"Your Highness, your ideals are truly admirable. I was utterly enthralled listening to you-I would like to stay here for a few days, and I hope you will allow it!"
Elliot wore an expression of perfect sincerity.
"You little-" Sidney laughed in exasperation. He had talked until his mouth was dry, yet Elliot had never shown the slightest inclination either way, as slippery as an eel. And now he claimed to have been utterly enthralled.
He could see it now. This fellow had come purely for his collection of Difference Engines!
They were both young, and if they set aside their identities and positions, their personalities were actually fairly compatible.
Unfortunately, as nobles, they could never set aside their identities and positions. They were not on the same path.
But-getting him to stay was no bad thing.
The Third Prince looked at Elliot and slowly nodded.
His answers to those two questions had given Sidney a fresh perspective.
As long as he kept Elliot in Saint Clair and let him witness all the corruption and obstinacy of the Imperial Capital's noble circles-
Sooner or later, Elliot would come over to his side of his own accord.
At worst, staying here was itself something of a statement, which ought to earn him some support.
"Very well. I'll let the duke's estate know."
Elliot was not staying with the Third Prince solely for the Difference Engines.
His greatest problem right now was that he had no memories.
Other people aside, he could handle the Old Butler, but he had no confidence when it came to the original owner's parents.
Although his earlier probing had revealed that, like other nobles, the members of the Sterling Family shared no particularly deep familial affection, it was still best to be careful.
And staying with the