This matter gave Elliot some concern.
When the Third Prince had distanced himself from him before, Elliot had not cared much. Their friendship had only ever amounted to playing with the Difference Engine together. Whatever political ambitions the prince had, Elliot could simply wait and see.
But now, he could no longer afford not to care. After learning that the Third Prince was very likely the next important node, Elliot felt he needed to find a way to make contact.
"Conrad!"
Elliot opened his door and called the old butler over.
"What is it, young master?"
"Send a visiting card to Sidney's Palace. Hmm, make the wording sincere. Say I'd like to play with the Difference Engine with him."
"Yes, young master." Conrad nodded solemnly, then spoke again:
"Her Highness Victoria has invited you to visit her at the Library."
Elliot raised his eyebrows. "When did that happen? Did she give a reason?"
"Just now. She didn't specify a time. Presumably, she wishes to discuss something, but she didn't explain why."
Elliot nodded slowly.
It probably had something to do with Vanessa.
Vanessa fainting was not much of a problem. She had merely been exposed to too much [Secret History] in a short time and would recover soon.
But he did want to ask some thorough questions about His Majesty and the Investiture.
"All right. Make the preparations. I'll go tomorrow."
Elliot turned to glance at the Difference Engine, then suddenly remembered the dog named Xixi in his room.
"Oh, and prepare a sturdy dog cage. The sturdier, the better!"
He had to keep a close eye on this dog. If she climbed onto the Difference Engine and stole Cards to eat, that would be trouble. He needed a separate room to keep her in.
He did not know how