In the study at Laken Palace, Leopold I stood at the window, hands behind his back, gazing at the impeccably trimmed cypress trees in the garden.
"So, he came alone?"
Leopold's tone was understated, but Van Prat knew the questioning was never about the literal meaning.
"Yes, Your Majesty. He even brought only one travel case, with no servant. He mentioned that two technical experts accompanying him were still in France, but from his tone... His visit to Brussels for inspecting the telegraph line construction by the England Electromagnetic Telegraph Company doesn't seem to be his main purpose."
Leopold leaned against the back of the chair, tapping the mahogany edge of the armrest with his fingers: "No servants, that must be intentional. He's rather cautious."
Van Prat nodded and quietly proposed, "Your Majesty, should we follow the original plan and arrange personnel from the Home Office to accompany him in inspecting the construction status of telegraph stations everywhere?"
