The morning after the Valaria Expo felt like the day after a successful "IPO" (Initial Public Offering). My desk in the temporary Oakhaven Embassy was buried under a "Mountain of Intent" letters. Merchants from every corner of the continent wanted a piece of the "Steam Revolution." They offered gold, land, and even marriage alliances—which Bastian shot down with a look that could have curdled milk.
"The 'Demand' is through the roof, Elara," Bastian said, pacing the room. He had been up since dawn, coordinating the "Security Detail" for our steam-carriage. "But the 'Supply Chain' is a disaster. We have one prototype, a burnt-out forge in Oakhaven, and a handful of smiths who still think the engine is powered by trapped demons."
