Elliot glanced at him.
To be honest, he thought this was a little too cautious.
Was there any need to be so nervous? It made this seem less like a prince returning to his Imperial Capital and more like an assault on an enemy city.
But he chose to respect Sidney's wishes. After all, Sidney had more experience in both warfare and political struggles.
"Will we have to fight when we get back?"
"Inevitably. But as long as our return is sudden enough, with the deterrent of the newly advanced Expedition Army, the fighting will be confined to the court and turn into nothing more than arguments. We aren't bringing back many supplies, but they'll be enough to shut those nobles up."
"But if we return too late, or if we're too weak, we may really have to fight our way back to the Imperial Capital."
Elliot fell silent for a moment, then nodded slowly. "All right. I'll follow your arrangements."
"Excellent. The Empire won't forget what you've done."
Sidney nodded in reply. Though his tone remained earnest, inwardly he did not attach too much importance to it.
Elliot was indeed powerful in the Sea of the Moon. He had the protection and blessings of the [Casting Forge], and could command the fleet to achieve all manner of miraculous exchange ratios.
But outside the Sea of the Moon, Elliot's combat and command abilities would be almost negligible.
First, the blessings of the [Casting Forge] could not extend into the present world. Great Beings could not interfere with the present world. That was an ironclad rule.
Even projecting their power was impossible, let alone descending through a [Vessel]. This was a place where even Great Beings could not intervene.
And Elliot's command abilities probably would not be of any use either.