The Third Prince looked at Elliot, who was sitting across from him, and his face twitched.
"You... came to see me?"
"Of course!" Elliot beamed, his tone certain. "It's been so long. I've really missed you."
"You missed the Difference Engines, you mean." The Third Prince sighed. "Forget it. I'll show you around. I've got quite a few Difference Engines here..." He stood up helplessly.
Elliot had sent a visiting card first thing that morning, insisting on coming over.
The thing was, he had only left the place yesterday!
With visits this frequent, other nobles would probably think the two of them were extremely close.
But only the Third Prince himself knew that Elliot wasn't close to him, but to his Difference Engines.
"Have you decided whether you're attending tonight's salon?" Sidney asked as they walked.
"Naturally. I've made all my preparations. I'll take a carriage straight there from your place tonight."
The Third Prince nodded. "Don't worry. At worst, we'll have a fight. I've never been afraid of anyone in a fight..."
Elliot didn't actually go and inspect the other Difference Engines. He perfunctorily followed Sidney around before impatiently returning to the Stage-Play Difference Engine.
He motioned for Evan to fit the core component into its slot. As the familiar hum sounded, the enormous stage activated.
The exquisite puppets moved into position as though drawn by invisible strings, while the splendid scenery unfolded and assembled, layer upon layer.
Elliot watched with satisfaction as a model carriage appeared at the center of the stage, with the palace and room sets beside it.
"Looks like there aren't any problems."
When they reached the White Tower District, he could park the carriage containing Vanessa like this and see inside the salon.
Elliot stepped onto the stage with interest and examined the Third