Chapter 3 — Flames of Discovery
The rhythmic hiss of steam echoed through the underground chamber.
The prototype's gears still turned lazily, releasing trails of vapor that swirled in the dim light.
Edward stood before it, eyes gleaming.
That sound — the steady chug of pistons and pressure — was the heartbeat of the future.
[System Log: Steam Engine Prototype — Operational]
Efficiency: 54% | Stability: 73% | Output Power: 0.9 Horsepower
New Research Unlocked: Metallurgy I, Precision Tools, Coal Refinement
"Fifty-four percent," Edward murmured. "Crude, but functional. We've proven it's possible."
Annabelle was still watching the machine with awe. "No magic crystals, no runes… it's just… steam."
"Just steam," Edward said, smiling. "The most ordinary thing in the world — and the key to an extraordinary age."
Charlotte crossed her arms, hiding her amazement. "If your father finds out you've been melting iron under the palace, he'll have your head on a spike."
"Then I'll make sure he doesn't," Edward replied.
Hours later, as dawn crept over Windsor, the three of them extinguished the lamps. Annabelle packed her tools into a satchel, while Charlotte brushed soot off her emerald dress.
"This place will need more than secrecy," Charlotte said. "It'll need protection. There are people who won't approve of this kind of progress."
Edward's expression hardened. "You mean the Church."
Charlotte nodded grimly. "And half the Royal Council. The nobles profit from enchantments and magical artisans. A world run by machines threatens their gold."
Edward chuckled softly. "Then they'll learn what happens when profit meets progress."
[Quest Unlocked: The Shadows of Innovation]
Objective: Conceal your project from the Royal Council and Church of Mana.
Optional Bonus: Establish secret funding network.
Two Days Later…
Edward sat in his study, reviewing documents.
Trade manifests. Treasury accounts. Shipbuilding budgets.
He wasn't just a prince now — he was a planner.
If he could redirect even a fraction of naval funding toward "experimental research," he could expand the workshop tenfold. But he'd need allies inside the court — discreet ones.
A soft knock sounded on the door.
"Enter," Edward said.
Annabelle stepped in, holding a small wrapped parcel. "Your Highness, I brought the new pressure valve you requested."
"Ah, good. How's your hand?"
She smiled shyly, showing a faint burn mark. "Nothing serious. I've been handling solder since I was eight."
Charlotte entered behind her, carrying a folder of sealed reports. "And I've handled nobles since I was eight. Both equally dangerous."
Edward laughed. "Then we make the perfect team."
They worked through the morning — Annabelle adjusting the engine design on parchment, Charlotte drafting plausible budget justifications for "palace infrastructure improvements," and Edward cross-referencing everything with the System's blueprint database.
[Research in Progress: Metallurgy I (Steel Alloy)] — Completion 22%
[Workshop Expansion Proposal Created: Secret Foundry]
Annabelle paused, glancing at Edward. "If we're really going to build something larger, we'll need a better forge. And more workers."
"Which means more risk," Charlotte warned. "The fewer who know, the better."
Edward looked between them.
Both were right.
Both were essential.
He placed his hand over the table. "Then we do it quietly. Piece by piece. No one will notice a few extra crates of iron until it's too late."
[Decision Made: Stealth Development Protocol Activated]
Effect: Suspicion Growth Rate -20% (Court and Church)
Charlotte exhaled softly. "You're playing a dangerous game, Edward."
He smiled. "The world doesn't change by playing safe, Charlotte."
That evening, the three of them returned to the underground workshop.
The prototype engine sat silent now — its brass and iron form gleaming faintly in the lantern light.
Edward ran his hand along the metal.
"Do you know what this means?" he asked softly.
Annabelle tilted her head. "That we can power machines without magic?"
"Yes," Edward said. "And soon — ships, factories, even armies."
Charlotte frowned slightly. "You sound like you're planning a war."
"I'm planning a future," he said. "But if war comes, we'll be ready. Steam won't just power industry — it will power empire."
[Hidden Quest Activated: Forge the Empire]
Stage 1: Establish Industrial Foundation.
Stage 2: Gain Military Influence.
Stage 3: Expand Beyond the Isles.
Annabelle's eyes widened. "You're serious."
Edward smiled faintly, the light from the furnace flickering in his gaze. "I didn't come back to this world just to rule. I came to build."
The engine hissed again as he reopened the pressure valve, the sound echoing like a heartbeat.
Charlotte watched him in silence — the young prince with the fire of a scientist and the ambition of a conqueror.
She wasn't sure if she admired him… or feared him.
Annabelle, meanwhile, simply whispered in awe,
"The world won't ever be the same again, will it?"
Edward looked at the glowing machine. "No," he said softly. "And neither will we."
[Quest Complete: "Flames of Discovery"]
Reward: Blueprint — Steam-Powered Loom (Tier I)
Next Quest: "The Birth of Industry" — Establish First Factory]
End of Chapter 3.