Elliot rose to his feet with a complicated expression.
There was still much to deal with on the Difference Engine. He had only resolved the most urgent matters, and many questions remained unanswered.
But-he probably had no time to spare.
He walked to the door, a trace of uncertainty appearing in his eyes for the first time. Only after taking a deep breath did he push it open.
Inside the Mansion, the Old Butler was directing the servants as they bustled about. Several carriages stood outside the entrance, and trunks of luggage were being loaded onto them.
Seeing Elliot, he nodded in greeting, his voice steady but tinged with urgency. "Young master, please make your preparations as soon as possible. We leave for the imperial capital tomorrow morning."
It had all begun with Holly's visit.
Holly herself was no illustrious Great Nobility, holding only the title of baron, yet no one dared look down on her for it.
That was because she was a close aide to the Third Prince and represented His Highness Sidney's will.
Once Elliot realized that this meeting was unavoidable, he took the initiative instead.
He asked detailed questions about the Third Prince and his faction, striving to learn more.
The better prepared he was, the more control he would have, and the sooner he could finish the meeting and return to the Difference Engine.
Besides-Holly seemed to have come with hostile intentions. Handling this poorly could mean serious trouble.
The Old Butler was quite cooperative, giving him a brief overview of the Third Prince's ideals in the fewest words possible.
Yet the more Elliot listened, the tighter his brow furrowed-
By the time Elliot arrived in the drawing room, Holly had already been sitting there for quite some time.
They dispensed with all unnecessary