At this point, Luo Yan shifted the topic with a gentle and sincere smile, continuing to speak.

"If in the future, Mr. Kajuna encounters financial difficulties in his research or wishes to find a platform where he can better showcase his talents, feel free to bring your inventions and ideas to Withered Wood Port on the Gana Continent to find me. We welcome everyone like you who carries dreams and talents."

Upon hearing Prince Colin's invitation, Dinger was initially stunned, then his face showed uncontrollable joy and excitement.

However, when he saw his children peering in from outside the window, the happiness on his face gradually faded.

He scratched his messy hair, gave a bitter smile, and shook his head.

"Thank you, Your Highness, for your appreciation and kindness... It's just that I'm afraid I can't leave here for the time being. These children... I can't just leave them behind; at least not until they're a bit older."

Kosel was taken aback, giving Dinger a surprised look, as if he were looking at a troll, and asked, "Are you out of your mind?"

However, Dinger showed no response, as if he hadn't understood his implied suggestion, standing there woodenly and stubbornly holding on to his idea.

Luo Yan had anticipated this response. Though he felt regretful, he did not insist. He calmly took out a gilded card bearing the Colin family crest from his bosom and handed it to Dinger.

"I understand your concerns. I certainly can't take away the only father those children have, even though I greatly admire your advanced design concepts. This is my business card. If you change your mind in the future or need my assistance, my offer remains."

Dinger wiped the machine oil off his hands, quickly accepted the card with his head lowered, and carefully tucked it away as if it were a family heirloom.

"Thank you, Your Highness. I will keep it safe."

He thought of looking for his own business card, but then remembered he didn't have such a thing. Embarrassed, he wiped his oil-stained hands on his clothes.

Luo Yan waved his hand and indicated that he need not stand on ceremony. He then looked up at the sky, which was gradually growing dark, and began to speak.

"Thank you all for your company, which made my day fulfilling and gave me a deeper understanding of my homeland... It's getting late, and I have to attend Marshal Aber's son's coming-of-age banquet, so I won't bother you any longer."

With that, he nodded to Kosel and turned to leave with Sarah.

As Prince Colin turned away, Kosel first gave the scratching and puzzled Dinger a fierce glare, then ran out the door after him.

"Your Highness! Please wait a moment, are you headed to the Marshal Mansion? There are no carriages on Kasen Street, and taking a rickshaw would be late. Let me give you a ride!"

Having reached the gate, Luo Yan paused, exchanged a glance with Sarah, looked at Kosel, and nodded with a smile.

"I'll trouble you then, Mr. Kosel."

Kosel beamed with joy and quickly said,

"Nonsense! As the distinguished guest of the Marshal, it's my duty to escort you!"

Saying this, he again ran to the street, pulled out a whistle, and blew it with all his might.

In no time, a rider in military uniform galloped over, dismounted immediately upon seeing the Centurion.

Kosel, with a solemn expression, gave him some instructions, which the Rider nodded furiously in affirmation to, and soon remounted and galloped towards the nearby City Defense Army post.

Watching Kosel's busy figure scurrying about, Luo Yan couldn't help but chuckle.

Compared to Mr. Dinger, Centurion Kosel was evidently much more astute, and offering help from others' perspectives didn't come off as annoying.

But then again, these Imperial officers and their Emperor are indeed unreserved—Marshal Laco with his high position is like this, as is the faraway Hammerdon, and this Centurion nearby is no exception... That seamless act clearly isn't the first time they're using the imperial family's carriages for personal matters.

Winning them over might prove easier than buying off the Church or the Nobles.

While waiting for the carriage, the boy named White limped to the gate, regretfully looking up at Colin's departing figure.

Unlike the other children.

Luo Yan could sense that this little guy wasn't very afraid of him.

"So you are Prince Colin... No wonder."

Luo Yan smiled, turned, and looked at him.

"You know me?"

Not far away, the children had started laughing and playing, chasing each other around the yard. At this moment, they genuinely believed that the kind gentleman had indeed left the money for them and hadn't taken it back.

The small frail Diona glowed with excitement, clutching the money bag tightly, like a mother figure to the kids, counting on her fingers and discussing with them how to use the money.

They planned to first buy Mr. Dinger a coat, as it had been ages since he had a new one. Then, they wanted to get the mechanical workshop a more reliable furnace, so they wouldn't have to worry about freezing not just this winter, but next winter as well!

Of course, considering Mr. Dinger's handy skills, they might just buy parts and make it themselves, saving a bit more.

White redirected his gaze from his little companions and gave Prince Colin a slight bow.

"Sir, you're joking; probably only Mr. Kajuna, who hardly steps out of his door, doesn't know that name in this city."

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