Gun of Ashes

Lorenzo had somewhat figured out the rhythm of his life; either he was so idle he could slowly ferment and oxidize in the office, wasting away those long hours, or everything piled up at once, exhausting him to the brink of collapse.

The carriage sped along the streets of Old Dunling. Through the gaps of the window, one could see the rapidly changing scenery, sometimes catching a glimpse of the patrolling "Peacekeepers."

Compared to other cities, Old Dunling was evidently becoming stranger. Advanced technology and various systems placed this city under tight protection, and now, with the arrival of the Jiuxia people, this peculiar city was sure to undergo new changes.

In the slightly cramped space, Lorenzo sat opposite Selyu, with Oscar beside him.

Selyu remained as coldly indifferent as usual, as if nothing could affect her mood, while Oscar appeared several years younger, his face glowing with energy. Lorenzo hadn’t seen this guy so spirited in a long time.

Recalling carefully, the last time Lorenzo saw Oscar like this was back in school. At the time, Lorenzo would sometimes attend classes uninvited, and afterwards, he would occasionally sit by the flower bed lost in thought.

Back then, Lorenzo was still a detective, and the so-called Nail Sword had been buried by him in a grave.

The first interaction between Lorenzo and Oscar happened during that time when Lorenzo was basking in the warm sunlight, and his recently instructing teacher came over to sit by the flower bed with him.

"The young man understands quite a bit."

Oscar spoke some inexplicable words as soon as he opened his mouth.

Lorenzo looked at this old fellow in confusion, only to see him giggle and glance at the students hurrying by.

"Ah, youth is wonderful, especially for young people in the middle of summer."

The hot summer made the vision full of white dresses flowing in front of the two, as if they were in a sea of skirts, and Oscar was the rotten fish wandering wantonly in this sea.

Oscar showed a mischievous grin, while Lorenzo had no clue what he meant.

Lorenzo at that time was a very idle guy; without work, he was just an unemployed wanderer needing all sorts of things to pass the time. His daydreaming by the flower bed was simply to find a decent place to waste time.

"So, what’s the matter with you? Immersed in the sea of skirts again? But now it’s almost winter, no one’s wearing skirts showing off those white legs for you."

Remembering these not-too-bad memories, Lorenzo teased.

"Not at all, it was just to relax... but now there’s a major announcement to make."

Oscar might have been too excited, his words seemed somewhat clumsy.

"Huh?" Lorenzo didn’t understand what he was talking about, "Speak clearly."

"No no, such a major thing requires a more solemn occasion to announce."

"Then why did you call me onto the carriage?"

The two started bickering, and just then, Selyu spoke unemotionally.

"I will succeed Oscar Wilde as the next Nation-Builder."

The argument inside the carriage instantly came to a halt, with both Lorenzo and Oscar looking equally shocked, though for entirely different reasons.

"You’re taking over from this old bastard?"

"Why would such a major thing be announced inside a carriage!"

The argument resumed, and if not for the narrow space, the two might have started a fistfight.

This felt somewhat unpleasant, as if there were a flock of cawing crows screeching in Selyu’s ears, relentless and impossible to shoo away.

Luckily, the carriage finally came to a stop, and they arrived at their destination.

It was the Stuart residence; though it had been a long time since he’d been there, it seemed there hadn’t been any significant changes.

The old butler stood waiting at the door for their return, and as the carriage door opened, Selyu and Oscar stepped out, followed by an unanticipated guest.

He looked bewildered, as if he’d just been dragged out of bed, with his collar still tucked under his clothes, clearly not prepared at all.

"Lorenzo Holmes!"

Upon seeing this damn face, the old butler’s blood pressure shot up immediately.

Selyu had only mentioned going to pick up Oscar personally; no one expected she would pick up such an item along the way back.

"Oh oh oh! Long time no see!"

Lorenzo, noticing none of the old butler’s distaste for him, waved and greeted him enthusiastically.

"Why did you bring him as well?"

The old butler whispered to Selyu.

Realizing he couldn’t stop any of this, the old butler had chosen an out-of-sight, out-of-mind approach, which is why he hadn’t seen Lorenzo for a long time, and yet today, here they were, together again.

"It was on the way, and there are things afterward that he’ll be needed for, so might as well call him over in advance."

Selyu probably hadn’t noticed the old butler’s mood; she asked, "Yawei, are you alright?"

The old butler could only nod painfully, indicating Selyu shouldn’t worry too much, and then, face darkened, he invited Lorenzo inside.

It must be said, this entire day felt surreal to Lorenzo, first with the visiting Red Falcon, then Selyu, and Oscar with his trouble.

Selyu arranged Lorenzo and Oscar in the reception room, and she left to attend to unknown affairs, leaving the two staring at each other, contemplating whether to continue the argument from the carriage during the brief silence.

After a while, Lorenzo broke the silence.

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!