Proof of Concept

The response from the Royal Palace arrived four days later.

The letter itself was short.

Very short.

His Majesty shall receive the demonstration on the 14th day of August.

Preparations within the palace have been authorized.

The Royal Household awaits your arrival.

Ernest read it twice before setting it down on his desk.

Across from him, Hollen looked as though he had just read an execution notice.

"Four days."

"Ten."

"Ten days until the demonstration."

"That's still four fewer than I would like."

The forge owner leaned back in his chair.

"Tell me honestly."

Ernest looked up.

"How bad would it be if the machine failed in front of the king?"

He considered the question seriously.

"Politically?"

"Yes."

"Embarrassing."

"And financially?"

"Potentially catastrophic."

Hollen closed his eyes.

"Wonderful."

The next ten days became absolute chaos.