The morning sunlight pierced the thin, coal-smoke-laced mist above the Imperial Capital.
After directing Evan to dismantle and pack the Difference Engine Core, Elliot took his leave at the Third Prince's breakfast table.
The Third Prince naturally agreed and even provided him with a carriage.
Inside the carriage, Elliot rested with his eyes closed, sorting through the family meeting that lay ahead.
First was his father, Duke Sterling.
The Old Butler had mentioned that the duke was old-fashioned, a traditional member of the Old Nobility.
Then Elliot should be able to pass muster simply by displaying the steadiness and pragmatism befitting an heir.
His mother, Lady Camilla, would be harder to deal with.
From his prolonged confinement in New Scandinavia to the handling of numerous sensitive incidents, this lady had personally directed it all.
Elliot guessed that she was a forceful noblewoman, so he had best avoid a direct confrontation, observe the situation first, and respond cautiously.
In short, being somewhat reserved and pragmatic while showing his abilities within limits should dispel most criticism.
Somewhat reassured, Elliot looked outside the carriage.
Unlike the noble estates on the outskirts of New Scandinavia City, most of the Imperial Capital's core nobility lived clustered in the city center.
Elliot had once made some discreet inquiries about the reason, and the answer he received was thought-provoking.
"This place lies beneath Theresia's gaze."
That was what the Old Butler had said.
Theresia-the enormous steam-powered angel statue at the Air Harbor that looked down over all of Saint Clair.
She was indeed watching over the city, but the gaze the Old Butler spoke of surely held some deeper meaning. Could that cold bronze statue possess some sort of supernatural power?
Conrad had offered no further explanation, as though this were common knowledge, and Elliot could only