The following days passed quickly. Fortunately for Francisco, the Spanish ambassador was scheduled to visit a factory in London, and Rodrigo—knowing Francisco's curiosity about the steam machine—had asked permission for him to join the visit.
Francisco was thrilled when he heard the news and prepared carefully for the day.
On the morning of the visit, he woke up early and found Rodrigo waiting by the entrance of the inn, smiling as usual. Together, they made their way toward the embassy.
Rodrigo said as they walked, "You were lucky, young sir. The ambassador became interested in the steam machine after you mentioned it. He sent some aides to gather information and even wrote a letter to the mainland asking about it — and he was shocked by what he discovered, shocked enough to raise his interest to the highest level."
Francisco looked intrigued. "Shocked? What did he find?"
