocked faces of everyone. "I am here to see my friend Lucas as I decided to invest on his company. If you don't know, I am needing some publicity for my career in music." He explained. That was the only excuse he can come up with as he didn't want them to think that he was making any political movement. Then he asked, "How about you? Why are you here with your men?"
Baron Umbridge swallowed. Should he admit it or not? The grand duke knew who were in the radical faction but since they were once his brothers in arms, he keeps his arms crossed. However, Charlton was the blood nephew of the King. What if he tells on him? Besides, he doubts that he could persuade him to join their cause. But what could he say as explanation?
Charlton has an idea of what must be running on the Baron's head so he called on Lucas to say, "Lucas, would you mind if you, Lord Umbridge, and I talk in your office?"
Lucas who was still shocked of the exaggerated effect Charlton's presence brought about was shook off his reverie. He, along with his employees, did not know how the hierarchy worked in the nobility. To them, all they knew was that they were all nobles and above them were the Royals. Though perhaps it was because Charlton was also a half-royal, given that his mother is the younger sister of the king.
"Yes, of course, please follow me, milord."
—
"Lucas, may you kindly tell me why Lord Umbridge was here today?" Charlton asked since Lord Umbridge would not say.
Lucas who did not really know what was running in Charlton's head started explaining. "To tell the truth, Lord Umbridge has been coming here for quite some time to persuade me in publishing certain articles. He brought one with him today Lord Daniel, and you may ask him to hand it over so you can see for yourself."
—
TBC
