Last Gun Alchemist

The moment Vera finished speaking, an awkward silence settled over the Council Hall.

Only a few moments ago, the two of them had been giving a perfectly organized presentation, explaining complicated theories and Alchemy principles with surprising coordination. Then, somehow, the discussion drifted into an argument over the name of the remodeled Baske before the presentation abruptly came to an end.

The sudden shift left many people staring at the pair with strange expressions.

Several nobles narrowed their eyes.

Some craftsmen exchanged helpless glances.

Others simply looked confused.

But after thinking about it...

None of them found it particularly surprising.

After all...

Vera had been involved.

If there was anyone in the Ashenlocke Family capable of turning a serious presentation into something no one could predict, it would undoubtedly be her.

The only thing they hadn’t expected...

Was that someone, actually existed who could keep up with her pace.

Which was what made many actually enjoy the show of the two’s conversation.

"The world really does work in mysterious ways."

A middle-aged noble muttered quietly to himself while shaking his head.

Almost immediately...

Clap.

A single applause echoed through the silent Council Hall.

Nina was the first to clap.

Her bright smile carried obvious satisfaction as she looked toward the stage.

Soon after...

Bale also raised both hands, clapping enthusiastically.

While Keith lazily joined in as well.

His claps were slow and carefree, almost as if he were applauding purely because everyone else would eventually do the same.

Veda smiled softly before raising his hands too.

Then...

The applause gradually spread.

One person.

Ten people.

Fifty people.

Until finally...

The entire Council Hall erupted into applause.

The sound echoed throughout the massive chamber, bouncing off the stone pillars and polished walls as everyone acknowledged the two inventions that had just been presented.

Even Elder Fredricks reluctantly lifted his hands.

Although every clap felt heavier than the last after suffering such public humiliation...

He still had no choice.

Everyone applauded.

Everyone...

Except for one person.

The Duke.

Valentine remained seated.

His calm eyes stayed fixed on the center stage while the applause slowly continued.

Only after nearly half a minute had passed did he finally raise one hand.

Immediately...

The applause disappeared.

The Council Hall became silent once again.

Every gaze turned toward the head seat.

"I heard many innovative ideas today."

Valentine’s deep, steady voice echoed throughout the chamber.

"I can honestly say...I am impressed."

Those simple words caused many members of the Family to straighten their backs.

Several elders unconsciously nodded.

Even hearing the Duke praise an invention was already a rare occurrence.

To hear him openly admit that he was impressed...

That carried even greater meaning.

"The Count Family of Evergrey believes they can surpass the very origin of Gun Alchemy and firearm production within Britannia."

Valentine slowly swept his gaze across everyone seated before him before stopping on Ezra and Vera.

He closed his eyes briefly.

When he opened them again...

His expression remained as calm as ever.

"This..." He said. "...is exactly what I want to see."

He slowly pointed toward the stage.

"New firearm concepts, new ideas, innovations capable of opening the door to stronger weapons...and even greater heavy artillery in the future."

His finger slowly shifted.

Stopping directly at Ezra.

"You."

Valentine spoke plainly.

"Continue using the mind that has already been acknowledged as one of Britannia’s rising brightest."

He paused briefly.

"The Phantom Rolls. I like that invention."

His honest admission shocked many people even more than his previous praise.

Not far away from his row...

Veda blinked three times.

His father rarely complimented anyone so openly.

Even several Elders exchanged glances.

Most of them had already watched Ezra’s presentation during the Auction Event.

Others had seen the countless discussions surrounding the Phantom Rolls on Linsta.

There were very few among them who disliked the invention.

So, they related to the Duke’s praise a lot.

"And now..."

Valentine continued.

"...you have created another innovation capable of leading both Britannia and this Family toward a new beginning."

He slowly stood from his seat.

His long coat settled neatly behind him as he stretched one hand toward Ezra.

"Ezra Ashenlocke. You were born into hardship. You climbed your way upward through your own efforts. You fought through the Trial of Steel. And you proved your worth."

Ezra immediately lowered himself onto one knee.

His head bowed respectfully.

"I bestow upon you..."

Valentine’s deep voice filled every corner of the Council Hall.

"...my acknowledgement."

Silence filled the chamber.

"Although I cannot grant you a formal title...from this day onward...you shall receive the backing reserved for a Highline Noble child of the Ashenlocke Family."

His words landed heavily.

Every Elder.

Every senior noble.

Every influential member of the Family.

Slowly bowed.

None objected.

Their actions signified complete acceptance of the Duke’s decision.

Even Fredricks lowered his head.

Although hatred burned inside him...

He did not possess either the authority or the opportunity to oppose the Duke’s words.

Valentine then shifted his gaze.

"Now...to my daughter."

His eyes rested upon Vera.

"...who participated in creating these two firearms."

Vera calmly looked back at him with her usual blank eyes.

She almost appeared bored.

Without saying anything...

She quietly lowered herself onto one knee.

"You will immediately enter closed-door cultivation after helping out the Ashcraft in fully understanding the guns."

Valentine spoke.

"You will remain there until the Royal Academy enrollment begins."

Vera slowly raised her head, her narrowing eyes rested on her father.

"...Isn’t that a punishment?"

She asked flatly.

Several younger nobles almost laughed.

Valentine remained expressionless.

"Take your guess."

He replied.

Vera stared at him for another moment.

"...I dislike this reward."

She muttered quietly before lowering her head again.

Several people nearby awkwardly looked away.

Only Vera could complain about receiving recognition from the Duke.

"Ashcraft."

Valentine called.

Immediately...

Elder Ivanhoe stood, and the senior board members of the Ashcraft Department also rose from their seats.

"My Lord."

Ivanhoe respectfully bowed.

The others followed immediately.

"Begin studying both firearms with the two creators."

Valentine ordered.

"Also begin the preparations for mass production. I want these weapons released throughout Britannia before the end of this year."

"YES, LORD!"

Their united voices echoed throughout the chamber.

Only after Valentine lightly nodded did they resume their seats.

His gaze slowly swept across another section of the Council Hall.

"As for every Child of Ash who will attend the Royal Academy..."

Every young noble immediately stood.

"Every one of you...must master the creation of these firearms before enrollment begins."

His voice carried absolute authority.

"YES, LORD!"

The younger generation answered together.

Only then were they permitted to sit again.

"And the instructors of the Ash Academy."

Valentine pointed toward the scholars, researchers, and weapon instructors responsible for educating the younger generation in the academy belonging to the family.

"Add both firearms to the official Gun Alchemy curriculum. That will be all."

Without another word...

He turned.

Stoke immediately followed behind him, also the servants that stood behind his seat respectfully fell into formation as they escorted the Duke toward the exit.

The instant Valentine took his first step...

Everyone inside the Council Hall stood and every head lowered.

No one moved until the Duke had completely disappeared beyond the enormous doors.

Only then did everyone straighten themselves once more.

The two Duchesses also stood.

Hailey lightly dusted her dress before glancing toward Bale.

"You are coming with me."

She calmly ordered.

Bale immediately pouted.

"But Mother...I wanted to say hello to Ezra."

"No."

Hailey answered without hesitation.

She motioned toward one of her personal guards.

The guard respectfully lifted Bale onto his shoulder.

"Mother!"

Bale stretched both hands dramatically toward Ezra as he was carried away.

"Help! I’m being kidnapped! Sister! Brother!"

Before anyone could react...

Keith suddenly jumped onto the same guard’s back.

"Keith!"

Bale shouted.

"You idiot! You should be rescuing me! Not joining me!"

Keith comfortably rested both hands behind his head.

"Anything for a free ride, Brother."

He lazily replied.

"Anything."

"NOOOOO!"

Bale’s desperate cry echoed throughout the Council Hall as the two slowly disappeared beyond the entrance.

Even several Mainline young nobles couldn’t stop the corners of their mouths from lifting slightly.

With the Duke gone...

The meeting officially came to an end.

People gradually began leaving their seats.

However...

Quite a number chose not to leave immediately.

Instead...

They approached Ezra and Vera one after another.

Some praised the Colt.

Others admired the remodeled Baske.

Quite a few couldn’t resist bringing up the Phantom Rolls once again, openly complimenting Ezra on his inventions and expressing their excitement over what he might create next.

Ezra politely returned every greeting.

Although...

Inside, he already wanted to leave the Council Hall.

As for Vera...

Despite the intimidating reputation she carried...

Many people still approached her.

That contradiction remained one of the greatest mysteries surrounding her.

People feared talking to her.

Yet they still wanted to.

"EZRA!"

Veda suddenly waved while jogging toward him.

Ezra turned.

His eyes narrowed slightly at the sight of the rushing Young Lord.

Every noble standing nearby immediately bowed once Veda approached.

"Please..."

Veda placed both hands together.

"Come with me."

His unusually polite tone caused several nobles to exchange strange glances.

After all...

It was already rare enough for someone of Veda’s status to politely request anything from another noble.

But speaking like this...

To a Lowline...

Would normally be unimaginable.

Except...

Ezra was no longer merely a Lowline.

He had become a Lowline personally acknowledged by the Duke himself.

"Okay."

Ezra replied in his usual flat tone.

Without wasting another moment, Veda turned around and led the way.

Ezra quietly followed behind him, weaving through the crowd of nobles who were still discussing the presentations amongst themselves.

Not far away...

Vera silently watched Ezra’s back as his figure gradually disappeared into the moving crowd.

She tilted her head ever so slightly before calmly turning her attention elsewhere, showing no intention of following them.

The two walked through several stone corridors connected to the Council Hall.

Servants and guards respectfully stepped aside whenever they saw Veda approaching, lowering their heads before continuing with their duties once the two had passed.

The atmosphere gradually became quieter as they moved farther away from the crowd.

"You seem rather eager, Young Lord."

Ezra finally spoke while looking ahead at Veda’s back.

Veda scratched the side of his cheek.

"Well...I don’t really know how important this is to you."

He laughed awkwardly.

"But for some reason...I feel like you would want this more than I do."

His words carried uncertainty.

Even he wasn’t completely sure why he felt that way.

However...

Ezra could clearly see the seriousness hidden beneath Veda’s awkward smile.

"It has something to do with her family."

Ezra said plainly.

Veda stopped walking for a brief second.

He turned around.

"You guessed that quickly?"

His eyes widened slightly.

The surprise on his face was genuine.

A moment later, he couldn’t help laughing.

"You really are something."

He shook his head with a helpless smile.

"I don’t think there is anything else..."

Ezra continued calmly.

"...that would make you this eager to bring me somewhere immediately after today’s presentation."

His black eyes remained as calm as ever.

"Especially when you didn’t explain anything beforehand."

"I guess you’re right."

Veda smiled softly.

The two resumed walking.

After several minutes...

They arrived at a quiet inner courtyard hidden behind the Council Hall.

Unlike the bustling corridors outside, this place was peaceful.

Stone pathways divided a neatly maintained garden.

Tall trees stretched above the courtyard, allowing sunlight to filter gently through the leaves.

A small fountain stood quietly at the center, its flowing water becoming the only sound breaking the silence.

There were four people waiting there.

The moment they noticed Veda approaching...

The middle-aged noble man immediately bowed.

His wife and the two young men standing beside him quickly followed.

"Young Lord."

They greeted respectfully.

"You may rise."

Veda replied with a gentle smile while lightly raising his hand.

The family straightened themselves.

Only then did Veda turn toward Ezra.

"Ezra."

He pointed toward the family.

"This is Aliya’s family."

Then he looked toward the couple.

"Mr. and Mrs. Ashenlocke...This is Ezra."

Ezra stepped forward.

"Greetings, Sir. Greetings, Ma’am."

He bowed politely.

Before anyone else could speak...

One of the young men folded his arms.

"So...You’re the one who witnessed my stupid sister’s final moments."

His tone carried obvious dissatisfaction.

"Watch your mouth."

Their mother immediately scolded him.

"Don’t speak about your sister like that."

"Tsk."

The young man clicked his tongue.

Without saying another word, he turned away.

His shoulders remained tense as he walked toward the opposite side of the courtyard.

It was obvious he didn’t trust himself to stay any longer.

The father let out a tired sigh.

"I’m sorry about that."

He looked at Ezra apologetically.

"He’s still trying to accept what happened till now."

"It’s fine."

Ezra answered calmly.

His expression didn’t change.

"I heard you wanted to meet me."

He spoke directly.

His straightforward nature caused Veda to unconsciously grow nervous.

Knowing Ezra...

He wasn’t trying to be rude.

But people unfamiliar with him could easily misunderstand that emotionless way of speaking.

Especially...

A family still grieving the loss of their daughter.

The father slowly nodded.

"...Yes."

He answered quietly.

"I wanted to meet the person...who was with my only daughter during her final moments."

His voice sounded exhausted.

It wasn’t physical exhaustion.

It was the kind that settled deep inside someone’s heart.

Beside him...

His wife unconsciously tightened both fists.

Her fingers trembled slightly and her eyes remained swollen from crying.

Even now...

Fresh tears still quietly gathered around the corners of her eyes.

She had clearly cried so much over the past months that even speaking had become difficult.

She still hasn’t accepted Aliya’s death.

Ezra silently observed the family.

Looking at the woman...

He could immediately see where Aliya had inherited her appearance.

The resemblance between mother and daughter was unmistakable.

Then his gaze shifted toward the brother who had walked away earlier.

The stubbornness...

The straightforward personality...

Even that reminded him of Aliya.

Although...

Unlike Aliya...

His emotions were much harder to suppress.

The atmosphere surrounding the family felt incredibly heavy.

Grief lingered around them like a shadow that refused to leave.

Another young man suddenly stepped forward.

Unlike his brother...

His expression carried a faint smile.

"You really are as handsome as my sister described."

He chuckled softly while walking around Ezra once before stopping in front of him.

He looked Ezra up and down with obvious curiosity.

"The Young Lord already explained everything that happened during the Trial."

His voice remained calm.

"He told us...that my sister chose to protect you."

He lowered his head slightly.

"Honestly...I can’t blame you. It was her own decision."

He paused for a few moments.

His fists slowly clenched.

"There was a time when I wanted to."

He laughed bitterly.

"I kept wondering...What would I do if I ever met the person who survived while my little sister didn’t?"

His breathing gradually became heavier.

"Even after learning that Sir Felix was the one truly responsible...I still wanted to rush straight to the Main Family Estate...and demand someone’s blood."

His fists tightened until his knuckles turned white.

The trembling in his hands betrayed the emotions he had desperately been trying to keep under control.

His voice slowly cracked.

"...Because no matter how many times I tell myself the truth...it still hurts."

The courtyard fell silent.

Only the sound of the fountain continued flowing quietly between them.

Even the wind seemed to have slowed.

No one interrupted him.

No one knew what words could possibly comfort a brother who had lost his dearest sister whom he loved.

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