After leaving the factory, Elliot had intended to go straight home and report to the old duke.
However, the mansions in Saint Clair's central noble district stood close together. His carriage had barely gone any distance before a messenger sent by the Third Prince, Sidney, stopped it.
The Third Prince was looking for him.
After a moment's hesitation, Elliot signaled for the coachman to turn around and head for the Third Prince's Palace.
After all, he had stayed at the man's Palace for several days and even used his Difference Engine for free. It would hardly be right not to visit when summoned.
Besides, leaving that stage-play Difference Engine with the Third Prince was rather a waste. He might as well see whether he could take it home-
When he followed a servant into the Palace and pushed open the door, the Third Prince was arguing quietly with Holly.
"Your Highness, this is too risky. Our front here is too weak. We simply can't withstand their assault!"
"It's precisely because we can't hold them off that we need to take the initiative! Only by beating some fear into them can we get a chance to breathe!"
Elliot glanced down. A large sand table stood in the middle of the room, densely covered with all sorts of markers.
Huh? Was the Empire at war?
Elliot suddenly remembered that Holly seemed to have been promoted for military merit. She also wore a military uniform all day long.
But why did it seem as though no one had ever mentioned it? Wasn't war supposed to be important?
"Ah, Elliot, you're back." The Third Prince's eyes immediately lit up when he saw him.
Elliot was momentarily speechless. What did he mean, he was "back"? He had only stayed here for a couple of days.