After handing over the guided missile project to the Empire, Li Wei stepped back, his work done. He had never really been a researcher anyway; he was more of an investor. As for what came next, he could leave the two sides to coordinate it themselves.
As for Li Wei, he returned to the Tower and began... thinking about what to draw next.
The Queen herself was demanding updates. What a miserable situation.
What else could he do?
"Ah, Daddy!"
Seeing Li Wei come home, Alice immediately ran over and hugged him. He had hardly spent any proper time at home lately, after all, and the little ones had all been lonely without him around.
Incidentally, the Holy Maiden had not come back with him. She was now mainly responsible for the Floating City, which had been taken away for renovation. Previously, it had essentially been an empty, unfinished shell. If the Queen wanted it to be combat-ready, it would certainly need extensive modifications. As for how to modify it, that was up to the Holy Maiden.
And there was also...
"Thanks for your help with the guided missiles, Kia."
Li Wei thanked Kia as well. He had only learned from John that using a miniature Difference Engine to help adjust the guided missiles' direction had been her idea. John had been troubled by the issue and wanted to discuss it with Li Wei in person, but Li Wei had not been around. After hearing about the situation from the miserable-looking John, Kia had offered that suggestion, and she had also developed the Difference Engine's entire calculation program.
"You're welcome, Brother Li Wei. I'm just glad I could help."
At his thanks, Kia smiled bashfully and waved a hand, but Li Wei shook his head.
"You certainly did. You were