**London, July 1815**
Edward Langley, reborn as Crown Prince Edward, stood before the Admiralty's grand oak doors, the weight of stolen letters heavy in his coat. The fog of London clung to his boots, a reminder of last night's daring infiltration with Thomas Harrow. The *Empire Building System* hummed in his mind, its *Strategic Nexus* projecting a glowing map of the city: *Court Influence: 47%, Steam Engine Unlock: 35%, Threat Level: Critical.* The evidence against Lord Ashford, Duke of Norfolk, was his trump card, but presenting it to the Admiralty—a nest of tradition-bound admirals—required finesse. One misstep, and Ashford could turn the court against him.
The system's *Legacy Matrix* flagged Ashford's betrayal: *"Sabotage Plot Confirmed. Ally: Captain Horace Vane. Objective: Expose Plot at Admiralty Meeting. Reward: +25% Court Influence, +7 Legacy Points."* A new prompt flickered: *"Secondary Objective: Secure Support of Key Figure. Target: Admiral George Cockburn. Reward: +10% Naval Support, +3 Legacy Points."* Edward's pulse quickened. Cockburn, a real-life naval hero known for burning Washington in 1814, was a fierce loyalist but skeptical of innovation. Winning him over could tip the scales.
The system's *Shadow Protocol* from last night's break-in had drained its one-time override, leaving Edward reliant on his wits. A new feature teased: *"Rally Cry"*—a high-risk ability to sway a crowd with a speech, boosting *Court Influence* by up to 20% but risking a backlash if poorly received. It cost 2 Legacy Points, which he still lacked. The *Chrono-Tech Codex* urged progress: *"Steamship Prototype: Next Step—Secure 180 Tons Iron, Recruit Second Engineer."* Margaret Hetherington was on board, but Isambard Kingdom Brunel and James Watt remained unswayed.
Edward straightened his crimson coat, the royal crest gleaming. "Thomas," he said to his aide, hovering at his side, "stay close. If Ashford tries anything, signal me."
Thomas, pale but resolute, nodded. "I've got your back, Your Highness."
The doors swung open, revealing a cavernous chamber lit by chandeliers. Admirals in gold-braided uniforms sat around a long table, maps of the Atlantic and Mediterranean spread before them. Lord Ashford stood at the far end, his silver hair catching the light, his smile a blade. Beside him was Captain Vane, a stocky man with a scar across his cheek, his eyes darting nervously. Admiral George Cockburn, broad-shouldered and stern, presided at the head, his reputation as a firebrand preceding him.
"Your Highness," Cockburn said, rising with a bow, "we're honored. But your steamship proposal has stirred debate. Lord Ashford claims it's a drain on resources."
The system's *Threat Level* spiked to *Maximum*. Edward stepped forward, the stolen letters burning in his pocket. "Admiral Cockburn, gentlemen, the steamship isn't a drain—it's our future. Spain's navy falters, their colonies rebel. With steam, we'll seize their ports and vassalize them in months, not years."
Ashford's voice cut in, smooth as venom. "Bold words, Your Highness, but untested. Captain Vane's reports show your prototype's design is flawed—boilers prone to explosion, iron too heavy to float. Diverting resources from our cannon foundries risks the empire's security."
Vane nodded, producing a stack of forged documents. The system's *Tactical Simulation* ran: *"Counter Strategy: Present Evidence. Success Chance: 87% with Admiralty Support, 62% without."* Edward locked eyes with Cockburn, whose gaze was unreadable. The *Legacy Matrix* pegged Cockburn's loyalty at 68%—winnable, but not guaranteed.
"Flawed?" Edward said, his voice carrying across the room. "Or sabotaged? I have evidence that Captain Vane, under Lord Ashford's direction, falsified those reports to discredit me." He pulled the letters from his coat, tossing them onto the table. "Read for yourselves. Plans to seize my project, undermine the crown, and line their pockets."
Gasps echoed. Cockburn snatched the letters, his eyes scanning the damning words. Ashford's face paled, but he recovered quickly. "Forgeries, Your Highness. A desperate ploy to deflect from your reckless scheme."
The system flashed: *"Rally Cry Available. Risk: 22% Backlash. Reward: +20% Court Influence if Successful."* Edward had no Legacy Points, but the system offered a *"Debt Option"*: borrow 2 points, repayable with interest (4 points) after his next mission. The gamble was steep, but Ashford's lies threatened everything.
"I'll let the evidence speak," Edward said, stepping to the table's center. "But hear me, gentlemen. This isn't about one ship—it's about an empire that will never fall. Steam will carry us to Spain, to the Americas, to the stars. Stand with me, and we'll forge a navy that humbles the world. Doubt me, and we'll stagnate, ripe for our enemies to pick apart."
The *Rally Cry* activated, Edward's words ringing with unnatural clarity. The system amplified his presence, his voice resonating in the admirals' hearts. Cockburn's stern face softened, a spark of fire in his eyes. The *Legacy Matrix* surged: *Court Influence: 55%, Cockburn Loyalty: 82%.* But Vane's hand twitched toward his sword, and Ashford's glare promised retribution.
Cockburn stood, silencing the room. "These letters are damning, Lord Ashford. Captain Vane, you're relieved of duty pending investigation. Your Highness, your steamship has my support—prove it works, and I'll sail it to Cádiz myself."
The system pinged: *"Mission Complete: Expose Ashford's Plot. Reward: +25% Court Influence, +7 Legacy Points. Debt Incurred: 4 Points Due in 30 Days."* Edward's influence hit 72%, a leap that solidified his grip on the court. But Ashford bowed stiffly and swept out, his parting glance a vow of vengeance.
---
Outside, Edward and Thomas walked along the Thames, the river's stench mingling with coal smoke. The system's *Strategic Nexus* updated: *"Naval Support: 68%. Iron Shortfall: 160 Tons."* Cockburn's backing was a coup, but Ashford's influence lingered. The *Dynasty Forge* pinged: *"Strategic Marriage Deadline: 2.5 Months. Princess Isabella of Spain Arrives in 1 Week."* Edward's modern heart recoiled, but the system's logic was relentless: a Spanish alliance could secure vassalization without bloodshed.
"Thomas," Edward said, "arrange a meeting with Isambard Brunel in Bristol. We need his vision for the steamship. And send a courier to James Watt—offer him a title if he joins us."
Thomas nodded, scribbling notes. "And Ashford, Your Highness? He's wounded, not dead."
The system's *Temporal Insight* tempted Edward, but its 2-point cost was steep with his debt. Instead, he checked the *Legacy Matrix*: *"Ashford Threat Level: Elevated. Next Move: Likely Diplomatic Maneuver."* Edward smirked. "Let him scheme. We'll bury him in progress."
---
Two days later, Edward's carriage rattled into Bristol, a city alive with shipyards and ambition. The system's map highlighted a dockside workshop: *"Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Age 19. Trait: Visionary. Recruitment Chance: 79% with Incentive."* Edward entered, finding a lanky young man sketching furiously, surrounded by models of bridges and ships.
"Your Highness," Brunel said, bowing awkwardly, his eyes alight with curiosity. "A steamship, you say? Madness, but the kind I like."
Edward grinned, recognizing a kindred spirit. The system's *Influence Pulse* was available now, thanks to his 7 Legacy Points. He spent 1 point, and his words carried a subtle glow: "Isambard, I'm building a navy to conquer the world. Your designs will make it real. Join me, and your name will echo through history."
Brunel's hesitation melted. "I'm in, but I want to lead the design. Iron hulls, screw propellers—the works."
"Done," Edward said. The system updated: *"Brunel Recruited. Steam Engine Unlock: +15%. Total: 50%. Prototype Progress: 42%."* With Margaret and Brunel, the steamship was taking shape. Watt remained, but Edward sensed time was running out.
As they left the workshop, a courier galloped up, breathless. "Your Highness, urgent news from London. A Spanish envoy has arrived early—Princess Isabella is with them. They demand an audience tomorrow."
The system's *Dynasty Forge* flared: *"Opportunity: Meet Princess Isabella. Success Chance: 85% for Alliance Proposal. Risk: Court Gossip, -5% Influence if Mishandled."* Edward's stomach knotted. The marriage was a strategic necessity, but the system's *Legacy Bonding* hinted at a chance for more—a genuine connection, if he could navigate the politics.
"Prepare the palace," Edward ordered. "And Thomas—find out what Ashford's doing. He's too quiet."
The system's *Shadow Protocol* pinged: *"New Intel: Ashford Meeting with French Envoy. Potential Alliance Against Steamship Project."* Edward's blood ran cold. France, still smarting from Waterloo, was a wildcard. The *Strategic Nexus* projected: *"French Interference Risk: 44%. Counter: Diplomatic Maneuver or Preemptive Strike."*
Edward clenched his fist, the Thames sparkling under Bristol's evening sky. The steamship was his spear, Isabella his shield, and Ashford his shadow. The system whispered: *"Legacy Points: 6. Debt: 4 Points. Greatness Accelerating."*
He turned to Thomas. "We ride for London at dawn. Ashford wants a war—I'll give him one."
---
As the carriage rolled into the night, Edward's mind raced. The system's *Chrono-Tech Codex* teased a new unlock: *"Telegraph Prototype. Requirements: Electrical Theory (0/10 Lessons), Copper (50 Tons)."* A communication network could outpace his enemies, but he needed time to study. The *Legacy Matrix* showed his empire's pulse: *Stability: 64%, Global Influence: 12%.* Spain was the first step, but the Americas loomed, and beyond that, the world.
A final system prompt appeared: *"Hidden Objective Unlocked: Prepare for American Expedition. Reward: +10% Global Influence."* Edward's heart surged. The New World was his next conquest, and with real-life figures like George Cockburn and Isambard Brunel at his side, he'd reshape history. But Ashford's shadow and Isabella's arrival promised a storm he couldn't yet see.
The system hummed: *"The Eternal Crown awaits."*