Sterling Manor, in the New Frontier on the outskirts of New Scandinavia.
Today was another ordinary day.
After a simple breakfast, Elliot immediately sat down at the Difference Engine. He had even had the servants bring some food into the room beforehand, planning to sit there all day.
Unlike the others, who waited tensely for fate to pass judgment, Elliot felt far more confident.
While Vanessa and the others had been making their preparations over the past few days, Elliot had not been idle either.
He had already made arrangements. Whether the operation at the Theater succeeded or not, he was confident he could get Vanessa and the others out.
He had never felt it before. Only when he actually tried extending his influence did he discover that the power of the Sterling name far exceeded his imagination.
An operation that put Vanessa and the others on the knife-edge between life and death was no more than a minor adventure on his end.
"First, resolve the Theater storyline, then make the Golden Tax Court cough up No. 37 Pine Resin Alley. Or finding a better Hideout might be nice too. Next would be the newly built hospital in the Harbor District-" Elliot's fingers hovered over the Difference Engine's desktop, brimming with ambition.
But before he could begin, an urgent call shattered his plans. "Young master!"
The Old Butler Conrad's voice carried through the thick wooden door.
"What is it? Don't bother me with anything trivial. I just want to play games today."
"It's urgent, young master!"
Conrad's voice remained steady, but it was more hurried than Elliot had ever heard it. His heart lurched, and a vague sense of foreboding rose within him.
He drew a deep breath and opened the door with a frown.
The Old Butler was not