Only after he stepped out of the duke's room did Elliot's taut shoulders relax a little, the corners of his mouth rising despite himself.
Things had gone far more smoothly than he had imagined.
He had originally only hoped to get through this unscathed, but after hearing how he would handle things, the old duke had actually given him an opportunity.
Elliot looked at the map in his hand, his heart burning with excitement.
He now had an area he could actually control himself!
Although it was only a temporary appointment and could be revoked at any time if he botched things, these tangible resources and factories would give him far more room to maneuver in the future.
"Conrad, prepare a carriage. You're coming with me to take a look at the factories!"
"Now?" The old butler blinked. His young master really was quick to act.
But then hesitation appeared on his face. "Young master, now that your confinement has ended, I can't accompany you anymore without His Grace's permission-"
"It's fine. I'll ask him myself afterward. Just hurry up and get ready to come with me."
"You could go right now." Conrad pointed at the door behind him.
"What if he says no?" Elliot waved a hand. "Anyway, come with me first. I'll take responsibility if anything happens."
Hearing his frank words, the old butler raised his eyebrows in surprise, then bowed slightly. "I'll make the preparations right away."
Watching Elliot's swiftly departing figure, Conrad shook his head with a quiet chuckle before turning to make the arrangements.
"The Hearthfire District existed even before Saint Clair was rebuilt. Back then, all the city's smithies were concentrated here, and their fires burned all day long. That was how it got its name."
"After the Second Industrial Revolution, the Hammer Brotherhood